Gen. Ulysses S.Grant, Maine Homefront, Portland, Maine

1865: Jennie (Graham) Stevens to George Byron Stevens

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Jennie (Graham) Stevens

The following letter was written by Jean (“Jennie”) S. Graham (1843-1921), the wife of George Byron Stevens (1839-1926). Jennie was the daughter of William Graham (1812-1866) and Ann Creighton (1812-1856), emigrants from Perth, Scotland. Her brother was Capt. Charles Creighton Graham of Co. E, 29th Maine Infantry.

Jennie wrote the letter to her husband who served as a 1st Lieutenant in Co. E, 25th Maine Infantry but then reenlisted again as a private in February 1865 in Co. H, 30th Maine Infantry. Much of the beginning of the letter is doting on their young child, Jean Mae (“May”) Stevens, which is understandable given that their first two children, both boys, died as infants in 1862 and 1864. Jennie’s husband, George, was a teacher in Stevens Plains when he enlisted in Co. E of the 25th Maine Infantry on September 29, 1862 and was soon promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He and Jennie were married on Dec. 1, 1861.

There is a lengthy description of Gen. Grant’s visit to Portland, Maine, with his wife Julia in August 1865.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Stevens Plains [Maine]
Wednesday evening, August 2nd, 1865

My dear husband,

We are all well at home tonight. Baby May has gone to bed. She is well & has her doody today. Darling little May and she grows more beautiful every day, Mama thinks. Her cunning little [ ] and sweet smiles more than repay me for all that I have suffered for her dear sake. She received the poetry from her dear father this morning. I think that she was pleased to hear her Mother read it as she kept very quiet and looked up in my face and smiled so sweetly. I wish her papa could haveseen her then. It would I know have repaid him for writing it. I hope that she will live to fully appreciate the pretty lines written to her childhood by her dear soldier father & give him her opinion of them. Mother thinks them beautiful—more beautiful perhaps because I know that they come from your heart. I think the third verse so sweet & full of poetry pet. The fifth verse is good. They are all good. I believe every word in the last verse is truly heartfelt by you, darling, & I hope your prayer may be answered. I will do all in my power to smooth the rouygh places in your path through life, dearest, and ever pray God to bless my darling husband & make him happy…

Aunt Ada said that she saw by the Argus yesterday the 30th [Maine] Regiment were expected home soon. I have seen nothing of it in the press. I do not put much confidence in anything that I hear. When I see anything official, I will believe it….

Thursday morning, August 3rd. Dear George, I will try and finish this letter this morning…Itis very warm. Not a breath of wind stirring. It is going to be a hot day. I shall not do much but try to keep myself and baby May cool. It is very comfortable in the sitting room with the windows all up, the blinds shut & the mosquito bars in to keep the flies out. I wish you had a mind to stop in but I thinnk I can imagine just how you look, darling, with nothing on but your drawers & shirt. How much I would like to see you dear hubby. I often imagine how you are situated and how live, but I do not suppose that I get any kind of a right idea of it. I suppose you live something as the gypsies use to that were encamped up by the railroad. I hope you will get home soon darling…

Massachusetts Weekly Spy, 4 August 1865

Gen. Grant arrived in Portland yesterday afternoon at half past four o’clock. John, Irene, & I went in to see him. We saw him four times. had a good chance to see him every time. I think he looks something like you George. His family were with him. He wore an old slouched felt hat, no shoulder straps—nothing to show his rank. His hat was like the one that [brother] Charlie wore when he was home last winter. His face is very pleasant. He appears very modest and retiring. The first time his carriage passed us I didn’t see anyone but the General. The next time it passed us I looked at his wife. She was dressed very plain. She wore a gray traveling dress suit, dress & cape alike, a plain straw hat trimmed with black velvet. I could not see her face. She held a large bouquet in her hand right up so that we could not see her face from where we stood.

The people cheered as they passed through the streets and ladies waved their pocket handkerchiefs. The General lifted his hat and his wife waved her handkerchief. He had quite an escort from the depot. The policemen, citizens in hacks, soldiers from the fort & from Camp Berry with the 17th U. S. Infantry Band.

After they arrived at the Preble House where they stopped, the General stepped out on the balcony and showed his thanks to the people. He did not say much. I believe he is no speech maker. He is a man of deeds, not words. Mother took care of baby May for me to go in. She was good—slept most of the time I went in… I was not gone very long. We got in just in time to see him. We did not start for the house until we heard the guns. He held a reception at the City Hall. This forenoon, Mother & Sarah Ballard went in to so Mother saw him too. It is getting to be quite late. I do not get to writing in very good season & then I am slow at it even if I do scribble it off as fast as I can & make it look as bad as possible… Yours only, from Jennie

The Preble House at right on Congress Street in Portland.
6th Connecticut Infantry, Bermuda Hundred, Commissary of Subsistence, James' Landing, Virginia

1864: Cardella E. Brown to his Relatives

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This beautifully written letter was penned by Cardella E. Brown (1841-1896) who was a clerk at the Connecticut Mutual Insurance Company in Hartford, Connecticut in 1860. His parents were divorced and he lived with his mother in Hartford while his father lived in New York City with his second wife and Cardella’s brother Gerald and sister Lulette, while Brown’s other brother Henry was employed as a printer in Boston.

In September, 1861, Brown was mustered in as a Corporal in Co. B of the 6th Connecticut Regiment. He served three years and muster rolls record that he was discharged in September 1864 as a Sergeant. It’s presumed that Cardella elected to stay with the army following his discharge to serve as a civilian in the commissary. Suffering from depression, Cardella shot himself in 1896 at the age of fifty-five, leaving a widow and three sons—one of whom was named Cardella Drake Brown (the “Drake,” no doubt, from his “Uncle Drake” who is mentioned in this letter.)

James’ Landing, Virginia in 1864

The Huntington library holds three volumes belonging to Cardella E. Brown. The first is a letterpress copybook containing approximately 100 outgoing personal letters Brown wrote from 1859 to 1861 while he was living in Hartford, Connecticut and working as a clerk at Connecticut Mutual Insurance Company. The letters are addressed to Brown’s parents, siblings, a cousin, and other family members and friends. The detailed and candid letters are written in a conversational tone devoid of usual epistolary formalities. The letters comment on a wide range of topics, including Brown’s personal life and sexuality, goings on in Hartford, and state and national politics of the 1860 election year. He talks in detail about Stephen A. Douglass, the anticipated secession of South Carolina, the Buchanan administration, and the hanging of John Brown. [Archived @ The Huntington]

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Office Depot Commissary
Jones’ Landing, Va.
December 22d 1864

My dear Aunt,

Pray excuse me for not writing you before but I have been so very busy for the last month that my time has not been my own. We have been relieved from Jones’ Landing—I should say Bermuda Hundred—and are stationed as the heading of this will inform you. I would write a desription of the place had I the power but my descriptive muse has forsaken me. Suffice to say that we are somewhat nearer the City of Richmond than before. Firing can be distinctly heard whenever it takes place & “they say” that the “Johnnies” can throw a shell over here if they see fit to (provided our forces will allow them). I haven’t heard the hum of a shot or shell since the last time I was at the Regiment. May be so unfortunate as to hear one to my sorrow before long.

We are waiting anxiously for Grant to do something that will eclipse Sherman’s late successful movement in Georgia, but I am afraid that we will continue waiting for some time to come. Once in a while our boys have a slight rub with the Rebs and come off victorious—at least the papers say so, & you know they never lie. Although so near the front, I never can learn any news from there directly, but depend altogether upon the Northern papers for any information from the “seat of war.”

While at Bermuda Hundred, I met an old schoolmate named Jason Shepard. We used to go to school together on Lord’s Hill [in Hartford]. He belongs to the 21st Connecticut. Was much surprised to learn that I had served my term of three years and had a great many things to talk about. 1

A person just from Bermuda Hundred says that Andy Marshall is there & will be out here tomorrow, so that his leg must be pretty nearly recovered. Hope he will not be ordered to his Regiment. 2

I sent one of my pictures to the old gentleman who thinks tis a capital likeness. I haven’t received one from you as yet. Hope to soon. I am enjoying first rate health & am having a pretty good time generally. Give my love to Uncle Drake & to all interested in my welfare or write to your affectionate nephew, – Cardella

Received a couple of papers from you. Accept thanks, — Card.

1 Jason J. Shepard (1841-1916) served in Co. A of the 21st Connecticut Infantry from 5 September 1862 until 22 November 1863 when he was transferred to the US Signal Corps. He was discharged from th service in June 1865. He was born in western Massachusetts but in 1860 was residing in Hartford, Connecticut. After the war he married and settled in Hartford until late in life when he moved to California.

2 Andrew Marshall was the 2nd Lieutenant of Co. B, 6th Connecticut Infantry.

Recruitment in Cincinnati, Ohio

1861: George Washington Neff to Unidentified Colonel

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The following letter was written by George Washington Neff (1833-1892), the son of George Washington Neff (1800-1850) and Maria White (1802-1871). It was penned less than a week following the firing on Fort Sumter in April 1861.

A biographical sketch of the author can be found on Find-A-Grave which reads: “Union Civil War Officer, Brevet Brigadier General. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, he attended Woodward College and worked as a shoe merchant and an insurance agent.

Before the Civil War, he served with the Rover Guards, a detachment of local militia. In 1861, he was appointed to organize the 2nd Kentucky Infantry, comprised mostly of Ohio soldiers, at Camp Harrison in Hamilton County, Ohio. He led the regiment into western Virginia where he was captured by Confederate forces during a skirmish at Scary Creek on July 17, 1861, and held as a prisoner of war for thirteen months.

After he was paroled, he returned to Cincinnati and commanded Camp Dennison when the camp was threatened by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan’s raid into Ohio. He then served briefly on the staff of Major General Lew Wallace in Cincinnati. He was commissioned as a Colonel in 1863 and assigned to organize the 88th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, also known as the “Governor’s Guard,” at Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio. He was the regiment’s commanding officer during guard duty at the camp’s prison. He received a brevet promotion from Colonel to Brigadier General on March 13, 1865. Bio by: K Guy”

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Headquarters 1st Division Ohio Vol. Inf.
Cincinnati [Ohio]
April 18, 1861

My dear Colonel.

I have neglected writing you before as I have been very busy as you may suppose as we have been called upon to defend the glorious Stars & Stripes. I conceive it my duty to stand busy then in the hour of need. I am for defending our public property at all hazards. I think it is my duty to do so. I feel the responsibility that rests upon me. I deeply regret that we are compelled to take up arms against our brothers but they have made an attack upon us and design taking possession of our National Capitol and this must never be by traitors to their country.

Our city is in intense excitement such as I never witnesses before. We have a large force enrolled for immediate action service. We sent off three fine companies, 80 men each this morning, and sent a fourth off, same number tomorrow. I am awaiting orders [and] do not know what moment I may be ordered away. We will have in the service some three or four thousand more by Saturday night ready to march in an hour’s notice.

My family are all well. I have not your letter with me to refer to as I have snatched a few moments of rest from my arduous duties to write these few lines to you.

I left Pear Street and the mercantile business on 1st January and have been attending to my little farm until called into my country’s service. I shall be glad to hear from you, my dear Colonel, at any time in camp or wherever it may be my fortune to be. I hope in case I am called into action you will hear a good report of me. I shall be surrounded by a brave set of fellows and shall endeavor to merit their esteem.

My respect to your family. I know if Mrs. Neff knew I was writing you she would have a message for one whom we often talk about and we [ ] as a friend. Goodbye my dear sir, and believe me your sincere friend, — Geo. W. Neff

In haste.

97th Pennsylvania Infantry, Fernandina, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida

1862: Benjamin Linton to Emily C. Wilson

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The following letter was written by Benjamin Linton (1841-1903), the son Hezekiah Linton (1789-1858) and Elizabeth Hibbard Davis (1805-1886) of West Fallowfield, Chester county, Pennsylvania. Benjamin was working as a school teacher in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, where, at age 20, he enlisted in Co. B, 97th Pennsylvania Infantry. He reenlisted as a veteran at Fernandina, Florida on Mar. 15, 1864, to date Jan 1, 1864 and was wounded in the left hip during the action at Petersburg Mine (Battle of the Crater) on July 30, 1864. He was absent at muster out on account of wounds while in the U. S. Hospital at Hampton, Virginia, and was discharged at the hospital to date August 28, 1865.

He was working as a clerk in Philadelphia when he died of Brights disease in 1903. His widow was Rebecca (Roberts) Linton (1842-1933).

To read other letters by member of the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry, see: John L. Hosmer, F&S, 97th Pennsylvania (1 Letter)
Harvey Kauffman, Co. C, 97th Pennsylvania (1 Letter)
Isaac Smedley, Co. C, 97th Pennsylvania (1 Letter)

This image showing Union troops marching down Second Street in Fernandina, was published on March 4, 1862. 

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Jacksonville, Florida
April 7th 1862

Friend Emily,

I received thy welcome and interesting letter some time ago and want of time and dislike for writing I will have to offer as an excuse. I have just finished eating supper of which we had a little extra this evening. It was not such as Uncle Sam provides for his labors, but it was bought by us Soger Boys who have not forgotten what is good. It consisted of fish the size of which thee can judge when I tell thee that two of them was sufficient for 85 men. We had with them buckwheat cakes which were baked by myself and I think I can do it just right. These with butter and molasses and plenty of good coffee formed the supper which to us really tasted good. But to change the subject I will give the same account of where we have been since I wrote before.

I believe we were then on Hilton Head Island. We left there the 21st of January and got on the Steamer Boston where we remained until the 3rd of February, and then owing to our being so crowded, three companies of us, B, C, &F, got onto the Belvedere where we remained until the 10th of February. We then landed on Warsaw Island off the Georgia [coast]. This we found to be the most desolate place we had been. There was not the least vestige of habitation upon it. In fact, none could endure it. We remained here nine days until the 19th. We then got on the Belvedere again where we remained until the 6th ultimo. We then landed in Fernandina on the Amelia Island, so we were on the water most of the time for six weeks and at the end of that time find ourselves within aboyut two hundred miles of the starting point, which journey might have been accomplished in one day. But I guess they want to make sailors as well as soldiers of us.

Amelia Island is separated from the mainland by the St. Mary’s River. Fermandina is a beautiful town. The houses are all frame but well finished and nearly new, as it is only about seven years [since] the construction of the town commenced and it has now (or had before we came) a population of about three thousand inhabitants. But most of them fled before we got there. By the time we got well enough acquainted with the place to begin to feel like home, we were ordered to move for it is not the soldier’s destiny to remain long in one place. So on the 24th ultimo, we again got on the Steamer. This time we were put aboard the Cosmopolitan. We ran out the St. Mary’s River into the great Atlantic. We then took a southern course to the mouth of the St. John’s River. Here we turned in and ran up to Jacksonville. Her we landed about 5 o’clock the same evening—the first time we had been on the mainland for about four months.

Jacksonville is situated on the left bank of the St. John’s River. It is a fine town—about three times as large as Fernandina. We have taken up quarters in the houses vacated by the Secesh. Our company is in a large brick house at the corner of Bay and Laura Streets. It was formerly used as a store under the firm of Bisbee & Canove, but they with many other citizens fled before we came. All who remained now profess to be Unionists. The man is still here who first raised the Secesh flag in this town. He now proclaims as loudly as any for the Stars & Stripes and the Constitution. As I have nothing more to write of our journeying and I can think of nothing more that will be interesting, I will have to conclude. Give my respects to all the folks and all inquiring friends.

Don’t forget to write soon for thee cannot imagine the desire of a soldier to receive letters from his friends and acquaintances from whom he is so far ermoved without the expectation of seeing them for some time. And we do not know that we shall be allowed the privilege of ever returning home to see those we have left behind. We can but hope and pray for the best. And if we are not permitted to meet again on earth, let us meet in heaven where we shall never part again. From your friend, — Benjamin Linton

Camp 97th Reg. P. V. Col. H[enry] R. Guss

P. S. Give my best respects to Abbie and tell her I wish her much happiness in the new position of life in which I understand she has taken upon herself. — Benjamin Linton

N. B. Mr. Nelson Boyer sends his best respects.

Post War Minnesota

1869: John Warren Fletcher to Alonzo F. Hadley

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I believe this letter was likely written by John Warren Fletcher (1819-1895), the son of Adolphus Fletcher (1796-1866) and Sarah Stow (d. 1836). He wrote the letter to his cousin, Alonzo Fletcher Hadley (1817-1897) of Ashford, Cattaraugus county, New York. Alozo’s parents were Jesse Hadley (1781-1840) and Abigail Fletcher (1781-1860).

The letter conveys news of the rapid development of Minnesota by the influx of emigrants from Sweden, Norway, and Germany—all “hardy and industrious.” He also speaks of the laying of railroad tracks not only in Minnesota, but of the venture to complete a line all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Finally he speaks of the corruption of politicians.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Addressed to Alonzo F. Hadley, East Ashford, New York

St. Peter, [Nicollet county,] Minnesota
July 17, 1869

Cousin Alonzo,

I have been thinking of writing for some time to acknowledge the receipt of the trunk if no more. It came all right and I received it about June 15th. Charge were $6—not so much as I expected. If you will let me know the expense of getting it to Buffalo, I will send you the money.

I suppose you are very busy now about haying. We are having a great deal of rainy weather here at last. It is a great deal for this country where it is nothing unusual to have two months of uninterrupted fine weather. We had a very severe thunder storm two or three weeks ago which done considerable damage around here and unroofed several buildings in town. I believe crops are looking well now except corn which is not very good but wheat promises well and they say there is a third more sown in Minneapolis than ever before.

People East have not much idea how fast this state is going ahead. Emigrants come in on every train in crowds—Swedes, Norwegians, and Germans—but hardy and industrious. The Iron Horse too is pulling out and I have not much doubt that in 5 or 6 years there will be a railroad from St. Paul to the Pacific. It looks like a wild scheme but I believe it will be done as sure as our government endures so long. Some Englist capitalists have taken hold of the matter and it is started. They will put the road through to the Red River this year 200 miles and more and as I understand without any Land Grant. This state will probably make 500 miles of road this year which will be a great benefit. But I think the Land Grants are a curse to the state and to any state making corporations immensely whether to oppress and rob the poor. If government would give them a few millions out of the public treasury, it would seem much wiser.

It seems sometimes as though the government was becoming so corrupt it would fall to pieces of itself. But when we look on the other side, we see how many and how gigantic efforts have been made to scuttle the old ship. Still she proudly outrides the storm and will for many a day, we believe, in spite of the many unprincipled and designing politicians.

But I must close. Is your health good this summer? Mine had been good most of the time. It is most train time and I must close. Yours truly, — J. W. Fletcher

Indiana Homefront

1863: Uriah Jasper VanPelt to Frank VanPelt

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The following letter was written by Uriah “Jasper” VanPelt (1846-1864), the son of Uriah VanPelt (1802-1846) and Elmira Daugherty (1809-1899) of Anderson, Madison county, Indiana. Jasper wrote the letter to his older brother, Francis (“Frank”) Marion VanPelt (1838-1930) who served as a sergeant, later a 2nd Lieutenant, in Co. G, 17th Indiana Infantry. In his letter, Jasper mentions two siblings, Mathilda (“Tillie”) VanPelt (b. 1842), and William (“Bill”) Parker VanPelt (1844-1931) who joined Co. H of the 142nd Indiana Infantry in October 1864 as a fife and drum musician.

Jasper later enlisted in the Co. F, 137th Indiana Infantry—a unit organized in May 1864 to serve 100 days guarding Sherman’s supply line through Tennessee & Alabama during his Atlanta Campaign. Jasper died of disease at Tullahoma, Tennessee, on 24 August 1864 and his body was taken home by his brother Frank to be buried in the family plot in Maplewood Cemetery.

Lt. Frank VanPelt, Co. G, 17th Indiana Infantry

I was requested to transcribe this letter by Bradford Douglas, a descendant of the VanPelt family, who wrote me the following: “I have a letter not year dated from my 2nd great grandfather’s brother [Jasper]. He would die from disease in Tullahoma, TN on Aug. 24, 1864. My 2nd great grandfather [Frank] was with Wilders Brigade 17th Ind Co. G as a 1st Lieutenant and had received leave to see his dying brother. He was with him when he died and was granted leave to take him back to Anderson, Indiana, where he is buried in the family plot. This letter was written to my great grandfather while he was in service during the civil war. Some I can read but in full is really hard. He signs it Jasper as their father’s name was Uriah as well.” — Bradford Douglas

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

[Anderson, Indiana]
August 18th [1863]

Dear Brother,

I for the first time in my life will attempt to write you a letter to let you know that I am well & Mother is a little sick. Bill is in the army. He is in the 109th. 1 He is well at this time. We have a good country [?] here at [ ]. The corn is good—the best in the State. Our corn will make 75 to the acre. Well, Frank, I would like for you to be at home this winter and fall to go to the College to school with me. I am lonely since Bill left.

Well, you spoke about going to school. I have not went any since I came here. Tillie went some this spring. I shall start the next term. Winter [term] will commence the 16th of next month. Well, when you come to this place. please call at 105, corner of Main and College Street and you will find me there.

The cattle of the county is good. Well, I have wrote all that will interest you. Give my love to all the Boys. So no more at present. Write soon.

I believe we are all soldiers. I belong to the Legion. We have a company here of 50 men—mounted infantry—and is to be sworn in next Saturday. No more at present. Your brother, — Jas U. J. VanPelt

P. S. I had a letter from S___. He is well just at this time. He says he is W_____ at the [ ].

1 The only service record I can find for William P. VanPelt is the 142nd Indiana Infantry which he did not join until October 1864. His obituary claims that he served as a musician “throughout the war” as a member of the 115th Indiana Infantry. This regiment served for only 6 months beginning with the threat of Morgan’s Raiders, from August 1863 to February 1864. Though I don’t find him on the roster, my hunch is that he was with this regiment when the letter was written and that the letter was therefore written in August 1863 when Jasper was 17.

19th Massachusetts Infantry, Siege of Yorktown

1862: John Peak Cushing to Nathaniel G. Cushing

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The following letter was written by John Peak Cushing (1836-1881). He enlisted in Co. A of the 8th Massachusetts Infantry (3 months) early in the war but later reenlisted as a corporal in Co. H, 19th Massachusetts and later, in December 1861, transferred to Co. I. He was wounded in action on 30 June 1862 during the Battle at Glendale, Henrico County, Virginia; mustered out with disability on 29 November 1862 at Washington, D. C.

John’s parents were Nathaniel Cushing (1809-1857) and Olive Wade (1804-1887) of Scituate, Plymouth county, Massachusetts. At the time of the 1860 US Census, John’s mother was considered “insane 30 years.” John was employed as a blacksmith at the time—a trade that he learned from his father—and he had two older sisters and an older brother named Nathaniel G. Cushing.

Cushing’s letterhead has a patriotic image that honors Warren as the first officer killed in the Revolution, and Ellsworth as the first officer killed in the present rebellion.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Camp near Yorktown
April 23, 1862

Dear Brother,

I have never answered your letter though I was very much pleased with it nor written home for a long time. The reason is I was sick when our regiment left Muddy Branch for Winchester. I went with them as far as our old camp near Balls Bluff & with 15 others stopped 4 weeks. I had to nurse, being the wellest. Three of the men died while I was there. When I got well, our regiment was at Fort Monroe, Virginia.

I took a steamer from Alexandria two weeks ago for Fort Monroe in charge of six men. Got there in two days. Saw our chaplain & he wanted me to stay one day and take his horse with me which was coming the next day in the boat. I did. He had no bridle and a saddle without stirrups [so] I made a bridle and got run away with. Got into camp at 11 o’clock at night—24 miles.

I had a nice time if I did get run away with. The trees were all in blossom, the air warm & nice. Hampton that was burned I passed through on my way. I saw a man from Massachusetts who had his house burned. He told me to tell the Massachusetts Boys to give them fits.

The ground is muddy like Maryland but black instead of red. Pine trees are plenty & we build roads with them. The soldiers & cavalry artillery are plenty musical, I tell you. We have to keep our eyes open. They turn us out nearly all the time. We are within one and a half miles of Yorktown.

I have sent home $20 by a new way. The allotment roll directed to you. The town treasurer will notify you when he gets it. Write soon & I will & more too. Goodbye now. — John P. Cushing

2nd Vermont Infantry, Battle of Fredericksburg

1862: Rinaldo Hood to his Sister

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Rinaldo Hood, C. E, 2nd Vermont Infantry

The following letter was written by Rinaldo Hood (1840-1892) on behalf of himself and his younger brother Edgerton F. Hood (1842-1903) who served together in Co. E, 2nd Vermont Infantry. They were the sons of Jonathan Hood (1807-1887) and Persis Folsom (1811-1876) of Chelsea, Orange county, Vermont. A third son, Marcellus F. Hood had also served with them but he was discharged for disability in mid-September 1862.

Rinaldo enlisted as a private and was promoted to corporal before he was wounded on 12 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House and was mustered out on 18 October 1864. Edgerton was also wounded on the same date as Rinaldo but mustered out three weeks earlier than his brother.

To read a similar letter written by another soldier in the same company on the same day, see—Philo Emery, 15 December 1862.

[Note: The following letter is from the personal 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

Camp on the Rappahannock
[Monday] December 15, 1862

Dear Sister,

I received yours of November 13th and another of December 3rd some time ago but it has been almost impossible to write. We have been on the move almost every day since we left Hagerstown. We stopped three weeks at Aquia Creek but could not get any stamps at that time so could not write. The third we went on picket (our regiment) and our division moved here. We stayed 7 days and when we arrived our Brigade had been paid and the paymaster had gone back so we missed getting any pay for this time. My hopes are good yet for it will come some time if ever.

We crossed the river last Friday [12th], went to the front Saturday [13th], stayed there all day. Our company had five wounded—none dangerous. The same one that was wounded at Savage Station on M[arcellus]’s right was wounded on mine and the second one on my left, but it was not my time so I was spared. The regiment lost killed and wounded 100. We were relieved from supporting a battery this morning. We lay on the bank of the river. The front line is half a mile from here. The firing has been kept up most of the time since last Thursday morning until this morning. There has been but a few guns fired today. What the result is, we do not know yet but hope it will prove for the best.

The men haven’t as much confidence in Burnside as in McClellan. This battle will make a great difference in their opinion if he is successful. It has been very cold for a week past and the snow has been two and a half inches deep. The ground has froze nights and thawed day times. It is very muddy in the afternoon. It is warmer today. We expect to see Richmond in a few days if we don’t miss of it (as I think we shall). I know but a little of the war news for it is seldom we get any papers.

Ed’s and my health is very good. I have but a little caugh. Oh, that hair I forgot the last time I wrote, Much love to all. From E. and R. Hood

Ed’s in the inside.

126th Ohio Infantry, Andersonville Prison

1864: Samuel W. Hill to E. M. Hill

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This letter was written by Samuel W. Hill (1840-1864), a native of Pennsylvania, who was residing in Waynesburg, Carroll county, Ohio, working as a “Laborer” at the time of the 1860 US Census. He was enumerated in the household of Henry Rider (1822-1869), a farmer with a wife and two children. Henry’s wife’s maiden name was Elizabeth Maple (b. 1820). It’s possible the Rider’s were relatives.

In August 1862, when Samuel was 22, he enlisted as a private Co. F, 126th Ohio Infantry. He was taken prisoner at the Bloody Angle (or Muleshoe) on 12 May 1864 near Spotsylvania Court House and was transported to the prison at Sumter, Georgia, where he languished and died of scorbutus. He was one of 57 prisoners who died at Andersonville on 22 September 1864. His remains are in Grave 9538 at the National Cemetery there.

[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

Addressed to Mrs. E. M. Hill. North Orwell, Bradford county, Pennsylvania; this envelope does not go with the letter but has US & CSA postage on it.

Camp Sumptor
May the 26th 1864

Dear Mother this afternoon I find myself in Georgia a prisonor of war and wel as usual though some tiard riding so far at one. I was taken the 12 of this month in the big fight that comenced on the 3d and was not over when I was taken I came out all rite this from your sone S. W. Hill to to EM Hill Bory no trouble about me.

15th Massachusetts Infantry, Battle of Gettysburg

Amos Chatman Plaisted of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry Remembers Gettysburg

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A double exposure image of Amos C. Plaisted wearing both military and civilian clothes. It was most likely taken just after he was discharged from the service, demonstrating his return to life as a civilian.

The following memorandum of the Battle of Gettysburg was written by Amos Chatman Plaisted (1844-1902) of Co. B, 15th Massachusetts Infantry. Amos was born in Dec 1844 at Haverhill, Grafton County, New Hampshire, son of Elisha Plaisted (1805-1873) and Hannah B. Huntley (1821-1847). At the time of his enlistment in July 1861, Amos gave his occupation as “machinist.” On his way to war, Amos wrote his parents, “We had a first rate time all the way from Worcester. We came through Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland — so I have seen many of the largest cities in the union, and now I want to fight and have the war settled! then I shall be contented to settle down in the shop again. But don’t worry about me, for all I want is strength to do my duty, and if I fall — so be it!”

It is my opinion that this memorandum was written some years after the war and for the benefit of his son, Edgell R. Plaisted (b. 1870). My guess would be that it was written about 1890. It was found in a scrapbook kept by Amos and acquired recently by Paul Russinoff who made it available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.

In the mid-1880s, the 15th Massachusetts infantry placed their monument on the battlefield at Gettysburg just south of the copse of trees where its members were fighting at the time that “Picket’s Charge” was ultimately repulsed. It was later determined by the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association that regimental monuments should be placed on the battlefield where the regiments first lined up in battle formation, not where they ended up, so the 15th Massachusetts monument was relocated to a point some 200 yards further south on the Federal line. This ruling did not sit well with some of the veterans of these regiments who helped turn back the Confederate assault near the copse of trees and wished to see their monuments remain at the center of the action. Memoirs such as this by Plaisted may have been written in part to make certain historians did not forget their contribution in winning the day.

A sketch of the Gettysburg Battlefield showing the placement of the 15th Massachusetts, drawn by Amos C. Plaisted of Co. B. This sketch was pasted into his scrapbook.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Gettysburg. After the fight we were four men for duty out of 22. Eleven were taken prisoner July 2nd when we fell back from the Brick [Codori] House through Battery A. My face was burned by powder and some of the regiment was killed by our own guns. They fired on many when we were all mixed up together.

John Marsh, Co. B, 15th Mass. Infantry

July 3rd, four were killed, three wounded and [George] Cunningham and I were with Peckham and [Flavel] Leach only were unhurt. We found the body of [John] Marsh near copse of trees with a McClellan medal fastened on his coat that had worn ever since Little Mac left us. We sent it to his father at Bedford, Mass. I marked a board so we left his grave marked and is now known.

As Longstreet’s Division charged upon copse of trees, our line fell back and my Brigade was sent up double quick to close the gap and check further advance. We got into the gap in a huddled mass and as we stood there firing upon the enemy who were now secure behind the wall and cutting us down fast with their flag planted on the wall, Jim Tenny [of Co. B] said to Cunningham, let us charge on them; they cut us all down if we stand here. Then Cunningham called out, “For God’s sake, let us charge on boys!” and we acted on the suggestion at once and as we neared the wall, the rebs broke and run. I was by the side of [Sgt. William Henry] Savage of Co. A when he fell and saw no one else near but in the excitement and smoke it is probable that many were all around near us—at least it is not probable Savage and I were alone or ahead in the charge which was done by at least a very few hundred men.

Col. Norman J. Hall commanded the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division 1st Corps

Our Brigade was not over 1,000 and the 15th [Massachusetts] flag was the first to advance though Gen. [Norman J.] Hall called out as we started for the wall, “Forward, that there color!” I thought it was one of his regiments and history gives to credit [writing illegible] which is false …of my company and in fact [ ] that I was at the wall myself and that [ ] was with my regiment and brigade and that the 15th [Mass.] flag was first to advance is clear proof that we done that job through a flank fire on the enemy’s right. The continuous [weakening?] all round had much to do towards making our advance to have effect. Yet what must have been had we not charged is uncertain. Surely at that moment it looked very much as though the enemy would hold this ground gained and perhaps win the day.

Certain it is had Hall ‘s men first advanced, I could not possibly [have] got near the wall and the colors and men would not have been near the place where our dead were found after the battle. The fact that your father was at that wall at that time is ever be your pride. It is more valuable than any honor that could be bestowed through at the time I regarded it a mere circumstance in which I happened to be mixed up in.

Col. Ward of the 15th Massachusetts

Additional notes by Amos C. Plaisted:

18 men of Co. B were 18 years of age
19 men of Co. B were 19 years of age.
Oldest man 47; youngest boy 17.
One quarter (26) of Co. B were brothers.
At Gettysburg, July 3rd, everything third man was killed.
Of four unhurt (at Gettysburg), I was hit in thigh and bespattered with brains of [George Fergo] Fletcher of Co. H 1 and Cunningham had a mirror smashed by a bullet; thus but two were not hit.

1 See also: “Civil War history lost…and found,” John Banks’ Civil War Blog.

More photographs from Plaisted’s Scrapbook. These include (left to right) a post-war image of him; a photograph of the cannons with his caption, “my retreat July 2nd at Gettysburg was between these guns, powder burned my face;” and several images of his comrades including Flavel Leach (lower left), “one of the four men left for duty after Gettysburg.”