The following letter was written in mid-June 1865 by Richard Welling Burt (1823-1911) of Peoria, Illinois. He was the son of Foght Burt (1799-1886) and Eliabeth Welling (1803-1877). He wrote the letter to his first wife, Mahola Evans (1826-1873) while serving as Captain of Co. H, 76th Ohio Infantry.
Capt., Richard W. Burt, 76th Ohio
“The following biographical sketch came from a county history: Richard W. Burt, United States storekeeper, resides 816 Sanford street, was born in Warwick, Orange county, N. Y., in 1823. His parents, Foght and Elizabeth Burt, were natives of same county. In 1834 they removed to Coshocton county, Ohio. When the war with Mexico began, Mr. Burt enlisted in Co. B, 3rd Ohio, June 4, 1846, and remained in the service a year. He married Malona Evans, a native of Ohio, in January, 1848, and settled in Coshocton county. In 1853, he established the Progressive Age, a weekly Republican newspaper; was one of the first to advocate the principles embraced by the party, and was one of its founders. At the end of three years Burt sold the paper and embarked in the coal trade at Newark, Ohio, continuing till he went into the army, in December, 1861, as a member of Co. G, 76th Infantry, which he helped to recruit, and went out as its 2d Lieutenant. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant of Co. I, after the Battle of Arkansas Post, and when the regiment veteranized in April, 1864, became Captain of Co. H. At the Battle of Resaca, Ga., he received a gunshot wound in the mouth, losing most of his teeth; participated in thirty battles and skirmishes, and traveled with the regiment 10,000 miles. He was the weekly correspondent of the Newark North American during the war. Soon after his discharge, in July, 1865, was breveted Major for gallant conduct. He came to Peoria in 1865; engaged nine years in the grocery and feed business; was appointed to present position over four years ago. Mrs. Burt, by whom he had four children, three living, died in January, 1873. Mr. Burt married Betsey M. Cotton nee Barnum, a native of New York, in 1876. He is a member of A. F. & A. M., G. A. R., and Mexican War Veteran Association, and he and wife are members of M. E. Church.”
Transcription
Louisville, Kentucky June 13, 1865
Dear Wife,
I have just returned from the Paymaster, and before I left I put $1000 in the Express Office directed to Mrs. Capt. Richard W. Burt, Peoria, Illinois, which I wish to deposit with you for a few months for safe keeping. I don’t know but you had as well invest it in 7.30 bonds if you can do so to advantage. Advise with Isaac on the subject. It would be as well perhaps to keep it yourself about how much money you have for various reasons that I need not mention here.
There is some talk now that we are going to St. Louis before long, that Gen. Sherman will have his Headquarters there and take the 15th Corps with him. If we go there, it will be but a short trip for me to come and see you, or you and the children to come and see me, so I hope we may come there.
I got a new tent last night and will soon be a little better fixed than I have been since we came here. I got more pay than I expected as officers get higher pay since the 1st of March. It is about $150 per month now which is more than I could be making at home perhaps. The camp is full of all kinds of peddlers this afternoon, and of course the boys are distributing their money pretty freely buying pies and cakes, pocketbooks, suspenders, photographs, and every kind of invention to get money.
15th Army Corp Badge
On this letter sheet and envelope you will see our 15th Corps Badge. I weat just such a looking one on my hat, made of silver. As soon as I can get a box, I will express those things home that I spoke of in my last letter.
The weather is very warm and sultry and it makes me sweat to write. Excuse me for not writing a full sheet this time. Enclosed I send you a picture of Jeff in petticoats. I have composed a new song on the subject which I think of getting printed. 1
Your affectionate husband, — R. W. Burt
1 Capt. Richard Welling Burt published his songs in 1906 under the title of “War Songs, Poems, and Odes” which he dedicated to his comrades of the Mexican and Civil War.The song he composed just prior to the date of this letter appears in the book on page 19 which he called, “Jeff Davis in Petticoats.” (see Below)
The following letter was written by Daniel Lower of Co. I, 19th Ohio Infantry. He was mustered into the regiment for three years service and mustered out in August 1864 at Marietta, Georgia. The regiment was organized at Alliance, Ohio, and once mustered, attached to the 11th Brigade, Army of the Ohio, to December 1861. In August 1862 when this letter was penned, the regiment was attached to the 11th Brigade, 5th Division of the Army of Ohio. This letter was datelined from the regiment’s encampment on Battle Creek in Northern Alabama following their long march in Buell’s Campaign in Northern Alabama and middle Tennessee.
Daniel C. Lower (1842-1905) was the orphaned son of George W. Lower (1806-1864) and Mary Beaman Beaumont (1808-1856) of Columbiana county, Ohio. The recipient of this letter was Henry Sanor. He was probably the Henry Sanor (1827-1893) that married Daniel’s older sister Betsy Lower (1830-1913). Henry was a farmer in West Township, Columbiana county, Ohio. It should be noted that Daniel’s surname appears as “Laueere” in the regimental record for some reason.
Transcription
Camp Battle Creek [Alabama] August 17, [1862]
Mr. Henry Sanor, dear sir,
I take the opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present and hope that you are the same. The Boys are all well at present—all but Cary. He is not very stout. I have been looking for a letter from you for some time but all in vain. No letter. So I thought as Lieutenant Firestone is coming home, I thought I would write and send a few lines with him.
We are encamped in sight of the rebels. The Tennessee [river] is between us so that we dare not shoot at them. Now I want to write and send your letter with Firestone and give me all the news in the neighborhood. I wrote in my last letter that I wanted you to send me a few postage stamps as we cannot get them here. It would be a great accommodation if you would send me a few. Tell J. H. to write to me as I think I wrote the last letter.
I have not much to write this time. [Isaac] Frank Rish us as stout as ever and much better. He weighs about one hundred and sixty. He is a bester [?]. We had to live on half rations for a while. It went damned hard but we came across a hog once in a while and then we had to run or kill it and it was very seldom that we ran. We are [with]in about thirty miles of Chattanooga and within five of Jasper. There is rebels in there every night but are afraid to come any further. So no more about that.
I heard that George was coming home. If so, let me know it. So no more at present. I remain your friend as ever, Henry Sanor.
[From] Daniel Lower, 19th Ohio, Company D. 5th Division, 11th Brigade
I could find no image of David but here is an Ambrotype thought to be John Cramer of Co, A, 20th OVI. (Ohio Memory)
The following letters were written by David Harrison Thomas (1838-1863), the son of Welsh emigrants Owen Thomas (1800-1868) and Mary Thomas (1813-1893) of Radnor, Delaware county, Ohio. David enlisted on 2 October 1861 to serve three years in Co. D, 20th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was reorganized at Columbus, Ohio, from August 19 through September 21, 1861, and mustered in for three years service on October 21, 1861, under the command of Colonel Charles Whittlesey.
According to a “Graves Registration Card,” David died of wounds received 25 May 1863 at Vicksburg—a gunshot wound to the spine. He was mustered out of the regiment on the day he died, 10 June 1863, and his body lies buried at the National Cemetery in Vicksburg.
Letter 1
October 13, [1861]
Dear Father,
I will pen a few lines to you hoping that you are all well. I am well and all of the boys. Henry Wood and Mother was here yesterday to see us. They went back to Columbus. Mother was on her way to Charleston.
We don’t know when we will leave here. We drill about 4 to 6 hours a day. There is about 225 secessionist prisoners here. They came here ragged and dirty.
Tell Joseph to be contented at home. There is more there than he can do. Give my best word to all of the friends.
No more at present. — David Harrison Thomas
Direct letter to 20th Regiment OVM in care of Capt. [Charles H.] McElroy [Co. D]
Letter 2
Camp King, Kentucky November the 1st 1862
Dear Father and Mother and All,
I take the pleasure of writing a few lines to you to let you know that I am well and hoping that these few lines will find you the same. I am well and all of the boys. We have been here in Camp King, Kentucky, over a week. There is batteries planted all around the camp. There is about 800 hundred here. It is very hilly around here. Our company was on picket guard last night. We did not come across any secessionists. [Charles] Whittlesey is our Colonel. [Manning Ferguson] Force is our Lieutenant-Colonel. They are brave men.
Manning F. Force commanded the 20th OVI at Vicksburg in 1863.
The measles is breaking out in our camp. There is a good many sick. I have gained 12 pounds since I have been in camp. Price Peny is very hearty and the rest of the boys. I got a letter from Granville last week. Joseph and the family is well. We have plenty to eat here so far. We do not know where we will go next. Perhaps we will go to the Tennessee line near Cumberland Gap, Kentucky. We don’t know when we will start until we swing knapsack.
We drill about 6 hours a day here. I would like to hear whether Mother arrived safe or not. No more at present. Write soon. — David Harrison Thomas
Direct to Camp King, Ky., 20th [Ohio] Regiment, Co. D, in care of Capt. [Charles H.] McElroy
The following letters were written by Shatteen Claude Mitchell, Jr. (1839-1864), the son of Shatteen C. Mitchell (1802-1866) and Mahala Jane Burdett (1805-1852) who had an estate in Griffin, Spalding county, Georgia, called Double Cabins Plantation. Shatten wrote the letters to his wife, Chloe Bartlett (1844-1905), with whom he married in May 1861. Chloe was the daughter of Dr. Myron Bartlett who founded the Macon Telegraph newspaper in the 1820s.
Shatteen enlisted in Co. I (the “Stark Volunteers”), 13th Georgia Infantry and was commissioned Jr. 2nd Lieutenant on 8 July 1861. We learn from the letter that he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant of his company on February 1863, and was elevated to captain a year later. Sadly, he was killed in action at the Battle of Third Winchester in September 1864. His cenotaph in Griffin, Georgia, claims that “his remains rest in the consecrated mound of the Unknown” somewhere near Winchester, Virginia.
I note that Shatteen signed his letter, “Chlovis Claude” which I assume was intended to shelter the couple’s identity should the love letter end up in the wrong hands.
[Note: The following letter is from the private collection of Greg Herr and was offered for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Confederate Patriotic Envelope with poem, “Gather around your country’s flag, Men of the South the hour has come—; None may falter, none may lag—, March to the sound of the fife and drum.”
Camp near Port Royal Monday, February 9th 1863
My own darling,
I have no news since mine of yesterday. I have just learned Dr. Townsend would start for Griffin tomorrow and concluded I had as well write you a short letter by him. I never let an opportunity to write to my wife escape. I love you so much that my inclination prompts me to write every day—and if I had nothing to prevent, I would. It is such a pleasure for me to get your letters and I judge you by yourself, It is a good rule—ain’t it? When I measure your love by mine, I know it is all absorbing in its nature—endless in its duration—giving your own heart pleasure and happiness as well as infusing into mine a degree of happiness which it seems to me no other man ever felt. I love you my dear wife above all the things of this world, and am never satisfied unless I am with you. I dreamed about little darling all last night, and when I kissed you, I was so happy.
I frequently think if I could only kiss you, I would be satisfied—a pleasure that I indulged very freely, you know, and that I miss so much. I feel our separation much more keenly now, darling, than ever. Just as we were fixed in our little home and beginning to be perfectly happy, my duties called me away, and both hearts had again to be made only and desolate. I try to think I did my duty in coming back, but still right or wrong, I had rather be with my dear darling wife.
My love for you seems to overreach and surpass everything else and my mind is loath to acknowledge that the best course demands a separation. Still I know the war is obliged to be fought, and the country demands sacrifices from me as well as others, and if I should be so fortunate as to survive this contest, we will have an easy time the balance of our lives. You are the only inducement to tempt me to remain in inglorious ease at home, and but for you, life would have not half its charms for me. I desire to live on your account, because I know both of us would be the happier.
Capt. Frederick D. Dismuke of Co, I, 13th Georgia (American Civil War Museum)
You will be as much surprised as I was at my promotion to 1st Lieutenant. It is rumored in the regiment that if I had been present, I would have been promoted to Captain. [Frederick D.] Dismuke is a great deal more unpopular than ever and the company have no hesitation in telling him that they want me for Captain. Of course whatever I write you in regard to this matter is strictly confidential, except I have no objection to your telling anyone that I was promoted to 1st Lieutenant as this is obliged to be made public at home. Burrell ought never to have gone before the Board and then it would not have looked so badly. He has taken off one bar from his collar. James A. Head was elected 3rd Lieutenant and will make a fine officer.
I have written to Richmond for a cook and Laurence & Heind will pay their pro ratio share. My wages now will be ninety dollars per month and I thought I could afford to pay one third towards hiring a cook. I wish I could send you some money, my darling, but I can’t just yet.
I guess I will get some letters from you tonight—two at least, as it has been nearly a week since I had one. I hope there is nothing the matter with my darling wife though I am uneasy. I am glad you are so much in love with our little home. I feel so much more satisfied since we have a home of our own—all to ourselves. And I know if I should get another furlough, we would be so much happier than if we were boarding. Several officers wives are here. Among them Col. Evans, our Acting Brig. General. I had rather not have mine in this country just now. If I should be badly wounded, I would want you to come on but not without, though I know I want to see you bad enough. If I shoiuld get killed, it would be best for you not to come yourself if you wanted my body (as I know you would). You could send someone for it. If this should be so, I would want our baby buried with us and you must have it removed from Macon to Griffin, or either have me buried in Macon—depending upon the question where you want to be buried. I want us all together. You can do as you please with my will. If you had rather not have it made, burn it. I don’t care a cent about it.
I want to see my dear wife so much although it has not been three weeks since I left you. I miss you so much darling, my sweet wife, and look forward with so much pleasure to the time when I will go home—and we can spend my furlough in our little home with no one to find fault with us for the way we act and to have any claims upon our time or attention.
I am doing very well in camp now darling. Today the sun is shining again. Tomorrow we have to go on picket and remain till Thursday evening so you [see], I can’t write to you again till Friday. This will make my next letter two or three days behind time. I hope none of my letters go to Pa’s and are opened there. Be sure to send none there. I will write to him occasionally. I will destroy all your letters before every fight so that there will be no chance of anyone else to see them. Have no fear to write me fully and freely on every subject. If you get sick, send for Daniel or Darnell just as you like. Write me if you are unwell. Goodbye my dear sweet darling wife. A heart full of love and a tender love kiss from— Chlovis Caude
Letter 2
[Editor’s note: Written just a couple of weeks before the Battle of Chancellorsville.]
Hamilton’s Crossing 1 [Virginia] Friday, April 10, 1863
My own darling,
I feel rather sad, gloomy and despondent this morning, and my letter ought to be postponed till I am in a more suitable mood to write; but I know you will expect one at the regular time, so I guess I must not disappoint you. I have written more than the allotted number of times this week and my material for a letter is almost exhausted, save the never failing subject of my love for you. When I am sick at heart and all else looks dark and gloomy, then it is I feel most keenly the necessity of your love to comfort and sustain me. I rely and depend upon you entirely and alone to give me that consolation which is necessary to the happiness of every human being. When I am so far removed from you the only channel left you for this purpose is through the medium of letters, and though you write me the best, sweetest, and most loving letters, yet how much more preferable is the living voice, soft and winning in its accents, and the speaking eye carrying conviction to the heart of the most incredulous. I love you my own darling wife with my whole heart—its size perhaps you can form some idea of.
Yours of April 4th, Saturday, was read yesterday and added increased pangs to my already intense sorrow for that letter. I have apologized so often I know not what else to say in extenuation of my offense. I only imagined the letter was written then because it bore that date and said “Monday night.” I said nothing leading you to believe I thought my honor was in danger, nor anything for you to regard in so serious a light. I simply disapproved of a certain act, which I thought unbecoming you; and if you had remembered certain antecedents of the party, with which you were apprised, you would not have taken so much offense at what was simply designed to protect you from annoyance. You reserve to yourself, however, the exclusive right of your association and the regulation of your conduct and begging your pardon for my interference, I willingly consent never to dictate or advise on such matters again. I know you are pure and chaste as an angel—never doubted that for a moment—and you are prudent and circumspect. But I, having a more intimate knowledge of the party, ventured to advise you in this instance and met with my common fate—injustice and the charge of distrust and suspicion. Maybe my motives will not appear as rising from so black and evil a heart at some future day. I am not angry or vexed with you my wife—only hurt that you should misjudge me so entirely after such an intimate knowledge with every secret spring of my nature. I am sorry if my past intercourse with Helen has been of too familiar a character and assure you, you will never have the chance of making the same charge again.
And now, darling, I hope you understand my motives and let us no longer think of it. I am just as much and as deeply in love with you as before—only sorry it caused you pain. I will heal all the heart wounds I inflict by my sincere and deep love, and untiring devotion. Believe me, I trust you entirely. You have my full, complete confidence. Are you satisfied? I am very glad Helen is with you and hope she will drive all loneliness away. She is so cheerful, how can you feel sad? Keep her as long as you can, as I think she will have a happy effect and influence over you. I know you will properly appreciate all the nice presents which are so profusely given.
Your brother’s story, I imagine, to be the “Stepsister” and if so, I have read it long since and am very much pleased with it. Is that the title? It is very interesting and the plan of the story well conducted and natural except the conclusion. That, I understand, however, has been revised and corrected since its appearance in the “News” and doubtless its only fault has not been corrected.
The weather is very fine—clear and beautiful. The ground is now dry and in good condition for action. Reinforcements have been landing here several days and all think the long delayed action is about to commence. Heavy cannonading in front all day, up to this hour, 12 o’clock M, and the general impression is that the ball is about to open. The cannon seem to be concentrated upon one point as if trying to carry some position. I think it is at Kelly’s Ford, 20 miles above Fredericksburg.
The news from Charleston is cheering so far, yet I have a lingering fear that she will finally have to surrender—not in a day or perhaps a week can they take it, but a long continued siege, I am fearful, will realize my worst fears.
Darling, my dear wife, don’t think I am vexed with you any more. I am in perfect good humor and never loved you more in my life. I am going to write you a good letter next time when my room won’t have to be taken up correcting any false impression or mistake under which you may be laboring. Never doubt my love, devotion, or confidence, darling, for I trust you entirely and unreservedly. Won’t you have a heap of pinches and spanks laid up for me? I’ll deserve them all too, for being so mean. A big heart full of love and a tender love kiss. From Claude
1 Hamilton’s Crossing…The railroad traversed the Rappahannock River valley and connected Fredericksburg, about five miles north of Hamliton’s Crossing, with Richmond, about forty-five miles to the south. The railroad was a vital link between the Confederate Army and their supplies. Facilities here consisted of a small station building where the Mine Road intersects the railroad. a telegraph shanty, and likely a quartermaster tents and several sidings.
The following letter was written by Edwin Wight (1844-1863), the son of Benjamin Wight (1813-1891) and Jerusha Lyons (1815-1899) of Centerville, Allegany county, New York.
Edwin’s older brother, Daniel Wight, 5th New York Cavalry
When 18 years old, Edwin enlisted in Co. F, 19th New York Cavalry. He was mustered into the service on 3 September 1862 for three years. However, he was killed at Manassas Junction on 17 October 1863.
According to muster rolls, Edwin stood 5′ 9.5″ tall, had brown eyes, and black hair. He was paid a bounty of $50 for his enlistment by the town of Centerville. His remains were initially buried at Manassas Junction but were later removed to Arlington Cemetery, Site 8499.
Edwin had an older brother named Daniel Wight (1841-1864) who also gave his life during the war. He served in Co. F, 5th New York Cavalry. He was taken a prisoner-of-war at Reams Station on 29 June 1864 and died while in captivity at Columbia, South Carolina.
Transcription
Addressed to Benj. Wight, Centerville, Allegany county, New York
Camp Thorp near Suffolk, Va. October 22nd 1862
Dear father,
I now take the opportunity to answer your letter which came duly to hand bearing October 7th stating that you were all well at home and I am happy to say iyt found me the same and the most of the rest of the boys from our parts. The exceptions are Jud[son] Stickle. He is sick and pretty sick too, and in the hospital. And Rob[ert] Valance is just sick enough to be unfit for duty and Dar[win] Ellis is the same and Joe Butterfield is quite sick but has not gone to the hospital yet. I have been in the hospital about a week a taking care of the boys and I found I could not stand it and so I left and I am in the ranks again.
Well, pa, everything is excitement in camp now-a-days. The boys are all talking about going to New York again for it is said that the United States muster roll is lost and that there is nothing to show or hold us in the United States service and the Colonel says that he has been requested to make out a new muster roll with the present pay roll but he says that he will not do it and so the Colonel is on our side and I don’t know how it will turn out yet. But I guess it will turn out about the same as the boys regiment did a disbanding but now I think of it.
I received your letter last night containing the money and post office stamps all right and glad I was to get it. Well, pa, Harvey and John have sent home for a box of provisions but Harvey has written home tonight to have them hold on and not forward it until they hear from him again and if they do, send something for me such as cheese and dried fruit. And you can send some butter by putting it into a stone jar or a tin can and fasten it as tight as you can. And I wish you would send some maple sugar and also, if you can get them, I would like a pair of good buckskin gloves with long wrists and a pair or two of socks and such small trash as you are a mind to. I only just speak of these things as being the principal things that I want and so I guess I will close this scrawl for the tattoo has beaten and we shall have to blow out the light pretty soon.
P. S. We had a grand brigade review today. About 16 regiments being present. General Peck being present. Nothing more at present.
So goodbye at present. Write soon as convenient. — E. Wight
I have not yet learned the identity of this soldier whom I believe was probably from Ashtabula county, Ohio, and served in a three-month’s organization early in the Civil War, possibly the 19th OVI. More research is needed.
Transcription
Camp Goddard 1 Zanesville, Ohio June 12th 1861
Dear Etta,
I received your dear letter last night and at the same time Sam got one from Ellen. I have been waiting all of this week for a letter from our folks but have till this time heard nothing from them. Darling, you must excuse poor writing this time. I have been sick 2 to 3 days last week and although well now, I don’t feel quite so strong as I did before. I won’t be so nervous in a day or two. I hope you are well, darling. I beg of you to take better care of your (dear) self. I know it is carelessness with you. If you are real careful, dearest, and not look so much on the dark side of war, you will surely get well and I hope keep so. Since I heard you was sick, I couldn’t rest well nights not be contented day times. I always thought of you and I knew that your carelessness wouldn’t help you any in your sickness.
Darling, you must not get mad at what I say to you for you know I mean it all well and what I say to you is for your own good and also for mine so if you love me truly, my darling, and want me to feel contented here and keep in good health, then for my sake, take the best care of yourself for my sake and for your good.
We are still in this confounded camp and waiting for marching orders. I do wish they would call us in to action. We all want to go to Virginia but don’t know when we will go. The Government of this fine state is rather misusing us. We have not received our pay yet although our first month has long gone by. Our colonel started to Columbus last night to see about it and if possible get us away from here. The talk today is that all three-months men will be paid off and then sent home—that is, those who won’t go in for three years. I won’t go in for three years under any such mean government as this state has now got. I had thought of going in for three years under the U. S. Navy. It would be a good deal more healthy on the water than on land and although I have not said I would go, I can’t enlist till I get a consent from our folks and tat will be hard work for me to get it, and then further, I won’t go until I am insured that our aid is needed more than it now is.
I want you to advise me, dear one. I won’t go if you, Darling, says no. I don’t know how I can stay away from you, my dearest love, till my first campaign is up. But the next would be so much longer. Well, I will come to see you when my three months are up and then by that time I will know better and then both of us can talk it over. I won’t do anything about enlisting for three years till I see you so you can’t say I done as I wanted to without asking you.
I make awful poor work of this letter but I know you will excuse it considering where it comes from. I will do better next time.
Capt. Harvey J. Covell
Now about news. I am surely surprised to hear that H[arvey] J. Covell 2 has been telling such lies about us. He ought to be ashamed of himself. I had a letter from him day before yesterday and he don’t like it as well there as he did when in our company. They had to build their barracks themselves and in the rain as well. They have a rather poor camp ground.
Dear Etta, kiss little Lilly for me and Fanny and Orson. [unsigned].
1 Camp Goddard in Zanesville. The camp’s first building, a barracks, was finished on May 15, 1861. Just two days later, Camp Goddard already contained nearly two thousand volunteer soldiers. The camp remained in use only during 1861.
2 Harvey J. Covell (1835-1883) was the son of Silas Covell (1789-1853) and Eunice Latimer (1796-1865) of Rock Creek, Morgan township, Ashtabula county, Ohio. On June 1, 1861, Harvey joined the 23rd Ohio Infantry as a sergeant in Co. B. He later was commissioned a captain in Co. B, 6th USCT. See 1861: Harvey J. Covell to Louisa Olive Woolsey.
The following letter was written by Josephine (Green) Wright of Springfield Township, Lagrange county, Indiana, the widow of Pvt. Jerome [Gerome] Wright. Jerome was killed by a gunshot wound in the Battle of Shiloh on 6 April 1862 while serving in Co. H, 44th Indiana Infantry. Jerome was mustered into the regiment on 22 November 1861.
Josephine and Jerome were married at Eton Rapids, Michigan. At the time of their marriage in 1854, Jerome was 23 years old, and Josephine Green was 42 years old—almost twice his age. She had a son that she brought with her from her first marriage.
Transcription
[Lagrange county, Indiana] November 9, 1862
Much loved sister,
I take this opportunity to answer your letter which I received with much pleasure. I am well at present and I hope that this will find you and your family well. It was a long time before I got your letter. It was miss-sent and went to Springfield, Illinois, and I thought you had quit forgotten your friend. But it come at last and stilled all my doubts for it gives me comfort to know that I am still remembered by those that [I] love and esteem.
I was glad to hear that your mother thought her sons better off our dear loved ones. Yes, far better off than to be in this land of war and blood shed. When I read of the sufferings of the poor soldiers, I feel almost thankful that they have escaped so much. But O! if I could fly and join them in their blissful abode, how soon I would leave this unhappy world, for my heart is not here but has gone with him that died on the battlefield. Still I have one more to think [of]—my son that is now a soldier. He will have to suffer the privations of a soldier and perhaps lay down his life with them. But still I have a hope that this abolition war will soon end. Indiana has gone democratic over eleven thousand. It makes the nigger men look very down.
Tell your mother that I thank her kindly for that poetry she sent to me. It caused my tears to flow afresh. They brought him back before my eyes in all his suffering. I can see him. I can hear his groans. But he is at rest now and I will say no more. Tell the author of those lines that I shall always remember her with gratitude.
Tell Lucin that I will keep one of Jerome’s shirts for him if he wants it. I have not got anything that was coming to Jerome yet, but if I ever do, I shall come and see you all. Give my love to your father and mother and the rest of your friends. Write as soon as you get this and let me know about your mother’s heath and if White has gone to the war. I want you [to] let me know how the election has gone in your state.
Your affectionate friend and sister, Josephine Wright
I could not find an image of Albert but here is a cdv of Gardner C. Hawkins of Co. F, 3rd Vermont Infantry (Ed Italo Collection)
The following letters were written by Albert Luther Bartholomew (1838-1864), the son of Noah Bartholomew (1801-1871) and Mary Freeman (1802-1902). Albert wrote the letters to his brother, George “Kellam” Bartholomew (1833-1917), a graduate of Dartmouth College, and residing in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, where he was employed as a professor.
Albert was living at home with his parents in Hartford, Windsor county, Vermont, when he enlisted on 17 September 1861 to serve in Co. F, 3rd Vermont Infantry. He was first wounded on 29 May 1862—the nature and cause of his injury is not stated in the muster rolls. He was severely wounded in the leg on 5 June 1864 at Cold Harbor, necessitating amputation, but died three weeks later at the Armory Square Hospital in Washington D. C. on 28 June 1864.
Letter 1
Camp Advance, Va. October 6th, 1861
Dear Brother,
Have you heard that I was in the land of Dixie? If not, I’ll tell you that I have at last arrived safe and sound among the hills and masked batteries of Old Virginia. Our location is on an inclined slope both from the quarters of Gen. Smith and one mile west from Chain Bridge. The other Vermont regiments are stationed nearby.
Albert Wolcott I have seen several times, and Eleazer too, who came out in the 4th. He seems to stand it very well. Had a fit when he was in Washington, however. We, the 3rd, are appointed skirmishers and general scouting parties—the most dangerous position we could be placed in, at least so considered by military men. I think more fighting will be done in that way than any other. I have once seen Maj. Gen. McClellan since I have been here. He is a keen looking fellow, I tell you, and Gen. Smith is not far behind the times.
An immense deal of sickness prevails in the regiments that compose this Brigade. There is already one more than the hospital will accommodate in this regiment very sick and several in camp, even in this company, who are unfit for duty.
No Sunday is known here. The soldiers are at work that day as much as any other. I have been obliged to be very busy both Sundays I have been here until today. We are not sworn in to the service yet. As there was only ten of us, they have put it off till such time as more recruits should arrive to fill out the regiment. Consequently, we have thus far escaped very hard duty.
About 20 of our company are detailed for picket guard every day, to leave every morning at 2.30 o’clock a.m., returning the next morning about 7. This makes it pretty hard for the Boys, besides their regular drill which comes four times each day, This is what is called the skirmish drill. The orders all being given by the sound of the bugle. We know no such thing as right or left face, even by word of mouth. I have not drilled any after this style yet. We had very cold nights when I first came here so that with nothing but one blanket, we suffered from cold. When the days would be warm now, the weather is as warm as in Vermont when we are in the midst of the hay season.
My health is good as could be expected, rather lame, and lazy of the [ ] but I hope to be able to endure hardship as a good soldier. Should like to step in and spend a few hours with you today but like and dislikes are not for war. My move to Lizzie and all the other friends. I have not seen a full-blooded Rebel yet but presume I may when I go in picket as they have been seen within two miles of here within a few days.
Write son and direct to Camp Advance, Vermont 3rd Regiment, Company H. Yours affectionately, — A. L. Bartholomew
Letter 2
Addressed to George K. Bartholomew, Cincinnati, Ohio
Carver [General] Hospital Meridian Hill Washington D. C. August 5th 1862
Dear Brother,
I wrote you some days ago but as I have since had an interview with our head doctor [Phineas Sanborn] Conner, I thought I would give you an account of it. Yesterday my attending Surgeon Dr. Russell informed me that Dr. Conner would like to see me at his office during the afternoon. Accordingly, I called on him about 7 p.m. As soon as he saw me he says, “Is your name Bartholomew?” I told him that it was. He then told me that he had had a letter from Wadworth enquiring for me as to my wound, health, etc. saying that my friends were very much concerned about me. I told him I did not see how that could be as I had written them that I was doing well, was sick when I came here, and do not feel very well today, but I’ve never given anyone of the family to understand that I was dangerously wounded by any means. Instead, that I should get round in a short time. He told me that they had got hold of it some way and requested that I should write them immediately, so by tomorrow’s mail, a letter will go to you and our friends at home. (Heaven bless them all.)
The Dr. also told me of his acquaintance with you and of his being at Portsmouth at sometime with you and Wadsworth. Now what I propose is this—that you write to Wadsworth by return mail and have him use his influence with Conner to get me detailed on [ ] duty, here, somewhere, as it would not be so hard for me and I don’t think I could stand it being well if I should go back to the regiment soon as I shall have to do and can do it any time before long provided I do not get a [ ] here. Just have him recommend me as Ward Master. You know I am a pretty good nurse.
Then Wadworth can consult with the Dr. and if there is an opening, I think I will get it as I have friends here now. I dislike the idea of going back there again at present as I have so many sick days while here I can look out for No. 1 better. Just do me the favor to write Wadsworth and get him interested and I pledge you that anything they may do by way of helping me, they shall not have cause to regret.
It is so [ ] that I cannot write more and my sheet is full too. So excuse me this time. Give my love to Lizzie when you write her and tell her she must hurry up and get well. Love to all. Yours affectionately, — Albert
An unidentified member of Co. F, 34th OVI (see unit designation on blue-tinted fez). Cowan’s Auctions.
The following letter was written by John “William” Knight (1842-1903), the son of John K. Knight (1817-1897) and Mary Davison (1819-1843) of Williamsburg, Clermont county, Ohio. William was 19 when he enlisted on 27 July 1861 as a private in Co. A, 34th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). He was killed in William W. Loring’s attack on Fayetteville, Virginia (now W. Va.), 10 September 1862, and was buried in Charleston, W. Va.
The 34th OVI (Piatt’s Zouaves) wore an Americanized Zouave uniform that consisted of A dark blue jacket with red trimming, a pair of sky blue baggy trousers with two stripes of red tape going down vertically, a pair of tan gaiters, and a red Ottoman styled fez with a blue tassel. The uniform lasted at least until 1863 based on photographic evidence.
Transcription
Addressed to Miss Martha Knight, Williamsburg, Clermont county, Ohio
Camp Red House 1 [December 24, 1861]
Dear Sister,
I wrote you a letter a few days ago telling you that we were going to have a fight but we did not have any for they did not come. The reinforcement that we sent for landed here about eleven o’clock. We finding it all a false report, they returned to Charleston the next evening. So we are all alive and well and enjoying ourselves very well.
The weather is pretty cold here now and pretty hard on the pickets too. I will have to go on picket tomorrow and I don’t like it much for it is Christmas and I was invited to eat a Christmas dinner at one of the citizens of this place. But now I won’t get to. Ain’t that a pity? But never mind. We will make the turkeys get tomorrow night for I know of some secesh ones not far from here.
We are going to be paid off in a few days and I expect that we will get a new suit of uniform pretty soon and hen I am going to get a furlough and come home if I can. I received a letter from Irvin Heeter. He said that he wanted to borrow some money of me and would pay right percent. He said that he had heard that we were paid off and he needed some for a while and could not get a hold of it there. I guess that I will let him have it and then Father will not be troubled with it and Irv is as honest as the day is long. I had said something about telling him when I was there last and he said he’s like to have it. I had forgotten it when I wrote to you about sending it home. No more at present. Write soon. From William
To Martha
1 Camp Red House was located on the left bank of the Kanawha River near Winfield, or Putnam Court House, Virginia (now W. Va,)
The following letter was written by Henry Chandler Ware (1836-1895), the son of Chandler Ware and Mariah Crofut of Wilmington, Windham county, Vermont. He enlisted on 12 August 1862 in Co. E, 11th Vermont Infantry (1st Vermont Heavy Artillery) and served until 24 June 1865. “He was one of the best soldiers ever sent from this town,” according to his obituary. He was married to Mary Jane Boyd (1841-1906) and had three children by the time he entered the service.
Also adding a note to the end of this letter was Henry Wallace Warren (1840-1908) of Co. D, 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery (same regiment as Chandler’s). Both soldiers addressed their letters to Henry W. Warren’s younger brother, Roelzo Sanford Warren (1843-1921).
The 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery was Vermont’s largest regiment, with a total of 2,320 officers and men. It was originally organized as the 11th Vermont Infantry Regiment but was quickly converted to heavy artillery. Company E was originally assigned to Fort Totten in the circle of forts surrounding Washington D. C. In mid-November 1862 it was moved to Fort Slocum. They remained at their post until May 1864 when they were sent to Virginia to participate in Grant’s Overland Campaign as infantrymen.
Transcription
Addressed to Mr. Roelzo Warren, Stowe, Lamoille county, Vermont
1st Vermont Volunteer Artillery, Col. J. M. Warner Co. E, Fort Slocum, D. C. August 29th 1863
Friend Roelzo,
I have neglected to answer your letter till at the present. Henry and I are together and we are both writing to you. You asked me how I liked to be a soldier. It goes very well—better than it did last fall. The longer I stay, the better I like it.
About the draft, I wish that they would take this regiment to Vermont to fetch out the drafted men. I don’t know of any in Stowe but that I could put the cold steel to if they would not come without if I had to come up the brook after some. It would not hurt my feelings much for it is no worse for those that are at home to come than it was for me or Henry. Take the time together, it has been very easy this summer. We have had some tight places but have got along very well. Most one third of our time is [up] and I guess that we are good for the remaining part if it is our lot to stay the whole of it out.
About Henry’s pay, I don’t know how it is with him. If I should ask him anything about it now, he would mistrust. But most all of the Boys in the regiment are going to draw their pay here and I presume that he is and I think that it is the best way for the Boys in my company have a good deal of trouble getting it home, or their friends do, and you get it get here and you can. So what you are a mind to home and if anything happens that you want any more, then you have it with you.
I had a letter from Jane. She said that G. C. had been accepted of and that he was going. I don’t believe that he will be tough enough to do any duty but still he may. We have whiskey now twice a day—those that want it. There is quite a number that don’t use it. I have been over and got mine two or three times but I gives me the backdoor trot too much. They put a sort of stull [?] is called quinine so that it spoils it for me.
We have got so that we can wear straw hats instead of those small caps that we had when you was out here when we were around in camp Capt. Safford is expected here with his company today from Brattleboro. I hope that you are having a good time doing your haying and picking your hops.
I don’t think of any more to say this time. If you can read it, answer it if you think it is worth while. Yours with respect, — Chan. Ware
Fort Stevens August 29th [1863]
Brother Roelzo, kind sir,
I take my pen in hand to write a few lines to you. I am well at the present time and I hope this letter will find you enjoying the same health and the rest of the folks. The Stowe Boys are well with the exception of Bill. It looks a little like rain today and I hope it will make out before it gets through for we have not had any rain here for some time that has done any good.
I think we shall have to stay our time out. I can’t think of much now to write home this time but will try to do better next time About the war news, I can’t tell you. I presume you know about the war [more] than I do. If you get any news about anything, write and tell me. This from your brother, — Henry Warren
Tell my folks that I am well and that that Battery &c, have got here. Tell Father Cheney’s folks that Henry said today that Bill is not as well as he has been or was when…
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