I could not find an image of Edwin but here is one of Alfred A. Stringham who served in Co. H, 20th Michigan Infantry (Dale Niesen Collection)
This letter was written by Edwin Stearns (1844-1921) who enlisted at the age of 18 on 11 August 1862 in Co. F, 20th Michigan Infantry. He entered the service as a private and mustered out on 1 May 1865 as a corporal. He received a gunshot wound in the right shoulder on 17 June 1864 in the first assault on Petersburg but recovered to join his regiment. Later in life, his wound caused him to be partially disabled, leading him to eventually give up farming and turn to carpentry.
Edwin was born in Pittsfield county, Massachusetts but by 1850 the Stearns family had relocated to the rich farm lands of Jackson county, Michigan. His parents were Alanson Stearns (1810-1870) and Eliza A. Dumbleton (1817-1860). Edwin wrote the letter to his sister, Ellen Maria Stearns (1838-1918).
The 20th Michigan Infantry lost 13 officers and 111 enlisted men killed in action or mortally wounded, and an additional 3 officers and 175 enlisted men who died of disease, for a total of 302 fatalities.
[Transcribed by Alan Thompson; researched & edited by Griff]
Transcription
Camp of the 20th Michigan Infantry On the rear line of works Petersburg, Virginia September, 1864
Dear sister Ellen,
Another week has passed & still no letter from you but still I don’t think it is through any neglect on your part but probably I shall soon get a letter so will wait patiently. Now that I have commenced writing I scarcely know what to write about.
The 3rd & (4th Colored) Division of this Corps have been entrenching in the rear & left flank of the army to protect its communications with City Point & to prevent the enemy from turning that flank, thereby retaking the Weldon Railroad. Our corps has not participated in any fight since the 19th of last month. While I am writing I should think there was quite a skirmish going on over at the front line as there is a considerable of musketry spiced with artillery firing. But that occurs so often that it don’t create any excitement here.
Today we have been permitted to lie quietly in camp the first Sabbath in a long time but we have either been fighting, marching or working on fortifications. We have all sorts of weather here: rain, shiny, cool and hot. The engineers have laid out a very large fort which we will have to build this week. They are building a railroad from City Point to General [Gouvernour K.] Warren’s Hd. Qrs. on the Weldon RR.
My health & that of Lewis [Lewis H. Brower] & Martin [Martin M. Campbell] is good. Write soon to your affectionate brother, —Edwin Stearns
I could not find an image of Isaac but here is a cdv of George Henry Hubbard of the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery. (Dave Morin Collection)
This letter was written by Isaac Newton Watts (1842-1881), the son of Lyman Watts (1802-1875) and Rozana Brown (1802-1862) of Peacham, Caledonia county, Vermont. He wrote the letter to Alice Monica Watts (1845-1882) in February 1865 while serving in the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery.
“On October 7, 1863, Isaac mustered in as a Private in Co. M, 11th Regiment, Vermont volunteers which evolved into the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery. He was promoted to Sergeant in December, 1864. On June 24, 1865, he transferred to Co. D, and was promoted to 1st Sergeant two weeks later. He mustered out August 25, 1865.
Isaac returned from the war with hopes of completing his plans to graduate from college. He abandoned that idea, and settled on the homestead owned by his parents. In 1870, Isaac married Lizzie Way. After she passed away, he married Ellen Boynton, and had a daughter with her. Isaac served his local community as town selectman in 1877, and by representing Peacham in the Vermont State legislature from 1876 to 1880.
The book “Roxana’s Children: The Biography of a Nineteenth-century Vermont Family” by Lynn A. Bonfield (University of Massachusetts Press, 1995), includes an extensive biography of Isaac’s life.
Isaac was a half-brother to Lieut. Dustin S. Walbridge (1832-1864) who served in Co. A, 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery. Dustin was mortally wounded in the fighting at Cold Harbor in June 1864.
[Transcribed by Ann Melichar; edited by Griff]
Patrick’s Station, terminus of the USMRR near Petersburg, Va.
Transcription
Patrick’s Station, Virginia February 19, 1865
Dear Sister:
I haven’t had a letter from home for some time and have nothing strange to write but thought I would write a little and let you know I am all right. I am well and have had but little to do since my last letter. The weather has been pretty cold and rainy for some time until within two days. Today is warm and pleasant and don’t seem a bit like February. Not much like Vermont weather I conclude from all the accounts I hear from there.
My box has not come yet. Probably the reason is because the R.R. is used a little extra now on account of this new advance on the left. They are extending the road or rather building a branch to the new position and takes about all their attention that way I suppose. If it don’t come, it won’t—that’s all. I guess it will come all straight in time.
I went to see Martin Hardy a few days ago. He is about two miles from here now, has got a good place and has a pretty easy time. The boys are all well here from Peacham and vicinity. Walter Harvey has just gone home on a furlough. I presume Father will see him. He looks just as he did as long ago as I can remember. I suppose the draft is settled by this time. Did anyone enlist in Peacham or were they drafted? I don’t suppose any will come into this regiment for I suppose it is against orders until the others are filled.
By the way, Gen. L. A. [Lewis Addison] Grant gave us quite a compliment a few days ago. He said the regiment passed the best inspection and finished the best guard of any in the brigade. He has generally been down on us but comes around and owns up once in a while when he really thinks we deserve it.
One man in the regiment did a pretty sorry job for himself a short time since. He accidentally and carelessly shot off both hands, leaving him only one thumb. It is a pretty hard case but may be a good lesson to some who are always careless with their guns. 1
We had preaching in the chapel today by a couple of strangers to me at least. I suppose they was Chaplains somewhere. There is a meeting somewhere and sometimes in the day about every day. Some of them are interesting and some not—just like all others.
We are discussing the question now about being discharged with the regiment. A good many think we shall be but I guess no one knows either way. I said when I began I hadn’t much to write and guess this will prove it. Write soon and often to your brother—Issac N. Watts
Alice
1 The “careless” soldier was Sylvanus W. Hinds (1831-1893). The Lamoille Newsdealer of 15 March 1865 carried a story of Hinds’ accident: “A friend from the front informs us that on the 17th, ult., Private Sylvanus Hinds, Battery D, 1st Artillery, while on picket, met with a sad accident. He had climbed upon a stump to obtain a view of the Johnnies, and while in this position the hammer of his musket accidentally caught against the stump immediately discharging the piece, the ball passing through both hands which were hold of the bayonet, so badly mangling them that both were obliged to be amputated, with the exception of the thumb on the left.”
I could not find a picture of Dory but here’s an unidentified member of Co. B, 2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. The long frock coat was worn by the heavy artillerists.(Mark Nichols Collection)
This letter was written by Theodore (“Dory”) Wenger Stauffer (1842-1915), the son of John Deshong and Elizabeth (Wenger) Stauffer. In 1850, Dory was living with his family in New Holland, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.
Dory first enlisted in August 1862 as a private in Co. E, 122nd Pennsylvania Infantry. He was honorably discharged with his company on 15 May 1863. During the Gettysburg crisis, Dory mustered into the State service as a 1st Sergeant in Co. D, 50th Pennsylvania Militia. This company was disbanded on 15 August 1863. In March 1863, he volunteered again for federal service at Fort Bunker Hill as a private in Battery A, 2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. As stated in his letter below, he took a position eventually in the commissary department and eventually was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He was discharged with the battery on 29 January 1866 at City Point, Virginia.
[Note: This letter is from the private collection of Greg Herr and is published by express consent.]
Letter 1
Addressed to Miss Sally McIlvain, Gap Post Office, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania
Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia April 23, 1864
Dear Cousin,
Your kind and welcome epistle of the 8th was duly received. Since my first, we have removed our camp from the north side of the Potomac to the southern shore in Virginia. We are now quartered 5 miles from Washington D. C. at Fort Ethan Allen on the banks of the famous Potomac River.
We have been here three weeks. It is a beautiful place of abode for a soldier boy. It is the largest fort in the defenses of Washington. In order to make so desirable change, we were obliged to trudge through mud knee deep for no less than 12 Virginia miles, and quarter for the night in an old mess house which had the appearance of an old slaughter house if any comparison.
The next day the 4th New York Artillery, who we were to relieve, were ready for the march to the front. They were obliged to leave behind them the conveniences, fruits of their labor they enjoyed for two years and 4 months. Rest assured it was pitiful to see—men who had their families and sweethearts here, grasping their loved ones by the hand, perhaps for the last time on this earth. I thought it hard but fair.
We do not have the privilege to visit Washington so frequently as heretofore, although as often as I desire as I have resolved to be one of the number who believes in total abstinence and intend to indulge very little, if any, in spiritous liquors. My desire is to go home if possible a more steady and wiser boy than when I took the oath of allegiance to serve my country on the 10th of March 1864. My intention was when I enlisted—and is yet—to try and be a good soldier boy. That is, to attend to my duties as a soldier in my capacity, to the best of my knowledge. I have had the opportunity to be detached from the regiment several times but as I wish to become master of this branch of service, will not accept anything short of a discharge out of this regiment for the time being.
I have been clerking for headquarters frequently, and do not have much company duty on hand. But to be a permanent clerk, I will not, as I came to soldier. Our company did have 235 members of which there were but 4 boys who could write correct enough to copy an order. You may think perhaps I am doting but am not. Our men are not of a very prepossessing look or character. They are principally Germans—just arrived, but a more tidy, clean set of men in a body are rare. I am the only Lancaster county boy in the company, but always think a good representative from the garden of the Keystone Arch. It is a heavy [burden], but I can stand the pressure.
You ask if I have any pleasant associates, I have 3 or 4 boys from Huntington County, Pa. [who] are all I care about. When not on duty I have always reading matter on hand that I can wile away the minutes very readily. The Daily Express from Lancaster is my companion, while the news not stale. I get it daily. Also papers from New York and Philadelphia.
“What do you think about General Grant? He better keep his eyes open or Old Bob Lee might shut them up by a strategical movement on his flank as he is desirous of defeating the hero of the western campaigns.”
—Dory W. Stauffer, Co. A, 2nd Pa. Heavy Artillery, 23 April 1864
What do you think about General Grant? He had better keep his eyes open or Old Bob Lee might shut them up by a strategical movement on his flank as he is desirous of defeating the hero of the western campaigns. There is no telling—he may do it, at the risk of the remains of the shattered little Confederacy. If he should, he would follow up his victory, make good if possible, and once more claim to raise the bonnie Blue Flag over the Capitol. But if he fails, the Confederacy is gone never to recover, to resist the strong arm of the North, and loyal states.
My opinion is the first battle on the Sacred Soil of Virginia this season will decide how long this war will last. If we are successful, it will without a doubt close the coming fall. If we fail, it will last 1 year longer, perhaps two.
Will Deshong Stauffer, 1st Pennsylvania Reserves
I had a letter from [brother] Will. 1 He expects to be discharged in June and thinks their division—the Pennsylvania Reserves—have accomplished all they intended to undertake for 3 years. Only 14 regular battles, 6 skirmishes, for Brother Will. Won’t he be a relic if he returns safe. We will feel proud of him indeed.
That circumstance in regard to Sadie Strickler, cousin, I am really surprised, but nothing more will I saw as words on paper stand for what you think. In your next, let me know and I will write to her.
Is my worthy friend H. Porter yet offering his beneficial, influential, high strung, unobstructed and eventually obstructive services to my aunt? I think if he will not soon take a cool hint, I will address an order peremporily demanding any further intercourse in that vicinity.
I suppose they think I am a singular boy as I never could make so familiar as they desire a person. I would like to know if Sue thinks I could enjoy myself very much by entertaining her, on some pleasant Sunday eve. I felt as though I were in a snow bank in the heat of summer. How I would like to be home just now to enjoy these pleasant, moonlight nights in gossiping around with friends. I would do it on a double quick, as we are so accustomed to that order down here. Everything in a hurry, if possible, on a double quick. If I could only pop in some eve when you are about seating yourselves for tea, that would, I think, require a forward movement. Be not surprised if you find yourself in a quandary to know what to say when cousin Dory presents himself in his military costume some beautiful eve.
Tell Will Sechler this is the identical spot where we 18 months ago assisted in throwing up entrenchments when we encamped at Minor’s Hill, Virginia. The fruits of our labor are yet as we left them a quarter mile from the Chain Bridge. He will no doubt remember. Little did I think that my mortal frame could carry me through all I have gone, and visit them in the present capacity as a soldier. So the world jogs along.
I must close for the present or you will eventually get tired of my long epistle. Please excuse my misconstruction as a letter for we boys sit down and merely scribble what first we think. My kind regards to all friends. My love to you all. Answer soon. From your cousin.
Direct to Theo. W. Stauffer, Battery A, 2nd P. V. Artillery, Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia. Washington D. C.
1 Dory’s older brother, William Deshong Stauffer (1840-1921), had three terms of service. He first enlisted in July 1861 as a private in Co. B, 1st Pennsylvania Reserves (30th P. V.) and was discharged a corporal on 13 June 1864. Shortly afterwards, he reenlisted as a 1st Lieutenant in Co. G of the 195th Pennsylvanias (100 days). Finally he enlisted as 1st Lieutenant of Co. C, 195th Pennsylvania (one year).
Letter 2
Addressed to Miss Sallie McIlvaine, Gap Post Office, Lancaster, County, Pennsylvania
Camp near Bermuda Hundred August 28, 1864
Dear Cousin,
This is Sabbath morning. I am seated in my cozy little shelter tent thinking how pleasantly and profitably, I hope, I did enjoy myself when yet in Old Lancaster. My thoughts revert often to my many friends and acquaintances at home but cannot fulfill my desire as often as I do wish to pen a few lines.
Your kind letter was received after waiting anxiously and patiently for several weeks. I had almost come to the conclusion you had forgotten your cousin Dory but I was agreeably disappointed.
Since my last, we have had a very severe time, indeed, in front of Petersburg, Virginia. Suppose you have ere this time had a full detail account of the operations and the success to our arms. Our Corps—the 18th—has removed from in front of Petersburg to this place near Bermuda Hundred for the purpose of what we term a rest, in order to be ready for another advance if deemed necessary.
The 2nd [Penn. Heavy] Artillery had its full portion of duty and shared the glory on every occasion—“Laurels dearly won are the most appreciated” is the proverb.
Our regiment bid adieu to the National Capitol on the 27th May with 1,760 effective men [in the] rank and file. We now muster 800. You can readily infer from that why our army is calling for more men. Some of the stay at home boys wonder. All I say, persons who cannot perceive should come down here, feel the effects of exposure in these rifle pits where shot and shell have no mercy.
On the 15th we had quite a freshet which came so sudden in a large body that it caught a great many napping and consequently we did not get all our equipments as the water was 4 feet deep, coming pell-mell, with brush, logs, tents, commissary store, scarcely enabling us to get our mortal bodies on “terra firma.” It was frightful to see the boys struggling for dear life. Quite a number were drowned. For a minute or two, I thought my chances rather slim, but by the aid of others, I was rescued from the dashing waves, not without a good ducking, and have been a little indisposed ever since.
What do you think of the draft about to come off? The impression prevailing at present is that they will venture to resist at all hazards. There seems to be considerable dissatisfaction in regard to the quotas of the different districts. I hope to gracious it will hit Harry and they would push him into our Corp.—a place where they don’t squeal for quarter or cry for home. I presume he would forget the interest of the children and the alacrity to bow. The Johnnies can easily accommodate him if that is what he wants.
How is Miss Sue? If she does only not forget how to entertain me for I have only two years and a hat full of months when I expect to return, if living and well, and a wiser boy than ever. Aunt Lizzie suppose thought like the old cow, everyone to their liking. I think she kissed the wrong calf this time.
You ask whether we get any fruit. Very little (apples and watermelon at gold price and then of an inferior article). The Johnnies invited us over to dine with them. They have any quantity of fruit. They also occasionally favor us with what we term canned fruit (5 grape in canister) for a change of diet. It is not a very desirable change as they throw them uncomfortably close as one complimented me very highly by piercing a hole though the upper story of my former bunk near Petersburg.
I have an old critter of a cow and mule. They very nigh had them in trouble the other day and so I think I will send a dispatch to “Beauregard” and consult him about the affair as I don’t want to be deprived of my daily ration of milk. I have command of a part of the Commissary Department in the capacity of Commissary Sergeant. It is rather a troublesome position although I soon expect to have it permanent as I prefer it to duty in the company. I am tired of the front and soon expect to return to the defenses of Washington.
I think the authorities have used us very mean as we never volunteered to serve as infantry and think they are not justifiable in expecting same from us. The government has hurt itself through red-taping its soldiers and the boys do not have the confidence as heretofore. I think Old Abe’s days are numbered this election, although under the circumstances he has done all in his power to uphold the progress of the United States. I hope this cruel war will be over in a short time. I am in hopes of a speedy peace, though only for the rebels to submit. As soon as peace is proclaimed, then I am going to Petersburg and Richmond to sport for awhile before I retire to “Old Pennsylvania.” That would be gay.
I hear Uncle Isaac is in the county. Give him my respects although he knows little about me. I presume he relishes the fresh, loyal breeze of the free North, if reluctantly, not so delicious. I never did doubt Uncle’s loyalty. If he comes here, if he allows me, I will inspect the loyalty of his purse as I think I am a competent judge of so important documents.
My respects [and] love to you all. Hope I may soon to return, to resume the pleasures similar to the infair. I will close.
From your cousin Theo. W. Stauffer Attery A, 2nd [Penn. Heavy] Artillery 2nd Division, 18th Army Corps
P. S. I have been looking for those photos for some time. I expect one from Sue. Ha. Ha. Good for her loyalty. Please excuse scribbling and I remain your affectionate cousin.
Tell Uncle Bitzers that they are owing me a letter. Cousin, this is a horrible letter and you must excuse me for I am always too fast with a pen. — Dory
These 18 letters were written by George Adelbert Spencer (1844-1914), the son of Edward and Alice (Rice) Spencer of Bristol, Bristol county, Rhode Island.
George A. Spencer, Co. I, 7th Rhode Island (Cal Packard Collection)
George enlisted on 16 August 1862 as a private in Co. I, 7th Rhode Island Infantry. He gave “Smithfield, Rhode Island” when asked his place of birth. He remained with the regiment until 9 June 1865—just two months shy of three years service. On the 13 December 1862, during the Battle of Fredericksburg, he was reported missing and it was later learned that he had been taken prisoner. This explains why the first letter in this archive was penned from Camp Parole in Annapolis, Maryland, where he was being held until exchanged.
According to a paper published by Rob Grandchamp, “Young Spencer only remained a prisoner of war for several weeks when he was released on parole and ordered to Annapolis to await exchange. He returned to duty in the spring of 1863, but as the Seventh was then on duty in Kentucky, Spencer and several other Seventh soldiers performed garrison duty in the defenses of Washington, and he was present in the city during the Gettysburg Campaign. He joined the Seventh Rhode Island in Kentucky in the fall of 1863, performing garrison duty at Point Burnside, and was present throughout the Overland Campaign of 1864.” [Source: They have just brought one more of our Regt dead,” by Rob Grandchamp, Rhode Island Genealogical Society, Rhode Island Roots, 2018]
After he returned to Bristol after the war, he went to work as an engraver and a jeweler. He married Nancy B. Buffington (1848-1923). George died of kidney disease in September 1914.
[Some letters were transcribed by Ann Melichar; all were edited and researched by Griff]
A couple of envelopes from the Spencer Collection
Letter 1
Camp Parole Annapolis, Maryland June 29, 1863
Dear Mother,
I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I have not gone to the regiment yet. We got all ready to go but did not. We have just got orders to get ready and go to Baltimore and help defend the city as they expect the Rebs will make a raid down that way. The news is here that they are fighting at Harrisburg and that a part of them are marching on Havre De Grace. We expect to go this afternoon.
You need not go to worrying about me. There is about 500 going from here. The 3rd Maryland Regiment who was guarding us went last night and the Calvary [will] go with us. You need not write until you hear from me again. —George A. Spencer
Letter 2
North Western Defenses of Baltimore Camp Tyler September 20, 1863
Dear Parents,
I received your letter of the 17th last night and was very glad to hear from you and learn that you was well. I am also and all the men came from Drummondtown but two and they are sick. One of them had a fit the day we started to come away. The telegraph operator said he would send our letters to us but we have not got any yet. How many did you send there? Johnny Jakes got the same fare as we do. He has got Annie Liscomb’s photograph. She sent it to him. Don’t tell anybody I wrote anything about it. I don’t know Lieut. Bates. I know Inman. He used to have charge of the Ambulance Corp.
I liked that comb you sent me first rate. The stragglers we are guarding came from Gettysburg. Is grandmother in Bristol or not? Have a picture taken from that one of Henry’s and send me one and tell me how to direct a letter to him. Tell him I will have my picture taken standing side of a mule and send it to him (with one hand on the mule’s ear). Tell Mrs. Doty to twist her cats tail for me once in awhile.
Tell Hattie if she don’t scratch that Jennie off of that kitten’s name, I will chop off its tail just as quick as I get home. Mind that now. Give my love to Aunt Hannah and William and Mary, Sarah & Billy Doty, or Billy and Sarah Doty, or Sanford. I’ll get it right by and by.
I don’t know of anything else to write at present. So goodbye from your son, — George A. Spencer
Co. I, 7th Regt. R. I. Vols., Camp Tyler, Baltimore, Md.
P. S. I sent a letter to you. Tell Ed to write to me.
[Sketch]
Fort that commands the railroad to Harper’s Ferry mounts 6 guns—3 of them pivots.
Letter 3
Addressed to Mr. Edward Spencer, Bristol, Rhode Island
Northwestern Defenses of Baltimore Camp Tyler, Baltimore, Maryland October 16th, 1863
Dear Parents,
I have just received your letter and I am very glad to hear from you and learn that you were well. I am well also. I got the money all safe. We have been mustered in again for two months pay and when I get it I will send it right back again. I have wrote to Henry. The men was sent to my regiment while I was at home. A man belonging to the 2nd Rhode Island got a furlough and went home to Providence last night. The Dead Beats—as they call them—are ones that are playing off sick all the time. We call them here Government Frauds.
I may not get to my regiment. for some time yet. All the Pennsylvania men have gone home to vote. The Massachusetts men are going too. They are fighting up at Winchester now and the news is here that the Rebs are getting licked. The Baltimore & Ohio R. R. has been cut again. I don’t know of anything else to write at present so good bye. Write as soon as you get this letter.
From your son, G. A. Spencer
Address, 7th Regiment R. I. Vols., Camp Tyler, Baltimore, MD
Letter 4
Addressed to Mr. Edward Spencer, Bristol, Rhode Island
Lexington, Kentucky December 6, 1863
Dear Parents,
As Allen Pierce is going home on a furlough tomorrow, I thought I would write a few lines and let you know how I am getting along. We have first rate grub now. We had roast beef for breakfast this morning. We bake our own bread to the regiment. John Potter is baker.
If you send me a box, send me a pair of gloves in it. Has J. Gladding come home yet? Those letters that Mrs. Gladding sent to Townfield came here to the regiment. Allen Pierce is going to bring them home with him. They are the ones that have money in them. I sent a letter to you yesterday but I guess you won’t get it any sooner than you get this one. I sent for $5 in it.
Lexington is a large place. The Rebels were within 16 miles of here day before yesterday and burned a courthouse 1 at Mount Sterling. Peleg Jones is washing up now and is going down town to Meeting. I would go too but my hair is so long I don’t want to go.
Clark Whitford is our company cook. I don’t know of anything else to write at present. Give my love to Uncle Thomas’ girls and Ella, and to all enquiring friends. Write soon. From your son, George A. Spencer
Co. I, 7th Regt. R. I. Vol., Lexington, Ky.
Write soon.
P. S. Send me a newspaper.
1December 2, 1863 – Court House in Mt. Sterling burned by CS Cavalry under Peter Everett. Clerk’s records were saved but the circuit court records were destroyed. From a correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, Dec. 3, 1863: Last night at half past 2 o’clock, Major Chenowith, with Capt. Everett and Capt. Young, entered the town of Mount Sterling, broke open many storehouses, and burned the beautiful court-house to the ground, and committed many other depredations, all of which I shall not pretend to mention this time. The 40th regiment lay one and a half miles from Mount Sterling in perfect quietude.– After the court-house had been burned, and the town generally plundered, the 40th regiment made its appearance, but not until they were informed, as I understood, by Mr. Samuel Williams, that the rebels were burning the town.” Capt. P.M. Everett reported, “that he had burned $700,000 worth of stores at Mount Sterling and Jackson, captured 250 horses, and killed, wounded, and captured 100 of the enemy without losing a man of his detachment. He has his prisoners with him. The enemy, about 1,200 strong, followed him through Pound Gap.” It was later claimed that Everett burned the court house because the Union Army had confined “therein those persons who wore the gray, he heard of the shooting of a prisoner. Without the town of Mt. Sterling were encamped a great body of Union soldiers, but, fearing nothing, he with his band of sixty swept into the town and with torch fired the court house, freed the soldiers and dashed away again without being captured.”
Dec. 4, 1863 – Gen. J. T. Boyle wrote, “Colonel True notified me his pickets were driven in last night at Mount Sterling, on the Perryville road; that the enemy [numbered] 800. He had taken to the houses. I ordered him out of the houses to fight; that enemy could burn town. Enemy not exceeding 200, and that he could and must whip them. Don’t believe there are 200. He telegraphed General Fry that it was reported that 3,000 of Longstreet’s had come in. Colonel Gallup is at Paintsville. The whole story a rebel lie to scare Colonel True.”
Letter 5
Point Isabel, Kentucky January 18th 1864
Dear Parents,
I received your letter yesterday afternoon and was very glad to hear from you and learn that you were well. I am also but I am in the hospital. I had the colic the other night and one of our company was working in the hospital and he got me in here for the night but the next day they drew my rations here and now they won’t let me leave til my rations run out.
Point Isabel is about two miles from the battlefield of Mill Spring where Zollicoffer was killed. This is the meanest country I was ever in. The people don’t know anything. They live on bacon and corn bread and always have since they can remember. They make pies to sell. I wish you could see one. The crust is made of meal and sand with a little apple between which looks as black as tar and no sweetening. It takes two of us to pull one apart and then they stick to our ribs like glue.
There is some excitement in the regiment now about reenlisting. They get 702 dollars bounty and 30 days furlough. Most all of two companies have reenlisted. You have to enlist for 3 years longer. They ain’t got none of Co. I boys yet and I don’t think they will.
I got that 50 cts. all right and it came in play too. Allen Pierce came up with the regiment last night. He said you wanted him to bring me a shirt but he could not. About half of the regiment are off on a foraging expedition after grain. It has been raining about two days and the mud is 4 inches deep on a level.
The boys are building log huts but I don’t believe they will stay here—only just long enough to get them done. If you sent a shirt by mail I guess I will get it in time. Some of the boys have got them. So I don’t know of anything else to write at present so good bye. Write as soon as you get this letter and keep writing whether you hear from me or not.
From your son, Geo. A. Spencer, Co. I, 7th Regiment R. I. Vol., Point Isabella, KY
Direct: Geo. A. Spencer, Co. I, 7th Regt., R. I. Vol. Point Isabella, Via Lexington, Ky.
[Mailed in same envelope]
Point Isabella, Ky. January 18, 1864
Dear Parents,
I had this half of sheet of paper so I thought I would write it full if I could think of enough. Our doctor is the only one anywhere round here and he has to attend to all the niggers and to all the regiment round here, and citizens too that work for the government. We have two in the hospital that belong to another regiment. I get better living here than they do in the company but I guess I shan’t stay here much longer.
Point Isabel is on the Cumberland River at the head of navigation. Steamboats come up as fas here. They expect two in here every day loaded with provisions. It is a great place out here to dig wells. They undertook to dig one here the other day and dug about twenty feet and come to a rock which they had to blow. They drilled the hole and put the powder in and set fire to it and run. And when they went to look at it after it had busted, there was not any bottom in the well. It had fell out. It is the first time I ever heard of the bottom of a well falling out. They had to leave it because they could not find any bottom nor any water.
I guess Ike Hoard will get enough of soldiering before he gets to New Orleans. I’ll bet he gagged and puked some on board of that steamer. But tell him to never mind. He ain’t got only three years to serve.
I don’t know of anything else to write so goodbye. Give my love to all enquiring friends. From your son, — George A. Spencer
Letter 6
Camp Burnside near Point Isabel, Kentucky March 17th 1864
Dear Parents,
I received your letter today and was very glad to hear from you and to learn that you were well. I am well also. I am still at work on fortifications. There is a rumor here that John Morgan and Wheeler are going to make a raid in here and if they do and come with anyways a decent force, they will drive us out of here in a hurry because there is only our regiment and about 800 men—-they call them the 89th Kentucky [but] they would not be of any account anyways. They ain’t got no cartridges and their guns are old flint locks altered over.
Tell Mrs. Hoard I will write to Ike tonight. There is whisperings round here that we will not stay here long. There is trouble brewing between our officers and Gen. Fry. Our colonel is relieved of the command of the post here and they think it was through him and Gen. Boyle got us out of Lexington and so we can say we was “boiled” out of Lexington and are going to be “fried” out of here.
They will keep us moving if they can. This regiment has been kicked round more than any regiment from Rhode Island. We got some soft bread from our oven today—it was just like lead. I don’t know of anything else to write at present so [good]bye from your son, — Geo. A. Spencer
Co. I, 7th R.I. Vol. Camp Burnside Point Isabel in Somerset, Ky.
P. S. I would like to have a bible. You can take some of my money and get me one. Get a good one or none—not a testament, but a bible.
Letter 7
Camp 7th Regt. Rhode Island Vol. Near Bristoe Station, Virginia May 3, 1864
Dear Parents,
I have just received your letter of the 26th and am very glad to hear from you. I am well but hungry as satan. Have not had anything to eat today & just come off picket too. We had a thunder storm last [night] with hail and today is very cold. We may move at any moment and when we do, it will be to Brandy Station. The whole camp has gone but our division. We have to go on picket every other day.
If you can get me a map of Eastern Virginia I would like to have one. Get one that shuts up like a book.
We were mustered in for two months pay the last day of April. I will get my clothing money when we are paid which amounts to ($46.00) forty-six dollars.
James Hoard is well. He is sitting in my tent writing now. They are coming troops down to Brandy Station on the railroad day and night. Five trains just went down loaded with troops and supplies. All the Bristol boys are well. Give my love to William and Mary & Aunt Hannah. I don’t know of anything else to write at present so good bye.
Write soon as you get this letter from your son, — Geo. A. Spencer, Co. I, 7th Regt. R. I. Vol. , 9th Corps, Washington, D.C.
Letter 8
Camp near Petersburg, Va. 7th Regt. Rhode Island Vol. August 8, 1864
Dear Parents,
I received the bunch of envelopes and 3 papers this morning and am very glad to get them. I have written a letter most every day last week and have got one too, so I don’t know of much to write. We ain’t got no sugar yet nor no meat and have had no beans nor rice for a long time. Everybody is growling and so I growl too. It’s enough to make anybody growl. I’ll bet if some of the men to home had to go hungry two or three days as we do, they would growl more than we do. I would not growl now if we was not so near the base of supplies and could get it well enough if they was only so disposed, but they have got a lot of swindlers and thieves in the commissary department—not in the commissary department only, but in every department all through the army and the Generals winks at it.
Everybody is getting demoralized and don’t care who wins. They say that charging [the enemy] is played out and I guess it is the way they charged the other day. But I only tell what I hear right around here in our division. You must not think it is so all through the army. We have got a pup to command our regiment. His name is [Bvt. Col. Percy] Daniels and he tries to get our regiment into all the fights he can. The time the fight [see Battle of the Crater] was going on here, he kept running to [Brig.] Gen. [Robert B.] Potter to see if he could not put our regiment in on the charge and at last Potter told him to take the regiment to the devil if he wanted to, and I guess he would [have] if the fight was not all over when he got back.
Brig. Gen. Robert B. Potter and his hatted staff. When pestered by Bvt. Col. Percy Daniels of the 7th Rhode Island for permission to lead his men into the Crater on 30 July 1864, Potter is reported finally to have said to Daniels, “You can take your regiment to the devil if you want to.”
You must not think I am getting down-hearted because I ain’t. I am a little hungry—that’s all, and I can go 3 weeks without anything to eat.
I don’t know of anything more to write at present. Give my love to Henry & Emma and take a share for yourselves. Write as soon as you get this letter and tell Ed Doty to write. From your son, — Geo. A. Spencer
Geo. A. Spencer, Co. I, 7th Regt. R. I. Vol. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division 9th Corps Washington D. C.
George’s sketch of Gen. Burnsides on Mule
[Sketch of Gen. Burnside on mule with raised sword saying, “To my personal knowledge you have had 3 days rations issued to you.” Soldier on ground responds, “Ain’t had nothing to eat for 3 days.” Another voice says, “But where is those 3 days rations? Where? Echo answers where.”]
Letter 9
Camp near Petersburg, Va. 7th Regt. R. I. Vol. August 21, 1864
Dear Parents,
I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I wrote to you yesterday and having nothing to occupy my time at present, I thought I would write again although I have no stamp.
They have been fighting all the morning a little ways to our left where the 5th Corps is. The Rebs was the attacking party and have been repulsed 3 times this morning. They are going to fight hard for this railroad here. We have got our lines across it. [see Battle of Globe Tavern]
We have not been called for to go in yet and I guess we won’t unless the Rebs break our lines. I don’t know of any more to write at present so goodbye from your son, — Geo. A. Spencer
George’s pen sketch of the Union and Confederate lines in the sector near the Petersburg & Weldon Railroad. George’s letter includes a description of the attack by Mahone’s Division from the west of the railroad which was repulsed on the 21st of August. Drawn in August 1864.
Letter 10
Camp in the Woods near Petersburg, Va. September 26, 1864
Dear Parents,
I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. We had marching orders yesterday afternoon and in 20 minutes the 9th Corps was once more on the tramp. We marched about 3 miles to the right and here we are with the arms stacked and all packed and ready to move at a moment’s notice and have been so all day. It is now half past 12. We don’t know where we are going. There is lots of rumors as to where we are going. Some say we are going to reinforce Butler, some say we are going to North Carolina, and 40 more places. I don’t trouble myself where we are going at all.
Joe Morris come to the regiment day before yesterday. All the Bristol Boys are well. Give my love to Emma & Mary and William and Aunt Hannah. I don’t know of anymore to write at present so I will close.
Write soon as you get this letter. From your son, — Geo. A. Spencer
“Spencer-Carter & Co.”
[sketch of tent]
The tent we lived in before we broke camp. In haste, — Geo. A. Spencer
Letter 11
Camp of 7th Rhode Island Vol. Poplar Grove Church, Va. October 26th 1864
Dear Parents,
I am well & hope these few lines will find you the same. I received your letter of 21st this morning and am very glad to hear from you and learn you are well. I am well also. Got all over the toothache. We are ready to move but ain’t gone yet. 1 Everything is quiet here now. All the sutlers have been ordered to the rear. I can’t write much now so I will close by saying goodbye and telling you what a vedette is. Write soon as you get this letter. From your son, — Geo. A. Spencer
Co. I, 7th R. I. Vols. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th A. C.
A vedette is a man and is placed about one hundred yards in front of the pickets and has orders to fire and run in if he sees the Rebs advancing. The picket line is calculated to hold a line of battle in check until they have support as they have all the advantage of ground and can’t help missing a man.
George’s sketch of the Union line between Fort Welch and Fort Fisher and the location of the 7th Rhode Island’s camp. He also shows the proximity & placement of the pickets and the vedettes in front of the lines.The “house between the lines” marked on George’s map belonged to J. C. Boswell.(26 October 1864)
1 George’s letter is referring to the impending attempt by the Union forces to sever the Boydton Plank Road and the South Side Railroad south of Petersburg.
Letter 12
7th Rhode Island Volunteers In Bomb Proof before Petersburg November 30, 1864
Dear Parents,
Your letter of the 23rd came to hand yesterday morning and I am very glad to hear from you and learn that you are well. I am well also. We had marching orders yesterday morning. We are ordered to relieve the 2nd Corps which we did last night. The right of our Corps reaches the Appomattox & the left joins the 5th Corps. We are almost 100 yards from the main line of the rebels. Our pickets and the Rebs’ pickets are not 10 rods apart. They throw things from one to another.
I don’t know of anymore to write at present but will write more when we get settled. Everybody is all right. Write soon.
From your son, — George A. Spencer
Co. I, 7th R. I. Vols., 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 9th A. C., Washington D. C.
Letter 13
7th Regt. R. I. Vol. Fort Sedgwick on the Jerusalem Plank Road Near Petersburg, Va. December 10th 1864
Dear Parent,
As I have a few moments I thought I would write you a few lines and let you know I am well. We have had orders to be ready to move at a minute’s notice for the last two days and are all packed up now. I think we shall move tonight though we may not.
It commenced to snow and hail and rain last night and has been storming ever since. There is a movement afoot “somewhere.” We could have stayed in this fort it it was not for Col. [Percy] Daniels. He begged the General to let him go. He has been brevetted Colonel. We think he has got the Brevet on the Brain.
The Rebs shelled us yesterday with their mortars but did not do any damage, We are going to have cod fish and potatoes for dinner. I don’t know of anymore to write at present so goodbye. Write soon as you get this letter. From your son, — George A. Spencer
Co. I, 7th R. I. V., Washington D. C.
George’s Pencil Sketch of Fort Sedgwick (a. k. a. “Fort Hell”) on the Jerusalem Plank Road as it appeared when the 7th Rhode Island Vols. occupied it in December 1864.For pictures of the fort and other sketches, see The Petersburg Project.
This photograph of the interior of Fort Sedgwick is in the Library of Congress
Letter 14
Camp of 7th Rhode Island Vols. Fort Sedgwick before Petersburg, Va. February 21, 1865
Dear Parents,
I thought I would write you a few lines & let you know how I am getting along. I am well as usual.
We had quite an artillery duel here last night and yesterday afternoon. There was about 20 of us on top of one of our bomb-proofs and the Rebs sighted one of their guns at us and let it go. It was a solid shot and it went about 20 feet over our head. If he had been any kind of a shot at all, they could have swept the whole of us. We did not give them the chance again.
We had good news here this morning—the capture of Columbia [S. C.] and evacuation of Charleston. There was a salute of a hundred guns fired all along the lines this morning. I guess the Rebs are mad about it. They fire a shell at everything they see. If they see ten men together, they let a shell slip.
Fort Sedgwick before Petersburg, Va. February 22, 1865
Your letter of the 18th come to hand this morning with the 2 cents. I am going to keep it until I come home.
Our line is 24 miles long, if not more. I am going to take a walk by and by. I was to the Appomattox [river] just to look round. I went down to the place where the fort was blown up yesterday. They have got a fort there they call the Petersburg Express down there. There is four 32-pound guns in it and they fire in the city every afternoon. If you want to know how a 32-pound shell sounds going through the air, just take a stick and put it on one of them wheels in the mill (I mean on the spokes) when it is in motion and you will know. And when it bursts, it sounds like the report of one of those field pieces in the Bristol Armory. I can’t tell you how the pieces sound but they make you duck your head I know.
They can throw all the 32-pound shells they have a mind to if they will only keep their mortar shells to home. We don’t like this throwing shells upstairs and letting them fall down.
I don’t know of anything more to write so I will have to close. Give my love to all the folks and write soon. From your son, — Geo. A. Spencer
Write soon.
George’s birds-eye pencil sketch of what he was told was the “Petersburg Express” fort behind the lines in the proximity of where the Battle of the Crater was fought. The fort contained four 32-pounders according to George. The only reference I can find to the “Petersburg Express,” however, is to the large rail-car mounted mortar that was planted in the rear of the Union lines not far from the “Battle of the Mine” site. This drawing dates to February 1865.Under the drawing, George has written, “It is placed way in the rear and fires over our main line.”
Letter 15
7th Rhode Island Volunteers Fort Sedgwick, Va. March 9, 1865
Dear Parents,
Your letter of the 4th came to hand this morning finding me in good health and spirits. I am very glad to hear from you and to learn that you are well. I am well also.
It has been raining here for the past two days and the mud is about two feet deep. We has been paid off. The Rebs seem hungry when they come in and hard tack is the first thing they ask for. They all say the Confederacy is about played out and I guess it is. I engraved a mortar [shell] for the Colonel today and am going to engrave one for Brevet Major Gen. Potter tomorrow. Col. Daniels is going to give it to him. I have got one for myself and am going to send it home if I get a chance. If we have to move, I am going to put in the book box. Phelps has got a sword and belt. His brother give it to him.
We got the news here of the capture of Early’s army and of the narrow escape of Early himself.
What do you think of his kind of paper? It came from Worcester. You see my name on the corner of the paper and on the envelope. Tell Emma to send me her sister’s picture. I don’t know of any more to write at present so goodbye. Give my love to all the folks. From your son, — George A. Spencer
Co. I, 7th R. I. Vols.
Letter 16
7th Rhode Island Volunteers Fort Sedgwick, Virginia March 12, 1865
Dear Parent,
Your letter of the 5 and 6 came to hand this morning finding me in good health. We have just had an inspection of knapsacks and arms by Gen. Curtin. The Harper’s weekly did not come with the letter.
It is pleasant and warm here today, The mud is all dried up. Is Phelps in Bristol yet? Peleg Jones has got a mortar [shell]. I am going to engrave it for him. I engraved one for Maj. Gen. Potter day before yesterday. Col. Daniels give it to him.
Is that kitten you have got the same one we had when I was at home? They say that our time is out the 16th of August—the date of Col. Bliss’s commission. I don’t know of any more to write at present so I will have to close. Write soon as you get this letter. Give my love to all the folks.
From your son, — Geo. A. Spencer
Letter 17
Fort Sedgwick, Virginia March 28, 1865
Dear Parents,
Your letter of the 26th came to hand this morning finding me in good health and spirits. The Rebs are shelling us now with their mortars. They have knocked the door off of one of the officer’s bomb proof, but did not hurt anyone.
I sent some money home yesterday. Write when you get it. I want one of Josie Newall’s pictures. Have it taken on a card and take the money to pay for it out of the money I sent. I don’t know any more to write so I will close. I will send a picture home in my next letter of a pretty girl. You can put it in your album. Write soon as you get this.
From your son, — Geo. A. Spencer
Letter 18
Camp 7th R. I. Volunteers Alexandria, Virginia May 20, 1865
Dear Parents,
I have just received your letter of the 18th. I am very glad to hear from you and learn that you are well. I am well also. It has been raining here for about 3 days. We are going on the [Grand] Review next Tuesday. Sherman’s Army has been passing here all day. They are going nearer Washington.
The cdv of Abraham Lincoln that George enclosed in the letter. There is no backmark on the card—only handwritten “Abraham Lincoln”
I will send you a picture of Lincoln in this letter. It is a first rate picture of him. It looks exactly [like] him. Send that picture along. I want to see it.
You had ought to see us go on drill once. You would think we was a lot of green Irishman who never see a musket. Lt. [James F.] Merrill who drills us is a regular piss pot. He talks like an old maid and we laugh at him and that makes him mad. I laughed in his face the other day. He threatened to put me and all the rest of us in the guard [house]. We told him he did not dare to, and he don’t neither. We ain’t none at all afraid of him. The colonel hates him like poison and so do all the rest of the officers. He is what we call a dead beat—that is, he stayed away until all the fighting was over and now he is trying to put on airs over us, but he can’t come it.
Lt. James F. Merrill “is a regular pisspot…He is what we call a dead beat—that is, he stayed away until all the fighting was over and now he is trying to put on airs over us, but he can’t come it.“
Phelps is round here yet. He goes round like one of the Mokes & Dinks as Jim Stoughton would call him. He don’t come in our company much because we don’t respect his rank. When he come along, no matter who is with him, the boys sing out, Hollo Phelps, going to hoe onions when you get home? Sherman got some money tonight. Well, I don’t know of anymore to write now so I will close by saying good bye and giving my love to all enquiring friends.
From your son, — Geo. A. Spencer, Co. I, 7th R. I. Vol.
P. S. Write soon. Write soon. Write Soon, &c. &c. &c.
Alexandria, Va. May 21, ’65
It is raining still. The report here is that we will go home right after the review. I should not wonder if we did. I don’t know of any more to write so I will close. From your son, — Geo. A. Spencer
Letter 19
Camp 7th R. I. Vol. Alexandria, Va. May 21, 1865
Dear Parents,
I thought I would write you a few lines. The first step has been taken towards our getting home. They have commenced to make out the papers. We have got to pay for the first suit of clothes we had how when we enlisted. They said they give us the first suit but now we have got to pay for it. It will be $27.00.
Tomorrow morning at 8 o’clock we start for Washington so as to be ready for the severance. We are going to leave our things here so it will be an easy march. It has been thundering this afternoon and raining.
Have I got any pants to home that will fit me? I suppose I shall have to buy a suit way through. I think I shall anyway. Does my watch run good now? Has Billy Manchester got one? I don’t know of any more to write so I will have to close. Write soon.
From your son, Geo. Adelbert Spencer
P. S. This letter will not go until after the review. write soon. — J. A. S.
[sketch of 15th Army Corps Badge and also of a 10 lb. Armstrong Gun mounted in siege carriage]
George’s pencil sketch of the 15th Army Corps badge featuring US Cartridge Box in a diamond shape. Also a sketch of a 10-lb. Armstrong Gun mounted on a siege carriage. The Armstrong Guns were manufactured in England and were used by the Confederate Forces. Several were captured at Fort Fisher and George may have seen this one returned to Washington D. C. There is one on display at the West Point Military Academy. Drawn in May 1865
These letters were written by Alonzo G. Booth (1831-1910), the son of Elam Booth (1801-1882) and Sybil Ingalls (1807-1872) of Concord, Erie County, New York.
An unidentified soldier thought perhaps to be a member of the 97th New York Infantry. He wears the state jacket and carries an Enfield Rifle (Dana Shoaf Collection)
Alonzo enlisted in August 1863 as a private in Co. K, 97th New York Infantry—sometimes called the 3rd Oneida Regiment or the “Conkling Rifles.” Alonzo joined the regiment at Brandy Station after the Gettysburg Campaign. While there, a sufficient number reenlisted to secure the continuance of the 97th in the field as a veteran regiment. In June, 1864, it was joined by the veterans and recruits of the 83d N. Y. infantry and in August, by the 94th, the 26th N. Y. having already been added to it in May, 1863. During Grant’s famous campaign the 97th served in the 3d and 2nd divisions, 5th corps. Its heaviest losses during this campaign and subsequent operations were in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania and near the Weldon railroad, but it shared in other engagements Of the brigade at the North Anna river, Totopotomy, Cold Harbor, White Oak Swamp, before Petersburg, in the Hicksford raid and the Appomattox campaign.
Alonzo was unable to fulfill his term of enlistment, however. He mustered out in late January 1865 suffering from rheumatism and “liver complications.”
Letter 1
Bealton Station November 17, 1863
Dear Friend [Reuben C. Drake],
I received your letter and was glad to hear from you. It was the second letter that I had received since I left home. My health is good and has been good most of the time since I left Concord. The only trouble is diarrhea that is not bad. The healthy, tough men that came out when I did have been sick. Some of them have gone to the hospital. The sickly ones that started when I did are the healthiest now.
I sent $85 dollars this morning to you by the chaplain. Let someone have it that is good. If you can not get seven percent interest, take what you can get. My father owes me some money. I wish you to get his note. Have Warren sign it too. If I should never return to Concord, give what little I have to my woman.
I have crossed the Rappahannock four times. I have been in no fight yet. Some of the regiment had a little brush one day but it did not amount to much, The biggest fighting we have it to kill body lice. That is no small affair.
You do not know how well it makes the soldiers feel about the election. It done more good than a dozen battles. It gave them courage to see the folks at home do something. It would not be safe for a man to come here and say that he was a Copperhead. He never could get away alive.
You wanted I should write war news. That I do not get—only what our Corps does. We do plenty of marching and have big loads to carry. We carry eight days of rations all of the time, besides our clothes and tent, all on our backs too. If you could see me with my traps on, you would think Jerry Babcock was coming with a dozen plucks.
It has been dry and warm this fall. I am in the 1st Army Corps, second brigade, second division, 97th Regt. Co. K. Write all of the news to me, I have received no letters from our folks yet. I received one from [ ] yesterday. If I could see you, I could talk about a good many things. No more this time. — A. Booth
Direct as before. You will have to go to Buffalo to get my money.
Letter 2
December 15th 1863
Well I thought I would just drop in and take a glass of cider and have a little visit today. How do you get along and what is new with you? My health is pretty good for me.
We are near Kelly’s Ford on the south side of the Rappahannock river. I went over the Rapidan river to see the Rebs about three weeks ago. We expected to give them battle when we ent over the river but they were too well fortified for us. We stood and looked at each other for two days and then we left. 1 There was some shelling done by both parties. One piece of shell went into the ground within ten feet of me.
It has been quite cold down here for this country. It is warmer now. I wish you could see our winter huts. They look like an Irish pig pen. If you could see the horse shoes and pieces of chains and beef hides that are lying around here on the ground, you would think it would pay to save them. I can pick up a half bushel of horse shoes any day.
I have not heard from you since I sent you the money yet. I want you to send me a pair of boots, two pairs of socks, a pair of suspenders, two boxes of Wright’s Pills, and a peck of fried cakes in a box. Lyman Drake’s foot is right to measure for the boots. [Make them] stogy boots. I want large heels, two soles, and a tap, well-nailed heel and tap. [Also] two pounds of tobacco. Put all in a box and direct the same as you would a letter. You will have to send it by Express. I wish you would do this for me. Take your pay out of my money. Send me a good pair of gloves too, and a dutch pipe made of wood and a dozen postage stamps. Do this for me if possible and charge well for your trouble. Money is of no account to a soldier. If you could see us when it storms, you would think we needed a few extra notions. Send as soon as you can.
Addressed to Mr. R. C. Drake, Boston [Corners], Erie County, New York
Culpeper [Virginia] March 11, 1864
Dear Friend,
I thought I would write a few lines and let you know how we get along. We are at Culpeper yet. We are having easy times now days. The old veterans have gone home on furlough. It is raining here today. It rained all day yesterday. It is the longest storm ew have had this winter. Grass looks quite green down here. We shall not move away from here as long as the mud is as deep as it is now. It is raining very hard with some thunder.
I have sent a Memorial of our regiment to you today. You must get it framed and give it to Lydia Both and charge what it costs to me. Get a good frame and good clear glass. Have it done good, cost what it will. We expect to be paid again the fifteenth of this month. I shall send you the money.
I have not heard from you in a long time but am looking every day for a letter. I shall not send this until I hear from you. I am so lame with rheumatis that I can hardly get about. My health other ways is good. This is the first letter that I have written with ink. Don’t believe you can read it.
We have had orders to burn Culpeper if we have to fall back towards Washington. It is believed by some that the Rebs will try and flank us and we shall have to fall back. Deserters are coming over to us almost every day. I will write no more until I hear from you.
March 15, 1864 Just been to breakfast and will finish this letter. Had fried onions, bread and coffee for breakfast. I have not heard from you yet. The women and children are ordered to be out of the village and camps today. I think our folks are afraid the Rebs are going to be here before a great while. Our folks have got four lines of pickets, three of infantry and one of cavalry.
Grant and Meade were out here last Saturday looking around. We are expecting to get our pay every day. The pay master is in town. They have stopped newspapers coming in here now. Something is up. We can’t tell what.
I have begun to think you have not got some of my letters or I have not received yours. As soon as I get my pay, I shall send it to you. Send me some tobacco if you can. There is tobacco sent here from York State for our boys by mail for eight cents per pound.
My health is good. I am going out to drill this forenoon one hour. No more this time. Write often. — A. Booth
Letter 4
Culpeper March 28th 1864
Dear Friend,
Having plenty of leisure time, I thought I would write a little and let you know how we get along. My situation is somewhat different from what it was when I wrote the last letter. I am in the hospital as Culpeper. I went in to the regimental hospital first a few days and then to the division hospital where I am now. My health is not very good. Rheumatism and a little of everything else with it. The doctor put a fly blister on my back five by seven that feels good. Took two big blue pills today. That feel better yet. The blister was put in last week. I went o the hospital the 18th of March. We get plenty to eat and good care as can be expected in a field hospital.
There is not much going on down here at present. Grant is fixing things in shape for a move as soon as the mud time is over. It is very muddy here and looks like rain again. You must not write to me yet. I do not know where I shall be. I will write again in two or three weeks. — A. Booth
I have got my money that I expected to send you. I shall keep it. I may want it. I got your last letter. The stamps were all right.
Letter 5
Davids Island [DeCamp General Hospital] New York Harbor April 30th 1864
Well, I thought I would write and let you know where I am. I came here yesterday from Washington by the way of Baltimore, Philadelphia, Jersey City, took a boat from there to this place—a very good place, I think. There is sixteen hundred sick and wounded here. My health is not very good. You must write me a good long letter. I have not had a letter from you in a long time. I have moved about so much that I have lost some of the letters sent to me I think. We are going to be mustered in for two months pay today. I shall send you thirty or forty dollars before a great while.
How long I shall stay here I do not know. We move at a minute’s notice. I think they will keep me here awhile—perhaps until I get well enough to go back to my regiment. Write to me as soon as you can conveniently. write all the news you can think of.
— Alonzo Booth
Direct your letter to Alonzo Booth, Davids Island, New York Harbor, Pavilion 8.
Letter 6
Davids Island New York Harbor May 2nd, 1864
Dear Friend,
With pleasure I take up my pen to scratch a few lines to let you know that I am still in the land of the loving and able to eat my rations and like to be for awhile, I think. I received a letter from you today. I did not receive any letters while in Washington. I should like to sheer your sheep but I do not think I shall be able to get there in tome to do it this year anyhow. If I do not, then I shall think myself well off. I have been white washing one month.
Davids Island is a very pretty place, I think. Some of the boys think not. Some of them will find fault, let them be where they will. There is about two thousand sick and wounded soldiers here now and room for as many more. There is twenty-five surgeons here. This is a great place for fishing and all the clams one wants to eat, plenty of eels—the first ones that I ever see. It is about twenty miles to New York City. There is a village across the river they call New Rochelle. It is about 150 rods across the river.
It has been raining here this forenoon. It has been wet and cold the most of the time since I came here. Grass looks well here. That is all that there is growing here, but posies and shade trees. There is about fifty acres of land, I should think here—good land too. It is pretty well covered over wth buildings and tents. There is lots of Irish girls here to wash and iron. The washing is done by steam. The clothes are washed the same way that hides are pounded in a tannery. They keep a guard around the girls to keep the soldiers away from them. Enough of this.
How long I shall be here, I can’t tell. I am what they call a detailed man now. I may stay here a year and may be sent away in less than a week. When there is work to be done, they make a detail and the men are kept until they get so they won’t work and then they are sent to the front.
Write again. A. Booth, Davids Island, N. Y. Harbor, Barracks No. 1
Letter 7
Addressed to R. C. Drake, Boston, Erie county, New York
Davids Island New York Harbor Fatigue Camp Monday, June 13th 1864
All right as yet. I received your letter today and was glad to hear from you. We have not got through whitewashing yet. We shall get over the outside this week. The boss say we have got to whitewash the inside and then the outside again but I think he is fooling. I think we shall be sent to our regiments next week but it is all guess work. Some of our gang have been sent to their regiments today.
There is not much to write about. Davids Island is about the same old thing. Some days five hundred sick and wounded soldiers come here. Some of them are pretty well used up. Some look as if they had been run through a thrashing machine. When the boat comes with sick and wounded, we have to go and help bring them up to the pavilions. It is not very hard work to carry some of them for there is not much to carry but a few bones.
I see by today’s paper that there is going to be another draft of three hundred thousand men and the men will have to go. If that proves true, I think it will take some of the Concord boys. I think it will take some of the Copperheads. The army is the place to put such men. It will cure them. I have never seen it fail yet. There were a number of them in our regiment last fall but they soon got over it. It looks hard to see men took to a slaughter yard, but it can’t be helped. You may think I am joking when I say slaughter yard, but it is the nearest comparison that I know of. I wish you could see the preparations when the army expects to go into battle. Then is the time it brings a man to his senses. After the performance is well commenced, the fear is gone. I guess that I have written foolishness enough for once.
I think if I go to Virginia soon, it will be the last of me. The heat will be more than I can whip, say nothing about the fighting. Do not write until you hear from me again. I did not draw my pay the last pay day. I was a little careless about it. It was raining when the pay master was paying the detailed men and I would not go down to the office. I was not afraid to trust Uncle Sam with two months wages. The last day of this month is muster day for two months more pay. Market cheese 25 cents a lb., butter 50 cents a lb.
If they keep me here much longer, I am going to try the surgeon-in-chief for a furlough. I think I shall get a pass for the front then sure.
Letter 8
Davids Island New York Harbor Sunday, June 26th 1864
Well, I thought I would scratch another letter. I have just been to supper. We had bread and meat and all the tea we are a mind to drink. The steamboat State of Maine came here today with about three hundred wounded soldiers for us to carry to the pavilions. They were from Petersburg, Virginia.
You say it was very warm and dry weather in Concord. It is the same here. It has not been very hot here until the last four or five days. It is a little cooler tonight. It rained a little this afternoon and looks so we should have more before morning.
We commenced whitewashing inside of the buildings last week. How long we shall work at it, I do ot know. I am expecting to go to Virginia every day but that is all I know about it. I went and see the doctor about giving me a furlough last Friday night and he said if I would come up to his quarters the next night, he would give me one and I went, but he said then that he could not spare me and I expect to have to stay here and whitewash or go to Virginia.
I see by the papers that the law is changed about the draft. It is for one year now but it will do me no good. My time would soon be out if it had been so when I was drafted. I think it will be a good thing to draft about five hundred thousand men and make them go instead of paying. There is nothing better to bring people to their senses than to be a soldier.
I have got more clothes than I want and think I will send them home this week. If you have a chance to send to Buffalo to the Express Office, you will find them. Leave them to E. Booth’s. There is some dirt on them. I have got me a new shirt and the old ones are worth saving.
My health is very good for me, soldiering on. Davids Island is nothing but just good exercise for one’s health. write as soon as you can conveniently. I like to hear how the Concord folks get along.
Letter 9
Camp near Petersburg, Virginia Saturday, August 13th 1864
Not having much to do this morning, I thought I would write a little for it is uncertain where I may be if I wait. We are on the extreme left of Petersburg. Our Brigade is doing picket duty. We are in a very good place—plenty of cool water. I have been here one week. I have been on picket 48 hours. It is very quiet where we are but to the right of us they are not so peaceable—picket firing with now and then a shell can be heard all the time. This morning they are fighting on the extreme right pretty sharp one would think by the noise [see Second Battle of Deep Bottom]. If we do not get disturbed, I don’t care how much they quarrel. John Underhill was over and made me a visit yesterday. They are doing picket duty near us. John looks healthy but not very fat and his horse is not much different. They look as if they had seen hard times. My health is very good now. We are having easy times just now. How long it will last is more than we can tell. Two days out of three we have nothing to do but our cooking and washing. Every third day we have to stand picket two hours on and four off.
This is a very nice-looking country around here if it had not been spoiled by the army. The timber is oak and pine. There is plenty of huckleberries here now and green apples, squashes, and green corn. It is very warm and dry but we are in the edge of the woods. The army have dug wells all about here. There is no water here only by digging for it. About twenty feet is the depth they have to dig.
We are about ten miles from City Point. The soldiers so far as I have seen are very healthy for this time of the year and are in good spirits. Our regiment has lost a great many men since I left them last spring—not so many killed, but a good many wounded. Only five have been killed in my company and about twenty wounded. The 9th New York Regiment has been put into this regiment and some new men have been sent to this regiment. There is 101 men and officers in our company now, but there is only thirty that is fit for duty. The rest are in the hospitals sick and wounded. Our Colonel is commanding our Brigade now.
How is politics and the draft in Concord? Will there be any riots next month? The soldiers are talking politics a good deal as a general thing. They want this war stopped if it can be [done] honorably. How is the hay and grain crop, apples, potatoes, and such like? Write me a good long letter. Write all the news.
Direct to A. Booth, 97th Regt. N. Y. V., Co. K, Washington D. C.
Letter 10
Camp near the Yellow House on the Weldon Railroad September 13th 1864
All right. I received your letter and newspaper this morning and was glad to hear from you. We are having very quiet times now. How long i t will last, we cannot tell. We expect a fight every day. I often see John and the rest of the company—also Mort Parker and Jess Tattoo. The 100th New York is near us but I have not been to see them yet. You wanted to know why I had not been paid. My papers from the hospital did not get to the regiment soon enough. You wanted to know about political affairs here. The soldiers do not like the Chicago Convention’s proceedings very well. The soldiers want peace but not a dishonorable peace.
The cars run up here from City Point. Also a corduroy road and a telegraph wire. We are all right and ready for anything now that comes along. It does not take long to fix things where there is so many to help. There has been a good many acres of timber cut down since we came here. We are digging wells now. It was a very cold night and I had to take down my tent to keep warm and it will be the same tonight. All the bedding I have is two pieces of tent. The shirt on my back is all the ones I have and it is enough. If we should have a battle here, I could pick up all I should want if I came out alive and sound.
If you can send me a paper every week until after election, I wish you would and I will willingly pay you for it. The daily papers cost 10 cents apiece and we cannot get them every day at that. Potatoes are 20 cents a pound and everything else in proportion.
I have not received any letters from Lydia yet. Send me a sheet of paper, envelope and tamp as the last thing, if I should get killed, some of the company will know where to direct or answer the letter. I have no place to carry anything in nor I shall not have yet awhile. One would not think there was any danger here to look around. The men are playing cards or talking politics. I sent Lydia some papers that the chaplain gave me yesterday. I got a letter from Rnne [?] the 11th. I think I will quit and kill a few lice.
This letter was written by Leroy Leander Barnard (1841-1944) of Hartford, Washington County, New York, who enlisted as a private in Co. I, 93rd New York Infantry and served with that regiment until 18 December 1863 when he was transferred to the US Signal Corps. A year after his transfer, he was mustered out of the service.
Leroy was the son of Philander Barnard (1819-1849) and Fanny Chastina Streeter (1813-1890) of Granville, Washington county, New York. He lived to be 102 years old.
Transcription
Headquarters 2nd Division, Cavalry Corps “Camp of Wells”, Va. September 5, 1864
Dear Aunt,
Your letter of the 25th reached me the 30th. I was glad to hear from you so soon.
I had heard of the death of Sergt. [Jerome] Sears from his regiment. It made me feel very sad to hear he was dead but I. thought it is better for him to be called than some other who is unprepared to go. Sears was a good man and a true Christian. He is greatly missed in the 93rd [New York Infantry]. A better and truer soldier cannot be found. But he is free now from all sin and sorrow, from war and strife. He is with his God, but he has left a memory here that will be lasting.
I have just received a letter from Mother. She was well when she wrote but was feeling quite anxious about the boys who are expected to be drafted. I do not suppose there is much work going on today up North.
Since I wrote to you last, we have had pretty stirring times. I have been in two pretty sharp fights but have come out of both free from scratches. Last night our pickets were attacked and one or two regiments were ordered out to support them but there was nothing serious came out of the attack. Gen. Grant and Gen. Lee have been having some pretty deep work for a few weeks past and I think Grant came out ahead. If he only had enough men, he would make the rebels leave Petersburg in less than a month.
I do not feel discouraged in the least about the war. If McClellan is only defeated at election and Lincoln elected, there is not the least doubt as to the result of the war. We want no armistice. If we can only have the men Lincoln has called for this fall, I have not the least doubt that the war will end inside of a year.
Of course this in my opinion. No one is obliged to think as I do though a great many in the army do think so.
I have nothing special to write. I hope to hear from you soon. You do not know how much good a letter does one of the soldiers. Write often. <y love to Milton [Webster] and his wife [Theda Streeter]. Was Sears’ body taken home?
Your Affectionate Nephew, — Leroy L. Barnard, Sig. Corps, USA
These letters were written by Jerome Sears (1833-1864), the son of Hiram Sears (1802-Bef1860) and Sarah Adams (1808-18083) of Lake, Washington county, New York.
Jerome enlisted in Co. I, 93rd New York Infantry, on 25 December 1861. He enlisted as a private and rose in the ranks to Orderly Sergeant of his company before he was wounded in the fighting at Deep Bottom, Virginia, on 15 August 1864. He died on 24 August 1864 at the Satterlee General Hospital in Philadelphia.
Jerome’s younger brother, George W. Sears (1837-1910), is mentioned from time to time in these letters. George served as a private in Co. A, 123rd New York Infantry.
Jerome wrote all of the letters to his good friend and Methodist clergyman John Milton Webster (1828-1914), the son of Orrin Hollister Webster (1800-1862) and Theda Streeter (1802-1872). Webster was married to Chloe Mary Barney (1832-1922) in 1853.
Drum Corps of the 93rd New York Infantry at Bealeton, Virginia, August 1863
~1~
Albany Barracks January 25, 1862
Dear Brother Webster,
We are here in Albany yet. It will be at least one week before we leave the barracks. It may be longer. Capt. [William] Randles’ & Capt. [Nathan J.] Johnson’s Companies have been consolidated. There is considerable dissatisfaction in our company. Capt Johnson is our captain, Randles’ is First Lieutenant, Crawford is 2nd [Lieutenant], and [Robert S.] Robertson from North Argyle is Orderly. The non-commissioned officers were appointed yesterday. Some of us have lost the positions we expected to have. I and Robertson from the Lake was appointed corporals, We expected to be sergeants. Our officers will be examined this afternoon. If any are not qualified for the positions, they will be put in the ranks, If any are thrown out, I will have their place.
I am Corporal of the Guard today. There is so much noise in our quarters this morning, it is hard to write. Some are scrubbing the floor, some are playing cards, some are reading the morning papers, a few of the more thoughtful are reading the Bible and other good books. We had preaching here Thursday night by a Methodist preacher from the city. He gave us a chance to talk about Jesus after the sermon. The Lord blessed my soul. He gave me liberty and power. The Lord is with his children here.
My health is good. I think that I can stand a camp life. I hope that you will pray for me. My surroundings are different here. It is hard to find a place to pray in secret. I enjoy my mind very well. I feel the presence of God with me. If you write to me before we leave Albany, address to Jerome Sears, 93rd [New York] Regt., Care of Capt. Johnson.
— Jerome Sears
~2~
Camp Crocker Washington D. C. March 18th 1862
Dear Brother in Christ,
We left Camp Bliss the 6th of this month. We were all taken by surprise. We did not expect to leave New York so soon. We took the steamer to South Amboy in New Jersey, a distance of 40 miles. It was dark when we got there. Then we took the cars to the Delaware River. We crossed the river on a steamer. The river is about one mile wide. The City of Philadelphia is on this side of the river. We got to Philadelphia about 12 o’clock at night. A grand supper had been prepared for us by the ladies of that city. After supper that gave all our soldiers a little work called the Soldier’s Prayer Book. After supper we took the cars again. We had to go very slow & keep out of the way of all the trains.
We got to the Susquehanna River at noon. They ran the cars on a large ferry boat and took us across the river to Havre de Grace. We got to Baltimore about 6 P.M. We stayed until midnight. The people of Baltimore did not cheer us any as we passed through the city. They did not like the looks of our Enfield rifles. We got some bacon and bread for supper & was glad to get that for we had been more than twenty-four hours without eating.
We arrived at Washington at daylight. It took us forty hours to go from New York to Washington. We are encamped two miles east of the city. It is a very pleasant place where we are quartered. It is on a hill. We can see camps in every direction. We have one hundred and sixty tents. When we were pitching them, it made me think of camp meeting but instead of prayers & peace, there is cussing and swearing. A large army has left here during the past week. They have gone over the Long Bridge to the other side of the Potomac. Some of them have come back to Washington since Manassas was evacuated.
There was a great stir in our camp on Monday night. Our officers thought they would try the soldiers to see how they would act in case they were ordered to fight. About two o’clock in the morning when all were asleep. except those who were on guard, the drummers began to beat the long roll. The officers ran from tent to tent to try giving the command to march in ten minutes. They began firing pistols through the camp. The sentinels—fifty in number—fired their guns, commencing with number one, so it went all around the camp. The drumming and firing & the officers crying hurry up or we shall be taken prisoners. It caused such an excitement as can better be imagined than described. The most of us got on our equipage in a very short time but some was so excited that they did not know what to do. One or two tried to run the guard. Some began to pray to the Lord to have mercy on them.
The regimental line was formed in a very short time. The Colonel gave the command to march. We went a few rods & the command was given to break ranks & go to our tents.
It is quite warm here. The grass begins to start. The mud is dried up. It is a good time to drill.
My health never was better than it is now. I like the soldier’s life better than ever. The opinion of the people here is that the war will be short. Bro. [Christopher H.] Edgerton is with us but his health is not very good. We need the services of a chaplain very much.
I received your letter the 1st of March. Bro. Webster, you have had a hard [time] on that circuit for the two past years, but I believe that God will bless you in the discharge of your duties. I think it will come out all right. I am anxious to know where you will be sent next.
We have not been paid yet. I think that we will be in a few days. When we do, I will send you some money. I received a letter from Bro. Barber today. He said that Stover told Bro. Newbury to sell the tent & all the accoutrements for what the cloth cost. I suppose he wants it to pay the expenses of warming the church.
From your friend & brother in the Lord, — Jerome
~3~
Headquarters 93rd Regt. NYSV Camp Bolton, Warwick Court House April 20, 1862
Dear Brother Webster,
I wrote to you the 3rd of April. I received yours of the 7th. I suppose you had not received my letter when you wrote as you did not speak of it. I was glad to hear from you. I was surprised to hear of the death you spoke of. Brother Edgerton returned on Friday. He told me that he saw you and that the prospect was that you would be sent to Easton. I hope and pray that God will be with you & bless your labors in the salvation of many. I have been almost discouraged for some time past. I see but little desire manifested to do right on the part of the soldiers. I never saw so much wickedness as I have since I have been in the army. There are a few, thank God, that are trying to get to Heaven. Our chaplain does not labor much with us. He has not preached but five or six times to the regiment and held but one prayer meeting since he came among us. Soldiers are dying every few days without Christ and without hope.
Brother Kerr is quite sick at the hospital at Newport News. I miss his very much. He is some of the salt of the earth. There is young man in our company from Hapton by the name of New [and] another by the name of Barber. We left Newport News on the 16th and marched to this camp—a distance of 18 miles. We are quartered near Young’s Mills. This place was left by the rebels a few days ago. The fortifications at this place are very strong. They had good wooden barracks. They will accommodate 12,000. They evacuated the whole concern a few days since and went to Yorktown where they intend to give us battle. There is but one house in this section—a family professing Union sentiments live in it. We keep a guard around the house all the time.
This is a beautiful country—or it was before the war. The rebels burnt their house and barns when they left and then our army has made a clean sweep of everything that is left. There is not a fence left where our army has passed. We are burning good pine rails in our camp today. The ground is all cut up with army wagons. War has made everything look desolate.
I think that we will [see] actual service soon the First & Second Brigades of our Division have gone on towards Yorktown. We will advance in a few days. Our Division is to be placed on the left of McClellan’s great army. Our Brigade is the last in the Division & our regiment is the last in the Brigade. So you see the 93rd comes on the extreme left of the army & this brings us on the right of the enemy. We are within one mile of the rebel pickets. Our pickets and the rebels had a sharp skirmish last night. I heard the firing about one o’clock this morning. The rebel pickets were driven back. Our pickets have not come in yet. I don’t know how many were killed. Some of our pickets are shot almost every night. I consider this picket duty very dangerous and more to be dreaded that the battlefield. I have been on picket several times. I expect to go tomorrow.
I saw the great sea monster called the Merrimack near Newport News. I saw one of the ships that she sunk called the Cumberland. I saw the Monitor. She was lying behind a vessel watching the Merrimack. The Merrimack took three of our vessels the other day near Fortress Monroe.
Col. John S. Crocker, Lt. Col. Benjamin C. Butler, and adjutant of the 93rd New York Vols. (LOC)
My health is good now. I have been unwell for some time past but have been on duty with the exception of one day. We have had rather hard times since we left Washington. We don’t have any tents now—I mean the non-commissioned officers & privates. We have got rubber blankets. Two or three put their blankets together and make a shelter of them when it rains. Wr have hard sea crackers and bacon, sometimes coffee, and rice. Some days we have all we want of this kind of food. Some days we don’t have anything. I think the fault is with our quartermaster. His name is Crocker—a brother to our colonel. He has another brother [who is] sutler of our regiment. He charges an enormous price for everything. Of all men that follow the army, I consider the sutlers the meanest. I believe the whole sutler system to be an infamous outrage and ought not to be tolerated anywhere.
I am not tired of being a soldier. I like it as well as I expected. I hope the war will soon be brought to a close but not until it has accomplished that for which it was permitted by God. Direct yours to Fortress Monroe, Va. Write soon. Pray for us. — Jerome Sears
When you write, please direct to Co. I, Regt. NYSV., Casey’s Division. Washington D. C.
Please remember me to Sister Webster, Libbie & Willie. — J. S.
I is my opinion that Crocker and the Major are traitors. We hope to see them soon at Richmond.
~4~
Headquarters 93rd Regt. NYSV Thirty Miles from Yorktown somewhere in Virginia March [May] 11, 1862
Dear Brother Webster,
I just received yours of the 5th. I was glad to hear from you and that you have been so successful on your march from Argyle to Ft. Ann. I hope you will be able to hold the fort. I suppose you have heard of the battle that was fought at Williamsburg on the 5th last Sunday. Our regiment was detailed for picket duty. We went out on the picket lines in the morning. We did not see anything of the enemy. At noon we were called in. We were told that the Rebels had left Yorktown the night before. They left several men in their forts. These men kept throwing shells at us all night and the next forenoon. They did this to cover their retreat. These men were taken prisoners and several pieces of artillery.
At 5 o’clock P. M., we got marching orders. We marched nine miles that night. We lay all night out in the open air. It rained hard part of the night. We got very wet and cold. Early in the morning we heard that the rebels had made a stand near Williamsburg. Soon we heard the report of cannons in that direction. we were ordered to move forward as fast. as we could. We started in the rain. Our clothes were all wet through. They kept hurrying us up faster and faster. When we got within one mile of the battleground, another dispatch was sent to us to come on as fast as we possible could for the enemy were driving our men back. Then we took to the double quick. It seemed as if we would drop down before we got there. Some did fall out of the ranks.
When we got there, we threw off our knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, and overcoats, loaded our rifles, and marched forward. We were placed in line of battle along a piece of woods. The rebels were about forty rods in the woods. They were making a desperate effort to get through the woods. Their forts were on the other side of the woods.
As soon as we were drawn up in line of battle, they commenced throwing shells at us. We threw ourselves down flat on the ground. The shells kept bursting over us and on each side of us. We lay under a heavy fire from the enemy’s guns for two hours. Our troops kept coming on. They sent them down in the woods ahead of us and kept us as a reserve for some time.
About sundown we got orders to go down on the advance and face the enemy. We started and got most there when the order was countermanded because it was getting dark. We remained all night in the woods without any shelter or sleep, ready to make an attack in the morning. All the forts on the right had been taken Monday. The one on the extreme left was a very large one. In the morning we heard that they had left during the night. Our cavalry and artillery followed on and overtook them. They killed some and took some prisoners. The rebels left their dead and wounded on the battlefield. More than three hundred uninjured prisoners fell into our hands and more than one thousand wounded. Our soldiers were engaged for two days burying the dead on both sides.
Williamsburg is a very pretty place. It is about two miles long. Most of the inhabitants are left. We are now moving towards Richmond. We are forty miles from there. We expect to have some hard fighting before we get there, We will have to stop marching tomorrow night. We will come to the rebels by that time.
Brother [Christopher H.] Edgerton has gone home. I hope he will do some good there for he was no use to the soldiers here. He did not know anyone but officers. He did not visit the sick any to speak of. I was in the hospital one day. The poor sick soldiers told me that he did not speak to them on the subject of religion. They said that he passed through the hospital once. He got about one hundred dollars for every sermon he read.
I have no more room. From your friend & brother in the army, — Jerome Sears
~5~
Headquarters 93rd Regt. NYSV White House Landing, Va. June 20th 1862
Rev. J. M. Webster Dear Brother,
Your welcome letter came to hand yesterday. I was very glad to hear from you and to learn that that your health is improving. I have been talking with some of the soldiers about trying to get a chaplain. I know it is the wishes of the soldiers generally to have one. I don’t know what the Colonel and the rest of the officers think about it. I think that if the Colonel and officers of the regiment would use their influence, Gov. Morgan would appoint one. Lieutenant Warren got down here yesterday. He will use his influence to get you and so will Barber & all the Arygle boys. I wish you was down here with us.
Bro. Webster, we want to hear the Gospel preached. We have not had any preaching to speak of since we left home. We need a chaplain very much now. A great many are sick. The hospital tent is full all the time. These poor sick fellows want to hear about Jesus. Night before last, I was praying for one that sent for me to come to his tent. He was very sick of a fever. As I arose from my knees, I saw several standing in the door of the tent. One of them said that he had come after me to go to a tent where there were several sick. He said they wanted I should talk and pray with them. I was sent for a few days since to attend a funeral. I was on duty at the White House acting as Sergeant of the Guard at the time. I got excused from duty and went to the camp [and] done the best I could.
I am on duty the most of the [time and] I don’t get much time to read and meditate. I wish I was more engaged in the cause of Christ. I speak of this to let you know how much we need a chaplain. I see one or two difficulties in the way of our getting a chaplain. Our regiment has been detached from the brigade and division. The regiment has been divided—six companies are here as provost guards; the other four companies are at McClellan’s Headquarters near Richmond. They are on the same duty. I will do all I can for you to get the appointment.
Bro. [James] Kerr has got back to the regiment. He has been at Newport near all the time. He was sick five weeks. The rest of the time he worked in the hospital. His company is up on the advance. [Veranus W.] New dried at Yorktown on a steamer. I have been up the Pamunkey River on an expedition. We caught two that belonged to a guerrilla band. the next day twenty more were brought in. They burnt two schooners up the river four miles above us a few nights ago, killed one man on the schooner, then they shot into the cars as they were coming from the advance of our army to the White House. Killed four on the cars. We are not out of danger here at White House.
“White House on the Pamunkey River,” the residence of Gen. W. H. F. Lee and Headquarters of Gen. George B. McClellan during the Peninsular Campaign (LOC)
I suppose you hear all the war news. We had our guard tent full of rebel prisoners night before last. Some of them were good men, I think. they had a prayer meeting in the tent. Some of them got blessed. I believe there is good men in the rebel army.
My health never was better than it is now. Please remember me to Sister Webster and Willie. William Bain, Hawkins, and Barber send respects. Write soon.
— Jerome
~6~
Headquarters 93rd Regt. NYSV Camp Harrison, Charles City, Va. July 8th 1862
Dear Bro. Webster,
I just received yours of the 4th and will answer it at once. You see by the date of this that we have changed our position from the Pamunkey to the James River. We were obliged to evacuate White House and do it in a hurry. On the 28th ult. General McClellan sent a telegraph dispatch to our headquarters stating that the right wing of our army had been driven back early in the morning. He ordered us to get out of the way as soon as possible. We had much to do in a very short time. We commenced loading the boat with commissary stores but we did not get much of it on board. We got all the sick and wounded on he boats and some of the tents.
The rebels got possession of the railroad some time in the morning. They destroyed our telegraph and cut off all our communication with the headquarters of our army. We sent out a cavalry picket in the forenoon. Some of them came in at noon and said that the rebels were only six miles of our army [which] was retreating then slowly. About three P. M., the rest of our pickets came in [and] said that the right wing of our army was swinging round to the left. This you will see opened a hole for the enemy to come down the Pamunkey River to White House. At about 4 o’clock P. M., the rebels came in sight. All. the boats had started down the river except three gunboats and three steamers. We set fire to everything that was left—the White House not excepted. We ran a new engine off the bridge in the river, bursted two more, burnt all the cars & 1,000 large tents, several hundred barrels of pork, beef, &c. We shipped about 1,000 contrabands.
About 5 P. M., the remainder of the fleet started, the gunboats in the rear to cover our retreat. We arrived at Fortress Monroe Sunday night and reported to John A. Dix. He ordered us up the James River 125 miles to Harrison’s Point, the birthplace of ex-President Harrison. When we got her we found that the whole of McClellan’s army was here on this point (or what was left of it). I learned from the soldiers that our army had been fighting days and retreating nights. We are here on the point still. The Rebels are all. around except along the James River. If the rebels could get possession of the river, we would all be taken prisoners. I don’t think that they can get it and as the General told us on the 4th, the army is safe.
“I have come to the conclusion from what the soldiers have told me that this great and noble Army of the Potomac has got badly whipped. I am sorry it is so but nevertheless it is true…Our officers try to make us believe that the retreat was designed on the part of McClellan.”
—Jerome Sears, 93rd NY Infantry, 8 July 1862
I have come to the conclusion from what the soldiers have told me that this great and noble Army of the Potomac has got badly whipped. I am sorry it is so but nevertheless it is true. When the fight commenced, the left of our army was within six miles of Richmond. Now we are all driven back 26 miles. I think we have skedaddled this time. I understand that the most of our dead and wounded were left on the field—fell in the hands of the enemy I suppose. I am trying to tell you the truth as far as I know. Our officers try to make us believe that the retreat was designed on the part of McClellan. If our officers knew what I am writing, there would be trouble in the camp. I feel very much disappointed. I thought we would be in Richmond before this.
On our expedition round the Peninsula (or nearly round it), we had a very pleasant time. Our regiment was on board the Knickerbocker. Gen. Casey and staff was with us. William Bain and William Hawkins were taken sick on the boat. Bain started for home yesterday. The Physician says that he will not live to get too Argyle. He has the fever. Hawkins is with me in my tent. I think that he has symptoms of fever. It is very sickly down here. Our soldiers are dying fast. We only report 180 that is able to do duty in our six companies. The other four companies [are] all with General McClellan. We like our new Colonel very much. His name is [Thomas Ford] Morris. He was Lieut. Colonel in the 17th Regt. NYSV.
William Randles is not dead or wounded as reported. I was promoted this morning from 4th Corporal to 3rd Sergeant. My health is good. I never was so fleshy as now. I am on duty all the time. Sometimes we have hard fare. I have got a small tent made of three rubber blankets. The blankets are six feet long [and] three wide. Hawkins and Robertson tent with me.
I’m glad that the President has called for more men. I wish he had called for three times as many as he has. Yet I fear they would not live long down here this hot weather. I am sure if the North would turn out as they ought to, this rebellion would be put down in a short time. I think there is a considerable speculation about this war. The officers don’t seem to want the rebellion put down. I hope that I shall still have an interest in your prayers. I am still trying to serve God. I believe that I love Him with all my heart. I believe that God will save me. If I am called to die, I have not served God as faithful as I wish I had. I will be more faithful in the future by his Grace assisting me.
I don’t know as you can read this. My pen is very poor for I have no table or desk to write on. Give my respects to all enquiring friends. Affectionately yours, — Jerome Sears
The 93rd New York encampment in Maryland just before the Battle of Antietam
~7~
Headquarters Army of Potomac Camp near Blue Ridge or the entrance of Manassas Gap November 7, 1862
Dear Brother Webster,
I should have written before but I have been quite unwell. I received your letter in due time and was very glad to hear that your health was improving. I was taken sick when we were at Sharpsburg, Maryland, about the time of the Battle of Antietam. My health is good now. I have marched fifteen miles a day for four days in succession and carried my knapsack the most of the time.
You will see by the heading of this that we are in Virginia again. We left Berlin near Harper’s Ferry last Sunday morning. We have been moving in a southwesterly direction since. We have got as far as we can go at present. We are near the enemy today. Last night I could see their campfires on a hill about four miles distant. There has been some fighting for a few days past. I have not heard much about how the battles went. As we are with McClellan’s Headquarters, we have to keep in the rear of the army. We have got a good position and it suits us just as well as it would to face the enemy. The General likes the 93rd [New York] very much. I think we will stay with the headquarters during the war.
I suppose you know as much about how our army is placed as I do. Gen. Sigel is on the south. Burnside in the center. Porter and Hooker on the north. Heintzelman is about Washington. We have a very large army in Virginia now. I do not see how the rebels can get to Richmond but some think they will. If they do, we are going to follow them right up close and if they make a stand, our army will fight desperately. We are going through to Richmond this time without fail I think.
I was at the 123rd [New York] Regiment near Harpers Ferry. I saw Brother George, John Martin, and many others that I knew. Some of them are very homesick. It is very cold here today. It snows hard. We have no tents now and will not until we get into winter quarters. We make a large fire on the ground and cook our rations. At night we spread a rubber blanket on the ground and roll ourselves up in our woolen blankets and go to sleep. When we get cold, we go to the fire and warm. This is the way the soldiers do. On the whole, it is a hard life but I hope it will not last much longer.
My sheet is full and I must close. Bro. Webster, I do not forget to pray for you, I would like to see you very much. Yours affectionately, — J. Sears
~8~
Warrenton, Virginia November 10, [1862]
I wrote to you three days ago. We were ordered to march without any notice. I did not have an opportunity of mailing the letter so I will add a little. We marched 20 miles day before yesterday. We are about 40 miles from Alexandria. There has been quite a change of late. Gen. McClellan has been ordered to report at Trenton, New Jersey & Gen. Burnside is in command here now. We were all taken by surprise this morning. Our regiment was reviewed this morning by Gen. McClellan and Burnside. After the review, the General and [his] staff left for Washington.
For my part I am satisfied with the change. Though I think McClellan has done well of late, there is not go ahead enough about him to suit me. I expect Burnside will do something in putting down the rebellion soon. It is reported that we are going to be sent to Texas (I mean the 93rd). We will know in a few days. We have no chaplain yet. I wish you would come down and preach to us. The men are very wicked.
Our regiment is quite large now. We have some new recruits and expect more in a few days. I am trying to serve God but I make but little advancement. The Lord is with me here in the army. I love the Gospel better than ever before. Write soon. Yours affectionately, — Jerome Sears
P. S. Col. Crocker is with us.
~9~
Headquarters Ammunition Train Guard Camp near Falmouth, Virginia January 27th 1863
Dear Brother Webster,
I received your kind letter in due time & was glad to hear that you were well. It is all excitement here in the army and has been for several days. Gen. Burnside tried to cross the Rappahannock about a week ago but was providentially hindered by a hard rainstorm. The mud got so deep he could not move the artillery/ The troops have been withdrawn from the river and are putting up winter quarters. Gen. Burnside has resigned. Gen. Joe Hooker has taken command of the Army of the Potomac. I was in hopes that Burnside would get another chance at the Rebs, but there is such a strong feeling against him by many in the army, perhaps it is the best thing he could do under the present existing circumstances.
I think the army is demoralized and will not fight very well. I think that Gen. Hooker is a good general but I don’t think he can do much with the army now. If they had given Gen. Butler or Sigel the command, I think there would be something done to put down the rebellion.
Our company is on detached service now. We are guarding the ammunition train of 1700 wagons loaded with powder and balls. We are three miles from the headquarters. Our duties are rather light. We are having a good time. I think that our regiment will remain at headquarters for awhile yet but there is some talk now of putting us into Berdan’s Sharpshooters. For my part, I am willing to go into anything if we can do anything to put an end to this terrible war. Our regiment numbers about 600 in all. we have several off on recruiting service but they don’t get many recruits.
My health never was better than it is now. I weight 15 lbs. moth than when I left home. Col. Crocker says that he will send me off on recruiting service soon but I cannot put much confidence in his promises. If he does, I shall [let] you [know].
Leroy Bosnard is well. He says that he wrote to you January 3rd. Have you received it? I am still trying to live Godly in Christ Jesus. I do not feel as much engaged in cause of Christ as I ought. Pray much for me. I desire to be all the Lord’s. How much did you get ay your donation at Fort Ann?
Sergt. Robertson & Corp. Hawkins sends respects to you. Please write soon. Remember me to Sister Webster & Willie & all who know me.
— Jerome Sears
Direct to Sergeant J. Sears, Co. I, 93rd New York Vols., Washington D. C.
~10~
Headquarters Army of Potomac Camp near Falmouth, Va. March 16 [1863]
Dear Bro. Webster,
I am all alone in my tent today so I thought that I would use the time in writing to my friends. I left home on Friday and arrived here at Falmouth Saturday afternoon March the 7th. I enjoyed my visit home very much and would liked to have stayed longer. George came to see me the day that I got here. He is getting quite smart. I think he will get along with proper care. Bro. Jones of Co. A, 123rd [New York] died a few days since. I don’t know as you know him. He was Class Leader at North Greenwich when he enlisted. Martin Dunlop died about the same time. He belonged to the same regiment, Co. F. He lived near Bro. Morrows. He was a pious young man. George says that there are two deaths a day in the 123rd [New York]. John Martin is well now but has been sick. Leroy Barnard is well. He is on guard today. He sends respects to you all.
My health is usually good with the exception of a cold which I caught the first night that I slept in my tent after I returned. It was good sleighing when I left home. When I got here, it was warm and no snow on the ground. The mud is drying up very fast. I think that our winter campaign is nearly over. We are under marching orders now. I think the army will move in a few days.
All the soldiers in our regiment are anxious to go ahead. We are sick and tired of Virginia. We have been here long enough. I was promoted to 2nd Sergeant while I was home. Sergt. Barber is 1st Sergeant or Orderly. We don’t get along very fast in our regiment. Promotions are slow. 14 months ago Barber was 5th Sergeant and I was a private in the rear rank.
I wish the war was over and the rebellion put down. I desire to be with those who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. The children of God look good to me. I find but few in the army. M any who once knew what it was to enjoy peace with God when at home are now wicked and are living without God and without hope in the world. How can they stand before the enemy in the day of battle? May the Lord have mercy upon them.
Remember me to Sister Webster & all your family. Please write soon. Yours affectionately, — Jerome
~11~
Headquarters Army Potomac Camp near Falmouth, Va. April 6th [1863]
Dear Bro. Webster,
Yours of March 25th came to hand in due time. I was glad to hear from you and to hear that you were all well. It has ben very quiet here in the army of late. There is some excitement today. The President is here at headquarters today and will review the 93rd [New York] tomorrow. The artillerymen are firing salutes now. I received a letter from Bro. Harrower last evening. I will send you a copy of it.
Dear Bro. Sears,
Bro, Webster tells that you told of a case of brother C. H. Edgerton borrowing money off a soldier from Argyle and that the man on his death bed told you that he had never paid nor given a note for it. It is also reported that he drank intemperately with the officers. Will you please write me immediately & let me know the facts about those reports. — P. P. Harrower
The solder from Argyle was John Csary. He told me that Bro. Edgerton borrowed forty dollars from him and said that he would give his one for it, but had gone home without doing so. This conversation took place about the 1st of May as near as I can remember. It was not on his death bed as is reported. I never told anyone that John told me this on his death bed. John died about the 1st of August. I was with him when he died. I could not converse with him on any subject at that time. He was insane for several days before he died. I have just written to the Presiding Elder stating the facts as well as I could. As to Bro. Edgerton’s drinking intemperately with the officers, I don’t know as I ever saw him when I thought he had been drinking but it was reported in camp that he drank whiskey with the officers and many believe it. I thought it best to let you know what the Elder wrote to me. There is a mistake or misunderstanding somewhere. I wish you would write me and let me know what they are doing about it.
My health is good as usual. Leroy is well, He is on guard today. Bro. Jones is dead. I don’t know as you knew him. He was Class Leader at North Greenwich. He enlisted in the 123rd [New York]. I was there a few days ago to see George. He is well. John Martin is poorly. He looks bad but says he is getting some better. I am trying to live for God and Heaven. Pray much for us. Remember me kindly to all your family.
Yours affectionately, — Jerome Sears
~12~
Headquarters Army Potomac Camp near Falmouth, Va. May 9th [1863]
Dear Bro. Webster,
I have received two letters from you since I wrote. I ought to have written to you before this. You must excuse me & I will be more prompt in future.
E’er this this reaches you, you no doubt will have heard about the great fight down here in Dixie. I thought you would be anxious to hear how I got along & some others that you know. Our regiment was not in the fight though two companies—I & K—were sent last Saturday night to lay a pontoon bridge across the river opposite Fredericksburg. Just as we got to the river, the Rebs fired a volley of musketry at us from behind the buildings in the city killing one of the 50th New York (we were sent to help them). I thought this was rather a warm reception. Just as they ceased firing, our batteries opened tremendous fire on the town & Gen. Sedgwick who had crossed the river two miles below made an attack on the south end of the city, driving in the rebel pickets and scattering them in all directions. The Rebs soon found that they had enough to do to get out of the way of Sedgwick’s Corps who were marching through the lower end of the town & coming to our help.
We finished the bridge just daylight Sunday morning and went over and marched all through the town. My brother-in-law, a soldier in the 77th New York, was shot through the shoulder. The wound is not mortal. The 123rd [New York] was in the fight upon the right. I heard from my brother George today. He came out all right. 17 were killed and wounded in his company. The regiment was badly cut up. The Rebs took their colors from them & their flag is here at Gen. Sickle’s headquarters now. This is quite a joke on the 123rd & don’t speak very well for the color company. George told one of our officers yesterday that he had been anxious to get into a fight but never wanted to see another.
We can’t get any papers here & we don’t know how the battle has gone. Our army is this side of the river again.
I received a letter from Bro. Harrower yesterday. He wanted me to distribute “Good News” & tracts in our regiment to the soldiers. He is going to have them sent in packages from New York and placed in my charge.
Bro. Webster, I have gained quite a victory of late but not with carnal weapons but through faith in Christ Jesus. I have great peace in believing. I am happy in the Lord today. Affectionately yours, — Jerome Sears
Leroy is well & send respects.
~13~
Headquarters Army of the Potomac Germantown, Virginia August 5th 1863
Dear Brother Webster,
I suppose you begin to think that I have forgotten you entirely. I ought to have written before. We have been marching nearly all the time since we left Falmouth in June. You know the route that we have marched by the papers no doubt. We are now near Warrenton Junction. The advance of our forces are near Culpeper. We have been here four days and expect to remain here about a week longer.
My health never was better, if as good. I can endure more hardship than I could last summer. I have not been excused from duty one day since we commenced marching this summer. Bro. Webster, I am growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus I trust. We are holding meetings every evening for exhortation and prayer and will keep them up until we commence marching again. We hold our meetings one hour from seven to eight P. M. Last night a large number were present and the Lord was in our midst and blessed His children and owned our feeble efforts to advance His cause. The officers and soldiers here at headquarters are very wicked. I retired last night at half past nine but could not sleep. I felt a strong desire to be more entirely the Lord’s. I arose, left my tent, went to a beautiful grove near our camp, and there humbled myself before God and wrestled with Him nearly all night. my heart was comforted, thank God, yet I did not receive that powerful baptism of the Holy Spirit that I feel I need. I enjoy more of His spirit this morning than I have in several months past. The reason why I am so weak is because I do not labor in the vineyard of the Lord more. I see now where I did not do right when we first came out. Bro. Edgerton was with us then as our chaplain and of course I expected some encouragement from him, which I am sorry to say I did not receive. He id not do anything in the way of holding meetings to speak of and I allowed my way to be hedged up. I soon lost a measure of the love and zeal that I had in the cause of my master. By the grace of God, I will do my duty in the future. I will pray and exhort sinners to Christ and reprove sin everywhere. I know you will pray for men Bro. Webster. I feel that I need your earnest prayers.
Leroy Barnard is at Gettysburg. He has been there all the time since the battle with six others from our regiment. They were left to guard the Medical train which we left up there. We expect they will be ordered down here soon. Three commissioned officers and six men have gone to Riker’s Island, New York, to bring down conscripts for our regiment. We expect them here soon with four or five hundred men. Then we will do all the duty here at headquarters. What I mean by this [is] we will do the duty that the 8th Regulars is now doing—that is, guarding prisoners and doing provost duty at the provost Marshals general headquarters.
Gen. Meade speaks well of our regiment and says that the 93rd will remain with him as long as he is in command. We like him very much. I think he has done well so far though I think he ought to have fought Lee’s army at Williamsport. If he had done so, I think he would have whipped them to death or compelled Lee to come to time. We think that Meade does not intend to advance much farther until he is reinforce.
Bro. Webster, I would like to see you very much. I hope to some time. If I do not on earth, I will try to meet you in Heaven where all will be peace and love. Remember me to sister Webster, Willie, and all the rest. The men from Hampton that you know are all well. Sergt. Barber sends respects. Please write soon. I will be more prompt in writing in future. Affectionately, — Sergt, J. Sears
~14~
Headquarters Army of the Potomac Camp at Germantown, Va. August 18th 1863
Dear Brother Webster,
Yours of the 11th inst. came to hand in due time. I was very glad to hear from you and to learn that you are in comfortable health. Bro. Webster, we have having good times in our camp now. Since I wrote last we have held meetings for prayer and exhortation every night. Sundays we have had preaching by different ministers who belong to the Christian Commission, God has owned and blessed our feeble efforts in a wonderful manner in the salvation of souls. Quite a number are earnestly seeking Jesus today. Two inner company found the Savior today. There are three more in our company who are very near the Kingdom and seeking God with all their hearts. A large number are awakened. A few backsliders have been reclaimed. We are really having a camp meeting down here in Virginia.
Our camp is in a beautiful grove. The Lord has blessed me abundantly and I am working with all my might for the salvation of the men. Oh! I thank God for the privilege of exhorting sinners to acceptance. My soul at times seems to be all on fire. The Christian Commission has done us much good. They furnish us with good reading matter and preach the Gospel occasionally. Quite a number are Methodist preachers that have visited us.
August 20th
The good work is going on gloriously. A great work has been done in our company already and many are now praying the prayer of the Publican. Six in our company have testified to the power of the Gospel to save. Some of them are out in a clear light, a few have been converted in other companies. The enemy of all good is by no means quiet. It seems as if the Devil was in some of the officers and men. Yesterday he tried to counteract every good impression that was being made. A large number of officers and men got drunk on whiskey and today a ten quart pailful of whiskey was brought into our company. But the Lord Jesus Christ is with us and through Him we do conquer. Glory be too God with whom He can thresh a mountain. We are more than a match for all our enemies. One can chase a thousand who goes forth armed with the Spirit’s might.
I will give some of the names of those who have been blessed. Corp. Wm. Hawkins—my tent mate, Sergt. [Samuel K.] Huggins from Argyle, Sergt. [Archibald] Robertson from Lakeville (not very close), Private James Morehouse from Johnsburgh, Private Albert Wait from Shushan. All these in our company. Bro. Webster, pray that we may have a sweeping time in the 93rd. Write soon. Yours affectionately, — Sergt. J. Sears
~15~
Headquarters Army of the Potomac Camp at Germantown, Va. September 11th 1863
Dear Bro. Webster,
I have been looking for a letter from you in answer to my last, but I suppose you are at camp meeting these days and will write when convenient. My object in writing today is to try to persuade you to leave your charge and family and come down here a week or two or more. You can come as member of the Christian Commission. Your expenses will be paid and you will have all necessary papers as soon as you join the Commission. Bro. Webster, we want to see you down here. The Hampton boys says tell Milton to come without fail.
I do not wish to over persuade you, but you will find everything quite comfortable here now. The Christian Commission tent is a good one. It is near our regiment. There are two preachers here now–Brother Bent, a Methodist preacher from Massachusetts, [and a] Brother Clark, a Baptist preacher from Boston is here now. I have just been talking with Bro. Bent about writing to you. He says tell bro. Webster to come down and help us if he can. You will find the address in this written in pencil mark. Bro. Bent gave it to me.
We are having good times here now. The Lord is carrying on His own work in His own way. We have meetings every day and evening and in every meeting some are converted or redeemed. We don’t have much preaching. Someone exhorts about twenty minutes every night. The rest of the time is given to the soldiers to pray and talk. Our meetings are getting very powerful. Every minute of the time is used. I have tried to tell the story of the cross twice within the past week. The first time a large crowd were present. Four preachers were there. They troubled me some. I want more grace to preach christ before ministers and generals. I am growing some, thank God. The Lord is leading me in a way that I knew not.
Bro. Webster, think it all over. Write if you think of coming to Philadelphia and you will get all necessary information. Please write to me as soon as you get this. Bro. Webster, we will take good care of you if you come. Leroy is well. He has taken a good stand in this revival. He is a real worker.
Yours affectionately, — Sgt. Jerome Sears
P. S. I wish you would send me Whedon’s Commentaries in the Gospels. I don’t know whether it is in one volume or more. I want them anyways. If you will send them, I will send the money to you as soon as I receive them. Send them by mail and state the amount you have today. — J. S.
~16~
Headquarters Army of the Potomac Camp near Brandy Station November 14, [1863]
Dear Bro. Webster,
I am glad that I have one more chance to write to you. I would have written before but I have had no opportunity of doing so until now. I received your last letter in due time. Was sorry that you could not come down to Dixie awhile but as it is, it is all for the best perhaps, for we have been on the go nearly all the time. We marched north a day or two and then south again. I tell you, Bro. Webster, it is rather discouraging work. We are now within six miles of Culpeper, just where we were a month ago. We have been as far north as Fairfax Court House. The Rebs gave us a lively turn on our retreat north, but we out-generated them or out marched them got possession of the heights of Centreville and Bull Run. Now the Rebs are on the other side of the Rapidan and we are all as near the river as ew can be with safety. We will have to remain here about a week or ten days until the railroad is repaired from Warrenton Junction to Culpeper. We are hard up for rations and can’t get any until the road is done. By that time, we think the fall rains will hinder us from going much farther. Some think the Rapidan will be the line this winter.
I am glad to learn that my native state went all right at the late election and that Gov. Seymour is forced by public opinion to take a better stand. I pray God that the Spirit that would nominate such men as Gov. Seymour and Vallandigham to high offices may be blotted out. Religion, I am sorry to say, is at a low ebb in our regiment now. Many that were converted have gone back into the ways of sin. As soon as we get into winter quarters we would like to have you come down and help us. We intend by the help of God to gain a large victory over the devil and take back all the souls that he has taken from us and persuade many more to leave his service and enlist under the bloodstained banner of the cross.
Yours respectfully, — Sergt. J. Sears
~17~
Headquarters Army of the Potomac Camp near Brandy Station, Virginia February 20 [1864]
Rev. J. M. Webster Dear Brother,
We are in Virginia again as you will see by the date of this. I reported at Albany the 1st of February. The Colonel ordered me to the barracks on duty Tuesday. I got permission to go home and return Thursday morning. Saturday we left for the Army of the Potomac and arrived here the 10th. We are doing duty at headquarters as before, I felt disappointed in being sent down here so soon, but perhaps it is all for the best. We left a recruiting party up there. Sergeant [William B.] Barber was left and Capt. [Nathan J.] Johnson from our company. I am doing Orderly’s duty now. I would liked it much better to have stayed up there on recruiting service and let Barber come down here and do his own duty.
Bro. Munsey was down to Albany nearly a week trying to get the appointment as chaplain to our regiment. [James M.] Crawford was on hand too. The officers took a vote upon it and Crawford got one vote the most and got the appointment. I would rather give a hundred dollars than to had it turn out in that way. The men all wanted Munsey but we could have nothing to do in voting. I like Bro. Munsey very much. I worked as hard as I could for him. The majority of the officers don’t like Methodist preaching. They don’t like to hear anything about Salvation by faith or denying self. Crawford is waiting up there for his commission. We expect him down here soon. I hope he may get converted before he comes to the army.
It has been very cold for a few days past. How much did you get at your donation? Are you holding meetings yet?
I have no news to tell you of much importance. Twenty-nine guerrillas from Mosby’s command just came into our headquarters. They were taken near here last night. I saw Leroy today. He is well and is well pleased with his situation in the Signal Corps. Remember me to all enquiring friends.
Headquarters 93rd NYS Vet. Volunteers Near Brandy Station, Virginia May 3rd 1864
Dear Bro. Webster,
I wrote to you about the 20th of March if I remember right. I thought you would write to me as soon as you could after Conference but as we are to move very soon, and I may not have a chance to write in a long time, I will write again notwithstanding I have not heard from you. I suppose you have heard ere this that we have been assigned to the 2nd Corps. We are in the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division. Gen. Hancock commands our Corps. General Birney the Division. Gen. Hays the Brigade. I like our position well so far. We have been here about ten days. Before you get this, I think we will be on the move somewhere. We don’t know where. Grant don’t let us know all that is going on. We can’t go far south before we will have to fight unless the enemy fall back. We are within ten miles of the rebel force.
We are all in good spirits but we expect to have to fight very soon. One of our new recruits cut his thumb off this morning. It looks to me as if he was working to get out of the service.
Since I wrote last the Lord has done a great work in the 93rd Regt. About four weeks ago, Bro. Kerr and me built a place for prayer. We met there once a day to pray for the outpouring of God’s Spirit in our regiment. In the evening we held meetings in our artillery camp near our regiment. God done a great work in the batteries there. Many were saved from their sins. God began to work in the 93rd in reclaiming backsliders. It was not long before we had eight or ten to meet with us. We kept on praying for the salvation of souls.
We left headquarters and that stopped the meetings in the batteries. After we got here, we commenced holding our meetings out in the open air about a hundred rods from our camp. The work is going on increasing in interest and power. Sinners are saved in every meeting. Our number has increased to twenty-five and it seems to me as if half of the soldiers in this command are awakened.
God is working in His own way. The work is thorough and deep. Our chaplain is standing still and seeing the salvation and this is about all we know of him. I think he is a good man, but he has no faculty of working in a revival. He baptized some yesterday who desired baptism. He does not try to discourage us in the good work. He seems to be well pleased with the course we have taken.
I heard that you were sent to Beecher though I have not seen the minutes of the Conference. Please send them. I am quite anxious to hear from you before we march for it will be a long time before we get any mail after we leave here. I think there will be hard fighting down here this spring. Many in our regiment may be killed. I may be one of them. It will be all right any way—I am the Lord’s, entirely His.
Bro. Webster, try to come down sometime the summer when we are not marching. Remember me to all your family and pray for me. I saw Leroy two days ago. He is well. Yours affectionately, — Jerome Sears
~19~
On the battlefield June 1st 1864
Dear Bro. Webster,
I have only time to write a few lines. I received yours of the 4th on the 15th/ Also your last of the 20th yesterday. There is so much that I want to tell you I hardly know where to begin. In the first place, I want to say to the praise of God that my life has been spared through the terrible battles that I have been in. I have been in seven engagements—some of them lasting all day. the first was on the 5th of May. My company[lost] 17 in killed and wounded. the morning of the 6th the fight was commenced at daybreak, lasted all day. I was hit very slightly on my finger. About noon we were ordered to fall back a little. While turning around, a bullet struck my knapsack and lodged in one of my shirts. It came very near going through my knapsack.
The next day we were being driven back some and trying to rally our line. I with two others rushed out ahead of our line of battle about 15 paces [while] our men were firing. One of them shot very near my head—so near that it hit my ear but did not injure me any. It taught me a good lesson.
On the 12th our Corps made a charge on the enemy’s works at 4:30 o’clock A. M. It was a terrible time. We took 7,000 prisoners and 28 guns. After we had taken the guns, a few of us turned a large brass piece on the enemy. We had plenty of their solid shot and shell & we were using it to good advantage. They soon got a gun to bear on us. A shell burst in the air over my head. A piece of it struck me on the left hip. I was not bad hurt at the time [but] I could not get off the field without help. I soon found that I was not seriously wounded—it was only a bruise. My commanding officer told me to go to the hospital a few days. I did not feel as if I could leave what was left in my company so I came back on the field the next morning. I have been some lame ever since but have been in every fight & have done my duty ever since.
Our company went into the first fight with 48 men. Now we have only twelve left and only 9 [fit] for duty. Our 1st Lieutenant who commanded the company was killed on May 6th. Jay H. Northup, our 2nd Lieut., has been I command since. Sergt. [William] Barber was shot through the ankle on the 23rd. He came to the regiment on the 20th. It was the first fight he was in. Sergt. [William] Hawkins was shot through the leg on the 5th of May. His leg was amputated. Sergt. [Robert S.] Robertson in the foot. He is doing well. Corp. [Jabez B.] Eldridge killed. Corporal [John] Orcutt wounded in the hand. Private Henry Orcutt killed. Private Murray killed. Private Balcom killed. We have lost only 5 killed that we know of. The rest are wounded and missing. We numbered 560 in the first fight in our regiment. Now we have only 150.
We are now on the Peninsula about 12 miles from Richmond but [illegible] every day. I don’t know how long the state of things will last. I can’t write any more now. Stuart Wilson wounded. Junius Clark wounded. Col. Crocker is as brave as a lion. He had command of the Brigade a few days. He [illegible] now. Major [Samuel] McConihe is in command. I want to say a word about our Lieut. Jay H. Northup. He is a noble young man & the bravest of the brave. He lives in Hartford, New York.
Excuse this awful writing. My love to you all. — Sergt. J. Sears
P. S. Direct as before. Write often. If you go to Argyle, call and see Sergt. Hawkins & Capt. Randles. — J. S.
~20~
On the battlefield near Petersburg, Virginia July 6th 1864
Dear Brother Webster,
Yours of July 1st came to hand this morning. My health is improving and has been since I wrote last. We have had a quiet time, a part of the time since I wrote last. We are laying behind breastworks in the front line and with a half mile of the enemy’s line of works. There is very little picket firing in front of our Corps. The pickets on both sides talk together, being only a few rods apart. On the right and left of our line, picket firing is heard all the time and considerable shelling every night—especially on the extreme right in Butler’s command. the 6th Corps lays on the left of us, reaching near the Weldon railroad. About a weeks ago, the Johnnies gave our Division quite a chase for about a mile. We we ordered that morning to advance and build a new line of works. We advanced about a mile and commenced throwing up our works. Our brigade got ours nearly completed. We were on the right of our division; the rest of the division on our left. Their works were not completed when the rebs made a sudden dash upon them, breaking through their lines and scattering therm in all directions. As soon as the firing commenced, we moved into our works, the fighting getting nearer and nearer. Soon we discovered that our line was falling back I confusion and in an instant more the Johnnies were in rear of our brigade and the bullets came thick and fast, taking us in the back. It threw our whole line into confusion in a moment.
On came the Rebs 15,000 strong, like so many bloodhounds. It was a terrible time. Every man started on his own hook. Some were so excited that threw away their knapsacks, haversacks, and everything about them that was loose. It was an awful sight to see 10,000 or 15,000 men running through the woods and brush with as many rebs after them, pouring a galling fire in from the rear.
Our Division lost 1500. Most of them were taken prisoners. We lost three out of our company. I got off very well. I did not get much excited. I carried my gun, knapsack, haversack, and all my equipment off with me. I had to run pretty smart for about half a mile until I got a little out of range of their bullets. Then I took it cool. We formed our line again as soon as we got back to our old works and were ordered to charge on the enemy and drive them back if possible. We made the charge. The enemy was driven back with but little loss on either side. Since then we have been taking it easy.
Sergt. William B. Barber who was wounded at the Battle of North Anna Bridge May 23rd died [on] June 11th at Washington D. C. I think Barber might of lived if he had had his foot amputated as soon as he was wounded. the surgeon here in the field said it ought to be cut off immediately [but] Barber thought his foot might be saved and said so much. The surgeon let him have his own way. After he got to Washington, it was amputated. He lived only a few days after. I got a warrant a few days ago making me 1st Sergeant of our company with rank from June 4th. I have been doing 1st Sergeant duty since last February. My turn will soon come for a commission if they give me a fair shake. Twenty-two new recruits were assigned to our company June 29th. I am having a busy time of it now. A few of the men who were wounded in the first fights are back. We are all anxious to move on Petersburg & Richmond though we are aware that many of us will fall by the sword.
I heard from brother George. He was all right the first of June. Col. McDougall died of wounds received in battle. I will write to Barber and Newbury soon though I do not owe them any letters.
I received the Conference Minutes & I am obliged you for your trouble. You need not send me any more stamps or paper. I can get all I need here now. We had Divine Service last Sunday in our regiment—the first we have had in the way of preaching since we left Brandy Station two months ago. We have prayer meetings occasionally. Our chaplain is here now. he has been away [ ]. he was taken prisoner in the Wilderness and was in the hands of the Rebs a few days. When I write next time, I will give you a history of our doings for the months of May and Hune in full. It is very warm and dry down here now. We have had no rain in five weeks.
I am still trying to live for God. Continue to pray for us. My love to all your family and all enquiring friends. Yours affectionately, — Jerome Sears
~21~
Headquarters 93rd Regt. NYS Veteran Volunteers Near Petersburg, Va. August 10, 1864
Dear Bro. Webster,
I should have written to you before if it had been possible for me to have done so. None but a soldier knows the inconvenience of writing on a march or campaign like this.
I received your last letter in due time. Was very glad to hear from you. My health is usually good and has been since I wrote you last. Our Corps is on the reserve now but we have about as hard times as we have had this summer. We got the front & work nights, building forts and underground roads, bomb proofs, &c.
On the 28th of July we started from here at 6 P. M., marched all night, crossed the James River at daylight, had a skirmish with the Johnnies in the forenoon, built a line of breastworks in the afternoon, slept about two hours that day. Next day 930th) we worked hard all day building works, at dark crossed the James, marched all. night and halted at daylight just in the rear of the 9th Corps. We tried to sleep some that day but the sun shone so hot it was impossible. At dark we were marched to the front and put upon the picket line just to the left where Burnside sprung the mine and blew up a rebel fort.
August 1st, I wish I could write something that would give you some idea of that terrible disaster. We were told the night we went into the entrenchments on picket that the mine would be sprung at 3 o’clock in the morning. We were to hold ourselves in readiness to receive or make an attack, just as the case might be. The mine was not sprung until daylight. It was an awful time for us. After the explosion, a terrible cannonading commenced on both sides. I never heard such a noise before. We were between the two lines and the shells on both sides went over us, many of them bursting over our heads. But fortunately none of us on the picket line was hurt. The result of the terrible affair you have learned by the press. Yesterday a large quantity of ammunition exploded at City Point, the cause of it is as yet unknown. I heard this morning that 100 of our men were killed by the explosion.
Bro. Webster, the rebellion here in Virginia dies slowly. We have too many rebels in this army. It is very warm and dry down here now. We have several new officers in our regiment. Col. Crocker is up at Cambridge, he has recommended two or three to the Governor for commissions and the Governor has sent on their commissions. Things are managed and carried on very badly of late in the 93rd. It is almost impossible for a worthy, straight-forward man to get a commission in this regiment. A man that will drink lots of whiskey, profane the name of God, and is a Free Mason stands the best chance here. David H. King of Fort Edward, a new recruit, was appointed Hospital Steward in our regiment last spring. A few days ago Crocker send him a 2nd Lieutenant’s commission and assigned him to our company. I felt very much dissatisfied as I expected to fill the agency. Several others have been served the same way. King is a Mason—that is the secret of his success. I told our officers that I would never do what I believed and knew to be wrong for the sake of getting a commission in the regiment.
Major McConihe is in command of the regiment. I think he will do all he can for me but all the commissions have to come through Crocker, he being the Colonel of the regiment. I think he will go out this fall. I may get a commission this winter—if I live. I can save nearly as much money now as I could with Lieut’s pay. I am getting $24 per month and $50 bounty money every six months, but I don’t like others jumped over me in my own company and new recruits at that. I never have been found fault with. I have done my duty to the nest of my ability. I am 1st Sergt. of my company. My duties in active service like this is very hard. If I was an officer, my duties would not be so hard and I would stand a little better chance to get out of the service if I should lose my health than an enlisted man.
Chaplain Crawford is here with us. Religion is at a very low ebb in the 93rd. the chaplain reads a sermon on the Sabbath when we are not marching. Last Sunday he read his prayers and sermon. I would like to see you very much, Bro. Webster, but not as a soldier. I hope you will not be compelled to come. My respects to all in your family.
This letter was written by Luther L. Hyatt (1823-1905), the son of Philip Hyatt (1795-1873) and Rizpah Norwood Watkins (1802-1890) of Montgomery county, Maryland; later Knox county, Ohio. Luther was married in 1853 to (“Fanny”) Melinda Smith (1830-1867) and resided in Mount Vernon, Ohio, where he earned his living as a farmer. Their children in 1860 were son Charles (age 5) and daughter “Lu” (age 5).
Luther served as a 1st Sergeant in Co. A, 142nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI)—a regiment organized as a National Guard unit at Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio, and mustered in on 13 May 1864 for 100 days service under the command of Colonel William C. Cooper. They were placed for a time in garrison at Fort Lyon near Alexandria, Virginia, and then sent to White House Landing in early June 1864 where they performed duty guarding the Union supply trains through the Wilderness Campaign and finally encamped at Point of Rocks. They mustered out on 2 September 1864. Readers are referred to an article by Kyle Nappi entitled, “When Johnny Comes Marching Home: One Hundred Days in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War.”
[Acknowledgement: My thanks to Annaliese Vonheeringen for an excellent first draft of this transcription.]
Transcription
Addressed to Mrs. Fanny M. Hyatt, Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio
Bermuda Hundred Va. July 6th 1864
Dear ones at Home,
I have just received a letter from home. It gave me unbounded pleasure. Have got one from Maria. You say you are all well and the folks generally. This I was glad to hear. You also say that you have a fine rain. This also I was glad to hear. I had just written a letter and in it I said keep up good courage as to the drought, for if God did not send the early, he would the later rains. So you see, He has let us put our trust and confidence in Him—for he “doeth all things well.”
You seem to be concerned about my health. I do not censure you for this since I am so far from home, but my health is improving. I think if the ague does not return, that I shall get along finely. I was taken about 7 or 8 days before I left Fort Lyon with the diarrhea which made me pretty weak (caused by eating too much fresh beef). The day after I left I was taken with the ague and have had had It ever since until within 8 or 10 days. I think it is permanently broke up. Today I have not been quite so well, I think from eating a little too much.
I got your letter & some supper & I feel first rate. Hope it will continue. Today has been a warm day—no rain since we came to this place worth mentioning. The dust is shoe top deep & when the wind blows, it is blinding.
You say you expect you will have a job putting up fences. The neighbors certainly ought not let you wade out in the wet to put up fences. When such a think occurs, you ought not to feel any delicacy in sending for someone to lay them up. I would assist any one at such things if I were at home and they were in my place.
I wrote on this half sheet first because it came from you. I have plenty of paper and envelops but no stamps, nor can I get them here for love nor money. I have mentioned this in several of my letters lately—you’ve not got them yet. I can send letters just as well but you will have to pay the bill before you can get them. I think I have got all the letters you have sent me. I know you have not got all mine; several on the way now. I have written to all the friends except Jo & I feel most ashamed to think I’ve not written to him. Somehow it has been such a task for me to write. It is getting easier for me now.
Our officers treat me with a great deal of respect. In fact, they manifest much interest for all the boys—especially when they are sick. Capt. Davis is said to be the best captain in the regiment in that respect. I am glad (you) or the folks are getting along so well with the work. I wish I was there & well to help do it. I hope father will not work himself clear down this summer. He is too old to work hard. You say Mr. & Mrs. Clancy is at fathers. I would like to see them very much.
Boom! Boom! goes the cannon towards Petersburg. It sounds sad to hear it but we have got so used to hearing it that we do not pay much attention to it.
You must write as often as you can. Don’t sit up at night too late to write. Take time in the day time to write me a few lines. I know you have a great deal to do. I wish it was otherwise. You speak of having peas and potatoes. That’s nice. I would not dare to eat them here. I have plenty to eat and easy times. Our time will soon be out we shall all, I hope, be at home. Then we will rejoice. I’m glad Uncle M. has heard from his boys , I don’t [know] where they are. You will excuse this hasty scroll. Give my love to mother and father, Col[umbus] & Maria & everybody else that enquires after me, reserving yours first. From your—Luther
George, Charles, and Oscar are all well. Tell Maria and Columbus to write to me as often as they can. I wrote Columbus a long letter a few days ago. Charley I wish you and Lu would write to me if is only a dozen words each. Slip in a little slip in your Ma’s letter. I would be so glad if you would. Lu, cant you in the next letter your Ma writes? — L.
This letter was written by Philadelphia native Florance William Grugan (1839-1890), the son of Florance Cotter Grugan (1815-1897) and Sarah Cross (1814-1884). He wrote the letter to Clara Cunningham Justice (1843-1923) with whom he married in November 1866 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Florance enlisted as a private with Montgomery Company, Commonwealth Heavy Artillery [PA] in April 1861 and was assigned to duty at Fort Delaware, but this term of service ended in three months. He later enlisted as a Lt. with Battery E, 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, but his writing skills rapidly elevated to the post of Regimental Adjutant (in November 1862)—a post that he kept for the duration of his service. He mustered out on 19 December 1864 as a full Aide-de-Camp.
Adjutant Grugan developed a deep, abiding friendship with Colonel Augustus Abel Gibson who commanded the regiment until late July 1864. Back in 2014, I transcribed several wonderful letters by Col. Gibson that mention Grugan often and referred to his “faithful conduct.”
Readers are also referred to another Grugan letter transcribed and posted for sale on The Excelsior Brigade website dated 29 August 1864. In that letter, Grugan wrote to Clara, in part:
“I have something to tell you too. I received a letter note last night from my friend Will Howell who is on General Ingalls’ staff. Chief L. M. of the Armies of the U.S. He said that the general desired another officer on the staff and that he had mentioned my name to him. The general said that he would apply for me and thinks he can make it come out all right and that it will be more successful than the other order was detailed me for duty in the commissary department. Captain Howell desired to know if I would accept. If so he would have the application written out at once. I signified my acceptance of course and am awaiting further developments. Captain Howell represents the general as a splendid officer to serve with and thinks I will be well satisfied to get with him. I have been introduced to the general and have met him several times, with Colonel Gibson who is an old friend. The general is known through the armies most favorably and I am in hopes to get this position which in every respect is a most desirable not only as a good staff appointment but I will be among friends with whom I have been so well acquainted with. I have fears however that General Ord may object strongly as he did before but as General Ingalls has great influence with General Grant, the order may go through. There are many rumors of the return of our regiment to Washington from pretty good authority. It is known that the order for our return was made some time since but as we were on duty in the trenches, the 10th New York Artillery were sent instead. I would rather be on duty here than in Washington and do not desire to return with the regiment if I can help it. I will know I suppose by the time I next write something more definite about my new appointment, but I don’t anticipate too much neither must you. I was out on the picket line in front last eveing and the evening before, and it seemed a strange sight in deed to see our pickets and those of the rebels in plain view and occupying the same field without exchanging shots. They are on the most familiar terms imaginable, exchanging papers, tobacco, etc.. This familiarity has today been stopped however, although we have orders not to fire unless in case of necessity.“
After the war, Grugan entered the grocery business in the firm of Mitchell & Fletcher. Curiously, Grugan died at the age of 51 in what Philadelphia newspapers termed “the most singular causes of sudden death that has occurred in some time” on 9 August 1890. It seems that he had agreed to take a bicycle ride with another cyclist to visit a friend in Wayne and while pedaling up a steep hill, Grugan collapsed, possibly the victim of a heart attack. He was dead before a physician could attend to him. [Philadelphia Inquirer, August 11, 1890]
Adjutant Grugan (top left) and other survivors of the 2nd Penn. H. A. (1888) [from G. W. Ward’s Regimental History]
Transcription
Headquarters 2nd Pennsylvania [Heavy] Artillery In the Trenches near Petersburg, [Virginia] June 28th 1864
My own dearest Clara,
I received your last two letters last evening dated the 22nd and 25th. The latter was only two days in getting [here] so you see that the mail facilities are becoming better. I hope you get my letters sooner after I write them than you did & also get all that I write.
On Saturday night we were relieved from duty in the trenches here for two days and had Sunday & Monday to rest and recruit ourselves. Last night after dark we relieved the Brigade that relieved us on Saturday & they have gone back. It was a good relief as here we are obliged to keep down in the ground in our “dug outs” as we call them as the Rebs are just in front. There has been very heavy firing since the morning we first came out here when it was terrible. I can’t see how anyone but Providentially escaped. We lost about a dozen men.
Directly in front of our position is a light battery on which the rebel sharpshooters keep up a continual fire, the balls of which whistle over our heads quite musically but do not harm us as we are protected by earth thrown up. I am still safe and well, thank God, and will endeavor to keep so, as [you] know well that I have “two to live for”—you my dear darling as well as myself. I do not expose myself unnecessarily. We are getting along very nicely under the circumstances & live better than needed when the Commissary is near.
I enjoyed a good bath too in the creek nearby—a luxury [in this] rather hot and dusty country. I received your papers dear and read them with a great deal of satisfaction. Your little piece of word painting I have darling to remind me (if I needed it—or rather that is is something from you) that you love me dearly as I have so longed that you should. I wish my dear—one with you—that I could once more place my arms around you as you have done & kiss you my darling as lovingly and tenderly as I feel my love for you always. It cannot be possible [now] but let us trust and hope that He will in His good time bring us together again to enjoy in a greater degree what our love promises.
I felt my darling that our last parting was to be a long one, but sad as my heart felt, I still tried to look it hopefully in the face & cheer you up from any such forebodings. I do love you dearly, my own Clara, & if God spares us both, I will try to keep our love as bright and clear and pure as I feel it now. As we as all others have our crosses to bear, let us then hope that they will be borne in all meekness & submission, that they may purify our hearts and make us faster to be drawn nearer to Him. I have felt doubly the scenes around me since coming here but I cannot speak of them to you for I want all my letters to be cheerful & bright as my hope is, dear Clara, and my love for you. Our days are all numbered and it should be our endeavor that when out season is come, it may find us prepared to render each our accounts to our Heavenly Father.
Oh my darling, [I wish I could take your hand and lead you through] this good fight of faith as well as terrible war, but alone, darling, we must work out our path for awhile at least. But we have the memories of “other days” yet to dwell upon. From them I often draw many, many happy bright scenes that inspirit and make my heart lighter. Give my love, dearest, to Aunt Hannah, your grandma, Aunt Lydia, Mary, Nathan, your Mother & Father and all of the folks by whom I have been held in such kindly remembrance. I would say something to each one if I could & I would dearly like to see them all.
The postman is waiting on my letter note or whatever lovingly you may choose to consider it but in the pits here I have but scraps of paper. But if I had the best & largest, I could not tell you that I loved you any better or more dearly than I have & to keep up your spirits, darling, for my sake, and try to do all that is required while holding me in loving remembrance.
Goodbye my dearest darling & write soon to your own loving, — Florance
These letters were written by 43 year-old Louis Frank Dupless (1821-1895) who entered Co. G, 6th Wisconsin Infantry as a substitute on 29 November 1864 and mustered out of the regiment on 14 July 1865.
Louis was born in Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France. He served in the Mexican War and was enumerated as a farmer in Lyndon, Juneau county, Wisconsin in 1860 with his wife Elisabeth (Walkin) DuPless (1827-1869) and their five children—Maria Theresa (b. 1852), Caroline (b. 1855), Francis (b. 1857), Emaline (b. 1859) and Fred (b. 1862).
Letter 1
Madison [Wisconsin] 3rd December 1864
Dear Lis,
I am in Madison well and in pretty good spirits but I would have liked to see you once again before I left this place. I arrived here last night dark and this morning was called on to go on guard but told the sergeant to let me alone as I was going to see if I would get a furlough. I went to the Colonel of the camp, Cha____ by name, but he told me that I would have to write to the Secretary of War in Washington to get one as it was not in his power to let me go. So here I am. Shall I go without seeing you or the children again? No, no I will not, but how will I help myself? I don’t know at present but I will write again tomorrow.
Sunday, I am in town because I bribed the sergeant to let me go. It is very sharp here at present because so many substitutes run away. I sent five hundred and fifty dollars to join and pay Fred Marten 1 hundred, Topping 25 dollars, and John Shultz gets 73 dollars. If Shultz wants it, he may have 12.50 dollars more which is Frank Repler’s money. Let him give you his note stamped. You understand for the amount and it is right. I will write more tomorrow and in hopes in seeing you again.
I remain affectionately, Louis F. DuPless
Kiss the children and tell them to be good.
Letter 2
Fond du Lac [Wisconsin] December 30th 1864
Dear Lis,
At last I have put on the blue coat and may I never be sorry for it. I cannot help it for our circumstances compelled me to take this step. You may believe that it cost me a hard struggle to do it but I believe it may turn out for the best. When I think that for the sake of a few hundred dollars I may have to lay down my life, may never see you or the children again, I could in my inmost heart curse this selfish world, and wish then what might have been avoided, to everlasting damnation. But enough! I went as substitute for the sum of five hundred and eighty dollars (580). It was considerable trouble to get in but I managed it pretty well, I believe. Tomorrow we will have to go to Madison and will not receive a cent till we leave this place. I shall take the money to Madison and send it by Express to you—very likely 550 dollars—to Killbourne and send my clothes likewise there and I believe that by Monday you may look for the money.
Pay Fred Marten and Topping at once, and how o use the rest of the money I shall direct you in my next letter. We will pay up everyone and then I shall meet my fate cheerfully—whatever it is. Look out to home for our interest and don’t let the folk do to our premises as they see fit. Get for yourself and the children all necessary clothes. Don’t suffer for you will have over a hundred dollars for your own use. Try and keep the children under subjection, but bless their little hearts, don’t find always fault with them. Kiss them for me and tell them I want them to be good children. I want them to learn their books and obey their mother. I shall feel pleasure in hearing they do.
I shall write again I think by Friday when I think I shall send the money. My heart is full. I want to stop writing and I think I shall write calmer next time. I will and shall try to see you before I leave and if I have to go without furlough. But you may come to Madison if I cannot come and see you. We will see. As I said before, I write again on Friday. I am well. Hope you and the children are so likewise. Greet our neighbors that is human. Let the rest slide.
I wish I was with you all but don’t think I feel sorry for the step I took. My teeth is set and I shall meet my future destiny with an unflinching heart. I am determined to do my duty. Greet Marten’s folks and all our friends heartily. Receive my love for you and the children and may God help us. Remember me kindly and I shall always think of you with a loving heart.
Your loving husband, — Louis F. DuPless
Letter 3
Camp before Petersburg 3 January 1865
Dear Elisabeth!
I do not know what to make of it that I receive no letters from you. How you can let me wait so long without hearing from you and the children is beyond my comprehension. Even if you are sick, you may get somebody to write for you. It is cruel to neglect writing and if even you only send one line it would set a person’s mind at ease. I cannot tell you how disappointed I felt when every day letters arrive and none for me. It begins to create talk even in the company. It is a shame that whatever it is that keeps any letters from reaching me is not known to me. Let the matter be what it is, let it be known to me or by all the Gods in heaven I may take a step and appear in Wisconsin that will make the living tremble. If you are sick, let it ne known to me. If you are dead, which God forbid, is there no neighbor with a spark of human feeling left that will tell me the truth?
End this suspense or I shall go mad, for by heaven, I can not bear it much longer. I am in good health but in a awful temper so that one of our companies felt the power of my hand. I forgot to mention in my last letter that I let Gottliev Guyer have five dollars which amount you may collect of the old man Guyer. The old man Guyer wrote to me that you expected to find my likeness in my pants pocket. I wrote no such thing to you but saw I said I sent you a box of Cheeseman Pills and I would send you may likeness as soon as possible. If I receive no letter from you this week, I will have to stop writing to you and trust to God that I may someday return and see my poor children once more.
If God never had put them in the worked I do not know but it would have been better for I must think that if you are alive, you must have very little feeling for the father of your children. If you can account for your neglect, may God forgive you—I cannot. God bless my poor children and keep them pure and that I may see them once more in this life is the wish of their father.
— Louis F. DuPless
I don’t care to write anymore, therefore I leave this space vacant. If I wrong you no doubt, I receive my deserts.
Letter 4
In front of Petersburg 6th January 1865
Dear Elisabeth,
I received your letter dated the 29th December yesterday while I was on guard and wrote these lines after roll call—that is [when] our names is called. You may judge that I feel terrible about you being sick as you do not state in your letter that you are out of danger. Neither do I know the nature of your sickness but I can guess it. May God help you. That is all I can say. I suspected as much. This was the first letter I received and you may guess that I was not in a very amiable mood so that one of our company felt the weight of my hand which is forbidden to do, but I have first rate officers and I am well liked by all. I am a soldier and drilling is only play for me. I am not sorry that I am a soldier, I felt it all along that I would have to be a soldier and here I am and shall do my duty. But you and the children, you are troubling me. I always think of you and the little ones when I stand in the night time alone on guard. But I am glad to think that you are well off in worldly matters and that you and the children are sound asleep when I am walking my lonesome watch, But I am cheerful, full of life, generally in good heart. If you only keep in good health, I will do well enough.
You write about Joseph Weber wanting 40 dollars, but that won’t do because I consider my first duty is to look to your welfare. If I was to home, I would help the poor fellow, but I don’t know I may be taken out of this world and I would not want you to put the money on a insecure place and he has enough to do with the debts he has on hand. I will write to hi.
I am sorry for Mrs. Shultz. I send a letter to him. If you let him have the money, you must take notes from him. That is the way to do business. They must be stamped.
You was mistaken in regard of likeness. I sent none and there is no opportunity. You see here nothing but soldiers. I have seen no citizen since I arrived here. Sometimes I wish to see something else than the blue coats and the everlasting drum beating and bugle. You give my best respects to Genhart and wife, hoping they are well and doing the best for themselves as well as for us. Did you get any letter from your father or his wife? What is the news otherwise? Has your brother come to see you since I left or not?
Send the letters of Franz Depler to me and if there come any more, send them to me as soon as possible. Write to me again as soon sas possible and if you can do no better, write only one line saying I and the children are well—but write. If you cannot write, let John Gebhart try again. He done very well in the letter I received. Don’t let me wait again so long for a line from you. You may judge by the enclosed letter of my feelings. I would not send it off to you. I know it was a hard letter but I felt very bitter. Don’t let Weber take any letter out of the office for you. If he keeps them that length of time, he may leave them in the Post Office. I think Schultz might see that you get the letter sometimes. Send somebody every week to Lyndon for letters if fair weather. If not, there is no need as I have nothing important to write.
And now I must leave you in the hands of God hoping you may soon be well. Don’t trouble yourself about your likeness but send it when you can in a month or two. Kiss the children for me and may God bless you and let you soon recover is the wish of your affectionate husband, — Louis F. Dupless
Letter 5
In front of Petersburg near Hatcher’s Run 28th of February 1865
Dear Elisabeth!
God be praised I am well and hearty laying here in our quarters—little log huts which we had to build again. No one can tell how long we will be here. That depends on circumstances but as we have here now plenty of rainy weather, the roads are bad and [there is] no prospect of moving. No matter though. What will be the next move, we are all in the hands of the Almighty. He will shape things in the best way and even what looks bad to us may in the end be for our good. I hope you will be reconciled, trust in God, and hope for the best.
I hope likewise that you and the children are well. This causes me a great deal of anxiety—especially if I get no letter from you often enough. If you all were well, I could be contented. I should not be troubled much. I have no fear for death and if I feel a longing for you and the children, I am strong minded enough to suppress all weak thoughts and stand up bravely against bodily enemies as well as enemies of the mind (I mean my thoughts).
I received the box with your likeness, tobacco, a small flask of liquor from Fred Marten, yarn &c. and pleased I was, you may be sure. Your likeness—I have before me now—is the cause of my getting the liquor. All boxes are examined. They found the liquor and intended to confiscate it but the Provost Marshal knowing me and the sergeant of my company being just at Division Headquarters where everything is examined, he wrote to me [the following:] “Soldier, I could not find in my heart to confiscate the bottle with liquor after looking at the picture.” Signed, Provost Marshal. It looks sad but I love it. I carry it in my shirt pocket right over my heart. If a ball, which God forbid, should pierce my heart, it would have to go through your likeness first.
My dear little Freddy. He looks well. First rate. God bless you, my son. May the day come soon that I will have the pleasure of folding you to my heart. I think Freddy will have to bring you two apples when I get home, but one fourth of the time is gone. Three months are past—only 9 remaining. Be hopeful. Franky, have you been thinking of papa often? If so, I know you must have been a good boy. Come my little man, be good and papa will be pleased and be a kind pa to you. Now try and do good. Learn your book and prayers well.
A tintype of Louis’ eldest daughter, Maria Theresa (1852-1887) who no doubt helped her mother with the younger children in her father’s absence. She married her first husband, Peter J. Weber, in 1871.
Emmy dear, your little face is below me. I wish I could see you and have a talk with you. I know you would be a good little girl if they don’t plague you. Does little Emmy wish for her papa? Can you pray and beg God to send your papa back to you? Caroline I know is good and loving [her] father. My good girl, do please me, and learn well. How much I should like when I come back to find you a good scholar. Theresa, you are the oldest of you and you can be a good girl if you have a mind too. Won’t you please your father by being not only good, but very good. You must learn well. Whenever you have time, you must learn to write. How I should love to get a letter from you. Learn well and a father’s blessing rest on your head. Do Theresa dear, do what Ma tells you and I shall be glad. And you all dear children think of father, pray for him and God may be merciful to send me back to you.
Now dear Lis, don’t you fret too much about me. If I keep my health, I hope to see you soon again. Still I expect a desperate struggle yet with the Johnnies this spring. Even if they are pushed to the wall, they will not give it up so they are deserting fast, but we will have to fight and hard. Anyhow, I should if I was in their place. That is my nature. I would give battle to the last. I can’t help thinking sometimes that they may take a bold stand to the last moment till the spring opens, when they see that we are ready to pounce on them, knowing their cause is failing. Gen. Sherman driving them before him up to our lines, I sometimes think they ,ay knock under but it is doubtful.
We have much rain here now so there is no likely chance of any move at present and by rights we ought to lay 2 months inactive yet/ Wagons sink up to the axles in mire. I never believed this was such a peculiar soil here. [ ] fooled, and a loaded wagon sinks down in a twinkling of the eyes before you expect it. It is a sandy clay.
If you would send the children’s likenesses, send them if possibly without frame. It is easier carried, or send them all in one picture which I think is better yet. Did you get them 8 dollars of Guyer yet? I expect to get one month’s pay in a day or so which is needed because our food is pretty scanty that now I wish God will take care of you all and trust in Him. As for me, believe me, I shall always be kind to you as far as my nature allows me and do the best for you I can. Greet the neighbors that is kind to you from me, and tell them Louis remembers a kindness done his family while he is absent, but let the mean ones look out for thunder when I return.
And now farewell. Remember me kindly and kiss the little ones that have been good for me.
Your affectionate husband, — Louis F. DuPless
I shall try to send my likeness in my next letter. If you send anything to me, write thus: Louis F. DuPless, 6th Regt. Wis. Veteran Vol., 3rd Brigade, 5th Corps, Washington D. C.
Letter 6
In Camp before Petersburg March 23rd 1865
Dear Lis,
During a tremendous storm do I write this letter. The wind unroofed a good many of our cabins—the sand blinding a person almost. But I sit tolerably comfortable in my lodge, my tent mate reading and I writing, the coffee pot on the fire, no fear of any disturbance—only the sand coming flying into the cracks. Our cabin is logs with tent roof, fireplace, and bunk. Comfortably I assure you. On a shelf to the left of me lays about 6 pounds good beef and plenty of crackers, pork, and before me a shell with tin cups, plates and knives, fork and such things. I write on a small table made of a cracker box and have my pipe and tobacco near me. Over my head hangs my rifle in the peak of the rook and a small shelf almost touching my head lays our dress coats, hats, papers, and that small box Fred Marten sent. By and by there was no paper nor envelopes in the box. I have plenty now. From this short description of my situation you may judge that I am pretty well located. O yes! there is nothing wanting but—but—no—no, I would not say, “But you and the children” because the surroundings would not agree. But I must say that if I had this little shanty with your and our dear children in it in a place where peace and love between neighbors rules, I dare say we would have a happy day.
But good courage, by the time you have this letter, 4 month s of my time will be gone—only 8 remaining, and who knows but peace may bless us before that. I am of the opinion that I will remain here for a month at least but no one can say how soon there may be a move. But it is impossible to bring wagons or artillery forward. They will sink in the ground axle deep. It is a peculiar soil here—clay mixed with sand. I like Wisconsin much better than I do Virginia—at least all I have seen of it. The land appears like going to Lyndon Station—lots of pine and the land rolling. But on this pine land, the soil is clay which surprised me very much. Water in every hollow and if you go 200 rods in any direction, you have water for your coffee.
I have been drinking my coffee and resume my pen. I did not get any letter yet of anybody else but you, but no matter. Only I think Mr. John Schultz might have wrote before this. I think I should not think so much of him as I did. Very likely now that I am gone, somebody else is more in his graces. Let them go it. I would have been satisfied if he had wrote one word. I shall not correspond with him until I receive news from him. You know me and my ways. Those to remember you, that as soon as possible you will see, that everything is burnt around n spring. Get the neighbors together and don’t depend on Gephart of doing it. I wrote a letter to Ranny. If you will be guided by his advice about moneys, if you have any, I am satisfied. You must know that here I am unable to say how money stands or what is best to do. You may just as well keep the money in your hands. Get United States bills and keep them if you see fit. Still if lenders come, you may say you took bonds for your spare money or do as you have a mind to. I am perfectly satisfied with whatever you do.
I have nothing particular to write but I love to talk to you and always imagine I see the little faces of the children turned up to yours while you are reading. I can think how they ask questions and likewise I think that getting a letter from me and hearing from me ought to be a pleasure ad put you in a good humor for a day or so. My little chickens, how are you all? I am well. I hope you are. I guess you are wishing for summer and warm weather because the house is not as warm as when your father is home. But hold on, next winter the old fireplace shall steam again. And what do you think I was going to say? A barrel of apples in the house to roast them at our pleasure. Would that be nice? We will see. You remember me on it when I come home.
We have to be our own cook. I had a good beef soup today but don’t imagine it to be like home. Still have fried some excellent beef steaks sometimes. We are living like fighting cocks now. We have plenty to eat now. I hope my dear Lis you and children are well. Take care of yourself and them. That is all I ask. Your affectionate husband and father — Louis F. DuPless
Letter 7
Front of Petersburg Monday, 27 March 1865
Dear Liz,
I am writing these lines in good health hoping you will receive them likewise in good spirits.
A scene from the movie, “Lincoln” depicting the President riding over the battlefield of Friday, 24 March 1865, near Fort Stedman.
Our lines were attacked on Friday night by a heavy force of rebels and our lines broken and 3 forts taken. Our troops, in short order, got on the ground, closed on the Johnnies, retook the forts and gave them a handsome flailing. The battle lasted more or less on the line till Saturday night at dark.
We were marched (our 5th Corps) near the scene of action in heavy marching order—that is, all our traps on our backs—and in the afternoon passed review before our President Abraham Lincoln. I liked the appearance of him first rate and he is by no means such [a] homely fellow as the pictures [of] him. I marched within 4 rods of him and took a pretty fair look at him. He was on horseback of course. 1
After review we went closer to the battleground but did not come in fire. We are in reserve at present and have to go wherever we are needed along the whole line. We are in camp again but are ready to march on a moment’s notice. I do not anticipate any great danger now. The Johnnies got a severe lesson but I can not say how many they lost. There are so many different yarns about it. Our boys give ’em fits. It is said what Lincoln and the ladies thought when they reviewed us under the thunder of cannons and roar of musketry, I guess, was this; poor fellows. How many of you will lay low before long. There is no doubt there was the human feeling touched—especially as one of our company, right in front of the President while we were marching along under our torn and tattered colors, broke rank and knelt right before the ladies coach. He is half-witted only, or light-headed.
I cannot write [more] particulars because we don’t know every moment may call us and I have to bring the letter quite a ways. Don’t you tremble for me at all. I am in fighting trim and don’t fear anything. Remember what I wrote to you in my last letter. Don’t believe any yarns. I believe though that there is no trouble at present. I should judge the rebel leaders must know their last day is come. Our army is in good spirits. The rebels are desperate and if a wonder don’t safes them and a great fortune of war favors them, in three months they are done for and in less time.
The weather is splendid. I hope it will remain so, If we have to fight, it better be done now before they strengthen themselves and warm weather commences. God help you and our children and protect all. I know he will me. Cheer up and be proud you have a brave husband. We all are in God’s hands. Bless you and our dear children. Your affectionate husband, — Louis F. DuPless
After finished writing everything is still on our line. I think the rebels have their belly’s full. But some think that they will leave their lines soon, Richmond and all.
1 This review of General Ord’s Division by President Abraham Lincoln took place near Malvern Hill on the north side of the James river on Sunday afternoon, 26 March 1865. The President’s entourage included the President and Mrs. Lincoln and two sons, Robert and Tad, General and Mrs. Grant, and General and Mrs. Ord. Mrs. Ord rode on horseback next to Lincoln and the other generals which greatly upset Mrs. Lincoln and she made a public spectacle of herself scolding the President.
Letter 8
In camp 10th April 1865
Dear wife and children!
I am well and hearty and hope you are likewise. I got safe through all danger and as Gen. Robert Lee surrendered yesterday with all his forces to us, I expect peace will be established and I hope that in 2 months or sooner I will be with you, God willing. You see Providence protected me so far. Hope for the best.
Fearful scenes I went through—one the 30th of March. We was surrounded—that is, our regiment—and lost 113 men. One-third. Next day at it again and so on. God protected me to be with you. Greet all good friends.
I am in a hurry. Peace will be soon, I hope. I don’t see how any more battles can be fought by us as Virginia has laid down arms. We are waiting for orders and resting as our Army Corps is very needy of it. Move soon. God help you and me.
Yours affectionately, — Louis F. DuPless
Letter 9
Three miles from Washington D. C. May 13th 1865
Dear Wife!
A soldier’s life is a uncertain thing as you will see because when I wrote last I thought it strange if they should let us lay at Richmond as long as 10 days. Last Saturday we started from there and last night Friday we came here—a pretty fair march of 125 miles, and that is a pretty long one in 7 days after such a hard campaign as we went through. On the night from Friday to Saturday, we suffered shamefully through rain and wind. I walked the ground the whole night wet through and such a hard night I never experienced my whole lifetime. We could not keep warm as we was scarce of fuel.
Damned be our Corps Commander General Griffin. He ought to had let some of us in camp an hour sooner and then we might have made us more comfortable. I had my blankets, rubber, and tent carried on the supply train—a privilege for me only—and the train did not get up that night and there I was without anything. The rest did not fare much better as the ground was soaking wet before they could pitch tents. Most all could not make fires, but I had a cup of coffee. Once more damned the Corps Commander. Many a soldier will have his health wrecked through him. Curse him the day—double damn him.
I do not know what will be the next move but expect in a short time to see home. I shall not be sorry as I suffered enough and wish to rest and be my own master again. I cannot be satisfied when I see things going on around me as they do but the short time I have to serve will soon be over.
I don’t think I shall write to Gebhart as you requested me—that he was sorry and the like. I shall not trouble Gebhart nor be angry with him. All they need to do is what is right and I will be satisfied. I shall not quarrel nor trouble him, nor anybody else, but everyone must use us right or I shall clean ’em out. I hope you and the children are well and that things are going on otherwise satisfactory. I am well satisfied with your last letter and with the management of affairs generally and what should I grumble for to be sure, I ought to be satisfied and so I am—only let me alone with your woman troubles until I get home and then you may tell me all and everything as long and as many times as you want to. You have my love as well as the children’s so therefore, you ought to be satisfied and I guess you are. I long to see you and the children but I do not think of such things too much. It would make me downhearted.
We ought to be grateful that there is a prospect of us meeting soon again, so let us rejoice and be thankful, and hope for good and better times and likewise that we may be able to make each other’s path through life less thorny than formerly. Let us try and we may succeed.
So farewell to you all. I am in hopes to be home at my birthday. God bless you all and take care of you. Gebhart news not be in a stew. Tell him I have principle so there, let him be satisfied. Goodbye children. God bless you. You will soon see me, I hope. Be good and kind to each other. Farewell, dear Liz, and do the best you can and that is enough.
From your loving husband and father, — Louis F. DuPless
Letter 10
Near Washington [D. C.] 18th May 1865
Dear wife and children!
I am well and hearty, hoping you are the same, which is all I could wish as your welfare lays nigher my heart than my own. I consider it nothing but my duty to see that you are well provided for, even if it is a hard way of doing it a soldiering, but it was my choice and eve if anybody could buy my past experience, I would not sell it for a thousand dollars. But I hate to be trouble with trifles and therefore I had to write to you, what may appear unkind words. I was battling for life and death, and you only for a mere straw compared with mine. If Mrs. Gebhart used any unbecoming language to you, I hope you understand what I mean. She may answer for it. Let her look out. If anybody had the mark of God’s anger on him or her, let her look to herself. God showed his mercy to us in keeping me safe through this war. This is the last time I hope to write about her. Let it rest.
We are resting here and we need it, I assure you. But my old iron frame stands it first rate. I am getting more fleshy than I have been and it needs to for one time I was all bone. I guess after two weeks or so I shall look well.
Yesterday our Governor Lewis of Wisconsin was here and reviewed our regiment. He said that he had tried his best to get us home but all the answer he could get was as soon as possible we should go home. He had spoken to all—President and Cabinet—and he thought the day was not distant that we could go home. He had seen the Secretary of the Treasury that morning and was informed that he had fifty millions of dollars ready to pay us and expecting to receive the order to do so every moment. But there was a small cloud down in Texas and Mississippi and that as soon as that disappeared, we would go to our peaceful [homes]. That the people of Wisconsin tendered us through him their gratitude that the state was proud of her sons and we should march to Madison, Wisconsin, with our arms and accoutrements and soon. Now then, you may judge for yourself how we stand and how long it may take before I will be home. My opinion is this spark in Texas and Louisiana will soon disappear. Then we will go to Madison but it may take a week or two, or three before we get through there. Still I believe I will be home only birthday.
I foretold most everything correctly aforehand and I believe I will not shoot far from the mark now. But patience it will all come right. I think spring will soon make its appearance in earnest by you and I shall be pleased to be home soon as early spring is the time I like best to look at. How are the children working and learning? Well I hope. But I shall soon see for myself. I hope they obey their mother. If I ask you when I come home if you did, can you say yes in truth. If you cannot, try and do better so that you may say you was good most of the time. I don’t expect if the worst comes to pass that I will have to stay longer than June. Then my idea is we will be home in short order. I expect to hear the order everyday to go home. May the day not be distant. I hope for your sake that things go on better than formerly and that there will be raised something. If there is not, there is more ways than one to get along in the world.
I must close and I hope the next time I write will be from Madison. I wish you all good health and spirits and don’t be fretting. I guess you will have to make garden yourself. Hoping to be with you soon. I am yours always, — Louis F. DuPless
Letter 11
Washington [D. C.] 31st May 1865
Dear Lis,
Here we are still and as far as I am concerned, well and hearty, hoping you and our children are in good health which is my earnest wish and only desire for you all to be so and in good spirits. We are laying idle doing hardly anything whatever—only one half hour dress parades evenings and every week once going on guard. But as the 12 neatest, cleanest dossiers out of 24 are always excused from doing even guard duty, I never done even that. Only slicked myself up, marched to the parade ground, and was sent back again to follow my own inclination which is to sleep, dream, in fact, do nothing. You see we have pretty good times but we want to go home. Home is our desire and nothing else will do us.
And now I can tell you with a glad heart and I believe you will be rejoiced to hear that we are coming home and soon. By the time you read this letter, I firmly believe I will be on the way to Wisconsin, if not before. We are only waiting to bring the necessary papers in order and then for home, which I firmly believe we be in—on the way, I mean—say about 3 days. We are to be mustered out here and to be sent to Madison and paid immediately and as the Adjutant General of the State of Wisconsin Gaylord [said] last Sunday—likewise, Secretary of State Fairchild—told us in a speech a great welcome awaits us in Wisconsin. I don’t care about that—few do. I want my welcome when I come home. I don’t care for empty show because I know that a soldier is not so much honored as they would have us believe. I should not think that you have any idea that if you’d hear that I was in Madison, you would come to see me. I wished you to remain at home till I come. I am anxious to see you and our dear children but you may judge that in Madison would be no room to be had, to have you anyways comfortable and for a woman to come in a soldier’s camp where no doubt the men will be wild with drink or joy or some other such thing, would not be agreeable for a man of my temper. But if the soldiers knew that you was my wife, not the least insult would be offered and I rather think it is more pleasant to meet you and children at home, except it was you were to come in company with say, your father. But know we will not stay in Madison a week. It is for the town folks interest to see us home as quick as possible because if they expect us there over three days, the soldiers will play the deuce. I tell you, they are without money and if a soldier wants anything to eat or drink, he is bound to have it. We have not enough to eat now. A pound loaf a day which answers for two meals. Where is the third to come from? I may err but I believe in 14 days the latest of the 20th of June, I am with you.
The Rebel General Kirby Smith held out longer than I thought he would else I should have been home by my birthday. No matter. I will see you soon. We must have patience. The band is playing now but I am disgusted with that soon.
A regiment left for home from our Corps yesterday. We have had some warm weather here and I hope you will have favorable weather by you so as to grow something, if it is only for Gebhart’s sake. I hope he will do well. He need not to think that I shall make any trouble with him or his wife. Let them go the straight road and I shall do so likewise. I shall be just and do right to everybody. All they need to do is not fair and upright and let her not put on too many airs. I am coming.
I would like to hear from you and the children and I think you better write instantly. The letter will follow me. Well, my little children, I will soon be with you again in a few weeks at latest and shan’t we be all so glad? I have been thinking what I should bring home for you. I guess I shall have to let mother pick out the presents for you and I shall pay for them. I think if you have been good, brave children, I shall give you 5 dollars apiece. I will have that much money left I hope when I come out of my earnings. If you have not been good, what all I do then? My dear Lis, to you I guess I bring myself. That is all the present you need at present. For the rest we will see. Hoping to see you soon, as we count days now, not months. I am your affectionate husband, — Louis F. DuPless
Letter 12
Washington [D. C.] June 6th 1865
Dear Elisabeth
This is my birthday—44 years old. I though a while back that should have been home by this time but things don’t work as favorable as I thought. The government decided to muster out the one year men whose time expired by the first of October and I am not included in this class. As soon as they are through with that class, I think they will muster them out whose time is out by the first of January next and therefore I have faith that by the 4th of July I may be home. It may be sooner but I am thinking it will take that time before I can be home. However, don’t get discouraged. With God’s help, I may see you soon.
Our troops are sent home no doubt as soon as the government can spare them, and I hope my turn will come soon. I long to be out of this. There is no pleasure in laying here idly, far from you and our little ones. Of course I have nothing to do and manage to get enough to eat drawing sixteen dollars per month which may come in some day. My due is now about seventy dollars but I’d rather be at home. If I can be home as I believe, we will be haying and harvesting. We shall be well enough. I don’t mean to lay idle after a short repose, It is said today that all western troops are to be sent to Louisville in Kentucky and the one year men to be mustered out there, which may be. That I will be mustered out of the service soon, I don’t doubt, but some unforeseen circumstances may yet keep me longer from you than at present I know of.
There is hundreds of false reports here but I know what I have to believe. Seventy-five men of our regiment are mustered out here today, therefore I think I will soon have my turn coming. We are all dissatisfied. We all want to go home with the exception of some of the officers who draw large pay and would like to keep this track regiment in service. They would have to keep three year men but never could keep the one year men. I don’t care so much about serving my time out, but I think I would do better in haying and harvest and I am tired of this damned drone life.
The order for going to Louisville, Kentucky, arrived just now at Headquarters. Still we may lay here a day or more yet before transportation is ready. This would bring me about 7 or 800 miles nigher to you. I am now eleven hundred from you.
I hope you received my clothes which I sent to Lyndon Station. I hope I made no mistake in sending it there. I think they must cost nothing as I sent them by the Christian Commission. If you write to me, don’t say anything but what anybody may read as I may not get them now and they would have to be destroyed, I hope you keep on writing. I wish to hear from you. I wish to know how you are getting along and if you and children are well, if you live without more trouble, and how things do prosper with you. I would not mind it so much them if I had to stay my time out. I would earn something, If I get home soon, I guess I will have about money enough to dress myself well and give the little ones their presents. That will be all. I am borrowing money now to buy bread and such things because I don’t get enough to eat. It’s a shame. I am well otherwise and hope you are likewise as well as the children.
…Yours affectionately, husband and father, — Louis F. DuPless
Letter 13
Washington [D. C.] June 15th 1865
Dear Elisabeth,
We are here yet and till within one hour back, we did not know when we should get transportation for Kentucky. Louisville or Lexington is said to be our destination.
We are a very discontent set at present and I tell you, the officers have their trouble. Day before yesterday we had a small resolution or rebellion here on account of our food. About 20 of ours and one other company went up to Brigade Headquarters, General Morgan, and stated our case. Our Colonel Kellogg felt offended for not coming to him first, and ordered the boys to his tent and [placed a] guard over them. They told him he would have to get more guards. They were not able to keep us. You may be sure I was between them. When the sergeant of the guard wanted to take us to the guard house, we made about face and with a yell started for our tents. The Colonel called 120 men guard and threatened to bring us forcibly back if we did not come peaceable. The boys spring to their arms and would not go but the officers and myself prevailed on them but I made them understand it was not fear that made us got and I told the officers that no guard whatever should come nigh us or they would have trouble. We went up, had a talk with the Colonel. He was quite mild then. Said he would investigate matters but he thought we had insulted him and so forth. As last we told him that if he wanted us to remain there, we should do so, but we would not allow a guard over us. The result was he sifted things through, found we had cause of complaint, and their things ended.
If there had not come orders for us to move, there would have been trouble this afternoon as Major Daly wanted us to drill this afternoon and the boys swore they would to drill anymore. I tell you the soldiers are mad. They want to go home and I should not wonder at all if before long there will be a disturbance through the whole army. It is a pity that the government would not have sent the soldiers home sooner, but now the government lost the good will of the soldiers.
I am glad we are to leave here soon. I am so tired of this cursed Virginia and I would mostly wish the City of Washington with all things in it in the lowest depths of hell. I don’t think that we will be long in service more. No one can tell though anything about it. The officers are as wise as the privates, but I can do no otherwise but believe that I am home the latest by harvesting but my idea is sooner for government means to hold us only long enough till the regular army is strong enough . Likewise do I expect to see a call come out soon for more of the one year men to be discharged and I am sure I will be between them, so you will have to try to content yourself a little longer. Still you may hope to see my every day coming home as I think myself I will not be long more till I am with you.
Furthermore my pay goes on and if crops look so poor as you say, you must wish of course that I should earn all I could doing nothing for it, and I do not feel as if I could [get] back into hard work right off when I come home except it is haying and harvesting through which I think I will curse all I possibly can. Be contented for a while and hope for the best. I am doing all I can. There is no fear in my mind for the future and I think that you will see me soon….
Well my dear children, I am coming about seven hundred miles nigher to you in a few days and I hope I will soon be with you…I hope you have my clothes I sent to the Station. Farewell dear wife and children. God protect you. Don’t worry but look for me patiently, not eagerly, and kissing you all in imagination, I am your affectionate husband and father, — Louis F. DuPless
The order is for us to start for Old Kentucky tomorrow morning 4 o’clock.
Letter 14
Jeffersonville, Indiana July 1st, 1865
Dear Elisabeth and children!
Here we are yet and no one knows what is to be done with us. I am pretty well reconciled to no matter what may happen. I am done fretting and as our companies has twice rebelled and the rest of the regiment left us in the lurch, I am determined to council peace because I see it is no use. We must abide our time. And I don’t think it such a misfortune if I have remain my time out. I could not work if I was at home. Few soldiers will dare to work hard. They would not stand it, and the change of food when they are discharged is dangerous in the summer. Winter time there is no danger.
I had my leg hurt on the cars to Harpers Ferry. Nothing serious. I am limping a little yet but intend to do no duty for a week yet. I am well as usual otherwise and hope to God you and the children will be and remain so. This is my greatest trouble—the thought of your health and welfare.
The 7th Wisconsin is going home today or Monday. They are luckier than we are. My hope was always to go with them but there is no such thing. They will be in Madison by the 4th or 5th of July. Our officers, it is sad to say, try to keep us in service as long as possible. Of course they have good wages and easy times. If they go out of service, they—most of them—have nothing to live on and must go to work. Don’t you lose your courage. I have hopes yet to see you soon and if I see I cannot get my discharge inside of 2 months, then I will take a furlough and be with you by the 4th or 5th of August—depend on that—that I shall not be much longer away from you. I must see how you are getting along and it will cost me only about $25 dollars to go and come, as my pay goes on, and I receive on furlough half pay for rations.
But I know that the highest they will keep us in service is 3 months but I offered a bet this morning for 5 dollars to eat and drinks that by the 1st of August our regiment would have orders for the State of Wisconsin. So I say have patience. No one took my bet, I forgot to mention.
You say that Edwin is seeing you once in awhile and he is doing well. I am glad to hear he does well. May he prosper. I never done him any harm nor wished him harm, and shall always be pleased to hear that things is prospering with him, even if we cannot be friends. The reason is plain why. Poor Gebhart, I pity him and especially he got linked into such a superstitious family. It will be hard for him now to begin on his own farm. There was a way for him to go along but if crops look bad, he will have a hard road to hoe. If I would like to help anybody, it is Gebhart but his surroundings is not as they might be. In ordinary times, if he was stirring, he ought to do well on our farm, but if bugs and water trouble, no one is to blame for that. We are not to blame nor lose by it. I cannot give him the use of the far, for nothing if he has bad luck. Of course he don’t expect that. Look out for No. 1 shall be my motto after this. I guess his folks thinks ours is a lucky place. But I think bad luck is often the effect of bad management, and I know that the saying of unlucky days and places is humbug. I as the owner of the place must be lucky or I would not have gone through five battles, foremost into it, under a storm of bullets unscathed. And a lucky man is not the owner of an unlucky place. He would not be lucky if he was. If I had been a brick in the battles, I should not have promotion [to corporal] pressed on me—a substitute of 6 months service– when we have men enough in our regiment—privates that served 4 years and are smart soldiers. I am a lucky man to live to return to you and our little pickaninnies and cannot own an unlucky place.
Be of good cheer, dear Lis. No such thing as bad luck can be our lot. I will bury that word unlucky in a coffin. You say that bugs is in the crops again. That is a misfortune. I hear that other parts of the state are affected likewise. If hay only gets good, if I get home, I see see how things are to be managed. If the grass is anyways decent, I wish Kelly to cut it before harvest and bring it into the barn. If not good before, as soon as possible whatever Gebhart will cut, let him cut but he need not let other people cut on shares. Father, here all you can get cut. Why you might speak to Edwin as he could not run the river then nor harvesting but by [ ].
…So hoping for the best and trusting to good luck as I have had, I rest contented and may God bless you and our dear children and keep you safe and well. So farewell and remember your affectionate husband and father, — Louis F. DuPless
Letter 15
[Lyndon, Wisconsin] July 1st [1865]
Dear Louis,
[Not transcribed yet]
Letter 16
In Camp, Jeffersonville, Indiana, opposite Louisville 7th July 1865
Dear Elisabeth and dear children,
At last I can write the joyful news to you that I will soon be home with you for good. Day before yesterday the 5th, the order was read to us that we are to be mustered out of service as quick as our papers can be made out and then to be sent to the State to get our pay and finally to be discharged there out of service. All this may take a month yet but I hope not and I believe we will be in Madison by the end of next week. Any way, I am home by the 10th of August, I believe, and hope sooner. So have patience a little longer.
It is so awful hot here but I don’t do anything but eat, lay down, bathe or such things. I am well and God knows how pleased I am to hear that you are all well. I got your letter dated the first of July last night and some how it was the most welcome letter I thought since I entered the service. I was not in a cheerful spirit [when] out came.
Col. John Azor Kellogg, 6th Wisconsin
We have has some stirring times in our regiment. The other day the 7th Wisconsin Regiment went home, The boys of said regiment came with a torch light procession in our camp. There were three cheers given for their colonel and our boys gave three groans for our Colonel [John Azor] Kellogg. It was reported he tried to hold us as long as possible in service which I don’t believe. Both regiments went to Division Headquarters and done the same. Our company gets blamed for all. The next morning our Lieutenant Colonel Daly said so and gave the boys hell. But now I think all trouble is done with.
Since the children requested me on the 4th and also their 5 dollars, I conclude they have been good. That is right, my little chickens, and you shall soon see me and the 5 dollars likewise. I am glad to know that in a short time I shall be with you. Till then, God protect you and keep you safe. So farewell and keep patient. From your affectionate husband and father, — Louis F. DuPless
Give the lines to Gebhart. My respects to them that deserve it. Don’t write till I write from Wisconsin.
Spared & Shared 22 