Daily Archive

“To preserve the graves, John McGavock designated two acres of land adjoining his family cemetery to which the remains could be removed for a more secluded and protected resting place. He, as well as other concerned Franklin citizens, raised the necessary money to have the bodies disinterred and reburied in order by state in the spring of 1866. The inscriptions on the grave markers, which had remained in place on the battlefield, were carefully preserved by Carrie McGavock in the Cemetery Record Book. The numbers on the present markers correspond to numbers in the book. John and Carrie McGavock cared for the McGavock Confederate Cemetery for the rest of their lives.

Winder McGavock lived at Carnton with his family until his death in 1907. His widow sold the house out of the family in 1911. The McGavock Confederate Cemetery has been maintained since then by the Franklin Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Carnton passed through several owners from the time it left the McGavock family until September 1978, when the Carnton Association acquired the house and ten acres and opened it as a historic site. Today, Carnton is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark for its role in the battle of Franklin.”

Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture excerpt

Their web site states:

“Our goal is to create a public/private Civil War battlefield park commemorating the 1864 Battle of Franklin. This park, located on what was the eastern flank of the Franklin battlefield, will not only provide a historical perspective of this major Civil War battle, but will also be a preserved green space for all to enjoy.”

What is Franklin’s Charge?
Franklin’s Charge is not a separate preservation organization, nor does it replace current preservation groups. Franklin’s Charge is made up of representatives from all of the existing preservation and conservation organizations in Williamson County. It also relies on the support and input of national preservation associations who share our vision for a battlefield park in Franklin.

Franklin’s Charge, A Vision and Campaign for the Preservation of Historic Open Space, has reached far beyond the original coalition group to include men and women from every walk of life in the Franklin, Williamson County and Middle Tennessee communities. Franklin’s Charge has cut across and through all the lines that seem to normally separate us as it seeks to preserve and memorialize our collective history - whether our history be north or south, black or white, or we’re recent arrivals to this nation. In the end, what happened at Franklin during those five tragic hours affected all of us, as it helped forge us into one nation.

Soldiers of the Cross: Confederate Soldier-Christians and the Impact of War on their Faith
Kent T. Dollar

From the publisher:

This book is about war’s impact on the religious faith of individual Confederate Christian soldiers. The tribulations of war drove these men to new spiritual heights; and after the war, these men took up leadership positions in their postwar churches. This study closely traces the spiritual progression of individual Christian soldiers.

Thousands of Southern Christians enlisted in the rebel armies when the Civil War began, and tens of thousands of battle-hardened fighting men made wartime professions of faith. On the whole, these soldiers became more religious as the war progressed, but what was the long-term effect of four years of war and defeat on the faith of Christian soldiers? The stories of the nine individuals studied in this book vividly illustrate the impact of the Civil War on faith. This study includes an examination of the antebellum, wartime, and in most cases, postwar lives of these men who represent a cross-section of Southern society, Southern religion, and the Confederate military. The tribulations of war drove them to new spiritual heights and greater maturity. Early on as well as throughout the war, these steadfast Christians read their Bibles, associated with other Christian soldiers, attended religious services, and communed privately with God. During times of increased military activity, the threat of death and concern for loved ones crowded the soldiers’ minds. The realization that they had little control over these matters moved these men to rely on God to protect them and their families; and God proved faithful, thus strengthening their trust in Him. Furthermore, these men grew in their emulation of the virtues of Christ. Not only did they become more spiritually inded, but also their worship took on new significance, they exhibited more humility, and they sought to serve God more actively. It was during the postwar era, however, that these Christian veterans fulfilled formal roles as the Lord’s servants. The men in this study who survived the war returned home and took up leadership positions in their local churches, where they served faithfully until their deaths.

Visit author Robert Hick’s official web site.

Robert Hicks, author of Widow of the South

“For the past two years, I’ve headed up Franklin’s Charge: A Vision and Campaign for the Preservation of Historic Open Space [www.franklinscharge.com] in the fight to secure and preserve both battlefield and other historic open space in Williamson County. Franklin’s Charge has taken on the massive mission of saving what remains of the eastern flank of the battlefield at Franklin – the largest remaining undeveloped fragment of the battlefield – and turning it into public battlefield park which will, in my dreams, eventually run from the Lotz and Carter Houses [www.carter-house.org] on Columbia Avenue to Ft. Granger and Carnton Plantation, with significant holdings around Breezy and Winstead Hills.[www.civilwarinteractive.com]“

Letter from KIA Sergeant Clifford Woods of the 62nd New York Infantry, Company E, or Anderson Zouaves

Harpers Ferry Va

Jan 23rd, 1864

A few months before Woods was killed in action at the Wilderness. 

Since I wrote the enemy have moved down in front of us some eleven thousand strong and are composed of Cavalry and mounted Infantry with some Artillery. Our Artillery was playing upon them (to use a military phrase) all day yesterday. We have been having some very cold weather here…still I never enjoyed better health in my life. I feel very grateful to you and Uncle for your kindness in offering to give me the charge of the farm this coming Summer and yet I hardly know how to answer you for I do want to study as much as I can after my term of service expires which will be on the 30th of June However, I can study through the winter and should be very much pleased to do the best I can for you on the farm until that time. Aunt Melissa, this is the holy Sabbath and how I wish I were with you away from these scenes of profanity, vulgarity, and bloodshed. ‘Our Heavenly Father give me grace and strength to resist temptations and do my whole duty in a right manner is my daily prayer‘ but oh, it is hard to do this and resist evils.

Late in 1863, the 62nd New York Infantry fought in the Mine Run campaign before heading into winter quarters. During Woods’ three years’ service, the regiment also engaged at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, the Seven Days Battles and Gettysburg. Woods mustered into service on 3 July 1861. He was killed at the Wilderness on 6 May 1864.

Source: eBay, June 2007

Soldier’s identity:

Residence was not listed; 18 years old.

Enlisted on 5/1/1861 at New York City, NY as a Private.

On 7/3/1861 he mustered into “C” Co. NY 62nd Infantry
He was Killed on 5/6/1864 at Wilderness, VA

Promotions:
* Corpl 12/1/1861
* Sergt 1/8/1864

Intra Regimental Company Transfers:
* 8/15/1861 from company C to company E (Estimated Day)

Letter from Edgar E. Conant written while on discharge for disability.

1 November 1863

Sister Mary

The first part of your letter seems to imply that I have expressed in gratitude for your kind attentions to me while incapable of taking care of myself. I hope that you will remember that I am no longer an impulsive boy and that as I have grown older my disposition has under gone a change. To day I can appreciate your kindness probably as well as if I were still older. If there was any other way than word of exposing my gratitude I would willingly do it. You say ‘Frank may some time want for a home.’ It is my hope that he may not experience the loss of parents for many years, hence but if by the will of God he should, he has my solemn promise that he shall not worry while I have health and power to prevent. I often think of eternity although I have never made a public confession of my faith, yet I realize my position. I am glad to hear of Elisia’s marriage. it is the way of the world. I believe I should be tempted to end my existence if I had a scolding wife.’

Edgar Conent mustered into Company C of the 25th MA Infantry on 21 October 1861 and was discharged for disability on 13 March 1863. He then mustered into Company G of the 42nd MA Infantry on 21 July 1864 and mustered out on 11 November 1864.

Source: eBay, June 2007

Notes:

At the time of this letter Conant was a member of the U.S. Forces, Newport News; 18th Corps, Dept of Virginia and North Carolina

Soldier’s identity:

Residence Northbridge MA; a 21 year-old Shoemaker.

Enlisted on 10/12/1861 as a Private.

On 10/12/1861 he mustered into “C” Co. MA 25th Infantry
He was discharged for disability on 3/13/1863 at New Berne, NC

He also had service in:
“G” Co. MA 42nd Infantry  (100 days)

Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Wright of 9th New Jersey Infantry, Company K, to his daughter.

Petersburg, Virginia
13 August 1864

‘Your very kind mother informs me that you are improving in the art of reading and writing. Now I would like you to know that this is of the greatest pleasure to me. If while I were here suffering and enduring hardship for the Sacred cause of Freedom, you were deprived of the means of obtaining an education and of enjoyment, I should be one of the most miserable and disheartened of men. But since you have a very good mother to care for you a School to go to and a Church and Sabbath to attend, with kind teachers and every means of attaining a knowledge of Christ and a means of usefulness in future, I am content and happy?’

Source: eBay, June 2007

Soldier’s identity:

Residence was not listed;
Enlisted on 10/15/1861 as a Sergeant.

On 10/15/1861 he mustered into “K” Co. NJ 9th Infantry
He Re-enlisted on 11/25/1863
He was discharged for wounds on 5/15/1865

He was listed as:
* Wounded (date and place not stated)

Promotions:
* 1st Sergt 6/3/1863
* 2nd Lieut 3/11/1864
* 1st Lieut 11/27/1864 (As of Co. F)

Intra Regimental Company Transfers:
* 12/26/1864 from company K to company F

History of the 9th

On June 21 the 9th crossed the Appomattox and took possession of the rifle-pits beyond the City Point & Petersburg railroad, where on the day following it assisted in repelling a charge of the enemy, losing 1 man killed.  It remained in the works some days longer, participating in several sharp conflicts brought on by the enemy, who was in all cases repulsed.  There in the front line the regiment remained, with brief intervals of relief in the second line, until July 29, losing several men, but not having any pitched engagement.  On the 29th marching orders were received and the command proceeded to a new position to act as a reserve to the 9th corps in front of which the “Burnside Mine” was exploded on the 30th.  A day or two afterward it returned to its position and again went into its intrenchments, remaining for a fortnight exposed to a steady fire from the enemy.  On Aug. 16, Maj. Hufty was wounded in the left arm, and the staff of the regimental state colors was cut down by Confederate sharpshooters–nine bullets passing through the colors.

ALS from KIA soldier Clifford Woods of the 62nd New York Infantry, Anderson Zouaves.

Headquarters Albany / May 23rd

Year is omitted but is most likely 1861, shortly after Woods enlisted.

Excerpt:

”we have had pretty hard times our Company are the most of them discouraged and some of them have run away for my part I have found no reason to complain as long as our company holds together I shall go with them…I expected to have to endure trials and hardships although I never expected to see so much vice swearing, drinking, fighting, gambling and sensuality have no end here…our Captain has done all that he could do for us. he has put us in ahead of 51 companies that came here before us. we have been inspected and accepted into a good regiment. Our bord is very good now although when we first came here we had to live on every thing that was nasty…I have not relished a meal of victuals since I have been here. we have been found with only shirts, one pair of drawers, caps and shoes. I have not been very well for two or three days…but let come what will I shall never have the name of a deserter. I have commenced reading the testament through by course and intend to read some in it every day till I read it through’‘

The 62nd New York was engaged at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, the Seven Days Battles and Gettysburg. Clifford Woods enlisted as a Private on 1 May 1861, and was mustered into Company C on 3 July 1861. He was promoted as high as Sergeant of Company E before being killed in action at the Wilderness on 6 May 1864.

Source: eBay, June 2007

Soldier’s identity:

Residence was not listed; 18 years old.

Enlisted on 5/1/1861 at New York City, NY as a Private.

On 7/3/1861 he mustered into “C” Co. NY 62nd Infantry
He was Killed on 5/6/1864 at Wilderness, VA

Promotions:
* Corpl 12/1/1861
* Sergt 1/8/1864

Intra Regimental Company Transfers:
* 8/15/1861 from company C to company E (Estimated Day)

History of the 62nd

The 62nd, “Anderson’s Zouaves,” composed mainly of members from New York City, Brooklyn, Albany, Troy and Saltersville, N. J., was organized at Saltersville and there mustered into the U. S. service June 30 and July 1, 1861, for three years.  It left for Washington on Aug. 21, 1861, and in October was assigned to Peck’s brigade, Buell’s division, Army of the Potomac, which in March, 1862, became the 1st brigade, 1st division, 4th corps, Army of the Potomac, and reached the Peninsula in time to share in the operations before Yorktown, the battle of Williamsburg and the battle of Fair Oaks.

Letter by Frederick J. Scott of the 47th Pennsylvania Infantry, Company E.

10 October 1862

‘Sunday morning. It is all beautiful and with the solemn tones of the church bell breaking on the ear reminds me of those Sabbath mornings years ago when, with a purer heart and happier, I went up to worship with the just. What change time has brought since then! When a land of peace and unity with no sectional strife to override the public trust - no bitter hating between the brothers of the north & south - now a land of civil war of blood shed. Of sectional strife & contention between brothers, which will fight to the death of desolated homes & bereaved parents, of orphans and widows! & Of sorrow and remorse which a generation will not wipe away. We have two months pay due as yet. Use this as you please. I can only regret I have not more. Write soon, yours as ever, Fredrk J. Scott.’

Source: eBay, June 2007

Note:

At the time of writing Scott was  with the U.S. Forces, Beaufort; 10th Corps, Dept of the South

Soldier’s identity:

Residence was not listed;
Enlisted on 9/16/1861 as a Corporal.

On 9/16/1861 he mustered into “E” Co. PA 47th Infantry
He died on 2/22/1865 at Danville, NC

He was listed as:
* POW 10/19/1864 Cedar Creek, VA

Promotions:
* 2nd Lieut 3/20/1865 (Not Mustered)

4th PA Infantry 

Under Gen Brannan the brigade embarked for Key West on Jan. 27, 1862, and remained there until June, when it moved to Hilton Head, S. C., where it performed picket duty until ordered to join Gen. Brannan’s  expedition to open up the St. John’s river.  When this was accomplished, it returned to Hilton Head and engaged the enemy at Pocotaligo, where the troops were highly praised for their efficient service.

unidentified Union soldier to his sweetheart

15 August 1864

Letter reads in part:

‘My Dearest Ann

You will see by this that I haven’t left yet, but as soon as I finish this will go up to the hospital and get a discharge and my transportation and leave tomorrow morning, nine o’clock for the front. I have been here since my return in the same with Bob who (as you have probably heard) is wounded in the left leg just above the ankle & is doing very well. I have had my ambrotype put in your heart pin & think tis very well done & I feel gratified because you have desired it so long. The Yankee officers have all been been sent off from here, some to Charleston and other places. Old man cried, because he surrendered to 182 confederates. I am inclined to think God will bless us at no very distant day. Only we must trust in him and look to him for comfort in afflictions troubles and trials for he has said ‘I will not forsake you in six trouble and would be with you in the seventh’ only let us exercise faith and patience and he will approve us if we do our duty otherwise?”

Source: eBay, June 2007

Unidentified Union soldier

Camp on Meridian Hill, Washington D.C.,

Nov 17 /61

letter reads in part:

”Bill Brant and all the Chathan boys are well and hearty and in fact the boys in our company with the exception of 3 that was not well when they came and they are going to be discharged and sent home soon. There is some talk of our going down to South Carolina soon but I can not tell now any thing about it for there is so much talk around camp about this thing and that so we wait until we hear it from the headquarters and that is not generally heard until the time is ready to start. I do not doubt but that we shall go down that way and perhaps soon for they do not mean to attack the enemy in their dens in Virginia right away, that is the opinion here. They are not prepared down south as they are Virginia therefore if we go below them we can come in behind their fixings. I hope this war may soon be brought to a close and peace and prosperity once more reign in our midst and we all be permitted to return to our homes in good health and strength as we now enjoy but we can not tell what may befall us but I hope we may be able to meet what ever it may be our lot to meet with our nerves calm and our hearts relying on god for support and strength and feel that we are doing our duty to god and to man and to never cause a blush of shame to come over our dear friends faces that we have left behind.”

Source: eBay, June 2007

Calvin Roller of the 84th Pennsylvania Infantry to his girlfriend

Camp 84th Regiment Penn Vol’s
Petersburg, Virginia

June 29th, 1864

”Smoking is a practice that most every soldier participates in and I am sorry to say that I ben among the many that use tobacco in that way. Although I don’t use it to a great extent I find it affords me a great deal of pleasure. I never in my life drank any intoxicating liquors, only when used in medicine. Sometimes I see officers going into battle very drunk cursing them bad. you folks can’t be aware of the wickedness in the army. Sometimes I am afraid of God sending some plague down on our army for its wickedness. General Grant object to cuts off all communication with the Gulf States before he attempts to take Richmond. We have cut off all the roads but are and no doubt will accomplish the distruction of it before long. Gen Grant is a very obstinate man and will preserve till the end.”

The 84th Pennsylvania Infantry saw action in some of the war’s most pivotal battles including Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Spotsylvania Courthouse and Petersburg.

Source: eBay, June 2007

The 84th history

It shared in the siege of Petersburg until June 27, when it recrossed the James and took part in the action at Deep Bottom.

Probably James C. Roller (two are listed in the 84th though)

Massachusetts soldier M.O. Abbott.

Camp Slough / Alexandria Va.,

October 1862,

letter reads in part:

”Our ranks are not church going men and care little for the gospel ordinances or precepts. the majority seem to take a growing pleasure for more open and dangerous paths of sin. There are only 3 or 4 actual drunkards but nine tenth of the whole number were in the habit of using intoxicating drink. Some say they have never been in the habit of drinking at home but they believe it necessary here for the preservation of health. I cannot take their word as proof of their previous abstinence, The plea that it is needful for health is in most cases a false one and is simply made an excuse to check the stings of conscience. I have noticed that those who drunk the most are the oftenest of the sick list. The Officers of the regiment I believe all use liquor and the privates only imitate their example. Col. Magg. told the regt intemperance and profanity must cease that neither wold be tolerated and he would severely punish those who persisted in these sinful and degrading habits. But of what avail is it while he is guilty of the same crimes the younger portion of the soldiers are more likely to become swearers than drunkards. Conversation carried on with out profanity appears to the inconsiderable and immature mind insipid. I am happy to inform you that there is a bright side to this gloomy picture. A few faithful ones who stand firm in the strength of God. Since we came to Alexandria a prayer meeting has been held in the camp?’”

Source: eBay, June 2007

Soldier ID?

Might [very likely] be Moses B. Abbott of the 18th Mass.

Nathan Fiske [probably 51st Mass.]

Falls St. Croix, Wis.

April 8 / 63

Reads in part

My Dear Friend Chuck

There is mourning, mourning, mourning North and South on account of this wicked and cruel war. I believe it is as true that in a nation will not go unpunished as in an individual. This war is taking away the strength and in many instances the best blood of our nation. It is evident the God of Nations will not give us peace untill we put slavery away from among us. I am astonished that there is so much treason in the North and that so many honest men are blinded by the traitors. I hope there will be no attempt by our government to make peace until we can have it in a manner that God will approve?I am not married have never had one thought of it since my wife died, have never felt like talking about it.

Nathan Fiske

Source: eBay, June 2007

Soldier is probably……..

Nathan B. Fisk

Residence Sutton MA; a 39 year-old Operative.

Enlisted on 9/28/1862 as a Private.

On 9/30/1862 he mustered into “G” Co. MA 51st Infantry
He was Mustered Out on 7/27/1863 at Worcester, MA

Other Information:
born in 1823
Member of GAR Post # 25 (H. H. Legge) in Uxbridge, MA
died 11/5/1899

John Reed of the 18th Iowa Infantry,
Company B.

Ft. Smith, Ark. /
March the 8th, 1865

letter reads in part:

Father, Mother and Sisters

It was mismanagement of Government Officials and not the fault of Uncle Sam at all. And now I will give you the sequel. The General that was in Command has been removed and ordered to Washington and there is a strong probability that he will loose his Commission and we have a new order of things. We have a new General and we also have plenty to eat. You was lamenting about the poor Negro, that he was going to be free and be made better than the White man. Well I can tell you without fear of contradiction that they are better than a great many White men gave alms in the sight of men and yet laid grievious burdens on men shoulders, too grievous to be borne. Our Armies are going on conquering and to Conquer. It is not in their own strength but the God of Liberty and of Freedom is with us. You think according to the Richmond papers there is no prospect of peace (I was not aware before that you took the Richmond paper). The Johnies are in the last ditch and Grant and Sherman are about to push them to the wall.

son and Brother, John Reed

Source: eBay, June 2007

John Reeds info:

John Reed, a resident of Afton, Union County, Iowa enlisted in the Union army on July 28, 1862. Reed was twenty-six years old when he was mustered into Company “B” of the 18th Iowa Infantry.

The 18th Iowa was organized at Clinton and saw service in Missouri, Arkansas, and Indian Territory. The regiment made up part of the Frontier Division stationed at Fort Smith. It took an active part in Frederick Steele’s Camden Expedition and suffered its heaviest casualties of the war at the battle of Poison Spring. Following the failure of the campaign, the regiment returned to Fort Smith where it engaged in garrison duty until the end of the war.

Residence Afton IA; 26 years old.

Enlisted on 7/28/1862 as a Private.

On 8/5/1862 he mustered into “B” Co. IA 18th Infantry
He was Mustered Out on 7/20/1865 at Little Rock, AR

Other Information:
born in Ohio

See his letters

History of the 18th Iowa

Eighteenth Infantry IOWA
(3 years)

Eighteenth Infantry. Cols., John Edwards, Hugh J. Campbell
Lieut.-Cols. Thomas F. Cook, Hugh J. Campbell; MaJs., Hugh J.
Campbell, Joseph K. Morey.

This regiment was mustered in Aug 5, 6 and 7, 1862. Soon
after it moved to Springfield via St. Louis and Sedalia,
joined the Army of the Southwest under Schofield and marched
through Missouri into Arkansas. Returning to Springfield, it
formed a part of the garrison there during the winter.

On Jan. 8, 1863, Marmaduke’s forces, numbering over 5,000 men,
attacked the garrison, which consisted of not to exceed 1,500
men the 18th being the only regular organization there, with
detachments of several Missouri regiments, citizens and quite
a number of convalescents in the hospitals. The fight
commenced about noon and continued with varying success until
almost night, the enemy gaining ground at times only to lose
it by some daring charge, the tide being turned just before
dark by the coming up of five companies of the 18th, which had
been stationed at an outpost. They entered into the fight
with such energy that the enemy was driven into a stockade at
the outskirts of town and declined to give battle the
following day, having lost more than 200 in killed and
wounded. The loss of the regiment was 56 in killed and
wounded and the loss of the entire Union force was about 200.

The regiment remained at Springfield about a year, being
denied the privilege of participating in the stirring scenes
that were bringing glory to its sister regiments, but
performing well the duties so necessary in guarding the border
at that time. Col. Edwards assumed command of the post in
April, and in the fall was in temporary command of the
district of southwestern Missouri, and later in command of his
regiment, which formed part of the force that made Shelby
throw aside his artillery and much of his baggage to escape
his pursuers.

Reaching Fort Smith, Ark., on Oct. 30, the regiment was
assigned to garrison duty and spent the winter there, Col.
Edwards being placed in command of the post. In March, 1864,
the regiment moved with Steele’s forces to Arkadelphia, Col.
Edwards being in command of the brigade to which the 18th was
assigned. The command joined Thayer’s forces at Elkin’s
ferry, the intention being to effect a junction with Banks.
When the retreat of Banks was learned the entire command moved
to Camden.

It was engaged at Prairie d’Ane and at Moscow, where Edwards’
brigade stood the brunt of the attack and on being reinforced
drove the enemy for several miles. After some ten days at
Camden the regiment engaged in a severe battle. With one
section of the 2nd Ind. battery, it was sent to reinforce Col.
Williams of the 1st Kan. Colored regiment, guarding a forage
train. The force was attacked by several thousand troopers,
the Kansas regiment receiving the first shock, and giving way,
crowded through the lines of the 18th and left it to take up
the fight alone. Seven fierce charges were repelled more than
its own numbers were put out of action, but it was finally
surrounded, when, with fixed bayonets, it cut its way out and
reached Camden, having sustained a loss of 77 in killed,
wounded and missing.

The wretched three weeks’ retreat to Little Rock followed,
Col. Edwards holding the reserve and guarding the ordnance
train at the battle of Jenkins’ Ferry. Resuming its duty as
garrison at Fort Smith, the regiment moved on numerous minor
expeditions and was often compelled to forage to keep from
actual starvation, the river below being blockaded. Col.
Edwards was promoted to brigadier-general and was succeeded as
colonel by Lieut.-Col. Campbell. The regiment marched to Fort
Gibson in November to meet a supply train from Fort Scott, but
finding it had not arrived, set out on the evening of the 27th
with two ears of corn each and one tablespoonful of coffee for
each mess of four, as rations, and found the train over 100
miles distant four days later.

The regiment passed the winter and spring in alternate
starvation and plenty, remaining on garrison duty at Fort
Smith until the latter part of the summer of 1865, when it was
mustered out. Its original strength was 866; gain by
recruits, 9; total, 875.

Source: The Union Army, vol. 4

Danville Prizon #4- VA. 1863

Unidentified POW at Danville Prison No. 4 to his mother.

14 December 1863

letter reads in part:

”I am still a prisoner but through the blessings of God well and hearty. I am going to ask one more favor of you at home and I hope you will lay all your work aside and attend to it and I will try to pay you someday. Send me a cheese, 5 lbs. of salt 5 of sugar, 1 of spice, some hard soap. 50 cts worth of licorice. 50 cts worth of paper and some envelopes and any other articles you can think of that a prisoner may need. Try and have it sent as soon as you can get the articles together. Now don’t look at expense. I want all I have sent for if it costs me 25 dollars. We are doing pretty well since we came to D-? I am giving the Scriptures a thorough reading in my prison life“.

Source: eBay, June 2007

Frank I. Willis
51st NY Vols., Co. A.

Willis writes to his aunt

Camp Burnside
15 November 1861

”Yes I am here to participate in the vindication of my country’s honor to oppose armed rebels who seek the subversion of this, the only republican government that deserves the admiration of the world. We are all anxious to meet the enemy of our beautiful country and the spirit of ‘76 dwells in the bosom and strengthens the arm of all who join in the cause. In my God is my firm reliance and should I suddenly be ushered into the unknown world while fighting beneath the Stars and Stripes, I trust all will be well.

I am healthier than ever before it seems to me. Our rations have along back consisted of two crackers, a small piece of meat and a cup of coffee. Nice meals to grow fat on! We expect soon to go south and I doubt not but we shall see hard times within the month. Charleston is reserved for us. God is with us and there at Charleston victory awaits us?”

Source: eBay, June 2007

Notes:

Residence was not listed; 21 years old.

Enlisted on 9/13/1861 at New York City, NY as a Corporal.

On 9/20/1861 he mustered into “A” Co. NY 51st Infantry
He Re-enlisted on 2/25/1864
He was discharged for wounds on 3/1/1865 at Hospital, Washington, DC
(Douglas Hospital)

He was listed as:
* Wounded 7/30/1864 Petersburg, VA (Severely wounded in right leg, amputated)

Promotions:
* Sergt 8/30/1863
* 2nd Lieut 3/19/1864 (Not Mustered)

51st history

The 51st regiment contained six companies of the Shepard Rifles, two companies of the Scott Rifles and two companies of the Union Rifles and was organized in New York city, where it was mustered into the service of the United States July 27 to Oct. 23, 1861, for a three years’ term.

It left the state for Washington on Oct. 31, with 850 members, was assigned to the 2nd brigade, 2nd division, Gen. Burnside’s North Carolina expedition, and embarked at Annapolis Jan. 6, 1862, for Roanoke island. The first active service of the regiment was at Roanoke island, where it fought with courage and steadiness.

Camp 41st Geo. Regiment

Near Jonesborough

September 10, 1864

Robert O. Douglass of Troup County, Georgia writes about the fall of Atlanta. Reading this letter, one cannot help but conjure up images in Gone With the Wind of Atlanta burning.

Note: At the time of this letter the 41st GA was with Barton’s/Gardner’s brigade, Stevenson’s division, Army of Tennessee
Douglass writes to his sister, in part:

“…I hope though that Old Sherman will allow us to rest for a little while so that we can recuperate our health. I supposed you have heard of Genl Sherman driving all the citizens away from Atlanta. It’s the most brutal and inhumane act I ever heard of. General Hood sends 500 wagons for them Monday… What do you all think of the fall of Atlanta? Are you whipped? I hope not. When you hear of the last Confederate soldier laying in his grave, then you may say that the South is conquered, but not until then. We will continue to fight them as long as we live… Our cause is a just one. God is a just God, therefore, we must win…”

Source: eBay June 2007

Residence Troup County GA; Enlisted on 3/4/1862 as a 3rd Sergt.

On 3/4/1862 he mustered into “E” Co. GA 41st Infantry
He was Surrendered on 4/26/1865 at Greensboro, NC

Promotions:
* 1st Lieut
* Sergt Major 4/8/1862 (Adjutant)

Letter by John W Pitridge, U.S. Army Co. H. 5th Regiment Vermont Volunteer Infantry.

Camp Near Bell Plain Va

January 18th 1863

Dear parents

Tis with much pleasure that I write to let you no that I am well as common but don’t know how long I shall be though for we are going to move tomorrow with 3 days rations in our sacks to parts unknown to us . But we think we have go to go acrossed the river but hope not for it is Death to a good many who go over there and it may be me and it may not be but God knows and no one else so I trust all to him……

Not edited:

Dear parents Tis with much pleasher that I right to let you no that I am well as common but don’t know how long I shal be tho for we are gointo moave tomorrow with 3 days rations in our sacks to parts unnon to us . But we think we have goto go acrost the river but hope not for it is Death to a good meny hoo go over ther and it may be me and it may not be but God Noes and no on elso so I trust all to him…… (more)… John W pitridge To his father & Mother Brother Sister Be Shure and right often to me for it may be som time bfore I can right very soon to you again. John Naylor is well & James B McGibbon is well to. All the boys are well as common but haito moave for they no the effect. Good By for this time. Right Soon John W Pitridge Good By My for this time.

Source: eBay, June 2007

Notes:

At the time he wrote this letter he had just seen action at Fredericksburg Va. – Dec. 13, 1862.

John W. Pitridge resided in Brandon, Vermont and enlisted in the U.S. Army Co. H. 5th Regiment Vermont Volunteer Infantry on September 4th, 1861. He was mustered into the service for 3 years on September 16th, 1861. On September 18 he and Company H camped on Meridian Hill, then crossed Chain Bridge into Virginia to join other Vermont regiments at Camp Advance. From there he participated in the following battles:

Lee’s Mills Va. – April 16, 1862
Williamsburg Va. – May 5, 1862
Golding’s Farm Va. – June 26, 1862
Savage’s Station Va. – June 29, 1862
Antietam Md. - Sept 17, 1862
Fredericksburg Va. – Dec. 13, 1862
Gettysburg Pa. – July 3, 1863
Funkstown Md. – July 10, 1863
Wilderness Va. – May 5-10, 1864
Spottsylvania Va. – May 10-18, 1864
Cold Harbor, Va. – June 1-12, 1864
Petersburg Va. – June 18, 1864
Opequan, Va. – Sept. 13, 1864
Fisher’s Hill, Va. – Sept 21-22, 1864
Cedar Creek, Va. – Oct. 19, 1864
Petersburg Va. – March 25, 27

April 2, 1865 John Pitridge was wounded near the heart during battle at Savage’s Station on June 29th 1862. He was then captured , shortly thereafter exchanged, and honorably discharged on June 29, 1865.

The Fifth regiment Vermont Volunteer Infantry was composed of companies organized at the following towns, the men composing them being enlisted from these and adjoining towns: Company A, St. Alban; B, Middlebury: C, Swanton: D, Hyde Park; E, Manchester; F, Cornwall; G, Rutland; H, Brandon; I, Detachments from Burlington, Poultney and Tinmouth; and K, Richmond. The regiment was mustered into the U.S. Service for 3 years at St. Albans VT 9/16/1861 and in a few days went to Washington and camped on Meridian Hill then crossed into Virginia and joined other Vermont regiments at Camp Advance, when the Old Vermont Brigade was organized. The regiment spent most of the fall and winter of 1861-1862 at Camp Griffin, near Langley, Va., going to fortress Monroe in the Spring of 1862 and taking part in the Peninsula campaign. At Savage’s Station, June 29, 1862 it suffered the greatest loss, killed and wounded, of any Vermont regiment in any one engagement. In this battle, with not over 400 muskets, it lost 188 officers and men in half and hour. The total killed and wounded the Fifth regiment suffered in battle during the 4 years of service was 685.The deaths from disease and accidents in rebel prisons and from other causes were 1 officer and 124 men. The Fifth was one of the 45 Infantry Regiments, out of all the Regiments of the Union Armies, that lost over 200 men, killed or mortally wounded in battle during the War of the Rebellion. It bore an honorable and active part in the battles of Lee’s Mills, Williamsburg, Golding’s Farm, Savage’s Station, White Oak Swamp, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg Dec. ’62, May ’63 and June 1863. Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Funkstown, Rappahannock Station, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Jericho Ford, Cold Harbor, Petersburg June ’64, Fort Stevens, Charlestown, Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, Petersburg March 25 and April 2 1865, Sailor’s Creek, and other skirmishes and reconnoissances.

Upon the Altar of the Nation: A Moral History of the Civil War
by Harry S. Stout

In the Civil War, Union and Confederate soldiers alike marched to battle believing God was on their side. Stout, professor of American religious history at Yale (The New England Soul), artfully and eloquently examines the evolving rhetoric of warfare, both Northern and Confederate, within the rubric of “the just war” theory of conflict. Stout dissects such public documents as editorials, sermons and speeches, and private documents like diaries and letters, to trace the trajectory of both sides’ rationales for war. But he also makes clear that most high-minded utterances obscured, rather than clarified, the economic issues that lay at the heart of the conflict. Stout argues that even today the moral justifications for the carnage ring louder than do the sordid dollar-and-cents realities that underlay sectional differences. As Stout shows, the Civil War remains with us today as an exercise of civil religion: altars of the two conflicting faiths stand side-by-side at Gettysburg and other venues, sacralized slices of patriotism painted in shades of gray or blue. Stout’s contention that even the North engaged in immoral acts in prosecuting the war will rattle many, but the questions he raises are important in an era when humanitarian justifications for war are increasingly common. 24 b&w illus., 5 maps, not seen by PW.

The Civil War as a Theological Crisis
by Mark A. Noll

The University of North Carolina Press, 2006

The Civil War was a major turning point in American religious thought, argues Mark A. Noll. Although Christian believers agreed with one another that the Bible was authoritative and that it should be interpreted through commonsense principles, there was rampant disagreement about what Scripture taught about slavery. Furthermore, most Americans continued to believe that God ruled over the affairs of people and nations, but they were radically divided in their interpretations of what God was doing in and through the war.

In addition to examining what white and black Americans wrote about slavery and race, Noll surveys commentary from foreign observers. Protestants and Catholics in Europe and Canada saw clearly that no matter how much the voluntary reliance on scriptural authority had contributed to the construction of national civilization, if there were no higher religious authority than personal interpretation regarding an issue as contentious as slavery, the resulting public deadlock would amount to a full-blown theological crisis. By highlighting this theological conflict, Noll adds to our understanding of not only the origins but also the intensity of the Civil War.

About the author
Mark A. Noll is McAnaney Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. He is author, editor, or coeditor of 35 books, including the award-winning America’s God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln.

While God Is Marching on: The Religious World of Civil War Soldiers (Modern War Studies) . University of Kansas Press, 2001.
by Steven E. Woodworth

They read the same Bible and prayed to the same God, but they faced each other in battle with rage in their hearts. The Civil War not only pitted brother against brother but also Christian against Christian, with soldiers from North and South alike devoutly believing that God was on their side.

Steven Woodworth, one of our most prominent and provocative Civil War historians, presents the first detailed study of soldiers’ religious beliefs and how they influenced the course of that tragic conflict. He shows how Christian teaching and practice shaped the worldview of soldiers on both sides: how it motivated them for the struggle, how it influenced the way they fought, and how it shaped national life after the war ended.

Through the diaries, letters, and reminiscences of common soldiers, Woodworth illuminates religious belief from the home front to the battlefield, where thoughts of death and the afterlife were always close at hand. Woodworth reveals what these men thought about God and what they believed God thought about the war.

Wrote one Unionist, “I believe our cause to be the cause of liberty and light . . . the cause of God, and holy and justifiable in His sight, and for this reason, I fear not to die in it if need be.” With a familiar echo, his Confederate counterpart declared that “our Cause is Just and God is Just and we shall finally be successful whether I live to see the time or not.”

Woodworth focuses on mainstream Protestant beliefs and practices shared by the majority of combatants in order to help us better understand soldiers’ motivations and to realize what a strong role religion played in American life throughout the conflict. In addition, he provides sharp insights into the relationship between Christianity and both the abolition movement in the North and the institution of slavery in the South.

Ultimately, Woodworth shows us how opposing armies could put their trust in the same God while engaging in four years of organized slaughter and destruction. His compelling work provides a rich new perspective on religion in American life and will forever change the way we look at the Civil War.

“It is exemplary in many ways—not least in its utterly respectful attitude toward popular religion.”–Journal of American History

“A pioneering and often insightful work on an important subject.”–Journal of Military History

“Entertaining and informative.”–Civil War Book Review

“A genuine contribution to the literature on the world of Civil War soldiers.”–James M. McPherson, author of Battle Cry of Freedom

“Fills a longstanding gap in our understanding of the Civil War. Tough-minded exposition, veins of wit, and arresting insights make this highly accessible, dazzling work a delight and inspiration to read.”–Bertram Wyatt-Brown, author of The Shaping of Southern Culture: Honor, Grace, and War

“A sweeping study that moves to the forefront of all books treating faith among Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks.”–James I. Robertson, Jr., author of Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Soldier, The Legend

“One of those rare works that displays impressive scholarship but grips the emotions as well.”–Marvin Olasky, editor of World Magazine

STEVEN E. WOODWORTH is associate professor of history at Texas Christian University. He is the author of Grant’s Lieutenants: From Cairo to Vicksburg, Civil War Generals in Defeat, and a two-time winner of the prestigious Fletcher Pratt Award, for his books Davis and Lee at War and Jefferson Davis and His Generals.

Letter with ”U.S. Christian Commission” cover and letterhead from Corp. Dwight L. Herrick, Company C, 18th NH Infantry, City Point, VA, to his sister, Angelia Herrick, in Swanzey, NH.

“The US Christian Commission seeks to afford a sure and effective medium of communication between the wounded or sick soldier–whether in the Camp of in Field or General Hospitals — and his home friends . . “

Note: Dwight had only been in the army just six weeks when he wrote this letter.

Dec 17 [1864]

Source: eBay June 2007

Residence was not listed; 21 years old, when he enlisted on 8/31/1864 as a Private.

On 8/31/1864 he mustered into “C” Co. NH 18th Infantry. He was Mustered Out on 6/10/1865. Promotions: Corpl

Other Information: born in Chesterfield, NH.

The Eighteenth New Hampshire Volunteers was attached to Engineer Brigade, Defences of City Point, Va., Army of the Potomac, October 4 to March 19, 1865.

Religious services on the Deck of the U.S. Monitor Passaic - 1864

Members of the Christian Commission at their Field Headquarters near Germantown, MD, September 1863

Chaplain Conducting Mass for the 69th New York State Militia Encamped at Fort Corcoran- Washington, D.C., 1861

 Photograph from the main eastern theater of war, the siege of Petersburg, June 1864-April 1865.

Source:  LOC

Civil War photographs, 1861-1865 / compiled by Hirst D. Milhollen and Donald H. Mugridge, Washington, D.C. : Library of Congress, 1977. No. 0407

1864 October

John Sheperd of the 13th Indiana Infantry

17 January 1865

I went to Church last Sabbath for the first time since I left. There is prayer meeting every night. I think I shall go tonight.

Shooting musketry, and offal Yelling…over the capture of ft. fisher in N.C. that our Boys failed to take the first trip they made?

Source: eBay, July 2007

The 13th Indiana was part of the Army of the James in Jan 1865; 3rd brigade, 2nd division, 24th corps.

It participated in the assault on Fort Fisher in Jan. 1865 in the capture of Fort Anderson and the occupation of Wilmington, and was stationed at Raleigh, until July 20, when it was assigned to duty at Goldsboro, where it remained until mustered out, Sept. 5, 1865.

John Sheperd was from Hicksville, Ohio. He enlisted on 11/12/1864 as a Private. On 11/12/1864 he mustered into “E” Co. IN 13th Infantry. He was Mustered Out on 9/5/1865 at Goldsboro, N.

The 13th Indiana saw action at Cheat Mountain, Winchester Heights, Fort Wagner, Petersburg and Fort Fischer.

Gods and Generals, movie

Gods and Generals, the epic screen adaptation of Jeff Shaara’s heralded best-selling novel, is a dramatic look back at the Civil War - America’s bloodiest conflict, in which more than 620,000 lives were lost. A prequel to the acclaimed screen drama Gettysburg, also directed by Ron Maxwell, the film is based on events that are sweeping in scope and made all the more compelling by the human-scaled drama it depicts. A moving portrayal of a nation divided, Gods and Generals begins in early 1861 and continues through 1863, climaxing with the stunning Battle of Chancellorsville.

The film illuminates heroes from both sides of the war, such as Colonel Joshua Chamberlain (JEFF DANIELS), a professor at Maine’s Bowdoin College who gave up a promising academic career to enlist in the Union army, then went on to become one of the North’s finest military leaders; Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee (ROBERT DUVALL), a distinguished 25-year veteran of the United States Army and native Virginian, forced to choose between allegiance to his country and loyalty to his home state; and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson (STEPHEN LANG), a devoutly religious man whose faith and courage and audacity made him an outstanding soldier and Lee’s most trusted lieutenant.

The tremendous suffering and bravery of the Civil War was not confined to the battlefields. Gods and Generals also tells the story of the wives and families who were forced to assume responsibility at home, often in cities under direct attack from the opposition. Joshua Chamberlain’s wife Fanny (MIRA SORVINO), Thomas Jackson’s wife Anna (KALI ROCHA) and Jane Beale (MIA DILLON), whose family was caught in the Battle of Fredericksburg, reflect the spirit, courage and anxiety of those who were left behind.

Encompassing 158 speaking roles and thousands of battlefield “re-enactors,” Gods and Generals vividly brings to life not only the Civil War’s legendary leaders, but also the legions of anonymous soldiers and citizens who fought passionately and courageously for their vision of freedom.

Official web site 

Trailer link