You are currently browsing the monthly archive for January, 2008.
According to Robinson (p.5):
Most Americans, no doubt, imagine the prewar South as a region so thickly dotted with immense plantations on which most of the black and white populations worked and lived. But, on the contrary, while slaves made up 40% of the total population of the South, only 25 percent of free families, most of them white, owned any slaves at all, and fully one-half of this minority (12.5%) held fewer than five slaves. Only an owner of twenty or more slaves, and of substantial land, could qualify as a planter, and fewer than 10 percent of slave-holding families qualified. The plantation elite of the antebellum South made up less than 3 percent of the free population in the region and less than 2 percent of the total free and slave populations combined.
Bitter Fruits of Bondage: The demise of slavery and the collapse of the Confederacy, 1861-1865. Armisted L. Robinson. Univ of Virgina Press, 2005.
Lt. David W. Poak of the 30th Illinois Volunteer Infantry was at Forts Henry and Donaldson, Corinth, Vicksburg, Atlanta Campaign ,March to the Sea, and the Carolina Campaign . He was awarded a 17th Corps Medal of Honor for the Battle of Atlanta when he was conspicuous in Rallying his men, advancing to the front, encouraging his men,firing muskets rapidly at the enemy, and by his service and gallant example materially assisting in bringing his regiment again into action.
Lt. D.W.Poak
30th Illinois Infantry
HdQrs 1st Brig 3rd Div 17th A.C.
Pocotaligo,S.C.
Jan. 29th, 1865
Sister Sadie,
Yours of the 15th inst. is received . You will doubtless be somewhat surprised when I tell you that instead of being ready to start home I am ready to start on another campaign. It appears as though our Regiment would never get anymore officers . It is now over forty days since the last commissions were sent for and nothing heard from them yet. When, after numerous delays they finally make their appearance. So many of the officers who are now present will be absent in some way that there will not be enough then. If I get through the present campaign all right I am going to make application to Corps and Department Head Quarters to be mustered out . We are expecting to march tomorrow morning . In what direction is not known. I presume however that we will start toward Charleston even should it be Gen. Sherman’s intention to move on Branchville. Some of Gen. Fosters troops marched in today to take our place. The rebs are strongly fortified three miles and a half from here . So we will not have to go far for a fight unless they prove to be of such a progressive nature that they get out of our way. Gen. Sherman’s HeadQuarters are within a few rods of ours . We see the old gentleman quite frequently. Gen. Force made me a present a few days since of a very nice pair of Staff Shoulder Straps . The weather is delightful. Hope we may have a good time and be successful . I have not time to write anymore . Our last mail has gone. I send this by courier.
Give my respects to any enquiring friend,
Your brother,
D. W.Poak
Harper’s Weekly
February 4, 1864
[From the Evening Post of January 26.]
EAST TENNESSEE.
Longstreet, it is reported, has been reinforced by as many as 20,000 troops from Lee’s army, and is preparing to move on Knoxville. The rebel army at Dalton, Georgia, is estimated at 30,000. The communication between Chattanooga and Knoxville is threatened by guerrillas, probably under Morgan. Re-enlisting regiments are continually leaving on furlough, their places being promptly taken by new recruits.
The President’s Amnesty Proclamation, in East Tennessee, as in all other portions of the Confederacy, seems to have its designed effect upon the rebel soldiers. We have now the most indubitable assurance that this is the case, as General Longstreet himself has lately, in an official correspondence with General Foster, bitterly complained of the conduct of the latter in circulating this document among the Confederate soldiers, causing desertion and disaffection, and suggested that the proclamation should have circulated through himself or not at all. Foster replied by sending Longstreet twenty copies for circulation, agreeing with him that the proclamation exactly meant the return of the disaffected to their allegiance, and the restoration of peace.
January 24, 1861
First
Second
Third
Fourth
“As an American citizen, I take great pride in my country, her prosperity annd institutions, and would defend any State if her rights were invaded. But I can anticipiate no greater calamity for the country than a dissolution of the Union. It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, and I am willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation.”Robert E. Lee, January 23, 1861 (in a letter to his son Custis)
When Lee wrote this, six southern States had already seceded.
When Lee wrote this, six southern States had already seceded.
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.
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 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.
Notes:
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)
Camp McClernand
Jan.22/62
Dear Sister,
It is sometime since I last wrote to you and I now take my pen to write you a few lines. The last time I wrote to you I was at Fort Jefferson Kentucky . I don’t know whether you ever recd’ it or not as there was an order issued that no letters should leave Cairo but I started it anyhow. I expect you would like to hear something about our march so I will tell you a few things that I seen while gone .The letter I wrote to you before was written on Sunday .
Monday we did nothing but stay about our camp.Tuesday morning early we were ordered to strike tents and be ready to march . So by 7 oclk everything was in readyness to start but there being a very large hill to go up right at the edge of the camp it was nearly 11 oclk before we got all the teams up and got started. We marched about ten miles that day to a town called Blandenville. Here we stopped and built up fires so that we could get supper when the teams came. It was after dark before the wagons came up . We got our tents and pitched them and after eating supper (which consisted of coffee and hard bread) lay down and slept sweetly till morning.
The next morning we started again on the road leading to Columbus and marched about 12 miles. It snowed nearly all forenoon that day rendering it very disagreeable .That night we encamped in a cornfield where the ridges about the rows were about two feet high . But as good luck would have it there were several straw and hay stacks not far off and we got lots of hay to lie on .
We were now within about ten miles of Columbus. Gen. Grant accompanied by some cavalry made a reconnoisance to within 5 miles of Columbus and some of the cavalry went so near as to drive in their pickets.
Thursday morning we started out on the Mayfield road and marched on that way till about two oclock when we turned back and took the Paducah road. We marched on toward Paducah until about 8 oclock that night when we halted and found that the other regiments had encamped a mile or two back, and go to them . This was the second time we had countermarched that day and the boys were all very tired but it was soon done when we commenced it and we were soon in camp with good fires and feeling much better than we did shortly before.
Friday we did not go but about 9 miles to a place by the name of Lovesseville , formerly known as PinHook. It rained very hard that night and most of the tents being in low ground they became untenable and the men had to get up and sit by the fire .
Saturday it rained nearly all day and the mud and water was nearly knee deep . Our blankets had got wet the night before and the rain that day made our clothes wet, so that we had quite a load to carry. To add to this about every mile we wouild have to cross a run which had become so swollen with the late rains that they were about 2 feet deep . That night we got back to within 2 miles of Bladenville but on a different road . That night we were all mighty tired . We got into camp a little before dark and when we commenced looking about for our wagons word came that they had stopped for the night about 3 miles from where we started in the morning . So here we were without any tents and hardly anything to eat . The latter was remedied by killing some hogs and cattle and roasting the meat over the fire. We built a big fire and lay down on the ground and slept till morning.We stayed there till Monday morning when we came back to Cairo .
On Monday we burned a large grist and saw mill where the rebels at Columbus had been getting flour and lumber and took all the property the man had. Every person let on to be Union men wherever we went. I recd’ those shirts you sent me by Mr. Clarke but did not see or hear anything of him . I will write to you soon again and give you more particulars.
Nothing more at present but remain your affectionate brother, D.W.Poak
Lt.D.W.Poak 30th Illinois Infantry
Adjutant and Lt. David W. Poak of the 30th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was at Forts Henry and Donaldson, Corinth, Vicksburg, Atlanta Campaign, March to the Sea, and the Carolina Campaign.
Camp of the 30th Ill.Infty Memphis
Jan 21st / 63
Dear Sisters,
Your very kind and welcome letter of the 11th inst came to hand yesterday evening and I now take my seat to pen a few lines in reply . Since my last to you which was on the 8th of the present month we have again been on the move. Early on the morning of the 9th we recd orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moments warning and about 11 oclock A.M. recd’ orders to move.
Our stay at Davis ‘ Mill was not of as long duration, as most of us supposed it would be when we stopped there. However I guess all were satisfied to leave. We passed through La Grange that day about 2 oclock . From there we took the Memphis & Charleston Railroad toward Memphis. Shortly after leaving La Grange it commenced raining and continued until long after night when we had travelled about five miles along the railroad .
We stopped in an open field as we thought to camp for the night-but which we soon found out was merely to get supper. The Boys as soon as we stopped busied themselves in getting up rails for our fires and in gathering grass to sleep on so that when the order came for us to start very few had had anything to eat . It was now getting near night , the rain was falling fast and we were still full seven miles from where we were ordered to go that night.Happily for us however about dark the weather became so very bad that Col. Leggett Comdg our Brigade thought he would take the responsibility upon himself to stop for the night and march in in the morning.
Accordingly we stopped in a nice piece of timber , built good rail fires , set up our tents and were soon quite comfortable. Was up next morning about half past four oclock and by half past six were on our way to Moscow, a small village on the R.R. which for the present was to be our stopping place.
Arrived at the town about 8 A.M. and after waiting a short time for the officers to select a camp gropund , marched about 1/2 mile west of town and pitched our tents on the ground formerly occupied by the 18th Wisconsin Regt. Lt. David and Sergt. McCreight returned to the company as we were passing through La Grange .
I must confess I feel a heavy weight taken off me since he assumed command of the company.When I was in command of the company I did not have any peace of mind at all.Not that the company was hard to govern or that they did not obey me promptly, but there was so much responsibility resting upon me that I could not but think of it.
The commander of a company occupies the same position toward the company that a teacher does toward his scholers only that he is often placed in much more embarrassing circumstances . Lt. David has been appointed Capt., I 1st Lieut. and Samuel McCreight 2nd Lieut., I am well satisfied with the appointment except 2nd Lt.. I think another man was entitled to the position .However it dont matter to me . I think I have the nicest position in the company or at least the one that suits me best.
Since they have returned I have been taking things decidedly easy as far as any company duty is concerned and I intend to continue in the same way for sometime to come . But enough of this for the present more anon. We remained at Moscow until the Morning of the 12th when we again took up our line of march. That day we marched to LaFayette,a distance of ten miles arriving about 2 oclock P.M.
During our stay at this place we were the recipients of one of the largest snow storms that had been known in that country since March 1843. Nearly 20 years. It rained nearly 24 hours before the snow commenced falling, so that a large amount of it melted as it fell. But it remained to the depth of 8 inches in level places notwithstanding the melting. I happened to be one of the poor unfortunates who was compelled to be out in this storm.
I will not pretend to give you anything near a perfect description of my situation for that would require a much abler pen than mine, however I will give you a few extracts from my diary of that date which may not prove uninteresting to you.
By the way let me ask you first how you like my extracts and whether they prove interesting or not?
Jan.14th 1863 Commenced raining last night about 11 oclk and is raining still this morning , without any cessation whatever . Had breakfast about 8 a,m, and had just finished eating dinner about 3 P.M. when in came a detail for picket with my name on it. This was by no means good news but it had to be did, so I got ready as soon as possible.
Reported at Brigade Hd.Qrts. about 4 p.m. and was started in charge of 40 men to a post abpout a mile off on the R.R. Arrived at the Post at 5 oclk P.M. after crossing numerous streams ,getting our feet and legs wet, as well as the upper man. Found Capt. Martin of our Regt. in charge of the place and a sorry place it was. They were on the R.R. Track and were surrounded on all sides by water differing in depth from six inches to six feet.
After placing the guards I found a small Island that I thought was large enough for us to stay on so we moved our quarters . The guards were placed on like camp guard (ground?) and the men going out to relieve the others had to wade through mud and water knee deep. To add to the pleasure of the place , the rain which I have spoken of before has continued unceaseingly all day and to night there is no prospect of it ceasing. I am standing by a fire taking the rain as best I can an thinking that I have at least one advantage that is I cannot get any wetter.
About nine oclock I lay down under a few rails the boys had lain up for shelter covered with my blankets and tried to sleep , but no sleep would come to my eyes . I spent the night in this place getting up frequently and warming myself. The rain changed into snow about 11 oclock that night . I let it snow on top of my blankets which closed up the crevices and made me quite a warm covering.
Next morning when I lifted my blankets preparatory to getting up ,the first thing I was introduced to was a flake of snow about 6 inches square,and it right in my face .I thought this pretty hard but on making an effort to turn over I found the snow closing in on all sides and I was compelled to get up double quick or be buried in snow. This day passed off very roughly. It snowed all day.
We were relieved about 5 oclock on the evening of the 15th , made our way to camp , found supper waiting on me. After eating a hearty supper and getting right warm I went to bed , and was soon contemplating in dreams the scenes of the past day. We remained at LaFayette until the morning of the 18th when we took up our line of march for the long talked of (by us) Memphis , where we arrived on the evening of the 19th about 2 oclock.
The night of the 18th it raiined and melted off a good deal of snow which made it very muddy.Just the day before we left La Fayette I got a pair of new boots and starting to march before they got set to my feet they hurt them and the march got me down worse than anyone since I have been in the service. I expect a more tired boy never came into Memphis than I was the day we got here. We marched 31 miles in a day and a half.
I have not been down in the city yet but those that have say business of all kinds is very brisk. What I have seen of the place is very nice and the country adjoining it is beautiful. Gen. McArthers Division left here yesterday for down the river. It is reported that the troops that go down are all landing at Napolean.
I have no idea how long we will remain here . I think our course will be down the river . I expect we will be paid off tommorrow or next day for the months of July and August. We have now over six months pay due us but are only going to get two months . I dont care much still . I would like to have it sent home. I am going to keep a good supply for myself this time for fear we dont get anymore for another six months.
You appear to have some fears about us going to Vicksburg and indeed prospects look very favorable for us being there should there be another battle at that place but I dont think Gen.Grant will fight them there. I think he will make some move that will force them to evacuate it or will draw them out some place else to fight. This is merely my opinion. But I am not dreading Vicksburg very much. If they do have a battle there and call on us, all I want is to be able to do our duty as well as we have in times past .
In yours of January 4th which was recd’ a few days since , you wished me to answer an inquiry which you made in a previous letter concerning my relations with a certain person. When I read your letter I never took a second thought about that. I had heard so much on that subject and from so many sources that I had quit paying any attention to it whatever but being as you desire some information on a subject that has attracted the attention of so many and will not be put off without an answer .
I suppose I will have to give you the required information. There are no relations existing between the person you alluded to and myself other than there are between any two common friends. Are you satisfied? We drew soft bread again this evening .This is the first time since we left LaGrange going south nearly two months. In your last you said Mr. Haus wanted a good contraband. You can tell him good contrabands here (for cooking ) are like good girls in Lawrence Co. Skace (scarce?) . I have one I think would suit him but I cannot spare him while I am in the Army.
Things are pretty high in these quarters. I sent one of the boys down to town yesterday to get me some eatables . He had to pay 45 cents a piece for chickens ,30 cents per day for eggs,and other things in accordance . The weather has been quite cool for the last ten days. Well I believe I have written enough for the present.Give my respects to any enquireing friend.
Your brother,David W.Poak
P.S. I noticed by the journal that Lawyer Johnston has been appointed Day Master and Ben Cunningham is assistant. Bully for Ben….
Adjutant and Lt. David W. Poak of the 30th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was at Forts Henry and Donaldson,Corinth,Vicksburg,Atlanta Campaign ,March to the Sea, and the Carolina Campaign.
William Savage (to his parents in Greenwich, CT)
10th CT Infantry
10th CT Infantry
21-23 January, 1863
Excerpt:
This is a lovely evening, the moon is nearly full and shines brightly. I do not think I ever saw the moon as bright as it is down here. We did have a communion service last Sabbath afternoon. I came forward and made public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ and received of the Sacrement with us. One man who had never before spoken in meeting, by the grace of God he was going to live differently and requested the prayers of Gods people that he might be enabled to live as he ought.
The next evening there was a prayer meeting in St. Augustine, too. Savage went on picket and after returning the next morning, washed and dressed and went down to Church.
We had the Rev. Mr. Taylor to preach for us. He is the president of the Christian Commission for this department. I felt so miserably tired and sleepy that I could not give much attention.
Source: Nate Sanders, July 2007
Camp Morton
Near Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky
Jan. 19, 1862
Dear Wife,
I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines. I am tolerable well at present and I hope these few lines may find you and the children and all the rest of the folks well. I started to write to you the other day but I had only time to write a few lines. I had to expedition and I had been out two days so I concluded to write again. There is a good many of our men sick and there will be a good sick yet for we have been laying on the wet ground ever since we have been here without any straw under us. And the water runs under us every time it rains. There is only about two thirds of the men fit for duty at this time. The boys from Hardin are all well but David ________. He is at the hospital sick with measles. There is some talk of being disbanded but I don’t know whether there is any such good luck for us or not. If we are not disbanded I reckon I will stay here until March. Our camp is four miles from Bardstown on the turnpike leading to New Haven. It was very nice in a woods pasture place when we first came here. But it is knee deep in mud now. You must write as soon as you get this if you have not already wrote. I would like to know how mother is and how you and the children are and if folks are getting along. I would like to be at home but I have got myself in this scrape and I will have to stand it. But if I live to get out of this I will never be caught soldiering again that is certain. We did not know what hard times was until we come to this place. We don’t get more than half enough to eat and our horses are not half fed and everything goes wrong. I will tell you what we have to do so you will know how much idle time we have. We get up at 6 o’clock and answer roll call. Then we feed and curry our horses and wash which takes up the time till 7 when we eat our breakfast. Then we water our horses. Then drill on foot until dinner. Then at 1-1/2 o’clock we go out and drill on horseback until four. Then water, feed and curry our horses. Then get wood for the night. By this time it is after dark. So you see they keep us pretty busy. When you write direct your letter to Camp Morton near Bardstown, Nelson Cty., Ky Cal, Boyles Reg., Company D. So nothing more at present but remaining your affectionate husband until death.
A. A. Harrison
P.S. Tell Martha, Jo is well.
*********
Absolom A. Harrison
Company D, 4th Regiment, Kentucky Calvary Volunteers (Union)
A. A. Harrison sent the following letters to his wife Susan Allstun Harrison. Susan’s grandmother was Nancy Lincoln Brumfield, Thomas Lincoln’s sister and President Abraham Lincoln’s aunt.
These letters were transcribed by A. A.’s great-grandson Ronald A. Harrison who introduces the letters with the following background:
“A. A. Harrison and his brother Jo (Joel) apparently got caught up in a recruiting drive and enlisted in the Fourth Kentucky Calvary, U.S.A., without even going home to tell their wives, Susan and Martha. The first letter appears to be letting Susan know what has become of her husband. The two brothers served honorably for roughly a year. At the end of that time A. A. was medically discharged. At roughly the same time Jo died in a military hospital in Nashville. Only recently has anyone in the family known Jo’s fate.”
Letters found on this web page January 2008.
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.
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.
Letter from an unidentified Union soldierCamp on the NWRR,
Tenn. Jan. 13th, 1864
Tenn. Jan. 13th, 1864
Mother
I am far away. For the last two years I have been trying to make up my mind what it is my duty to follow for a means of subsistence. if a man came here on earth to live, die and pass away without leaving some example behind that would be salutary, to come far below the requirements of the great Giver of all things. This in my mind, you must know that I am searching for something for my mind to work upon that would be congenial with my nature. There are many professions that lead to the improvement of our race, and thus to the evangelization of the earth which seems after all the only true and lasting blessing that man can enjoy. But I think he that works only in the future has not the whole of the will of the Creator in his mind, not to say that those that follow the teachings of the scriptures alone are not doing their duty. I know full well that you have hoped in my early childhood that I might be one of ‘the speaking disciples of God, and for a loving mother’s desire, it would please me much to follow that course. However, that is not my calling.
Your affec. Son
Source: Nate Sanders online auction
January 9, 1861 - The unarmed vessel, Star of the West, arrives to reinforce the Federal garrison of soldiers at Ft. Sumter in Charleston harbor and is fired upon by southerners. The reinforcements are never delivered.
The January 26, 1861 edition of Harper’s Weekly featured the following illustration, showing the First Shot of the Civil War. The first shot was fired on January 10, 1861. It was fired by the South Carolinians on Morris Island. They fired on the Union Ship “Star of the West” as it attempted to reinforce Major Anderson at Fort Sumter.
Harper’s Weekly, January 26, 1861
THE FIRING ON THE ” STAR OF THE WEST.”
WE publish on page 52 a fine illustration of the firing on the Star of the West from the Morris Island Battery, Harbor of Charleston, on 10th January, 1861. The event was mentioned in our last Number ; and it is only necessary to say here that she was on her way to Fort Sumter with men and supplies for the reinforcement of Major Anderson. The captain of the Star of the West, by name M’Gowan, gives the following account of the event:
“When we arrived about two miles from Fort Moultrie —fort Sumter being about the same distance—a masked battery on Morris Island, where there was a red Palmetto flag flying, opened fire upon us—distance, about five-eighths of a mile. We had the American flag flying at our flag-staff at the time, and, soon after the first shot, hoisted a large American ensign at the fore. We continued on under the fire of the battery for over ten minutes, several of the shots going clean over us. One passed just clear of the pilot-house. Another passed between the smoke-stack and walking-beams of the engine. Another struck the ship just abaft the fore-rigging, and stove in the planking; and another came within an ace of carrying away the rudder. At the same time there was a movement of two steamers from near Fort Moultrie—one of them towing a schooner (I presume an armed schooner) —with the intention of cutting us off. Our position now became rather critical, as we had to approach Fort Moultrie to within three-fourths of a mile before we could keep away for Fort Sumter. A steamer approaching us with an armed schooner in tow, and the battery on the Island firing at us all the time, and having no cannon to defend ourselves from the attack of the vessels, we concluded that, to avoid certain capture or destruction, we would endeavor to get to sea. Consequently, we wore round and steamed down the channel, the battery firing upon us until their shot fell short.”
A reporter of the Evening Post, who was on board, thus describes the scene:
” On we go; the soldiers are below with loaded muskets, and the officers are ready to give the word if there is anything to do. Now it is broad daylight, and we are making directly into the guns of Fort Moultrie, whose black walls are distinctly visible. The little steamer at our right is burning a signal light aft, and is making all possible head-way up the harbor. Now we discover a red Palmetto flag at our left on Morris Island, a little village called Cummings Point, and apparently but little more than a mile from Fort Sumter.
” ‘Is it possible that those fellows have got a battery off here?’ asks one.
” No,’ answers another, ‘ there is no battery there.’
“But there is. It is now a quarter past seven, and we are about two miles from Forts Sumter and Moultrie, which are equidistant from us, and, suddenly, whiz-z! comes a richochet shot from Morris Island. It plunges into the water and skips along, but falls short of our steamer. The line was forward of our bow, and was, of course, an invitation to stop. But we are not ready to accept the proffered hospitality, and the captain pays no attention to it, except to run up the stars and stripes at the mast-head—a garrison flag which was on board. A moment of anxious suspense, and bang! goes a heavy cannon from the same masked battery. The shot falls short of us a hundred yards or more, and bounds clean over our vessel aft, nearly on a line with the head of a sailor, but luckily a little above it.
” On we go, and—whizz ! again goes the smaller gun first fired, and another richochet shot skips along the water and falls short of us.
“‘ Booh !’ exclaims the captain ; ‘ you must give us bigger guns than that, boys, or you can not hurt us.’
“On we go, without heeding the compliments of our Charleston friends. Another moment and bang! again goes the heavy gun. The ball now strikes our ship in the fore chains, about two feet above the water. A seaman was holding the lead to take the soundings, and the ball struck directly under his feet. It is not surprising that, under the circumstances, Jack was strongly inclined to take to his heels, and he begins to scramble up with might and main, when the captain assures him that there is no danger, one ball having struck so near him; on the principle, I suppose, that lightning never strikes twice in the same place. Jack, reassured, patiently takes his place and drops the lead again.
“The ball, fortunately, was too far spent to go through the side of our vessel, although it left an honorable scar.
The battery continues to play upon us, and a huge ball comes clean over us, near the wheel-house. We are not yet within range of the guns of Fort Moultrie, and yonder is a cutter in tow of a steamboat, preparing to open fire upon us. A moment longer, and we shall be in range of these three batteries. The gunners on Morris Island are growing confident; if they get the right range they will send a shot through our side, scattering death and destruction. Moultrie, directly in front, will bring her heavy guns to bear, and will drive their deadly missiles into our bow, while the cutter will open on our right.
” Why does not Major Anderson open fire upon that battery and save us? We look in vain for help; the American flag flies from Fort Sumter, and the American flag at our bow and stern is fired upon, yet there is not the slightest recognition of our presence from the fort from which we look for protection. The unexpected battery on Morris Island has cut off all hope of escape by running the vessel aground near Sumter and taking to the boats. Is it possible that Fort Sumter has been taken by the South Carolinians? If it has not, why does not Major Anderson show that he will protect us, or at least recognize us in some way ? To go within range of the guns of Fort Moultrie is to expose vessel, men, and stores to almost instant destruction, or to capture by the enemy.
“‘ Helm out of port!’ shouts the Captain, and the Star of the West is turned about without any great loss of time, as you may well imagine. We turn without accident, and steam away, with the stars and stripes still floating, and the battery still playing upon us by way of a parting salute.”
A person who was on Morris Island at the time of the firing thus describes the excitement:
“The shots were fired by the Citadel Cadets, under command of Major Stephens, who has thus had the honor, which he so much coveted, of opening the impending conflict. Major Stephens is at the head of the State Military Academy, which occupies the Charleston Citadel. He is apparently about thirty-five years of age, with rather thin black hair, black and heavy beard, and large black eyes. He is about the medium size, of lithe form, with quick, nervous motions. His guns were directed at the steamer with scientific accuracy, and even the shot which failed to strike the ship fell very near her. Her flag was pulled down, and she immediately retreated. She was struck certainly three times, and perhaps five. The last shot which took effect was fired after she had turned to go out. The steamer was seen to shoot forward with a jerk the instant this shot struck her. Two balls were seen to strike her hull; one just forward of her wheel-house, the other upon the larboard quarter.”
New Haven, Ky
Jan 9th 1863
Weston writes of events leading up to General John Morgan’s raid.
Excerpt:
You will probably read in the newspapers of the way John Morgan was driven out of Kentucky our division started after him on New Years Eve & followed him forty of fifty just on his heels, our artillery firing a few shots just as he was crossing Green River bridge which he burned down thus choking our pursuit. We thought when we heard the cannon firing five or six miles in advance that another battle like that of Perryville was at hand. We started ‘double quick’ and you would be surprised to see how much more life & animation there was in every countenance. Though some might think a soldier would be loath to go into battle, when the time comes the reverse is the case. All are then anxious to be foremost. At any rate so it is with the 50th. We have just received some of the particulars of the great battle at Murphesboro, Tenn. in which Rosecrans gained a great victory. The old Ohio regiments did nobly. I was well acquainted with Col. Fred C Jones & Maj. Russel who were killed. Bloody battles are no uncommon occurrence. Still we have so many regiments in the field that it comes lightly on each one”
Source: Nate Sanders auction
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This regiment was organized at Camp Dennison, in Aug., 1862, to serve for three years, with an aggregate of 964 men.
Asa M. Weston
Residence was not listed; 26 years old.
Enlisted on 8/11/1862 as a Sergeant.
On 8/11/1862 he mustered into “K” Co. OH 50th Infantry
He was Mustered Out on 6/26/1865 at Salisbury, NC
Promotions:
* Sergt Major 3/4/1865
* 2nd Lieut 4/22/1865
Intra Regimental Company Transfers:
* 3/4/1865 from company K to Field & Staff
* 4/22/1865 from Field & Staff to company E
Union Civil War soldier’s letter from PVT John L. Henry of Company “I,” Ohio 123rd Infantry Regiment, dated Camp Holly, New Market Heights, Virginia, Jan 5 1865, to his brother, Isaac N. Henry, Fostoria, Seneca County, Ohio
The letter reads, in part, as follows
Your letter found myself and all my comrades here in Camp enjoying good health … We left Opequan Creek, West Va. the morning of the 19 December. We took the [railroad] cars … and went to Washington City, distance about one hundred and fifty miles. We arrived … on the morning of the 20 of Dec … took the boat … and went down the Potomac River to Point Lookout Va., distance about one hundred and twenty five miles. From there we went up the Chesapeake Bay to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, distance about one hundred miles. From there we went up the James River to Jones Landing, East Virginia, distance about one hundred and twenty five miles. We got off the boat at Jones Landing and went into Camp. We had a tedious time getting here. It was very cold and windy and the water was very rough. Our whole Regiment and all of the Brigade horses and baggage was on one boat. The boat likened to sink several times. Whenever a large wave would strike, the boat … cracked and gave way. The name of the boat was KEYPORT. We are now in Camp what is called New Market Heights, East Virginia. We are about eight miles from Richmond City and about eleven miles from Petersburg … and about twenty miles from no place. We arrived at Jones Landing on the morning of 24 of Dec and since I came here, I seen but two houses and I have not seen one citizen, neither man nor woman. There have been some fighting here every day and night since we came. There is some pretty hard fighting today in the left of the lines. Our lines here must be between thirty five and forty miles long. One can’t see anything here but breast works, rifle pits and fortifications. We have good winter quarters here now, and get plenty to eat and drink and wear. We have had a very open winter here. We have had but one snow storm … and it only lasted a few days. The weather here is pretty cold at this present time. I can’t tell you how long we will stay here. We may stay … all winter and again we may leave in a few days. There is, near as I can tell, between one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy five thousand troops …
[signed] John L. Henry …”
Eighteen year old PVT Henry enlisted on Sep 24 1862 and was immediately mustered into “I” Company, Ohio 123rd Infantry Regiment. On Oct 16 1862, the was transferred to “K” Company, same regiment. Henry was taken as a Prisoner of War (POW) on Jun 15 1863 at the Battle of Winchester VA and paroled on Jul 15 1863. On Feb 1 1865, he was promoted to corporal. At the time the letter was written his unit was engaged in siege operations against Richmond and Petersburg. The 123th Ohio was present at the surrender of Confederate GEN Robert E. Lee and his army at Appomattox Court House VA on Appr 9 1865. The Steamer KEYPORT (91 tons), mentioned in the letter, was chartered by the US Army as a transport vessel. At the time (1864) it was operating in the James River. Our short research file is included.
Harper’s Weekly, January 4, 1862
THE FIRE AT CHARLESTON.
Somewhat fuller particulars of the great fire in Charleston have reached us by way of Fortress Monroe. The Courier, published on the 14th, gives a list of between two and three hundred sufferers (property owners) by the fire, and estimates the loss at seven millions of dollars ; and the Mercury of the same date gives a list of five hundred and seventy-six buildings, which were totally destroyed on Wednesday alone. Five churches were burned, and various prominent public buildings used for secular purposes. The Richmond papers state that a Message was sent to the Confederate Congress, on Friday, by Jeff Davis, in which he recommended relief for the sufferers, and two hundred and fifty thousand dollars were accordingly voted the next day—an advance upon the claims of South Carolina upon the rebel Government.
General Bragg having evacuated Kentucky, the Federal troops under command of General Rosecrans had been concentrated about Nashville and Bragg’s army around Murfreesboro. Only about 25 miles lay between the two armies. So about the last of December Rosecrans advanced on Murfreesboro sufficiently near to offer battle. So on the morning of 31st December we accepted the challenge and at them we went. The enemy were posted in line of battle on the opposite side of a plantation from us some 800 yards and we advanced on thm through the open field under heavy artillery fire as well as musketry and our loss was very heavy in going through the field. Four men, Sid Phillips, Gus Pool, Charly Roper and Jack Ezzell of Company “I” were killed out right. Lieutenant Archibald Patterson of Company “H” was also killed and every company of the regiment met a similar fate, in killed and wounded.
Our line, in the face of their concentrated fire, got within fifty yards of their battery when our line gave way and stampeded back through the field and we suffered worse than while advancing.
Among the killed in that unfortunate stampede was Major Costello who had just been promoted from the Captaincy of Company “K”. It looked for a time that all was lost and we had some difficulty in rallying the men and reforming the line of another attack.
I remember just at this critical moment General Frank Cheatham, Major General of Tennessee troops came rushing to our aid. Made such a stiring appeal to the men, that our line was soon formed and in the face of another galling fire we charged on them again and so determined were the men that we rushed upon them and captured their battery and drove back the whole line, but they soon reformed their lines and for the live long day we fought over an area of two or three miles and at night fall we had driven them off the field.
Our regiment was led in this fight by Lt. Colonel George D. Johnston who displayed great courage and leadership and won the high esteem and love of the officers and men of the line. At night fall, when the firing ceased he was the only field officer with the regiment.
Our loss in killed and wounded was very heavy. Lt. Scofield of Company “C” from Columbiana was among the killed. I remember during the fight, of coming across his body just after he had fallen, he having been shot dead and I stopped long enough to take a plain gold ring from his finger and his pocket knife and pocket book and preserved them till after the battle and sent them home to his family.
I think I went in that morning with about 40 guns in Company “I” and when the battle closed that night there was only one man Pvt. Bob Clark and myself with the regiment. Most of the others had been either killed, wounded or captured.
Our loss was so heavy, that we did not renew the fight next morning. Although we had the previous day, driven the enemy from every position he had taken, we held the battlefield for two days and the enemy made but one attack on a part of our line and was repulsed.
So about the third night after the battle General Bragg withdrew his army and we fell back to Shelbyville, Tennessee where we went into winter quarters and remained there till June 1863. During that spring we had the longest rest we had enjoyed since the war began.
HISTORY OF THE 25th ALABAMA INFANTRY REGIMENT
1861 - 1865 A Narrative by
CAPTAIN WILLIAM P. HOWELL
Company I
Compiled and Edited by
Steven L. Driskell
