Letter from G., May 13, 1864

BELLE PLAIN, VA., May 13, 1864.

On the S. C. boat, pulling up to the shore Government flatboats of horses and cavalry recruits. There are no docks and the army supplies are being landed from barges connected by pontoons with the shore. A constant stream of contrabands passing with bags of grain and barrels of pork on their shoulders. Dr. Douglas and Dr. Agnew are here. Good Dr. Cuyler is here. Senator Pomeroy is on board going down to bring up General Bartlett of Massachusetts who went into the fight with a Palmer leg and was wounded again. Col. —— tells me there has been great anxiety at the War Department. Mr. Stanton said to him, “When we have a victory the whole North shall know it.”—“And when there is silence?” said Col. ——. “Then,” said the Secretary, “there is no communication with the front.” We have a Feeding-Station on shore and are putting up another two miles away, on the hill, where ambulance trains halt sometimes for hours, owing to obstructions in the road. The mud is frightful and the rain is coming on again. We are directed to take the return train of ambulances for Fredericksburg.

Just as I finished, the train from Fredericksburg arrived. Nothing I have ever seen equals the condition of these men. They had been two or three days in the ambulances; roads dreadful; no food. We have been at work with them from morning till night without ceasing; filling one boat, feeding the men; filling another, feeding them. There is no sort of use in trying to tell you the story. I can scarcely bear to think of it. All the nurses and cooks from the Invalid Corps of our Hospital, who marched off that day, Sullivan, Lewis and the rest, armed with muskets again, are down here guarding prisoners. Yesterday a squad of rebel officers was marched on board a boat lying by ours. I had to pass through their ranks to get supplies from our boat, and shook hands with our boys and saw the officers; Stewart and Bradley Johnson among them; strong well-fed, iron looking men, all of them. There's no give in in such looking men as these. Our soldiers from the front say the rebels stand— stand—in solid masses, giving and taking tremendous blows and never being shoved an inch. It is magnificent!

No words can express the horrible confusion of this place. The wounded arrive one train a day, but the trains are miles long; blocked by all sorts of accidents, wagon trains, bad roads, broken bridges; two, three days on the way, plunged in quagmires, jolted over corduroy, without food, fainting, starving; filthy; frightfully wounded, arms gone to the shoulder, horrible wounds in face and head. I would rather a thousand times have a friend killed on the field than suffer in this way. It is worse than White House, Harrison's, or Gettysburg by far. Many die on the way. We found thirty-five dead in the ambulances yesterday, and six more died on the stretchers while being put on board the boats. The boats are anything that can be got hold of, cattle scows, anything. Barges of horses are landed by the side of the transports and the horses cross the deck where the helpless men lie. Mules, stretchers, army wagons, prisoners, dead men and officials as good as dead are tumbled and jumbled on the wretched dock which falls in every little while and keeps the trains waiting for hours. We fed the men at once. We fed all the five boats that got off yesterday. There is no Government provision for this, beyond bread; no coffee, no soup, no cups or pails, or vessels of any kind for holding food. The men eat as if starving. These had been three days without food. We are ordered to Fredericksburg today to report to Dr. Douglas, as there is more misery there than here.

SOURCE: Jane Stuart Woolsey, Hospital Days, p. 150-1

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett to Francis W. Palfrey, December 15, 1865

December 15. Yesterday we walked for an hour and a half on the parade, and drove in the afternoon. It is very crowded and gay here, and you see all the swell turnouts.

But I must cut this short, or you will be bored. Thanks for your nice letter, received last week. I am delighted to know that you are so nicely “fixed” for the winter. Agnes sends love to your wife, and says your description of your cozy housekeeping just makes us want to go and do likewise. Write me when you have time. Letters from home are a great treat, and impatiently looked for from week to week.

With a merry Christmas and happy New Year, and with much love from both to both, ever yours,

Frank B.

We shall be in Paris by New Year's.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 170-1

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett to Francis W. Palfrey, December 14, 1865

Brighton, December 14, 1865.

Here we are at the Newport of England, in the height of the season, in comfortable apartments fronting on the Parade, where the world is continually passing and repassing. We are on the ground floor, have a parlor and dining-room in front, dressing-room and large bed-room in rear. We have been trying for rooms for two weeks, but everything is full. The Adamses have been staying down here, but went to town this week. We had a very kind note from Mrs. Adams yesterday, asking us to go there Friday, but we had taken these rooms and did not like to lose them. She had been expecting us down here, as I told Mr. Adams that we were coming as soon as we could get suitable apartments. Charlie Adams is with them now, and we shall see him when we return to town.

Yesterday, Frank, was the best day I have had in England. We went down to Aldershott, under charge of Conolly, on invitation of Lieutenant-general Sir James Scarlett. We found his carriage, etc., waiting at the station, and were soon at his house, where we received a cordial welcome from the old General. He is a fine looking old fellow, white whiskers and moustache, tall and stout. He won his K. C. B. in the Crimea. His staff were fine looking men, well decorated. The troops were all out in line, awaiting our arrival, so we started for the field at once. The General rode a stunning big thorough-bred, and we went in his carriage with two of Lady Abinger's nieces. The field of Aldershott extends for miles without a tree or fence, nothing but barren heath, with a fair division of hilly and level ground. Of course at this season of the year the ground was wet and soft in some places. The old General showed me his morning report before we went out, where I saw that out of 7,000 men he could only get out for work about 4,500, and he asked me if I had not experienced the same annoyance. We know just how to sympathize, don't we, Frank? You see our army is not the only one where your effective men are consumed by furloughs, details, extra duty, etc., etc. Sir James's carriage was allowed to drive inside the line of sentinels, and stand just in rear of the reviewing officers' post. The day, you must know, was perfect, the first sunny day I have seen in England. This long line of cavalry, horse and foot artillery, engineers, and infantry, all in their brilliant uniform, was no common sight to an American soldier. There were two regiments of Highlanders, which added color and effect to the picture. The General and staff started around the line, and the bands began each in turn, as with us, but, also, the commander of each brigade, with his staff, accompanied the General along the front of his own line, the commander of each regiment and troop and battery the same, which I think is a good plan, don't you? for a regimental or brigade commander likes to see how his men look and stand just as well as the commanding general. The engineers had their whole pontoon train out with them, the Division ambulances and wagons were drawn up, — in short, the Division was in perfect marching order, ready for a campaign. In marching past, the cavalry and artillery came first, alternating, then the engineers, then infantry. They marched by divisions, company officers on the flanks; only mounted officers saluted, and I noticed that the General returned the salute of each, but did not salute the colors as every other officer in the group did. The Highlanders did the best marching. I have seen as good in America. The bands of each brigade were massed in one, which stood opposite us while its brigade passed, and, as you can imagine, made great music. The cavalry band, which merely fell back a little while the infantry was passing, now came forward, as the cavalry was to pass again at trot. This was very good, the horses actually keeping step with the quick staccato movement. The saddles of the hussars and the harnesses of the artillery were beautiful to behold, the chains of steel were burnished so that they looked like silver. The guns were “browned” breach-loading Armstrong, three-inch. The pontoons and wagons went by, also, at trot, their equipments as perfect and the uniforms of the drivers as handsome as in the artillery. It was something that I wished many times that you were by my side to see with me. The General now gave his brigadiers and chiefs of artillery and cavalry a general idea of what he wanted done, and then, telling us how we could best see the movements, left us in charge of the provost marshal, who had a guard to keep spectators from interfering with the troops. Sir James's carriage, with our party, was inside this guard, and privileged to move about at will, so as not to be in the way of the troops. If I had known how it was to be, I should have gone prepared to ride, as the General had a horse ready for me. But we saw very well from the carriage. Front was changed to the rear, the cavalry sent off to the left to harass the flank of the enemy, a heavy skirmish line sent forward which opened fire at once, advancing in beautiful order, taking the different crests, which were quickly capped with artillery, opening as soon as it was in position, the first line and supports moving up, keeping their distances well, now moving to the right or left as imagined necessity required.

It was all so natural and so real, that I expected every minute to hear a bullet whiz by my ear, or a shell go screeching over my head. I saw one flaw, which of course I held my tongue about (but which the General himself spoke about and condemned afterwards); the pontoons were sent forward, ready to throw across a canal that intersects the field, and they were right up with the skirmish line without any support, and being very large and heavy and conspicuous, they would have been an easy mark for a good gunner, or have fallen an easy prey to a determined dash of cavalry, which could easily have broken through the skirmish line. The pontoons are unlike ours, — open wooden boats, — but are cylindrical buoys, about twenty feet long and four feet diameter, on which the timbers are laid, and being made of iron, air-tight, would be transformed into pepper-boxes by a clever gunner in no time in such an open country as that. However, the skirmishers cleared the way, and the pontoons were got into the water in safety, and the bridge very quickly laid, over which part of the infantry passed; the rest, and the artillery, which was all this time firing over our heads from the crests in our rear, crossed by a stone bridge farther to the right, the cavalry by one on the left. We went over the pontoon, which was very solid, sending the carriage around by the stone bridge on account of the horses. It took them about twenty-five minutes, I should think, to get the bridge ready for troops. The enemy (?) now was in full retreat, and a general advance was made, while the cavalry charged from the flank.

We drove around through the barracks, which were the picture of neatness, back to Sir James's to lunch. Lady Scarlett we found a nice, dignified old lady. We also found that after an early breakfast and a long morning, we were quite ready for the substantial lunch to which I presently handed in “my lady.” After lunch, Sir James spoke of the mistake of having those pontoons in such an exposed position, and I was pleased to find that I had seen it. He said I must go down there again in the spring, when he will have twice as many troops, and I shall only be too glad to do so. They were all very cordial and kind, and I don't remember a more enjoyable day. It only needed an enemy and ball cartridges, without the lunch and ladies, to make it like many disagreeable ones that we have seen. We had to go back to London to take the Brighton train, and got here very comfortably.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 166-70

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett to Francis W. Palfrey, Friday, November 29, 1865

November 29.

I doubt my getting off a long letter to you this time. I have been kept in the house these last three days, and indeed in my room, by a very severe boil (more like a carbuncle, the Doctor says), just on the small of my back, So that I could neither wear leg nor even pants. I shall get out to-morrow, I think. Since I sent you my last scrap of a note, I have done nothing very important. On the 21st we went down to St. James's Palace with Conolly, and saw guard-mounting. One company of the Grenadiers relieved a company of the Coldstreams. Their guard-mounting is different from ours, you know. The inspection is all done at the barracks before they march out. The band forms in a circle at one side of the quadrangle, and plays while the two guards stand facing each other, about forty paces apart. The first relief being sent out to post, when the relief gets round the old guard marches off, the new guard saluting, and every officer within sight of the colors, not on duty nor even in uniform, lifting the beaver and standing uncovered as reverently while England's color goes by, as if it were England's queen, and I think it is splendid, and as it should be in every country. I met one or two pleasant men there, one Seymour, Captain on Staff, and one Bramston, Colonel.

The next day but one Conolly had me to breakfast at the Army and Navy Club, Pall Mall, and after that we went down the river on one of the many swift-plying, dirty little steamboats, under the many bridges, getting the best view of St. Paul's, and the Monument, and Somerset House, an immense palace now used entirely for government offices, and the old Tower with its many associations. How I wish I could remember all the stories about the Tower that I knew when a boy. By the shipping of all nations “below bridge,” and the wonderful docks, by Greenwich and Black wall and to Woolwich, where the artillery camp, arsenal, school, barracks, etc., are. We found Colonel Reilly, whom we were looking for, just turning out with his troops in full dress, for the burial of a soldier. The uniform is very handsome, the horse artillery being the only corps I believe that retains the full dress jacket or tunic. The officers' dress was one labyrinth of gold lace and bullion. Every man and officer has to turn out for the burial of a private soldier and follow the coffin at slow march to the grave. Again, as it should be in every army. While they were gone we looked through the new hospital, built here on a very large scale, and with every modern improvement. Then we went through the academy, which is devoted entirely to artillery studies. The cadets were fine looking fellows, wearing those nobby little artillery fatigue caps on the side of their head, and with their tight fitting jackets, looked very soldierly. The gymnasium here is the best I ever saw. Then we went back to Colonel Reilly's quarters. He had not returned from the burial, but lunch was ready, and Conolly and I being ready for it, we sailed in. The Colonel returned soon and took us through the men's quarters, etc., etc., which were in the order that you can imagine. Officers do not return the salute of men without arms here. We drove in the Colonel's trap over to the chapel, which is very beautiful, and has one of the finest arches that I have seen (Byzantine I believe). Many of the windows are memorial, put up by the different troops of horse artillery. The mess-room in the main barracks is a very large and elegant room, and the silver superb. You would fancy yourself in some very swell club, from the space and comfort. We came home by rail, and dined at the Army and Navy Club.

I shall have to stop just where I am, for I must get the parcel off in time, and this must go by mail to Moodie. I have put in one of the pockets of your coat a trifling souvenir for Christmas, for yourself. I am waiting patiently for a long letter from you. I suppose it must be long from the time you have been taking to write it. With much love to all yours,

Believe me sincerely,

Frank.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 163-6

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett to Colonel Francis W. Palfrey, Friday, November 18, 1865

London, November 18, 1865.

Only time for a word this ship. Last Saturday, went down to George's hunting-box, and if you will believe it, rode one of his thoroughbreds in tops and cords on an English hunting-saddle after the hounds, and was in at the death. It was great sport. I did not do anything foolish in the way of big jumps, of course, but I never wanted two legs so much in my life. I would have shown the field some clean heels, I fancy, for my chestnut was a “goer,” stands to win a steeple-chase, etc. I rode upwards of twenty miles, and then, as the second fox had been lost, and my leg began to chafe, I turned home. It was a beautiful sight, Frank, — what I have always wanted to see, but never supposed that I should take part in it. Lord Maiden is master of the hounds, and was much interested in my riding. I believe I am to have the “brush.” I wish you could see the horse that my groom rode. He is a wicked one; but if you should “put him at” a barn he would rise to it (and if it wasn't too absurd, I was going to say, could take it). He is called “Greek Fire,” and is one of the “strongest” goers in England. He had a hard hunt the day before, and so was very quiet that day. Aren’t you glad I was able to see so much of a hunt? I got along in an English saddle much better than I expected. But you know in riding here you put your foot way into the iron up to your instep, so that was just the thing for my wooden foot. I shall have to leave a good deal of this to tell you.

Yesterday we came in from Walton on Thames, Sturgis's place, where we had been to dine and pass the night, — splendid house, everything very swell and comfortable. I enjoy the life here very much, especially the country life. I like their style in this thing. I wish I had time to write you a long letter, but have patience. I go to Aldershott next week, and Woolwich, with Colonel Conolly. He has written to General Sir James Scarlett, commanding, that he is coming to bring me, and so, if he is going to have anything worth seeing, to put it off till the day we are there. He served twenty years with Sir James, on his staff and otherwise, and I could n't have a better man to go there with. I am going to see guard-mounting in St. James's Park, too, next week, with him, and will tell you of that. It is not the lime of year to see troops here, as they have no fielddays and reviews now; but nous verrons.

We dine with Weatherall next week. He is one of the swells here in the army line. I saw him at the Horse-guards yesterday. Also dine at the Army and Navy Club one day with Conolly.

Yours,

Frank.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 162-3

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett to Colonel Francis W. Palfrey, Friday, November 10, 1865

Friday, 10th. I was interrupted, and I find that Agnes has been putting in a word, which you won't mind. I have only a few minutes to write to-day, for we are off in an hour or two to the country, where George has a hunting-box. Agnes and Mrs. G. will drive down in the coupe and I shall go by rail later. I have a note from George this morning, who went down yesterday, saying he had a good day. The “Meet” tomorrow is about two miles from the “Box.” I shall ride one of his thorough-breds, but I do not expect to follow the hounds, as it would be very foolish, not having my own saddle, etc.

Lord Maiden is “master of the hounds” (it is a subscription pack). I expect to enjoy meeting some of these birds as much as seeing the hounds. I haven't time to tell you about George, what a “swell” he is on wines and cigars, and that sort of thing. I will write you next week if it is a possible thing.

I have not done anything in the way of troops yet, as General Weatherall has gone into the country for a week's shooting. Next week he will be here. I saw a very handsome troop of horse-guards in the street, fine-looking fellows, all mounted on black horses. But if I were queen of England, I'll swear that I would have better soldiers on guard in front of my quarters than were in front of Buckingham Palace the day we drove by there. They were not soldierly sentinels. They neither marched well, nor came about well, nor carried their pieces well, of which more anon.

I must say good-by, old fellow. I hope to hear a word from you pretty soon. I am very well and strong. Take try beer for lunch like a man. Love to all yours; excuse this shabby letter. I know you will say it's shabby, for you never lie, even out of politeness.

And believe me, with much love, ever yours,

Frank Bartlett.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 161-2

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett to Colonel Francis W. Palfrey, November 8, 1865

4 Westbourne Square, Hyde Park, West.

London, November 8, 1865.

There you have it in full, our present location. The Pomeroys have taken a house, very nice one, comfortably furnished and served, in Oxford Terrace, a short ride from here; but Agnes’ cousin insisted on having us two with him. He lives in very good style in this, one of the best localities. We are of course much more comfortable here than we should be at hotel or lodgings, and are hardly able to realize that we are in a foreign land, for thus far we have been, both here and at Rock Park (Liverpool), so much at home. We stayed nearly a week at Rock Park, getting our land legs on again.

We had a very rough passage. was quite sick the first day or two, much to my disgust and surprise. But Gus. Perkins, who was with us, consoled me by telling me of his brother-in-law, who made fifteen passages without being in the least sick, and the sixteenth suffered dreadfully the whole voyage. Which, though it quieted my feelings, did not affect my stomach. The rest of the party were sick for the first few days. We had not one smooth day. It is perfectly impossible for me to write anything satisfactory just now, as several people are talking to me. I have been about London a little, doing a little general sight-seeing, trying to get the “lay of the land,” etc.

Dear Colonel Palfrey, — I can't resist just adding my mite to Frank's letter. I shall report to you all the honor done to one we both love so well. He is a wonder to everybody, walking so well, and so young a general. The ship-board people thought the story of his having but one leg a Canterbury, and I did not wonder, for he managed remarkably. I am very proud of him. Do you think it unpardonable? I am sure not. We are enjoying every moment. I think it would be hard to find two happier people than Frank and myself anywhere in Christendom. I am hoping he will see some of the troops next week. General Weatherall of the Horse-guards will be back then, and he is a great friend of ours. We are going down to my cousin's hunting-box on Friday. There is to be a “Meet” on Saturday. Frank will ride, though he will not follow the hounds. I expect we' shall enjoy the novelty of the sight very much. But I must not steal Frank's thunder, and I shall just say good-by now, only adding much love for your dear wife and my cordial remembrances to all your family. I don't know what Frank will say to this intrusion, but I could not help it.

Very truly yours,

Agnes Bartlett.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 159-60

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett to Colonel Francis W. Palfrey, July 8, 1865

Headquarters, First Division, Ninth Corps.

July 8, 1865.

My last was written about the 24th ult., since which time I have changed my views somewhat about remaining in the service. I find that it is a very different thing from what it used to be in war times. There is not half the incentive to labor on your command that there once was, and especially now, when these troops are restless and dissatisfied about getting mustered out, it is almost impossible to get men or officers to do their duty properly. As I told you, I found the Division in a poor state of discipline. I have succeeded in bringing it up somewhat, but it has only been by my constant personal supervision.

I have roughed more officers, and reduced more noncoms, to the ranks, these last two or three weeks, than in any other year of service. There is a very visible and gratifying change, still there is not that charm about the life that used to fascinate. You feel that the object, the aim, of this discipline is gone. You cannot feel that next week, in the presence of the enemy, we shall reap the benefit of this drill and training.

I am very glad that I came out here and satisfied myself, otherwise I might have always regretted that I had left the service, and been restless and discontented.

There are many pleasant things about it still. . . . . There is always more or less of a feeling of pride and pleasure in having a number of men under your control. But I have not been quite so well here as I was at home, and I really suppose it would be better for me to be further north this summer. For all that, Frank, it will be a very sad day for me, the one that I cease to be a soldier. . . . . I shall be in Boston the 20th. I am looking forward to the 21st with dread. I have been informed that a few words would be expected from me, among others, and, Frank, I'll swear I can't get up before such a crowd as that, and speak. What can I say? I am not joking. I feel very unpleasantly about it. . . . . I was talking with Charley Whittier yesterday; he is afraid he will be called on, and we were groaning in sympathy.

By the way, Charley has one of the best appointments in the service, better than he could have hoped for as a volunteer officer, when so very few will be retained, — Adjutant-general of one of the departments of the Pacific, either Oregon or California. It is a very great compliment to him, and every one here is glad; he is a great favorite throughout the army. He will be in Boston till the first of August. Macy has got a brigade in the Provisional Army Potomac. He intends to stay, I believe. I don't suppose he can after the Twentieth is mustered out, but that is retained for the present By the way, I have something to tell you which will please and interest you to know. I was recommended some time since for a “Brevet Major-general” for “gallant and meritorious conduct” at the Mine. I had never heard of it before, and indeed had never thought of such a thing, and I was not a little surprised, as you will be, to hear it. Colonel Marshall told me that he saw the report. Very few of the recommendations for brevets have been acted upon in this Corps yet, and I suppose mine is filed with the rest. So I don't expect to get it before I leave the service. But it is rather gratifying to know that the recommendation has been made, even if there is nothing more. I never ask any questions, and 1 suppose that is why I didn't know of this before. They seem to expect if a man wants a brevet, he will apply or ask for it, which to me (I may have a false idea about such things) seems a contradiction in terms. An officer, speaking in a complimentary way of my fortunes the other night, asked me why I didn't “apply for a brevet.” To cut him down, for he was one of them, I rather lied when I said, “I didn't know that was the way you got them.” I have learnt that, since I have been out here. Why, Frank, we used to think that our officers who had been brevetted in the Mexican War were special heroes, and had done some extraordinary feat of courage and devotion, but this sort of thing makes me rather skeptical about the value of a brevet in the armies of the Republic. . . . .

Yours ever,

Frank.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 155-7

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett to Edwin M. Stanton, August 19, 1865

[Draft.]

August 19, 1865.

Dear Sir, — I cannot express to you my appreciation of and thanks for your very kind note of the 12th, in which you so graciously grant my request for leave of absence. I cannot forget your kindness in this matter, and shall try not to forfeit your favorable consideration.

You addressed me as Brevet Major-general, and I have been informed that such a brevet had been recommended, and that Mr. S. had written to you concerning its confirmation, but I have not received any official notice of it, and the leave is made out for Brigadier-general. In the matter of pay, you have said all that I could expect, and I am content to leave the question suspended, and await the decision that circumstances may dictate, judging that it is not doubtful up to the time when I should otherwise have been mustered out.

I have just received the leave from the Adjutant-general's office.

Yours, etc.

[brigadier-general Willaim F. Bartlett.]

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 154-5

Edwin M. Stanton to Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett, August 12, 1865

War Department,

Washington City, August 12, 1865.

Dear Sir, — Your note of the 9th inst. reached me this morning, and the Adjutant-general has been directed to give you six months’ leave of absence with the privilege to go beyond the limits of the United States. I would be glad to continue the pay, but it would lead to so many applications of a similar nature as to become necessary perhaps to revoke all. The question of pay therefore can remain suspended, but it is probable that the service will require the absence to be without pay.

Yours truly,

Edwin M. Stanton.

Brevet Major-general Bartlett,

16 Broad Street, Boston.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 154

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett to Edwin M. Stanton, August 9, 1865

(Confidential.)

16 Broad Street, Boston, August 9, 1865.

Hon. E. M. Stanton: —

Dear Sir,— You were kind enough to say to me a few weeks ago, when I called to pay my respects to you before leaving Washington, that you would be glad to do anything for me at any time. I take you at your word, and ask you frankly for advice on a subject which has been suggested by some of my friends, in the army and out.

They are desirous that I should visit Europe before I leave the army, — that I should be there while an officer of the U. S. Volunteers, — and wish me to apply for a six months’ leave of absence. You are aware that I lost my leg in the first year of the war, and have been in the service (active) ever since, being badly wounded again at the assault on Port Hudson in the arm and other foot (where my conduct caused you to offer me a brigadier-general's commission), and again in the Wilderness. My health was very much impaired by my imprisonment last summer, and I have not been well since, although on duty in command of the First Division, Ninth Corps, until within a few weeks, after I was fit for any duty. I have not sought for assignment to any duty since the muster-out of the troops, for I knew there were a hundred applicants for every one place, and I did not care to swell the number. I am at home, awaiting orders. I thought I would take you at your word, sir, and instead of sending a formal application for this leave, backed by such influence as I might command, I would simply ask you what favor such a request would meet with from you.

Colonel Conolly, Adjutant-general (late) of forces in Canada, is desirous that I should visit England while I am still in the army.

Will you be kind enough to tell me your views on the subject, and whether you will grant such a request?

I should expect to be mustered out at the expiration of the leave unless my services were required, which is not probable.

Even if the leave were to be on half or without pay, from the time when I should otherwise be mustered out, it would meet the wishes of my friends, as far as still being in the service is concerned. Hoping for an answer as frank as my statement to you is, I remain, very respectfully and sincerely,

Your obedient servant,

W. F. Bartlett, Brigadier-general.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 152-4

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett to Colonel Francis W. Palfrey, June 26, 1865

Headquarters First Division, Ninth Corps,

Near Washington, June 26, 1865.

Why shouldn't I send you a few lines this rainy afternoon, to tell you where I am and what doing? I was very sorry not to see you before I came away, but you had gone out of town. I got my orders Friday afternoon, and left two P. M. Saturday, — rather a short time in which to break up a seven months' camp. I was not able to see any one, of course; but good-by now was a much less serious matter, and more easily omitted, than it was seven months ago. I hope you and your wife are out of town by this time, enjoying fresh air and exercise.

I am rather pleasantly situated. I am commanding the First Division of the Corps. My headquarters are in a lovely oak grove, a few (2½) miles out from Georgetown, on the Tenallytown Road, the old Rockville Pike which we knew of old. I am just a little off the road, in tents. I prefer sleeping in a tent, although there is a very good house near by at my service.

The temperature out here under these trees is a very different thing from the fiendish heat of that wretched town that consists of the President's house and the Capitol. I was there a week before I came out here, and it nearly killed me.

My Division lies up the road towards Tenallytown — three brigades, well situated for water, slope, and air. One brigade is commanded by a brigadier, the other two by colonels. I found the command in rather a slack state of discipline. No attention paid to guard-duty or drill. It is natural that men should feel, now that the war for which they enlisted is over, that there is no further need of discipline, and that the strict performance of guard-duty any longer is needless. (I only name guard-duty as one of the points by which you judge of a regiment's “breeding” and efficiency.) In this they are rather encouraged by a certain class of officers, — you well know what I mean if I say the Le Barnes school, — and this feeling of expectancy and uncertainty about getting mustered out is prejudicial to discipline.

I had all the regimental and brigade commanders here the other night, and gave them a lecture of an hour and a half. You would have smiled to see me laying down the law, surrounded by about twenty of these old birds. I fancy it woke them up, for I have been pleased to see a marked change for the better already.

It seems funny to be here on this old road, in command of a Division, where I marched up under your baton not many months ago on foot. I intend to ride up to Poolesville as soon as the weather is a little cooler, if we remain here, and going over to Ball's Bluff and Leesburg. I wish you would come out and go too.

Charlie Whittier and Macy were over to see me the other day. Whit is the same fair boy as ever. I suppose the Army of the Potomac will be dissolved soon; an order will soon be out mustering out “veterans,” which will reduce it very much.

Miss Jennie Turnbull proposes to convert me from my dislike to Washington, so that I shall never want to go away from here after a little while. I should like to “give odds” on it.

Dear Frank, this isn't a very satisfactory letter. There are many things that I have to talk with you about.

Remember me to all yours. Let me have a line from you when you have a spare half hour, and believe me,

Always yours,

Frank.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 150-2

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett: November 12, 1864

I am very much encouraged by my condition the last few days, very little pain, no diarrhoea.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 148

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett: November 24, 1864

How much I have to give thanks for on this day. That I am here, as well as I am. When I think of what easily might have been!

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 148

Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett: December 31, 1864

So ends 1864, an eventful year for me in more ways than one. May the end of 1865 find me alive and well, a better man, and more deserving of God's mercy and goodness and the love of my darling Agnes.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 148

Diary of Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett: Friday, October 28, 1864

Rain-storm. Sent letter to Agnes. Frank Palfrey comes down. Very pleasant evening. I smoked a “Manilla.” Told him of my engagement, etc. Letter from leg man, New York.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 147

Diary of Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett: Thursday, October 27, 1864

Dr. Crane came to see me.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 147

Diary of Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett: Wednesday, October 26, 1864

Little better; bad headache if I bear reading or use my eyes.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 147

Diary of Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett: Tuesday, October 25, 1864

Sit up. Not much better.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 147

Diary of Brigadier-General William F. Bartlett: Monday, October 24, 1864

Dr. Bigelow is not at home. Sat up to-day. Cannot read or be read to, it makes my head ache.

SOURCE: Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett, p. 147