Major-General William T. Sherman to Major-General George H. Thomas, October 10, 1864 – 12 p.m.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI,

In the Field, Cartersville, October 10, 1864 – 12 m.

General G. H. THOMAS,

Nashville:

It looks as though Hood is bound for Tuscumbia. He is now crossing the Coosa below Rome, heading west. Let me know if you can hold him with the force now in Tennessee and expected, as in that event you know what I propose to do. I will be at Kingston to-morrow. I think Rome is strong enough to resist any attack, and the rivers are all high. If he turns up by Summerville, I will get in behind him.

W. T. SHERMAN,

Major-General, Commanding.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 39, Part 2 (Serial No. 79), p. 191; John Bell Hood, Advance and Retreat, p. 264

John Brown to John Brown Jr., March 12, 1847

Springfield, March 12, 1847.

Dear Son John, — Yours dated Feb. 27th I this day received. It was written about the same time I reached this place again. I am glad to learn that you are relieved in a good measure from another season of suffering. Hope you will make the right improvement of it. I have been here nearly two weeks. Have Captain Spencer, Freeman, the Hudsons, together with Schlessingcr and Ramsden, all helping me again. Have turned about four thousand dollars’ worth of wool into cash since I returned; shall probably make it up to seven thousand by the 16th. Sold Musgrave the James Wallace lot yesterday for fifty-eight cents all round. Hope to get pretty much through by the middle of April. Have paid your account for the “Cincinnati Weekly Herald and Philanthropist,” together with two dollars for one year's subscription to “National Era,” being in all three dollars. I should have directed to have the “National Era” sent you at Austinburg, but could not certainly know as you would be there to take it. You had better direct to have it sent to you there. I now intend to send Ruth on again soon after my return. Jason writes on the 3d that all are well at home. I feel better than when I left home, and send my health to all in and about Austinburg.

Yours affectionately,

John Brown.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 143

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, July 11, 1861

Camp Chase, July 11, 1861.

Dear Uncle: — I am now almost at home. Lucy is at Platt's with Birch and Webb. Dr. Joe came yesterday bringing Webb with him. We shall have the boys out here a good deal. It is a good place for them. Birch was infinitely disgusted to meet me without my uniform on.

I have my horse here and ride him all about the camp and parade ground. Although young, he is sensible to the last. I shall probably not need Ned, Jr. A horse must canter or lope well to be of any account in a camp. The colonel and Matthews have both been disappointed in theirs. Matthews sent his back home yesterday. My sorrel cost one hundred dollars. He is called the cheapest and one of the best horses in camp. . . .

Sincerely,

R. B. Hayes.

S. BlRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 38

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, September 1, 1862

We were engaged with the enemy at and near Manassas Junction Tuesday and Wednesday, and again near the battle-field of Manassas on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; in all of which God gave us the victory. May He ever be with us, and we ever be His devoted people, is my earnest prayer. It greatly encourages me to feel that so many of God's people are praying for that part of our force under my command. The Lord has answered their prayers; He has again placed us across Bull Run; and I pray that He will make our arms entirely successful, and that all the glory will be given to His holy name, and none of it to man. God has blessed and preserved me through His great mercy. On Saturday, Colonel Baylor and Hugh White were both killed, and Willie Preston was mortally wounded.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 341

Lydia Maria Child to Governor Henry A. Wise, October 26, 1859

Wayland, Mass., Oct. 26, 1859

Governor WISE: I have heard that you were a man of chivalrous sentiments, and I know you were opposed to the iniquitous attempt to force upon Kansas a Constitution abhorrent to the moral sense of her people. Relying upon these indications of honor and justice in your character, I venture to ask a favor of you. Enclosed is a letter to Capt. John Brown. Will you have the kindness, after reading it yourself, to transmit it to the prisoner?

I and all my large circle of abolition acquaintances were taken by surprise when news came of Capt. Brown’s recent attempt; nor do I know of' a single person who would have approved of it, had they been apprised of his intention. But I and thousands of others feel a natural impulse of sympathy for the brave and suffering man. Perhaps God, who sees the inmost of our souls, perceives some such sentiment in your heart also. He needs a mother or sister to dress his wounds, and speak soothingly to him. Will you allow me to perform that mission of humanity? If you will, may God bless you for the generous deed!

I have been for years an uncompromising Abolitionist, and I should scorn to deny it or apologize for it as much as John Brown himself would do. Believing in peace principles, I deeply regret the step that the old veteran has taken, while I honor his humanity towards those who became his prisoners. But because it is my habit to be as open as the daylight, I will also say, that if I believed our religion justified men in fighting for freedom, I should consider the enslaved every where as best entitled to that right. Such an avowal is a simple, frank expression of my sense of natural justice.

But I should despise myself utterly if any circumstances could tempt me to seek to advance these opinions in any way, directly or indirectly, after your permission to visit Virginia has been obtained on the plea of sisterly sympathy with a brave and suffering man. I give you my word of honor, which was never broken, that I would use such permission solely and singly for the purpose of nursing your prisoner, and for no other purpose whatsoever.

Yours, respectfully,

L. MARIA CHILD.

SOURCE: The American Anti-Slavery Society, Correspondence between L. M. Child and Gov. Wise and Mrs. Mason, of Virginia, p. 3-4

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, September 3, 1863

September 3, 1863.

The expedition has been quite successful; the boats were found at Port Royal and were destroyed by our artillery fire from this side. The expedition sent to destroy them consisted of cavalry and artillery, but as they had to go a long distance, over forty miles from the main part of my army, I had to send infantry to support them, and to guard the lower crossing places to prevent the enemy coming over and cutting them off. This has stirred us up a little. We have also had a visit from Brigadier General Meigs, Quartermaster General, who has been inspecting the transportation of this army and who has been pleased to express himself very much gratified with all he has seen. The conscripts continue to come in very slowly, and I fear it will be some time before I am in a condition to move with any prospect of being able to accomplish anything.

I think I told you that one of William Parker's¹ sons was on my staff. The other day he paid a visit to his regiment, and on his return must have been captured, as nothing has since been heard of him. I have written Cortlandt² about it, but I fear the news of his disappearance got into the papers before my letter reached him, as I received a telegram to-day from his father enquiring about it.

I sent up my sword and fixings, but at the request of our express agent, it is to be exhibited for a short time at Gait's jewelry shop, in Washington.

_______________

¹ First cousin of General Meade.

² Cortlandt Parker, brother of William Parker.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 146-7

Brigadier General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, September 15, 1863

Headquarters Dept. Of The Tenn.,

Vicksburg, Sept. 15, 1863.

My visit to New Orleans and the forts some one hundred miles further south has been fraught with much interest. I do not remember in all my life to have had so much hilarity and joy crowded into so brief a space of time.

It has literally been a triumphal march. The only alloy being the unfortunate accident to General Grant, who, I am happy to say, is safely at these headquarters, though I fear his accident will confine him to his bed for a good while.

The New Orleans papers have been filled with allusions to us in various terms of compliment. General Banks has been most assiduous in attention.

Of all this I will write you more at length the moment I find leisure. I have been assigned to active duty in the field and to command the Second Brigade, Sixth Division, Army of the Tennessee, reporting for duty to Major-Gen. J. B. McPherson, who, I am happy to say, is my personal friend. Of this matter I will write more anon. Suffice it now to say that the command is a very fine one, an eminently fighting brigade, and one that distinguished itself on my left in the assault on Vicksburg.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 336

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, September 24, 1863

There is no news of importance. I have entirely recovered and am in good health again. Our regiment, as also the entire brigade, is slowly regaining its strength and increasing in number. The boys from the hospitals are taking their places and those on furlough are returning and bringing new recruits with them.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 144

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: December 1862

Much cold rain and snow-storms. Near our camp was a great neighborhood for pigs. They were allowed to roam about, running through our camp. Colonel warned the people to keep them out. It did no good. Colonel shot one, wounding it. Members of our company captured and dressed it. Company C had fresh pork for dinner. The owner tried to collect pay. The Colonel promised if the pigs were kept out of camp for two weeks he would pay. In less than three days the pigs were in camp again.

The routine for each day. Roll call at 6 A. M. Breakfast at 7. Guard mount, 8.30. Company drill, 9 to 11. Dinner, 12. Battalion drill, 2 to 4. Clean up for dress parade at 5 P. M. Supper at 6. Roll-call, 9. Taps, 9.30. On guard duty every other day and night. Much sympathy in this vicinity for the South. Railroads are kept well guarded.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 11-12

117th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Portsmouth, Ohio, September 15, 1862. Ordered to Kentucky October 2. Camp at Ashland, Ky., till January, 1863. Attached to District of Eastern Kentucky, Dept. of the Ohio. Moved to Paintsville, Ky., January, 1863; thence to Covington via Peach Orchard, Louisia and Catlettsburg, February. Duty at Covington till May. Designation of Regiment changed to 1st Ohio Heavy Artillery May 2, 1863 (which see).

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1546

Alabama State Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

C. S. A.

ALABAMA

[Inscribed on the right side of the monument:]

C. S. A.

ALABAMA INFANTRY

4th Battalion, Maj. James M. Clifton.

16th Regiment, Lieut. Col. J. W. Harris.

17th Regt. Lieut. Col. Robert C. Fariss.

18th Regt. Col. Eli S. Shorter.

19th Regt. Col. Joseph Wheeler.

21st Regt. (Lieut. Col. Stewart W. Cayce

(Maj. Frederick Stewart.

22nd Regt. (Col. Zach C. Deas (Wounded)

(Lieut. Col. John C. Marrast

25th Regt. (Col. John Q. Loomis (Wounded)

(Major George D. Johnston

26th Regt. (Col. John G. Coltart (Wounded)

(Lieut. Col. William D. Chadick

31st Regt., Lieut. Col. Montgomery Gilbreath.

[Inscribed on the back of the monument:]

C. S. A.

ALABAMA

TO THE

LASTING MEMORY OF THE HEROES

FROM ALABAMA

WHO FOUGHT AT SHILOH

APRIL 6-7 1862

_____

ERECTED BY THE ALABAMA

DIVISION

UNITED DUAGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY

1907

[Inscribed on the left side of the monument:]

C. S. A.

ALABAMA GENERAL OFFICERS AT SHILOH.

Brig. Gen. Jones M. Withers, 2nd Div. 2nd Army Corps.

Brig. Gen. Sterling A. M. Wood, 3rd Brig. 3rd Army Corps.

ALABAMA CAVALRY

Gen. Bragg’s Escort, Company, Capt. Robert W. Smith.

First Battalion Capt. Thoms F. Jenkins

Miss. And Ala Battalion, Lieut. Col. Richard H. Brewer.

First Regiment, Col. James H. Clanton.

ALABAMA ARTILLERY.

Gage’s Battery, Capt. Charles P. Gage.

Ketchum’s Battery, Capt. Wm. H. Ketchum.

Robertson’s Battery, Capt. Felix H. Robertson

John Brown to Ruth Brown Thompkins, January 5, 1847

Springfield, Mass., Jan 5, 1847.

Dear Daughter Ruth, —Yours dated the 20th and Jason's dated the 16th of December were both received in season, and were very grateful to our feelings, as we are anxious to hear from home often, and had become very uneasy before we got word from Jason. We are middling well, and very much perplexed with our work, accounts, and correspondence. We expect now to go home, if our lives and health are spared, next month, and we feel rejoiced that the time is so near when we hope to meet you all once more. Sometimes my imagination follows those of my family who have passed behind the scenes; and I would almost rejoice to be permitted to make them a personal visit. I have outlived nearly half of all my numerous family, and I ought to realize that in any event a large proportion of my journey is travelled over. You say that you would like very much to have a letter from me, with as much good-advice as I will give. Well, what do you suppose I feel most anxious for in regard to yourself and all at home? Would you believe that I ever had any such care on my mind about them as we read that Job had about his family (not that I would ever think to compare myself with Job)? Would you believe that the long story would be that ye sin not, that you form no foolish attachments, and that you be not a companion of fools?

Your affectionate father,

John Brown

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 142-3

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, July 8, 1861

Camp Chase, July 8, 1861.

Dear Uncle: — Lucy came up to Columbus with Birtie Saturday evening. They have both been out once, and Birch twice to see me in camp. It is very pleasant to see them about. We are jogging on in routine duties. The only variation is the advent of twenty-three Secessionists, held as hostages for Union men seized in Virginia. On the release of the Union men, our prisoners were sent home yesterday.

I fear from the tenor of McLelland’s letters, and what Hale told me, that you are not getting rid of your cough. I hope you will do so soon. It is too bad that you should be unwell now. You would enjoy a little campaigning with me very much, and I would so enjoy having you along.  . . .  — Good-bye.

R. B. Hayes.

S. BlRCHARD.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 37-8

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, August 25, 1862

The enemy has taken a position, or rather several positions, on the Fauquier side of the Rappahannock. I have only time to tell you how much I love my little pet dove.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 331

Rebecca Buffum Spring to the Family of John Brown, November 30, 1859

Eagleswood, Perth Amboy, N. J., Nov. 30th, '59.

To the family of Mr. John Brown.

Dear Friends:

I would gladly say some words of my own to comfort you, and carry you through this great trial and affliction, but I have them not. May the God of your dear father sustain you as He has him.

I heard also from your mother yesterday. Her note came part way with your father's letter. She is with most lovely and excellent friends, who will do all in their power to sustain her. I like better to have Mrs. Brown with Mrs. Lucretia Mott than in any other place, except in that prison. I should like better to have her there in that now sacred place which is now

“‘In the very verge of heaven.’”

SOURCE: Lillie Buffum Chace Wyman and Arthur Crawford Wyman, Elizabeth Buffum Chace, 1806-1899: Her Life and Its Environment, Volume 1, p. 352

Brigadier General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, September 7, 1863

New Orleans, Sept. 7, 1863.

I open my letter to enclose a couple of cartes, one of General Grant, the other you will probably recognize. I will send the cartes of the residue of the staff to-morrow. They were all taken hurriedly, the weather intensely hot and the time noon, when we were all pretty tired, having had no sleep for two or three nights.  . . . Some day, when I 'm in a better humor, and get all my toggery together, I 'll have one taken in full uniform for you. The Adjutant-General of the United States lent me his coat to be taken in, and his figure being smaller than mine, makes me look pinched in the breast; it was as much as I could do to button it over.

General Grant is much improved this morning, and I think will be out soon again. Meanwhile, we are all very quiet and comfortably provided for. My diet being soft shell crabs and pompinot and nice fish that is brought me from the Gulf. General Banks calls, and all the other generals, and we are at no loss for society.

P. S. — There is a group of the General and his staff finishing while I write. Send in a few days.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 335-6

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, August 31, 1863

August 31, 1863.

I send you to-day some scraps from the newspapers. The first is an extract from the London correspondent of the Presbyterian, which Ben. Gerhard¹ sent to me, and which I consider very flattering; for if there is any reputation I aspire to, it is that of a gentleman. The next is the account of the grand presentation from Forney's Chronicle, which is the best and most accurate account I have seen.² The speech is accurately reported, with one exception, and that is where I am made to say, “I hoped the people of Pennsylvania would re-elect Governor Curtin.” I said nothing of the kind, and made no allusions to elections. Just before I went on the stand, _____ came to me and said: “If you can say anything in favor of Curtin, it will help us greatly.” I replied: “I don't know, Mr. _____, what you mean by helping you. You know I have nothing to do with politics; but it was my intention before you spoke to me to allude to Governor Curtin and his services in behalf of the volunteers from Pennsylvania.” “Well,” said he, “that is all we want.” I did say all that I am reported to have said, except the allusion to his re-election, which was put in by _____. This was bad enough; but in to-day's paper _____ comes out in an editorial (which I send you), puffing Curtin and quoting my speech in italics.

The more I examine my sword the more I am delighted with its beauty. It is really most chaste and artistic. It seems a pity, though, to waste so much money on an article that from its great value is actually rendered useless.

We are having a little excitement to-day, in an expedition that has been sent down the river, to attempt to destroy two gunboats which the enemy recently surprised and captured at the mouth of the Rappahannock. The expedition was ordered from Washington, and I hope it will prove successful.

The conscripts are coming in now pretty fast. To-day for the first time over a thousand arrived. They are generally pretty good men, and I trust the example made of the five deserters, who were shot on Saturday, will check the evil of desertion. This execution was witnessed by a very large number of soldiers, and I am told the only remark made was, “Why did they not begin this practice long ago?” Not a murmur against the justice or the propriety of the act was heard. Indeed, the men are the most anxious to see this great evil cured, as they know their own security will be advanced thereby.

_______________

¹ Benjamin Gerhard, brother-in-law of Mrs. Meade.

² The article mentioned is an editorial, and only extracts of the speech are given. The speech was reported in full in the New York Tribune, August 31, 1863. See Appendix E.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 145-6

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, September 23, 1863

The weather is quite cool and the boys are beginning to fix up for winter by siding up the tents and building chimneys. There is some prospect of our brigade having to remain here for the winter. The Second Brigade of our division is still at Natchez. We are raising our tents and bunks about twenty-four inches from the ground. The openings around the tents we close up with boards torn from buildings, and having the wedge tent which accommodates four, we build our bunks for two men, one on either side, with the fireplace and chimney in the rear between the bunks. This makes a pretty good house for winter quarters.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 144

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: November 1862

The most important event was our first Thanksgiving in camp. Passed very pleasantly. A good dinner, with games of foot and base-ball. The day closing with dress parade. Many visitors from Baltimore and some from Connecticut. The weather during November was very fine for camp life. Barracks were built for winter quarters to take the place of tents.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 11

116th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Marietta and Gallipolis, Ohio, and mustered in September 18, 1862 (Cos. "F" and "K" mustered in October 28, 1861, and joined Regiment at Buckhannon, W. Va.). Left State for Parkersburg, W. Va., October 16; thence moved to Clarksburg and Buckhannon. Moved to New Creek November 9, and to Moorefield December 12. Attached to Railroad Division, West Virginia, to January, 1863. Romney, W. Va., Defenses of the Upper Potomac, 8th Army Corps, Middle Department, to March, 1863. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 8th Army Corps, Middle Department, to June, 1863. 1st Brigade, Elliott's Command, 8th Army Corps, to July, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Dept. of the Susquehanna, July, 1863. McReynolds' Command, Martinsburg, W. Va., Dept. of West Virginia, to December, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, West Virginia, to April, 1864. 1st Brigade. 1st Infantry Division, West Virginia, to December, 1864. 1st Brigade, Independent Division, 24th Army Corps, Army of the James, to June, 1865.

SERVICE. – Duty at Moorefield, W. Va., December 15, 1862, to January 10, 1863. Moorefield January 3. At Romney till March 17. Near Romney February 16. At Winchester, Va., till June. Operations in Shenandoah Valley April 20-29. Scout toward Wardensville and Strasburg April 20. Scout to Strasburg April 25-29. Bunker Hill June 13 (Cos. "A" and "I"). Battle of Winchester June 13-15. Retreat to Harper's Ferry, W. Va., June 15-16; thence to Washington, D.C., July 1-4, and Join Army of the Potomac at Frederick, Md., July 5. Pursuit of Lee to Manassas Gap, Va., July 5-24. Wapping Heights, Va., July 23. At Martinsburg, W. Va., August 4, 1863, to April 29, 1864. Skirmish at Hedgesville October 16, 1863 (Detachment). Sigel's Expedition from Martinsburg to New Market April 29-May 16, 1864. Battle of New Market May 15. Advance on Staunton May 24-June 6. Piedmont June 5. Occupation of Staunton June 6. Hunter's raid on Lynchburg June 10-July 1. Lynchburg June 17-18. Ordered to the Shenandoah Valley July. Battle of Kernstown-Winchester, July 24. Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign August 7-November 28. Charlestown August 21, 22 and 29. Berryville September 3, Battle of Winchester, Opaquan Creek September 19. Fisher's Hill September 22. Cedar Creek October 13, Battle of Cedar Creek October 19. Duty at Opequan Crossing November 18 to December 19. Moved to Washington, D.C., December 19; thence to Aiken's Landing, Va, Siege of Petersburg and Richmond December 27, 1864, to April 2, 1865. Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9, Hatcher's Run March 29-April 1. Fall of Petersburg April 2. Pursuit of Lee April 3-9. Rice's Station April 6. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. Duty at Richmond, Va., till June. Mustered out June 14, 1865. Companies "F" and "K" consolidated with 62nd Ohio Infantry.

Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 90 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 Officers and 88 Enlisted men by disease. Total 185.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1546