John Brown to his Children, January 3, 1855

Akron, Ohio, Jan. 3, 1855.

Dear Children, — Last night your letters to Jason were received (dated December 26), and I had the reading of them. I conclude from the long time mine to you from Albany was on the way, that you did not reply to it. On my return here from North Elba I was disappointed of about three hundred dollars for cattle sold to brother Frederick, and am still in the same condition, — he having gone to Illinois just before I left to go East, and not having returned nor written me a word since. This puts it out of my power to move my family at present, and will until I get my money, unless I sell off my Devon cattle, — which I cannot, without great sacrifice, before spring opens. Your remarks about hay make me doubt the propriety of taking on any cattle till spring, as I have here an abundance of feed. I am now entirely unable to say whether we can get off before spring or not. All are well here, so far as we know. Owen and Frederick were with their uncle Edward in Meridosia, Ill. (where they expect to winter), on the 23d December; they were well, and much pleased with the country, and with him. You can write them at that place, care of Edward Lusk, Esq. I may send on one of the boys before the family go, but am not now determined. Can write no more now for want of time. Write me, on receipt of this, any and every thing of use or interest .

Your affectionate father,

John Brown.

 SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 191-2

Diary of Major Rutherford B. Hayes: August 3, 1861

Called on James T. Jackson, a Secessionist, for a map of Virginia — one of the Board of Public Works maps. He said he once had one but his brother had sold it to a captain in [the] Seventh Regiment. Called then on William E. Arnold, a lawyer and Union man. He offered every facility for getting information and gave such as he could; also lent us a good map. Hottest day yet. Dr. Joe ailing. Young Jewett doing well, but getting tired and sore.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 54

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, March 14, 1863

March 14th.

The time has about come for campaigning, and I hope early next week to leave my room, and go into a tent near Hamilton's Crossing, which is on the railroad, about five miles from Fredericksburg. It is rather a relief to get where there will be less comfort than in a room, as I hope thereby persons will be prevented from encroaching so much upon my time. I am greatly behind in my reports, and am very desirous to get through with them before another campaign commences. Do you remember when my little wife used to come up to my headquarters in Winchester and talk with her esposo? I would love to see her sunny face peering into my room again.  . . . On next Monday there is to be a meeting of the chaplains of my corps, and I pray that good may result.  . . . I am now in camp, but I do not know of any house near by where you could be accommodated, should you come; and, moreover, I might not be here when you would arrive, as the season for campaigning has come. Before this time last year, the campaign had begun, and, so far as we can see, it may begin again at any time. The movements of the enemy must influence ours, and we can't say where we shall be a week hence.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 418-9

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, December 11, 1863

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, December 11, 1863.

I have not heard a word from Washington, but from what I see in the papers, and what I hear from officers returning from Washington, I take it my supersedure is decided upon, and the only question is who is to succeed me. I understand the President and Secretary Chase are very anxious to bring Hooker back; but Halleck and Stanton will undoubtedly oppose this. A compromise may perhaps be made by bringing Thomas¹ here, and giving Hooker Thomas's army.

I have very kind letters from Gibbon and Hancock, both hoping I will not be relieved, and each saying they had not lost a particle of confidence in me. Many officers in the army have expressed the same feeling, and I really believe the voice of the army will sustain me. This, though, goes for nothing in Washington. I will not go to Washington to be snubbed by these people; they may relieve me, but I will preserve my dignity.

_______________

¹ Major-General George H. Thomas, commanding the Army of the Cumberland.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 160-1

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Eliza Walter Smith, March 24, 1864

Alexandria, La., March 24, 1864.

My Dear Mother:

We have had some skirmishing in making reconnaissance, and have taken one entire battery, horses and harness. Some four hundred prisoners and some six hundred horses. General Banks has not yet arrived, but is momentarily expected. The country on the north side of the river is pine woods and for the most part barren, though rolling and beautiful on the south side — that upon which Alexandria is situated. It is exceedingly rich and very highly cultivated in cotton and sugar plantations. Corn, clover, and other grasses grow, the clover especially, with wonderful luxuriance. The perfectly flat nature of the country gives a sameness that is wearisome, but at first view the beauty of the plain, as one rides through the plantations, is enchanting. Hereabouts they are all well-watered by the bayous and these can be led by ditching in any direction. The planters, taking advantage of this, have beautified their grounds with lakes and wandering streams, upon the shores of which to the water's edge grows the white clover, carpeting the ground at this season with its rich green leaves, the sod cut away for parterres and flowerbeds, all shaded with beautiful pines, Japan plums, pride of China, and others, the names of which you would not recognize, of the beauty of which you can hardly form an idea. Their houses are not very elegant. The Southerner as a general rule does not care much about his house; so that it has plenty of piazza (gallery, as they call it here), is painted white, with Venetian blinds at all the openings, he is satisfied. Some of the wealthiest of them have spent their lives in log houses, and the wigwam at Mackacheek would be entirely en regle as the mansion house of a sugar estate. They find all their enjoyment in the open air, and shelter from the rain and night dew is all they ask.

The inhabitants hereabouts are pretty tolerably frightened; our Western troops are tired of shilly shally, and this year will deal their blows very heavily. Past kindness and forbearance has not been appreciated or understood; frequently ridiculed. The people now will be terribly scourged. Quick, sharp, decisive, or, if not decisive, staggering blows will soon show them that we mean business. I anticipate, however.

The State of Louisiana founded a Seminary of Learning and Military Academy, not long since, of which General Sherman, by election, was made superintendent, and which he abandoned to take up arms for his government. The building is a fine, large, very expensive one, situate some four miles from Alexandria, and was thoroughly provided with all the adjuncts of a large college. It has recently been used as a hospital by the rebels. The people cherish the name of General Sherman, and mourn his loss. He had great popularity here. My newspaper dates are to the 14th inst. My news very vague. I have the intelligence of the promotion of Lieutenant-General Grant, General Sherman and General McPherson. This is all right. With the old woman I may say to you, “I told you so.” One year ago there was a fearful pressure made against all these officers, Grant and Sherman especially. Where are those, now, who villified them? I do not know if you preserve them, but I must ask, if you do, to look at some of my letters written during last February and March.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 361-2

Diary of Corydon E. Fuller: Saturday, March 4, 1865

The morning broke with black clouds and driving rain, and the prospect seemed exceedinglv gloomy. After breakfast I walked down to Pennsylvania avenue, under a dripping umbrella, and later, went to the Hall of Representatives. Spent an hour there, witnessing the close of the session. Nothing was done while I remained, except call the yeas and nays, amidst much confusion. The hour having arrived for the inauguration, I obtained a place in the mud, near the front of the platform, and stood there through the ceremonies. Many thousands were present; how many, I dare not attempt to guess. At 12 o'clock noon President Lincoln and Vice-President Johnson appeared upon the platform, which by that time was filled with Senators, Foreign Ministers, and other distinguished personages. The appearance of Mr. Lincoln was greeted with tumultuous shouts from the thousands gathered around, and after a short delay he arose and read his inaugural address. I heard every word of it. At its close, Chief Justice Chase arose and administered the oath of office, the President taking the Bible from his hands and kissing it, at the close of the oath. All the members of the Supreme Court were standing by. The crowd then began to disperse, amid the thunder of artillery which shook the Capitol, massive as it is, until the windows rattled at each explosion. I have omitted to mention that the rain ceased about half-past ten o'clock, and just as Mr. Lincoln arose to read his inaugural the sun burst through the clouds and shone full upon him and the company around him, as well as the thousands' gathered there. The remainder of the day and evening was glorious. Was the clearing up the stormy and unpropitious weather of the morning at midday an omen of the sunlight of success that shall soon gild the clouds that now hang so darkly around our national sky? Toward night I called at James' room and had a pleasant time until about eight o'clock. He is tired out, and seems worn down by the excessive labors of the session. I then went to the President's house, and after a long time succeeded in entering the east room. There were an immense number present. . . .

SOURCE: Corydon Eustathius Fuller, Reminiscences of James A. Garfield: With Notes Preliminary and Collateral, p. 374-5

Senator James W. Grimes to Elizabeth S. Nealley Grimes, December 10, 1859

Washington, December 10, 1859.

One week of congressional life is over, and I think it to be the stupidest business I was ever engaged in. We have done nothing in the Senate but discuss “John Brown,” “the irrepressible conflict,” and “the impending crisis,” and no one can imagine where the discussion will stop. The House of Representatives is still unorganized, and daily some members come near to blows. The members on both sides are mostly armed with deadly weapons, and it is said that the friends of each are armed in the galleries. The Capitol resounds with the cry of dissolution, and the cry is echoed throughout the city. And all this is simply to coerce, to frighten the Republicans and others into giving the Democrats the organization of the House. They will not succeed.

I called on Mrs. Trumbull to-day. She is the only woman I have spoken with since I came here. I called on another, to whose party I was invited the other day, and did not go; but she was not at home. You cannot imagine how I dislike this fashionable formality. It is terribly annoying, and I think I shall repudiate the whole thing.

SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p. 121-2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, October 19, 1863

We were out this morning for our skirmish drill. The scouting expedition returned from Jackson this afternoon and occupied their old camp, while we had to go into open bivouac for the night. The expedition had little difficulty in routing the rebels at Jackson, but lost five or six men killed and quite a number wounded.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 148

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: July 14, 1863

General Lee and the rebel army have crossed the Potomac River into Virginia. I saw a number of prisoners who were taken at the river. They informed us that we were too late, Lee was pushing up the valley. We are again on the march, going south, up and over the South Mountain. A hot, hard, dusty march as we go pushing along. A soldier's life in the field is a severe one. Came to a halt in the valley, near Sandy Hook. The 2nd Corps passed. Met some of the 14th Connecticut as the corps came to a halt. I had friends in that regiment who I was anxious to see. One who I expected to meet was Walter Standish. I asked for him, was informed that he was killed at Gettysburg. Again on the march. Passed through the town of Sandy Hook, on over the Potomac into Harper's Ferry, crossing the Shenandoah River, up Loudon Heights, into the Loudon Valley, Virginia. Pushing right up the valley to guard the gaps in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 25-6

2nd Ohio Cavalry

Organized at Cleveland and Camp Dennison, Ohio, August to October, 1861. Duty at Camp Dennison, Ohio, November 1, 1861, to January 27, 1862. Scout duty on the Missouri Border January 27-February 18, 1862. Attached to Doubleday's Brigade, Dept. of Missouri, February to June, 1862. Fort Scott, Kan., to August, 1862. Solomon's Brigade, Dept. of Kansas, to October, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Frontier, to December, 1862. Columbus, Ohio, to April, 1863. Kautz's 1st Cavalry Brigade, District of Central Kentucky, Dept. Ohio, to June, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army Ohio, to August, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 23rd Army Corps, to November, 1863. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division Cavalry, 23rd Army Corps, to February, 1864. Columbus, Ohio, to April, 1864. Cavalry, 9th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to May 24, 1864. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, and Middle Military Division, to May, 1865. Dept. of Missouri to October, 1865.

SERVICE. – Expedition to Fort Scott, Kan., February 18-March 2, 1862. Action at Independence, Mo., February 22. Expedition to Diamond Grove, Kan., April 15-May 7. Action at Horse Creek May 7. Expedition into Indian Territory May 25-July 8. Action at Grand River June 6. Capture of Fort Gibson July 18. Bayou Bernard July 27. Montevallo August 5. Lone Jack, Mo., August 11. Blount's Campaign in Missouri and Arkansas September 17-December. 3. Expedition to Sarcoxie September 28-30. Newtonia September 30. Occupation of Newtonia October 4. Skirmishes at Carthage, Cow Hill, Cow Skin Prairie, Wolf Creek, Maysville and White River. Ordered to Columbus, Ohio, December, 1862, and duty there till March, 1863. Moved to Somerset, Ky., and duty there till June 27. Mt. Sterling, Ky., March 19 (3rd Battalion). Owensville March 31. Expedition to Monticello and operations in Southeastern Kentucky April 26-May 12. Action at Monticello May 1. Near Mill Springs May 29. Monticello, Rocky Gap and Steubenville June 9. Sanders' Raid in East Tennessee June 14-24 (3rd Battalion). Knoxville June 19-20. Strawberry Plains and Rogers' Gap June 20. Powder Springs Gap June 21. Pursuit of Morgan July 1-25. Columbia, Ky., July 3. Buffington Island, Ohio, July 18-19. Operations in Eastern Kentucky against Scott July 25-August 6. Near Rogersville July 27. Richmond July 28. Lancaster and Paint Lick Bridge July 31. Lancaster August 1. Burnside's Campaign in East Tennessee August 16-October 17. Winter's Gap August 31. Expedition to Cumberland Gap September 4-7. Operations about Cumberland Gap September 7-10. Capture of Cumberland Gap September 9. Greenville September 11. Carter's Depot September 22. Zollicoffer September 24. Jonesboro September 28. Greenville October 2. Blue Springs October 5 and 10. Sweetwater October 10-11. Knoxville Campaign November 4-December 23. Lenoir Station November 14-15. Stock Creek November 15. Siege of Knoxville November 17-December 5. Morristown and Long's Ford December 10. Cheek's Cross Roads December 12. Russellville December 12-13. Bean's Station December 14. Blain's Cross Roads December 16-19. Rutledge December 16. Stone's Mill December 19. Dandridge December 24. Mossy Creek Station December 26. Regiment reenlisted January 1, 1864. On Veteran furlough till March. Ordered to Annapolis, Md., March 20. Campaign from the Rapidan to the James May 4-June 15. Battles of the Wilderness May 5-7; Piney Branch Ford May 8; Spottsylvania May 8-21; Piney Branch Ford May 15; U.S. Ford May 21 (Detachment); North Anna River May 23-26. On line of the Pamunkey May 26-28. Totopotomoy May 28-31. Mechump's Creek and Hanover Court House May 31. Ashland June 1. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Gaines' Mill, Salem Church, Haw's Shop and Totopotomoy June 2. Haw's Shop June 3-5. Long Bridge and White House Landing June 12. Smith's Store, near Samaria Church, June 15. Wilson's Raid on Southside & Danville Railroad June 22-30. Black and White Station June 23. Staunton River Bridge, or Roanoke Station, June 25. Sappony Church, or Stony Creek, June 28-29. Ream's Station June 29. Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign August 7-November 28. Winchester August 17. Summit Point August 21. Charlestown August 21-22. Smithfield and Kearneysville August 25. White Post September 3. Abram's Creek, near Winchester, September 13. Battle of Opequan, Winchester, September 19. Near Cedarville September 20. Front Royal Pike September 21. Milford and Fisher's Hill September 22. Waynesboro September 29. Bridgewater October 4. Near Columbia Furnace October 7. Tom's Brook October 8-9. Cedar Creek October 13. Battle of Cedar Creek October 19. New Market November 6. Kearneysville November 10. Newtown and Cedar Creek November 12. Rude's Hill, near Mt. Jackson, November 22. Raid to Lacey's Springs December 19-22. Lacey's Springs December 21. Expedition from Winchester to Moorefield, W, Va., February 4-6, 1865. Sheridan's Raid from Winchester to Petersburg February 27-March 25. Occupation of Staunton March 2. Waynesboro March 2. Occupation of Charlottesville March 3. Ashland March 15. Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9. Dinwiddie Court House March 30-31. Five Forks April 1. Namozine Church April 3. Sailor's Creek April 6. Appomattox Station April 8. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. Expedition to Danville April 23-29. March to Washington, D.C., May. Grand Review May 23. Ordered to St. Louis, Mo., May 27. Duty in Dept. of Missouri till October. Mustered out October 12, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 7 Officers and 76 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 5 Officers and 179 Enlisted men by disease. Total 267.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1473-4

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, March 19, 1864

Friday, March 19th.

A messenger has just arrived with despatches from below, and a mail, but no letters for me. I have nothing of importance to add, hardly enough in what I have written to repay perusal; you must not permit yourself to suffer anxiety on my account; the good God whose arm till now has shielded me will care for me to the end. It may be permitted us to meet again and again I may enjoy the pleasure of home. If not, let us all pray that we meet in Paradise.

I see by some newspapers that are brought with this mail that the expedition into Mississippi is misrepresented and misunderstood. I assure you it was entirely successful and all was accomplished that was intended or desired.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 360-1

Diary of Corydon E. Fuller: Friday, March 3, 1865

The city is filled with strangers who have come here to witness the inauguration. The rain fell heavily last night, and the streets are very muddy, but this afternoon it looks some like clearing off. I hope to-morrow may be pleasant, and an omen of the coming four years, which, God grant, may be years of peace instead of war.

SOURCE: Corydon Eustathius Fuller, Reminiscences of James A. Garfield: With Notes Preliminary and Collateral, p. 374

Senator James W. Grimes to Elizabeth S. Nealley Grimes, November 30, 1859

Washington, November 30, 1859.

Everybody but me is busy about the organization of the House of Representatives. That, and the execution of John Brown day after to-morrow, are the only topics discussed.

I heard Wendell Phillips lecture on l'Ouverture at Philadelphia, to an immense and breathless audience.

SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p. 121

Senator James W. Grimes to Elizabeth S. Nealley Grimes, December 6, 1859

Senate Chamber, December 6th

This body was organized yesterday; Mason, of Virginia, immediately introduced Harper's Ferry resolutions, which are to be taken up, and discussed this morning on the assembling of the Senate. So you see the excitement is to be kept up upon the irrepressible conflict question.

Mr. Sumner appeared in his seat yesterday, looking in vigorous health. We expect to hear from him in a great speech during the session. There is an immense crowd of people here for one purpose and another, but I keep out of it pretty much. I am as retired here as ordinarily at home.

SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes, p. 121

Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood to James Harlan, James W. Grimes, Samuel R. Curtis and William Vandever, January 28, 1861

Executive Office,

Jan. 28, 1861.

To Hon. Jas. Harlan, Jas. W. Grimes, Samuel R. Curtis and Wm. Vandever:

Gentlemen:—You will find herewith a paper requesting you, if you consider it advisable, to attend a meeting of the commissioners of the different States at Washington City on the 4th of February next. I wish you to be guided wholly by your own discretion as to your attendance.

I confess the whole thing strikes me unfavorably. The very early day named renders it impossible for the distant States to select and send commissioners, and also it is liable to the construction I that it was the intention to force action both upon the meeting and upon Congress before the 4th of March next and without proper time for deliberation. Again the fact that the basis of adjustment proposed in the resolutions is one that all the free States rejected by an overwhelming majority at the presidential election (the votes for Lincoln and Douglass being all against it) indicate that either in expectation that the free Stases shall stultify and degrade themselves or a purpose by the failure of the commissioners to agree upon terms of adjustment to afford excuse and justification to those who are already determined to leave the Union. You upon the ground can judge of these things more correctly than I can here.

Should you find the meeting disposed to act in earnest for the preservation of the Union without seeking the degradation of any of the States for that end permit me to make a few suggestions.

The true policy for every good citizen to pursue is to set his face like a flint against secession, to call it by its true name — treason — to use his influence in all legitimate ways to put it down; strictly and cordially to obey the laws and to stand by the government in all lawful measures it may adopt for the preservation of the Union, and to trust to the people and the constituted authorities to correct under the present constitution, and errors that may have been committed or any evils or wrongs that have been suffered.

But if compromise must be the order of the day then that compromise should not be a concession by one side of all the other side demands and of all for which the conceding side has been contending. In other words the North must not be expected to yield all the South asks, all the North has contended for and won. and then call that compromise. That is not compromise and would not bring peace. Such “compromise” would not become dry on the parchment on which it would be written before “agitation” for its repeal would have commenced. A compromise that would restore good feeling must not degrade either side. Let me suggest how in my opinion this can be done. Restore the Missouri compromise line to the territory we got from France. We all agreed to that once and can, without degradation do so again.

The repeal of that line brought on our present troubles; its restoration ought to go far to remove them. As to New Mexico and Utah leave them under the laws passed for their government in 1850 — the so-called compromise of that year. We all stood there once and can do so again without degradation. This settles the question of slavery in all our present territories. As to future acquisitions say we can't make any. We thus avoid the slavery question in future. We have enough territory for our expansion for a century and let the men of that day make another to suit themselves. It says merely we prefer our Union as it is to conquest that may endanger it. The fugitive slave law was made by the South. The reason of its non-existence is its severity. It is in direct antagonism to the public sentiment of the people among whom it is to be executed. If something were done to modify it so as to require the alleged fugitive to be taken before the officer of the court of the county from which he has alleged to have tied and there have a trial if he demand it, in my opinion the law would be much more effective than it is.

The personal liberty laws arc the acts of the States that have them and I doubt not would be repealed when the present excitement dies away. Iowa never has had nor does she want one.

Very respectfully,

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.

SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 109-11

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, October 18, 1863

The Thirteenth went up to Messenger's ford on picket. We had our regular company inspection this morning. In the afternoon I went to the refugees' camp to hear a colored man preach. There was a large number of negroes and they had a joyful time; their singing and shouting beat all that I have ever listened to. They were so happy that they did not cease shouting until after sundown.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 148

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: July 10, 1863

Continual skirmishing going on with the rebs between Sharpsburg and Hagerstown, Maryland. Reported that General Lee is trying to cross the Potomac River into Virginia. We are either skirmishing or changing our position most of the time so that we are kept on the go about all the time and most of the movements are at double quick time. The most important subject under discussion is, “Why doesn't Meade attack Lee?” as we have a number of regiments here who were not at Gettysburg, having come as reinforcements.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 25

38th Illinois Infantry

Organized at Camp Butler, Ill., and mustered in August 15, 1861. Ordered to Pilot Knob, Mo., September 20, 1861. Attached to Dept. of Missouri to March, 1862. 1st Brigade, Steele's Army of Southeast Missouri, to June, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Army of Mississippi, to September, 1862. 31st Brigade, 9th Division, Army of the Ohio, to October, 1862. 31st Brigade, 9th Division, 3rd Corps, Army Ohio, to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Right Wing 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 20th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to October, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Army Corps, to June, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Army Corps, to August, 1865. Dept. of Texas to December, 1865.

SERVICE. – Duty at Pilot Knob till March, 1862. Operations about Fredericktown, Mo., October 12-25, 1861. Action at Fredericktown October 21. Expedition against Thompson's forces November 2-12. Moved to Reeve's Station on Black River March 3-10, 1862, thence to Doniphan and Pocahontas March 31-April 21. Action at Putnam's Ferry, Mo., April 1. March to Jacksonport, Ark., April 30-May 4, thence to Cape Girardeau, Mo., May 10-21, and to Hamburg Landing, Tenn., May 21-24. Siege of Corinth, Miss., May 26-30. Pursuit to Booneville May 31-June 12. March to Jacinto and Ripley June 29-July 4. At Corinth, Miss., till August 14. March through Alabama to Nashville, Tenn., thence to Louisville, Ky., in pursuit of Bragg, August 14-September 26. Pursuit of Bragg into Kentucky October 1-16. Battle of Perryville October 8. Manchester, Ky., October 14. Stanford, Ky., October 14. March to Nashville, Tenn., October 16-November 9, and duty there till December 26. Reconnoissance toward Clarksville November 15-30. Advance on Murfreesboro, Tenn., December 26-30. Nolensville, Knob Gap, December 26. Battle of Stone's River December 30-31, 1862, and January 1-3, 1863. At Murfreesboro till June. Reconnoissance from Murfreesboro March 6-7. Methodist Church on Shelbyville Pike March 6. Reconnoissance to Versailles March 9-14. Operations on Edgeville Pike June 4. Middle Tennessee or Tullahoma Campaign June 24-July 7. Liberty Gap June 24-27. Occupation of Middle Tennessee till August 16. Passage of Cumberland Mountains and Tennessee River and Chickamauga (Ga.) Campaign August 16-September 22. Battle of Chickamauga, Ga., September 19-20. Siege of Chattanooga September 24-October 27. Reopening Tennessee River October 26-29. Duty at Bridgeport, Ala., till January 26, 1864. Moved to Ooltewah January 26. Reenlisted February 29, 1864. Veterans on furlough March 28 to June 9, rejoining at Ackworth, Ga. Non-Veterans attached to 101st Ohio Infantry during this time. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May to September, 1864. Tunnel Hill May 6-7. Demonstration on Rocky Faced Ridge May 8-11. Buzzard's Roost Gap May 8-9. Demonstration on Dalton May 9-13. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Near Kingston May 18-19. Near Cassville May 19. Advance on Dallas May 22-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Pine Hill June 11-14. Lost Mountain June 15-17. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Ruff's Station July 4. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Pursuit of Hood into Alabama October 3-30. Nashville Campaign November-December. Columbia, Duck River, November 24-27. Spring Hill November 29. Battle of Franklin November 30. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood, to the Tennessee River, December 17-28. March to Huntsville, Ala., and duty there till March 13, 1865. Operations in East Tennessee till April 11. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., and duty there till June. Moved to New Orleans, La., June 17-25, thence to Indianola, Texas, July 12-15, and to Victoria, Texas. Duty there till December, 1865. Mustered out December 31, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 7 Officers and 107 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 Officers and 177 Enlisted men by disease. Total 294.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1062-3

1st Ohio Cavalry

Organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, August 17-October 30, 1861. Left State for Louisville, Ky., December 9, 1861. Attached to 1st Division, Army Ohio, to October, 1862. (Cos. "F," "I," "K," "L" and "M" attached to 5th Division, Army Ohio, May to October, 1862.) Zahm's 2nd Brigade, Cavalry Division, Army Ohio, to November, 1862. (Cos. "F," "I," "K," "L" and "M" attached to 2nd Corps, Army Ohio, to November, 1862.) 2nd Brigade, Cavalry Division, Army of the Cumberland, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Army of the Cumberland, to March, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division, Army of the Cumberland, to October, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Wilson's Cavalry Corps, Military Division Mississippi, to February, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, Wilson's Cavalry Corps, to May, 1865. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Wilson's Cavalry Corps, and Dept. of Georgia, to September, 1865.

SERVICE. – Company "B" was at Headquarters of Gen. Mitchel in Kentucky October to December, 1861.  Action at West Liberty, Ky., October 23. Rejoined Regiment at Louisville, Ky., December, 1861. Operations near Greensburg and Lebanon, Ky., January 28-February 2, 1862. Moved to Louisville, Ky., February 14, thence to Nashville, Tenn., February 28-March 3. Advance on Columbia March 14-15. Near Columbia March 15. March to Savannah, Tenn., March 28-April 7, thence moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Pursuit to Booneville May 30-June 12. Reconnoissance toward Carrollville and Baldwyn June 3. Skirmish at Blackland June 3. Osborn's and Wolf Creeks, near Blackland, June 4 (Cos. "E," "I" and "M"). Guard duty along Memphis & Charleston Railroad till August. Near Russellsville July 3 (Cos. "B" and "G"). Expedition to Decatur, Ala., July 12-16 (Detachment). Near Davis Gap July 12 (Detachment). Near Decatur July 15 (Co. "I"). Pond Springs July 24. Courtland and Trinity July 25 (Detachment). Moved to Dechard, Tenn., August 1. Salem August 6. Scout to Fayetteville August 17-20. March to Louisville. Ky., in pursuit of Bragg August 21-September 25. Pursuit of Bragg into Kentucky October 1-22. Cedar Church, near Shepherdstown, October 3. Bardstown October 4. Battle of Perryville October 8 (Detachment). Pursuit of Bragg to Loudon October 10-22. Harrodsburg October 13. Stanford October 14. March to Nashville, Tenn., October 22-November 7. Duty there till December 26. Franklin December 12 and 26. Reconnoissance from Rural Hill December 20. Advance on Murfreesboro December 26-30. Nolinsville December 26. Near Murfreesboro December 29-30. Battle of Stone's River December 30-31, 1862, and January 1-3, 1863. Overall's Creek December 31, 1862. Shelbyville Pike January 5. Duty at Lavergne till June. Reconnoissance from Lavergne May 12. Middle Tennessee or Tullahoma Campaign June 23-July 7. Moore's Ford, Elk River, July 2. Occupation of Middle Tennessee till August 16. Expedition to Huntsville July 13-22. Passage of Cumberland Mountains and Tennessee River, and Chickamauga (Ga.) Campaign August 16-September 22. Reconnoissance from Stevenson to Trenton, Ga., August 28-31. Reconnoissance from Winston's Gap to Broomtown Valley September 5. Alpine, Ga., September 3 and 8. Reconnoissance from Alpine toward Lafayette, Ga., September 10. Alpine September 11. Battle of Chickamauga, Ga., September 19-21. Cotton Port Ford, Tennessee River, September 30. Operations against Wheeler and Roddy September 30-October 17. Greenville October 2. McMinnville October 4. Farmington October 7. Sim's Farm, near Shelbyville, October 7. At Paint Rock till November 18. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Raid on East Tennessee & Georgia Railroad November 24-27. Charleston November 26. Cleveland November 27. March to relief of Knoxville, Tenn., November 28-December 8. Near Loudoun December 2. Expedition to Murphey, N. C., December 6-11. Charleston and Calhoun December 28. Regiment reenlisted January 4, 1864. Demonstration on Dalton, Ga., February 22-27, 1864 (Non-Veterans). Near Dalton February 23. Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost Gap and Rocky Faced Ridge February 23-25. Tunnel Hill February 25. Buzzard's Roost February 27. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1-September 8, 1864. Decatur, Ala.. May 26. Courtland Road, Ala., May 26. Pond Springs, near Courtland, May 27. Moulton May 28-29. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. McAffee's Cross Roads June 11. Noonday Creek June 15-19 and 27. Kenesaw Mountain June 21. Near Marietta June 23. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Rottenwood Creek July 4. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Raid to Covington July 22-24. Siege of Atlanta July 24-August 15. Garrard's Raid to South River July 27-31. Flat Rock Bridge and Lithonia July 28. Kilpatrick's Raid around Atlanta August 18-22. Flint River and Red Oak August 19. Jonesborough August 19. Lovejoy Station August 20. Operations at Chattahoochee River Bridge August 26-September 2. Occupation of Atlanta September 2. Operations against Hood and Forest in North Georgia and North Alabama September 29-November 3. Near Lost Mountain October 4-7. New Hope Church October 5. Dallas October 7. Rome October 10-11. Narrows November 11. Coosaville Road, near Rome, November 13. Near Summerville October 18. Little River October 20. Blue Pond and Leesburg October 21. Coosa River October 25. Ladiga, Terrapin Creek, October 28. Ordered to Louisville, Ky., and, duty there till December. Ordered to Gravelly Springs, Ala., December 28, and duty there till March, 1865. Wilson's Raid to Macon, Ga., March 22-April 24. Near Montevallo March 31. Ebenezer Church April 1. Selma April 2. Montgomery April 12-13. Crawford and Girard April. Columbus and West Point April 16. Capture of Macon April 20. Irwinsville, Ga., May 10. Capture of Jeff Davis. Duty in Georgia and South Carolina till September. Mustered out September 13, 1865.

Companies "A" and "C" ordered to West Virginia September 17, 1861. Attached to Army of Occupation, West Virginia, to October, 1861. Cheat Mountain District. West Virginia, to January, 1862. Landers' Division, Army Potomac, to March, 1862. Shields' 2nd Division, Banks' 5th Army Corps, and Dept. of the Shenandoah, to May, 1862. Cavalry, Shields' Division, Dept. of the Rappahannock, to June, 1862. Headquarters 2nd Corps, Army of Virginia, to September, 1862. Price's Cavalry Brigade, Military District of Washington, D.C., to March, 1863. 2nd Brigade, Stahel's Cavalry Division, 22nd Army Corps, Dept. of Washington, to June, 1863. Headquarters 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, to December, 1863. Defences of Washington, D.C., to January, 1864. Participating in skirmish at Bloomery Gap, Va., February 4, 1862. Advance on Winchester March 7-15. Battle of Winchester March 23. Occupation of Mr. Jackson April 17. Battle of Cedar Mountain August 9. Pope's Campaign in Northern Virginia August 16-September 2. Catlett's Station August 22. Centreville August 27-28. Groveton August 29. Bull Run August 30. Chantilly September 1. Duty in Defences of Washington till June, 1863. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3, 1863. Monterey Gap July 4. Emmettsburg July 5. Hagerstown July 6-12. Falling Waters July 14. Hartwood Church August 28. Advance from the Rappahannock to the Rapidan September 13-17. Bristoe Campaign October 9-22. Hartwood Church November 5. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. In Defences of Washington, D.C., till January, 1864, when rejoined Regiment.

Regiment lost during service 6 Officers and 45 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 Officers and 150 Enlisted men by disease. Total 204.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1472-3

John Brown to his Children, August 24, 1854

Akron, Ohio, Aug. 24, 1854.

Dear Children, — I have just received Henry's letter of the 13th instant, and have much reason to be thankful for the good news it brings. We are all in middling health, so far as I know, in this quarter, although there is some sickness about us. Mother Brown, of Hudson, was complaining some last week; have not heard from her since then. This part of the country is suffering the most dreadful drouth ever experienced during this nineteenth century. We have been much more highly favored than most of our neighbors in that we were enabled to secure a most excellent hay crop, whilst many others did not get theirs saved in time, and lost it notwithstanding the dry weather. Our oats are no better than those of our neighbors, but we have a few. We shall probably have some corn, while others, to a great extent, will have none. Of garden vegetables we have more than twenty poor families have in many cases. Of fruit we shall have a comfortable supply, if our less favored neighbors do not take it all from us. We ought to be willing to divide. Our cattle (of which we have thirty-three head) we are enabled to keep in excellent condition, on the little feed that grows on the moist grounds, and by feeding the stalks green that have failed of corn, — and we have a good many of them. We have had two light frosts, on August the 9th and 18th, but have had more extreme hot weather in July and August than ever known before, — thermometer often up to 98° in the shade, and was so yesterday; it now stands (eleven o'clock P. M.) at 93°. I am thinking that it may be best for us to dispose of all the cattle we want to sell, and of all our winter feed, and move a few choice cattle to North Elba this fall, provided we can there buy hay and other stuff considerably cheaper than we might sell our stuff for here, and also provided we can get a comfortable house to winter in. I want you to keep writing me often, as you can learn how hay, all kinds of grain, and roots can be bought with you, so that I may be the better able to jndge. Our last year's pork proves to be a most perfect article, but I think not best to ship any until the weather gets a little cooler. The price Mr. Washburn asks for his contract may not be much out of the way, but there seems to be some difficulty about a bargain yet. First, he wants to hang on all his stock, and I do not know at present as I want any of them. I do not know what he has on hand; he may perhaps be able to get them off himself. Then, again, I do not know as Mr. Smith¹ would give a deed of half the lot before the whole purchase-money for the entire lot and interest are paid. You may have further information than I have. Early in the season all kinds of cattle were high, scarce and ready cash; now, as the prospects are, I am entirely unable to make an estimate of what money I can realize on them, so as to be able to say just now how much money I can raise, provided those other impediments can be got over. I intend to turn all I consistently can into money, and as fast as I can, and would be glad to secure the purchase of Washburn, if it can be done consistently and without too much trouble. Write me again soon, and advise as far as you can about all these matters. We could probably sell all our produce at pretty high prices. How are cattle, horses, sheep, and hogs selling in your quarter?

Your affectionate father,

John Brown.

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¹ Gerrit Smith, who still owned much land at North Elba.

 SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 158-9