I’ve grown to love letters written by Civil War soldiers. All apprehensiveness of entering the field of letter collecting gone, I’ve exponentially grown my collection as I’ve added more letters each year since 2017. Today, I’m sharing with all of you some letters in my collection that were penned by Civil War combatants. You’ll notice that these soldiers served in various regiments, and their letters were written from a slew of locales. I think this gives us a better glimpse into the Civil War as a whole, instead of just focusing on one state, region, or even social status. Ready to discover what letters are in my collection? Then keep scrolling!
#1 – Sewall Adams
The first letters I added to my collection were written by Sewall Adams, a soldier in Company A of the 127th New York Infantry. The two letters you’ll find below offer insight into the weather of February 1863, as snow measured around a foot on the level. In his letter dated for June 1863, Sewall expressed his desire for peace to once again return to America. Check out his full letters below:
Camp Gurney near Cloud Mill Thursday VA. Feb. 27th./63
Dear Sister
It is with the greatest pleasure that I sit down this afternoon to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and enjoying good health. and still on the sacred soil of Virginia. I received your kind and interesting letter dated Feb 6th and take the first opportunity in writing to you again. I hope that you are well and enjoying good health which kind providence has permitted all of us to enjoy. Dear Sister I am sorry that you have such a hard time to get a place
I wish that I could send you some mony [sic] to buy you such things as you require but I have a pretty hard time to get things that I require for myself I sined [sic] the Allotment Roll for ten Dollars a month for which I received, when we got our pay, a forty Dollars United States Allotment Check, which I sent home. and all that I kept for myself was three Dollars per month. so all that I received for four month was twelve Dollars in mony [sic]. but if you cannot get along write me in your next [letter] and let me know, and I will try and raise you some mony [sic] and send it on to you. I am in a great hurry this afternoon and cannot stop to write you a very long or interesting letter
We have change[d] our camp we are now encamped near or one fourth of a mile from Clouds Mill and about three miles from Alexandria and situated very pleasantly on a Hillside gradually sloping of[f] to a level plain covered with shrubbury [sic] and within a few rods of the Alexandria and Orange Turnpike road. we have been been very busy in fixing up our camp ever since we have been here and it has been very stormy for the last two weeks. Sunday before last we had a very heavy fall of snow but the [crossed out] it soon turned to rain and the snow soon disappeared we also had a very heavy fall of snow last Saturday (say about a foot on the level) and it has been very cold for the last two or three days but to day it quite pleasant and the snow is fast disappearing before the warm sun
We left Camp Bliss on the 12th inst where we were very pleasantly situated the boys felt very bad to leave there old camp were they were so well fit [or fix] up for comfort but that is the way with the soldiers life he no sooner gets fairly settled then the order comes for him to get ready to march the pay master made his apperance [sic] into camp on the 11th inst and handed us four month pay which we were very glad to get
Yours truly
Give my love to the girls
be of good cheer,
write soon,
Sewall Adams
Camp Howland near York Town
Virginia June 6th 1863
Dear Sister Sivia [or Livia]
I received your letter some time since and improve the first opportunity of writing to you. I was very glad to hear from you, and to hear that you was at home where you could enjoy the summer season for it is very hot in the City in the summer season and very unhealthy and I think you was wise for going home, as you said your health was poor I hope that you will be well in a short time
Well you will see by the heading that we have moved camp again. I left West Point last Sunday and arrived at Yorktown the same day, ten other men and myself came down with the Regimental Store as a guard, but the Regt being on Picket at the time was the last to leave, and did not get down until last Wednesday night
We are quite pleasantly situated on a level plain, and within a miled [sic] of Yorktown. how long we shall remain here I do not know we are now in the first Brigade Comd by Brigdier [sic] Generl [sic] Gurny [sic], and first Division Comd by Generl [sic] Gordon, and 7th Army Corps
we are three years men but I think the war cannot last more than a year longer if so long as that. at least I hope not. I shall be glad when peace is restored once more and all the soldiers returned to their respected homes
I am well and enjoying good health and hope this will find you the same
I shall have to close now as I have no more time for writing
Give my love to all the folks
write soon,
from your affect Brother
Sewall Adams
127 Regt N.Y. Vols Co. A
#2 – John L. Hebron
John L. Hebron, soldier of the 2nd Ohio Infantry, wrote to his mother frequently. The three letters in my collection are dated from December, January, and February. The letters mention larger cities like Bowling Green, Kentucky, and also note when General Felix Zollicoffer died. Plus, John mentions that some people in his regiment were receiving their smallpox vaccinations. Here are his letters:
Camp Wood Dec 22
1861
Dear Mother
I now set down to write you a short letter I have not received any letter from you since we left Elizabethtown the mail has all gone to green river I received 2 that had been to Garrett Davis one with envelopes in we got our pay last night till the 1st of November 24 Dollars 25 cents I will send you 15$ home then I owe the sutler 3$ the balance I will keep myself if you get the 15 you can do what you please with it we get 2 months more pay the 1st of January and I will send most of that home Van Horne is making a package to send by Adams Express
There is not any of the boys sick since we left Louisville I have no cough yet I got the combs Mr. Powel sent I am much obliged to him I wrote a letter to John Waers that works at Hobbs tell me if he gets it
I got a letter from Sis at Elizabethtown that had been at Garrett Davis and answered it she complained about not hearing from you some of the boys that got their money yesterday morning have none now some are sending their home like me
I don’t know when we go to green river we are 9 miles from it now and 16 miles from Buckner there is 4 reg’ts over green river there will not be such a big fight at Bowling Green as the people think Buckner said that if we got over the river he was gone up well I guess I will stop this time give my respects to all inquiring friends and no more at present but I remain your affectionate son
John L Hebron
Direct to Elizabethtown Hardin County Ky and write right away if you get this JLH
Camp Jefferson
Bacon Creek Jan 22
Dear Mother
I just received yours of the 19th and one from Sis dated 17th it is the first I have heard from her for a long time[.] I got your letter and the box of pills last week[.]
Hardacre got a letter from you to day also I shipped that little box yesterday it was first time I could get time to take it to the depot there is some things there for Hardacre and some for M. Kebbs [sp?] to be delivered to A. Harvey across the Hamlin church and some socks for Pat Lang on sixth street[.] There is a fife (secesh) for Jim there also[.] We have moved our camp to the south side of Bacon Creek and got new sibley tents they are much better than the others[.] There is only five eating messes now[.] I got 2 papers from you this week there is not much sickness as there has been there is no small pox in this camp althoug[h] some of the regt got vacinated [sic]
It dont make any difference where you direct your letters to[.] They go through the Louisville Post Office anyway[.] I saw an uncle of Jim Timmon’s in the 13th Ohio Regt last Sunday a brother of aunt Sarah Ames [sp?] we had great news yesterday we heard that Zolicoffer was dead[.] Well I must write to sis soon as I finish this so I will bring this to a close by bidding you good bye for the present from your affectionate son
John L Hebron
Camp Jefferson Bacon Creek Ky
Feb 7th 1862
Dear Mother
I just received yours of the 4th I received yours of the 2d yesterday and was just going to answer it when I got the other there is nothing to write about as one day is the same as another[.] I have got over my sick spell all but a little hoarseness I don’t have to stand any guard when I am sick I get to stay in the tent so I am not exposed so much as you thought I was. I got a letter from John Waers yesterday and answered it yesterday afternoon I would have answered yours yesterday but I got tired writing. We have been living high for the last week or so it comenced [sic] with my box and before it was gone Joel Ferres got 3 boxs [sic] one as big as mine and 2 more big shoe boxs full and before that was half gone Ed Maxwell from Bloomfield got a big store box full the freight on it was 10 dollars But it is about all gone now
I have not heard from Sis for about 2 weeks[.] I don’t know why she don’t write oftener I got a letter the day we moved our camp that is the last time I heard from her well I don’t know of anything more to write this time so I will bring this to a close
From Your Affectionate Son
John L Hebron
#3 – Albert Jenkins Barnard
A captain in the 116th New York Infantry, Albert Jenkins Barnard’s letters offer insight into the life of Civil War officers. In fact, though most Civil War soldiers discovered that the army’s food was less-than-impressive, Albert describes foods similar to those found today like ham, dried peaches, and more. Plus, he wrote from a steamship, the Atlantic. Here are two letters he penned that are now in my collection:
Steamship Atlantic
Nov 30th 1862
Mrs. Gray,
Dear Mother,
Gray has requested me to write his Mother, for him but the steamer is here ready to take the men ashore and I fear that I’ll not have time. I commenced this to her but upon reflection thought I had better wait till I get ashore and take the chances of getting time there. Gray is very much better, and Dr. Hutchins says, he is doing as well as he can__he told him that he might write himself, but he says he had rather keep quiet.__is afraid if he sits up, he might take cold. he is in good spirits and is as full of fun as normal.
Please ask Mrs Gray to send him some money; he says she will know how much. I may not have time to write his Mother, today as Mason has gone to Yorktown, and John Dobbins, is sick with a cold, he has not gone ashore with us in two days. So you see I have to be with the company. I never was better than I am now; I am growing fat all the time.
I received your letter dated, I think the 23d , yesterday, while ashore. We had the first battallion [sic] drill yesterday that we have had since we left Baltimore. We all, both officers, and men, enjoyed it very much.
Lieutenant Hammond, 2d L in company “F” has filed his resignation, and will leave for home soon. he will call on Grays Mother, please tell her, so that when she sees him she will know that he has not come to tell that Gray is very sick.
Wadsworth time is up tonight so presume we will see him by tomorrow morning, when we will hear all the Buffalow [sic] news
Yesterday three new gun boats arrived here. One—I have forgotten her name—is like the Monitor, with the exception of being larger, she lays very near us, and I tell you she is a queer looking craft. Almost every wave washes over her, so that her deck is wet all the time.
I suppose Lewie, is with you by this time. And you know just how we are situated. So dont worry about me any more, will you? I am real sorry to hear that you are sick hope Dr. Pruitt [sp?] has [illegible] you by this time. The boat is loaded and I must hurr [sic] or be left so good morning dear Mother, I hope to get a letter today saying that you are very much better, love to Grand Ma, Grand Pa, and enough to fill up the balance of this letter for you from
Albert
No 8.
Camp Niagara Baton Rouge
April 10th 1863.
Dear Lewie,
How I should like to be at home with you today, to help celebrate the twentieth annaversary [sic] of your of your [sic] birth day. I wonder what you will do in honor of it. John, and I, drank your health in a glass of lemonade, his treat. he bought the lemons here in camp. We drank it in two “secesh” goblets, which some of the men captured, (that’s the word now,) at Monteseno Bayou. that is where Col Chapin put up in a nigger shanty. John says “give my love to Lew and tell him he is a bully boy with a glass ear; and that I am going to write him, soon, also the brigade.”
I fully intended writing before this, but you will see we have been moveing [sic] our camp; this together with my company books, which have not been touched since I was taken sick, have kept me fully busy.
We struck our tents last saturday [sic], and are now right in the town, and have as pleasant a camp as we ever had; are close to the river, and the ground is high as we can see some distance up, and down the river. The deaf, and dumb, asylum is directly in front of the camp, as is one of the pleasantest buildings that I have seen since leaving home. part of this is now used for a hospital this is the only objection we have in staying here. There are no troops here now, except Gen. Augurs division, which consists of nine regiments of infantry, two or three batteries, and a few cavalry. Unless you choose to call nigs, troops; there are three regiments of them here now, and they are armed; but do not drill much, as they keep them at work on the fortifications. they drill pretty well, but I dont [sic] believe they will fight.
Although the gurrillas [sic] bother our pickets some, and occasionally take a prisoner, we don’t fear a direct attack and eaven [sic] if they try that on, we feel confident that we can hold the place, with the help of the gun boats, five of which lie in the river abreast of us.
We all think it looks as if we were to stay here some time; perhaps the rest of this season. it is now so warm that it would be almost impossible for white men, to work on breast works, or do any duty of this kind in the day time. It is not so warm but that we drill yet, but you know digging, or marching, with a load on ones back is rather hard work.
Why! here we sit all day, without coat, vest, or collar.
A Steamer just arrived with a mail, but brings no letter for me, but there is another expected tonight, so will look for news from you tomorrow.
Mason doesn’t do much duty, he is trying hard to get home. has sent in his resignation three times, but each time it was disapproved. I really wish they would let him go: he is so discontented, and growls, so that it is very unpleasant; and when I was away he made John do most of the work. but he steps around lively now. I gave him a regular blowing up the other day.
I think possibly a box might reach me if you sent immediately and I want a few little things that I cant get here. I have tried hard to get a rubber coat; but there are none here or in New Orleans. If you can find one of the light kind I wish you would send it to me. some are very heavy. I think the difference is in the foundation one being cotton, and the other linen; though in this I may be mistaken. don’t get one unless it is light, and long, so that it will come down to my boot tops. I would also like three towels, a black neck tie, (narrow,) and two pair of those thin woolen socks such as I wore last spring. I know of nothing more unless Mother has a spongue [sic] cake that she can tuck in, or any thing else in the eating line. we live very well now as the commissary has most all the necessaries. we can draw from him, on tick, rice, beans, potatoes, meal, tea, Coffee, sugar, ham, salt pork, tongues, molasses, vinegar, salt, dried peaches or apples, and soft, or hard bread; so you see we can live high. This morning we had for breakfast, baked potatoes, fried ham, milk toast, and coffee. for dinner boiled ham, boiled potatoes, and a bread pudding; for supper, fried potatoes, fried pork, and rice pan cakes. Aint that pretty high living for soldiers? but we don’t have milk every day; they charge only twenty cents a quart for it. Dobbins is about the only man in the regiment who has any money, and he is nearly played out, but then we expect the pay master every day. And then the first of next month is the next regular pay day.
Saturday evening. – Oh! How tired I am, I have just finished a big days work. have been drawing, delivering, and charging clothing most of the day. I tell you Co. “B” will look gay on inspection tomorrow. I made every man wash his knapsack, and all his dirty clothes today. Another mail today brought me yours, and Mothers, good letters dated March 15th. I tell you it seems a long time since I heard from home, nearly two weeks. I also received the package of five papers; In your letter dated March 10th after telling about your call at Mrs Norton’s, you say Miss Hamlin is evidently sick of Hote S. and that you’ll tell me about it in your next. but I didn’t see it, in the next. Your description of your call is very funny, and I think I can imagine just how you looked. I am so glad you went, and now you must call on the Misses Norton’s on Deleware Street.
I received a kind letter from Hote Seymour about two weeks ago,–in which he stated that Dave Tuttle was trying to get the position as Major of this regiment; or rather that his friends were at work for him:- and offering to help me; as he said he would rather see me Maj. than any one else. I immediately answered his letter telling him that I could see no prospect of a vacancy; but within the last day or two I have heard that Col Cottier is getting ready to go home. this may not be so, but it came from very good authority. if it is true I may call on Hote sooner than I expected to when I answered his letter. I had rather you would not say anything thing about this, except perhaps to Hote. You may do as you, and Mother think best about that.
My eye’s feel as if it was bed time, and my candle is getting short; and I guess I have told all the news, so I will bid you all good night, with love to GrandPa, and GrandMa, and heap for yourself and our dear Mother, from
Your Affectionate Bro.
Al.
#4 – William George Strausbaugh
A soldier in the 101st Ohio Infantry, William George Strausbaugh offers insight into Murfreesboro, Tennessee’s weather. He also mentions that some soldiers were “dipped,” or baptized, at what would have been a camp meeting. Here’s the complete letter:
Camp Near Murfreesboro Tenn
June the 22nd 63
Dear Mother
it is with pleasure I take this opurtunity [sic] of answering your kind letter wich [sic] I received the 20th I was glad to hear you was well and enjoying good health I am well and hearty as ever yet and I hope to remain so, for it is A pleasure to be A soldier as long as one well I hope this may find you well whe [sic] have very nice weather now I some ripe wheat yesterday one of the boys brought it from the other side of town
I will now let you know that there was 16 dipped yesterday in the they was all from the 38 illinois [sic] they had a meeting last night and there was 10 more came u [sic] forward I guess they will be baptized next Sunday
news is scarce now but whe [sic] are expecting hear from the fall of Vicksburg every day then I expect whe [sic] will be after old bragg again I am sorry I can [crossed out] cant [sic] think of any mor [sic] to write answer soon as you can
Yours truly
Wm G Strausbaugh
#5 – Charles Henry Howe
Charles “Charley” Henry Howe offers a unique perspective of the Civil War. As a young man with a past that was apparently considered mildly wild, Charley shows his humor in his letters. He mentions marching and notes that soldiers “came in considerably lighter than when we started. I, for one, threw away my overcoat, two pairs of drawers, a pair of mittens, about half of that paper that you sent me, and twenty rounds of extra cartridge, besides a box with a pound of (melted) butter in it.” Charley also mentions taking off his shoes and walking in his stockings–this measure, though, came a bit too late. By the next morning, he had “three large blisters on the top of my right foot and a large one on the ball of my ‘big toe,‘ it comes rather tough to get used up the first day.” Sadly, Charley was captured and became an Andersonville Prisoner of War. He perished there, and is now buried in the National Cemetery.
Note: I’m not sharing Charley’s full letter here. Looking through a website that archived some of Charley’s letters that aren’t in my personal archives, it appears that Charley told his mother he didn’t want the content of his letters shared. Thus, obeying his wishes over 150 years later, I have also stopped sharing all of the content from his letter.
#6 – Jerome Sears
Sergeant Jerome Sears, 93rd New York Infantry, offers a glimpse into what army life was like for Christian soldiers. Unarguably devout, Jerome makes note that God can “thresh a mountain.” Jerome also mentions being on fire for the Lord and gives detailed descriptions of camp meetings. Unfortunately, Jerome was wounded at Deep Bottom, Virginia, and his right arm was amputated. He ultimately died from his wound. Jerome was “ever trusted and beloved by all,” noted one of Jerome’s comrades after his passing. I have two letters written by Jerome in my collection, and you’ll find them below:
Head Quarters Army of Potomac
Camp at Germantown, Va Aug 18th 63
Dear Brother Webster
Yours of the 11th inst came to hand in due time. I was very glad to hear from you and to learn that you are in comfortable health. Bro Webster we are having good times in our camp now. Since I wrote last we have held meetings for prayer and exhortation every night. Sundays we have had preaching by different Ministers who belong to the Christian Commishion [sic] God has owned and blessed our feble [sic] efforts in a wonderful manner in the Salvation of Souls quite a number are earnestly Seeking Jesus to day two in our company found the Saviour to day, there are three more in our company who are very near the Kingdom and seeking God with all theire [sic] hearts A large number are awakened a few backsliders have been reclaimed We are really having a camp meeting down here in, Va. Our camp is in a beautiful grove. The Lord has blessed me abundantly and I am working with all my might for the Salvation of the men Oh I thank God for the privaledge [sic] of exhorting Sinners to repentance My Soul at time seems to be all on fire The Christian Commishion [sic] has done us much good they furnish us with good reading matter and preach the Gospel occasionally Quite a number are Methodist preachers that have visited us
Aug 20th
The good work is going on gloryously [sic] a great work has been done in our company already, and many are now praying the prayer of the Publican Six in our company have testified to the power of the Gospel to Save, Some of them are out in clear light, a few have been converted in other companies The enemy of all good is by no means quiet it seems as if the Devil was in some of the Officers and men, Yesterday he tried to counteract every good impression that was being made a large number of Officers and men got drunk on whiskey, and to day a ten quart pailfull of whiskey was brought into our company. But the Lord Jesus Christ is with us and through him we do conquer Glory be to God with a [illegible, possibly name or word] he can thresh a mountain we are more than a match for all our enemies one can chaise [sic] a thousand who goes forth armed with the Spirits might
I will give you some of the names of those who have been blessed
Corp Wm Hawkins, My tentmate
Sergt Huggins from Argyle
” Robertson from Lakeville not very close
Corp Moon for Whitehall
private James Morehead from Johnsburgh [sp?]
” Albert Wit from Shushan
All these in our company.
Bro Webster pray that we may have a sweeping time in the 93d
Write soon Yours Affectionately
Sergt J. Sears
Head Quarters Army of Potomac
Camp at Germantown Va Sept 11th 63
Dear Bro. Webster
I have been looking for a letter from you in answer to my last, but I suppose you are at camp meeting these days and will write when convenient. My object in writing to day is to try to persuade you to leave your charge and family and come down here a week or two or more.
You can come as a member of the Christian Commission Your expenses will be paid and you will have all necessary papers as soon as you join the Commission
Bro Webster we want to see you down here The Hampton boys says tell Milton to come without fail I do not with to overpersuade you, but you will fid everything quite comfortable here now The Christian Commission tent is a good one it is near our Regt There are two preachers here now Bro Bent a Methodist preacher from Mass a Bro. Clark a Baptist from Boston is here now. I have just been talking with Bro. Bent about writing to you, He says tell Bro Webster to come down and help us if he can. You will find the address in this written in pencil mark Bro Bent gave it to me We are having good times here now, the Lord is carrying on his own work in his own way We have meetings every day and evening and in every meeting some are converted or reclaimed We dont [sic] have much preaching Some one exhorts about twenty minutes every night the rest of the time is given to the Soldiers to pray and talk Our meetings are getting very powerful every minute of the time is used. I have tried to tell the story of the cross twice within the past week, the first time a large crowd were present, four preachers were there they troubled me some. I want more grace to preach Christ before Ministers and Generals I am growing some thank God. The Lord is leading me in a way that I knew not.
Bro Webster think it all over write if you think of coming to Philadelphia and you will get all necessary information. Please write to me as soon as you get this.
Bro. Webster we will take good care of you if you come.
Leroy is well he has taken a good stand in this revival he is a real worker.
Yours Affectionately Sergt J. Sears
PS I wish you would send me Whedons Comentaryes [sic] on the Gospels. I dont [sic] know whether it is in one volume or more I want them any way If you will send them I will. Send the money to you as soon as I receive them Send them by mail and State the amount you have to pay. J.S.
#7 – Irvin Underwood
Corporal Irvin Underwood of the 14th Wisconsin Infantry fought in two major battles of the Civil War–Shiloh and Corinth. At Shiloh, Irvin’s regiment became entangled with the 11th Kentucky Infantry that several of my grandfathers fought with. Apparently both regiments charged forward to capture a cannon. During the Battle of Shiloh, Irvin was wounded but survived. Just months later, in October 1862, Irvin fought at the Battle of Corinth where he was wounded in his head and died. He is buried at Corinth National Cemetery. In his letter, Irvin mentions his camp and nearby locales. Irvin’s also ready to head south to the “land of cotton.” Here’s a transcription of his letter:
Camp Wood Dec 1 1861
Dear Brother
I take the opportunity to let you know that I am well and hope that these few lines will find you enjoying the same
I have no news of interest to write you I would say that we arrived safe at fond du lac on the next Wednesday evening after we left home we got off the train and marched in double file with the tune of yankee Doodle into Camp Hamilton which has since been changed to Camp Wood which is after our Cololnel [sic] name we then took supper which was already prepared for us after supper we marched to the quartermasters department and received two blankets apiece from thence to and [sic] old Cook house and there went to bunk as best we could the next day our tents were brought on the ground and have since slept in them our tents are the sibley tents they are made after [crossed out] much like the indian tent about eighteen feet in circumference [crossed out] diameter with a hole about eighteen inches in diameter in the top with a small shed iron stove in the center and must accommodate twenty men we now number about 800 men eighty tents and are situated on a low open piece of ground one mile from the business portion of Fond du lac and one mile and a half from Lake Winnebago
we had to give up one of our blankets in [crossed out] for the reason that the companys come in faster than they received the blankets here now the weather is cold severe and they suffer much here with cold but I get along very well for I brought a coverlid with me I and Thomas Benoy sleeps together there is much discontent throught [sic] the whole camp the way they are treated with short rations of food and clothing I believe from what I can learn that there will be a great many that will not be mustered in the United States service I do not know how long we shall have to stop here no more than you do but hope it will not be long for I am in a hurry to get down in the land of cotton
I am tired of this scribbling so I will bring them to a close
OP Underwood
I Underwood
NB Direct yo [sic] your letter to Fond du lac Wis in care of Capt Cornes and dont be long about [illegible] yours with respect
I.U.
#8 – Frank M. Phelps
Frank M. Phelps offers lots of information in his lengthy letter. Writing from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, he mentions long marches, the layout of the city, and Confederate prisoners. Interestingly, Frank even wrote on the paper’s margins and relayed that soldiers stationed in the South coveted Northern news. Check out the full letter below:
Camp Van Buren, Mufreesboro, March 30th 62
Dear Uncle & Aunt
I recieved [sic] a letter from you one or two days ago, of March, 20th & I was glad to get it I can tell you, for we had not received any mail, only when the Division teams go up to Nashville & bring it down which they have to do ever week to get provisions.
Well you see that we have moved as I said we would in my last in a short time, we got marching orders the 17. It was very warm & we packed our overcoats to send them home when Gen. Mitchel said that we could not untill [sic] the first of Mar [crossed out] April. well we have just been in Uncle Samss [sic] service six months so he concluded that we needed some new clothes & he went to work & brought on a large pile of goods such as “coats pants, caps, shirts drawers shoes & stockings &c which a soger [sic] boy needs. the pants we wanted bad, so with the shoes, but coats &c we did not want where they were not as good as the ones we had, so we shipped them back. I got a shirt & put it into a bundle that George Wright sent to Jim Dewolf & if you have not got my things there you can get it with them. the 18th we started for this place the first day it was as warm as any day in April up there. we went about 13 miles on our pick [crossed out] pike road when we found out that the rebels had destroyed all of the bridges & we had to turn off on another road, which made the distance 14 miles further around. we turned off & went 4 miles further & camped. All pretty foot sore I tell you. pretty soon the Sergeant Major came around & said that he wanted a corporal & two men for guard down to the Gen quarters. well I had to go with John Jewett of Menasha with Cop. [sic] Wright. stood guard all night & in the morning it rained like fury. went back to camp & got some “rations’ in the shape of a breakfast & then got ready to strike tents which we had to do when it rained like pitch forks tines downwards. We loaded them into the wagon & started. we had not gone far before we came to a watter [sic] hole which we went around through a field which I believe was worse than going through the watter [sic]. well we kept on & by noon it cleared up & became quite pleasant. we went about 20 miles & stoped [sic] waiting for the teams to come up when we (the Regt) had orders to march into the city 6 miles further on the drum beat & we fell in & started it was about 9 oclock when we started we just into town when the town Clock struck 11 the Regt divided & some came in in [crossed out] one road & some on another. the dogs began to bark & howl & the woemen [sic] comenced [sic] crying (so some say) but I don’t believe it) [sic] we all got together on the other side of town, where we camped. the next morning we pitched our tents. we made out to march that day some 26 miles. after we got to town we found out that our Col was Provost Marshal & we the guard. the rest of the division came up next day & were detailed to work on the R.Road & bridges. Murfreesboro is quite a place almost as large as Oshkosh. it has as all southern cities has a courthouse or some other large building in the center and large blocks around it. there are two col [crossed out] large buildings here. one is called the ladies semenary [sic] and the other some coledge [sic] for gentleman the coledge [sic] was used by the rebels for a Hospital. we have cleaned it up & now use it for the same purpose. we have been here some 10 days & we have to go on guard every other day. it is pleasant & warm here has any day in May. I was on guard down to the Hospital the other day & I went around there. the folks down there had their gardens all made, & the flowers were all up & in blossom if I can I will get some seeds or specimens of the flowers down here when I can get a chance & send home. the peach trees are all in blossom so are the apple trees. the woods are leaveing [sic] out. I was on guard last night & it was so warm that I took my ruber [sic] blanket & laid it down & slept with out any thing over me. we have taken good many secesh prisoners & have let some go. I had to guard 8 last night they all say that secesh is gone up. that their Generals dont [sic] care any for them. that they are looking out for their own pockets only & that if the soldiers in their army only knew what we were down here for they would all desert. they say they expected to be shot as soon as they got here. that is what they were told. if they were captured that they would either be shot or hund [sic] as quick as we could do it.
The paymaster came in town last night & I expect we will be payed off pretty soon if so. I dont know what to do. I don’t think it will be safe to send any money by mail & by express either. besides there is not any express down here yet. if I could get it to Louisville & then send it that would be the safest way. if I can I will send home $25 perhaps I can’t but 20 I shall try to send all I can, anyway when we were at Bacon Creek I sent for a gold pen & a pair of boots & a lot of writeing [sic] paper & stamped envelopes well I kept $10 for that purpose just then we had to move & the Capt did not try to get the things which were over to the express office at Green river, so we had to go on without them & we could not get them untill [sic] to day the Capt has just got up with the Regt & let us have the things.
I have taken paper & stamps enough with the pen to amount to $5.00 dollars. the money I have had to use comeing [sic] through from Bacon Creek. I have lent about $5.00 to some boys in the company & if I dont [sic] have to take the boots (which I dont [sic] want now) I shall try then to send $25 & not keep any myself. but if I have to I will send $20 & keep the change. You see we get only 26 dollars at this payment.
Ask Loty why she did not send the Independent before this last one. the one I have now is March 5 & it seems by the story that they had some great time the one before this told about Moses and his ship where he launched it &c. I have plenty of writing paper now & guess my stock will hold out. that is a letter a week untill well you tell we cant tell when we will move again. good many think that we will be left here to guard the town. we will find out in a little while for just as soon as they get the rail road finished there will be another forward movements.
If we move very soon I will let you know direct to Murfreesboro. I must close as the mail has to be ready today at 3 oclock, for there is a train going up to Nashville tomorrow
O I am very much obliged for those pills. give my love to all enquiring friends
Frank
Write Soon
Yours in hast [sic]
Frank
[On edges of paper: Tell Mrs Ballard that I am very much obliged for the New York Tribune & hope that we will continue to let you have them to send any thing will do down here for we dont [sic] here [sic] from the North sometimes for a week & when we do we are glad to get a lot of news Frank]
I’ve so enjoyed sharing the letters in my collection that were penned by Civil War soldiers with you! I think these letters–along with other primary documents–offer a glimpse into the past that historians and genealogists just can’t find in history books, marriage documents, or censuses. So are you ready to add primary documents to your own collection? If so, head here to learn how YOU can grow your archive through letter collecting.
Until next time, keep the history alive!
