Civil War Letters: Student as Soldier: The Civil War Letters of James D. Chadwick

Civil War Letters

April 28, 1864

By April 28th 2014

Bristoe Station Va.

April 28, 1864

Dear Parents,

                I wrote to you last night, a long letter, but as you desired to hear from me often I will write a few lines tonight. The sun is slowly sinking behind the distant mountains, and the air is cold and chilly. For the past three hours General Burnside’s command, the 9^thCorps has been coming in and camping on the plain a short distance from us. His command is estimated at from 35,000 to 50,000—perhaps the latter figure is about correct. He has several Regiments of Colored troops. I do not know whether we will move in the morning or not. Burnside will not get to Culpeper before Saturday night as it is a two days’ march from here. We may start for the front in the morning. I do not think a general engagement will come off for three or four days. It will take the best part of that time to get to the Rapidan if we move right away. The roads are in good condition and the weather promised to be favorable for some time to come. The future will develop startling news—and that before many days.
                It is rumored that Genl. Lee is moving his camp. If he is not now he will soon be compelled to, in my opinion. How can the force that is concentrating at this point be beaten? We have had several reverses this Spring already, but they will be counterbalanced soon. Gold will not command such a high price in a few days—is my prediction.
                In my last night’s letter I asked for an explanation of your two last letters in regard to your sales. How has Miles got—you did not mention anything concerning him in your last. His hydrophobia was all in Ma’s imagination, was it not? Is little Mary’s hearing permanently injured by her sickness? I think the Scarlet fever injured mine for a time if I recollect alright. What has become of Mary and Celestia? I have not heard from them for a long time. Evrill is yet in the Hospital near Alexandria. He will escape the coming campaign. I think of nothing more to write—I will add a line in the morning if I have any news of importance or interest to you. Don’t forget those photographs—I will keep dunning you until I get them.
                Hoping that I may sit with you and the rest of the family, around the frugal board at home before three months, and for your health and safety,
                                                                I am as ever
                                                                                Your dutiful Son

J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: April 29, 2014

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

April 27, 1864

By April 27th 2014

Bristoe Station Va.

April 27, 1864

Dear Father & Mother,

                Your letter of the 23^rd written in Phila. was received yesterday. I also got your letter mailed at Franklin, as you were leaving home which I immediately answered, and directed to N.Y., care of “Proprietor of Astor House”. I presume you have not yet received it. On the supposition that you get it I will not repeat what I wrote in it. As you see, we have not yet moved—we expected to have been gone by this time but we are yet here. I wrote you that Burnside was at Alexandria last Sunday with his Corps—nobody knew how he was going to move, or to what point. It is said tonight, that he has started to march in this direction—if so he will either come directly to this army or will move on Fredericksburg by land. We will soon know. Everything is now in readiness for a move. You may look for stirring news from us very soon. If Burnside joins [us] we will have a larger Army than ever before, and our Chieftains, Grant, Meade, Burnside, Sedgwick, Warren and Hancock are the very best Generals of which our Country can boast. Will we not gain a great victory? Unless Lee declines an engagement, there will be the battle of the war. May Heaven aid the right.
                It seems to be a settled fact that the Government intends to keep us till July 21^st. I am afraid this Division will not add new lustre to its good name if it is put in a hot place. The whole Division is now here excepting two Regiments which are said to be on the way.
                What do you mean by saying that your business “has gone up high and dry”? A week or so ago you said you had your bargain made—the contract drawn exactly to your own liking—and $10,000 hand money in your pocket. Now you say, “I had something coming but all fell through.” If you are my own dear father, I must say that you are incomprehensible sometimes. If the bargain has “fallen through” I presume there would be no harm in telling me what it was—how many lots, acres, where situate, and how much “consideration bonus” you were to receive. I shall expect you to tell me something that I can understand—and that will not be so indefinite.
                If I understand what a Harmonium is, I would as lief invest $165 in a hand-organ and a monkey at once.[i] For the same amount of money you could get a tolerable parlor Organ or Melodeon or even a piano. Either one of these three instruments would be an ornament to a house—besides they are no[t] confined to a “few tunes” like a music-box or Harmonium. Then there is some science about learning to play them, which when attained, is an accomplishment, a pleasure. The music of an accordion, dulcimer, hand-organ, harmonium and other instruments of that class, to a cultivated ear is about as melodius as that man’s fiddling, which was compared to—well Ma can tell—it was something about a “shingle” and a “sheep”. As Ma asks my ”advice” about it—I give it—expend no more money for such kind of musical instruments.
                It seems almost impossible that D. F. J. should have been so indiscreet as to make such remarks as you say he did in the presence of Davis and others. Has nobody heard from the guilty pair yet? Poor Jo. does not know anything about it yet. He has received no letters from home for four weeks. I have not the heart to tell him though I see him every day. I was at Manassas today and saw Jess Pryer and Tommy Ross—they had heard of it. Jess says Johnson borrowed $50 from E. M. Tom feels very bad about it and swears he will kill Johnson if he ever comes across him.
                As I wrote you a long letter a day or so since, which you may get I will close for tonight.
                Write often and believe me dear parents.
                                                Your affectionate son

J. D. Chadwick

P.s. In my last I told you to be sure to have your card photographs taken and send me one of each. If? you can afford it have a half dozen larged sized ones taken in addition to the others. Have them as large as that one I had taken off Pa’s daguerreotype—for framing—have this done at a good artists and have him color them in oil which makes them look more lifelike and they do not fade. Don’t forget it—please.

J. D. C.

                Is Frank going to Pittsburg to school this spring?
                Jo. Ross received a letter from Jno. Jolly in which he complained that Pa owed him a letter for 15 months and Nancy Jane one for 6 months.
                He is to send me his and Aunt Gustie’s pictures soon.
                He seems to be doing well and is contented and happy.
                Did you know that Mr. Hull of [several words illegible] whom you boarded—is living in Philadelphia? So Harvey Clover, his brotherinlaw tells me.
                                                Nothing more.

J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: April 28, 2014

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

[i] A harmonium is a small metallic reed organ.

April 2, 1864

By April 2nd 2014

Bristoe Station Va.

April 2, 1864

My dear father,

                Your welcome letter of March 30^th written at New York was received this morning. You do right in keeping me posted in regard to your business matters, for I am always glad to hear from you in relation to your success in the sale of your lands. I think if there is money in them, you might as well get it as somebody else.
                I wrote a letter to you two or three days since, which I presume you have received before this. Since my last letter nothing has transpired here worthy of note. The weather has been extremely disagreeable—raining or sleeting nearly all the time for several days past. It has stopped the transportation of troops temporarily, but when pleasant weather comes again we expect the troops to pour in rapidly. We may need all the available men when the Spring Campaign opens, for it is said that Lee is being reinforced by some of Johnson’s Command, and that [Confederate Lieutenant General James] Longstreet is moving up in this direction. Rumors are plentier than blackberries in harvest, with our Division the latest is that we are to be taken back to the State about the 1^st of next month. Another is that we are to remain as railroad guards until our time shall have expired. I wish I knew what is to be done with us. I never felt impatient to be free until within the past two months. Weeks seem months as the expiration of our term of enlistment draws nigh. If discharged in three years from the date of our first enlistment, I would get out in two weeks from today. But—I won’t think of it any more.
                I visited the 10^th Regiment, which is at Manassas, yesterday. Coop. Cochran is now Captain of Co. “C”. He is under charges however for drunkenness etc. and will in all probability be summarily dealt with. Jess Pryer is in good spirits. If Cochran is dismissed Jess will stand a good chance for a Commission. I hope he’ll get it. If you wish me to address you at Cleveland let me know.
                Nothing more at present but remaining
                                Yours afftyy.

J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: April 27, 2014

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

March 31, 1864

By March 31st 2014

Bristoe Station Va.

March 31, 1864

My dear Father,

                Your note of the 28^th, written on the back of Miles’ letter to you was received last evening. It found me as well as usual and contented with my lot. We have had quite a storm for the past two days—it having either rained or sleeted all the time. It is cold but pleasant this morning. The streams are much swollen by the rain and several bridges have been damaged some, but the cars are still running. When a bridge is destroyed here it don’t take long to rebuild it again, for the engineers at Alexandria know the exact width of the various streams and having lumber ready at that place they prepare it and bring it out on the cars and put it together in a very short time. They have thrown a railroad bridge across the Rappahannock in less than three days.
                Knowing the difficulty of surmounting the “red tapeism” at Washington I am well enough satisfied that you did not attempt to visit me. I hope to be able to visit you before many months without having to ask permission from anybody. Nobody knows yet when we will be discharged. There are various rumors afloat but they are only rumors. One thing is sure it will not be for four months yet.
                This railroad is taxed to its utmost in bringing out supplies for the Army and transporting troops. I would estimate that about ten thousand men came to the Army last week. As you know the 1^st and 3^rd Corps have been merged into the other three. [Major General Winfield S.] Hancock, Warren, and Sedgwick Command the 2^nd, 5th and 6^th respectively. They are all good men. I wonder what Burnside is going to do, collecting his forces at Annapolis? We are surely going to take Richmond before ”green corn time”. So mote [must?] it be.
                Jo Ross received a letter from some of his folks a day later than the one of Miles to you, which said that James Bortil had died—another helpless family cast upon the cold charities of the world.
                I have not had as easy a time before, since I have been in the Army, as I have had during the past winter. I have not squandered my vacant hours either, but have spent them in silent converse with Kent and Blackstone. From this out I do not intend to labor any harder than is absolutely necessary. I hear that Smith Troutner and Jno. Lusher have reinlisted and that Jno. has or is to have a Commission—perhaps its so.
                I think of nothing more that would interest you.
                                Your dutiful son

J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: April 2, 2014

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

March 26, 1864

By March 26th 2014

Bristoe Station Va.

March 26, 1864

Dear Father,

                I received yours of the 23^rd by mail yesterday. I wrote to you yesterday and spoke of having sent a letter by a friend—the one which you found in your key-box. I suppose the young man of whom I spoke did not see you in consequence of your being away from the hotel. He did not promise positively that he would hunt you up, but he may see you when he returns from his home in Reading, which will be in about three or four days from today. His father is a wealthy iron manufacturer and used to do business in Pittsburgh. He owns, or did own, iron works in England and France.
                It is announced today that the 1^st and 3^rd Corps will be merged in the other three. [Major] Genl. [Gouverneur K.] Warren who formerly commanded the 2^nd Corps is to command the 5^th. This consolidation will oust many General and Staff Officers. Brigadiers will have to command Brigades instead of Divisions. I think it would be a good idea to either assign the host of General Officers who are not on duty to some command or else if they are incompetent, to muster them out of the service and save their salaries. I see that [Major] Genl. French who commanded the 3^rd Corps has been ordered to Phila. Nobody knows to the contrary but that Genl. Meade will retain the command of the Army of the Potomac. It was rumored that he would be sent away. Grant is still out at the front with Meade. Yesterday the sick were sent off to Washington. They are beginning to “clear the decks for action”.
                This month is much like it was three years ago—I mean two years ago. Yesterday it rained hard all afternoon and much of the night. The roads are doubtless bad where they are traveled much. The Venango boys are all as well as usual.
                I have time sufficient to acknowledge the receipt of all letters from you. Thinking of nothing that would interest you I will close.
                                 Affectionately your son

J. D. Chadwic

Next posting: March 31, 2014

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

March 25, 1864

By March 25th 2014

Bristoe Station Va.

March 25, 1864

Dear Father,

                Yours of the 22^nd was received last evening. This is the third letter I have written you since you have been in Phila. Nothing special has happened here since I wrote you last. We have had quite a deep snow—deeper than at any time previous this last winter, but it is almost gone this morning and melting fast.
                I believe that Genl. Grant came out to this Army today but I did not see him—I have never had the pleasure of seeing him yet. I hope his laurels will never fade—but he is in a crucible now that will test his metal.
                As you have had your conference with those Oil men, I suppose the offer has been accepted or rejected by this time. I do not doubt that if you have been what is known as a shrewd speculator, you might have been independently rich, since the oil excitement first started in Venango Co. But I agree with you in thinking that a “clear conscience” if [is] preferable to millions of ill gotten gain.
                In Frank’s letter to me he says he intends to go to Commercial School again this Spring, as soon as he finishes his School—this I am glad to hear, for if he could have written a more legible and business-like hand I could have obtained a position for him at $75. per month last winter. The war has doubtless thrown him back as well as me, but it’s all for the best—at least I look upon it in that light.
                A young man by the name of Lauth, a fellow clerk with me, was going home on furlough to Reading, and as he said he expected to stop at the Continental in Phila. I told him to see you, and lent him some money which he did not need, he was to give it to you if he saw you. He is a good kind hearted fellow and a polished gentleman. He left France for the sole purpose of enlisting in the Pa. Reserves as a private soldier. Patriotic, wasn’t he?
                I am glad you write me frequently—I will write you as often if you keep me posted as to your whereabouts. I’ll tell you what I want—and please don’t forget it—go to some good photographic gallery in Philadelphia and have a dozen of Cartes de Visite struck off and send me one. They are so much better than ambrotypes [1] etc. I shall expect it in your next letter.
                Give my kind regards to Col. E. W. Davis. I shall not forget his good intentions towards me. Hoping that success may crown your efforts.
                I have the honor to be your son.
                                                                J. D. Chadwick

Rumor says that we will be discharged in May—
Hope its true.

About what will the country be “in commotion”? J. D. C.

Next posting: March 26, 2014

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

[1] A photograph made on glass.

March 21, 1864

By March 21st 2014

Office Chief A. Q. M. 3^rd Div. 5^th Army Corps

Bristoe Station Va.

March 21, 1864

Dear Father,

                Your letter dated the 19^th at the “Continental” has been received by the mail of today. I say your letter—the letters of the boys to you rather as you did not write much. I received your letter of the 15^th and answered it, but as you said nothing about it I suppose you have not received it. I received news from five of the family yesterday—Ma, Frank, Miles, Bing and Mary. Those sick seemed to be convalescent. There is nothing of importance transpiring here at present. We have been on the qui-vive—expecting a visit from Jeb Stuart. The guards along the railroad have been doubled for the past three or four days and this command has been put under arms before daylight in the morning several times. Yesterday morning we had quite a bustle, the ”long roll” was beaten and every thing was in readiness to give the expected raiders a welcome, but they have not come as yet and I do not expect them. It was reported that Stuart had crossed the Rappahannock near Falmouth with five thousand men. This accounts for the scare. We are expecting General Grant to take charge of us this week—Nobody has any objection to his superintending matters here, yet Genl. Mead is well liked by the soldiers of this Army.[1] I see by the papers that the Veterans Regiments of the State of Ohio are ordered to the Army of the Potomac. This is a step in the right direction—give us an overwhelming force here if we are to storm earthworks and entrenchments as we go “on to Richmond”. The President is doing well in calling out so large a force for if Lee would attempt another Maryland and Penna. Campaign we might not boast of another “Gettysburg”. What would have been our condition if we had been routed on that bloody field? When I think of it, I do not wonder that the people of Phila. wept for joy when the telegraph bore the news to them that the enemy had been beaten. I had a letter yesterday from an officer of the Staff of [Brigadier] Genl. [George H.] Thomas, at Chattanooga. He thinks that there will not be as heavy fighting there for some months to come as there was in the fall.
                Veterans are returning and recruits are still coming for the Army. If you look at the Phila. Inquirer of the—either 19^th, 10^th, or 21^st, I don’t mind which, you will see in the “Harrisburg Letter” something that pleases, or will please us all. It states that the P. R. V. C’s will be mustered out in three year’s time from the date of muster into the State service. Good news if true.
                The Rockland boys here are as well as usual—I will write to you at any time you wish, as we have a daily mail. If you leave Phila. keep me posted. If you received the other letter I wrote you you can give me a long answer if you tell me all I asked. I will close for this time.
                                Yours affty.

J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: March 25, 1864

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

[1] Grant was appointed general-in-chief in March 1864. Meade retained the title of commander of the Army of the Potomac, but Grant assumed actual direction of the army.

March 18, 1864

By March 18th 2014

Bristol Station, Va . March 18, 1864

Dear Father,

                Your letter dated the 15th and written in Phila. was received by last evening’s mail. I need not say that I was glad you wrote. As you propose to remain in that city a few days I will write a note as you requested. The boys wrote to me that there was fresh excitement in regard to the oil speculations in Venango Co. What is the occasion of it? Has oil been obtained in a quantity along the river below Franklin? You spoke of selling your oil lands—how many lots do you intend to sell if you can get a fair price and which ones are they? How much of the river beach do you now own—I think you told me before I came away you had about five miles in different localities. What has become of the Haggerty and Forker tract on Sandy, where the oil bubbled out of the ground, above the mill-dam? Write and let me know something about your oil speculations, for I am curious to hear how they stand.
                You spoke of visiting me if you knew you could find me readily. Well, I would be very glad to see you, and would do my utmost to make you comfortable as long as you might remain, but you would find the accommodations not just as good as at the “Continental”. You would not have much difficulty in finding me where I am at present. Bristol is 4 miles South of Manassas on the railroad. We are liable to move now at any time, however, in which case you might have difficulty in finding me. I will not advise you to come, though I would be glad to see you.
                I have but four months at most, to stay now, and am waiting impatiently for the expiration of the time. Recruits and Veterans are coming back by hundreds every day. It is said that the Army is to be reorganized and consolidated into three Corps. A general desire exists in the Army that Abraham Lincoln continue another term in the Presidential Chair.
                I wish I could go with you to N. Y. and Boston—but wishing don’t do as much good here as under many other circumstances. I have no news in particular to give you—all the Venango boys are well—Coop Cochran has been commissioned as Captain of Co. “C” vice Over promoted to Major. Though Coop has not done altogether right at all times I think it is right that he should have the position.
                Expecting to hear from you soon again I will close.
                Remember me kindly the Davis boys, and those young ladies of whom you wrote—the latter were my school-mates.
                                                I am affy
                                                                Your son

J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: March 21, 1864

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

March 2, 1864

By March 2nd 2014

Bristol Station Va.

March 2^nd, 1864

Dear Father,

                Your welcome letter dated February 22 was received last Sunday. To hear that my little sister is convalescent relieved my anxiety in a measure, but I dread the measles setting in, or a relapse. Knowing that she will have every care and attention that can possibly be bestowed, I hope for her speedy recovery.
                I am glad that the quota of Venango County and especially Rockland has been raised, thereby avoiding the draft. Taking a pecuniary view of the matter I presume the most of those who went from Rockland could not have done better. They will make more money that [than] they would have done in the same length of time in Rockland. I wonder what Regiment they are going to join, but I suppose you do not know. That profound “Secret” which you divulged to me in your letter, was not a secret to me—as I had heard of it before, both directly and indirectly. I hope Mr. C. is worthy of the one of his choice, for she is certainly a good girl.
                We have been under marching orders for the past three or four days, but as it has been raining for the last twenty-four hours we will not be apt to leave our present situation for some time. March is a rough blustering month here in Virginia and the roads are generally in bad condition. It is rumored that our Calvary is making an extensive raid through Virginia, but I will not vouch for the truth of the statement. We will know in a few days. The Rockland boys are well. Jo Ross has excellent quarters and good health. Tommy is still assisting Harry Clover at Genl. Crawford’s Head Quarters. He deals out the forage to the public animals. Jess Pryer is with the Regiment, he will be promoted to Orderly Sergeant soon I expect. Captain Over has been promoted to Major and Bill Patton of Emlenton, who has been Orderly Sergeant is to be the Captain of the Cavalry. Patton is promoted over Coop Cochran on account of the misconduct of the latter. He wants to resign and get away from the Army if he can, and in case he succeeds Jess Pryer may get a commission.
                What is Frank and Miles intending to do next Summer? Do they expect to go to school some place? If Frank had improved his privileges last Summer, and obtained a little knowledge of business transactions and learned to write a legible had I could have obtained a position in the Army for him at $75. per round”. I regret exceedingly that he is not qualified to fill such a post. But we must all learn by experience.
                As my time draws to a close I look ahead and ask myself what is the best thing I can do. I have not come to a positive determination. My pet scheme has been to become a good lawyer and conveyancer if application, study and firm determination can accomplish it.[1] I have had the advantage of old heads on the subject and all commend my intention. I am now old enough to “set up” for myself if I was prepared to do so. What advise do you and Ma have to give? I never expect to be so old but that I can safely go to “Pa and Ma” for advice. I could be admitted to the Bar in two years time easily. What shall I do? I shall look for a long letter from you both in which shall be given your views on the subject at large. I think of nothing more at present. That kind Heaven may have you all in safe-keeping, is the wish of
                                Your affectionate son

J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: March 18, 2014

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

[1] A conveyancer is someone who facilitates transfer of property titles.

February 26, 1864

By February 26th 2014

Bristol Station Va.

February 26, 1864

Dear Parents:

                Your letter of the 17^th informing me of the severe illness of my little sister was received last Sunday. Although at your latest writing, she seemed better, yet I have had fears for the result—I have dreamed several times of the little darling and she has not been out of my mind an hour during the day. I am in painful suspense—is she yet alive—and recovering—or is she sleeping with her baby sisters in the Church Yard?
                Here disease is so fatal to children, but then she is older than her sisters were when they died, which may be in her favor. The crisis must be passed by this time—may Heaven grant that she still lives to gladden the hearts of her brothers and sister, and to comfort you in the evening of life.
                You stated in your letter that if she seemed worse you would drop me a note by the southern mail—I have not received such intelligence which adds to my hope for her recovery. I await a letter from you in anxiety.
                There is nothing of importance transpiring here—Veterans are going home and returning daily by the thousands. The 4th Cavalry are waiting until the 10^th N. Y. returns which will be soon—they expect to go then.
                We do not expect to be discharged until July 21^st.
                Hoping for the health and safety of you all, I am,
                                                Affectionately yours,

J. D. Chadwick

I will send Clara a paper with pictures soon—tell her so.

J. D. C.

Next posting: March 2, 2014

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

Civil War LettersStudent as Soldier: The Civil War Letters of James D. Chadwick