Civil War Letters

November 5, 1863

By November 5th 2013

                                                                                                                                                               Warrenton Junction, Va.

 Nov. 5th, 1863 

Dear Father,

                Your letter of last week enclosing a note from little Mary has been received. As you see by the heading of this we are still at the ”Junction”—but we are hourly  expecting the order to move. I think the movement will be across the Rappahannock and on Fredericksburg. If Genl.  Meade advances on that city again I have no doubt that that he will have to fight. I have confidence however that he will accomplish his ends. I prophesy that this Army of the Potomac will move before next Monday. 
                Much enthusiasm and good feeling exists among the soldiers today, as the news of the result of the elections in N.Y. and other states have been received. Surely Copperheadism is dead and buried.
                Efforts are being made to reinlist our Division for three years longer, but I do not think it can be done. It is promised that if two  thirds of the Division say they will reinlist—the Division will be taken to Pennsylvania visiting their homes for six or eight weeks. A large “bounty” is to be given to every old soldier who goes into the organization. I rather guess the most of the boys “can’t see it” however. We shall know in the course of a few weeks how the thing will terminate. It is said that Governor Curtin is in favor of the project.
                I saw Preston Maitland and John Pryer this evening. They have no horses and will probably be sent to the dismounted camp at or near Washington. All the rest of the Rockland boys are well. I received a letter from Jno. Jolly not long ago—he is well—I wrote to him a day or so since. I have not heard from Evrill for a long time—I wrote to him but I have never had an answer. I have not heard from Sylvanus either. You said the Elihu Chadwick was going into the Army in place of Richard. Do you know in what Regiment he is to  be? In what Regiment is Amor’s son John? They might be near me and I not know it.
                I wish the boys would write soon again—I haven’t heard from them for a long time.
                With an earnest wish for your health and safety, I am,
                                                Yours affectionately,

                                                                J. D. Chadwick.

Tell Mary I will answer that letter of hers as soon as I get time and that I am very proud that I have a sister who  can write a letter to me.

                                                                                                J. D. C. 

Next posting: November 23, 2063

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

October 30, 1863

By October 30th 2013

                                                                                          Near Warrenton Junction, Va.

                                                                                                                       Oct. 30th, 1863 

Dear Parents:

                I received your letter of last week on Sunday. I am writing in a deserted house and by the way it has been a very handsome one in days gone by. It is occupied as the Head Qrs. of our Division. We came here today and are now lying encamped in line of battle. Orders have been issued that no man may leave camp as we are liable to be attacked any moment. The enemy are in force on this side of the Rappahannock and an engagement is expected before long. We have rebuilt the railroad to this place, which was completely destroyed by the enemy. They burned the ties and laid the rails across the fires and so warped them that they cannot be used again. They worked diligently while they had a chance I assure you. I have no news to give you this time for I know of nothing that would interest you. How and what is Ramsdell doing? Where is Jno. Burgwin? Tell little Mary I am still looking for that letter.
                Hoping for your health and safety, I am,

                                                Your son, James

P.S. Harry Clover has been promoted to  2nd Lieut. Tell Miles that Octave Williams and Kate Smith are married. 

Next posting: November 4, 2013

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

October 16, 1863

By October 16th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Fairfax C. H. Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 October 16th, 1863 

Dear Father:

                Again we are within the defenses of Washington. We started from Culpeper on Saturday evening and reached our present position last night. We have had one of the hardest marches we ever made, our Division having marched 25 miles yesterday, wading Broad Run twice and Bull Run once. They were attacked by the enemy on the way and five killed and eleven wounded, but the 2nd Corps coming up captured the whole of the enemy’s battery and took six hundred prisoners. The whole Army has fallen back to this position. What is on the tapis we cannot tell—maybe another campaign into Pennsylvania is contemplated by Lee. It is rumored that he has been reinforced by a great portion of [Confederate General Braxton] Bragg’s Army and intends to attack Washington or invade the North again. He has evidently been reinforced since we crossed the Rappahannock. We look for stirring times here soon. They cannot take Washington but they may make trouble for us for a time by crossing the Potomac. A new General has been assign to our Division—Genl. King—I do not know what his antecedents are but think the Division will like him better than Crawford. Genl. Crawford has been “playing off sick” for some weeks and is lying around Philadelphia or New York—this is the supposed reason for his removal. I hear this morning there is to be six new Regiments put in with our Division and I guess the report is correct. I will give you the particulars of the changes made when I learn how it is. I forgot to say I received your and Ma’s letters last Sunday. We received word yesterday that Brough and Curtin have been elected, which gladdened the hearts of many thousands of weary soldiers. [1] It is good as a great victory to the Army.
                I know of nothing more to write this morning.
                                Yours affectionately,

                                                Jas 

Next posting: October 30, 20i13

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

[1] John Brough won the governorship of  Ohio on a pro-Union ticket, defeating Copperhead Clement Vallandingham.

October 7, 1863

By October 7th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                            Near Culpeper, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                        October 7th, 1863 

Dear Father:

                Your letter of Sept. 30th, enclosing Mary’s picture, was received yesterday. I was astonished to see how she has grown since I saw her—but then three years makes quite a difference in the appearance of a child. I was somewhat disappointed in not receiving a letter from Mother this week, but I shall expect it next week for sure. I received the last Citizen also; why do they pay the postage (2 cts) on each paper? I am a regular subscriber for one of the Meadville papers and they never pay the postage on it—it comes just as well without. I mailed a “Harper’s Illustrated” this morning to Mother. I put six or eight pods of the Castor Bean (Ricinus Communis) inside of it. I do not know whether they will grow or not, as they are not yet ripe. I send them as a curiosity—they were such to me.
                We have no news of any importance here now. The army is lying between Culpeper and the Rapidan, and the enemy are occupying the other side of the river. Their camps are in plain sight from the hills on this side of the Rapidan. No one knows where we will spend the winter—some think that we will fall back towards Washington and others that we will go to Fredericksburg. One thing is certain, we will not winter in Richmond if our Army is not reinforced very much. The Rockland boys are all well.  All have an earnest desire that Curtin shall be our next Governor. If the Penna. Soldiers could exercise the ”elective franchise” he would have a sweeping majority I assure you. We wait for the developments of next Tuesday and may the Right triumph.
                It seems that though General Rosecrans was defeated at the time, the enemy have not gained the desired end, for he still holds Chattanooga. With the reinforcements sent him he will soon be able to take the offensive. We wait in patience to hear of good news from the Army of the Cumberland. The health of the Army here is excellent indeed. I think of nothing that would interest you—I will close.
                                Yours affectionately,

                                                J. D. Chadwick 

Next posting: October 16, 2013

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

October 1, 1863

By October 1st 2013

                                                                                                                                                                               Near Culpeper C. R., Va.   

                                                                                                                                                                                     October 1st, 1863

Dear Father:

                Your letter of the 23rd ult. was received a few minutes since, enclosing one from Dr. Crawford. I received a letter from Frank last Sunday, which was mailed the same day that yours was—I do not see why I did not get ours on Sunday also, I received the paper you sent containing the “Military history of John McCalmont”. I also received the last Citizen from Burgwin and Smith. Is it paid for and direct[ed] to be sent regularly? I am sorry that Ma was not pleased with her visit to McKean. I suppose she expected to see more than she did and that the people and country would look differently. I was disappointed myself when I went there and found that the home of My Father’s childhood was just like any other mountainous district in Penna. I wrote for a full account of every place and every body visited while you were away—this I shall expect from you and Ma as soon as you get rested from the journey. I have not heard from Evrill since I received the letter from Uncle Jer, which I forwarded to Rockland. How do the folks like Uncle Jer’s wife? I sent Ma some Anise seed—was it received? I also sent in a paper some Indian Peas which I got on Pony Mt. The boys gather them before quite ripe and throw the pods in the embers and ashes and roast them—they taste almost like roast chestnuts when cooked in this way. I do not know that they are especially valuable for cultivation but save them and plant next spring.
                The Army is still occupying the same grounds that it did when I last wrote to you. It is weaker now than ever before—the 11th and 12th Corps started west about a week ago, so that we have now only five Corps remaining. If these were filled up to the maximum we would have a large army still, but the Regiments will not average 500 men the Army through. We have all felt solicitous about the welfare of Rosecrans since his defeat, but he is being reinforced rapidly and heavily—we think that the two Corps which left us have gone to his aid (under Hooker) which will amount to about 25,000 men. [1] I see by the papers that the Division in which John Lusher and Henry Smith are, was engaged at the battle of the Chickamauga—I wonder if they are safe? You told me that Richard Chadwick was drafted but did not say whether he intended to come. I would think from Frank’s last letter that he had got to be quite a politician. Is there any chance that John S. McCalmont will be elected? Hope not. You doubtless saw an expression of the feeling of the 11th Regiment with regard to sustaining the Government, and Andy Curtin. This is but an index of the feeling of the whole Army on this subject. I wish we could vote this fall—you would be astonished at the unanimity of feeling—for we have no ”politics” here—we look at the real interested [interests] of our Country and would act accordingly—It is disgusting to us to stand off and see the people at home fighting and jangling about  petty town offices while higher interests are at stake—we trust however there is ”leaven” enough in the lump to save the state.
                Enclosed I sent $10 more—if received please acknowledge. When you write again please send Mary’s picture, for I would like to see what the little dear looks like now. I want Ma to write me soon. Direct to Head Quarters Pa Reserves. I enclose a note to Frank.
                                Your affectionately,

                                                James 

Next posting: October 7, 2013

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

[1] Rosecrans suffered a serious defeat at the Battle of Chickamauga, near Chattanooga, September 19-20, 1863.

August 19, 1863

By August 19th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Rappahannock Station, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       August 19, 1863

Dear Father:

                Yesterday I received a note from you and also one from Miles, bearing date August 12th. Nothing of importance has transpired since I wrote you. We are still where we were then and may remain here some days yet, though it is expected we will go towards Washington soon. A great many troops have left the Army of the Potomac and have shipped for some point on the coast, perhaps for Charleston. Some conscripts are arriving every day now, but as yet none have come for the Pa. Reserves.  
                You ask to know about Everill—I have heard nothing from him either directly or indirectly since I first heard of his being wounded. I have made frequent inquiry but can hear nothing of his whereabouts—I wrote to Calista a day or two since to find out something about him.
                Captain Over has been reinstated again and is not with the regiment as Captain of Company C. The boys all rejoiced at his return, but would be glad if Cochran was gone. MacKey is in Washington since he has been dismissed—I guess he feels ashamed to go home—he is endeavoring to get reinstated but there is no expectation of his success.
                All the Venango boys are well as usual. We are waiting to hear from the draft and are impatient to know who had been taken. It seems to me improbable that Miles is liable to be drafted—I did not think that he is old enough. He need not be anxious to get into the Army as a conscript, for they are used rather roughly—I do not think he is able to stand it.
                I am glad you and Ma are going to pay a visit to  McKean this fall—you must take Mary with you of  course. I have subscribed for a neat little School paper published monthly in Philadelphia, and edited by Rev. Alex. Clark (who is now preaching in New Brighton, Pa., I think). It is to be sent to Mary’s address. She may look for the September number, as I expect the year will begin with that month. If it is received in due time, let me know. Miles tells me that Abe Domer has paid his $300. Where did he get it? He has certainly not made it preaching. Please send me a list of the Erie Conference appointments. [1] What few spare moments I have I endeavor to improve by reading and study.
                Last week I sent you ten dollars—did you get it? I enclose the same amount this time as I do not need it now.
                I think of nothing more—Adieu
                                Yours affy,

                                                J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: October 1, 2012

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

[1] Here Chadwick probably refers to pulpit assignments within the Methodist Episcopal Church.

August 12, 1863

By August 12th 2013

                                                                                                                                                         Rappahannock Station, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                August 12, 1863

Dear Father:

                Your letter of the 1st has been received. It finds us all well and enjoying ourselves as well as the August rays of the Sun will permit. I think we have had some of the hottest weather during the past few days that I ever felt. We have suffered almost as much from the excessive heat as we did last year at Harrisons Landing. It will be a year tomorrow since we left that Golgotha. The army is lying along the river from Sulphur springs to Kelly’s Ford. There are some troops on the South side of the river but not many. We do not expect a general movement again until we are reinforced by the ”elect”. They are beginning to come already. I heard that Abe Domer has been drafted, and if so am glad of it. Is it so? Don’t forget to send me a list of the successful candidates if published in the papers. I just finished writing a letter to John Lusher—he was well when I heard from him. All the Rockland boys are well. Jess Pryer has been promoted to 2nd Sergeant and may get a commission now, as there is only one officer for that company, (Cochran) and his name has been forwarded to the department for dismissal. Tom Ross and Jo are both driving teams at Head Quarters  of the Division. Brad Wilson is also driving. I was on a visit to the 121st Pa. Vols. Yesterday and saw Dan and Sy Levier. They are well.
                News is a scarce commodity with us now. Tell all the family to write—from Mother to Mary. Hoping to hear from you all, I am,
                                Yours affectionately

                                                J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: August 19, 2013

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

August 7, 1863

By August 7th 2013

 Near Beverly Ford, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                August 7, 1863 

Dear Father & Mother:

                Today finds us sweltering under the scorching rays of an August sun. We are encamped not far  from the Rappahannock River and about four miles from Bealton Station on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad. We have but few troops on the South side of the river and they are nearly all Cavalry.
                The whole Army is lying between Warrenton and the river waiting (I presume) for the conscripts. Today a division of the 11th corps started via Washington for Charleston S. C. to reinforce [Brigadier General Quincy A.] Gil[l]more. From this circumstance I think that the Army will not move until reinforced by drafted men.
                Jo Ross got a letter from Nancy Jane a day or two since saying that Tom Jolly (of Butler Co.) and Abe Domer have been drafted. I had to give a few hearty cheers when I heard of Domer’s being one of “the elect”, but this may not be so. When the draft comes off in Ven[an]go County I  want you to send me a paper containing a list of the lucky drawers.
                I regret to say that Charlie Mackey has been dismissed by the President.  This should have been otherwise.  Coop Cochran will get his walking papers soon and he ought to have had them long since I think. I had a note from Frank a day or so since—he weighs only 112 pounds.
                We heard tonight that Curtin had been nominated for Governor again—this suits the Penna. Reserves exactly, although all like [John] Covode. [1]
                I have heard nothing from Everill since he was wounded and do not know where to write to him. I think Monday and Tuesday were the hottest days I ever felt. Several men were sun struck, but all recovered I believe.
                For how long a time did Frank enlist? He did not tell me. Won’t Burgwin beat John S. for Assembly? What is E. W. Davis doing? I saw John B. Maitland a few days since—he said that all the boys are well. I think of nothing more at present that would interest you.
                Hoping to hear from both of you I close,                                                              Yours affectionately,

                                                                                                J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: August 12, 2013

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

[1] A Republican member of Congress from Pennsylvania.

July 15, 1863

By July 15th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                Near Berlin,  Md.

                                                                                                                                                                July 15th, 1863

Dear Father:

                After a day’s march I seat myself to write you a hasty note. We are again on the wing for Dixie and expect to cross the Potomac at Berlin tomorrow. As you have already heard, Lee effected a crossing day before yesterday and General  Meade is after him, or rather is on the inside track—his forces moving East of the Mountains, holding the gaps and passes, while Lee is on the other side. We are expecting a race, as to who shall reach Fredericksburg, or some other point on the Rappahannock. Our Cavalry “gobbled up” three or four thousand more prisoners yesterday morning before they had got across the river. Since the rebels first crossed into the loyal states we have taken altogether 15,000 prisoners or near that, besides with their killed and wounded which with deserters will total a loss to  them of not less than 30,000. Every thing seems to be going on right in every direction. Vicksburg fallen—and tonight we hear that Port Hudson has surrendered—and that [Confederate Major General Edward] Johnson has been badly beaten. Can we not see the beginning of the end?
                I think the Army of the Potomac would whip twice their number now they are so enthusiastic.
                I wrote to you last week that Everill had come out of the Battle of Gettysburg all safe but I regret to say that such is not the case—he was shot through the left breast or side on the last day of  the engagement. I saw his Captain day before yesterday, who told me that he “fought like a hero” and was wounded while out in front as a skirmisher or sharpshooter. His mess mate told me that he had heard from him that day and that he was doing well and that he would recover from his wound. He was left in the Hospital at Gettysburg and I suppose he is there still.
                You recollect seeing in the papers a notice of the hanging of Richardson the spy—he was hung about a mile from Frederick on Monday at daylight and I saw him hanging still on Thursday! It was the most horrible sight I have seen. He had not a stitch of clothes on except a piece of a shirt—no cap either. I have seen the same man going around selling songs, etc., through the camps. I do not know how much longer he was left hanging, but I suppose long enough to let everybody see the fate of persons who act in the capacity of a spy.
                I saw Sam Winans yesterday—he starts for home tomorrow as his time is up—he tells me that his brother was killed at Gettysburg. I have heard that Sam Wilson was killed on some Cavalry fight lately and guess it is so. I have not heard from you this week yet.
                Nothing more,
                                Your Son,

                                                J. D. Chadwick 

Next posting: August 7, 1863

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

July 7, 1863

By July 7th 2013

                                                                                                          Near Frederick City,  Md.

                                                                                                                                   July 7, 1863 

Dear Father:-

                In consequence of being on the march I did not write you last week. I have received but two letters from you since I saw you, but I suppose yours of last week to me was captured with the rest of our mail by a part of Rebel Cavalry.
                I will give you a short sketch of our journeying since we were ordered to join the Army of the Potomac as I find it in my sketch book—“June 25th Took up the march from Upton’s Hill to join the Army of the Potomac—Reached Vienna X Roads and encamped for the night in the same place where we encamped with General Ord more than a year since. June 26th—The anniversary of Mechanicsville—moved camp at 7 a.m.—marched through rain and mud up the Leesburg Pike and encamped for the night at Broad Run. 27th Started at 6 a.m. left the Leesburg Pike at Frankville and came down to the Potomac at Edwards Ferry—which we crossed—marched up towards Sugar Loaf Mountain—encamping for the night at the mouth of the Monocacy,  having marched about seventeen miles. June 28th—Marched at 5 a.m. passed through Buckeystown—was charged eight cents for a pint of milk there. Crossed the Baltimore & Ohio at Lime Kiln Switch and encamped about three miles from Frederick about 10 p.m. The most beautiful country I ever saw—waving grain fields—some cut and shocked. 29th—Struck tents at 5 a.m. but did not march until 12 n.—raining some—passed Frederick—a great display of the Union Flag all through the City—marched up the Baltimore pike across the Monocacy, then took the road to Union Town—marched until 11 o’clock p.m. and encamped seven miles from Frederick ([Major General John] Sedgwick’s Corps passed us in the night) slept under an ammunition wagon—on the ground.  June 30th—marched at 7 a.m. the morning wet and the road rather muddy—passed through Liberty, Johnsville, Willow Grove, Union Bridge and encamped for the night at Union Town. July 1st, marched at 6 a.m.—passed through Frizzlesburg, and struck the Baltimore Pike—crossed the line of Maryland and entered Pennsylvania, West Manheim Twp., York Co., at 4 p.m. The rebel cavalry had been all through the neighborhood and had taken all the horses they could find—pointed pistols at defenceless women and demanded whatever money might be about the house. This was the case in several instances I had it from the women themselves. Copperheads shared as bad, if not worse, than outspoken Union people. [1]
                Such is a sketch of our travels into Penna., after which I kept no diary. Of course you have a complete account of the great battle of Gettysburg [July 1-3, 1863], so I will say nothing about it. The 3rd Brigade P.R.V. were but little engaged, being held as a reserve—two were killed out of the tenth. The Bucktails suffered a considerable [loss], their Colonel [Frederick Taylor], a brother of Bayard Taylor, was killed. Everill came out uninjured—he has been with his Company ever since we marched.  Lee received a complete whipping—it was indeed a glorious victory. He is endeavoring to get back into Virginia again, but [Major]General [William H.]French has destroyed his pontoons and the Potomac is so high he cannot ford it. Part of the Army has gone to head him off and the rest is chasing him in the rear hotly. His “flag of truce” for burying the dead was rather “played out” with General Meade. The troops are pushing on as fast as they can and we are expecting a battle soon again—which must result disastriously to the revel invaders.  It is hoped that Lee’s army will be annihilated. If you could have enjoyed a visit from the rebel army it would have done you all good in Venango and adjoining counties—You would then lay aside your parties and factions and become a united people. The next few days will develop affairs, and great events are expected. I will endeavor to keep you posted as to our movements—hope to hear from you all regularly.
                My love to all the family,
                                                Your affectionate son,    J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: July 15, 2013

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

[1] “Copperheads” refers to northern sympathizers for the southern cause.