Civil War Letters

February 4, 1863

By February 4th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Near Bell Plain, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       February 4, 1863

Dear Father & Mother:-

                Your letter of the 27th and 8th has been received. I am delighted to know that Ma is recovering from her illness and hope that she will be carefull not to expose herself in the least for fear of a relapse. She must recollect that she is growing old and cannot endure the fatigue that she once could. I hope that she has quit wading up through the snow to milk the cows, and ceased to stand over the wash tub all day as I have known her to do. There is no need of her doing any work at all. I think and I hope that she will coincide with me.
                I think both of you have labored  and toiled long enough and ought to endeavor to enjoy the down-hill side of life in the best way possible.—I think that Miles will be doing the best thing possible by going into a printing office for a couple of years or so. It is certainly one of the best schools a boy can go to. If there is any latent talent in him it will be developed. Even if Miles ever expects to go through College, it will not injure him in the least, but be a help to him, besides I have noticed that most boys who have been pushed through a college course while quite young, are mere hot bed plants and rarely amount to much.  While Floyd Ramsdell was attending college he used to make money enough on Saturdays, by setting type for Mr. Hays, to pay for his board during the week. I hope that Miles’ project will not turn out to be merely a visionary one. You did not tell me he thought of going, but I suppose with Wm. Burgwin.
                I think the best thing Frank can do is to go to Meadville next Summer and try the thing on at least. If he looks at the matter right, he will certainly come to the conclusion that Scholastic attainments are preferable to having a cat which is a mouser par excellence, that “Jack” should be a good watch dog, or that “Rock” should exhibit more mettle than any other horse in the whole neighborhood. When a number of the students petitioned the lamented Dr. [John] Barker once to have “no college” during the Agricultural Fair, in town, he said in his usual witty manner: “I see that some young men have a greater love for the ox-stall than for Mount Parnassus—and would rather gaze with open mouth, at some big potato or squash, than ponder over the abstruse beauties of some proposition from Euclid.”[1]  I want Frank to think the matter over and council with you and Ma, and if he comes to the conclusion to try it and the means are not just as convenient as might be, I will agree to save enough money out of my $13. per month to pay his board during the Summer, so he need not stay at home for want of means. I want him to write to me and let me know what he thinks about it. I want Miles to write too. I really do not know what those boys mean—I have not had a letter from either of them for months though I have written to them both.
                Tell little Mary that I would be so glad if she would get that picture taken and send it to me. I want to see how she looks, for it is so long since I have seen her. As soon as we can—Everill and I will have our pictures taken and sent to you to let you see how we look in our ”every day suit”.
                Last Sunday I paid a visit to the Rockland and Richland boys in the 121st and 142nd Regiments—I found Wesley Burgwin rather unwell—he looks poor and thin and was complaining of headache etc. Billy Potter is in good health, as also Jas. Davison, Sol Engle, Merrick Davis and the rest. E. W. Davis is well and in good spirits—he talks (perhaps only talk) of making application to raise a brigade of Colored men if that bill passes authorizing the same.
                Lieut. Plummer (a son of Judge P’s) is perhaps not living now, as the last we heard from him was that it was not probable he would survive long—he was at the Hospital at Aquia Landing sick of Typhoid fever. Capt. Clapp was also sick but has recovered I believe—his father was here last week but I did not see him. The boys in the 10th Regiment are well as usual. Jo. Ross was down to see me today—he had not heard of Nancy Jones illness. Tom Ross is still driving here at Headquarters and is well. I see by some of the papers that poor Green’s misfortune follows him like a shadow—enclosed is a strip out of a paper mentioning him in no enviable way. That was an awful misfortune if he was not guilty. The Revd. J. F. McGaven D. D., formerly editor of the Presbyterian Banner or Advocate, is our Chaplain now. He is a talented man and a good old man too—too good and old to be knocked about here in the army as he is. They show him no respect whatever in the Regiment, neither Officers  or men (with few exceptions).
                I think I mentioned in my last that it was expected that the Pennsylvania Reserves would go to Washington to recruit and do garrison and guard duty about the Forts in the district. This is now certain—we are expecting the orders every day. The boys are well pleased with the idea of a little rest and consider it a “big thing”.
                General Doubleday will have charge of us I believe. Col. J. W. Fisher is commanding the 30th Brigade at present, he is Colonel of the 5th Regiment at present.
                I hope to write you my next from Alexandria or Washington.
                I must close—do all of you write me a good long letter and not leave me to “imagine” how things move on in Rockland.
                                I am, dear parents, Your affy,

                                                Jas.  D. Chadwick

T’was the coldest night last night we have yet had.

                                                J. D. C.

Next posting:  February 11, 2013

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

[1] The Reverend John Barker preceded Reverend Loomis as president of Allegheny College; he died in office February 26, 1860.

January 29, 1863

By January 29th 2013

                                                                              Headquarters 30th Brigade, P. R. V. C.

                                                                                                                   Near Bell Plains, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       January 29, 1863

Dear Father:-

                I have received no intelligence from home this week, though I received a few lines from Wm. Gates. I can not think you have omitted to write when you know how anxious I am to hear from home, but suppose the letter is lost. I saw John Maitland yesterday—he said he had just received a letter from home informing him of the death of Abner Cox—and  that Ma was better. Mr. Hoge came over with John to see me—I believe he has left for home. John Maitland told me that he intended to go home in a day or two on a leave of absence for ten days. You will doubtless see him when he gets there.
                I had a letter a few days since from John Jolly—he is well and says he is doing well—he wants me to be sure to visit him if I live to get out of the Army. Everill was over to see me a day or two since. He is well—he had a letter from home informing him that his little brother Linden is quite sick.
                We just received intelligence last night by telegraph that the Pennsylvania Reserves are to go to Washington and Alexandria to do Provost Guard duty. They will be relieved by new troops in a few days. [Major] General [Abner] Doubleday (of Sumpter notoriety) is to be Military Governor of Washington and to Command our division. I suppose we will go in the course or a week or so. All the boys are rejoiced at the prospect of going to Washington, as we have had enough experience in active campaigning, a fact demonstrated by our decimated ranks.
                There will of necessity be another draft before long as the time of the “Nine Months Men” will be up in three or four months, as well as the time of the men enlisted for two years at the beginning of the war. All the Rockland boys are well.
                I do not see why the boys do not write me—they are certainly not so busy as to be unable to do so.
                I suppose you know that Burnside and Sumner have been relieved at their request and that Franklin has been relieved. “Fighting Joe” [Hooker] is in command at present. Tell Miles that Ed. Henderson is at Annapolis having been paroled when taken to Richmond—he was not wounded.
                The snow fell all day yesterday and last night—it is about seven inches deep—this is the first we have had since in November. The roads are in an awful condition—the mud being hub-deep.
                Hoping to hear from home regularly and from all who can write.
                I am, affectionately your Son,  Jas. D. Chadwick.

 Next posting: February 4, 2013

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

January 22, 1863

By January 22nd 2013

The dry January conditions described by Chadwick in a previous letter encouraged Burnside to make another attempt to cross the Rappahannock several miles above Fredericksburg. But no sooner did he start the move than heavy rains transformed roads into quagmires, and the army bogged down. The debacle of “The Mud March” led to Burnside’s resignation and his replacement by Major General Joseph Hooker.

                                                                        Three miles northwest of Fredericksburg

                                                                                                                        January 22, 1863

My dear Mother:-

                I will endeavor to write my accustomed weekly letter to you, and under very unfavorable circumstances.  The whole army is moving—everything is packed away in wagons, so I have neither pen no rink at hand. 
                With anxiety I awaited Pa’s letter of the 14th, which I read day before yesterday, for I was very anxious to hear from you. I never longed to see you as much as now and would make application for a furlough for a short time, but I know it would not be granted. I have hopes of your recovery for Pa said in his last, “I am not discouraged.” If I could render you the least assistance, I would desert temporarily and come home, but I know you will have every care and attention possible.
                With sorrow I learned of the death of Mary Jane Barr. It must indeed be very sickly at home this winter. I think that “Death, the sullen alchemist, whose crucible separateth the spiritual essence from the dross,” claims more victims at home from disease, than here in the army.
                Jo. Ross returned to the regiment day before yesterday and brought two shirts and two pairs of stockings from you. The shirts are just what I wanted—and as you made them yourself, I prize them more highly. I have not tried them on yet, but I know they will fit me. Jo. tells me that the children have grown a great deal since we left home—he says that Mary can sing better than any child of her age that he ever saw. Tell her I am very proud of such a smart little sister and when I come home, I will be sure to bring her a present.
                I saw Leander Myers yesterday—he is not much larger than when he was at Mr. Jolly’s—he is well. I saw E. W. Davis also—he wished to be remembered to you and Pa. Everill Chadwick is well.
                The army moved yesterday about one hundred twenty-five thousand strong to again cross the Rappahannock, though not at the same place as before—we are to cross six miles further up and come around in the rear of the enemy’s fortifications. I have no doubt of our ultimate success. The roads were frozen up when we started, but it commenced to rain last night and has been drizzling ever since—I sat out last night in the rain and slept  tell half past one, as I had no tent for shelter but I was no worse off than every soldier in the army. The mud is so deep in some places that it takes twelve horses or mules to draw one wagon and then they are constantly stalling. You can form no idea of the condition of the roads. The whole army is now massed in a space of about three miles. The pontoons are not yet put down but will be today I suppose. The condition of the roads may possibly check our movement but I do  not think  it will. I have excellent health—plenty to eat (such as it is) and good bedding and shelter except on a march, but I am well off to what many are. Pa said that my letter of week before last had not been received.—I wrote as usual.
                Tell Miles I never received that box of good things sent me by the ladies of Meadville—it was stolen at Alexandria. Well, I must close for this time.
                With an earnest hope and wish for your speedy recover[y], I am, my dear Mother,

                                Your affectionate son,    J. D. Chadwick

 Next posting: January  29, 2013

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

January 15, 1863

By January 15th 2013

                                                                             Headquarters 30th Brigade, P. R. V. C.

                                                                                                                  Near Bell Plain, Va.

                                                                                                                     January 15, 1863

Dear Father:-

                Yours of the 5th has been received. With sorrow I learn of the illness of my dear mother. I have been uneasy ever since I received your letter, not an hour has passed but I thought of my mother and home, and at night I have frequently dreamed of being there and seeing you all, but morning dispelled the fond illusions and my pleasure was only imaginary. If such a thing were possible, I would have started home immediately after the receipt of your letter, but this is an impossibility as no furloughs are granted except where the applicant is suffering from disease and not very often then. When I heard of the sickness of Barr’s family and of mother’s waiting on and nursing them I feared that she would overdo herself and be sick afterwards. Knowing that she will have the best medical treatment and attention possible, I can but hope for her speedy recovery.
                There is nothing new here at present and not much indication of a speedy move, though I would not wonder much if we would make another attempt  across the Rappahannock about ten miles below Fredericksburg.  It is thought there will be another campaign on the Peninsula this spring, and under McClellan again.
                Col. Davis and all the Rockland and Richland boys are well as far as I know. Jo. Ross has not yet returned to the regiment, but I hear he is on his way. I saw John Maitland and William Mayes yesterday; they are well and hearty. I think we are much more healthy here in the army than you are at home. There seems to be some kind of a malaria or poisonous miasma in the air there which induces so many febrile diseases.
                I received a letter from William Gates at the same time I received yours. I have never seen Leander Myers, though I have often seen his regiment. I did not know he was in the service. I see by the papers that one hundred and fifty of the Pennsylvania Reserves, wounded and taken prisoners at the battle of Fredericksburg, have been exchanged and sent back by a flag-of-truce boat from City Point. I expect that  a number of the Tenth Regiment are among them.
                I must close. I anxiously await the next home mail, though I fear it may bring me sad sad news. Hoping to hear of you all blessed with health, I am, dear father,

                                Yours affectionately,    J. D. Chadwick

                Remember me to mother and tell her I cannot read or do my work half just on account of thinking of her.

                                                                J. D. C. 

Next posting: January 22, 2063

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

January 8, 1863

By January 8th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                               Near Bell Plain, Virginia,

January 8, 1863

Dear Father:-

                Yours and Bingham’s of December 30th have been received. Nothing of importance has transpired here since my last writing. The weather is fine—but little rain so far though the nights are quite cold and the ground is frozen and wagons run well.
                It has been rumored, and in ”high official circles”, too, that the Pennsylvania Reserves are to be sent either back into the state of Pennsylvania to rest and recruit or to Washington to do guard duty, but this is not at all certain. All are jubilant over the news of [Major General William S.] Rosecrans’ victory in the West.[1] I see that the 78thPa. Vols. (the regiment that John Lusher and Henry Smith are in), is especially mentioned for its bravery.
                You ask whether we will be mustered out at the end of three years—I certainly think so—we were sworn to serve three years or during the war unless sooner discharged; i.e., if the war should not last three years, we are to be discharged at its expiration, but not to be kept longer than three years. This was the interpretation of the oath as given by the mustering officer, for I heard him say so myself when we were sworn in. If we do as much more fighting as we have done, there will be nobody to muster out at the end of the time. I have produced a roll of my own company, showing the name of every man who has ever been connected with it, what has become of them and where they are. It is indeed a sad, sad record. I will send it to you before long.[2]
                Lieut. Phelps has resigned and gone home on account of his wound.
                Jo. Ross has not yet returned to the regiment.
                I have been very busy for the past week or two and will be so for some time to come making out the returns for the quarter ending December 31, 1862. I have not time to write more at this time. When I get time I will write you a longer letter.
                Hoping to hear from you, also the boys and mother, I will close.

                                Your affectionate son,

                                                J.  D.  Chadwick 

Next posting: January 15, 2063

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

[1] The costly Union victory at Stones River.

[2] This record itself did not survive. While historians tend to rely on S. P. Bates’s listing of volunteers, he admitted to difficulty in compiling a completely accurate account. For some of the discrepancies between various listings of the members of Company I, see Helmreich, The Flag of the Allegheny College Volunteers, 16-17.

December 31, 1862

By December 31st 2012

                                                                                                         Camp near Bill Plain, Va.,

                                                                                     9 o’clock P. M., December 31, 1862

Dear Father:

                Yours of the 24th received. After my day’s work has been done I seat myself to answer.
                I have no news of importance to communicate and write only to let you know that I am well. We did think when we came to this place that we would stay here during the winter, but it is very doubtful as we are now under orders to move at a moment’s notice. We are totally ignorant as to where. The order may have been given in anticipation of an attack or raid of the enemy.
                The boys are all well as usual. Joe Ross has not yet returned although we hear that he left home sometime ago.
                I saw Wesley Burgwin a few days since. He is well and in comfortable quarters, as the boys have all built log huts in anticipation of remaining here over the winter.
                The weather is somewhat cold but pleasant. I wrote to John Jolly on Monday. I close, remaining,

                                Your affectionate son,

                                                James 

Next posting: January 8, 2013

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

December 17, 1862

By December 17th 2012

                                                                         Near Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 17, 1862 

Dear Father:-

                Your letter dated the 9th has been received. It found me enjoying good health and the use of my limbs—a privilege that thousands have been deprived of within the past few days.
                As you have no doubt learned there has been another severe engagement between the two opposing armies. I will give you a brief synopsis of the movements made and of the battle.
                Last Thursday morning at 10:00 o’clock the army was all moving toward the City of Fredericksburg, that is, the entire left wing, the right wing having been in front of the city for some time. The pontoon material had previously been taken up close to the river, and at three o’clock Thursday morning the engineer corps commenced throwing across the bridge right opposite the middle of the city. When they had almost completed it and many men were upon it working, the enemy suddenly came out from behind houses and fences and fired a volley into our men, wounding many and killing some. At this moment Our Batteries which had been stationed all along the bank of the river opened upon that part of the city and kept up a continuous fire for some time, completely demolishing that part of the town. Not much was done on Thursday but to shell every house along the bank of the river in which were concealed the sharpshooters of the enemy who annoyed our men every time they would attempt to lay the remainder of the bridge.
                Thursday evening they succeeded in completing that part of the bridges and in getting one across at the extreme left of the town.
                Friday was spent in skirmishing through the city, in driving the sharpshooters out of it and in taking quite a number of them prisoners. In the afternoon another bridge was thrown across the river about three miles from the upper one, making three crossings in all.
                During the afternoon, our Division with the rest of the left Grand Division crossed the river at the lower bridge, while the main body of Sumner’s Grand Division, the right, crossed the upper bridge.
                On Saturday morning as soon as the smoke and mist had blown away, the battle was opened up, as usual, by the Penna. Reserves, on the extreme left of the line. Toward night the battle raged hottest and the cannonading and musketry were terrific indeed. The enemy had every advantage of us having their artillery stationed all along the bluffs and surrounded by redoubts. They also had a line of rifle pits dug. There was no fighting along the center of the line only on the left and right. I can not speak of the engagement on the left from personal observation, but I witnessed the fighting on the right all day from a high bluff on this side of the river where we had a number of heavy guns mounted.
                The generals in command say that men never fought better than they did in this engagement, but notwithstanding all this, we were repulsed.
                Our loss in killed and wounded is estimated to be about two to one of the enemy. I will name some of our killed and wounded whom you may know: General  C. F. Jackson who commanded our Brigade was killed. His Chief of Staff, Capt. Swearingen, wounded and a prisoner; Lieut. C. K. Chamberlin, an Aid de Camp was also wounded; E. W. Davis had his horse shot and several bullet holes through his clothes; A. B. McCalmont’s horse was also shot. In Ridgway’s  Company, two of the Mansons are reported killed, also his First Lieut., Brickley. Many of his company are wounded and missing.  In [Captain John M.] Clapp’s Company, Dave Krebbs (some relative of Says) was killed; Leslie Say is missing; Grimm of Richland, formerly constable, had both legs taken off; Dan Persing was wounded, and many others. The 10th Regiment suffered severely as usual. Capt. [William] Mayes was * killed. Capt. Smith of Mercer mortally wounded. Lieut. H. J. Howe, Co. I, supposed to be killed. Ed Henderson and a number of others belonging to Co. I are wounded and missing. Some of them probably killed.
                Capt. Over is wounded and a prisoner. Mackey skulked away as usual and was not in the fight at all. Coop Cochran was with the company all the time and came out safe again. I do not know what our entire loss is but it is not small.
                Burnside said he was not ready to make the attack but that he was compelled to do so or disobey orders. Well, I suppose it had to be so—the “Onward to Richmond” spirit of the people had to be pandered to. The same impatience that caused the removal of one commander has caused the defeat of another. One more sacrifice has been asked for and obtained.
                I might have stated that on Sunday night the whole body of troops came back on this side of the river and the pontoon bridges were hauled out on the hills. We are now encamped within cannon range of the enemy’s fortifications. Indeed, they have thrown several shot clear over us.
                What will be the next movement?
                Hoping to hear from you all, I will close.

                                Yours affectionately,                              James.

P. S. When is Joe Ross coming back? Tell Bing to send me a piece of dried calamus in a newspaper.[1]    J.

*[Note inserted by transcriber:  This Capt. Mayes was Mother’s favorite cousin, son of Henrietta Myers Mayes, and the one for whom the G. A. R. Post in Franklin (PA) is named: The William B. Mayes Post.]

Next posting:  December 31, 2012

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

[1] Sweet flag, a reedy marsh herb with a pungent root. Over centuries it has been used as a perfume and a medicine.

December 10, 1862

By December 10th 2012

Frustrated by McClellan’s delays, on November 7 Lincoln replaced him with Ambrose Burnside. Chadwick appeared to be one of McClellan’s admirers; unfortunately no letter of his commenting on this change survives. Burnside accelerated troop movements, shifting the Army of the Potomac to the banks of the Rappahannock across from Fredericksburg. The plan was to assault the town, then press on toward Richmond.

                                                                                              Camp near White Oak Church,

                                                                                       4 miles from Fredericksburg, Va.,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   December 10, 1862

Dear Father:-

                Yours dated last week and also the week previous have been received. I have occasionally received newspapers which you have sent me.
                Yesterday we moved from Brook’s Station to our present locality which is about two miles from the Rappahannock River and distant as above from Fredericksburg. It was generally supposed among the men that we made this move for the purpose of getting near timber so as to go into “winter quarters,” but to-day has dispelled that illusion for we are ordered to have three days’ cooked rations and be in readiness to move on short notice. Twenty additional rounds of ammunition have been issued to each man also. Teams are in readiness to move the pontoon-bridge material down to the river and everything indicates that we shall cross or attempt to cross the Rappahannock at an early date.
                There is doubtless another great battle expected for the enemy are still seen in large numbers back of the City of Fredericksburg. Some of their batteries are also to be seen with guns mounted in position and everything in apparent readiness to give us a warm reception when we try to cross.
                We will cross in three or four different places as preparations are being made for throwing across as many pontoon bridges; I presume the right wing of the army will cross at or a little above the City of Fredericksburg. As you may recall, we are in the left wing. General Reynolds commands our Corps. He has been made a Major General and it is reported that General Meade who commands our Division has also been made a Major General.
                It is true that Deb. Beatty was taken prisoner as was also William Cramer, a son of Cramer in Scrubgrass. They were pickets and were surprised and captured. This happened more than six weeks ago.
                I saw our little “Bill” horse a few days since. He is in possession of Major Biddle of the 4th Cavalry who values him at only $500. He is said to be an excellent riding animal and is much larger than I thought he would be.
                I saw Everill Chadwick yesterday—he is well. The Rockland and Richland boys are all well.
                We have had some quite cold weather—about four inches of snow fell about four days ago and it is not all gone yet. It is very cold at night and clear. In the daytime it thaws some. The roads are bad. They are rough and in many places badly cut up by the army wagons. We could not go more than three or four miles a day were it not that the ground is frozen hard. Many a poor fellow suffers these cold nights as they have nothing to shelter them but a poncho or rubber blanket. I do not see how we can endure a winter campaign as the weather is so changeable.
               Tell Mother and Bing and the boys to write soon. Tell Miles that I have not yet received that box.
                I am,

                                                Affectionately your son,   J. D. Chadwick.

Next posting: December 17, 1012

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

November 12, 1863

By November 12th 2012

                                                                                                                                                         Headquaters Pa. Reserves.

                                                                                                                                                         November 12th, 1863 

Dear Father:

                Your letter dated last Wednesday was received yesterday. You say you have not heard from me for two weeks—perhaps you will get my letters both at one time for I have written every week. On last Saturday we started from Warrenton Junction at daylight and marched a little beyond Bealton Station without any opposition. When no[t] far from Rappahannock Station the skirmishing began which ended in quite a brisk fight. The enemy occupied the heights on the North side of the river in small force, but held a fine position being strongly entrenched and having a battery posted in two small forts which they had built. When our skirmishers began to press them a Brigade was sent to their assistance from Brandy Station as they thought we had no considerable force. It was about sunset when the Sixth Corps was formed in line of battle and slowly moved upon the works. I think it was the most grand sight I ever saw, our banners were floating on the breeze and the column moved majestically on. After the Sun had gone down and it was beginning to get dusk, the order was given to take the place by assault, which was done in a style that could not be surpassed. The enemy could not see the strength of our line until we were within twenty rods of their breast works. They only had time to fire one volley till the 6th Maine, 49th Penna, 121st N.Y. and 5th Wisconsin were over the rifle pits and then a hand to hand encounter ensued. The enemy had one pontoon bridge over the river and our boys rushed to it—cutting off their retreat—thereby capturing nearly all of them, their arms and the cannon in the forts. It was a decided success. We lost sixty or seventy in killed and two or three hundred wounded, but none in prisoners. I was all over the field early the next morning while the dead were being buried—I noticed that many of the rebels had been killed with the bayonet. Their loss in killed was less than ours as they had the advantage of the embankments and pits.[1]
                Our Division is now occupying excellent log quarters that were built by [Confederate Major General Robert E.] Rhodes [Rodes] Division. Genl. Lee had given them orders to build winter quarters. They left in such haste that they did not get all their stores away. The position our Division occupies is about one third of the way between Kelly’s Ford and Culpeper and on Mountain Creek. I believe we hold Culpeper and perhaps to the Rapidan. The railroad which was completely destroyed is now rebuilt to Bealton and it is expected that it will be completed to the river by the middle of next week. It has not been disturbed on this side of the river.
                What the intention of General Meade is I do not know—some think that he intends to advance across the Rapidan on Gordonsville—others think that he will swing around on Fredericksburg.
                The weather is fine now and favorable for Military operations, but will not in all probability continue so long. I omitted to say that our Division was not engaged in the late battle.
                Last Sunday Harvey Clover had a very narrow escape, he rode past our picquet line, and a rebel sharpshooter drew a “bead” on him—the ball passed through his coat and killed his horse, but he made his escape owing to the length of his legs. The Venango boys are all as well as usual. I have no particular news to give you. Hasn’t Frank gone to Pittsburg Jct? Tell Mother that those shirts she made me—so large around the neck—have shrunk so that they choke me now. I think of nothing more.

                                Yours affy,                          J. D. Chadwick

Next posting:  November 22, 2013

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

[1] The Second Battle of Rappahannock Station of November 7, 1863, was a Union triumph. Of the approximately equal forces involved (2000 men on each side), the Union lost some 419 in killed and wounded, while the entrenched Confederates saw nearly 80% of their force killed, wounded, or taken prisoners, approximately 1,670 men.

November 7, 1862

By November 7th 2012

It was Lincoln’s hope that McClellan would pursue the rebels and come between Lee’s forces and Richmond. McClellan, pleading need to resupply, moved only slowly, however.              

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Warrenton, Va.,  Nov. 7, 1862

Dear Father:-

                I received a note from you and one from William and Celestia this morning which were mailed a week ago last Wednesday. 
                I wrote you last when we were at Berlin, Md. We have been marching nearly ever since. We have met none of the enemy yet, although they left this place only yesterday at noon. We arrived here about 3:00 P. M. yesterday. It is now 10:00 A. M. and we have no orders to resume the march as yet but we may receive orders to go soon. It is very cold to-day and has been snowing for two or three hours. The soldiers are shivering around their fires with their blankets wrapped about them. We seem to be going toward Gordonsville. We crossed the Manassas Gap R. R. at White Plains yesterday morning.
                I have no news of any importance to give you this week and write only to let you know I am living and well and of my whereabouts.
                I saw Wesley Burgwin yesterday. He is in the 142nd P. V., which regiment is now in our Division. He came out in McCalmont’s company. He stands it very well so far although a puny, weak-looking fellow.
                Rockland boys well as usual. I may write you a much longer letter next week and perhaps a more interesting one. I will close for this week.

                                                Affectionately yours,     James

P. S. The ground is white with snow and still more falling.      J.

Next posting; December 10, 2012

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