Ord

May 28, 1862

By May 28th 2012

              As McClellan gathered his forces to approach Richmond in May of 1862, Confederate Major General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson provided relief for that city by attacking up the Shenandoah Valley. His troops’ swift and concealed movements enabled him to surprise Union forces that had been reduced by dispatch of troops to the Richmond front. Jackson seized Front Royal  and Winchester from outnumbered Union soldiers. Lincoln promptly ordered a pincers movement from other Union divisions that should have cut off Jackson’s avenue of retreat and subjected him to flank attacks. But the Union generals and troops moved too slowly and Jackson’s men were able to move to the south end of the Shenandoah Valley, where the Confederates successfully defended themselves at the battles of Cross Keys and Port Republic.

Falmouth, Va., May 28, 1862

Dear Father:-

                I received a letter from you last week but none this week as yet, although I expect there is one somewhere floating around after us. My letters have heretofore been addressed to “Ord’s Brigade.” Since he has left us I suppose some are missent and go to his headquarters. These will not be lost, however, as some of his aides will send them on to me.
                We have had quite a stir here for a few days past owing to the report concerning the retreat of Banks. The circumstances are these as near as I can understand:
                Banks was near Strasburg as was also Shields. When the bridge here at Fredericksburg was about finished, a Division was formed for Ord of detached regiments which had been about Washington and Alexandria. I think some thirteen in all. We then had three Divisions, McCall’s, King’s, and Ord’s, as I wrote you before. About five days ago Shields’ Division arrived, having left Banks at Strasburg. They marched across from the mountains, there being no railroad or water communication from that place to here. As soon as the enemy found that Shields had left they attacked Banks and have driven him back to Harpers Ferry. We were already to move over the river when this news came. Ord has now gone to Harpers Ferry, via Washington—taken the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad—to assist Banks, while Shields has cut across via Warrenton Junction to get in the rear of the enemy. The whole affair is thought to be a grand strategic movement just to catch old “Stonewall” Jackson in a trap. If he has not got out of the way by this time he certainly will be caught with all his army. Banks seems to have made little or no resistance.
                The enemy have fallen back from our front about four days since. Our advance has been out about ten miles beyond Fredericksburg.
                I was unwell when Shields’ Division was here and did not get to see Merrick Housler or hear about Penrose. I suppose Sylvanus will know something about them. I will see him in a day or two.
                I had a short illness from remittent fever—had one chill—was quite sick one day—was in the hospital two days—took blue mass—quinine—neutral mixture, etc., etc. I feel quite well now only somewhat weak. There is much sickness here now, fever and chills, though no serious illness that I know of. The days are very warm while the nights are uncomfortably cold. This is the cause of so much sickness the doctors say.
                There is going to be an abundance of fruit here this season. Every fruit-tree, and they seem to grow spontaneously, is loaded with fruit.
                The 4th Cavalry is now encamped with our Brigade. All the Rocklanders are well, both in it and in the 10th Regiment.
                I had a letter from Domer yesterday and he gave me an account of his visit to Rockland and gave me more news of interest to me than I have received in a long time. Tell Bing and Mother to write soon, and Frank, too.  Miles has written but once since he went to Meadville. Hoping to have good long letters from you all soon, I will close for the present.

                                Affectionately,    Your son,   James

The fact of my having written this upon a board laid across my knees accounts for the poor penmanship.

 Next posting: June 11, 2012

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

 

May 21, 1862

By May 21st 2012

                                                                                                                                                                                                   Headquarters Third Brigade, P. R. C.

                                                                                                                                May 21, 1862

Dear Father:-

                I write again. We are still at Falmouth but will cross the river soon, in a day or two, perhaps, as the bridge is now finished and the cars ran over to Fredericksburg last night.
                There has been a change in the Third Brigade within the past week. General Ord has been ordered to take command of a division in this corps, composed of Generals Rickett’s, [Brigadier General George L.] Hartsuff’s and Bayard’s Brigades. He left us last Sunday. Every man in the Brigade felt that they were losing an Officer and a friend. He called the regiments up in line and bade them a formal “good-bye.”
                General Truman Seymour has been assigned  to the command of this Brigade. He is a good officer, graduated at West Point, is 37 years old, was an officer of artillery in the regular army and was one of the “70” who fought within the walls of Sumpter  last spring. He is very much of a gentleman and I think we will like him, though not better than Ord.
                When General Ord left he gave me a very flattering recommendation to General Seymour. I can continue in the office as long as I wish. It is just nine months since I entered this department to-day. I think I have gained much from being here as I have acquired something of a knowledge of business transactions. I am almost a necessity, having got the run of the papers and other affairs pertaining to the office.
                Thomas Ross is driving the headquarters wagon for the General.
                Joe Ross, Jesse Pryor, Dave Lovell,  Brad Wilson and the rest of the boys are in the company and all are well. I saw Hen Hughes, John Maitland and others of the 4th Cavalry boys—they are all well.
                Our Corps consists of three Divisions now—Ord’s, King’s, and McCall’s. [Brigadier General James]  Shields’ will soon be with us also. The 84th Penna. Regt. is in his Division in which Merrick Housler and Penrose Chadwick are. I am glad they are coming down so I will get to see them.
                I expect we will have a fight when we cross the river as the enemy are said to be in force only a few miles from us. When Shields gets with us, we will have an effective force of nearly  50,000 men. The enemy can send reinforcements in a short time, however, from Richmond. Nous verrons. [Fr.:  We will see.]|                Hoping to hear from you all, I will close. In great haste,

                                Yours affectionately            James

I send a fig leaf to mother. Strawberries are commencing to ripen.

Next posting: May 28, 2012

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

May 7, 1862

By May 7th 2012

                                                                       Headquarters Third Brigade, P. R. Co.,

                                                                           Falmouth Heights, Va., May 7, 1862

Dear Parents:-

                Although I have not heard from Rockland (except for Mary Stanton) for two weeks, I as usual seat myself to let you know where I am. 
                You see by the heading of this that we have left Catlett’s Station and I will give you a synopsis of our journey to this place.
                On the 1st, Friday, we received orders to march to Falmouth and started the next morning at 6:00 A. M. Traveled till 3:00 P. M. over roads almost impassable and camped for the night at Tillis’ Mill—distance eleven miles.  The next morning at 5:00 we started again and marched to Hartwood—distance 12 miles. The day was pleasant and in company with Norris, (a classmate, you recollect him) I went ahead of the troops for the purpose of leisurely viewing the country, talking to the people and gaining information from “contrabands” who flocked out to see the “Yankees.” [1]
                We stopped at the house of Isaac Botts, nephew of John Minor Botts, and got some corn-bread in the shape of “hoe-cake” from servants who had been left behind to take care of the property, Botts being in the rebel army and his wife in Richmond. [2] A middle-aged mulatto woman was in charge of the house and told us much of interest. She was quite intelligent; had raised her master from his infancy and been a mother to him. At the retreat of the rebel army from Manassas he sold her husband and daughter to a man from Richmond. Two children, her brother’s, about six years of age, had been left with  her from running North, as her mistress said.
                A little further on, we came to the plantation of a Mr. Paine. We stopped to look at the door-yard around his house which was filled with shrubbery and flowers. While there saw his wife and entered into conversation with her. She was very intellegent and lady-like woman. She said she had a son who was a student at the University of Virginia at the commencement of the war—a drafting officer came to the institution and took him into the army. She seemed much affected while talking and maternal grief and solicitude for the welfare of her son exhibited itself in her falling tears. She said, “If you ever come across Roy, treat him well for he is a generous-hearted boy and you will have a mother’s blessing for it.” In my own mind I could not help thinking of the feelings of my mother if the tide of war were the other way—a hostile army passing my home and I in the place of Roy Paine. But this is only one of the many evils and miseries of war.
                Sabbath, the 4th, at 5:00 A. M. we left Hartwood and arrived at Falmouth on the bank of the Rappahannock at 11:00 A. M., a distance of eight miles. Falmouth is an old place but not larger than Emlenton; the river separates it from Fredericksburg which is a beautiful town from here, not unlike Meadville. I have not been over but I believe we have one regiment there as piquets.
                There is quite a force of rebels within six or eight miles, so say contrabands and spies; their camps are visible from the bluff a mile or two below us. We are likely to have a fight near here as they are said to be concentrating forces as fast as they can by railroad from Richmond.
                As Franklin’s Division is with McClellan, our force is not over 25,000 at present—we might get whipped.
                There is a pontoon bridge over the river upon which teams cross daily. Timber is being taken out to repair the railroad bridge which the enemy burned when they vacated this place.
                All the Rockland boys are well. Penrose Chadwick was wounded at Winchester but I do not know how badly. I saw Sylvanus yesterday.
                General Ord has been promoted and confirmed by the Senate a Major General of Volunteers. Whether he will supersede McCall, as rumored, I do not know.
                I will close for the present.      Your son                 James 

Next posting: Mary 21, 2012

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

[1] Slaves who had fled to the Union armies were declared “contrabands of war” and allowed to stay with the troops doing all kinds of manual labor. The name “contraband” came to be used for all such escaped slaves.

[2] John Minor Botts was a lawyer and congressman who led a chequered career and at one time was mooted as a possible presidential candidate for the American party. He was a consistent backer of Henry Clay and turned from friend to enemy of John Tyler over political allegiance issues. Botts claimed to be a Southern Unionist. He was distrusted by the North and disliked by the South, the authorities of which imprisoned him for several months.

February 14, 1862

By February 14th 2012

 Headquarters Third Brigade, Camp Pierpont, Va., Feb’y 14, 1862

Dear Father:-

                Yours enclosing a note from Bingham was received last Monday evening. It found me not quite as well as usual as I have a very severe cold. I have been revaccinated but do not know whether or not it is going to take—it is quite itchy this morning. The small-pox is raging in Georgetown and Washington and many are dying of it. I do not know of any cases in the Reserve Corps, but General McCall has ordered his whole command to be vaccinated.
                We had a joyous time here in the Army rejoicing over the success of the Burnside Expedition of which you have heard ere this.[i] Such cheers as went up all along the line the evening we heard the news  could not be surpassed with brazen throats. The Brass Bands were all out and playing “Hail Columbia,” “Star-spangled Banner,” “Red, White and Blue,” and “Yankee Doodle.” National salutes were fired the next day at meridian.
                Mill Spring, Fort Henry and Roanoke seem to have set the troops almost wild with enthusiasm.[ii] The fact of the expedition up the Tennessee River finding the Union sentiment very strong, even in Alabama as well as in southern Tennessee, is certainly cheering. General Ord prophesied that the war would be over by the 1st of September next. Whether he is not a false prophet remains to be seen.
                Major Allen of the 10th Regt. is discharged from the service of the United States. Perhaps Adjt. Smith will be elected to take his place.
                The mud is still abundant—it rains just enough to keep it muddy.
                All the boys from Rockland are well. I think as a general thing we are more hearty here than the people in Pennsylvania. At least we are not troubled with that scourge, diphtheria, which is so prevalent in Pa.
                I must close for the present. Give me John Lusher’s address.
                My love to Mother and the children.   I am, Your affectionate son,

                                                                                                J. D. Chadwick

Next posting:  February 21, 2011
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335

[i] Union General Ambrose D. Burnside was leading an initially successful invasion of North Carolina by sea, reinforcing the Union blockade of the Confederacy and winning the Battle of Roanoke Island February 7-8, 1862.

[ii] The Battle of Fort Henry on the Tennessee River was won by Union Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant on February 6, 1862.

January 4, 1862

By January 4th 2012

                                                                                    Camp Pierpont, January 4, 1862

Dear Parents:-

                I seat myself to acknowledge receipt of yours of last week.
                I did not write to you last mail as I had not heard from any of you. I wrote to Mary Stanton. There is no news of importance to tell you, but I write to let you know that I am well.
                Am still in the A. A. General’s office, but with Capt. Ord, a brother of General Ord. Sion Smith has been relieved from duty and has rejoined his regiment.
                Capt. Ord is from California and is a sociable good fellow—he was appointed from Civil life.
                The officers of our Brigade made a New Year’s present to General Ord of a sword, sash and belt as a testimonial of regard and in honor of the Dranesville victory. The sword was a beautiful one with gold-plated hilt, cost $220. Col McCalmont made the presentation speech which was a very good one, indeed.
                The ground is white with snow this morning—the first we have had here. I received those blankets which Mother sent. They came in a box with things for the Venango Greys. Capt. Over saw your name on them and sent for me to come and get them if I wanted them which I did. They just came in time as the nights are rather cool, sleeping in these tents with the wind blowing through and whistling around. We have much high wind here, more a great deal than in Pennsylvania.
                It is now almost a certainty that [Brig.] General [Irvin] McDowell is soon to be the Chief Commander of the Army of the Potomac and it is said by those who know anything of affairs here that he will attempt  Manassas again as soon as the weather becomes favorable.  He knows he has men enough to do it and is burning for revenge for Bull Run. He has nothing to lose and everything  to gain. General Ord thinks he will take Manassas even if it be at the cost of ten thousand lives. Time alone will tell.
                The mail-boy is coming and I must close, hope that you all may recover from your sickness and that some one of the family will write every week.   I am, dear parents,  Your affectionate son,  J.D. C.      

 Next posting: January 23, 2012

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

December 20, 1861

By December 20th 2011

Camp Pierpont, Va.                                                                        Dec.  20th,  1861                                                                  

Friday evening, nine o’clock

My dear Mother:-

                I expected to write to you to-day, but have been waiting the last four hours in order that I might be able to give you the events which have been transpiring this afternoon within hearing. The Reserve Corps have had a fight!
                This morning about five o’clock the Third Brigade under General Ord started out toward Dranesville. By referring to those statistics I sent home last week you will see what regiments compose that Brigade.
                The object was to forage for hay, oats, and corn. The rest of the Reserve Corps were left in camp, except the “Bucktails,” who also went out.
                Near Dranesville our advance guard was attacked by the enemy’s throwing a few shells at us. The battle then began. Their force was about equal to ours. The engagement lasted more than an hour but we whipped them completely and ran them off the field. The 9th Regiment and the “Bucktails” were in the hottest of the fight. There were but two companies of the 10th regiment engaged but they did good execution as Adjt.  Smith told me he counted seven rebel privates and a Captain dead, killed by one volley from our two companies. Our loss is perhaps six killed and two or three times as many wounded. None killed in the 10th or 12th. Capt. Sam Dick, son of Congress man John Dick of Meadville, 9th Regiment, is wounded but not mortally.  Adjt. Sion Smith was struck by a spent rifle ball which bruised his side but did not break the skin. Sion has just finished describing the fight to me and lain down to sleep. He says there are in the neighborhood of fifty rebels lying there dead to-night. Eight prisoners were taken, some of them belonged to the 1st Kentucky Regt., others to South Carolina and Alabama. Nineteen of their wounded were taken to neighboring houses. It was a complete rout—the rebels threw down guns, blankets, knapsacks, cartridge boxes and took to their heels as fast as they could. Our men have brought in a great many relics. The Adjt’s black boy has brought in guns and accoutrements. They are here before me, and one of them all stained with blood. Sion has brought in a couple of blankets which he picked up. We will use them to cover us to-night as it is quite cool, especially toward morning. Some of the boys examined the pockets of a few of the dead rebels and took their pocket-books, etc. One of them showed me a Confederate $20 note. General Ord severely reprimanded some of the soldiers whom he saw cutting the buttons off the coat of an Officer who was lying dead. He said, “Let him alone! He was a brave man though he was fighting in a bad cause.” Strange how hardened a soldier becomes!
                It must have been an awful sight though no worse than any other battle-field. There were headless trunks and mangled features scattered over the ground in every direction and deep groans of the wounded and dying could be heard all through the wood. The enemy’s position was in a dense growth of small pines and brush. Our Battery of Artillery silenced them, killing six of their horses and destroying their caissons, but they managed to get their cannon off the field. It is said that Col. McCalmont was the coolest man on the field. General Ord is lauded highly for his bravery and coolness. He superintended in person the placing of our Artillery while shot and shell were flying all around him.[1]
                I will send you a cartridge of a breech-loading rifle which was taken this afternoon—it is something of a curiosity.
                It is said by a prisoner who was taken a few days since that if the weather continues fair a few days longer they intend to attack us. Perhaps they may. Let them come!
                All the Rocklanders are well except Alex Solinger who has a touch of jaundice. Please write again as soon as convenient—Good night, dear mother,
                                Your affectionate son,  James

Next posting: January 4, 2012

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

[1] In the Dranesville battle of December 20 the Confederate troops of Brigadier General J. E. B. Stuart took 194 casualties, while Ord’s Union forces suffered 68. The College Company defended the left flank of an artillery battery successfully and took no casualties. Scarcely had the company’s flag been unfurled when it was greeted by a rebel shell that caused the green volunteers to duck frantically, though the missile flew far over their heads. In time they would joke about this behavior and appreciate the errant paths of other misfired volleys.

December 12, 1861

By December 12th 2011

                                                                                                                                          Headquarters Third Brigade                                                                                                                                                    McCall’s Division                                                                                                                                                        Camp Pierpont, Va.

                                                                                                                                                               December 12, 1861

Dear Father:-

                Your letter dated the 2nd ultimo has been received and having a leisure half-hour I will reply.
                As the morning papers still say, “Everything is quiet along our lines,” this morning. There was another alarm yesterday along the lines of Heintsleman’s  [Brig. General Samuel P. Heinzelman] Division, in consequence of which the entire Army of the Potomac was held in readiness to move at a moment’s notice, but the advancing forces were only a party of rebels making a reconnaissance, so, as I said before, everything became quiet last night as usual.
                I paid a visit to the City yesterday and as it had been announced that eulogies were to be delivered in the Senate on the death of Senator Baker who fell at Ball’s Bluffs, I went into the Senate Chamber and listened to the speeches from several members who spoke. The galleries were filled to  overflowing. President Lincoln came in and took a seat on the rostrum beside the Vice President, who, you know, is Speaker of the Senate. Speeches were made by [Lyman]Trumbull of Illinois, [Simon]  Cameron of Pennsylvania, [Milton] Latham of California and three or four others, but the most eloquent was delivered by Charles Sumner of Massachusetts. His was [a]very touching tribute to the memory of the deceased Soldier and Senator. He closed by saying it was useless to call Courts of Inquiry as to whom should be blamed for that massacre. “Who has brought mourning to many a hearthstone and bereaved us of loved ones? What has endeavored to destroy our Government and rend its banner from the Breeze? What murdered our Brother Senator while he was doing his duty toward his God and his Country? The live current of that noble breast as it oozed forth, calling for vengeance, said ’twas SLAVERY!”
                I think it was one of the most eloquent speeches I ever heard.
                There is a movement on foot in Congress for the abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia. I do not doubt that the bill will pass. It proposes to free the slaves of rebels without, and of loyal citizens, with compensation.[i]
                Is it not high time that the shadow of our Country’s flag, as it floats from the dome of the Capitol, should cease to fall upon a class of oppressed and servile bondsmen? But I know your sentiments on that subject. Every great reformation that has ever been ushered into the world has been attended with revolution and bloodshed. What is to be the future of our Country? What is her destiny? In reflecting on these questions I sometimes yearn to look unto the dim distance of futurity for the solution. This war, though a dread scourge and affliction, will make us a better people and will certainly advance the principles of Liberty and Human Rights. Is it not so?
                I received the Western Christian Advocate which you sent, for which accept my thanks. It is the first religious newspaper I have seen for two months. I have not heard a sermon preached for nearly  three months. Our Chaplain is away at present and when he is here, my labor interferes with my going to morning service, as I have to make out the Brigade report to be sent to General McCall. I manage to  get enough good reading matter to keep me busy when I am at leisure in the office.
                We have had the most beautiful warm weather that you can imagine, just like the middle of May in Pennsylvania, lacking the sprouting grass and flowers. The roads are very dusty and dry.
                Mother need not send me anything, as I received last week from Meadville a pair of socks, mittens, gloves, wristlets, etc., so I am quite well provided for.
                Andy Davidson is not dead. I saw him a day or two since. He had been laid up by a kick from a horse about a month, but is well now.
                Matthew McDonald was down last week to the 105th Penna. Regiment  below Alexandria and saw Harvey Jolly and the boys from Richland. They are all well. I intend to go down to see them before long if I can get time.
                I thank you for offering to send me money if I need any. I do not stand in need of any at present—my expenses are not very much. I spend nothing unnecessarily.
                This afternoon our Division is to be reviewed again. You may be curious to know the strength and disposition of the Reserve Corps. I saw the Division Report of last month and take from it the following statement which may interest you.
                First Brigade—commanded by [Brig.]General [John Fulton]Reynolds—

                      Staff – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                         5

                     1st Regt. —Col. Roberts – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                      901

                     2nd  “       —Col. Mann – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                       440

                     (Gov. Curtin is sending on companies to fill up this regiment)

                     5th Regt.—Col. Simmons – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                       944

                    8th    “     —Col. Hays – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                 __892

                                                                                                                                                  3182

                Second Brigade—[Brig.] General [George G.] Meade

                     Staff – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                      5

                  3rd Regt. —Col. Sickles- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                  933

                  4th     “     —Col. Magilton- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                    819

                 7th     “     —Col. Hervey – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                    922

                11th    “        —Col. Gallagher – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                _ 978  

                                                                                                                                               3657                                                                                                                                                  

                Third Brigade—General E. O. C. Ord —

                Staff ­- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                    

               6th Regt.—Col. Ricketts – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                     957

              9th Regt.—Col. Jackson – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                      977

            10th Regt.—Col. McCalmont – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                       974

            12th Regt.—Col. Taggart – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                  __858                                                                                                                                                   3766

                Unbrigaded—

            1st Artillery—Col. Campbell – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – -402                           

            2  24-pounder Howitzers

            2  12-pounder guns

            1   24-pounder Parrot gun

             6  10-pounder Parrot guns

            6    6-pounder brass guns

         17 Field pieces

           1st Cavalry—Col. Bayard – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                  897

           1st Rifle  Regt.—Col. Biddle – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                  905

                                                (The Bucktails)

         General McCall and Staff – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –                 __     8

                                                                                                         Aggregate – – – – – 12817

                This letter is surely long enough. My love to all the family,

                                I am, as ever, Your affectionate son, James

Next posting:  December 20, 2011

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

[i] Slavery was abolished in the District on April 16, 1862.

November 28, 1861

By November 28th 2011

                                                                                                                                      Headquarters 3rd  Brigade,                                                                                                                                      McCall’s Division,                                                                                                                                      Camp Pierpont, Va., Nov. 28, 1861

Dear Father:-

                Everything here is as it has been—no excitement of any consequence except a scouting party goes out every few days and either takes a few prisoners or is taken itself. Day before yesterday a part of two companies of cavalry belonging to [Brig. General Fitz-John] Porter’s Division were out beyond the line of piquets making a reconnaissance when the first thing they knew they were cut off by a body of infantry and a squadron of cavalry. They were about all taken prisoners as it was impossible to make a charge by which they might escape.
                Last night the regiment of cavalry belonging to our Division, 1st Penna. Cavalry, went  up toward Leesburg, beyond Dranesville a mile or two and had a brisk skirmish which resulted in the capture of  13 of the genus  “secesh.” One of the prisoners was so severely wounded that he died this afternoon. He had been shot through the head, the ball entering at one temple and coming out his opposite ear. The poor fellow was sensible till the moment of his death and said he wished he might be permitted to go back to his people just to tell them how kindly he had been treated since he had been taken prisoner. He said he never expected to be so kindly treated by our men. He will be buried to-morrow with the honors of war, if  “honors” they can be called.
                One of the prisoners is a celebrated Dr. Day who gave a great supper in honor [of] the rebel victory at Bull Run. I guess he will lodge a while in the “Old Capitol Building.”
                I believe we lost none killed although several were wounded. Col . [George D.] Bayard, the commander, was grazed on the thigh by a bullet and had his horse shot down under him. Asst. Surgeon Dr. [Samuel] Alexander was shot in the  groin; he is better this evening, but his wound is considered very dangerous.[1]
                The party came by our headquarters this morning about eleven o’clock. Not a pleasant sight, some of them spattered with blood and horses without riders.
                Our Cavalry Regiment is well equipped; they are armed with a saber, a large size Colt Navy revolver, and part of them have breech-loading carbines or short rifles.
                [Brig.] General [E. O. C.] Ord seems to be a very precise and particular man. Last Sunday he inspected the regiments of the Third Brigade and “came down” very hard on captains of companies whose men had the least bit of dust or tarnish on their muskets. I guess he will keep the boys busy. I have not had to take care of a gun for more than two months, but perhaps I may have to again before long.  General Ord says he will make a move before fifteen days if we make one this winter.
                The newspapers say the Reserve Corps will winter in Leesburg—they probably know.
                Give my love to Ma and the children.
                I am, dear Father,
                                Yours affectionately,

                                                James.

 Next posting:  December 12, 2011

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

[1] Dr. Alexander died. For a more detailed description of this skirmish, see Levi Bird Duff, To Petersburg with the Army of  the Potomac: The Civil War Letters of Levi Bird Duff, 105th  Pennsylvania Volunteers, ed. by Jonathan E. Helmreich (Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2009), 30. Duff, who rose in rank from private to lieutenant colonel, was a graduate of Allegheny College in the class of 1857.