Civil War Letters

February 17, 1864

By February 17th 2014

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bristol Station Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               February 17, 1864

Dear Father,

                Yours and Bingham’s letter was received on Sunday. It found me well. Jess Pryer arrived here a few days since and brought a shirt and two pairs of stockings from Mother. Many thanks to her for them. I have not worn a single pair of Government stockings since I have been in the service. I brought three or four pairs of home-made ones with me and being somewhat careful of them, and keeping them well darned they have lasted very well—besides Ma sent me two or three pairs once before. The shirt is very acceptable indeed—the only trouble will be in getting it properly washed and “done up”. Jesse had many items of interest to tell me—a visit with him was better than a half dozen letters from home—i.e. you know I could ask him from all the little things that you would not think of writing.
                A sad occurrence happened last Sunday resulting in the death of Majr. Larrimer of the 5th P. R. C. and two or three enlisted men. They were fired upon by guerillas from an ambuscade by the roadside. Harvey Clover was with the party—he killed one of the guerillas and made a narrow escape himself. The affair happened near Brentsville—a little town about two miles distant. A strong force went out to find the guerillas afterwards but with no success. It is absolutely unsafe to go out of sight of the camp. These land pirates are taking prisoners and murdering our men every few days. They seem to be getting worse too. The Veterans are beginning to return from their homes and the cars are filled every morning with men going to their regiments. The boys of the 4th Cavalry are expecting to go every day—they may have started already.  The weather has been very fine and pleasant for a week or two and the roads were quite dusty until last night when a little snow fell. I have taken my meals out of doors every day this winter—we eat under a tent fly, which protects us from the rain. Our living is quite plain, yet it is healthy—while I have comfortable quarters.
                Since I have been in the service I have always managed to have something to read or study and when I take retrospect of which I have perused I find that it amounts to a considerable. Here is what I have read since I came to Camp Pierpont. Military works, about 500 pages, [Walter] Scott’s Ivenhoe [Ivanhoe], about 300 pages, Bishop [William] Warburton on the union of Church and State 400 pages, Ruins of Empires, 200 pages. The letters of Pliny the younger 300 pages. Classical works 500 pages. Of Poems, 300. Periodicals such as, The Atlantic and Continental Monthlies, Ballon’s Monthly and The Phrenologocal  Journal 600 pages. Of Fowler’s publications 300 pages. Phonography [1] 250 pages, and Law 800 pages, having just finished reading the 1st Vol. of Blackstone’s Comtys.—making in all about 4750 pages, and not taking into account the amount of writing and work I have done, I flatter myself that my time has not all been squandered. What think you[?]
                One of my fellow clerks is an excellent violinist, I have a splendid flute, and having plenty of good music we drive away dull care by the “concord of sweet sounds”.
                I have told you all that might be of interest to you and will close for the time.
                                                I have the honor to be
                                                                Your Son

                                                                                J. D. C.

Next posting: February 26, 2014

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

[1] Shorthand writing based on sound elements.

February 11, 1864

By February 11th 2014

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Bristol Station Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 February 11, 1864

Dear Father,

                Yours, enclosing note from little sister, and a letter from Frank were all received last Sunday. I have written a note to Mary which please hand her.
                Everything remains as heretofore with our division. It is still in the same place and doing the same duty. Recruiting has commenced here again and quite a number are going into the “Veteran Corps” for another three years. There is a man here from New Jersey authorized to raise the quota of that state by paying very large bounties. Many are enlisting and being accredited to that state. Pennsylvania has missed it by not offering as large bounties as other states. This way the quotas of other states will be filled by Pennsylvanians.
                There was a movement out at the front a few days ago but it amounted to nothing more than a reconnoisance. We did not move at all. All the Rocklanders are as well as usual.
                The 4th Pa. Cavalry are expecting to go to the state in a few days.  A majority having reinlisted. Commissioned officers do not enlist. I presume that Barr and Maitland will stay with the Regiment.
                Do you know yet in what Regiment David Jolley is? I would like to go and see him. The weather is pleasant but cold at night. I am expecting Jess. Pryer back this week. The mail carrier is waiting on me so I must close.
                                                                In haste
                                                                                Your Son

                                                                                                J. D. Chadwick

I mailed an engraving of our present Division Commander yesterday to Mother—Genl. Crawford, and by the way as big an old fool as ever I saw—nothing but vanity and conceit in him.    J.D.C.

Next posting:  February 17, 2014

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

February 5, 1864

By February 5th 2014

Bristol Station, Va.

February 5, 1864

Dear Father,

Yesterday I received your letter of January 27, also, a note from Mary. I do not know why it is that I do not get the Rockland mail regularly on Sundays of each week. Now and then it don’t come until Thursday or Friday. I am glad to know that the boys are doing well in their schools. It seems to me almost incredible that Miles is 21 years of age.  Two brothers who are now men! You say that Frank will perhaps teach in Pine Grove “if he don’t go to war”.  Well, he must not “go to war” if money can exempt him—or Miles either. I never want a brother to enter the Army as “an enlisted man”. If  the boys cannot get exempted on account of disability (if drafted) borrow money and pay the exemption I will help to pay it back when I get out of the service if I have to earn it as a railroad paddy with my pick and shovel.
The fame of Wils. Davis’ exploits have already reached us here. I never heard of any relatives of the name of Chandler in Clarion County. Miss M. A. Chandler? Whose daughter is she—John’s or Richard’s? Don’t forget to tell me when you write again.
Your using the money I sent home was perfectly right—that was what I sent it for. I never paid any attention to your account of money given me while at school—I have an indisti[n]ct recollection of signing a “memorandum” but for what amount I have long since forgotten. Knowing that my father was a much different man from Old Dan (Squire) in the treatment of his Children, such things never troubled me. How much was the amount you furnished me? I have always intended to refund the money, as I have a desire to consider myself a self-made man (if I ever amount to anything). Has Domer repaid the money borrowed to take him through College? I hear that he has not paid Myers his exemption money.
Were I a free man today I could get a position tomorrow at $1200 per year. It is offered me—but here I am—and can’t resign. Never mind—it is all for the best—I have learned many a lesson since I have been under my Father’s roof, worth knowing. “The School of experience” is not so bad after all is said. A man to understand the ways of the world, must be knocked about a little and meet with difficulties and adversities. If rightly taken, he will be a better man, and better fitted to buffet with a cold and heartless world. According to an old adage “difficulties are to a strong man, what the strop is to the razor.”
When we will be discharged is still the perplexing question—nobody can find out for sure. I had a letter from John Jolly a few days since—he is teaching school. His family are well. I have not heard from Evrill or Sylvanus since I last wrote you. No Army news to give you, as everything remains in statu quo. I presume the veterans will begin to come back this week. Many have not yet received their furloughs, but are expecting to get them in a short time.
The Rockland boys are all as well as usual. I think of nothing more that might interest you. It seems to me that I were in your place, I could fill more than a part of a half sheet of paper.
You have no idea how we all enjoy news from home. I would like to hear from every member of the family weekly if it might be convenient.
Hoping for your health and safety,
Your Son

Jas

Next posting: February 11,  2014

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

January 27, 1864

By January 27th 2014

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Bristol Station,  Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 January 27, 1864

Dear Father:

                Yours of the 19th was received yesterday. It found me enjoying  good health and comfortable quarters. There is nothing of importance transpiring here now. I am kept busy here now in the office of the Chief Asst. Quarter Master of this division. He is a kind-hearted, gentlemanly fellow, so I have a pleasant time compared with what might be. I am sorry to hear that Charlie Reeser has done as you say he has. He may get into trouble yet. Do you know where Shaw’s son was caught? In all probability he will be shot as his is a case of deliberate desertion. It is a pity of his friends. There has never been a single man shot for desertion out of the Reserves yet. Nobody knows yet when our term of service will expire. Wm. Mays has got back again. Tell Shippen I have been expecting a letter from him for a long time—and little Mary also. Mother has not written me for some time—tell her I would like a specimen of her chirography once more if she can see to write. As I tell Bingham all the Rockland boys in the10th and 4th Cavalry are well. There is little or no sickness here in the Army.
                I think of nothing to interest you. Enclosed is a note for Bingham.
                                                I am, your Son

                                                                J.  D. Chadwick

Next posting: February 5, 1864

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

January 21, 1864

By January 21st 2014

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bristol Station, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       January 21st, 1864 

Dear Father:

                Yours of the 12th has been received. Day before yesterday I wrote a long letter to Frank and Miles, but having a spare hour today I will also write a line to you. Six months from today will be just three years from the date of the battle of Bull Run and of the muster in of the 10th Regiment at Harrisburg. So if kept until that time I have just six months to serve yet.
                Say to Bingham I am much obliged to him for his criticism. I am glad that he notices such errors, grammatical and orthographical, and is able to correct them. I do pride myself on being a tolerable speller, and am referred to, daily as a sort of walking dictionary. I have often felt grateful to my parents for urging the necessity of being thoroughly conversant with the old spelling book. I have supreme contempt for a poor speller.
                I am glad to hear that the books I ordered have been received. I wrote to the boys about commencing the study of them. I received the Journal of L. C. Smullen which you sent me. Poor fellow! He was my class mate at college and a brother member of old Philo Society.[1] I had heard of his death some time since, but his Journal is quite interesting to me. It shows just exactly the every-day-life of an enlisted man in the Army. His statement of cruel, heartless treatment etc. is undoubtedly correct. I have seen the same and worse myself, though I have never been the subject of such treatment. His Journal extended only over ten months—What would a history of a three years’ experience be?
                I am glad that my lithographic album has reached home safely. I was much afraid that I would lose it in moving about from place to place, but I managed to take good care of it. I value it highly. I have two or three other books which I wish I had at home. I have had excellent health for a long time, and am feeling first-rate now. Tell Mother that my gray woolen shirts are not yet worn out, but that they have shrunk so that they choke me even when the top is not buttoned. I have plenty of clothing, bedding, and enough to eat, though not such a variety as might be found on the “bills” at the “Metropolitan” or “Willards”. Jesse Pryer and others at home from the Army can give you all the news and answer all questions of interest to you. I received a letter from Evrill a few days since, enclosing his photograph, which I now forward to you. He don’t look as though a minie ball had passed through his vitals. His wound has healed up, but he suffers pain when he breathes or is jarred suddenly. With proper care he will be as well as ever in time. He does not expect to ever be back in the Army—but thinks he will serve the balance of his enlistment in the “invalid corps” about Baltimore or Washington. He would be “all right” as long as Sylvanus stays in Baltimore but he says that Sylvanus is about to leave for some Hospital in the west. Please put the picture where it will not get lost.
                Extend my “distinguished considerations” to Miss Chadwick and tell her that I shall look for that letter from her just as soon as she “collects her thoughts”.
                Hoping to hear from you all every week. I will close for this time.
                                                                                Yours affty

                                                                                                                J. D. Chadwick.

In your next, please give me your age, Mother’s and all the children’s.

Next posting: January 27, 2014

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

[1] During the 19th century nearly all students at Allegheny College were members of literary societies that greatly shaped the intellectual and social lives of the young men.  The two largest and dominant were the Allegheny Literary  Society and the Philo-Franklin Literary Society.

January 6, 1864

By January 6th 2014

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bristol Station, Va.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Jany. 6th, 1864

Dear Father,

                Your letters of the 18th and 26th of December have been received during the past week. Also a note from Bing and Mary which I answer and enclose with this. No news of any importance. Wm. Mays started for home on a leave of absence a few days ago. I sent my lithographic album home by him. I suppose you have got it by this time—please take good care of it and don’t let the children tear or soil it. I value it very highly indeed. I asked him to pay you a visit and spend an evening with you. Perhaps he has done so. If he did not get down to see you he will leave the album at the corners.
                Tell Ma that I do not know what has become of “Baltimore”.[1] The last time I heard of him he was with some cavalry Regiment. Incidents in the life of that little scamp since he has been with the Army would make an interesting book. The first time you see any of Uncle David’s folks ask them what Regiment David is in.
                I suppose that John Barr paid you a visit when he was home. We do not know positively when we will be discharged—there is a diversity of opinion in regard to it. Some say that we will be released in May (15th) the date that the Pa. Legislature organized our Corps. Some think that we will go out on the 8th day of June. Others are of the opinion that we will be kept until July 21st three years from the date of our muster into the U.S. service. I shall expect the latter and if I get out before so much the better. For the present I will close.
                                                Your  affet. Son.

                                                                J. D. Chadwick

 Next posting: January 21, 1014

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

[1] When the 39th Regiment, 10th Reserve, P. V. R. C. passed through Baltimore in July 1861, an African-American lad attached himself to it. His service running errands and helping to pitch tents won the soldiers’ approval. They called him ”Baltimore”; he served as the regiment’s mascot until he transferred himself to another outfit probably sometime in 1863.

December 24, 1863

By December 24th 2013

                                                                                                                                                             Warrenton Junction, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                   Decr. 24th, 1863 

Dear Father:

                Your letter mailed on the 16th ult. was received last Monday. You say you have not heard from me for a long time and think I must be sick, or that something has happed to me. You are wrong in the supposition. I never enjoyed better health than at present. I do not understand why you have not received my letters for the past few weeks. I have not failed to write to you, Mother or some member of the family every week. On the 16th of last month I mailed $10 to Mother’s address. Not having heard from it I have asked twice if it had been received. There is no doubt in my mind that it is lost and perhaps purloined from the mail before reaching Washington. I know of several who have lost money through the mails lately—I think I will cease remitting money in that way.
                We are still guarding the R. R. No news at all with the Army of the Potomac. We all have built long shanties for winter quarter, and are living quite comfortable. I have heard nothing from “Old Guni” for a long time—his Regiment, the 5th Pa. Cavalry, is still on the Peninsula. There is quite an excitement here among some of the Regiments about reinlisting. Many have gone in for three years longer. Excellent bounties are offered and men who can do nothing better at home may do well enough to reinlist. For me, “I can’t see it” in that light. Patriotism brought me out here in the first place and induced me to sacrifice three years of the best part of my life. Money can’t induce me to spend another three years as a soldier. If the proposed amendment to the conscription act is passed, repealing the $300 exemption clause it will institute a fine opening for enterprising young men in the north, won’t it? I think I will try to faithfully serve out the balance of my time and then consider that I have done my duty towards my country—for the present at least.
                It is a glowing theme and very nice to talk about—this “transmitting to posterity a great and glorious Government”, but under what obligations am I to “posterity”? “Posterity” has never done anything for me. I do not know that any of the Rockland boys have reinlisted. All of the boys with whom you are acquainted are enjoying good health.
                I omitted to say that I also received Frank’s letter mailed the same day as yours. I will answer it next week. Enclosed is a picture of the “man across the river” who has so frequently been a trouble and vexation to us. It is for Mary. Tell her that I am looking for another letter from her soon. Hoping that I may live to meet my brothers and sisters around my father’s table at home once more, I will close.
                                    Your affectionate Son,      J. D. Chadwick 

Next posting: January 6, 2014

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

December 17, 1863

By December 17th 2013

                                                                                                                                                              Warrenton Junction, Va.     

December 17th, 1863

Dear Father:

                Your letter of the 9th was received yesterday. If found me as well as usual. Everything here has been settled down into monotony again and in all probability will remain so during the Winter. The Guerillas trouble us considerable—making frequent dashes upon our outposts, capturing and often murdering the unwary soldier or officer who ventures out of sight of the camps. The Surgeon of the 83 Pa. Volunteers, was shot and killed by some of those land pirates within sight of the camp of his Regiment. A few days since near Catlett’s Station, a half dozen of these men dressed in our uniform rode up to Col. M. D. Hardin of the 12th P. R. C. who was riding along near the R. R. and shot him,—the pistol-ball taking effect in his arm making amputation necessary. These occurrences never will be stopped until we take to hanging or shooting these outlaws whenever caught.  Their famishing wives and families come to our camps almost every day for the purpose of trading butter, chickens etc. for coffee and sugar, with the soldiers, and at night they saddle up their horses and dash upon our picquets and shoot them down like dogs, and they away they go. If I had the power, I would remove every male resident in this portion of the state between the ages of sixteen and fifty.
                I have written regularly to you every week. I sent $10 to you on the 16th of November and as you have said nothing about it I fear it has been lost. Has it been received?
                You say Ma wants to know if I want some shirts, drawers etc.—I do not stand in need of any—a crock of apple butter would be the most acceptable gift she could send but of course that cannot be forwarded. I have those two gray shirts she sent me by Jo Ross last winter but they have fulled up so that they choke me if buttoned at the top. They have been a good institution.  I yet have one of those white blankets that she sent me while at “Pierpont”. The “P. V.” still stands out in bold relief in the center, though at the present time it is dimmer than it would be if it was well rubbed in soap and water. Since I entered the service I have never drawn a single pair of stockings from the Government. I have several pairs yet that I brought from home, though some of them are well darned. I don’t mean that the mechanical execution is at all stylish, but I used considerable yarn.
                John B. Maitland is still acting as A. A. Genl. In the 2nd Brigade of Gregg’s Cavalry—he only ranks as 1st Lieut. In my last, to the boys I told them all I knew about the Rockland boys in the 4th Cavalry. I think of nothing more.
                                                              Yours affy.     J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: December 24, 2013

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

December 8, 1863

By December 8th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Warrenton Junction, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       December 8th, 1863

Dear Father:

                Your letter of Novr.30th has just been received. I sent you $10. in a letter which I mailed about Novr. 16th—its receipt has not been acknowledged yet and I fear it has been lost. Let me know if you got it. You talk of the boys being drafted next January—I do not wish to hear of their coming into the army as private soldiers as long as $300 will buy them out for three years. After having tried the thing on I can speak from experience. In three years time they can each earn $300 i.e. $8 per month if they have to go to some town and hire out as stable boys or shoe-blacks. Then if they have any inclination towards improvement they will be their own masters. I repeat again that I never want a brother in the Army as an enlisted man. If either of them could enter the service as a commissioned officer I would not have so much objection, but I have seen enough of the treatment of the private soldier to completely disgust me. In my Regiment, from the Commanding Officer down, I esteem myself, (may be I am an egotist) the superior of every one of them in mental attainments, socially, and perhaps in morals, yet I am a soldier and they are officers. Besides their advantages in privileges, they are paid from $200 @ $105 per month while I who am a soldier—though doing the most work and suffering the most privations, get $13. Perhaps neither of the boys if drafted would be accepted—anyway they must not come into the Army as long as $300 will exempt them.
                You said that John Barr had talked of remaining in the service after the expiration of his three years—he couldn’t do better for he is a 1st Lieut. And gets about $30 per month—besides he is acting as a quarter master and is not necessarily exposed to bullets or inclement weather.
                Tell Mother I would like some shirts very well but they cannot be sent to me handily—no matter however—for I won’t suffer for clothing. I have on one of those gray wollen shirts she sent me by Jo Ross but I have to keep the collar open as it chokes me. I had a letter from Jno. Jolly a few days since. He and family are well. Nothing more.

                                                                Affy,    J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: December 17, 2013

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

November 22, 1863

By November 22nd 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Camp of 4th Pa. Cavalry

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Near Brooks Station, Va. 

 [no date; probably c. November 22, 1863]] 

Dear Father

                Being on a visit here before going to Washington and John Maitland intending to go home I have asked him to take a little money home for me—$75.00. I might have sent $25. more had I known it before coming here, but I did not know of an opportunity of sending by any one so I send what I happened to have in my pocket at the time. I sent $100. to Meadville by Lieut. Phelps who deposited it with Buck Brawley until called for. Please send one of the boys to Meadville for it—or make such disposition of it as suits you. Buck B. has it as I had a letter from him yesterday. If Frank goes to College this spring he might use it and save the trouble of sending for it now.
                I do not know when I will get up to Washington with the Division, but I expect to do so soon.
                I have seen Jim Troutman, Sam Bickle, Harrison Lusher, Robert Seaton and others from Venango County—they are all well.
                You will see John Maitland of course who can tell you all about the boys and matters in general. I know of nothing to write you that would interest you.
                I mailed a letter to mother day before yesterday containing a roll of my Company etc. Hoping to hear from you all I will close.

                                Yours affy,     J. D. Chadwick.      

Next posting: December 8, 2013

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