Civil War Letters

June 24, 1863

By June 24th 2013

After defeating Hooker at Chancellorsville, in June Lee moved his army north up the Shenandoah Valley in hope of victories in Pennsylvania. The Union forces soon were in Lee’s pursuit, yet Hooker seemed  disinclined to tangle with Lee. On June 28, Lincoln replaced Hooker with General George G. Meade.

                                                                                                                                                                               Upton’s Hill, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                June 24, 1863

Dear Father:

                I again write you the accustomed note though I received none from home as yet this week. 
                We are now under marching orders to join the Army of the Potomac again—we are expecting to march tomorrow morning. I do not know just where the Army of the Potomac is at present but think it is out towards Middleburg, Hamilton or in the London Valley somewhere. Pontoons are being taken up the Potomac for the Army to cross on if needed.
                It is said that we are to be in the Command of General Reynolds again. It is a disappointment to some, as it was expected that we would stay here in the defences of Washington, or be sent to the border of Pennsylvania. The next few days or weeks will disclose startling news no doubt.
                There seems to be a general spirit of satisfaction among the men of the Army that the enemy have attempted an invasion of the Northern States. The only fear has been that they would not go far enough or stay long enough to arouse the people to a true sense of danger and unite factions, cliques and parties into one aggregate, having for the only idea and aim the unconditional restoration of the Union of the States.
                It will evidently have a good effect upon those who counseled and declared resistance to the draft. I have faith that all will yet come out for the best.
                All is bustle and confusion now packing up extra baggage to be sent to Washington—drawing seven days provisions and preparing to go in the morning. There is no news of any kind here now—all eyes turned to the Army of the Potomac. All the boys are well as usual.
                Hoping to hear from you all regularly, I am
                                Your affectionate son,  Jas. 

Next posting: July 7, 2013

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

June 11, 1863

By June 11th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Camp near Falls Church, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 June 11, 1863 

Dear Father:

                Your letter of June 3rd has been received. It found me not in the same place I was when you visited me but in the memorable state of “Old Virginia”. We left Washington about the first of the month and are encamped near Munson’s Hill and Falls Church. Why we were sent away from the City I cannot tell—some suppose it to have been on account of the bad conduct of some of the brigade, but I guess it was in anticipation of a raid by the enemy. Every night we have a strong picket force thrown out in front of us. We are along the line of the outer fortifications and have been employed in digging rifle pits in order to give the  “graybacks” a warm welcome if they make a call upon us. [Brigadier] General [Samuel W.] Crawford has been assigned to the Command of the Penna. Reserves. He is another Fort Sumpter hero, having been there with Maj. [Robert] Anderson, Doubleday and Seymour. We have had the honor of being commanded by three of those “immortal few”. At the time of the bombardment of Sumpter General Crawford was a surgeon in the U. S. Army. He was severely wounded at the battle of Cedar Mountain about a year since, and has not yet completely recovered from the effects of it. His antecedents I believe are good.
                It is just two  years ago this afternoon since I started with the rest of my company in a canal boat from Meadville, for the seat of war. Twenty three of that number are now under the sod. The record of the coming year cannot be more bloody, but there is no telling how or where we may be before the end of our remaining year. Governor [Andrew] Curtin made a speech to the students at old Allegheny and paid a high tribute to our Company, the All. Coll. Volunteers.
                I am glad that Sylvanus is doing so well, but I have told you often before that he is the smartest and most enterprising of all my cousins—at least of those whom I have seen. I regret to hear of the illness of my Mother, but hope ere this that she has totally recovered. All the boys of the Regiment are well as usual.
                A few days before we left Washington as I was sitting at the window of my room a razor peddler came up and asked me if I didn’t want a razor. I looked at the man—his voiced sounded as though I had heard it before. Who do you think stood before me? Well you wouldn’t guess, so I’ll tell you. It was nobody else than Michael McDavid. You may be sure it was a pleasant meeting—he asked about everybody in Rockland from Pap Gates down to Bingham. He said he would “give more to see that child than any one  in the world”. He lives in the City—is keeping a grocery—is married—has been for seven years—has a family of children. He lamented much that he did not get to see you and mother. I did not get to visit him at his house as we left in a day or so after I saw him.
                I think of nothing more to write,
                                As ever—affy.

                                                J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: June 24, 1863

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

May 29, 1863

By May 29th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Washington, D. C.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                May 29, 1863

Dear  Father:

                I write once more just to let you know that I am well, for we have no news here except what you have. All the boys are well as usual.
                I have got my pictures very neatly bound, but I do not know when I will have an opportunity of  sending them home. Judge Pettis of Meadville was here yesterday.
                Gid. Fry’s wife was here a day or two since—she was on her way to the Army of the Potomac where Gid is. Everybody is on the “qui vive” in regard to the siege of Vicksburg. No doubt is entertained of the ultimate success of Grant.
                The days are very warm and sultry now and the dust rises in clouds.
                Having nothing at all to write I will close.
                                                                                Yours  Affy.      Jas.

How did the children like their presents? 

Next posting: June 11, 2063

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

May 8, 1863

By May 8th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                               Washington, D. C.

                                                                                                                                                                                 May 8, 1863 

Dear Father:

                Your note of last week was received.  Nothing has transpired here since my last writing worthy of note. They have kept our Brigade quite busy receiving and guarding Rebel prisoners since Hooker’s move.
                We have got but few of the details of the affair at Fredericksburg, but it seems that Hooker is back on this side of the river. Though he was certainly not forced back by the enemy. It seems that the heavy rains that have been falling for some days past have carried away the bridge over the Potomac Creek at Brookes Station—thus cutting off our communication as completely as [Major General George] Stoneman did that of the Rebels.[1] The pontoons were also in danger of being carried away by the rise in the Rappahannock, which would have left Hooker in a bad box. It seems as if the elements had been against us this time, but Hooker will soon try it again I think.
                I regret to notice among the killed Col. McKnight of Brookville (of the  105th P. V.).
                I do not know but that you will have started to see me before this reaches you. In my last I wrote for a couple of shirts—towel—lithographs—&c. I had a letter from Frank a day or two since. All the Venango boys are well as usual.
                Captain Over has been dismissed from the service by the War Department for “disobedience of orders, and contempt of Military Authority”.
                Nothing more at present.
                                Yours  affy.

                                                J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: May 29, 2013

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

[1] Stoneman led the Union Cavalry in the Battle of Chancellorsville, April 30 to May 6, 1863.  He achieved some initial success, to which Chadwick seems here to refer, but in the overall battle accomplished little. Hooker blamed Stoneman for the lack of Union success at Chancellorsville and had him shifted to a desk job in Washington.

May 1, 1863

By May 1st 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Capitol Hill, Washington, D C.

                                                                                                                                                                             May 1st, 1863

Dear Father:

                Your letter enclosing one from Frank has been received. I have no news of importance to communicate to you this week and only write to let you all know that I am well.
                As I expect you to visit me soon I wish you to bring me a few things from home. I want Ma to send me a couple of white shirts and a coarse towel or two. I think I have a pair of cloth gaiters which, if not worn out, will be convenient for scuffing about in the room. I wish you would also bring me all those lithographs of the Faculty and my school-mates, as I wish to have them bound, or put in a photographic album. You may bring two or three of mine also. Please have them neatly put up so that they will not get rubbed or damaged. I do not think of anything else that I want, but if Ma thinks of anything she may send it. If I can possibly obtain a pass for a day or two I will go back with you as far as Baltimore and visit Sylvanus.
                Evrill is out at Fairfax Station about fifteen or twenty miles from here, but you can see him by obtaining a pass from the Provost Marshall. We are having a pretty good time and hope to stay here some length of time.
                Hoping to see you soon, I am affectionately
                                Yours,

                                                Jas.

Next posting: May 8, 2013

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

April 22, 1863

By April 22nd 2013

                                                                                            Capitol Hill, Washington, D. C.

                                                                                                                           April 22, 1863

Dear Father & Mother:

                I address you this time from “the city of magnificent distances” as a foreign prince once said of Washington. We came here day before yesterday and are in barracks a short distance and immediately east of the Capitol. We will undoubtedly stay here for some time as we have relieved the troops who were here doing patrol and provost guard duty. You will easily find us now when you come on your visit to this place as we are but a few rods from the depot where you will land. All the boys are highly pleased with the arrangement and will willingly put in the remainder of the “during” in this situation if allowed to do so. Col. Fisher is in command of the Brigade. The 1st Brigade I have heard nothing from and do not know what disposition is to be made of it. The 2nd is at Alexandria doing guard and patrol duty.
                I have not heard from Everill for some time. Sylvanus is still at Patterson Park Hospital. I wrote to him a few days since and told him that you were coming to visit me—he says he wishes you to be sure to call and see him as you come through Baltimore. Did you know that Unce Jer. is married again? He is but I cannot tell you whom to or anything about his wife. A young fellow who is in the sutlers establishment of our Regiment from Smethport, by name of Armstrong, told me that he was married. He says that John R. is doing very well—he is interested in extensive coal lands and they have now got a railroad through them. When you write let me know when you are coming. What is Frank’s address?
                Those letters from Ship and ma furnished me with reading matter for more than an hour but I finally deciphered them out. All the boys are well.
                I am affectionately,

                                Your Son

                                         Jas.

Next posting: May 1, 1863

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

April 16, 1863

By April 16th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Miners Hill, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         April 16th, 1863

Dear Father:-

                Yours of last week has been received. It found me well as usual, as are all of the Venango boys in this Regiment. I shall not argue with you in regard to the writings of Fowler, but I think him a benefactor of his race—as great as Wesley or Calvin perhaps. It is natural for us to have our likes and dislikes, and to be prejudiced and bigoted in our opinions against every new science and doctrine, but I believe the day to be not far distant when Fowler will be . . . and honored as a reformer universally . . . . [remainder of paragraph missing].
                . . . [I] hope that he [Miles] will stay there until he gets a thorough knowledge of the business. I think it all nonsence about Miles not being able to confine himself to the study of medicine. If he don’t learn printing he ought to study physic, or do something and not be trifling away his time.
                I had a letter from Jno. Lusher yesterday—he says Henry Smith is well. Their Regiment is doing provost duty in Murfreesboro.
                You say you think you can get away from home about the 1st of May. I do not know yet where we will be by that time but expect that we will be in Alexandria or very near there, doing provost duty, etc. We are now under marching orders, and are expecting to leave this every day. The order of General  Heintzleman [Heinzelman] assigns us (the 3rd Brigade) to Alexandria. It is said the 2nd is to be in Washington and the 1st at Frederick, Md., but I cannot vouch for the truth of that. If you would delay your visit for a week or two, say to the middle of May, I think it would be pleasanter. The Spring will have fairly commenced, the weather will be good, the roads also, and everything will conspire to make your visit more pleasant than it would be under other circumstances, but I will write every week and keep you posted as to our whereabouts.
                It seems that Charleston has not yet been taken, but that our Monitors were repulsed. Our Adjutant yesterday say  [saw?] Lieut. Jackson (an aid to Genl. Seymour) who witnessed the whole affair. He says that none of the ironclads are damaged materially, except the Keokuk which was sunk. He saw them all after the fight and was aboard of some of them. Had it not been for those obstructions in the Channel he said the boats would have battered it down as well as Sumpter, for on the N. E. side it is weak and would be easily demolished by our guns. Lieut J. says that “the city is bound to fall yet”. I would not wonder if the land forces would move about the time Hooker moves, which will be soon. Reinforcements are being sent to Hooker now from Alexandria and Washington. There will be warm times soon. I must close.
                                               Your Son
                                                                    J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: April 22, 2013

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

March 27, 1863

By March 27th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                Miners Hill, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                March 27, 1863 

Dear Father:-

                Yours of the 13th was received last Saturday—it found me well as usual. The weather has been quite pleasant for the past few days—the frogs and birds, heraldry of Spring, have made their appearance. The roads have not yet become good and I presume they will not be passable for the Army for some time. It is rumored that the Pennsylvania Reserves are to be sent to Frederick, Md., sometime before long, but we do not credit the story. I have been with my regiment since my return from the Army of the Potomac and have been acting Sergeant Major of the Regiment, but I do not know that it will be a permanent thing—it don’t amount to much at any rate. I would rather have it than a Clerkship in the Quarter Master’s Dept., as I have but little to do. I have time to read a good deal, which I do. I have just finished one of Fowler’s works and by the way an excellent book it is. I want to add it to the library and want all of the family to read it and especially Mother. The title of it is “Fowler on Matrimony”. [1] I am also studying Blackstone. [2]
                Prudence told you the truth about Sylvanus for he is “in charge” of all the Hospitals in Baltimore. As I wrote you once before, he is bound to succeed. I do not see how he got the appointment but I think he has got cheek enough for almost anything. He doubtless had the influence of General Kane.
                I am glad if Frank has concluded to go to Commercial School—hope it won’t be talk only.
                I had the pleasure of seeing Mary McCloskey (Rachel’s Sister) a day or two since. She is now here on a visit to her husband who belongs to the Clarion Company in this Regiment—his name is Morgan. She looks as well as when I first saw her. She says Rachel and her Mother’s family are well, and wishes to be remembered to you.
                Thom. Ross is now back with his Company.  Jess Pryer is well. As we have never heard anything from Alex. Solinger yet it is supposed that he has deserted. There have been but few cases of desertion in the 10th Regiment thus far—Major Jas. B. Knox is in command of the Regiment yet. Col. Warner has not yet recovered from the wound he received at the battle of Antietam. He is in Georgetown D.C. and will soon be able to ride again. Tell Miles that C. O. Johnson has been assigned to the 5th Regiment P. R. C. as Asst. Surgeon, so we have another Alumnus of Allegheny in the Reserves. Norris is yet with the Army of the Potomac and perhaps will stay there. William Shippen (Son of Richard Shippen) will be Quarter Master of the 10th Regiment now since Norris has left. Mr. Shippen (Richard) was here for a few days visiting his son. I have not seen Everill for a long time as his Brigade is stationed several miles distant. Our Chaplain, Rev. Jno. F. McLaren, D. D., writes for the Presbyterian Banner or Advocate—if you see the paper you will find his letters interesting.
                Hoping for the health and safety of you all,
                                I am, as ever, Your dutiful son, Jas. 

Next posting: April 16, 2013

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

[1] Orson S. Fowler, Fowler on Matrimony: or, Phrenology and Physiology Applied to the Suitable Selection of Companions for Life; Including the Analysis of Domestic Faculties; and also Directions to the Married for Living Affectionately and Happily Together (Philadelphia, 1841).

[2] William Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England were first published in England in four volumes 1765-69.

March 3, 1863

By March 3rd 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                         Miners Hill, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                March 3, 1863

Dear Father:-

                Your letter of February 21st, was received last Monday. I did not write last week as I had no opportunity to do so. I came up from Belle Plain last week and joined my Regiment. You talk of coming on a visit to Washington—I wish you would, but I would advise you not to come until the weather gets more pleasant. When you get to Washington, you will have to go to the Provost Marshall for a pass to come over the River. Miners Hill is seven miles from the Capitol. In all probability we will remain in our present locality for some time, but if we move I will let you know. 
                Write and let me know when you expect to come—but I would not advise you to come for at least a month yet.
                Tell Mary that I would be very glad to see her pet lamb. Furloughs are now being granted, but for only ten days. The time is so short that I think it is hardly worth applying for—I could but just have time to go home and come back again.
                Jo. Ross is in the Regiment Hospital though he is not very sick.
                The 3rd Brigade are encamped in a beautiful place and have good quarters. Colonel Fisher is in command of it. He expects to be made a Brigadier soon.
                I wish Francis would conclude to go to school this Summer, but he will do as he pleases about it. In you[r] next you can tell me what the boys are intending to do.
                I can think of nothing more that will interest you so I will close.
                                Yours affy.  J. D. C.

Next posting: March 27, 2013

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

February 11, 1863

By February 11th 2013

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Near Bell Plains, Va.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               February 11, 1863

Dear Mother:-

                Your very welcome letter dated the 3rd ult., was received last night. I am glad to know you are recovering from your sickness and hope you will not expose yourself imprudently. When I think of you all at home I often long to be there and be free from the monotony of Army life. I think, with a few good books I could be contented live in the cellar of the barn and see nobody from the beginning of the week to its end. I am tired of seeing soldiers and nobody else—but it is only a year from next July. It seems that you do not get my letters regularly every week—perhaps it is because I write a day or so behind time—I generally write on Wednesday or Thursday but sometimes the mail is delayed. I wrote to you last week that in all probability the Pennsylvania Reserves would go to Washington—this they have done. The division started up the Potomac yesterday on transports and steamers.
                I have been connected with the Quarter Master’s department of the 3rd Brigade since the death of General Jackson; and General Reynolds Commanding the Corps ordered that for the present, all Brigade Quarter Masters should retain their clerical force, so that accounts why I am left behind. I expect to join the Brigade however in a week or so at most.
                I cannot tell you what they are to do about Washington, but it is supposed they are to do provost and guard duty about Alexandria, Washington and Georgetown, and man the forts and fortifications. It is expected that new troops will be sent on to take our place in the field—but it is hard to tell what is to be done. All of the boys were very much pleased at the idea of going to Washington, as their former anxiety for fight is quite cooled down. Their curiosity to see the “butternuts” as we call them has become perfectly gratified. I would not wonder if, after staying in the district for two, three or four months we would again be put in the field. Although our ranks have been fearfully decimated, the portion remaining is the true grit. Take man for man and the Pennsylvania Reserves cannot be whipped. The health of all is good.
                The 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteers, as also the 121st, are left behind—the boys in these regiments are much disappointed as they thought they were going along to Washington. Colonel E. W. Davis tells me that he has some notion of trying to raise a colored brigade. I saw him yesterday—he is well. Lieut. Plummer, who was very low with fever, is recovering, as also Capt. John M. Clapp—Wesley Burgwin also recovering from a slight illness. I don’t think that he will be able to stand the exposure of a campaign he is so young. I wrote a long letter last mail and made a proposition to Frank about going to school the coming summer. What does he say about it? I have had but one letter from the boys during the whole winter. I don’t know what they mean by not writing. Enclosed I send you a bit of India Rubber from off a Military Telegraph wire. You can see by looking at the end how a little fine wire (seven strands) was twisted together. The advantage of this rubber coating is that they can stretch the wire along the road just as fast as a team can drive letting it lay on the ground, on the branches of trees, etc. as the coating is a nonconductor. The wire of course is perfectly insulated no matter what its position may be.
                I also send you a list of all the men ever connected with my Company and what has become of them. It makes me feel sad to look at it, for it is indeed a heart sickening record. Some of the best, most talented and promising young men I ever knew are among the number who sleep  in soldiers graves—on the heights of South Mountain, the Plains of Manassas and the banks of the Chickahominy. Alas! The horrors of war. [1]
                I had not time to get up the list in as good form as I might, but it gives a correct idea of the Company on the1st of January 1863. Please preserve it as I would not wish to lose it.
                I do not know that I will get any more letters from you until I join the Division but I will write regularly every week as usual. Kiss my little sister Mary for me—write soon again and all of you.
                                   I am, as ever, Affy, Jas. D. C.

Next posting: March 3, 2013

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

[1] Unfortunately, the is no transcript of the list. The location of the original letters is unknown to the writer of this blog.