Civil War Letters

October 28, 1862

By October 28th 2012

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Berlin, Md., On the Potomac

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Oct. 28, 1862

Dear Father:-

                Your letter of the 22nd was received this morning.
                As you see by the heading of this, we are finally on the move again. We started from Sharpsburg on Sunday about 11:00 A. M. and marched until 10:00 at night through a continuous cold rain. Then built fires and stayed until morning when we again started and traveled until we reached our present destination.
                Burnsides Corps has crossed the river here and are near Lovettsville where we expect to go to-morrow. There is a pontoon bridge thrown across the river over which the troops go. I can not tell you  where we are going, perhaps through Snicker’s Gap or toward Front Royal. We have to take five days’ rations with us. It is reported that the enemy has fallen back toward Gordonsville, but this is only a rumor. It is certain that they have drawn in their pickets which were all along the river. I think the troops are moving up about Harper’s Ferry, but I am not sure.
                Thomas Ross received a letter from Joe this morning from a hospital in Washington. Joe is rather unwell—is troubled with a pain in his side, etc. I guess he is just like a great many more in the army—completely broken down.
                The health of the 10th is quite good.
                We are all expecting some startling developments in the course of a few days or weeks at most as the stone has commenced rolling again. We certainly have sufficient force in the field now to beat the combined forces of the enemy, take Richmond, or almost anything else.
                I am sorry that politics run so high in many places of Pennsylvania. It has a decidedly bad effect at the present time—don’t you think so?
                I thought I would drop you a line this evening as we may not have mail facilities for some days. Hoping that you will all write, I will close for the present.     Yours affectionately.     J. D. Chadwick

Next  posting: November 7, 1062

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

October 22, 1862

By October 22nd 2012

                                                                                                                                                  Sharpsburg, Md., Oct. 22, 1862

Dear Father:-

                Your favor of the 15th has just been received.
                I am sorry to hear of the illness of my little sisters. I have been fearing that pestilence, Diptheria, would make its appearance in Rockland, as it has been raging so fearfully across the river for several months. I think it is to be dreaded as much as Scarlet Fever among children, for it is so fatal. I hope by proper care and nursing the children will have recovered before this reaches you.
                I received a letter also from Mary Stanton. She says you have plenty of fruit. I really long for some of your good apples as we very rarely see an apple here and then they are of a very poor quality and two or three dollars a bushel at that. It seems that the people in this part of the country are thinking of nothing else but making money.
                There are indications that we will make a move from our present location before long, but where, I do  not know. It is thought that the policy of the Generals is to leave a small force here to protect Maryland and Pennsylvania and then to strike up through Thoroughfare Gap and get in the rear of the enemy via Manassas.
                The weather is perhaps as cold here along these mountain ridges as it is with you. It is a common sight about two or three o’clock in the morning to see fires burning all over camp and fellows sitting shivering round them trying to get warm. They do not have blankets sufficient to keep warm in their tents. There are no prevailing diseases here except diarrhea and no deaths that I hear of. I believe after all there is less sickness here than you have at home.
                Enclosed I send a picture of Col. McCalmont as he appeared while in the service, which please give to Clara. [1] Also a ring for Mary Emma which I made myself with a pocket-knife of a bone which I picked up near the battle field of Antietam—it is not a human skull however so you needn’t have compunctions of conscience while handling it.
                I never knew until a short time since that General [Jesse] Reno was a native of Venango County.
                General Jackson is now back and in command of the Third Brigade as before. Col. Kirk’s resignation has been accepted and he goes home to-morrow.
                Hoping for the happiness and the health of all the family, I am

                                [Affectionately  yours,        James D. C.]

Next posting: October 28, 2012

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

[1] Clara was the eldest of James’s two sisters, being sixteen at the time of his enlistment.

October 16, 1862

By October 16th 2012

Following the Confederate withdrawal from Maryland after Antietam, both armies paused to lick their wounds. Rebel Major General J. E. B. “Jeb” Stuart, however, was able to demonstrate the fecklessness of the Northerners by riding his cavalry (for the second time) completely around McClellan’s forces, raiding into Pennsylvania and capturing over a thousand horses while losing only  two men.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Headquarters Third Brigade, P. R. Co.,

Near Sharpsburg, Md., Oct. 16, 1862

Dear Parents:-

                Again I write to you although having nothing of importance to communicate.
                Of course, you have heard of the daring feat performed by the rebel cavalry under General Stuart. They went completely around us and are safely across the river into Virginia again.
                Since I wrote to you last, there have been two new regiments added to our Division, the 142 Pa. Vols., of which A. B. McCalmont is Lieut. Col, and 121st, in which are two or three Venango companies and of which E. W. Davis is Lieut. Col. They are encamped within sight of us and I see the Rockland and Richland boys nearly every day. They are all well yet, but I think the coming campaign will try the “spirit of their mettle.”
                I have not yet received your letter which I suppose you mailed last Wednesday, but am looking for it to-night. The mails are not as regular as they have been heretofore.
                I saw Everill yesterday. He is well. He showed me a letter from Uncle Jeremiah, Celista, Linden and some more the children who are all well.
                I had the pleasure of a visit from Prof. Williams the other day. He is still Chaplain of the 111th Pa. Vols., which is at Harper’s Ferry now. He told us of a rather interesting adventure with the rebel cavalry the time they made the raid at Catlett’s Station. He was there at the time, and only escaped being taken prisoner by hiding in a pile of fallen trees and brush. The cavalry passed within a few feet of him several times but he escaped unnoticed. His son, Octavius, who belongs to my company, has been discharged as his wound received before Richmond has totally unfitted him for military duty. The Professor has another son, about Miles’ age, in the11th who is a musician. His son-on-law is in some regiment in Siegel’s  [Major General Franz Sigel] Corps. The Williams family have done well for the war.
                Col. James T. Kirk has sent in his resignation as Colonel of the 10th. If it is accepted, which is altogether likely, Lieut. Col. Warner will be the Colonel if he is not made a Brigadier General and Major Jim Knox will be the Lieut. Col. Lieut. Col. Warner has so distinguished himself during the recent battles that he has been recommended for promotion. He is now away at some hospital, wounded.
                The Rockland boys in the 10th are well as usual.  Joe Ross is, I think[,] in some hospital in Washington, but was not very sick the last time I heard from him. Matthew McDonald, who was thought to have been but slightly wounded, has had quite a serious time of it—is still in some hospital. I expect he will get his discharge as soon as he is able to leave. Brad Wilson and Tom Ross are driving teams in the supply train. Alex Solinger and Jesse Pryor are with the regiment as well. Happy is the man who has his health—especially in the army!
                To-day we saw two flocks of wild geese flying, hence surmise that you have had some cold weather up north. The fall has been very dry and warm thus far, but within the last week we have had a couple of quite cold nights.
                Everything remains in statu quo here, but it is not at all likely that we are going into winter quarters until something more is done.
                I can’t say that I every felt really homesick since I came into the service until to-day. I would give a great deal to have a furlough for two or three months, but this is altogether out of the question as furloughs for so long a time are not granted and then only in cases of disability.
                Hoping to hear from you all, soon, I am, Your affectionate son,

                                                                James D. Chadwick

 Next  posting: October 22, 2012

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

October 7, 1862

By October 7th 2012

After his victory at Second Bull Run, Lee pushed north into Maryland. At the Battle of South Mountain, Chadwick’s colleagues in the College Company fought well; one young lad from Espyville was killed, and two others died of their wounds. The Union forces pursued the rebels and Chadwick’s company participated in a skirmish that was a prologue to the Battle of Antietam near Sharpsville, Maryland. That bloody battle fought on September 17 was close to a draw but could be considered a Union victory.

                                                                               Headquarters Third Brigade, P. R. C.

                                                                               Near Sharpsburg, Md., Oct. 7, 1862

Dear Father:-

                Your letter bearing date Oct. 1st has just come to hand. I hasten to reply. I mailed a letter to you about a week ago which I wrote near Washington when trying to get back to the Division. I succeeded in getting on the cars at Washington and came by rail to Sandy Hook, near Harper’s Ferry, from which place I walked to our present location, arriving in camp about 9:00 A. M. on Sabbath. I found the boys generally well, but many I missed—they being among  the “Honored Dead”.  
                My company suffered very severely in the engagement at South Mountain for the number of men engaged. She had but one killed on the field, although those who were wounded were all dangerously so—one of whom died of his injuries day before yesterday.
                You say you have lost all track of my company, Captain, Brigade, etc. since our return from Richmond. Everything is just as it was and has been for a year. My Division is the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, Third Brigade, 10th Regiment, Company I, Captain Ayer.
                I explained once to you how the10th Regiment, P. R. C., and the 39th Pennsylvania Volunteers mean one and the same organization. Our regiment is the39th in number raised in Pennsylvania and the 10th in number of that particular organization known as the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps, which consisted of fifteen regiments and was raised according to an act of the Pa.  Legislature, dated May 1, 1861. The number “39” is scarcely ever used when referring to our regiment. The 10th P. R. C. being used.
                As to your not knowing where to find our Division in the papers, I think you are only speaking comparatively, for there should not be a child in America, north or south, who has not heard of the PENNSYLVANIA RESERVES. This Division was under Hooker in the late battles in Maryland until he was wounded. Then the Division was under Reynolds as a Corps Commander,— he taking Hooker’s place,—and under Meade as the immediate Division Commander. Reynolds still has charge of the Corps, which consists of the Divisions of Ricketts, King, Doubleday and ours. McCall is not with us and has not been since he was taken prisoner. He has been nominated for Congress. Meade is still in command of our Division and I suppose will be for some time. The Col. of the 10th, James T. Kirk, is in command of the Third Brigade temporarily, as General Jackson, formerly Col. of the 9th, is absent, at home and sick.
                I have been all over the battlefield of Antietam, which is but one-half mile from here. I could scarcely endure the stench of dead horses which cover the fields. It is no uncommon sight to see the dead sticking partly out of the ground and in more instances than one I saw skulls lying on top of the ground. There was not even the sign of flesh on them so entirely had decomposition taken place. Such sights have become common.
                I saw Dr. Klotz yesterday. He is Captain of a company in one of the new regiments. Jeremiah Birtcil is in a regiment near at hand, but I have not seen him yet. * I saw Sam Bickle at that convalescent camp, he had been sick but was recovering.
                When I got back to the Division I found several letters among which were a number from home. I have not seen the Citizen for perhaps four months. I would be glad if you would send it to me occasionally.
                I expect we will move again before long. McClellan has received quite a large reinforcement of new troops. I prophesy that we will be in possession of Richmond before six weeks.
                There was some talk of the Penna Reserves being sent home to their State to be recruited again, but I guess when we are sent it will be toward the rebs and in the front as usual.
                I think of nothing more at present.  My love to all. Kiss Mary for me.

                                Yours affectionately,           James 

Next posting: October 16, 2012

Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College

Meadville, PA 16335
 

 

October 1, 1862

By October 1st 2012

                                                                                                               Near Fort Blenker,

                                                                               2 miles N. W.  of  Alexandria, VA.,

                                                                                                                            Oct. 1, 1862

Dear Father:-

                I am out of the hospital at last, but only “out of the frying -pan into the fire” for I have been sent to the Convalescent Camp near Alexandria instead of being sent to my regiment as I desired. 
                I had been at the Camp only a day or so and had become so disgusted with the place that I left it yesterday and am now up about one and one-half miles distant with a detachment of the 124th Pa. Vols., who are going to Harper’s Ferry to-morrow. I am to go with them to that place and then I can find my Division in a day or so.
                There are about 12,000 or 15,000 men at that “Convalescent Camp”—some stragglers—recruits—paroled prisoners—convalescents—and deserters.  It is a horrible place to stay, being very dirty, filthy and infested with vermin.  Such a set of fellows as those prisoners from Richmond you never saw—ragged, dirty—LOUSY and without money.
                George Junkin  and Pete Conver’s brother are among the number, they are well but look in a sad plight. John Nickle is a nurse in a hospital in Alexandria. Harrison McDonald’s son, William, is quite sick in the camp of his regiment—the105th—and I was over to see him yesterday. He has had a fever and it has settled on his lungs. I fear he will not live long. His discharge is being made out and he may get home soon. I asked the Captain of his company, an old classmate of mine [Levi Bird Duff], to do everything in his power to hurry up his discharge. He said he would. 
                John  Downing is in that convalescent camp,  recovering from his wounds. John Compton is also there endeavoring to get to his regiment.
                If we get to Washington this afternoon, we will start for Harper’s Ferry in the morning. I am anxious to get back to the Division.
                I send a list of the casualties of our Division which you may not have seen. I think the Division is somewhere between Sharpsburg and Harper’s Ferry.
                Direct letters to the regiment for I shall surely be there soon if nothing happens. I have fully recovered my health, though not my strength, this I will soon gain, however, for I have a good appetite. I expect to mail this as we go through Washington. We are to take cars and go by rail.
                I will close,          Yours affectionately—J. D. C.

Next posting: October 7, 2012

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

September 24, 1862

By September 24th 2012

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Georgetown College Hospital

                                                                                         Georgetown, D. C., Sept.24, 1862 

Dear Father:-

                Having written a long letter to Mother last week, I have nothing of interest to write this time, yet I will keep up the habit of writing to you every week if I have nothing more to say than that I am well.
                I did not expect to have been here so long as I had intended to go to the Division on Monday last, but I, with many others, am detained for the present from going to where our Divisions are by an order of “the powers that be.”
                As there would be difficulty in finding the troops to which we belong in consequence of their continually moving, we are not allowed to go. However, we are liable to be ordered away any day. I am impatient to get back to my post and away from the Hospital for I’m perfectly tired of hospital life. I’ve” seen the elephant.”-— [1]
                I have not heard anything from the 10th Regiment since I left them except that which I have seen in the daily papers.  Lieut. Col. Warner was wounded in the hip. Capt. Over was also lightly wounded. I believe this was the first engagement in which Capt. O. has participated, Cochran generally having command of the company. The Philadelphia Inquirer of yesterday says that the 10th sustained a heavy loss but no list has been given as yet. I learn from a reliable source that Lieut. Howe of my company was seriously wounded in the breast. This leaves Co. I without a single officer—all of them being badly wounded. I saw Capt. Ayer the other day, he is at his uncle’s in the City—his wound was worse that at first supposed, the ball breaking the radius and lodging at the point of his left elbow. He has very good attention and will be able to go home on a leave of absence in a few days. Phelps, the 1st Lieut., shot through the right lung, has gone home as I wrote you before. My company which has borne on its rolls nearly a hundred names cannot muster more than fifteen men for duty. It seems to have suffered worse than any other company in the Regiment. Many have been killed in action, some have died of wounds, some of disease, a number are now in the hospitals sick or wounded, while several have been discharged on account of disability.
                There are two new regiments of “Bucktails” now encamped near here. In one of which there are three companies from Crawford County. I am acquainted with many of the boys in them. Young [Henry S. ]Huidekoper is the Lieut. Col. of the regiment [150th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Corps]. There is a company also in it from Smethport. I made inquiry as to whether there were any in it whom I might know but I found there were none; although I have often heard you speak of some of the names—Colgrove, Otto, etc. There is also a company in it from Clarion County, commanded by Dr. Strattan. I happened to run against a nephew of J. W. Guthrie who belongs to the company. On telling him my name and residence, he asked if I was any relative of the “old Surveyor” and upon my telling him I was we soon struck up an acquaintance.
                I had the good fortune to meet Sylvanus in the City yesterday. He had been there for the past week undergoing a medical examination before a Board of Surgeons. You know he has been the surgeon of the original Bucktail regiment since its organization, with the rank and pay of Major. He is making money and doing well—his pay is about $190 per month. He is being examined for Brigade Surgeon and if he passes the test is to be appointed on the Staff of Brigadier General Kane (formerly Col. Kane).  His pay and rank will be the same but his duties will be less laborious. Sylvanus is an energetic, aspiring fellow and will do well in the world. He was at home and at Smethport not long since and reports all well. I inquired after Uncle Richard. Sylvanus says he is in very good health and that “the old man is sound on the war question.”
                I hope I may get back to my regiment soon so that I may get your letters; but direct as usual to the regiment for I surely will be back before long. I can give you no news of the Rockland boys as I have heard nothing of them lately. I will close for to-day.
                                Yours affectionately,   James D. Chadwick 

Next posting: October 1, 2012

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

[1] A popular phrase of the day, implying seeing something new and strange, such as the war or the hospital.

September 6, 1862

By September 6th 2012

[The transcriber of this letter reports: “This letter is addressed and written in a feminine hand, evidently that of a nurse in the Hospital.”]

Georgetown College Hospital, D. C.

September 6, 1862

Dear Parents:-

                Don’t be surprised or uneasy to see the heading of this note. I am not sick or hurt. I marched about with the troops of my Brigade, suffering hunger, fatigue, and many other hardships and privations, until I was completely broken-down. I had an attack of a bilious character also, my liver a “little out of kilter,” etc.
             Dr. Rohrer, surgeon of the 10th, advised that I be sent to a hospital in Washington or Georgetown and I consented. I came here yesterday and will not stay here more than a few days.
                The last letter I wrote to you was from Fredericksburg. Since that I have neither received or sent any new from or to home until day before yesterday, when I received yours of the 13th, 20th and 27thm, one from Celestia, one from Frank, Miles and two or three more. I had written out an account of my daily wanderings for the past three weeks intending to send the same to you, but while sleeping in a wagon, a mule pulled my blouse out from under my head and devoured  it and its contents,— my diary, a dozen letters, pocket-handkerchief, match-box, etc. In the morning all that remained of my coat was the buttons and one arm! You will join with me in thinking the act perfectly mulish and must be contended [contented] with the account as I can recollect it.
              We started from Fredericksburg the night I last wrote you, August 21st, marched all night, all the next day and until midnight when we arrived near Warrenton. You may imagine what kind of a time we had. Pope had been skirmishing and falling back for more than a week previous and he was then on the north bank of the Rappahannock. The enemy was endeavoring to cross. This was the reason all available troops were sent to his aid. We lay near Warrenton two or three days during which time we could see continual fighting between the artillery all along the valley of the Rappahannock. We marched next a few miles out beyond Warrenton toward Waterloo and the next morning started back toward Manassas. This was a week ago last Thursday. We reached the junction about 7:00 P. M. and heard rapid and continued firing in the direction of the Old Bull Run battlefield which was about two or three miles distant. [1] King’s Division were engaging the enemy. Friday the battle commenced in earnest, lasting all day. We held our own and more—having driving the enemy back some distance. Saturday it continued, each army having been reinforced. At about 6:00 P. M., the enemy made a sudden demonstration on our left which was commanded by McDowell. His command consisted of McCall’s, King’s and Rickett’s Divisions. The opposing force was so suddenly overwhelming that a PANIC took place and such a sight! The road was completely blocked with men trying to get away as fast as they could. As soon as possible lines were formed across the road and no man was allowed to pass, neither officer or enlisted man. Partial order was again restored but the day was LOST, LOST!!! The enemy held the field. There was some skirmishing on Sunday and in the afternoon the rebels came around our right and attacked us near Fairfax Courthouse.  They were driven back but we lost Generals Stevens and [Major General Philip]Kearney,— the latter the best fighting general we had.
                The army has all been drawn in about Washington where it is at present. No danger of the rebels taking the City. Our Division is lying at Arlington Hights, opposite the city.
                The loss in our regiment was not very heavy although many are wounded. Col. Kirk, Capt. Ayer and Lieut. [Milton M.] Phelps, my classmates, (see photographs) were all wounded. Phelps was shot through the right lung but he is doing well. [2] None of the Venango boys killed that I know of.
                I will give you an idea of how we are used in the hospital as far as I can judge from my experience thus far. When we were brought to Alexandria we were sent down to the wharf and placed on board a boat, taken to Washington and hauled in ambulances to this place. On our arrival at this quite large building, being dusty and dirty, we were furnished with soap, towels and bathed all over. Then we were given each a pair of Canton flannel drawers and a large flowing cotton shirt, a pair of woolen socks, slippers, and a gown. The room in which I am is larger than the Church at Freedom and is filled with cots. It accommodates about 75 patients. The cots are supplied with straw ticks, muslin sheets, and a spread as white as the driven snow. We have straw pillows too. It is a very comfortable place to be sick, plenty of surgeons and nurses and good attendance. I have not been as comfortable situated for more than a year and hadn’t been in here more than an hour until I felt like seeing how high I could kick up against the wall, which I happen to be near. I am almost sorry I can not stay here a few weeks and enjoy myself, but duty calls me back to my regiment as soon as possible.
                There is a certain little thing which I expected to hear from you if you have heard anything concerning it, but as you have never mentioned it I presume you know nothing about it. I know nothing about it officially,— all is hearsay. Elisha Davis, you know, is raising a regiment. I heard before we left Harrison’s Landing that somebody had seen a notice in the Jefferson Star, (Brookville) that recruits were being raised for a company to be commanded by J. D. Chadwick. I paid no attention to the rumor, however, thinking that it was someone else of my name. About a week afterwards Col. McCalmont wrote to a man in the 10th Regiment and asked  him if I had gone away from the regiment to take command of my company yet. He said he understood I was to have a company in Davis’ Regiment.  This completely stumped me for I had heard nothing from E. W. about it. A day or two after that a list of the officers were published in the Philadelphia Inquirier, which I enclose. I am put down as Captain of Company D. Did you ever hear anything about it? I thought that if there was anything to it, Davis being a particular friend of mine, intended to take me by surprise, but I rather guess the affair has fallen through as I have heard nothing more about it for some time and his Regiment, the 145th, has been consolidated with another. This is all confidential. I don’t want you to read everything I write to the neighbors. Never mind, I’ll work myself up yet if doing my duty will gain anything—see if I don’t!
                An influential friend went to Cameron last summer to get me a position in the Regular Army. He very nearly succeeded, but didn’t.
                I wrote you, I believe, that my friend, Major Smith, was dead.
                Tell Shippen that I will write or send him something the next time.—Oh! But I’d like to be at home a few days!
                I am signing this on the back of a book, lying upon my cot.
                Direct to the Regiment as usual. Don’t say “Reserved” Corps, leave off the “ed”. We’ve been all but reserved.
                I am, dear parents,    Very affectionately,   Your son,      James. 

Next posting: September 24, 2012

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

[1] The Second Battle of Bull Run was fought August 28-30, resulting in a stinging Union defeat.

[2] Ayer’s arm was broken by a ball. M’Clure Tryon, another Alleghenian, died of his wounds.

August 21, 1862

By August 21st 2012

              The failure of the Union campaign on the Peninsula led Lincoln to appoint Major General Henry Halleck as general in chief. The two subsequently decided to evacuate the Peninsula and transfer the Army of the Potomac to join Pope’s forces on the Rappahannock halfway between Washington and Richmond.

                                                                                   Headquarters Third Brigade, P. R. C.

                                                                                            Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.,

                                                                                                                           August 21, 1862 

Dear Parents:-

                Here we are again precisely on the same camping ground that we occupied three months ago! I wrote you last week that there was a movement on foot, but that I did not know exactly how, when or where we were going. The Army of the Potomac at Harrison’s Landing had been gradually melting away for several days before I wrote, as troops and artillery were being shipped down the river every night. Our Brigade was about the last to leave as it was across the river doing picquet duty.
                All the wagon trains went down the peninsula escorted by the cavalry and several Divisions of troops. We started on Friday night about midnight, having boarded the ocean steamer “Forest City”. There were about 1500 on board, the greater part of two regiments, the 9th and 10th. We reached Fortress Monroe at noon Saturday but on account of the roughness of the sea, we were compelled to  lie there all Saturday night, Sunday, and Sunday night, and Monday until about 4:00 P. M. The boat could have gone right ahead but she had two schooners in tow, laden with horses which would not be able to stand the tossing of the waves. We had an unpleasant time coming up the bay as it was quite rough—many a fellow cast up his accounts with the “old man of the sea,” as the railing and guard of the vessels attested. I did not feel well before I started and the trip helped me but little. I haven’t got off my “sea legs” yet but hope to recover my equilibrium before long.
                We landed at Aquia Creek on Tuesday at 1:00 P. M., boarded [railway] cars and are now encamped for the night near Falmouth.
                McClellan’s army is coming as fast as it can be brought—every train of cars brings a load of troops. Burnside is here but has only 2 Brigades with him as all the rest of his troops have been sent to Pope within the last fortnight.
                It is a comfortable place here to what we had on the James River, indeed, it seems quite a relief to get here—not unlike getting home.
                Everything was taken away safely from Harrison’s Landing and nothing was sacrificed in making the move. It has been a decided success.
                I suppose the army will be thoroughly reorganized here and commence active operations.
                The health of all the Venango Boys is good. Nearly all the wounded have returned from the hospitals in the different cities where they had been sent.
                It is the unanimous testimony of all the returned sick and wounded soldiers that the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic organization, have done more really to alleviate their sufferings than all the rest put together. They would stand by the bedsides of the poor fellows suffering from wounds, loathsome fevers, etc., and wait upon them as though they were their own brothers. What I, myself, have seen of the Roman Catholics induces me to believe them a Christian and philanthropic people, so different from what I was brought up to believe.  I always looked upon the picture as it stood in the Dark Ages—the tortures of the Inquisition and the burning of heretics. Arch Bishop [John Joseph]Hughes [of the Archdiocese of New York] has doubtless done much to give the people of England, Ireland and other countries a just conception of the difficulties existing in America.
                An order has just come that our Division shall be in rediness for a sudden move. Perhaps we are to cross the Rappahannock or to join Pope.
                My classmate and friend, Major [Sion] Smith, died of typhoid fever on the 4th ultimo at Andover, Ohio.
                I am,  Affectionately your son,        James

Next posting:  September 6, 2012

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

August 13, 1862

By August 13th 2012

                                                                            Harrison’s Landing, Va., Aug. 13, 1862

Dear Parents:-

                Yours of last week received. I hasten to reply.
                Our whole army is about to go to Fredericksburg (?) via Fortress Monroe and Aquia Creek Landing on the Potomac. All the baggage and the knapsacks of the men have been sent down the river in transports and the troops and wagon trains will go by land, via Williamsburg, I suppose.
                It is thought that Washington is threatened, but it is more likely that we are to be sent within supporting distance of Pope so that the enemy cannot fall upon us singly and whip us in detail.
                I see that Banks and Pope have had some hard fighting and may be at it still. [1]
                It is thought we may leave here to-day or to-night. I thought I had better write to you today for fear I might not have another opportunity of writing this week. You must excuse brevity as I have much to do. Nothing strange has happened since I wrote you last. All well.
                                Yours affectionately,    J. D. Chadwick.

P. S. I learn that General McCall has been exchanged—and he has just come this morning. Everything is bustle and confusion.    James.

 Next posting: August 21, 2012

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

[1] The reference here is to the Battle of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862.

July 31, 1862

By July 31st 2012

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Harrison’s Landing, July 31, 1862

Dear Parents:-

                Your letter of the 23rd was received last Monday morning. I must confess it was not as long or interesting as it might have been. We have more facilities here for obtaining army news than you at home in Pennsylvania, so we do not care about letters treating exclusively of movements which Pope, Burnside, or McClellan have made or are likely to make. Home letters or letters containing home news are the ones we must [most?] desire, even if they give no news of importance but merely treat of the number of pigs, chickens, cows, etc. which you happen to have. It is not necessary that strange occurrences and striking events be chronicled in order that your letters be read with satisfaction and interest.
                Nothing of importance has transpired since I last wrote you, except that night before last the gunboats of the rebels came down the river below Fort Darling and are still there. I do not know how many there are of them, but they are not more than eight or ten miles above us and are in sight of our upper gunboats. I was down at the wharf this morning and could see eight of our gunboats with the Monitor lying up the river in line of battle with steam up ready for action if called on.  We have more gunboats a few miles above—two or three miles, perhaps—in line of battle, and yet above them two or three more dong ”picket duty.” These latter are in sight of the rebel vessels. The Monitor exchanged shots with the Merrimac, No. 2, yesterday. In all probability we will have a naval engagement before long.
                Many of those reported mortally wounded are recovering, Robert Bell is not dead as supposed. He was in a hospital in Richmond the last I heard of him and recovering from his wound. Tell Miles that [Corporal Edwin] Pier of Co. I has died of his wounds; that Corporal Matt Fulton has been released and is now in Baltimore in the hospital and that Cos. Baker is at Fortress Monroe. He was reported wounded and missing. I saw Everill Chadwick last night. He is well as are also all the Rockland boys.
                But I have already exceeded the length of your last and so will close. It is needless for me to say that I would like to hear from Mother and the boys.  Affectionately yours,         J. D. Chadwick

Next posting:  August 13, 2012

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