Civil War Letters

March 20, 1862

                Throughout the winter McClellan overestimated Confederate forces between Washington and Richmond and the strength of their defenses at Manassas. When President Abraham Lincoln pressed for movement by Washington’s Birthday, McClellan proposed an alternative route that supposedly would circumvent the bulk of the Confederate army. He would ship Union troops down the Potomac, through Chesapeake Bay, up the Rappahannock River, and then lead them overland to Richmond. This move, however, was so poorly concealed and executed so slowly that the Southerners were able to reposition their regiments. McClellan was forced to adjust his flanking maneuver to involve advancement up the James or York and Pamunkey rivers.

                                                            Camp near Alexandria, Va. March 20th, 1862

Dear Parents and all the family:-

                I will improve a few leisure moments by writing to you once again.
                I have not heard from you for about two weeks, though I have written every week promptly. I am well, though I feel somewhat uncomfortable from cold recently taken from exposure and fatigue.
                When I wrote to you last week I was with the Division at Hunter’s Mills, When it was ascertained that the enemy had evacuated Manassas and Centreville, McClellan’s plans were frustrated and new arrangements had to be made. The order was given to commence shipping troops down the Potomac as fast as possible, so we were ordered to report at Alexandria for that purpose. We marched two  days  and traveled nearly thirty miles to reach our present site which is not more than ten or twelve miles from Hunter’s Mills. The reason for the long march was that the bridges along the Leesburg and Alexandria turnpike had been burned. Last Saturday was the day we started and it rained all day very hard and a greater part of the night. We were wet through and had no tents but had to lie on the ground around fires made of rails, etc.
                It seems hard to stop on a nice farm, well fenced and tidy and burn every rail on it, but yet it is a necessity. It would not be a difficult matter to trace the army in its progress along the country. It leaves a perfect desolation in its trail.
                As you know, the Army of the Potomac has been divided into four grand divisions or corps, commanded by McDowell, [Brigadier General Erasmus D.] Keyes, [Brigadier General Edwin V.] Sumner, and Heintzleman. McDowell’s Corps is composed of about 40 or 45 thousand troops, being the Divisions of McCall, [Brigadier General] William B. Franklin, and [Brigadier General Rufus] King. Everyone seems to be satisfied that we are in McDowell’s command as he is considered the best of the Generals in this army, General George B. McClellan excepted.
                We have been since last Sunday and still are lying about four miles from Alexandria waiting for transportation. We do not know our destination but some think it is in the neighborhood of Norfolk or up the James River. Troops are being shipped every night and our turn will come soon.
                It rained all last night and is still raining to-day; it is quite cold and disagreeable; my fingers are so cold I can hardly write. The men have no tents here but have lived under little brush huts which do not shed rain. The “sick list” will certainly increase.
                I wrote to you last week that I found Uncle Jerry’s son, Everill [pictured with James in the heading of this blog]. He is well and has been detailed to drive an ambulance in the “Bucktail” Regiment. I saw Rev. Steadman in Alexandria last Sunday. He sent his love to you all. His regiment, the 105th, has since left on the fleet so he is gone, too.  I met John Barr, Jim Troutner, and Sam Willson yesterday. They are well as all the rest of the Rockland boys in the 4th Cavalry. I saw Harvey Jolly yesterday also. He looks very hearty and stout. His Corps, Signal, is stationed in Alexandria but they will soon be scattered with the different divisions of the army.
                I happened to find a son of Rev. George Reeser the other day. He is in Company E, 10th Regt., Capt. James Knox. He is a very puny frail boy to be in the army, in his nineteenth year. As he had but one blanket, having lost one, I gave him one of mine—one of those which Mother sent.
                Everill told me that Uncle Francis’ son, Penrose was in Col. Murray’s regiment in western Virginia.
                I can not tell you where to direct your letters as I do not know where we will be, but if you direct them as heretofore I think they will no doubt be forwarded. For the present, I will close, I am,

                                                                Yours affectionately, James D. C.

Next posting: April 9, 2012

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

March 12, 1862

                                                                                                   Headquarters ThirdBrigade,

                                                                 Near  Hunter’s Mill, 7 miles from Centreville, 

                                                                                                         Tuesday, March 12, 1862

Dear Parents:-

                The long expected move has come at last. After being under marching orders for two weeks, we received an order to move on Monday, yesterday, morning. We marched about fifteen miles in the direction of Centreville although we had to come by a somewhat circuitous route.
                We have no tents but have to bivouac on the ground. I have two blankets and my overcoat so I will be comfortable. I do not know where McClellan will order us next but it is thought that we will go forward just as soon as the ammunition and ordnance trains come.
                McDowell’s advance was at Manassas last night at 7 o’clock. Of course, you will have heard ere this reaches you that the rebels have evacuated Centreville and Manassas. Something may be expected from eastern Virginia soon.
                I have been in some of the houses of the “F. F. Vs.” and can say from personal observation that all outside of our picket lines at Camp Pierpont are in very destitute circumstances.[i] No tea or coffee, calico, or such articles have they had for months. Eggs sell for 30 cents per dozen; butter was sold yesterday to some of our boys at 40 cents a pound. The people are all dressed in a coarse sort of homespun, resembling blanketing. Desolation and destruction of property is seen wherever you turn your eyes. You cannot imagine the devastation which follows an army.
                Last Sabbath I was over at the camp of the ”Bucktails” to see Sylvanus and while in his tent it occurred to me that you had spoken about Uncle Frank and Uncle Jerry have [having] children in the army, so I asked Sylvanus if he knew anything about them. To my surprise he told me that Everill, Uncle Jerry’s oldest son, was in that regiment. He had been there for two months and I had been in the regiment and seen Sylvanus dozens of times but he never thought of telling me about his being there. Everill is a stout hearty-looking fellow. He sends his love to you all and says that if he gets out of the War alive he will visit Rockland.
                I do not know when I will have an opportunity of mailing this as there is no regular mail here yet. My address will be as formerly for the Postmaster at Washington will send everything forward.
                I will close for this time, hoping to live to write to you again.

                                                Affectionately,  Your son, James

Next posting: March 20, 2012

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


[i] F.F.V.’s=First Families of Virginia

February 27, 1862

Headquarters 3rd Brigade,

McCall’s Division                                                                                                                                  
Camp Pierpont, Feb. 27, 1862

Dear Parents:-

                Again I seat myself for the purpose of addressing you. I received Pa’s note of the 19th which at least had the merit of being brief (?).
                The bustle and confusion preparatory to making a move has at last begun. Last night Gen. McClellan gave orders to all the Army of the Potomac to prepare for a march and have three days’ cooked rations in their haversacks. Only four wagons are allowed to a regiment and they are for taking extra rations and ammunition. Officers are to take nothing with them but a valise or carpet bag. The tents are not to be taken along now. It commenced to rain last night which may delay the move a little, but this morning it is clear and the coast wind is quite high from the north-west.
                The time for another struggle is at hand. Capt. Ord told me this morning that Banks had crossed the upper Potomac. This has not been published in the papers but he told me he had it from a reliable source. He, Banks, crossed day before yesterday by means of pontoon bridges.
                I would not be surprised if we would be in Richmond before two weeks, but we will surely take Manassas this time.
                The Artillery of our Division went to the Arsenal in the city yesterday and exchanged their guns for cannon of a better quality. There are now four Batteries, four and six guns each, with our Division, one Battery of Regulars.
                The Army of the Potomac is about thirty miles in length now, long enough to encircle Manassas like the folds of a might[y] boa and crush the life out of the rebellion in this part of the “Old Dominion.”[1]
                It seems that the Confederates went through the farce of inaugurating Jeff Davis as President of the C. S. A. on the 22nd. We received his inaugural address on the 25th. It is a most audacious document. You may not see it so I will send it to you if I do not forget it. The mail has already gone this morning so I can not send this to-day.
                February 28th—Nothing further of importance. It is said that Banks had a skirmish with the rebels near Winchester. Reinforcements of 12,000 troops started from Washington yesterday to assist Banks.
                The newspapers publish nothing now concerning the movements of the army. I will close for the present.     Yours affectionately,

                                                                                           J. D. CHADWICK 

Next posting: March 12, 2012

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


[1] Chadwick’s language here most likely is not accidental. General in Chief Winfield Scott favored a limited war that would quell the insurrection but not suppress the hoped-for loyalty to union that might still reside within the South. Rather than a frontal assault, he favored a slow envelopment of the region by a naval blockade and military pressure along the Mississippi River. This plan for “squeezing” and “suffocating” the South was mocked by editorial writers as “The Anaconda Plan.” Scott was replaced as general in chief by McClellan on November 1, 1861.

February 21, 1862

                                                                                       Camp Pierpont, Feb’y 21, 1862

Dear Father:-

                Yours dated the 12th has been received. It found me well with the exception of a sore arm in consequence of vaccination. All the Rockland boys in the 10th Regt. are well as usual.
                We are now expecting a move before long—the troops are being held in readiness, but it may be days or even weeks before we will move.
                There is an order that the birthday of Washington, to-morrow, shall be celebrated by the Army of the Potomac by firing a National Salute and listening to the Declaration of Independence and the Farewell Address of Washington. There is a rumor that the rebels intend attacking us to-morrow, but General McClellan thinks it very doubtful.
                I shall be disappointed if I am not home by the 4th of July. The war cannot last much longer. A few more victories following Port Royal, Dranesville, Mill Spring, Roanoke, Romney, Forts Henry and Donelson and the backbone of the Confederacy will be completely broken, if not already.[1]
                Perhaps we shall have to fight a well-contested battle again at Manassas, but this time we will be victors. You cannot imagine the enthusiasm which prevails among the men. The Army of the Potomac would be perfectly irresistible. Surely the regiments now forming in the different States will never be mustered into the service of the United States.
                The roads are still in very bad condition, so much mud.
                My love to Mother and all the children.  Yours affectionately,

                                                                James

Next posting: February 27, 2012

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


[1] Grant took Fort Donelson in Tennessee in a battle that extended from February 11 to February 16, 1862.

February 14, 1862

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

Dear Father:-

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

                                                                                                J. D. Chadwick

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


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

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

January 31, 1862

 Headquarters Third Brigade, 
 McCall’s Division,
Camp Pierpont,
January 31, 1862

Dear Father:-

                Yours and Bingham’s were received last Monday evening. They found me well as usual. Nothing of importance has transpired since I wrote you last.
                Last Tuesday I paid a visit to Alexandria and the 105th Regt., Pa. Vols., Col. McKnight, of Brookville. This is the regiment in which the Richland boys are and the one in which Harvey Jolly was. He has been detailed out of the regiment for the signal service and is now somewhere in the vicinity of Washington, but I do not know where. All the rest of the Venango boys in that regiment are well and look as though they ate their rations. Rev. Steadman is the Chaplain of this regiment and I stayed with him while there and had a very agreeable  visit. I took breakfast with him at the tent of the Quartermaster in the morning and at noon the Quartermaster’s lady asked him whether that other Chaplain who was there in the morning would be over with him for dinner. That is the second time in my life I’ve been taken for a Minister. Steadman laughed a good deal over the joke. He sends his kindest regards to you, Ma, and all the children.
                The Capt. Brady who enlisted all the Richland boys was only a self-styled Captain and after he got into the service became a Second Lieutenant. Not being an efficient officer, he was ordered before the Board of Examination and, knowing he could not stand the test, has resigned and gone home.
                The roads here in Virginia are perfectly “awful.” If some of the croakers in the North who are grumbling about a forward movement of the Army of the Potomac were here, they would not have anything more to say for a few weeks. The soldiers of the Army are disgusted with the ranting of the Greeley school of Abolitionists who are crying, ”On to Richmond.”[1]
                I have not heard anything from John, Sam, or David Jolly since I have been in the army. Where are they?
                I imagine I hear little Mary talk of “skipping over two or three fences,” with her customary “why,” “why,” etc. I would love dearly to see the little thing as also all the rest.[2] I often dream about you all. Last night I dreamed of Ma, but it was an awful dream. I thought she had lost her reason and become a raving maniac. I was in deep trouble until I woke and “behold it was all a dream.”
                I am devoting all my spare time now to the study of tactics, Light Infantry or Rifle Drill. I may need knowledge of this before I get out of the army.[3]
                I guess Col. McCalmont will not leave the 10th Regt. at present but has withdrawn his resignation.
                Mary Stanton wrote me the particulars of Maria G’s marriage—a slight variation from the prophecy of Holy Writ where it says the lion and the lamb shall lie down together, etc.
                I will not write to Bing this week as I have not time, but I am much obliged to him for writing to  me and hope he will do so soon again.
                My love to all the family.          Yours affectionately, James 

Next posting: February 14, 2012

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


[1] Horace Greeley as editor of the New York Tribune was an outspoken opponent of slavery and, at this point in the war, actively goading the administration to attack the Confederate capital.

[2] Mary was James’s littlest sister, aged five at the time of his enlistment.

[3] Chadwick apparently was studying tactics and drill in the event he might be invited to stand examination for promotion. Levi Bird Duff, who knew Chadwick well, wrote on February 1, 1862, that he had recently talked with Chadwick, who told Duff that “Col. McKnight [of the 105th Pennsylvania Volunteers] had requested him to visit the regt. With a view to a commission but when the Col. asked him to undergo an examination he declined fearing that he might fail to come up to the Col.’s standard.”—Levi Bird Duff, To Petersburg with the Army of the Potomac:The Civil War Letters of Levi Bird Duff, 105th Pennsylvania Volunteers,  36. As Duff was then being examined for a captaincy by McKnight, Chadwick’s lack of readiness for examination apparently opened the door for promotion for Duff.

January 23, 1862

                                                                                                                                                       Headquarters Third Brigade,                                                                                                                                                              Jan. 23, 1862,

Dear Father:-

                Yours of the 13th received on the 19th.
                You misunderstood me in reference to General McDowell. It is thought he will take command of the Army of the Potomac, not supersede McClellan. McClellan will retain command of all the Federal Armies still.
                Three or four regiments came over the river within the last week through the mud and rain. An order has been issued at Headquarters of the Army that no more furloughs or leaves of absence be granted except in extreme cases. “Straws show which way the wind blows.” I think there will surely be an advance made just as soon as the weather and the state of the roads will permit. You can not step out but you will be into the “sacred soil” half-way up to your knees. I never saw so much mud as we have here.
                There is no prevailing sickness here—from all accounts we are more healthy here than you are at home. Providence seems to be favoring  the Federal Army of the Potomac.
                The 10th regt. was paid  off yesterday. Col. McCalmont is still with us but I do not know how long he will remain.
                I had a letter from [the Rev. Darius S.] Steadman who is Chaplain of the 105th Penna. Volunteers, Col.  [Amor A.] McKnight. This is the regiment that Harvey Jolly is in and a crowd of the Richland boys. I have not been to see them yet. They are near Alexandria. I am kept very busy at my table from 8:00 A.M. and until sometimes 11:00 P.M. There is no other clerk in the A. A. General’s department now, so I  have all the work to do. However, it is much better than being on duty in my company and having to do guard duty and go on piquet in the snow, mud, sleet and rain. I am always at my post and have the confidence and respect of my superiors in arms.
                Have not seen Sylvanus Freeman for two or three weeks.
                You will no doubt have heard of our victory in Kentucky before this reaches you, —Zollicoffer killed, etc.[i]
                I think of nothing more at present.    In haste,

                                                                Yours affectionately, J. D. Chadwick

Next posting: January 31, 2012

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


[i] Confederate Brigadier General Felix K. Zollicoffer was killed at the January 19, 1862, Battle of Mill Springs, also known as the Battle of Logan’s Cross Roads or of Fishing Creek. Though not a large battle, the Union success here following previous success at Middle Creek significantly weakened Confederate defenses in eastern Kentucky.

January 4, 1862

                                                                                    Camp Pierpont, January 4, 1862

Dear Parents:-

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

 Next posting: January 23, 2012

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

December 20, 1861

Camp Pierpont, Va.                                                                        Dec.  20th,  1861                                                                  

Friday evening, nine o’clock

My dear Mother:-

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

Next posting: January 4, 2012

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


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

December 12, 1861

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

                                                                                                                                                               December 12, 1861

Dear Father:-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                                                                  3182

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                                                               3657                                                                                                                                                  

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

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

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

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

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

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

                Unbrigaded—

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

            2  24-pounder Howitzers

            2  12-pounder guns

            1   24-pounder Parrot gun

             6  10-pounder Parrot guns

            6    6-pounder brass guns

         17 Field pieces

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

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

                                                (The Bucktails)

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

                                                                                                         Aggregate – – – – – 12817

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

                                I am, as ever, Your affectionate son, James

Next posting:  December 20, 2011

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


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