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Letter written by Captain David Woodman Norton of Company E, 42nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, to his father, from Camp Douglas. Norton describes the recent elections in the regiment, and names the new officers. He was offered the captaincy of three different companies, and the 1st Lieutenant position in two others. Norton is now the captain of the “Cass County Guards.” He is well liked by the men, but known for being a strict officer, and he writes that he is proud of himself for working his way up the ranks so quickly. He writes that the previous captain of his new company did not command the respect of the men, and he intends to work hard to make the company great.
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Camp Douglas
Aug 31st 1861
My Dear Father
Our Regiment was organized yesterday by the election of Capt. W.H. Webb U.S. Army, as colonel, David Stuart Chicago as Lieut-Col. & G.W. Roberts, Chicago Major. We have now three fine field officers and aught to make a name if we ever get onto the field.
The companies were organized the day before yesterday and I was elected Captain of the “Cass Co. Guards” – a compy I never before had any connection with. I was offered the captaincy of three different companies and the 1st Lieut in two others. – so you will see I have a great many friends in the Reg. and they say I am the strictest officer on the ground too. I think I have worked my way up pretty well since I first en
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listed at the fall of Ft. Sumter. I was made 2nd Sergeant of the first company I joined and have been 2nd & 1st Lieut, and am now Captain. By Monday or Tuesday I shall have 101 men, good & true, in my company.
Col. Stuart was our first choice for Col. but he declined in favor of Capt. Webb, our mustering officer.
The Comp’y I now have had has been almost without a capt. for the man who had the position was unable to command the respect or obedience of the men. They begin to learn that they must now obey, whether they respect or not, their captain They have the reputation of being the “hardest” comp’y in the camp now, but I intend to make them second to non in a few weeks. I have a great deal to do, but I intend to do it. They already acknowledge that my commands are not to be slighted with impunity, for no disobedience has or will escape its punishment.
Give my love to all and tell
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them to look in the papers for my name whenever the 42nd Ills. Reg. or Douglas Brigade gets into the field.
I heard from Joshua a few days since but have not yet had time to reply.
Haskells folks are all well or were when I last heard from them.
Write soon. In Haste
Your Affect. Son
“Capt” D.W. Norton
Camp Douglas
Chicago Ils.
Major David Woodman Norton was born 31 January 1838 in Chelsea, MA. He had two other brothers (Joshua and John) who also enlisted and served in the Union Army. He enlisted with the 1st Zouave Regiment of Chicago and was then promoted to 2nd Lieutenant of the 42nd IL Infantry then Captain on July 22, 1861. He eventually joins Major General John M. Palmer’s staff as acting Assistant Inspector General. He was killed in action near New Hope Church, GA on June 2, 1864 during the Atlanta Campaign.
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Letter written by Captain David Woodman Norton of Company E, 42nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, to his father Joshua Norton, Jr., dated August 22nd, 1861, from Camp Douglas near Chicago, Illinois. Norton has recently been promoted to captain, and was presented with a sword, belt, sash, and an undress uniform. Norton has immense support from the men in his company, which he says makes all of his hard work worthwhile. He writes that he has spent most of his time in camp, usually drilling squads. He concludes the letter by writing that he must “fall in” with his company for the regimental drill.
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Camp Douglas
Near Chicago Ill Aug 22nd /61
Dear Father
Your last was gladly received. I feel in better spirits than when I last wrote you for since then I have had a sword – belt – sash & an undress uniform presented to me. Mr. Haskell and some other friends of mine subscribed and paid for the above articles for me. I have had good luck in another respect too – I am a Captain of one of the Companies of this Regiment. The Company is not quite full but is fast filling up and the men all tell me that they shall elect me as captain. One of the privates told me that if I could take every man in the camp who wanted me for Capt. that I should have a company of at least 500 men. That make me
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feel as though all the hard work I have done for this Regiment had not been wasted. The Col. appointed me over the company I now command and told me that he would rather see me a captain in his Rep. than any other man in the Camp. Wasn’t that a compliment from my Col.? I guess I begin to feel a little proud. I have hardly been out of the camp for 3 weeks and am always at work drilling squads.
I saw Haskell’s family last week they were all well.
We cant tell when we shall leave camp for the field. I must not write any more now as I must “fall in” my comp’y for the regimental drill. I will write again as soon as I have any thing new to tell you.
Give my love to mother & the rest and write as often as you can.
Your Affect Son
Capt. D. Woodman Norton
Douglas Brigade Chicago Ill.
Major David Woodman Norton was born 31 January 1838 in Chelsea, MA. He had two other brothers (Joshua and John) who also enlisted and served in the Union Army. He enlisted with the 1st Zouave Regiment of Chicago and was then promoted to 2nd Lieutenant of the 42nd IL Infantry then Captain on July 22, 1861. He eventually joins Major General John M. Palmer’s staff as acting Assistant Inspector General. He was killed in action near New Hope Church, GA on June 2, 1864 during the Atlanta Campaign.
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Letter written by Major Thomas K. Jackson to his wife Lucy, from Gainesville, AL. This letter is the continuation of one written by Thomas on July 30th. He has just arrived in town, and Lucy’s father is busy with preparations to visit Washington, D.C. He writes that there are no African American troops yet occupying the town. He mentions an upcoming meeting with a doctor, whom he hopes will provide some advisement for Thomas and his wife.
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At Home, Aug. 1. 1865.
My Darling,
I have just arrived in town – 5 1/2 O’clk. P.M. – and have but a moment to say half a word & close my letter – I find yr Father busy as forty beehives in full operation, completing his arrangements for his visit to Washington, He has deferred his departure until Thursday, having found it impracticable to get ready earlier. I was glad to see Jimmie, & devoured yr dear charming letter rapturously – Oh my sweet wife, I am too happy to learn that your health is so good, and your spirits so joyous & happy – My Love, you must not suffer anything to disturb or depress you, & believe in my assurances that every body loves, and your husband adores you,
I learn that little Carrie is not so well this evening
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as she was yesterday – Yr Uncle John is “hors de combat” with the breaking out on his ancles – There are no negro troops in town yet, & I do not know that any are expected – I will counsel with Dr Williams to-morrow, or this evening, if I can see him, & advise you of his advice &c. I will try to write a little to you tomorrow, giving you all the news I can gather, at present, I am ignorant of the sayings & doings in town. Susan has returned, & expresses herself charmed with her visit. My best love to Mother, Sister Aunt Bet, all at Kemper, Good ngiht my precious, & may the Good Lord guide & protect you,
Your devoted husband
TKJ
Lucy Reavis (age 21 in 1863) was the daughter of prominent judge, Turner Reavis. She met her future husband Thomas K. Jackson while he was stationed in Gainesville AL. They married December 16, 1863. At least 30 known letters exchanged between them during the war years have survived. They had five children together. Lucy passed away in 1876 at just 33 years old. Thomas never remarried.
Thomas K. Jackson was born December 12, 1824 in SC. He entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in June 1844 and graduated with the class of 1848. He was appointed brevet 2nd lieutenant of the 4th U.S. Artillery, then transferred to the 5th U.S. Infantry, then the 8th U.S. Infantry. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1849. He served about 7 years on the Texas-Mexico frontier with James Longstreet, until he was assigned as an instructor of infantry tactics at West Point in 1857. In 1858 he rejoined the 8th in Texas. In 1861 he resigned from the U.S. Army and was made a captain in the Confederate Army. On September 26, 1861 he was announced as Chief Commissary of the Western Department under General Johnston. He was appointed major on November 11, 1861. He was captured at Fort Donelson in February of 1862 and imprisoned at Fort Warren. He was exchanged c. May and returned to duty as depot commissary in Gainesville, AL, where he met Lucy Reavis. They courted and were married December 16, 1863. Jackson was stationed at various sites throughout the remainder of the war. He was paroled at Gainesville on May 13, 1865 following General Richard Taylor’s surrender. He remained in Gainesville with Lucy to raise their family and work as a merchant and farmer.
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Letter written by Major Thomas K. Jackson, C.S.A., to his fiancée Lucy Reavis of Gainesville, AL, from Enterprise, MS. Jackson informs Reavis that her family arrived safely in Lauderdale, and updates her on both his family and her own. He describes a dream he had featuring Reavis. He writes how Reavis’ mother made arrangements for some of their family members to be added to Jackson’s “military family,” and how much he needs them. Jackson inquires about a recent trip she took to see friends. He writes that there had been preaching in General Maxey’s Brigade the day before, followed by a parade and music.
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No 5
Enterprise Miss.
Aug, 27, 1863.
My dear Lucy,
Yr Mother & family arrived safely at Lauderdale where we found Jimmy with a celerity carriage waiting for them, The young folks were in buoyant spirits along the road & quite as happy as the day is long. Yr sister & cousin seemed vastly taken with a youthful soldier from Pleasant Ridge, who came with us on the cars, & Mattie desired me to ask if his name was Smith or Jones, & how he spelt it – much to her consternation I [missing] what she said [missing] was mightily amused – [missing] named either Smith or Jones, but turned out to be a Mr McGowan, with whose family in South Carolina I am very well acquainted – The young ladies & the soldier exchanged apples & peaches & the cars continued to roll on much as usual – Yr Mother was otherwise interested in another young soldier who bought a melon at Ramsey’s Station, & took him to task for using “bad words” by way of emphasis to his expressions of satisfaction at the moderate price.
I found numerous letters & dispatches awaiting my arrival here, & among them Yr Mother’s little note, one page of which sparkled with my darling’s merry, sweet thoughts – I am so happy dear
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Lucy, that although separated from you by many, many weary miles, I am not deprived of the compensating privilege of interchanging thoughts with you. I also found a letter from my Sister Mattie who sends her love to you, & says that, if you possess only half the endearing qualities which I ascribe to you, I am a lucky fellow, & that she feels very grateful to you for taking compassion upon her bachelor brother & loving him for himself alone, & hopes now to see more of him – and that she is prepared to love you as she does me, which she declares is with no stinted tide but strong and deep as [any] sister felt for [missing] brother, Poor Mattie is greatly distressed [just now] – Willie her only child, though under age is eager for the war, & she has at last with an aching heart consented to give him to his country.
Tuesday was a delightful day here, cloudy, cool & exhilerating – I was so glad to think what a fine day you most probably had for yr little journey – My Thoughts were with you all the day, and were animated with cheerfulness to think how happy you were in the near prospect of once more embracing yr charming young friend.
I dreamed of you last night – I thought I entered a large room in my usual blundering way & found it filled with ladies & gentlemen sitting around a bright fire –
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some of the gentelmen made room for me, I did not recognize any one, tho’ it seems I expected to see you, but did not discern you until your sweet voice fell upon my ear & I caught a glance of your dear smiling eyes – You sat by yr friend Miss Minge – How changed you were! You looked so odd, & my amazement was so great that I awoke immediately – Your hair had been cut off short & brushed so cunningly, & you looked so coquettish, that no one would have taken you for that dear gently Lucy Reavis whom every body loves – I was overjoyed that it was only all a dream.
[missing] to yr Mother [missing]-sday, & have [been] making arrangements to [missing] my family [missing] the addition of Yr Uncle & Jim Hart, both of whom I need very much & will have them detailed to report to me as soon as they send me certificates that they are unable to perform field service, which I presume they will have no difficulty in doing – I have got at last a pretty comfortable house, very convenient, & shall go to house keeping without delay.
Miss Mittie & Nannie promised to write to me from Kemper, & I am impatient to know what their active brains will send me – they were so merry & so happy – You
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were pleased at Col. Thornton’s – we you not? Tell me all about them, & especially how you liked Miss Butler’s singing – for I am curious to know yr opinion upon it.
There was preaching in Maxey’s Brigade yesterday afternoon, after which, dress parades of the Regiments & music by the Bands – All the youth & beauty of Enterprise was in attendance, but the smoke & dust, which were dense, were not pleasant [???] on such an occasion, not very favorable to all the blushes & blooms I saw – I was introduced to [Mrs. Maxey] – she didn’t look [much] like a [General’s] wife, nor, indeed, does he look much like a General – I knew him when we called him “Old Whitey” & such reminiscences are fatal to the awe which rising greatness ordinarily inspires.
Do not forget what I asked you when you think of returning home – I shall be more thatn happy to escort you – I believe the train arrives at Meridian at 6 p.m. so you will have to wait there until 4 a.m. but this is not certain – I’m going to M. in a few day, will find out all about it & let you know – in the meantime, may the perpetual smiles of Heaven be yours-
Affectionately & truly entirely yours
Thos K Jackson
Lucy Reavis (age 21 in 1863) was the daughter of prominent judge, Turner Reavis. She met her future husband Thomas K. Jackson while he was stationed in Gainesville AL. They married December 16, 1863. At least 30 known letters exchanged between them during the war years have survived. They had five children together. Lucy passed away in 1876 at just 33 years old. Thomas never remarried.
Thomas K. Jackson was born December 12, 1824 in SC. He entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in June 1844 and graduated with the class of 1848. He was appointed brevet 2nd lieutenant of the 4th U.S. Artillery, then transferred to the 5th U.S. Infantry, then the 8th U.S. Infantry. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant in 1849. He served about 7 years on the Texas-Mexico frontier with James Longstreet, until he was assigned as an instructor of infantry tactics at West Point in 1857. In 1858 he rejoined the 8th in Texas. In 1861 he resigned from the U.S. Army and was made a captain in the Confederate Army. On September 26, 1861 he was announced as Chief Commissary of the Western Department under General Johnston. He was appointed major on November 11, 1861. He was captured at Fort Donelson in February of 1862 and imprisoned at Fort Warren. He was exchanged c. May and returned to duty as depot commissary in Gainesville, AL, where he met Lucy Reavis. They courted and were married December 16, 1863. Jackson was stationed at various sites throughout the remainder of the war. He was paroled at Gainesville on May 13, 1865 following General Richard Taylor’s surrender. He remained in Gainesville with Lucy to raise their family and work as a merchant and farmer.
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Letter written by Private John S. Daniels of Company B, 2nd NH Volunteer Infantry, to his siblings, from the camp at Point Lookout, MD. Daniels tells his siblings that he has time to write due to the current foul weather. A terrible thunderstorm came up the night before and blew over several tents. Daniels asks how the draft is faring in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and wonders if any of his family members have joined. He says that he has plenty of rations, and describes the food he has been eating recently. He also describes shooting “Grays” at Gettysburg, comparing it to shooting ducks. Daniels mentions that he will receive his monthly wages soon.
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Camp of 2nd N.H. St. Mary’s Co.
Point Lookout Md. Aug 13th 63
Dear Brother and Sister
As it is rainy, and I havent much to do I thought I would write you a few lines and let you know I am alive and about as cross as they make them.
Here I am in the land of milk and Honey, without a cent of money, every think a plenty, and pockets all empty only one old handkerchief an old jack knife and an old wallet with Mt in all the partings. but never mind. if I dont have it I wont spend it. for they wont trust the and with a Pint of Whiskey out of their sight. but I can fool them once in
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a while. make them believe I am a big mans son, or some big Generals waiter and then they will trust me, and I guess they will mistrust me one of these days if I milk their cows as much as I have since I came here but they are most all Secesh here and I dont know as there is any hurt getting their milk is there?
We had one of the awfulest thunder showers I ever dreamed of last night it Hailed and the wind blew and such thunder and lightning I never saw or heard. down came tents and away went things that were in them. the old Drs. tent blew over and he got as wet as a drowned rat. wernt I glad? some lay and hung onto their tents to hold them up, and some let them go and lay and took it. but mine is lik the wise mans house the wind and storm dont affect it.
Well Frank how is the draft going on in Mass and N.H. have they drafted in N.H. yet and who are the lucky ones I know that are coming? dont I hope it will be some of my
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Cousins! I wish I could pick the men from Hopkinton wouldnt I make some of the secesh start?
Well! I dont know as I have much news to write now. for it is only a few days since I wrote to you. My health is better than it was a week ago. I have got so I can eat a good share of my rations. if I can have plenty of [???] and milk to go with them. I went the other day and got about 4 Qts of damsons, and I go round and beg sugar to sweeten them, and it make very good eating. or would if I had some of Marms Butter, and some Pumpkin Pie to top off with—————— I heard from George a few days ago. he wrote me Father had a sore hand and couldnt work. have you heard any thing of it? I hope it wont be sore for long for it is a bad time to have sore hands now.
How is Tyler getting along now? did he go Trouting while he was in N.H. and did he shoot any Stripers while he was there. he aught to have been out at Gettysburg, and he could have had some Grays to shoot at. I had a
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good chance to try my skill there. got so I could fetch one nearly every time. I dont think I wasted as many shots as I have before now on a gray [duck] at Home.
I want you or Tyler to send me a box of Maple Sugar any where from 25 to 50 lbs I would send home but you can get it cheaper and better in Boston Market than they can there, and they have it all packed ready to send you might mail it over a little and mark on it Keep dry. and send it by express send a bill of it and what you pay per pound Express &c and I will send you the pay for it as soon as we are paid off. they say we are going to be paid next week. if we aint we will the first of Sept and then we will get four months pay.
Direct to John S. Daniels
Co. B 2nd N.H. Vols
Martins Brigade Washington D.C.
Point Lookout, MD
Love to all, write soon and remember your Brother, (write when you send the Box
John
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I will send you a shell or two that I picked up when I were out on picket would send you more if they were [dentures?]
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When you write home tell them I am well and shall write before long if I can get any paper and stamps. I sent the last stamp I had today but guess I can get one to send this, and I dont want to write any more till I get some answers.
John S. Daniels, age 21, from Hopkinton, NH, enlisted on August 9, 1862 at Hopkinton as a private in Company B of the 2nd NH Infantry. He was wounded on June 3, 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA, and discharged at Concord, NH on May 17, 1865. Later Daniels became a member of G.A.R. Post 120, Lowell, MA. He died March 12, 1910.
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Letter of Lieutenant Joseph G. Younger of Company F, 53rd VA Infantry (Armistead’s Brigade, Pickett’s Division), to his cousin. Younger writes that his brothers are well, but he has been ill. He remarks on how hardened soldiers have become to suffering, observing that they hardly care if someone dies as long as it is not a relative. Younger inquires on whether his cousin has found him a “sweetheart.” Younger describes shelling at Petersburg, VA. He hopes the war will soon end. He thinks the Confederacy should conscript African Americans to fight for them like the Union has.
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Cousin August the 18th 1864,
Your long looked for letter has come at last. It has been duly perused it finds Marion & Nathan well but I am quite sick and have been for some time. I do not think I shall be able to finish this epistle on account of my head swimming so bad it seems to me the paper is turning round all the time. Cousin it is so bad to be away off here sick, where no Femenine hand is to feel of ones fevered pulse. nor any kind and affectionate sister, mother, relative or friend to watch one as he lays and suffers upon the ground, soldiers have become used to so many suffering that they have no sympathy for one that is sick, so long as they can keep will if one die it makes no difference with them so the
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unfortunate one is no relation of theirs if one gets killed in battle it is the same case. This indeed is a hard time. People are bound to become better or I think they will be cut off and perish all over the land. I think it has rained all over the state by this time we have had quite a nice shower since I have been writing and it looks like coming down down again shortly. So you have not picked me out any particular young Ladie for a sweet heart you say that there are several nice young Ladies in that neighborhood but you will wait and let me come and pick for myself. Cousin I think I should be pleased, at any choice you would make for I am shure your fancie and taste would be perfect You speak of Miss Emma Womack as being a nice young Ladie I should
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Judge so for I have heard a good deal of talk about her but Mr W or Mr Younger is too far ahead for any of us to talk about her. Marion though seems satisfied about it so I must be too as I am not acquainted with her he says she is one of his best friends and he is certain she will let him know when she is going to get married. There were terrible terrible shelling at Petersburg this morning before day I have not as yet heard the cause of it. We will have hot time here soon I think, a good deal of sickness are getting among our soldiers I am in hopes the war will end soon I have thought it would end this winter but I do not know how it will end nor when I know this much it cannot end too soon for us I think it had as well end this winter as
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to go on next spring for it will never end by fighting no-how, We have to fight negroes now driven up to us by the white yankeys our men fought them at Petersburg & also on the other side of the river a day or so ago our boys allways slay them when they get a chance at them but it is a shame for our good young white men to be killed by a yankey negro, I think if they fight negroes against us we ought to conscript some of our to meet them I reckon our negroes would fight as well as theirs. I must close as I am getting so weak I cannot sit up write soon I remain Your affectionate Cousin
J G Younger
Joseph G. Younger enlisted as a private on July 10, 1861 at Union Church, VA in Company F of the 53rd VA Infantry. He was promoted corporal August 14, 1861; sergeant December 15, 1861; but was reduced to private on May 5, 1862. He was hospitalized August 18, 1862 at Chimborazo Hospital, Richmond, VA with diarrhea, then marked as ‘absent’ and sick at home in September of 1862. He was present December 15, 1862, then hospitalized again on February 28, 1863 at Lynchburg, VA. Present once more April 15, 1863. He was appointed 2nd lieutenant on April 4, 1863, but on November 12, 1864 he requested a transfer to the artillery “due to a lack of respect shown him by the men of his company.” Younger was duly transferred into the Halifax VA Light Artillery Battery on December 15, 1864. He survived the war, and later lived in Mississippi County, AR until his death April 13, 1916. His brothers Francis Marion, and Nathan, served at least through the end of 1864, both being issued clothing at Fairfax, VA on December 31, 1864. However, no further military documents could be found for all.
The 53rd VA Infantry was one of the most prominent of Virginia regiments, serving from December 1, 1861 until April 9, 1865. As a part of Armistead’s Brigade, Pickett’s Division, it was among the foremost in the famous “Pickett’s Charge” at Gettysburg, led by Brigadier General Lewis A. Armistead over the stone wall at the Angle during the height of the assault on July 3, 1863. Here the regiment lost 34 killed, 140 wounded, and 150 prisoners or missing, total of 314. It is believed all three Younger brothers were presentand survived this ordeal.
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Letter written by Lucy H. Morse, to her husband William H. Morse of Company C, 3rd MI Infantry. She recently received a letter from her husband, which is the first she has heard from him in three weeks since the battle of 1st Bull Run. Lucy had feared that her husband was dead, and writes of the Confederates that she wishes she could help “pick out their traitor hearts.” Lucy updates her husband on several of their family members and friends, and asks his advice on some family matters. She writes that their child is growing strong, and is big for his age.
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August 7th 1861
Dear Husband as Curtis
is writing I will write a few lines to you to let you know that we are well Uncle recieved your letter last night and never was a letter recieved with more joy than yours. it has been three weeks to day since I recieved a letter from you and you may be assured that a letter has been auspiciously looked for since the Battle I wrote to you sunday but this may not be unexceptable Dear Will you do not cannot know how thankful I am that you are safe I was almost cresy [crazy] before I head from you for fear that you had shared the fate of many a brave soldier Oh; it seems cruel that so much blood must be shed
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but I hope the rebels will get all the fun they want before they get through with it I wish I could help you pick out thier traitor hearts they are worse than the unscivilised savage I read an account in the paper of one of our Boys finding one of the enemy in a fainting condition he took and laid him in the shade and gave him a drink out of his own canteen when he revived he arose and deliberately shot his benefactor what a wretch he must have been I think he must have been born without any heart Will Jim think I had better keep house and have Father come and live with me this winter I recieved a letter from Sandusky last week Aunt Amy sent my letter out to York State and Uncle Charles sent Father five dollars and
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said that Fathers land could be sold for a hundred dollars and if Father wished he would sell it and get the mony and send to him. Dear Will write and tell me what to do. I mean to have Father let Uncle Charls sell his land he might Just as well have it as to let it lay doing nobody any good with the mony Uncle sent Father I am going to get him a pair of boots and some shirts. Oh; Will I wish you could be at home now it seems so odd to have to plan for myself but you must write what you think is best for me to do if I keep house I can make Father Comfortable and I think I shall be hapier my self for I cannot come here to board if I drew any thing from the state
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and there is no one else I want to board with but I think will do as you tell me write as soon as you get this and advise me what to do for if I keep house I shall have to make diferent arangements Will our little Curly head is well and grows every day he is real large of his age every body thinks he is so pretty and forward he is petted by every one who sees him he runs away over to the tavern every time he can get a chance we have to watch him all the time I can not think of any more to write this time so I will bring my letter to a close by bidding you good by
Forever, Thine, Lucy
Curt has not had time to write yet so I shant wait for him you must writ as often as you can Curt will write just as soon as he can no more this time Good By
Luc Morse
William H. Morse, age 24, enlisted with Company C of the 3rd MI Infantry at Grand Rapids, MI on June 10, 1861. He was wounded by a gunshot to the knee at the Battle of Fair Oaks, VA on May 31, 1862. The regiment lost 30 men killed, 124 wounded, and 1 missing. He was sent to a hospital in Philadelphia, PA, but later died there on August 8, 1862.
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Letter written by Private William S. A. Bracewell of Company G, 49th GA Infantry, A. P. Hill’s Corps, from a camp near Orange Court House, VA. The first part of the letter is addressed to Bracewell’s mother. He inquires about Private Wiley K. Bracewell [Co. G, 49th GA Infantry], who was wounded and captured at Gettysburg. He asks her to pray that the war may end soon, so that they may see each other again “this side of the grave.” Bracewell writes that the army is demoralized and many men are deserting. The second part of the letter is addressed to Bracewell’s brother, J. F. R. Bracewell. William updates his brother on the current state of several of their friends from home who are fighting, one of whom was killed at Gettysburg.
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Camp near Arange courthouse va
Aug 15th 1863
Dear Mother thru the tender mercies of god I am spard to write you a fiw lines that will in form you that I am well at this time and you dont no how glad I was to hear from you and to hear that you ware well and you cant tel how glad I was to hear from Wiley I wanted to know where he is and when you write to me let no all that you about him I hope that he will soon be paroled and if he is I think that he will get the chance to come home and stay
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Tel he gets well and I want to no whether his thigh was ambutated or not I hope it was not I hope it will get well with out being ambutated My Dear Mother you sed that you and all the chill dren wanted me to see me verry Bad Mother I no that you dont want to see me any wors than I do want to see you and I want you to Pray for me and also for the close of this cruel war that we may be spared to meat you all a gain this side of the Grave and if we never meat on earth that we may meat in heaven Dearest Mother you ast me to write you all the
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nuse that I have I cant tel half of it as it is tho I will tel you that our aRmy is demarilised wors than it ever has bin and the men is a desrten evry knight more or les and you can think of things as they are and now that that it is bad times here Mother I must close for this time by remaining your son T[i]ll Death, W.S.A. Bracewell
Dear Brother J.F.R. Bracewell it is with great satisfaction that I am permited to writ you a fiw lines that will in form you that I am well and I hope those lines
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may reach you well and enjoying your sefrelll [several] I had lik to have forgot the request a bout the boyes Jackson Spell is well and at his Co. Wm Spell was kiled at gettysburg, PV, and left on the battle field and I hope that Washington Spell was gone home and James Brantly I dont no where he is and Tel unkle Seburn that I havent herd from [Jesse?] in some time and I want him to remember me in his Praryres to the god that permits us to Live and Josiah you must be a good boy so that if we never meat on earth we may meat in heaven [???] Good Bye, W.A. Bracewell
William S. A. Bracewell, from Laurens County, GA, was one of several brothers and relatives who enlisted in Company G, 49th GA Infantry. He enrolled as a private on May 16, 1862, and was wounded in the left knee and captured at the Battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. He is listed as hospitalized at the Union 2nd Corps Hospital as of that date. He was later paroled and sent home, where he was discharged April 15, 1865.
James W. Bracewell, age 24, enlisted in Co. G, 49th GA Infantry, on March 4, 1862. No further record.
Jesse A. Bracewell, age 18, enrolled May 16, 1862 in Co. G, 49th GA Infantry. He was wounded on July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg, captured April 3, 1865 at Petersburg, VA, and released June 15, 1865 at Hart’s Island, NY. He died in 1916.
John C. Bracewell, age 20, enrolled March 4, 1862 in Co. G,49th GA Infantry. He was discharged for wounds on February 11, 1864 at the Richmond, VA hospital. Listed as wounded in the left arm on June 26, 1862 at Mechanicsville, VA. He died in 1920.
Wiley K. Bracewell, age 22, enrolled March 4, 1862 in Co. G, 49th GA Infantry. He was mortally wounded in the leg on July 2, 1863 and left in the hands of the Union army where he subsequently died.
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Letter written by Private Luke C. Lyman of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 18th US Infantry, to his family. The letter was written from the headquarters of the 2nd Brigade near Atlanta, GA. Lyman writes that the previous day was difficult, as they had a heavy fight at Utoy Creek, GA. However, the regiment “won laurels” by driving back the Confederate troops. The Confederates attempted to take back their works after dark, but were again driven off by troops under the command of General George H. Thomas. Lyman remarks on the casualties suffered by the 18th US Infantry as well as the 15th Regulars, which he blames on General Absalom Baird. Lyman pities the troops on the skirmish line that night, for if the weather turns foul they will have no shelter. He closes by writing that he has been ordered to the division headquarters.
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Head. Quarters 2d
Brigade 1st Division 14th A.C.
7 Miles South West of Atlanta
Georgia Aug 8th 1864
Dear Parents & Sisters
We have been on the move and fighting for a longe time so we have not had time nor a chance to write an answer to your last letter which Phill recieved some time ago, and has it with him out at the front yesterday if it was Sunday, was a hard day for our 2d Brigade we had a heavy fight and the 18th wone lorals [laurels], charged the Johneys rite to their works making them run like whiped dogs, taking about five hundred prisoners killing and wounding a slew of them. The rebs were so chigrined at our success that they waited until dark and then tried to take back their works by a charge our boy[s] waited until they came very close and saved their charges, then they poured volley after colley into them which sent them howling back to mourn their loss and repent their audacious effrontery in attempting to charge any of General Thomas’es men knowing that they are all olde soldiers and know how to handle the Johney [???]. The loss in the 18th is about seventy or eighty men, mostly slight wounds though 15th Regulars lost still heavier on account of an Enfilading fire
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the rebs had on them General Beard [Baird] not advancing as he should have done.
I pitty the boys who are on the skirmish line this afternoon and tonight their hard ships are hard ships tonight, for they will be obliged to lay in their pits if it does rain and there is no shelter for them to shield them from the merciless pelting rain and they have to have a cup to dip the water out of their rifle pits so they can stay in them, for to show yourself out of them is a little dangerous piece of bisness. I am glad I have got a place where I can stand and look on and see just
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as well. I am ordered to go out to Division Head Quarters, so I will have to close in haste, if it does rain but I have a mule to ride. I had to get up three times in the night and go round. Phill is well and has but three weeks minus three days to stay.
my love to all direct to
L C Lyman
Chattanooga
Tennessee
Head Quarters
2nd Brig 1st Div
14th A.C.
Luke Chandler Lyman was born October 29, 1832, the son of Frederick Lyman and Hannah Chandler. He worked as a shoemaker in Clermont County, OH and married Mary Ann Garster on May 27, 1860. He is described as being 5’10”, fair skinned, with brown hair and blue eyes. He enlisted in Columbus, OH on October 30, 1861 at the age of 29 and served as a private with Company A of the 18th US Infantry. He was discharged on October, 30, 1864 at Lookout Mountain, TN when his service term expired. He returned to Ohio and had three sons with Mary. In 1882 he filed as an invalid to receive his pension. He died April 24, 1922 and is buried in Rivercliff Cemetery, Morrow County, OH.
Philip S. Lyman was born in May 1841, the son of Frederick Lyman and Hannah Chandler. He enlisted August 26, 1861 in Delaware, OH along with Oliver S. Lyman (24) at the age of 20. He worked as a farmer, and is described as having light hair, a dark complexion, and blue eyes. While Oliver died October 27, 1864 at Andersonville, GA, Philip survived and was discharged August 26, 1864 at the expiration of his service term outside of Atlanta, GA at the rank of sergeant. After the war, Philip moved to Chicago, IL and married Emeline Lyman and had three sons. He worked as a carpenter and died on November 23, 1910. He is buried at Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove, IL.
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Letter written by Private Christopher C. Gregory of Company B, 38th VA Infantry of Brigadier General Lewis A. “Lo” Armistead’s Brigade, to Mr. Jason C. Swanson, from a camp near Culpeper Court House, VA. The letter describes the aftermath of Pickett’s Charge. Gregory writes they had a difficult time in Pennsylvania, experiencing foul weather and that they are currently being pursued by Union forces. He feels that the Confederate troops will never fight well again. Gregory thinks that their next destination will be Fredericksburg, VA. He briefly mentions women and marriage prospects, then continues to write about the heavy casualties suffered by the 38th VA. Gregory seems to be suffering from depression; he does not wish to have any company and writes that his “life is not much satisfaction.”
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August the 22 1863
Camp Near Culpeper, C.H. Va
Mr. Jas. C. Swanson Dear Sir
with plesur this Sunday morning to write you a few lines to in form you I am well. I hope theas may finde you injoying the same greate blesing as for news, I have now that is good we had a very Hard Time in pensylvania We hade so mouch bade wether it rained evry night and evry day but the beste crops I ever saw I never be fore saw surch crops of whete I wish we cold of stade thar. the ballance of this war but we have not gote trups [troops] or [???] the Yankees ar folliwing ous on the was very hevvy fyring laste night on the other side of the cothous [Court House?] I do not bleve our trups will ever fight Good again the[y] are to[o] dull I bleve Every Soulder thinks we are whipe [whipped]
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I am fearfull we ar whipe the yankees in pensylvania do not hartley [hardly] no [know] this war as [is] goin on bacon worth 12 c per pond [pound] whiskey 50 per gallon oats 25 to 35 per bushel corn per bushel 40 c evry thing lo and plenty of younge men. Substutes $300.00 and the niceste farms I ever saw but the parte of pensylvania we wente thrue [???] we pass & will for a longe time to com we birnt finces [burnt fences] our boys stold chickens & evry thing else I stole nothing but one old ruster [rooster] we march all night & all day I lifted one old ruster offor the ruste the yankees was all a round us all of the time it was verry [dangerous?] for a fellow to travel bout thar I wente to a old house & the[re] was 8 men in it up stars changing their dressing I reported it to a [???] who was closte by he put some gards over them I did not know whever the[y] was Yankees or not the yankees dide not [???] but one fire at my head one took a far shoute [shot] at my head he was in the mountains the was too
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withe one the [???] & one we have bin [told?] to leve hear for 3 or 4 days but have not gon yet I think we will leve hear soon I think we will go towards Fedricksburge I bleve if do go thar I will marry so[me] of them refigeses [refugees] the was marring all of the time when we was thar befor I have quite talking to the Girls I hartley ever lock at one I am seeing the dullis [dullest] times now I have ever have see[n] [since] the begin of the war for all of my company who I like ar cut down & ar no mor on this Erth. So I do not fele [feel] wright now with my company I cold once go to my company & talk with James [Burgess?] & pass off lonsome hourers & now my life is not mouch Sendes Jackson to me now I am onley living to see truble I now Hope this war will clos soon for I am wo[re] out with all things. I can not in joy my selfe mouch I am living a dull life hard life & I bleve this war will hold on a longe time yet. I met withe bill Gilberte when we started to merland [Maryland] he was in Culpeper then I stade with him one night
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He sed He was in hopes when we met again pece [peace] wold [would] be hear but he was kill in a few days after well [cook?] I mus[t] clos my badley writon letter I hope to hear form [from] you soon
Form C.C. Gregory To Ja C Swanson
Mr Jas. C. Swanson
Swansonville
Pittsylvania Cty
VA
Christopher Columbus Gregory was born on February 17, 1837 in Pittsylvania, VA to Richard and Elizabeth Gregory. He was one of 10 children and joined the 38th VA Infantry with his brothers John, Nathan, and Richard. His brother Wilson was also in the Confederacy, perhaps the 18th VA Infantry. Christopher was the only one of his brothers to survive the war. After the war he became a blacksmith, married Mary Shough, and had at least 6 children. He died March 24, 1908.
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