Letter – Frederick Doten, 30 September 1866

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Letter written by former Captain Frederick B. Doten, of the 14th CT Infantry, to his fiancée Georgie S. Welles, from Bridgeport, CT. This is the last Sunday he and his fiancée will have to write to each other before they get married. Doten writes of the preparations he has made to leave his office for the wedding and of getting new furniture for their house. He also describes the hilariously awkward experience he had trying to purchase “French Safes” (condoms) from the local drug store, then even more awkwardly inquires after Georgie’s menstrual cycle.

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Bridgeport, Sept 30th

My own darling Georgie

This is the last Sunday letter we have to write and the last letter you will have to write to me. I shall write tomorrow night but I suppose you had batter not as I shall probably see you tuesday night. Shall you have a very loving welcome for your husband darling and can I come with out feeling that I am a “thief & robber”? Only two days now before I can see you darling

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as the time approaches I love you dear more than ever my own blessed Wife. All mine aren’t you dear? a devoted loving Wife. But she don’t want to promise to obey “before all those people” Well she need’nt, dear little child. and she had better not. It wouldn’t be safe to place herself so entirely in the hand of such a fellow. you migh want to go home some time you know, and if I said “No” why you could go any hour. I have no

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doubt my darling but what I shall be pleased with the Service we are to have. I did not know before that the word obey was ever left out that was one objection I had. I should not want our wedding to be so unregular & conspicuous, but I am satisfied now dear. that I can feel that you love me as I want you to and dont object to the word from any feeling of pride or distrust, And I am also perfectly satisfied about

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thursday as a wedding day. So you need have no fears but what I shall be satisfied with any arrangement you are pleased to make. I suppose there is no use of my asking you any questions in this letter as you cant answer it before seeing me, but when I see you I want to know which route you wish to take so I can drop a line to Parson at once letting him whether he can expect us or not.

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I had a splendid letter from him yesterday inviting us to stay with them at least one night. Such an invitation is evidently genuine. I have never rec’d a more warm hearted one. He is married and has been for some time, he sent us Cards twice and wrote me two or three times and I have never recd one. I want you to read his letter it may have some influence on your decision – The cards came from New York yesterday

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afternoon. We have not enought yet I fear. I have only just got off my first list and shall mail the Sheffner cards tomorrow. I may think of a great many more whom I have omitted. in fact I think of some one every day, but it is too late they must go without. I send by Express half of the cards or nearly half. there a few more cards but no Envellopes. I would have sent more dear but

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got too many of my own directed before I thought I might be half through the pack. I hope there will be enough for you darling, I cant tell whether any one besides the family will go up or not. No one has intimated that they were going. I presume none will. Father & Mother think that you will probably have as many friends or more than you can accomodate so they will go to Springfield Wednesday and stop there

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They can probably get over to the wedding in time next day cant they dear? I believe I am about ready though none of my clother have come from the Tailor. My office is in good shape or will be tomorrow night. Yesterday I did about three days work in one. I wrote up the whole months sales and got partly posted. shall try & get off a Balance Sheet by tomorrow night. I have more money in the Bank that they

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can possibly use before I get back. So if they will ship good and get thru all charges I think they can get along for a week or two without me. They cant write in any of the books except the Sales Book, none understanding my method of Book keeping. So they will keep the daily [???] on a piece of paper for me to write up when I get home. You see that will iv me enough to do when I get back. Are you very happy

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darling at the prospect of being so soon a Wife? Am I more dear to you than two weeks ago my darling? Do you love me as dearly as fresh and strong as you did when i was in the army? Has not my conduct or something abut my character lessened in any way your respect? All these questions I want you to answer with your arms about my neck tuesday night. I know what

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the answer will be of course but still I want to hear from your own sweet lips an answer. Will you darling? I am very glad I[??] is with you. I shall always be grateful to her for her love and kind ness to you my darling. I have seen nothing of the furniture yet. I would like to see it before I go away otherwise would prefer not to have it arrive before the middle of the week. Mother

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and Nellie will have the room arranged. Father will see to the moving the furniture. If it comes too soon he says he can store it at his place for a few days. The weather is warm & Summer like here to day. but the wind is East I hope it will get through storming before we are married. I have mailed cards to the different people you wrote about also one to Mr Newcomb New York. I did that yesterday afternoon the moment the cards

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arrived. I am all out of paper, but fortunately remembered this so you will excuse looks wont you dear. ~~only~~ only think of the writer and the felling of his heart towards you. I do love you so dearly my pet. You are my darling, all my hopes of happiness this side of heaven are [???] in you. I have given my whole heart to you and trsut you to love me and make me happy, And your heart is mine

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isnt it darling. You want me to love you dont you dear? Am I very precious to you? I shall be very very glad when these wedding preparations are over, and we can devote our thoughts & words to each other. I am hungry for expressions of love. I know darling your thought have been very loving and I know that it was impossible to write about the

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necessary preperations and write love letters too, but we can make up for that bye and bye cant we dear? Will you be all the more loving and tender when we are married? I obtained yesterday at a Drug Store the article necessary to render us safe I dont like the idea of wearing it, but for your sake dear I will. The first time, it wont be necessary to use it, for I understand

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that do our best we can not produce any result, but after that I suppose we must be careful. I got three of those things, “French Safes” they are called. i dont want to have to go too often for them It is not an agreeable kind of shopping, There was a Lady in the store when I went in. The man that asked me what I wanted when I told him, asked me to walk [into] the back room and he brought them in there

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I seized them with out stopping for examination and payed for them and bolted as fast as I could. They are in my pocket Book now. How about your monthly sickness dear? Has it come on yet? It would be bad to have it next thursday. I hope you will be through by that time or rather by this time, for it is more dangerous just after that [period?]

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I dont suppose it sounds well to talk about such things, but as they always occur, it is necessary to understand what we are about. Dont you think so darling? Now I better engage rooms at the Massasoit before [???] do you think? or haven’t you decided to stop there yet? I have no choice darling for my self. only I fear a ride

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on the cars 5 or 6 hours will be too tiresome for you after such a tiresome day. I asked Ned to be one of the Ushers. I am glad that Smith will act too. It will be better for one at least of the Ushers to be acquainted with the people. I wonder if you are writing to me to day a good long letter the last letter too. I hope so and a very loving one. I hope you are well

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Enough to write. What makes you have Neuralgia dear? Is that a sick head ache too? I am quite well again darling how my mouth is a little tenders, but comfortable only my headaches to day It seems to, every Sunday lately. not much but one of those kind when one likes to be petted and if I could only cuddle down in your neck and feel your kisses I should forget the ache at once

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the Town Clerk” so I could not keep it any way, but I will get two of them and we can keep one. Good night my darling Wife God bless you Kiss me darling

Lovingly

Your Husband

Frederick B. Doten, was born in Sheffield, MA in 1840. He worked as a clerk in New York City then enlisted at age 22 as a corporal in Co. A, 14^th CT Infantry, August 1, 1862. He was promoted to 1^st lieutenant of Co. F, March 3, 1863, adjutant of the regiment, April 14, 1863, and captain of Co. F, Oct. 20, 1863. He was present at “Pickett’s Charge” at Gettysburg, helping defend the Angle on July 3^rd and was cited for receiving many captured swords from surrendering C.S. officers. He was captured at Morton’s Ford, VA on February 6, 1864, but after being imprisoned at Libby Prison, was exchanged and returned to duty as a staff officer for Brigadier General William Hays. He was mustered out May 1, 1865, and became a cashier of the 1^st National Bank of Chicopee, MA. He married Georgie L. Welles in 1866, and died Apr. 9, 1903.

Another 3 of Doten’s letters to Georgie, dating from 19 June 1864, 13 October 1864, and 10 April 1865, can be found at Spared Shared. An inquiry into his Prisoner of War status in February, 1864 is available in Ohio State University’s records Be sure to check them out as well!

Letter – Frederick Doten, 7 January 1865

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Letter written by Captain Frederick B. Doten of Company F, 14th CTInfantry, to his future wife Georgie S. Welles, from the headquarters of the 2nd Division. Doten is writing to his fiancée, and he expresses how much he loves her and misses her. He writes that he would like for them to be married within a year, and hopes that she will forgive their long engagement due to his time in the army.

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Head Qrs. 2d Div.

Jany 7 1865

My own dear Georgie

It is very late, but I can not let the day pass without a little talk with my pet, and to thank you for your dear letter which I received last night – of the 2d. Georgia, darling, I like to have you write like that. Such a letter will do me good, make me stronger, and better because I love you and every word from you, darling, is very precious. I shall be better, more manly, for

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your love for me, and darling your influence with me is very great. God knows my heart that I almost idolize you, and if it is wrong, may he forgive me. Only one month ago and I was with you. How much longer it seems! One month tomorrow and we were going to New York together. If I could only see you tonight. I suppose you are asleep now, and may the angels guard your slumber, darling, and sleeping or waking, keep you from all harm.

Nellie says she is having a very pleasant

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time with you, and wishes she could stay longer. I suppose you do not keep her awake now by coming late to bed. Was that headache a slight one, my darling? I am afraid not. Your kind of headaches and mine are not apt to be slight. Poor little head. I wish I could kiss the pain away, and bear it for you. I wonder, my pet, what our situation will be one year from now. I wish I could hope that we would be married and in our own home. We have

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been engaged nearly a year. You said once that you did not like long engagements.

I don’t like them either. But darling, as I am in the army you will excuse it, won’t you? For if I had been at home during these last three years, I too might have made a home for my love, as well as some other people.

I must go to bed. I am afraid this letter has not been very connected, but accept it dear for love’s sake.

Affectionately Your Own

Fred

Letter – Frederick Doten, 13 September 1864

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Letter written by Lieutenant Frederick B. Doten of Company F, 14th CT Infantry, to his fiancée Georgie Welles, from the headquarters of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division. Doten describes his two horses, and requests that Welles choose the name for his favorite one. Doten expresses his love for his fiancée, and reminisces about when they first met. He inquires about friends and family from home, and writes that he is sending Welles a portion of cotton picked near the camp.

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Head Qrs 3d Brigade

2d Div. Sept. 13^th 1864

My own loved Georgie

I have just come in from a ride. I have such a nice horse that I take every opportunity for riding him, and every time I ride I think “how Georgie would enjoy a horse- back ride with me today, and how I would enjoy to have her with me.” The weather is cool and pleasant, just right for riding. I have two good saddle horses; one of these, my favorite and just what you would like to ride. I keep him very carefully, and never ride him under fire, for fear he will get shot. I don’t care so much about

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the other one, though he is a good horse and has carried me well through many hard places. I have no name for my favorite. Will you not name him? I hope I can carry him home with me, then you shall ride all you wish. I received you letter last night, written the 8^th. I was feeling just a little low spirited when it came, but it changed the appearance of everything and I was happy again. This may sound exaggerated, but, my darling, your letters are very precious to me, and the words of love they contain are of untold value to one who loves you as dearly as I do. Georgie, my own darling, I did not think I could love you any more

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than I did when I left you. But each day seems to make me love you more deeply, truly than ever. I can never be sufficiently grateful to God for bringing you and me together. Do you remember the first time I ever saw you? It was at Mrs. Goodnow’s tea table. Mrs. Skinner had been telling me of a young lady that was coming to visit us. But how little I thought then that we were destined to be all in all to each other for life. Oh, how I long to see you; each day brings the day nearer when I can hold you to my heart. Georgie, dear, you won’t be afraid to kiss me then will you?

Mrs. Emily has not sent

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me that letter yet. I am obliged for her interest in us, and shall be pleased to hear from her. Please remember me to her. Mr. Harlon had forgotten me I expect. Well, never mind. I care only for you my darling. If I have letters from you I am quite satisfied. Thank you for your promise to write often. I will write as often as possible; generally every other day, some-times oftener. I enclose a bit of cotton picked near our camp.

If there is anything that I want, I will gladly send to you for it, instead of Nellie, for who has a better right, or who can do for me more lovingly than my darling. Please give my very kind regards to your father & mother. With my best love and many kisses for you, my dearest Georgie,

Lovingly, Fred

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I could not get that cotton blossom in with this; I send it by mail separate Fred

Letter – Frederick Doten, 11 September 1864

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Letter written by Lieutenant Frederick B. Doten of Company F, 14th CT Infantry, to his fiancée Georgie Welles, from the headquarters of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division. Doten writes that Sundays are generally quiet, and General Ulysses S. Grant intends for the day to be observed as much as possible. He mentions a recent horseback ride with his tentmate and a new railroad near the camp, which the Confederates have unsuccessfully attempted to shell. Colonel Thomas A. Smyth is currently in command of the division while General Gibbon is absent. Doten is sending Welles a piece of the 14th Connecticut Infantry’s colors.

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Head Qrs 3d Brigade

2d Div. Sept. 11^th 1864

Sunday morning

My own dearest Georgie

It is Sunday again, and the day for both of us to write. You remember last Sunday, in my letter, I wondered if you were not writing to me? Well, sure enough, you were, and in your letter you spoke of the same thing. Our Sundays in the army have been generally quiet. I believe Gen. Grant intends to have the day observed as far as practicable. We hardly hear a gun fired the whole day. So you can imagine how we welcome the day. We are having such

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lovely moonlight evenings that last evening I could not resist the temptation to take a ride by moonlight. So Lieut. Parsons (Adj’t Gen’l of the brigade) and myself took a delightful gallop across the country. Lieut. Parsons is my tent mate now, and a very fine fellow he is too. We remarked coming back that we hoped each to find a letter awaiting us. The thought hastened our steps, or rather the horses. And away we started at full speed. Arriving, sure enough, there was a letter for each. And I came to the conclusion that I had not had so pleasant a ride for a long time. My letter was from you, my own darling, dated Sept. 7^th. So you are back in Chicopee, and pleased with your visit in

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Bridgeport. How glad I am. I received a letter from Nellie speaking of your departure. You are missed there, darling. Nellie is very much attached to you. She says she won’t know what she will do without you. I know very well before you went there, that my Georgie would be gladly welcomed. Charlie is disconsolate as usual. He has been in mischief. I thought I had stored away those pictures you speak of where no one would ever see them again. Well, I don’t mind about it, as I know of. I wish I could have come in suddenly and caught you and him, and Nellie too, looking up my old things. The old “Libby” [prison] suit, for instance. I would have captured the whole party; not one should escape, at least

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not without a large ransom.

I am under obligation to that young lady for sending that “rice ball” to me. I will immediately commence to pin myself up, though I believe I have not had occasion to use such a thing for a long time. You need not tell her so, though. I will use them someway.

I am glad Aunt Sarah has discovered why I went to Springfield, and believe she thinks I had a good reason. ‘Why!’ she says. ‘Who do you know in Springfield?’

I suppose your father was glad enough to see you home again. I don’t wonder at all, darling

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that he is so very choice of you. I should not like to have you leave me as long. But here I am far away from you, with no prospect of getting nearer at present. I am very impatient to see you, my own darling. Will the winter never come? I don’t think I get as low spirits now as I used to. Since I have the assurance that you love me, the only feeling is impatience to be with you. To be sure, it has been very gloomy here, and at the regiment since the loss of my poor friend, Will Hawley, and so many other noble fellows, but when I think of that, the next thought is about Georgie, my dear loved Georgie. I have her still, and

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she loves me. So you see, my darling, how much you have done for me already. You spoke of learning something good about me. No, no, Georgie, dear. I am altogether unworthy of your precious love. But dearest, it shall be an incentive to try and become more worthy.

We have been in the same place for two days, at which we are all surprised. The new railroad runs quite near our camp, and the enemy frequently waste their ammunition trying to shell the trains. They have not been able to do any damage yet, though their shots come unpleasantly near, sometimes.

Col. Smyth is in temporary command of our division, during the absence of Gen. Gibbon. I think

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it is wrong on the part of the government to keep Col. Smyth from having a commission as Brigadier Gen’l, at least. They give him a major general’s command with only the rank and pay of a colonel. There is not a more brave or efficient officer in the field than Col. Smyth. I enclose a small piece of the colors of the 14^th. The old flag is nearly in pieces. This little piece was nearly off, so I thought I would send it to you.

Please give my very kind rememberances to your father and mother

With many kisses for your own dear self,

Yours lovingly,

Fred

Letter – Frederick Doten, 9 September 1864

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Letter written by Lieutenant Frederick B. Doten of Company F, 14th CT Infantry, to his fiancée Georgie Welles, from the headquarters of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division. Doten expresses his love for Georgie. He writes that the 2nd Corps is a “living illustration of perpetual motion” as they have constantly changed position. A new railroad has been built starting at City Point and ending within range of the Confederates’ guns. Confederate shelling has not stopped the trains, and the army is easily supplied with provisions.

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Head Qrs 3d Brigade

2d Div. Sept. 9, 1864

My own darling

I received last night your dear letter of the 4^th. It was just such a letter as I love to receive from you, my darling; assuring me that you love me, and think of me. I have often told you how dear you are to me, and it is a pleasure to tell you so, with the assurance that you love me in return. Oh, that we might be together in our own home, yours and mine, Georgie dear.

You speak again of Mr. Harlon. I will be sure and not give him any more

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of my confidence. I have told him nothing now that will do much harm if he does tell of it, or nothing more than I thought his expressed friendship and intent entitled him to. I am very sorry to believe yet that he has abused my confidence. I am not at [all] troubled about it, unless you are annoyed, except that I am sorry to be disappointed in him.

It was indeed remarkable that you should be in Bridgeport just at this time. But I am very much pleased that you were there to perform for me the last sad act of kindness to my noble friend. Don not be anxious, darling, about my health.

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I am quite well, and happy in possessing the love of the “best little girl” in the world.

I think the 2d Corps is a living illustration of perpetual motion. We have changed position no less than five times during the last 23 hours. It is very disagreeable; one can’t sit down to write a letter without expecting an order to “move this command at once,” before the letter is finished. The army has built a railroad running from City Point to the extreme left of the army, and right in range of the enemy’s guns. I expect they think the “Yanks” have got a great deal of impudence. Yet with all their shelling they

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cannot stop the trains running. Consequently the army is quickly and easily supplied with provisions.

The mail boats come and go every day. We have a mail every evening after supper. Each day we look forward to the arrival of the mail, with hope, and if nothing comes, go to sleep disappointed. Last night I received 5 letters. First and best, one from you, my darling, and 4 from home. Did I ever send you that picture you asked for some time ago? If not, forgive my neglect, and you shall have one as soon as possible. Many kisses and very much love. Fred

Letter – Frederick Doten, 2 September 1864

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Letter written by Lieutenant Frederick B. Doten of Company F, 14th CT Infantry, to his fiancée Georgie Welles, from the headquarters of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division. Doten writes that he received the last letter Welles sent and that he will try to be patient in waiting for her next one. The previous day, his regiment received orders to move, and had nearly packed everything up when the order was countermanded. Doten mentions that the 2nd Corps was not “whipped” in a previous fight as some may think. He writes that he is in better spirits, possibly because he has been too busy to dwell on negative thoughts.

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Head Qrs 3d Brigade

2d Div. Sept. 2, 1864

My own dearest Georgie

Your two letters of Aug. 28^th and 29^th were received yesterday. Capt. Hawley’s brother came nearly down here, or at least as far as Washington, and finding that the body of his brother had been sent north, went back. Major Howell, adj’t. gen’l. of our division, brought the package to me containing your note and one from Helen. The mail is in tonight, but nothing from home for me. I was selfish to expect it, was I not? I will try and be patient darling until tomorrow night.

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I wrote to Helen yesterday, saying that I hoped we would remain quiet for a little while, but I had hardly closed the letter before an order came to “be ready to move at once.” Upon that, horses were saddled, tents struck, and everything packed up for another fight, when fortunately the order was countermanded, and we subsided into “readiness to move at a moment’s notice.” I hope though that the emergency that called for that has passed, and that we can have our much needed rest. I wonder almost how it would seem to have a fight around here, and the 2d Corps not engaged. I hope people dont

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think that the 2d Corps was not whipped the other day. I assure you we were not. To be sure, we lost heavily, but we killed and wounded more of the enemy than the whole number of our command. We had only two divisions of our corps there, while the Rebels had one whole corps and one division of another. But this is not the kind of letter to write to my dearly loved Georgie. How came I to bring this horrid subject into my letter? I believe I am growing savage. I am feeling in better spirits tonight that usual. I don’t know why, unless that I have been so busy today that I could not think

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of anything unpleasant. And now to keep up this edifying state of mind, I shall, when I finish this letter, take a cigar and lie down flat on my back and think of somebody that I love, and look at a picture of a dear girl away up in my peaceful home, who loves me. I dreamed I was with her last night. I love her very dearly.

Good night and pleasant dreams, my own darling, with many kisses, Yours lovingly, Fred

Letter – Frederick Doten, 31 August 1864

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Letter written by Lieutenant Frederick B. Doten of Company F, 14th CT Infantry, to his fiancée Georgie Welles, from the headquarters of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division. Doten writes lovingly about a photograph he has of Welles. He mentions they have recently moved camp and established a headquarters, which he hopes will remain in place for some time. He has been disheartened by the loss of so many comrades, and describes how he has been feeling “blue.” He describes the sound of the drums and bugles throughout the camp, as well as the sound of the battery sending fire to the Confederate lines.

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Head Quarters 3d Brigade

2d Div. Aug. 31^st, 1864

My own darling Georgie

I have just been looking at that pretty little picture of yourself until I feel as if I could not wait for the time when I can see what is more lovely to my eyes than any picture in the world. Who do you think that is? I have not had a letter for two or three days from you, and that is a long time to wait for one who longs for a word from the loved one as much as I do. Tonight I hope to get a letter. I wish it was night now.

Yesterday we moved again from where I wrote you last

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and have again camped, and got our Hd. Qrs. nicely established where I can write letters to my loved Georgie to my heart’s content unless disturbed. If they are sometimes short, I will make up by writing often. Frequently when I am writing, from one to a dozen people disturb me and I have to write at least very disconnected letters. I hope we may be allowed to remain here for some time. I have no heart for another fight at present. It is very hard to lose so many comrades. I won’t begin to talk of our losses, or I shall write a “blue” letter. Don’t think, Georgie dear, that I am not in good spirits. I am feeling very well. Only let me hear from you often and that

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you are well and happy, for I love you so dearly to know that you are happy and make me so, darling. If I could only see you, how happy we might be together. How much more satisfactory we could talk now that we know that we are for each other for life. Did you have a pleasant visit in Bridgeport? What did you do, and how did you like the place? You must have heard of the death of Capt. Hambry while there. I almost dread to hear the effect on his friends. I hope it did not have the effect of making your visit unpleasant. It is just sunset, and everything looks beautifully, reminding me of the last day that I was with you – the day we took that ride, except that drums and

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bugles are sounding “retreat roll call” through the camps, and a battery of 32 [pounder cannon] are sending their compliments over to the Rebel lines. You may not be able to see anything in all that to remind me of that peaceful, happy day. Indeed, there is not much except in the appearance of nature. Even that requires some little imagination, and to be seen through tobacco smoke. The band of the 14^th is about to play. I wish you could hear it. I shall think of you my own darling all the time that it is playing.

Please remember me to your father and mother.

With a great deal of love and many kisses,

Affectionately, Fred

Letter – Frederick Doten, 1 September 1864

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Letter written by Lieutenant Frederick B. Doten of Company F, 14th CT Infantry, to his girlfriend Georgie Welles, from the headquarters of the 14th CT Volunteers. Doten writes that he has been feeling depressed and unwell. He was left behind when his regiment went off on reconnaissance. Doten writes of his love for the 14th Connecticut Volunteers, although this does not extend to the new conscripts. He then describes the band that plays each night at the headquarters for their entertainment, though they seldom have time for singing.

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Head Qrs. 14^th Conn. Vols.

Sept. 1st, 1863

Dear Miss Georgie

In my present state of mind I don’t know that I should attempt to write to you. I am terribly blue. I have been quite unwell for a few days past, and unable to continue my duties. And yesterday morning I was obliged to see my regiment go off on a reconnaissance without me; the first time since I have been out, that I have been left behind. The camp is so very lonely. Do you wonder that I have the blues? I never thought that I should become so attached as I am to the 14^th. My love though is for the old 14^th, not

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the “conscripts” that have been put in with us. We certainly need filling up, for we have but a small regt.; only eighty-three privates on duty & three or four officers. But that little number has shared together the hard fortune of the 14^th, and we do not welcome drafted men very lovingly.

I feel very much pleased at the interest you express for my welfare. I can not thank you enough. My old headaches seldom trouble me, or have not until lately. As you say, I have been very fortunate to escape as I have from everything

Have you made that trip to Mt. Holyoke yet? I wish very much I could join you. You remember we talked of that

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when I saw you last. When I go north, you may [be] sure that I shall go to see you, with many thanks for the invitation.

I have heard that song, “Weeping Sad and Lonely.” Our band plays it beautifully. We have them play at Hd. Qrs. every night when we can. We have a splendid band, acknowledged by all to the best in the Army of the Potomac. As to our singing, we do not have much time for that. Besides our singers are all gone.

I take the liberty of enclosing another picture. It may [be] better than the others. If so, please destroy them and keep this. I don’t want to intrude these things, but I am very anxious that you should have the best.

I presume Mr. Harlon is and old married man before this. I don’t

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know it, only suppose it. I can’t induce him to write to me unless I write too. Strange, is it not? Does he show a proper and independent spirit? Or is he very obstinate?

Have you decided to take that trip to Niagara with Mr. & Mrs. Stearns? Perhaps you are already on your way. If so, I wish you a very pleasant time, and a safe return. Please give them my very kind regards.

You speak of tiring me with your letters. Don’t let such an idea enter your head again. Why, my dear Miss Georgie your letters are treasures. Please send me another soon.

Please accept my regards for yourself,

Very truly yours,

Fred B. Doten

Letter – Frederick Doten, 24 February 1863

2015.002.040a

Letter of Frederick B. Doten of Company F, 14th CT Infantry, to his fiancée Georgie Welles, from the headquarters of the 14th CT Volunteers in a camp near Falmouth, VA. Doten mentions a newspaper that publishes letters from an officer in his regiment, Captain Samuel Fiske, under the name of “Dunn Browne.” Doten is currently acting adjutant, but expects to soon be relived of the position so that he may join Company F as 1st lieutenant.

A second part of the letter is dated February 25th. Doten writes that the silence of the camp is oppressive and he reminisces about nights at home. The band is serenading General French. Doten describes how Confederate forces drove in the Union pickets, though neither side suffered any great loss. He asks if Welles intends to visit Brooklyn, as he may be able to go north on furlough. He expects to be confirmed as adjutant rather than sent to the line, as the former adjutant was promoted to major.

Head Qrs. 14^th C.V.

Camp near Falmouth, Feby 24

Dear Miss Georgie

Your kind letter of Feby. 8^th was duly received and it has been my intention every day since to answer it, but I have been so very busy that I could not write to anyone. I am extremely glad that you think it your duty to write me as a soldier. I hope too that it is your pleasure as a friend, for it gives me more pleasure than you can be aware of. I most humbly and earnestly beg that you will continue often to do your duty in that particular.

I also received a newspaper, for which I am very thankful. By the way, that

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same paper frequently publishes letters from one of the officers of this regiment, Captain Fiske. They are quite interesting. He writes under the name of “Dunn Browne.” Have you ever seen any of them?

I expect soon to be relieved of my duties as “acting adjt.” as the regular adjutant will be back soon. Then I shall go to the company to which I have been promoted 1^st lieut. of Co. F. Please direct to me that way, as I shall then get them without their passing through as many hands.

I thank you very much for your invitation to visit you next summer. But is not very possible that I can accept. I am in a three year’s regiment, and here I must stay until sent home by

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an unfortunate shot, or the ending of the war, which I sincerely hope will soon come about. For this is not a pleasant life by any means.

Feby. 25^th

At last I have a quiet hour which I gladly devote to you. Everyone is in bed, or rather “turned in,” as we express it. The camp is very quiet. The silence is almost oppressive, and rather to me, melancholy. I cannot help thinking of home such a night as this. It reminds me of that evening that you and I went looking for lost friends. Our band is serenading Genl. French tonight, and perhaps the distant strains m[a]y help to produce these feelings. I hope you won’t think that I am weak. Should I be ashamed?

We have been quite excited, to-

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day in camp. The Rebels made a dash and drove in our pickets a short distance from here. No great loss, however, on either side. One prisoner was brought through our camp; quite a fine looking man too.

Do you intend visiting Brooklyn this spring? There is a bare possibility of my going north on a furlough. I shall, if I can arrange this office so that I can leave before our next campaign. If so, with your permission, I will try and see you. Our old adjutant was today promoted to major. So that I shall now probably be confirmed as adj’t. instead of going into the line. “I hope you will see fit to answer this soon,” and please write as long letters as you can. I know I don’t deserve it, but am very selfish.

Very sincerely yours, Fred B. Doten

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Letter – Frederick Doten, 30 September 1866

Letter – Frederick Doten, 7 January 1865

Letter – Frederick Doten, 13 September 1864

Letter – Frederick Doten, 11 September 1864

Letter – Frederick Doten, 9 September 1864

Letter – Frederick Doten, 2 September 1864

Letter – Frederick Doten, 31 August 1864

Letter – Frederick Doten, 1 September 1864

Letter – Frederick Doten, 24 February 1863