Letter – William Wall, 11 July 1864

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Letter written by Surgeon William B. Wall of the 33rd MS Infantry, to his wife, from Atlanta, GA. Wall begins by reporting the deaths of several of his comrades followed by the well-being of several of their acquaintances and family members. He remarks on the high price of goods in the area, and hopes that his family is getting enough to eat, though if they aren’t he is unsure of where they could get more money. Despite the low pay and rations, Wall remarks that the army is still in good spirits. They believe Confederate General Joe Johnston will whip Union General William T. Sherman. He writes that all the men are “getting miserably tired of the long siege.” Wall remarks that he loves his country, but he loves his wife and children more. He is afraid if the Union wins, their lands and homes will be taken away and given to strangers.

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Atlanta Ga July 11th 1864

My Dear Wife

I have not written You now for several days. There has not been any news to write. Thos M Murphy and A J Turpin each members of Comp “I” 33rd Miss were killed on the 4th July A G Beal & M M Gist Comp “I” have died at Hospt: from wounds recvd May 31st. I was at the Regt this morning, every thing perfectly quiet I dont know precisely where the enemy is or where or when he will make his next demonstration. Lt Brown is well & was well pleased as he had just gotten a long letter from his wife Our command is in much better health than it was a few weeks ago All of your acquaintance are well I will inform you of every one who may be so unfortunate as to be killed or wounded. I have not seen Pryor yet & will probably not until this campaign is over. I wrote you that I had gotten a note from him in reply to mine that he was well. I shall inquire after him & if he is hurt let you know. You cant tell how anxious I get to hear from you, but I am not disposed to complain, for I fell certain it is the fault of the mails & not yours – the last letter I had from

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you was written the 13th & 15th June nearly a month ago at that time the most of you were more or less sick, Mary had just been taken down worse – I would like to know how she had gotten. I advise you to take her to Grenada if she didnt improve as you proposed to do. If she is not well or nearly so, by the time you get this you had better take her to Hughs – I am always anxious for your health could I feel satisfied that you were well many an unhappy moment would be escaped. My health is most excellent. Visit Aunt Nan & Give her my kindest regards – write me how her health is getting – Henry Johnson has heard from Cousin Addie through a Mr Allen just from there, he will write to her or rather has written. I could not see the gentleman, he is a disabled soldier. the family were all well, heard nothing from Sallie – Had a letter from Col Johnson a few days ago, his family were all well. Said Aunt Laura was always uneasy about Henry, her health better than it used to be every thing is high here we pay $2.50 pound for bacon at the commissaries – for Mutton in the country from $2.00 to 2.50 pound – Irish potatoes $20.00 to $25.00 bushel other articles in the same ratio – I hope you will make enough to eat & wear at home; if you don’t I can’t see where

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you will get money to buy with – The government pays eighty cents pound for beef – Officers are issued one ration you know for which they are not charged but that is not enough for him & a negro & then we are compelled to have some vegetables occasionally & they are so miserably high it takes a large portion of our pay to keep up. The army is still in good spirits, the men think that Gen Johnston will fight Sherman after a while & that he will whip him whenever he does, & so do I – we are all getting miserably tired of the long siege (as it may be called) though entirely willing to let Gen Johnston say when I expect to see you sometime during the Summer the time looks long, but we must be patient. Give my love to Mrs Oliver. Is Miss Bettie in good health now? Kind regards to all acquaintances. Much love to Laura & Mamie kiss them for me. did they get the little letters I sent them? Howdy & Respects to the Servants, tell them I wish them all well. Tell Same & Henry they must let me hear from their crop & stock – I think this will be the last year of the war & I know you hope it may be – Our Separation seems to me almost like a little life time. I sigh & long for the times to come when we may again be permited to live together again. I feel bound to do my country service as long as it is invaded by a relentless foe & your health & condition will permit. I love my country

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though I love you & my children more. You must try & be reconciled at our separation. Our enemys -at least some of them- are even now proposing to dispossess us of all we have & give our homes & lands to strangers – This of course can never be done. Well I have just finished my supper. it was first rate. I had corn bread, bacon, irish potatoes, ocre [okra] & irish potato soup& genuine coffee I think I hear you laugh at the idea of soup for supper – you may laugh if you like, it was good any how – we have a way of our own in the army so far as cooking wha tlittle we have – the army is getting plenty of meat & bread We had a nice rain yesterday. the weather is pretty warm – We have just gotten this news from Va, which we regard as pretty good – Love & a thousand kisses to the children – I will stop for the present Remember me in all your prayers – Your ever devoted husband.

W B Wall

Letter – William Farries, 15 July 1864

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Letter written by Sergeant William Farries of Company E, 24th WI Infantry, to his brother, from a camp on the Chattahoochee River, GA. Farries writes that General Joseph E. Johnston and his “Graybacks” are now across the river, and the Union army is nearly finished crossing in pursuit. His regiment went scouting with General Oliver Howard to find a place to bridge the river. On the way back, Major MacArthur lost the road, causing a significant delay. The next day they received marching orders for Roswell, GA. When they reached Roswell, they had to “strip and ford” the Chattahoochee. The next day they built a line of breastworks along the river and were relieved by the 16th Corps. Farries expects to move to Atlanta soon. He does not think there will be much fighting before then, as Johnston would have attempted to make a stand before they crossed the river. They can see spires and buildings in Atlanta from the back of the camp.

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If you see Watsons folks tell them he is in good health

Camp on the Chattahoochie

July 15th 1864

Dear Brother

I recd a letter from you & one from Mary a few days ago; yours I will answer first as I have written to Mary last – We have got Old Johnson & his “Gray backs” across the river and the greater portion of our army have crossed in pursuit last Saturday the 9th our Regt went with Gen Howard on a scout to find a place to throw a bridge across the river at noon we reached our place of destination and after a short rest we started for camp all went well until our Major lost the road we had to travel until sunset before we found our camp the day was awful warm and several men were sunstruck next day we thought would be a day of rest but we had scarcely finished breakfast when we had orders to be ready to march in half an hour we were to take nothing with us but our haversacks & rubber blankets our whole Division had the same orders & we had orders to go to Roswell a town about 15 miles distant where the rebels had an extensive cotton factory. We went about half way when our Regt had orders to halt and wait for the supply train as soon as we had our guns stacked (although the order was not to leave camp) three-fourths of the regt were off scouring the country for vegetables

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and in an hours time they commenced coming back to camp with potatoes beans apples beats & everything you could think of in the vegetable line they then commenced cooking and eating and did not stop until we had orders to march at 4 o’clock in the afternoon we reached Roswell at sunset where we had to strip and ford the Chattahoochie we relieved a cavelry brigade that crossed the river a few hours before Our Div. was the first infantry that crossed the river at that point We took position on a high ridge that ran parallel with the river and early next morning have built a line of breastworks with both our flanks resting on the river in the afternoon the 16th Corps crossed the river and relieved our Div. we moved back a short distance in the rear and camped for the night. About 10 A.M. we recrossed the river on a temporary bridge that our Pioneers had built; we marched to the outskirts of the town where we went into camp we stayed there until next morning when we started back to our old camp which we reached at 8 P.M. tired and almost melted. Next day we had to strike tents and move across the river to our present camp I do not think we will stay long in our present camp I think we will start for Atlanta in a few days I do not think we will have much fighting between here & A. I think if Johnson intended to make a stand between here and A he would have tried to prevent us from crossing the river we are not more than seven or eight miles from A we can see the spires & principle buildings from the camp of the 3d Brigade of our Div. I wish you would send

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my watch by mail, put it in a small box and it will come through all right I am in good health and hope this will find you all well

Your Affect Brother

William

William Farries, from Wauwatosa, WI. He is listed as a farmer, born in Scotland, about 5’9″, with hazel eyes dark hair, and a fair complexion. He received a $25 bounty for enlisting for 3 years service. He enlisted on August 6, 1862 as a corporal in Company E, 24^th WI Infantry. He was later promoted to sergeant, and was wounded November 25, 1863 at Missionary Ridge, TN. Sgt. Farries was mustered out of the army June 10, 1865 at Nashville, TN.

Letter – William Farries, 6 July 1864

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Letter written by Sergeant William Farries of Company E, 24th WI Infantry, to his brother, from a camp near Vining, GA. Farries writes that he is unsure how long his regiment will rest, for as long as Ulysses S. Grant is fighting near Richmond, VA, they must press General Joseph E. Johnston in GA. He describes a charge at Kennesaw Mountain made by the 14th Corps against General William Hardee’s Corps. Farries writes that the Union division was poorly handled resulting in heavy losses. Farries writes that General William T. Sherman forced Johnston into a different position across the Chattahoochee River. He also mentions that from a hill near camp, he is able to see the tops of some buildings in Atlanta.

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Camp near Vining Ga

July 6th 1864

Dear [???]

I do not know what is the reason but I dont get any letters from you now. I do not think I have received a letter from you since I last [???]. We have had a rough time for the past two weeks but at present we are having a little rest how long it will last I am unable to say but I do not think it will last long for as long as Grant is fighting near Richmond we must press Johnson here. On the 27th of last month our Division & Davis’s of of the 14th Corps made a charge against the rebel center held by Hardees Corps our Division was so poorly handled that the rebels repulsed us with but little trouble our loss was heavy I never saw men fall so fast in all my life the rebels had a cross fire on us with both artillery and musketry and instead of being ordered forward on the “Double quick” we were halted and told to lie down what they were waiting for I could never ascertain our men stood it some time when they got up and ran back to our breastworks without orders our loss will show whether

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the men acted right or not the loss in our small Division was nearly 800 more than one fifth of the men engaged the loss of our Regt was slight compared to some of them and the reason was we were in the rear line Gen Harker commander of the 3d Brigade was killed he was a brave officer and his loss is severely felt hy his command the only field officer killed in our Brigade was Col Chandler of the 88th Ill. the loss in our Co was two Wm Shallock wounded in the face & G. Urbatsh (a new recruit) flesh wound in the thigh A. Denny got a slight rap from a spent ball but not enough to prevent him from doing duty. Gen Sherman has forced Johnson from one position to another he has forced him a cross the Chattahoochee River & the left of our army is within ten or twelve miles of Atlanta from a hill a short distance in the rear of our camp we can see the spires & several prominent buildings in Atlanta (I forgot to tell you that our Corps is on the extreme left) the left of our army all moved to the right when Johnsons fell back from the Kennesaw Mountains. Byron Albert has returned to the Co but he has not brought my watch I do not know the reason why he did not bring it. I wish John would send it by mail for a watch at home is of but little use to me tell him to put it in a little box and I think it will come through all right. My health is as good as usual and I hope this will find you all the same tell Arty to write to again

Your Brother William

Letter – J.P. Graves, 25 April 1864

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WARNING: This letter contains racist slurs. We neither support nor condone the use of such language and have therefor decided to censor the words out of consideration for our readers.

Letter written by Private J. P. Graves of the Warren County MS Light Artillery, Confederate Army of TN, to his sister, from camp near Dalton, GA. Graves writes that he would have written to his sister earlier, but paper is scarce. He mentions General Joseph Johnston’s recent grand review of his army. Graves stood right next to Johnston, as well as General Hardee’s wife and daughters, and describes the general’s daughters in detail. Graves writes that General Johnston has ordered breastworks, and that their Union prisoners are expecting the Confederates to win the next fight. After returning from guard duty, Graves writes that General Francis A. Shoup, the Chief of Artillery, wanted to give Parrott rifles to the battery, but Lieutenant Shannon refused the rifles as they were used.

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Camp near Dalton

April the 25/64

Dear Sister

I received you letter the day I wrote to Sallie and was very glad to hear that you all was well. I would of answered your letter sooner but as I am scarce of paper I thought I wouldnt write but once [a week?] General Johston had a Grand review of his army last monday Lieut Shannon excused me from going out with the Company and I went out as a spectater took my stand right by Gen Johnston

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and Gen Hardees wife and daughters I never saw so many men in my life. I got tired looking and I went back to camp I wreckoned you would like to know if Gen Hardeess Daughters are pritty; I dont think so If you think Miss Anna Person is pritty Miss Hardee is pritty also Miss Hardee is a bout the size of miss C Trenten; The Elder one I am speaking of; The younger one is not as pritty as the Elder one. you said Miss Julia Barnett felt slighted by not receiving a not[e] from Lieu Shannon He told me to tell miss J Barnett that he expected to thank he in person That is

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he expected to get a furlough and come down there. He also said that he thought it was a Great deal of impropriety in writing to a school girl. We expect to have Stirring times up hear soon Gen J– is throwing up breast works hear the yankee prisoners say they think we will whip them in the next fight our army is in fine spirits I expect to go out and see Bud to morrow or the next day Tell Webster and Forest they must take good care of my puppy and all of you must take good care of my chickens I must go over to the guard house now as I am on guard. I will write when I come back. I have just

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return from Guard mount and will continue to write Gen Shoup wanted to turn our battery into a parrot battery but as he wanted to give us some guns that had been used Lieut Shannon would not take them Captain Swetts is acting inspector general of artilery and Lieu S– takes command of our battery Semples battery from Montogomery is in our batalion and and their is some very nice boys in it! Powell is in that Company. I went over to the 19 Lousiana yesterday and saw Sam Dinkins he is well and says he has not got a letter from home in a long time I give my love to ma & Sallie & the ******* Bill & Prince as well

I remain your affectionate Brother

J P Graves

J.P. Graves enlisted on March 20, 1864 in Dalton, GA in Captain Swett’s Company L, the Warren Light Artillery. He survived the war and is shown on a muster roll of Confederate soldiers paroled at Greensboro, NC on April 26, 1865.

Letter – Godfrey Rider, Jr., 8 June 1864

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Letter written by Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey Rider, Jr., of the 33rd MA Infantry, to his former commanding officer, Brigadier General Adin B. Underwood, from the woods near Marietta, GA. Rider describes a charge on a Confederate fort [Battle of Resaca], as well as the fighting that occurred near another stronghold [Battle of New Hope Church]. He describes the losses his unit suffered and comments on the strategies of Generals Sherman and Johnston. He mentions the number of muskets now in the regiment, and hopes to recruit more soldiers when the current campaign ends. He writes about the current state of several army officers, and mentions several who are vying for promotions.

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20″ Coprs.

33″ Regt. Mass Vol Inft

In the Woods between

Ackwood & Marietta

June 8″ 1864

My Dear Genl, your letter of the 18′ ult reached me yesterday, for which I thank you, and glad to hear you are so well situated. We left the Valley the 2″ day of May, and have skirmished until the 15 when we charged a Rebel fort, drove them from intrenched hills, lost that day 86, including Lieut Bumpus killed. Lieut Parker died 2 hours after taken from the field. Lieut Williams bad flesh wound in the left arm. May 25 formed line in short range of another strong hold, lost 56, and 5 prisoners ~~Lieut~~ Capt Turner slight wound in the rist, in various battles our loss has been about 160 to date – Our fighting has mostly been in the woods with deep ravines in front. I never saw such natural strong positions. Sherman seems to work carefuly, but Johnson is shrewd, often before we know it we are in front of a mare’s nest. But the country grows less mountainous, and once in a while can see daylight. We start tomorrow, supposing that the Rebels have gone across the River, We now number 163 muskets. After this Campaign I shall try to get home to fill up, unless it is to last all summer. My throat continues very weak, and no voice, but the Major

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can do all the ordering. and has been great help to me. Col Wood commands the Brigade, about the same as he did his Regt. but with more dignity and a big staff. I think he is too partial to his Regt, the have lost less and done less than any of us. Col Gamby and his major were killed May 15. Capt Powers is senior, but Col Wood ordered him relieved and is to be examined. Wood will get fitts when leisure time comes –

Genl Steinwehr was ordered to a Brigade in the 14 Corps but went home on “sick leave,” Schurtz I hear is in charge at Nashville.You know he asked for investigation of Hookers charges. Wood, Jones of the 154 & Bushbeck were the board. Wood & Jones sustained the report. Bushbeck opposed it. Bushbecks time is out and gone home. Wood is anxious for a Star & Faulkner for the Eagle, but probably neither will get it. The 20″ Connecticut & 26 Wisconsin have joined us Col Long has been away sick 2 months, how lucky he is – the 2″ Mass I see often but as Coggswell is at home you will doubtless see him. The 12″ Corps so far have not done so well as the 11″.

I am sorry that my throat is so bad, but dont let my wife & parents get hold of it, my Bro of Chicago came to see me in April – Prospects are good for success, but hard work, “Carry me back to old Virginia” Butterfield commands our Division, Excuse this, I will write you as often as I can, and hope to see you in July or August

Your Obt Servt

G. Rider Jr. Lt Col Comdg

33 Mass

Godfrey Rider, Jr. enrolled as a captain on July 31, 1862 in the 33d MA Infantry. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel April 3, 1863 and resigned September 17, 1864.

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Letter – William Wall, 11 July 1864

Letter – William Farries, 15 July 1864

Letter – William Farries, 6 July 1864

Letter – J.P. Graves, 25 April 1864

Letter – Godfrey Rider, Jr., 8 June 1864