Letter – David Norton, 25 October 1861

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Letter written by Captain David W. Norton of Company E, 42nd IL Volunteer Infantry, to his mother from a camp at Warsaw, MO. Norton describes the march from Jefferson City to Tipton, which was made difficult by rough road conditions and previous rainy weather. They marched to Warsaw with General David Hunter’s division and are intending to join General John C. Fremont’s army. Norton mentions that Fremont’s and General Franz Sigel’s armies are in pursuit of General Sterling Price, and he hopes that his own company may see some action when they catch up. The countryside is pleasant, but “shows plainly that the curse of slavery hangs over it.” He mentions that the towns are deserted, with only a few Germans remaining. Norton concludes by saying that the marching agrees with him physically, and that he is well-liked by his men.

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Camp at Warsaw Mo.

Oct 25th 1861.

Dear Mother

I have not had a moments time to write you since we were at Jefferson City. We marched from there to Tipton a distance of about 60 miles over the roughest roads I ever travelled. At Jefferson City we had twenty-five wagons in parts and one hundred & fifty mules – all untrained given to our Regt. as they ran. We had to make wagons of those parts and teams of those wild mules before we could march from Jefferson City. It took two or

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three days to catch and break the mules and then we loaded on the march. We had the roughest roads to go over I ever saw. The hills were very steep and the road gullied very much by the heavy fall rains. After we got to Tipton we rested one day and then marched with Gen. Hunters division for this place to join Gen. Fremonts Army. We arrived here yesterday, and shall probably march on after Gen. Fremont who is still some fifty miles ahead. The distance from Tipton to Warsaw is between 80 & 90 miles and we marched it in four days over rough

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roads which I call good marching for green hands! There are some 15000 men in our Division & 27000 under Gen. Fremont himself. Gens. Fremont & Sigels are close behind Gen. Price and will undoubtedly bring him to a halt by the time we overtake them & then we may hope to see lively times. It is the hope of a fight that makes our boys travell so well. We out march some Regts that have been in the field ever since May. Gen. Hunter paid us the compliment of putting us third in his Column after the first days march. The first day we were the last Regt. in the Column.

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The Country we have been marching through is as fine as any I ever saw, but it shows plainly that the curse of Slavery hangs over it. Every Farm shows that ******* are a curse to the country. Every village we passed was quite or nearly deserted. A few Germans only remaining. This part of the state is all secession and if it dont curse the day on which secession was born I am much mistaken.

I am hearty and fat. This hard marching agrees with me. My men think they have got the best Capt. in the Regt. I take good care of them when sick and make them fly round pretty lively when well. They say that their Captain

[letter incomplete]

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.

Letter – David Norton, 12 October 1861

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Letter written by Captain David W. Norton of Company E, 42nd IL Volunteer Infantry, to his mother from Jefferson City, MO. Norton writes that they landed from the boat the previous day and have been preparing to march out. General John C. Fremont has frightened the Confederate troops so much that they are retreating. Norton hopes that Fremont will decide to pursue them. Norton inquires after his brothers and writes that he hopes his father does not get discouraged during the war. He writes that his regiment is in good spirits, and that he has been paid enough to outfit himself comfortably. Norton concludes by mentioning an enclosed photograph of himself and his 2nd Lieutenant, N. H. Dufoe.

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P.S. What is Charley’s full address? DWN

Jefferson City Mo.

Oct 12th 1861

Dear Mother,

Your long and more than welcome letter was received yesterday. You may be sure that I was glad to hear from you, it has been so long since I received a letter from you. We are “all in a heap‘, here. We landed from the boat yesterday morning and our men and freight are still on the levee. Our wagons are being put together and our mules are being trained, preparatory to marching. We hope to get a start of four or five miles to night so as to camp outside of

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this miserable town. The streets are full of mule teams of the different Regt’s. here. The mules furnished are almost all untrained and all the teamsters are busy breaking them. Within a week or so after leaving Jefferson we may hope to be in the neighborhood of the Rebels – unless they take another start south; – which is more than probable. Gen. Fremont has frightened them so badly that they are dividing up and going south and west. I hope that Fremont will follow them in the same way and finish the war in this state. They wont fight unless they have it all their own way, and so I am for giving them a good run for their part of the business.

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I have not time to write much to day but the first time I get a chance I will write a good long letter and give you a history of our progress up the river &c. I am glad to hear that Joshua is doing so well. I hope he may be able to keep his post, for they make a great many changes in the Q.Ms. Department out this way.

Tell Joshua that he must not go into the army again – unless he can get a comission.

How does Father’s courage hold out under the present state of affairs? I hope he does not get discouraged, for I know that it is uphill business, if one loses hope _ I came very nearly doing so, some time ago – but now I feel in first rate spirits and believe all

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will yet come out right. My company is getting along first rate and the whole Regt. is feeling well at the prospect of seeing service. I have drawn pay enough to fit myself out in comfortable style.

Tell the girls and Lottie in particular that they must not always expect an answer to their letters, but take a letter to anyone as an answer to all – for my time is very much occupied and opportunities to write few and far between.

Enclosed is a likeness of myself and my 2nd Lieut. N.H. Dufoe. Mine is good, every one says, only I look less hearty than I am. Dufoes is good.

Good Bye, God Bless you Mother.

Yours “all over“

D.W. Norton

Letter – John Wiggins, October 1862

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Fragment of letter written by Sergeant John W. Wiggins of Company F, 39th NC Infantry, circa October of 1862. The incomplete letter describes the retreat from Perryville, KY, which involved Colonel John C. Vaughn’s 3rd TN Infantry. Wiggins describes the number of Union troops that were killed or taken prisoner, and the Union’s unsuccessful attempts to kill Colonel Vaughn. The letter ends with his account of how many Confederate men were killed or wounded.

[top line lost]

Killed 2 of there men [???] wound one that we had prisoner and we stayed there that knight and next morning at day light they fired on our piquetts and killed one Lieut in Col Vaughns Regt and drove in the rest to arms to arms was the cry and col Vaughns men sprung up out ther beds with a yell and charged around the high bluff and came up on ther back side and would have killed and taken all but they knowed our countersign but not withstanding all that we killed about 15 or 20 of Robers Col Vaughn lost 4 men killed and several wound they was several of the cavalry wounded one have died since the cavalry was not as much exposed as the infantry although they could not do anything they had to stand in line in the thickest of the fire they like to have got Col Vaughn he went up to them thinking they was his own men and he said who comes there they said your friends and said who is that he said Col Vaughn and they said kill him damn him kill and I was standing looking at him and he jumped 25 jumps and fell and slid down the hill out of their sight we lost 4 men killed and 12 or 15 wound just

[rest missing]

John W. Wiggins, age 19, from Cherokee County, NC, enlisted in Company F, of the 39^th NC Infantry, circa February 23, 1862. He is listed as a sergeant as of November 25, 1862, and was wounded at Stones River on December 31, 1862, but returned to duty the next day. He was promoted to 1^st Sergeant of Company F on March 1, 1863. He was fatally wounded at Chickamauga on September 19, 1863, and died in the hospital on September 21^st. He was twice reported on the Confederate Honor Roll for valiant service, at Stones River and Chickamauga.

Letter – Samuel Keeler, 24 October 1864

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Letter written by Corporal Samuel B. Keeler of Company I, 4th NJ Infantry, to his brother Clifford, from a camp near Strasburg, VA. Keeler writes that he sent a description of the battle from the 19th [Cedar Creek] in a previous letter. The battle was hard, but the Union came out victorious and he was unharmed. Keeler thinks highly of General Sheridan, and writes that he is proud to be in Sheridan’s Army. He is confident that Lincoln will be reelected President, in spite of what the Copperheads have been saying. He comments on friends, including some in the 15th NJ Infantry, and family members back home, including one whom Keeler has just discovered is a Copperhead.

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Camp near Strasburg Va

Oct 24/64

Dear Brother

Your welcome letter came in Company with Annies. I was very glad to here from you. There is not much use of my tilling you about the Battle we had on the 19^th as I told Annie all about it in her letter. you would like to know weather I came out safe or no. well I came out all safe, and I am Thankful for it. I don’t see how every one can come out a live in some of the battles we have. the Battle of the 19^th was a very hard one for a while. but we soon got the best of the Rebs and run

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them back a gain. we wound up the Fight by a Grand Victory on our side. the last we heard of the Rebs, they was goin up the Valley as fast as they could. I don’t think they will be back again very soon, if they do we will do the same thing to them. we can Whip [Confedederate General Jubal] Early every day his men will not Fight when we get them on the run. that morning they drove us back we fought every step of the way. they drove us about three miles, but just as soon Sheridan came up and said they would have to go back where they came from. we all knew then that things was right. Sheridan had bin to Washington and he we [was] just on his way back that day. if he had of bin he[re] in the morning, Early would not of flanked us

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you say I ought to be Proud I am in Sheridans Army. I am Proud of it. there is no Army that has don as well as this Army here before the Army in the [Shenandoah] Valley has always bin Whipped untill Sheridan took Command. Annie says in her letter that Pap got my Check for 200.00 Dollars, so you are beting all of your money [on] Uncle Abe are you. you had better keep your money in your Pocket. the same time your money is safe. Abe will be elected again just as shure as you live. let the Copperheads say what they Pleas a bout the Administration. and Abe will be re-elected in spite of them. The report is that Abe is down here at Sheridans Head Quarters now. if he is not here I think he is a coming in a day or t[w]o. Ben Peterson better mind

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how he goes about Pemberton [NJ?] some of the Copperheads will get a hold of him and Kill him yet Emma told me in her last letter that there was a flag from our House to Lippencotts I heard a bout that turn out in the city Mag Anne told me about that. Emma told me that Hogat gave you a Revolver. 15.00 dollars is a good price for it. you had better sell it. that will be so much towards buying your new suit of clothes this Winter. I am glad that Charley has got his papers [discharge – Charles Keeler, Co C, 3^rd NJ Infantry]. tell him I say that is the tickett to Vote. tell Cheeks I did not know that he was a Copperhead befor. I am very sorry to here it. tell him I say he must vote for Old Abe. how do General

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Taylor vote. – I hope for Honest Old Abe. I saw in the paper how the election went in them states. the Stamps came all right. your letter was mailed on the 13^th I received it on the Afternoon of the 21^st. I knew that Gaskill was a Copperhead. I never told you that his son George [George Gaskill, enlisted as a substitute in Co. B, 15^th NJ Infantry] was down here again. he is in the 15^th Regt. in our Brigade. I have not saw him since the Battle. I will go over to the 15^th and see if he was wounded or killed, so his folks will know about him. I will go before I send this letter. has Billy Bryan [Co. A, 15^th NJ Infantry] got well of his wound yet I guess he is all right for Old -Page 6-

Abe. I have saw them circulars you speak about Clifford, you speak about that Hat I don’t think I gave it to you. I know I told Morris to take it home with him one night to keep you from getting it. you are rather young fer a High Hat I think. I have just bin over to see George Gaskill. He a live and well. he wishes to be remembered to you all. I will bring my letter to a close for the want of some thing to say. give my love to all, and Answer soon.

From your Affect.

Brother Samuel B Keeler

Samuel B. Keeler, from Mount Holly, NJ, enlisted on August 17, 1861 as a private in Company I of the 4^th NJ Infantry. He was promoted to corporal April 1, 1863, and 1^st sergeant on March 1, 1865 (transferred to Co. A). He was cited for “bravery and good conduct” by Lt. Colonel Baldwin Hufty, 4^th NJ Infantry, in the Battle of Petersburg (attack near Fort Fisher) on April 2, 1865 [see OR’s 1-46-1-930]. He was mustered out in July 1865.

Letter – Cornelius Baker, 31 October 1864

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Letter written by Private Cornelius Baker of Company K, 1st ME Cavalry, to his mother, from the headquarters of the 3rd Brigade near Petersburg, VA. Baker writes that he is still cooking, though he has not been able to bake as much since returning from the hospital. His health has improved as the weather has cooled down. He mentions how George (possibly George Baker, 19th Maine Infantry) is a prisoner in Georgia. He describes a recently-fought battle [Hatcher’s Run, VA], and mentions how his regiment suffered heavy losses. Baker’s regiment captured several prisoners, including the African American drivers of ten Confederate army wagons. Much of the regiment has gone home, having served their full term.

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Head Quarters

3d Brigade, Q.M.D.

Near Petersburg, Va.

October 31/64

Dear Mother

Your very kind and long looked for letter was received this morning, for which I am very thankful. I am pleased to hear from you once more, mother, and to hear that you [are] enjoying a comfortable degree of health.

My health is as good as can be expected. I am still at the same old business (cooking). I have been obliged to give up my old mess on account of my health. I have been unable to attend to baking since I came from the hospital. But since cool weather has made its appearance, I have improved in health

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very rapidly. George is in Georgia, a prisoner. I know of no way that you can get a letter to him. I will ascertain as soon as possible if there is any way to get letters to him, and if there is, I will let you know at once.

This is a cold, rainy evening, but I have a very comfortable chance for which I am truly thankful.

We had a severe battle near this place last Tuesday. Our regiment lost heavily. I think there were about 90 killed, wounded, and missing. Among those that were killed was Lieut. W Collins [Co. E]. He was a fine, promising young man, and is deeply lamented by all that knew him. Our men captured quite a number of prisoners, ten army wagons loaded with provisions, and

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the drivers (all colored men). One of them is with me. He is the smartest darkey that I have seen since I have been out here. He says that God alone knows the suffering there is among the poor class.

Quite a number of our boys have gone home, having served out their term. I shall remain here until spring, then if my life is spared, I shall come to see you and all my old friends.

It is too cold and chilly for me to write much more. Give my love to Aunty; tell her she is thought of and most always spoken of by me. Charlie Lyons is here with me and sends his love to you. Give my love to all inquiring friends. Good bye. Direct your letters

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~~Corenelius V. Baker~~

~~3rd Brigade 1st Maine Cavalry~~

~~Washington D.C. 3d~~

Street to 1st Maine Cavalry

3d Brigade QMD

Washington DC

Yours affect.

C. V. Baker

Cornelius V. Baker, from Houlton, ME, enlisted at age 29 in Co. K, 1^st Maine Cavalry, on March 5, 1862. He served as a private, and was detailed to the quartermaster’s dept. in 1863, and on June 15, 1864 as a teamster. He was discharged March 5, 1865

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Letter – David Norton, 25 October 1861

Letter – David Norton, 12 October 1861

Letter – John Wiggins, October 1862

Letter – Samuel Keeler, 24 October 1864

Letter – Cornelius Baker, 31 October 1864