Rare And Collectible Civil War Items : Cook Value Guide
Free Rare and Collectible Civil War Items : cook price guide. Find out how much your rare and collectible civil war items : cook are worth with current market values.
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Price guide showing 20 items and their current market values average value
$410.20
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$6,500.00Example: "vintage basket", "rare ornament", "collectible plate"
Sold on eBay March 27th, 2024
1862-65 Civil War Letter Archive 70+ Letters/Photos 124th Illinois Infantry
****Civil War Archives of William Hawkins Wickersham, Company C 124th Illinois Infantry. William Hawkins Wickersham, Sr., served in Company C, 124th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War. Mr. Wickersham, for many years a well-known and popular journeyman printer. A collection of 70+ letters from William Hawkins Wickersham to his wife Margeret G. Wickersham "Maggie" while he was in service. The letters date from October 12,1862 to 1865 and contain many interesting elements of daily life in the field. We just scratched the surface on some of the content that we listed by date. There are also about 12 or more letters are from 1870-1885 between relatives of the Wickersham's including Eubanks, Osborn & Rogers & Between William Wickersham and friends from December 9,1862-1885,and a few other fragments of letters without dates or heading too mutilated to read, The regiment was organized at Camp Butler, Illinois, and mustered in on September 10, 1862. It later mustered out at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on July 28, and was discharged in Chicago, Illinois, on August 16, 1865. His first letter home to his Wife Maggie from Jackson Tennessee on October 12, 1862, he tells Maggie " Iam very well and am getting heartier than at Camp Butler. Jim has not written yet, but says he will as soon as he gets time. He is a hard case and I don't like to tent with him at all. Perhaps i will go into another tent soon. Most of the tents have four men in them, but some have only two or three... You can rest assured we have a good floor in out tent. Some of the boys have not. They were afraid to take the boards as the Major had made them carry then back one day. I had a talk with some contrabands yesterday. They are working for Uncle Sam and like it very much. One said his master lived 24 miles from here and was a Union Man,but was afraid to take the oath. When he told his master he was going up with the Yankees the Master said he was a fool and that the Yankees would Kill Him. But he did believe it. It would take 75000 Rebels to take this place and they haven't the 20th part of that number to spare to send up this far. It costs $11 to come down here, twenty-two dollars for the trip here and back to Springfield rather heavy aint it" On October 15,1862 from Jackson, Tennessee he writes his wife " Gen. Williams and John Cook both from Springfield were in Camp yesturday. but i did not get to talk to them. We are circulating a petitioin to have out 1st and 2nd Lieutentants resign. We dont know how it will turn out. They are very incompetant men. October 30th, 1862 Camp Jackson, Tennessee (In the field),"I was so glad to hear from you, but sorry to hear that Franky was sick. Dont let him get too sick before you get the doctor. poor little fellow. I expect him and Cecil will together soon. Kiss Franky again for me and I will kiss you myself before long....... I will now tell you how me and my 3 tent mates are fixed. we started to build a cabin. Built it four logs high (about four feet) and then stretched the tent over it, built a fireplace and chimney and now have a nice, comfortable, cozy little place, and can sit by our fire and laugh at cold weather November 2, 1862, Camp Jackson, Tennessee, We were called in from Pickel-Guard at 8 o'clock under marching orders for Bolivar 25 miles from here. I put a latter in the officve this morning for you and this is the 2nd today. KOn November 8, 1862 at Camp Lagrange Tenn. 3 miles from Mississippi he says" I went down town , bough a pie from a Dutch woman and had to wait in her kitchen til it was made. Her husband is a good Union man , and says he was offered 300 dollars in confederate money for 100 dollars in "green backs" just before we boys got here, but he woudlnt take it, He says that price cant posibly master over 40,000 men if as many, and that if we have 40,000 and he had a hundred thousand that we would whip them. To my knowledge 6000 of ouir men whipped 23,000 rebels right close by here on teh river. The same man says he knows of southern men who have laid in the woods for months and months to avoid the Conscript Law. The rebels heard we were coming here but didnt believe we would dare do it. He knew we were coming but didnt say anything about it. He says that they didnt used to pray for peace but he says they are at it now in all the churches in their prayer. They are getting sick of rebellion. If it wasn't for the of their leaders about the great victories, they (the rebels) achieve they would have no energy or hear to fight at all December 10, 1862 from Oxford Mississippi he writes "this printing operation is not what i alluded to. I write to Ben Richards to see if Capt. Bailhache couldnt get me some position under Gen. Brayman at Bolivar. The General is Bailhaches father in law. I might get something of that kind. Beu Richards it seems had done all the work though. He took it upon himself to write tot eh general and recommended me as competent to fill any position he might have for me..... but to lay that all side i am satisfied to stay where i am at present. March 4th,1863 Lagrange, Tennesse every evening I feel an aching in my left jaw. It is so provoking. I am getting as fat as a buck. We live pretty well, now but not on rich food....Beans we all love, dearly. This evening though we had some doughnuts. We have but one article of queensware on our table and that is out "thundermug" which holds our beans, rice, soup etc.... much nicer than to have one of the black, rooty kettles, which black our fingers in passing".March 15,1863 Lagrange Tennessee, "... I have just been told you can get trasportation from Gov. Yates, and sot you nothing to come and see your sick husband (you can get it that way, and probably without). It can be stated to (mr. Lee) that you deserve the 5 dollars a month from Goot, that you are not drawing it and that your husband is stationed at the Port of Lagrange in the Goot Printing Office. If that is done it wont cost you a cent. Or Capt. Bailache can give you transportation but the Governor can send you all the way through without any outlay. So you can come right along hon. Get transportation from the governor and you can stay down here for several months". May 18, 1863 Lagrange, Tennessee, "Our regiment has been in a fight and only one man was wounded and he was Capt. Potter.... I saw those who were sent out of St. Loius. There were escorted from here to Holly Springs with a "Flag of truce" by a squad of our cavalry. They will find it dry picking down there and wish themselves back in St. Louis before long. They had been rich but were not allowed to take but $200 each with them, the balance of their property was confiscated. They had been detected corresponding with the Rebels. Served 'em right."June 4th 1863 Lagrange Tennessee, " Mit said something about Joe joining cousin buds 10th Cavalry or going to Ohio wher he could get one or two thousand dollars for going as a substitute.... Mit said for you to write Joe and it might be that you could influence him to do it....... I told my Lieut. again the other day that i wanted to go to my regiment and he flatty told me no i couldn't and that i had to stay for three years or during the war. He won't let me go unless he can get as good a printer as me and that hell not be able to do in these parts.June 11,1863 Lagrange Tennessee, " at this Post there has been an entire change of the Commanders and troops. Major General Oglesby is here. So is Acting Brigadier General James M. True, of the 62nd Ills. Infantry. It was thought for a while that our office would be ordered away when Smith left, but it was not, and i guess we will stay now. I do not care much. I would about as leave be with my Regiment. I would there stand some chance of promotion, but dont in this "chebang". June 21st, 1863 Lagrange Tennessee,"... they cleaned everything out effectually and what they could not take away they gave to some of the Brethern. Gowtird (thats the way they pronounce it in the Captains office) gave me that pretty straw hat and i use it for a pis-pot. That was all he gave me. He could have got all my extra pay just as well as not. but he was mad because i was the only one out of the seven chosen to stay. He could hardly shoke hands and wish me success. He told Harriet and Henry a private couldn't draw rations for them and they would soon be on the point of starvation and told them to go to the Correl and not to cook for me". July 1st, 1863 Lagrange Tennessee, " Vicksburg is as good as doomed, and the invasion of Pennsylvania will be a good incentive to make the folks in that region enlist under Uncle Samuel. They can have a few horses, etc. if it will be the means of raising us 50,000 troops....Let them come on Northern soil. The quicker the better for us". July 5,1863 lagrange Tennessee, " General Oglesby has left here and Col. True is in command. My friend Cd. Wiley will still be the A.A.A. General and will be the sub-commander so you see i will all right..... Lees remark that i was only a temporary concern has proven to be a lie thus far. I guess he and the rest of them only hoped so.... I would not be surprised if they would try in teh regiment or division to have me ordered back. Let them.....August 25, 1863 Memphis Tennessee, "Here Iam in Memphis... I have been working in an office here picking out some new type to take out to my office. I have b een getting some work from Memphis from the Commissary of Masters at G H Headquarters, and they talk like they would have me move the office down here and set up a big concern to do all the printing for all the towns between here and """""", but I dont know whether they will or not. I went to see E. W. Wickershaw in the Post Office here. He says the big P.O. building is owned by a Wickershaw. I could get into the Post Office here by the proper amount of care in that particular, but i prefer the printing".March 24,1864 Vicksburg, Mississippi, " I wrote you a letter just after coming from Black River telling you that Jim was somewhere in the city. but i cant find him. I have been uptown three or four times on purpose to see him but he as so far off the last time i went and it was so late in the evening that i did not get to see him. He commands a squad of what are called "skulkers"....I wanted to see him particularly in reference to the Co. Records I am about to print. Whether he wanted a copy and whether he wanted his promotion ... in it or not........ Nearly all the 17th Army Corps will soon be off to some others point, leaving only the 1st Division. If our regiment goes it will not affect one in my present for it so long as any of the Corps remain here". April 21, 1864 from Post Printing Office Vicksburg, Mississippi, " I told you in my last that I was a detailed in a printing office. I am working for a citizen who owns the office. He is allowed to have one soldier printer and for that reason he has to do Head 2, work free. I will get $12 a month extra from the Post fund". May 13, 1864 from Vickburg, Mississippi, " The Steamboat "Mississippi" arrived today and i purchased a late paper.... The Rebels hereway look chopfallen. The Red River affair was a great disaster to me, but no failure elsewhere can compensate the Rebs for their defeat in Virginia if the news we have with northern papers of the 11th be true. Did you see the piece from the Richmond """" stating this is the last year of the war whichever way it ends?".July 12, 1864 from Vicksburg, Mississippi, " I said in my last that our Regi had gone out towards Jackson, Miss. Well they have come back to the city again. There were five or six other Regiments with it. All the rest were badly cut up by the Rebels in superior numbers attacking them while they were on the way back. Our Regiment was extremely lucky. The 16th """" lost about 85 killed and wounded. and the 46th over a hundred. The 124th had one man shot. One of our company Bill """"" whose brother was killed during the seige had his canteen bursted and didnt get hurt by the shell at all. Capt. Field had a narrow escape. All the Regiments went out again but the 8th and ours, and they will probably remain a while". July 31,1864 from Vicksburg, Mississippi, " In consequence of each Trade Regulations and hostile Batheries along the river, boats do not come down as often as usual. Now if we have a boat once a week we feel lucky. Since the """ was sunk, i have been informed several others have been stuck on sand bars and the Olive Branch sunk. Navigation at the present taking all things into consideration is extremely hazardous". August 27 1864, from Vicksburg , Mississippi, " There is some talk of this place being attacked soon. But we are ampily prepared for them. They will not get out as they did at Memphis.... End of letter states, "Since writing the above i have been detailed in the "District Head Quarters Printing Office and there are only two of us and we have two large rooms and an outer kitchen in a nice brick house.... I stand pretty high at the head quarters and that notice of me in the paper is partly the cause of it. I have been placed in charge of it hon, and can do as i please. (Blue paper card mentions The District head quarters printing office).October 4, 1864 at headquarters District Printing Office Vicksburg, Mississippi, " As i marked in my last, i want you to use all your influence in the selection of the OLD ABE as out Next President. You will then be some help towards subduing our enemies. end of letter says " so aunt says you wont come down here. I know the reason it is because Lincoln will be elected and the Rebels will quit fighting and i can go home to you, thats it". March 25, 1865 at Headquarters Department of Mississippi Vicksburg," I received a paper i suppose Mit sent me containing the notice (such a good notice too), of dear little Franks funeral William Wickersham to his father Milton F. Wickersham on December 9, 1862, "Prisoners continue to arrive every day and a good many are taking the oath. the kind i sent in Maggies letter which your humble servant printed for the poor deluded fellows. Our office is getting in working trim and we turn out more work ever day.... Yesterday Grants portable printing office arrived in a state of "py" and one of the boys wanted to drive us and had already received a specimen of our work, was not going to see us "ousted" in that manner notwithstanding the boys claimed authority from Grant to take possession of the establishment over the way".Martha Osborn to her half-sister Margaret G. Wickersham on March 23, 1864, "I think you ought to stay with Sue if she wants you to if you can be any help to her. I suppose that Hawkins will draw his pay pretty soon, but you are so impatient you think you cant have all of your wants and i dont think you ought to complain so much and write all your little trouble to Hawkins for he has trouble enough of his own you ought to help him to hear his in the place adding your to his he knows how hard it is for you to live the way ou do with you continually reminding him of it you ought to try and do the best you can and write as cheerful letters to him as you can he will think a good deal more of you for your patience think how he must feel when he gets a letter from you full of your troubles when perhaps he has been on a long march and is tired and hungry and wants something to cheer him".Stuber a friend in service to William H. Wickersham on January 29, 1865, "Since you left us, we was sometimes pressed very hard with work and i could not get a half a day for my own private business. Applications for my relief has been made to the General by the Command Officer.... I have made up my mind to serve my time out in a printing office. Abe and I were both very much pleased with your kind offer but we could not come off from here just now. I am compelled to have another man detailed in our office for about ten days, to help me to work out about 8 or 10 pages of Court Martial. after this we can spare him again. The mans name is James Thomas, private Company B... if you should be able to send him a detail from Memphis he would state off immediately". Margaret G. Wickersham to her husband William H. Wickersham on April 25,1865, " You know what is good for me and i know you will make it all up when you come. which i hope will not be long, by the time you get this letter April will be gone and the next month you will be home. You had better wait until the last of the month and then get a forty days furlough. Dont be to Buckward to tell them that you have not been home in three years. Send me the Vicksburg paper hone i dont get much news here but i suppose from what i have heard that many are on the way from Washington with Lincolns body, now i would like to be in Springfield to the burring but i cant be in two places at once.... I read out the fight in Spanish Fort and the names of the killed and wounded,and was glad to see that there was none of Company C. but one and his name was Bruce if i am not mistaken Margaret Wickersham to William H Wickersham May 18, 1865, "I hope the next letter will when you will start home, oh hon i dont believe you try hard enough or you certainly could get a furlough you are entitled to one......Your old friends are very anxious to see you and seem disappointed when i tell them that i dont know when you will be home. I cant help but feel uneasy about the long trip you have to take on the steamboats, but you are in gods hands. and i pray for your safe arrival daily...... O i thought i never could feel good again after Franks death but all things are possible with god and with his help i now enjoy good health and peace of mind".William H Wickersham to his wife Margaret Wickersham during his service (unknown date)," I cant get a furlough no way i can fix it. The Colonels cant either. I dont really know where to direct this letter, but i will send it to Pa and he will forward it to you. We have got sick and tired of looking for teh Paymaster. He is reported every day that he is near. I am almost afraid to risk sending money through the uncertain channel we have now. It is particularly unsafe to send it as soon as we are paid and to any Mrs. I will direct it to Maggie Wickersham to drive off suspicion Letter to unknown on written on unknown date," The news of President Lincolns assassination struck the hearts of every loyal person in Memphis like a Thunderbolt in my life has anything affected me so deeply and in common with every soldier and citizen."Letter to unknown unknown date from William Hawkins," I am very glad to be able to get rid of the cold rainy weather to camp life, as it has happened that our boys have been in no fight, but i should Lote it they were in a fight and me safe in the office.....Im for the "inoloted military posts" by that about stant that we are not ready for a fight for we have our guns all ready for Rebel Raids..... I would like to get about a months furlough , but it cant be "did:. There is no chance of rising any higher in this branch of the service". letter to unknown unknown date," I hear that the Banks Expedition has turned up at Newborn, North Carolina. Also that Burside had to fall back from the Rappahannock and that Bragg had been fighting our boys at Jackons Tennessee.The troops are passing through here as i write... The citizens here never have believed that we had so many soldiers". William Hawkins Wickersham was born March 7, 1833 in Versailles, Woodford County Kentucky. Married Margaret Green Wickersham (Eubank) on January 30,1861 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois and had 9 Children William Passed in his residence at East Adams Street in Springfield, Sangamon County Illinois after a week long illness (paralysis of the stomach)... ............See Images**** (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay July 19th, 2023
CDV ALBUM CONTAINING 32 CIVIL WAR SOLDIER PHOTOS, MICHIGAN 10TH INFANTRY
CDV ALBUM CONTAINING 32 CIVIL WAR SOLDIER PHOTOS, MICHIGAN 10TH INFANTRY. Nearly all of the soldiers depicted are from the 10th Michigan Infantry and album comes with a copy of Vol. 10, Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War 1861-1865. Many of the soldiers have been checked off where their entries appear. The soldiers are identified in writing at the bottom of most album pages and most of the notations are done in the same hand. These are as follows: 1) Major General Rosecrans 2) Brigadier General James D. Morgan 3) Colonel Charles M. Lum "Lum Gaurds" 4) Lieutenant Colonel Christopher J. Dickerson 5) Captain Henry S. Burnett, Company A (This appears to be an autographed photo) 6) Captain Bradford Cook 7) First Lieutenant DeWitt C. Welling 8) Captain James Stewart 9) Second Lieutenant Maxwell G. Cooky 10)--loose picture--First Sergeant Owen C. Corbett, Company E 11) Lieutenant George A. Allen, Company C 12) Sergeant William C. Clark, Company H 13) Corporal Robert B. Miner 14) Surgeon David W. Vandenberg (Revenue Stamp) 15) Lieutenant Edwin F. Holmes (Revenue Stamp) 16) Captain Alva A. Collins (Revenue Stamp) 17) Lieutenant Fletcher W. Hewes, Company D 18) Commissary Sergeant John G. Allport (Orderly for Colonel Lum 10/53-8/64) 19) Captain Rudolph Papst (Revenue Stamp, Dated Sept. 1864) 20) Surgeon Jonathan S. Rouse (Revenue Stamp) 21) Captain Henry Wideman (Revenue Stamp, Dated 1865) 22) Captain James Dwight 23) Lieutenant Warren G. Nelson 24) Second Lieutenant Charles P. Rice (Dated 1866) 25) Sergeant Marcus P. Andrews 26) Captain J. Deloss Jewell, Company D 27)--loose picture Captain Eslie R. Redfield 28) Second Lieutenant William B. Pratt 29) Private Silas Crawford, Company B 30) Stanley G. Smith, Company E 31) Captain Samuel S. Tower, Company A 32) First Lieutenant George A. Aplin, Company I There is a loose page from a bible that was in the RECORD BOOK, and this page contains information describing J.D. Jewell (see #26 on list) as Grandpa with other references to surname of Selfe, which is relevant to some of the other militaria items recently listed on my store. I suspect that this was Jewell's personal album of photos of fellow Civil War veterans. This is an unusual opportunity to acquire a significant bit of 10th Michigan Infantry history as it was found. In several days I will be making a separate post of documents relating to enlistment, commissions, and discharge of Delois Jewell, and many of these documents are signed by Burnett and Lum. Starting bid for that collection has not been decided yet as more research is needed, but our current estimation is that it should start at around $6k...however, more research will be done this weekend with an expected posting time of Monday evening...this has been included here as this lends credence to the suspicion that this album and the ribbons were personal to Jewell. Serious students of the 10th Michigan Infantry will want to atleast view the documents once posted. An additional post that is even more spectacular than the documents described above is a letter and map Deloss Jewell sent home to his wife describing the battle at Corinth, Mississippi. If anybody should have any doubts that the photo album in this posting did not belong to Jewell, those doubts should be erased by the presentation of this letter and the military document described above and also posted elsewhere. (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay Jul 30, 2022
Civil War CDV Album Officers Vicksburg 1st Mississippi Cavalry African Descent
Most of the officers of the 3rd USCT Cavalry were recruited from the 4th Illinois Cavalry, including Major Jeremiah B. Cook, whose photograph is present here. Vicksburg, Mississippi. Excellent to Near Fine condition.
Sold on eBay Apr 18, 2022
Confederate Naval Cutlass Sword Cook & Brother
confederate naval cutlass cook & brother New Orleans, guarantee genuine 23 3/4 total length ,4 1/2 â?? guard handle, 19 3/4 blade clear makerâ??s mark one of very few marked confederate weapons, Please check back for more rare American civil war blades
Sold on eBay April 2nd, 2025
Original Confederate Cook & Brother Shotgun Saber Bayonet
Up for sale is a beautiful example of a Cook & Brother Confederate Shotgun Bayonet, formerly known as a Mobile Depot pattern. This particular example has a Yatagan blade, and according to Russ Prichard and John Ashworths book “Confederate & Southern Agent Marked Shotguns”, it is referred to as a Hardin Type III pattern. This bayonet is marked with number 207 stamped into it, has unique casting flaws throughout the handle itself, showing the manufacturing difficulties the Confederacy faced during the war, and is missing the spring latch. Based on the surviving examples surveyed in "Confederate & Southern Agent Marked Shotguns" it is believed that approximately 1,000 bayonets were manufactured by Cook & Brother, making this piece quite rare! Contact us today to acquire and add this rare confederate artifact to your personal museum today!! (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay July 25th, 2024
Antique 1863-1865 CIVIL WAR DIARY LOT Gettysburg WARWICK MA Soldier’s Sister
Up for auction is the wonderful archive of 3 civil war diaries from a woman named Augusta M. Ward, whose brother Artemas Ward, was a soldier in the 15th Massachusetts Regiment and was wounded in Gettysburg. Augusta was in her 30’s when she wrote the diaries, and she followed the war closely. Included in this archive is an 1863 diary, 1864 diary, and 1865 diary. Her diaries contain numerous entries about the war, including entries on a Gettysburg and her brother being wounded, the death of Stonewall Jackson, resignation of General Hooker, Death of General Sigwick, the surrender of Lee, assassination of Lincoln, capture and killing of John Wilkes booth, the hanging of the Conspirators, etc, etc. There are also numerous entries on how the civil war affected the people of Warwick, Massachusetts including soldier deaths, injuries, and soldiers captured & held in rebel prisons. Listed below are some notable excerpts from the diaries, though there are still a few other Civil War related entries in the journal which are not included in the list. The diaries all have an entry for every day with the exception of the 1864 diary which has no entry for 6/21/1864. The diaries are all different sizes, the 1863 one is 5 x 3 1/4 inches, 1864 is 4 7/8 x 3 inches, and 1865 4 x 2 5/8 inches. The diaries are all written in ink. For the most part the entries are neat and legible for those who are accustomed to reading old cursive. The covers have some minor wear but overall display nicely. Also included in this lot are some print outs I was able to find on Artemas Ward & his time in the army. Excerpts from diaries:18631/8 “Severe fighting at Vicksburg”1 22 “We hear that Burnsides army is moving has crossed the river”1/31 “General Hooker takes the Potomac Army”2/1 “Samuel Moore’s hung himself at Northfield today.”2/7 “53rd Regiment is at Tortugas Islands”2/14 “Had another letter from Artemas, the ninth army has left Falmouth”2/21 “The 36th are at Fortress Monroe, no movement now.”3/24 “Went to the Lyceum heard a address from Hon Wm Windom upon the causes and results of this terrible war”3/25 “The ninth army corps has gone and the 36th are gone to Kentucky and the 21st Regiment”5/1 “Gen Hookers army has crossed the Rappahannock ”5 5 “There has been terrible fighting going on in Hookers army”5/9 “Received a letter from Artemas saying he had been in a battle before Fredericksburg Gen Hooker has had a hard fight”5/16 “Stonewall Jackson is dead the papers are sure of it.”5/25 “news that Vicksburg is taken”6/8 “Report that Gen Hooker has crossed Rappahannock. Gen grant is besieging Vicksburg”6 30 “heard there had been terrible fighting at Port Hudson Jacob Raynor was wounded there”7/1 “Gen Hooker has resigned Gen Meade takes his place. Dark gloomy times.”7/5 “Jacob Raynor has had his leg amputated ”7 6 “Terrible fighting we heard there had been in Gettysburg on Friday last Col Ward of the 15th killed.”7/7 “Theodore Putnam was wounded at Gettysburg”7 8 “News came that Vicksburg surrendered on the 4th”7/10 “Had a letter from Artemas he was wounded in the shoulder on the 2nd is in the hospital at Philadelphia ”7 14 “A Terrible riot commenced in New York yesterday opposition to the draft”7/16 “George Hatch has been drafted drafting is going on all over the state, we hear Port Hudson has surrendered ”7 24 “Josiah Proctor has enlisted in the heavy artillery ”7 30 “The Rebel Morgan is taken”8/18 “Milton Bliss oldest son has died in the army”8/30 “All societies came to our Church this afternoon to the funeral of John Caldwell Mr Blanchard text Psalm 23rd,, 4th the returned soldiers for bearers John enlisted on his 19th birthday died on the 20th Aug 25th.”9/8 “Received a letter from Artemas. All sick that belong to the 36th but Mr Cooper and Joseph Williams ”9 25 “Gen Rosecrans has been having a terrible battle near Chat[t]anooga”10 16 “Mr Mills had a son killed at Chicamauga [Chickamauga] Georgia ”10 20 “The President has called for 300,000 more men”11/7 “There was a battle in Virginia ”11 16 “Gen Burnside’s resignation has been accepted Gen Foster put in his place.”11/30 “Terrible account we have of the Union prisoners suffering at Richmond and too true ” Memoranda at rear list names of 22 local men drafted in July & deaths of 7 Warwick soldiers including John B. Caldwell who died on his 20th birthday (an earlier entry mentions he enlisted on his 19th birthday), and a list of 6 battles 18642 17 “Charles E. Randall has enlisted from here”2/18 "S. C. Reed & Charles R. Gale were round procuring our last quota of soldiers”2/23 “George Cook came home today and is discharged. Henry Manning came home on furlough, & has reenlisted”3 8 “Charles Jones was killed at the battle in Florida” 3/13 “Arlan Atherton is here on furlough and has reenlisted”3 17 “Amos Taylor has enlisted again”3/23 “Gen Grant takes the place of Gen Hallick [Halleck]”5/7 “Heard of fighting in Gen Butlers & Gen Mead’s division took place yesterday & day before”5/11 “We heard of Gen Sedgwick being killed and more fighting, fighting commenced Thursday last”5/14 “Sumner Lincoln is wounded in the knee, and Lyman is killed we hear”5/17 “14 men have been drafted from Warwick”5/27 “We hear Joseph Sawyer is killed, Harwood Proctor is a prisoner we fear”5/29 “Henry Fuller is wounded and missing”5/30 “Joseph Sawyer is not killed but wounded and taken prisoner I hear”6/2 “Papers say the siege of Richmond is begun”6/6 “Gen Grant is within twelve miles of Richmond” 7/6 “The Pirate Alabama is sunk”7/9 “Another Rebel raid in progress into Maryland and Pennsylvania dark times. One hundred days men called out from the states.”8/2 “There has been an unsuccessful attack upon Petersburg”8 25 “Heard Arlan Atherton was killed”8/26 “Heard James Delvee was severely wounded”9/3 “It has been seen in a paper that Arlan Atherton is in Libby Prison”9/15 “Edward Davis is missing. Henry Manning is prisoner”9/22 “Arlan Atherton we hear is paroled or exchanged and is at Annapolis. We hear of a great Victory by Gen Sheridan in Shenandoah valley” 10/25 “Amos Taylor has been heard from, is a prisoner in Virginia somewhere” 11/14 “President Lincoln is elected”12/3 “Much anxiety is felt about Gen Sherman”12/8 “Mrs Albee has heard that her brother died in Andersonville”12 12 “We hear but little from the army now communication cut off”12/14 “Dreadful accounts we have of starvation and suffering of our prisoners, now being exchanged and others” Memoranda at the rear lists 2 local soldier deaths and 1 missing & list of 14 men drafted in Warwick 18651 6 “The enrolled men of Warwick, Northfield & Orange, meet at Orange to choose captain. Henry Jilson [Jillson] was chosen captain.”1/13 “Gen Butler is relieved of his command because of the Wilmington failure” 1/24 “Glorious news from the army now”3/4 “Inauguration of President Lincoln the second time”4/4 “Quite a public demonstration over the news Richmond is Taken & Petersburg”4 10 “Heard the good news that Gen Lee’s army is taken”4/15 “Terrible news of President Lincoln’s death and other assasinations”4 18 “J. Wilkes Booth is the man who killed the President it appears.”4/19 “There were union services here at the Unitarian Church at the same hour of the President’s Funeral, and consecration of the new burying ground afterwards”4 27 “Booth that killed the President was caught and killed.”5/10 “Disabled soldiers, those on parole, and recruits are being discharged”5 15 “Jeff Davis is caught we hear”7/7 “Heard today that Harold [Herold], Payne [Powell?], and Atzeroth [Azteroth], and Mrs. Surratt, we’re hung as assassins” ***Memoranda at the rear lists 2 local soldier deaths Please look at all the photos to further note the conditionThe cost of shipping includes insurance & signature confirmation (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay March 17th, 2024
Three CIVIL WAR SOLDIER DIARIES - 57th Pennsylvania Infantry - Battle Content !!
Civil War Diaries !!These three (3) incredible diaries were kept by Samuel Brown Beatty (1818-1863) of Co. E, 57th Pennsylvania Infantry. Samuel was 44 years old when he enlisted as a private in October 1861. At the time of his enlistment, he was described as a 5 foot 11 inch tall shoemaker with dark eye color and black hair. When he joined his comrades in arms, he left a wife—Susan M. (Walker) Beatty (1823-1899) and at least eight children in Delaware Grove, Mercer county, Pennsylvania. Samuel’s parents were Francis G. Beatty (1789-1872) and Isabella Williamson (1792-1879). Also serving in the war was Samuel’s oldest son, David “Walker” Beatty (1844-1863)—a member of Co. K, 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry. David’s letters to his mother can be found transcribed on the Spared & Shared blog.An extremely pious man, Samuel often urged his wife to pray for him such as the following passage: “Now I want you to always remember me in your prayers that I may not falter in well doing and that I may be preserved from evil and sin of every kind. That I may be prepared to stand my lot and always be found at my post let that be what it may.” Tragically, Samuel never returned home from the war. He died at the Union Hotel Hospital in Georgetown on 18 January 1863 from wounds that he received in action at the Battle of Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862. Likewise, Samuel’s son Walker died in a Georgetown hospital less than a month later on 7 February 1863 and was interred at the Soldier’s Home Cemetery (Grave 3344).Too many pages to show in the pictures! We tried to show a variety. The diaries are in good condition. All transcribed - see below. We will also enclose the transcriptions for the winning bidder TRANSCRIPTIONS of all three diaries follow ! (We will also enclose the transcriptions) Diary # 1April 8, 1861—Left home at two o’clock intending to go to Georgetown. The roads were so bad I thought best to go to the Oil. Got to Brownsville at six o’clock. Stayed all night with Mr. Kitch. Next morning started for Franklin by way of Waterloo. Arrived at Franklin half past eleven. Took dinner at the Lamberton House, then started for the Oil. Went up the two mile run. Stayed over night. Next morning started for Oil Creek. Arrived there at ten and a half o’clock. Started up the creek to see what could be seen. Arrived at at twelve. Got dinner. Started up the creek to the mouth of Cherry Tree Run. Went up the run about eighty rods. Saw what was to be seen. There is land to be leased on that run for one hundred dollars per acre, the third of the oil. Started back for the mouth of the creek. Arrived there at five o’clock. Stopped at Mr. Thomas’s Hotel. Stayed there till next morning. Started up the creek again looking around awhile. Came back to the tavern, got dinner, and then started for Two Mile Run again. Arrived there at four. Stayed around till next morning. Went to work for Clark & Co. chopping wood Friday and Saturday.April 14th—Sabbath morning. Contemplate going to preaching. The morning is rather dull and cloudy but God is ever good and kind to me notwithstanding my waywardness. Still His grace is sufficient for me. Went to preaching. Heard a sermon by a young man from Job 30:23, “For I know thou wilt bring me to death the house appointed for all living.” The sermon was a running discourse on the certainty of death and its consequences. It brought me to contemplate my later end and examine my prospect for a happy death and glory and immortality beyond. I feel like praising God for my hope of eternal life and blessedness beyond the grave.Monday, April 15—Went and turned till eight o’clock, then went to chopping wood. Cut and racked three cords that day before sundown.April 16, 1861—Went to work quarrying stone for Mr. Lundy till noon. Then went to Franklin and it snowed like everything and such roads I never did see. Got back about dark 17th—Wednesday morning. Snowed five inches deep. Went to fixing up an [ ] to go to chopping but it is rather bad day for work but it is a first rate day for loafing. Went to work at nine and put up two cords and a half that day 18th—Thursday It still snows but not so bad as the day before. Cut wood all that day. Cut two cords and a half of engine wood and was pretty tired again night 19th—Friday morning. It still snows. Wrote a letter to my wife and children and then went to see the burning well on the creek and it was the greatest sight that I have seen. In the first place, it burnt for two rods around at least and the smoke looks like a cloud. It can be seen for miles Editor’s Note: An oilfield tragedy occurred on 17 April 1861 when a highly pressurized well’s geyser of oil explodes in flames on the Buchanan Farm at Rouseville, killing the well’s owner and more than a dozen bystanders. Sometimes called “Oil Well Fire Near Titusville” but more accurately, Rouseville, the early oilfield tragedy was overshadowed by the greater tragedy of the firing on Fort Sumer. The well spouted furiously for many hours, and the column of flame extended often two and three hundred feet in height, the valley being shut in, as it were, by a dense and impenetrable canopy of overhanging smoke. Fifteen persons were instantly killed by the explosion of the gas, and thirteen others scarred for life. [Source: Rouseville 1861 Oil Well Fire]20th—Saturday Worked for Mr. Lundy at stone works and it wore my hands to the quick.Sabbath morning, April 21st—This calm beautiful and serene [day], my thoughts are in unison with the morning. Contemplate going to preaching. Went to church and heard a sermon from a local preacher of the Methodist Church from first John 4: 1st verse. “Beloved, believe not every spirit but by the spirits whether they be of God ”22nd—Monday Went to work for Mr. Clark at chopping and picking brush. Nothing particular that day.23rd—Went to work for Lundy & Co. at masoning and carpentering preparing for setting their engine. Think considerable of home.“Nothing special beyond the usual events of labor and toil incident to oil life. Business is very dull on the run at present. The war absorbs the attention of almost every person.”— Samuel Brown Beatty, 24 April morning. Went to work for Lundy but it is so wet that we did not work long. Cleared up soon. Went to work again the rest of the week for him. Nothing special beyond the usual events of labor and toil incident to oil life. Business is very dull on the run at present. The war absorbs the attention of almost every person.The next week work for Clark again and the work sets pretty hard on me. My hands are sore and my arms are stiff but still enjoy pretty good health.Sabbath, May 5th—This morning is beautiful but it seems that we have no sabbath here for while I write, I hear the sound of the harness and the noise of the men at work…May 7th—Went to work for Mr. Hock at turning the drill. It is a new business to me and it goes rather awkward but it is not hard work. Think I can stand to work at it. Get a dollar a day and board myself. Get board for two dollars and a half a week.Sabbath, May 12th—This morning I am at the house of an Irish Catholic. Taken boarding for a short time. Read some Catholic papers and periodicals. Saw some good pieces and some rather objectionable but the women are as most people. They are clean and good cooks so that I live very comfortable considering I’m not at home.Sabbath, May 19th—This morning got up at seven and took breakfast. Feel very lonesome. Wish I was at home to spend the day with wife and children. It is hard to spend the day without good book or good people to converse with on God’s Holy Day but still I can examine with my own the diary entries stop until after Samuel has enlisted in the 57th Pennsylvania Volunteers ]Thursday October 17, 1861—Left for Mercer to go to Camp Griffith to join the regiment for the war. I felt very sorry about it but I felt it to be my duty to go. I left Mercer on the 18th for Camp Curtin. Arrived there on the 19th. Pitched my tent on the same day. On the Sabbath, went to preaching. On Monday, fooled around and did not do much. On Tuesday, moved into tents and policed the grounds. Thought a good deal about home. Still I am content and do the best that I can and put my trust in God to guide me in the path of duty.October 23—Nothing new but the drill which is not hard work. Had a little touch of the dysentery. It did not last long.October 24th—I am well today and am able to drill thanks be to God for His goodness to me, unworthy though I am.October 25th—This day wrote a letter to my neice Lou and then went to squad drill for an hour. Then into company drill for an hour and a half, then went to dinner. It rained and then we went to drill again in the afternoon. This morning, changed quarters. Slept very well.October 26th—Saturday morning. This day on guard for the first time. I feel well in my mind this morning thanks to the goodness of God for keeping me staid on Him amidst temptations. I can still say that I will leave unto thee, my Savior and my King. This afternoon wrote a letter to my beloved wife and children. Then went on guard again/October 27th—Sabbath morning. Came off guard at 5. Went to bed till breakfast. Got up and washed and eat, then went to my tent and had prayer with Mr. W____ from Jamestown. We had a very good time of it. We had the presence of the spirit of God to view in our hearts with love towards Him. At ten, went to preaching. Came back and got dinner and then wrote a letter to my Father. At three went to preaching again. At six went to prayer meeting and we had a very pleasant time of it. The gracious presence of God’s spirit was shone to warm our hearts.October 28th—Monday morning. Arose at five. It is a beautiful morning. Got breakfast at six. Fell alright this morning. Roll call at half past seven. Nothing new this day but usual dress parade and drill. Roll call at eight; went to bed.October 29th—Tuesday morning. Got up at five. it is clear and a little frost. It was pretty cold last night but it is pleasant today. Went on guard at nine. Nothing new till evening when some of the boys raised a row but it passed off and no harm done. There was a man shot on guard tonight.October 30th—Wednesday Feel sleepy. There is no drill this morning and we had no drill till evening when we had Dress Parade and then company drill. The new recruits came in about 7. Went to bed about nine. Slept very well.October 31st—Thursday morning up at five. Considerable [ ] in them recruits. We attached ourselves to the [ ] Grey’s, Capt. [James B.] Moore.November 1, 1861—This day went to Harrisburg and was mustered into the United States service and seen the town. Came back to camp and then we dragged our overcoats. On guard today. It rained the most of the night.November 2nd—It is still wet and it is cold and disagreeable. I begin to taste the sweets of a soldier’s life and it’s not very pleasant. Today I think a good deal about how my wife and children is getting along but I can still resign all unto the hand of an all-wise God to take care of them.November 3rd—Sabbath morning. It is more pleasant this day than it was yesterday. We had prayer in our tent this morning and enjoyed myself very well. It is pleasant to read the bible and join in worship with those that have God.November 4th—Monday. This day on guard. There is nothing of importance going on in the camp today. We had some fun to keep the soldiers breaking guard.November 5th—Tuesday. Came off guard this morning. Sleepy. This day got our uniforms—one coat, pants, 2 shirts, 2 pair of drawers, two pair of socks, one pair of shoes. Nothing new this day.November 6th—Monday morning. Got up at five and went to the commissary and got our rations for the day. It is raining this morning and we have no wood in the camp today and cannot get any. Have to burn coal and it is very cold but it is not our Colonel’s fault for he has not the command of the camp.November 7th—Thursday. This day on guard. It is pleasant but cold. We are better supplied with wood today. I feel well thanks be to God for his goodness and mercy to me.November 8th—Friday. Came off guard this morning. Feel well and enjoy camp life very well. I would like to see Susan and the children but have not repented coming yet. Our captain is the officer of the day and no drill today.November 9th—Saturday. Camp police today. Nothing new today.November 10th—Sabbath. This is a beautiful day. Went to preaching at ten. Had an excellent sermon by a young man from Pittsburgh. I feel to enjoy the presence of God this day in my heart. I am on guard today.November 11th—Monday. Came off guard this morning. It is raining this morning but it cleared up at noon and it is warm and clear. Nothing new today.November 12th—Tuesday. It is clear this morning. Up at five o’clock. Got breakfast at six and then went to the commissary for our rations. I am well and feel to rejoice in God, my Savior. Some grumbling about the rations but I feel satisfied with mine.November 13th—Wednesday Up at five. Feel well this morning. It is a beautiful day. We are moving our tents and policing our grounds and I am guarding our stuff. It is noon and no sign of dinner yet. Got dinner and put up our tent. Felt tired. Mr. Forrest looks sick today.November 14—Thursday. Got up at five. Roll call at six. Then breakfast. Mr. Forrest no better. Called the doctor to see him. On guard today. Nothing new today. 35 of our men on guard tomorrow November 15—Friday. It snowed some last night for the first this fall here and it was wet and cold all day. Mr. Forrest is no better.November 16—Saturday. Cold and windy today. Mr. Forrest is no better. Took him to the hospital and I stayed with him all day and night. Think he is better.November 17th—Sabbath. It is still cold and windy. I think Mr. Forrest is a little better this morning. There is about twenty-five in the hospital and some of them is very bad. Nothing new in camp this morning November 18th—Monday. This morning is clear and more calm. With Mr. Forrest in the hospital all day. Thanks be to God, I am well and can still say that my trust is in Him for his mercy endureth forever November 19th—Tuesday. Still clear and beautiful. The air is refreshing. I am well and in good spirits. On guard today and wrote two letters—one to my wife and one to D. M. Beaty. Nothing of interest today.November 20th—Wednesday Came off guard this morning and feel sleepy and tired.November 21st—Thursday This is a fine day and there is nothing new of interest November 22nd—Friday. Still pleasant and warm but looks like [we are in] for a change. Company and regimental drill today.November 23rd—Saturday This morning it is raining and it is cold and disagreeable. On guard today. Cleared up at noon and was a fine evening November 24th—Sunday. This morning it is snowing and cold. There is no preaching in camp and it is hard to spend the Sabbath without some exercise November 25th—Monday. Got up at five. Stood around till breakfast and then went out on drill for an hour and then came and took dinner. Then regimental [drill] and after that dress parade.November 26th—Tuesday morning up at five. Feel well. Morning drill and then went on guard at one. Nothing new.November 27th—Wednesday Sent to hunt for a deserter. Marched to the city and scouted around all day and did not find him. Came back tired. Got a bad cold.November 28th—Thursday Thanksgiving Day. No drill. Had a sermon today. Nothing of interest November 29th—Friday. Up at five. It is raining this morning. On guard today. Feel and realize the goodness of God in sparing my life and health this far notwithstanding my sins and folly. There was a death in our regiment last night and the funeral today.November 30th—Saturday Came off guard and this morning it is still wet and cold. Have the headache a little but feel well. Wrote a letter to A. Walker. Dress parade.December 1st—Sabbath morning. Feel well today and it is cold. At noon it snowed. Had a sermon today by the chaplain. Did not hear much of it so could not enjoy the service December 2nd—Monday. Up at five. It is cold and frosty. Got breakfast. Was ordered to go to the city for two of our men that broke guard. Did not find them. Had regimental drill.December 3rd—Tuesday. On guard. Today has been the coldest day that has been this fall. It froze hard. One of our regiment died today, the second death of our men.December 4th—Wednesday This day is some warmer. Nothing of interest but regimental drill.December 5th—Thursday. Up at five. Regimental drill in the morning, at two, company drill, at four Dress Parade. Felt tired.December 6th—Friday. This is a fine day. Usual drill and then our Colonel marched us out and marched us down to the river and then we got our dinner. Company drill and dress parade.December 7th—Saturday. This is a very foggy day and the usual regimental drill and then we got our position in the regiment. we have the right center.December 8th—Sabbath. Up at sun. Roll call at seven. Got breakfast and then wrote a letter and then went to church and back and closed a letter to my wife. Nothing else of importance till evening prayers and then went to bed.[One week’s entries are ….ton was all night on the road.December 15th–Sunday. Got to Baltimore after a long and rough ride. I think that the government ought to provide better transportation for her troops. We got dinner there and then started for Washington. We had a slow and cold time of it. Got there about half past nine. Stayed there all night.December 16th—Monday morning. Got breakfast and then started for Camp Allegheny. Got there and pitched our tents and slept on the ground.December 7th—Tuesday morning. Felt bad. Had the headache and some sore throat but not bad. Drill today [Editor’s note: Several days entries are skipped in Samuel’s diary at this point. The regiment set up its camp on the Bladensburg Pike, near the toll gate. Considerable sickness had prevailed before leaving Camp Curtin, and the exposure of the men on the journey, confined in box cars without fire, contributed to increase it. The new camp, unfavorably located on low wet ground, and the inclemency of the weather while there, caused a still further increase of the sick list, and several died.]December 18th—Wednesday Nothing new or of much interest in camp today. There was a report that there was one of our regiment shot last night.December 19th—Thursday morning. On guard this day. Nothing of interest today but the nigger scrape which I know nothing about—only hearsay. But the Colonel had him drummed out of the camp and he pretended to be almost killed but he was not much hurt.December 20th—Friday. We had no drill today and nothing of much interest. Feel some anxiety about the family at home but I am still resigned December 21st—Saturday We spent this day in doing nothing but we spent the day somehow. I got a letter from S. Loveland today and was surprised to hear that I had written home that he had sold his men.December 22nd—Sabbath. This morning up at six. Roll call, then review and inspection. Spent the rest of the day in our quarters reading in prayers before going to bed.December 23rd—Monday. It is raining this morning and it is cold and spitting snow this evening. Cold and windy—it blew all night.December 24th—Tuesday morning it is still cold and windy but it is clear. Lieutenant [William S.] Ebberman arrived from Camp Curtin with the sick and the Colonel left for home.December morning. This is Christmas Day. Up at five and got breakfast at seven. Guard today. Nothing new or of interest today. Wish I was at home to eat dinner with my wife and children December 26th—Thursday Day after Christmas. It is wet and disagreeable. Got orders to move our camp today.December 27th—Friday morning up at five and got breakfast. Moved our camp today.December 28th—Saturday The Colonel came back today and some of our sick. Got a letter from my wife today and it done more good than my dinner.December 29th—Sabbath. Inspection today and then went to preaching and heard a good sermon by the chaplain. from Romans 6th Chapter and 23rd Verse; “The wages of sin is death” ad it was a very plain and practiced discourse—one that was calculated to touch the feelings of any sensible man.December 30th—Monday. On guard today and it is only five days since I was on before but I will not complain but do my duty as a good soldier December 31st—Tuesday. Up and breakfast at six and we had a review and mustered for pay today by a United States officer and we expect to draw some pay soon. This is the last day of the year and it is a most delightful day, It is warm and pleasant and as clear as a summer’s day and we have had no snow here since we came 1862January 2nd—Thursday. This is a clear and cold day and I have a very bad cough but I am still able for duty, thanks be to God for his goodness and mercy to me.January 3rd—Friday morning it is clear and cool but pleasant. We have not got our pay yet and we are all out of money and stationery and tobacco and such things as that.January 4th—Saturday. This morning there is a little snow—the first that has been since we came here but it was but a shift.January 5th—Sabbath. It is clear and beautiful this Holy day but we are under obligation yo desecrate the day by the order of our officers as we have review and inspection on the Sabbath only. But our Colonel says that it is an army regulation January 6th—Monday. Last night it snowed about two inches which was the first that we have had since we came here.Assigned duty as Hospital NurseJanuary 7th—Tuesday. It is still cold this morning but it is clear and it got pleasant about noon. Went to the hospital this afternoon as a nurse at twenty dollars a month but it is hard work to wait on the sick.January 8th—Wednesday In the hospital twelve hours and there was two discharged today and some are worse and some are improving. Nothing new.January 9th—Thursday. This morning is wet and foggy but it cleared up at noon and was pleasant till night. In my ward till midnight January 10th—Friday. Up at eight and got breakfast at nine and then run down to the quarters. Came back and wrote a letter to my wife. Then went to the hospital till twelve at night. There is some sick boys there but the most of them are better.January 11th—Saturday Up at seven. Eat at eight. Then went over to the hospital and seen the boys. Then went to the quarters. We got new guns today. Nothing else of interest. Clear today.January 12th—Sunday. This is the day the Lord has made but it is not kept here as if it was the Sabbath. There is 16 in this morning and they was doing pretty well but I have thought this day of the goodness of God in sparing me thus far.January 13th—Monday. It is cold and windy this morning and there was four brought to the hospital today and four left—two discharged and two sent to the General Hospital January 14th—Tuesday. The snow is about two inches deep this morning and it still snows but it quit about ten. I am in the hospital at noon and the boys are all better but two.January 15th—Wednesday It sleeted last night and froze on the snow and it rained today and froze. All day in the hospital as nurse. Two went to the city hospital. I feel well and I thank God for it.January 16th—Thursday It has cleared up this morning and it looks pleasant. I sleep about five hours a day now since I came to the hospital but my health is good, thanks be to God for it.January 17th—Friday. wrote a letter to my niece Lori this morning. In the hospital at twelve. There was three sent to the city and the boys are all better. I feel well and in good spirits.January 18th—Saturday This morning it rains and is very muddy. I am still in the hospital and my health is good, thanks be to God for his mercy and goodness to me. I can still put my trust in thee.January 19th—Sabbath morning. It is still wet and muddy. Up at seven and then got breakfast. Went into the hospital to see the boys. Wrote a letter to my wife. Then took dinner and went to the hospital. Nothing of interest. The men are all better.January 20th—Monday. It is still wet and muddy. I feel pretty well this morning and the boys are all doing as well as can be expected. Walker came to see me today and he looks well and hearty.January 21st—Tuesday. This day do not feel very [well]. I have a sore neck and I am very chilly and cold but hope.January 22nd—Wednesday Not any better but worse. I rubbed it with volatile ligament & still it is sore and my head aches and I feel very drowsy. Took some pills and went to bed.January 23rd—Thursday morning. I am some better and hope that I will not be sick. Able to take my turn in the hospital again this afternoon and got along very well.January 24th—Friday. I am well this morning and able for duty and my neck is better and I hope now that I am not going to have a sick spell, thanks be to God for His loving kindness and tender mercy to me notwithstanding my sins and shortcomings January 25th—Saturday It sleeted and froze all night. This morning the ice and snow is about two inches deep. I am well and in the hospital. It is a pretty good place now for the sick now is quite comfortable. I got a letter today from my wife and a present of small piece of tobacco in it. I think the cost overrun the profit.January 26th—Sabbath. Still at the hospital and we have more quiet times than at the quarters but still it is bad enough and it is hard to spend God’s Hole Day in such a place but still God is here as well as at home.January 27th—Monday. It is warm and pleasant this morning. Still in the hospital and the most of the boys are doing well. Our pay has not come yet but the payroll is here for us to sign.January 28th—Tuesday morning. It is raining and it is warm, just about like our March in Mercer county. I signed the payroll this morning but we did not get our pay today. I am well. It is near twelve at night on duty in the hospital January 29th—Wednesday It is foggy and a mist falls this morning but it is warm. I am well and at the hospital. We got our pay today. Mine was $32.50 and it was very acceptable. Nine o’clock at night. On duty in the hospital and I think a great deal about home and my wife and children. Wonder how they are getting along but do not repine.January 30th—Thursday morning. It is raining and very muddy. Went down to the quarters and heard that Lieutenant Cummings had fifty dollars stolen last night. I am well and able for my duty. I feel thankful for mercies past and willing to trust the same hand for time to come.January 31st—Friday. This morning is more pleasant and I am in good health and spirits. Yesterday bought a watch for ten dollars. I am in the hospital and the boys are all doing well and it’s a good place and it is the place I believe for me where I can do the most good and I have the good will of all concerned—the doctors as well as men. I praise God that He has kept me thus far without sickness or pain of any kind. I have slept in the hospital for some nights past. Ten at night and still on duty.February 1st—Saturday. The snow is about two inches deep but it is raining and the snow is melting fast. I am well and able for my rations. There was one of our company died yesterday in the City Hospital. He was about 60 years of age. Eight at night [and still] on duty and I still have reason to be thankful February 2nd—Sabbath morning. It is clear and beautiful. I thank God for his goodness and mercy to me through the week that is past and for the health that I enjoy at this time. I am in the same place yet. There is some curious case in th hospital but it takes all kinds of people to make a world. I spend my Sabbaths somehow but I can hardly tell how. We are doing nothing yet and it is so muddy that we cannot move or drill or do anything else. The most of the boys that are in my ward have had the mumps and taken cold. Mr. J. C. Brown was here today and I sent fifty dollars home to be deposited with Achse and Wick till I want to lift it.February 3rd—Monday. It is snowing and it looks like winter. It snowed all day but the snow is only about three inches deep at night. There is nothing new in camp today. I am still in good health. It makes me think of home to see the snow. It makes me think about how my wife and children are getting along. I am in the hospital yet and I am glad that I have so good a place.February 4th—Tuesday morning. It is clear and cool. Went down to the quarters and seem the company. Came back and wrote a letter to Walker and then eat dinner. In my ward again on duty and the boys are doing well.February 5th—Wednesday This is a clear morning and is pleasant for the time of year and was warm and pleasant all day. Nothing new today. I am well and on duty at the same place. I think that I will stay here as long as I can be useful.February 6th—Thursday. This morning it is rainy and the snow is going away as fast as it can. Nine at night. I have just wrote a letter to Nancy Walker and I am on duty in the hospital. I have got so used to it that I do not get sleepy till about twelve o’clock February 7th—Friday. A fair day and I was down to the quarters and the boys are all well. The boys in the hospital are all getting along first rate. I wrote a letter to D. E. W. tonight and one today to Nancy Walker. I am well. Nothing new.February 8th—Saturday. I am in good health, thanks to the giver of every good for health and every blessing that I enjoy. I am still with the hospital doing all that I can for the comfort of the sick. There is nothing of much importance going on at present. It is clear and warm today. I would like to be at home and spend the Sabbath with my family and enjoy one sweet day of rest.February 9th—Sabbath. It is clear and pleasant this morning. I am in my usual health and still at the hospital yet and there is one discharged every day and about as many come as go. Noon in the hospital on duty. We have prayer here everyday by the chaplain, Mr. McAdam. He is a good man, I believe, and he labors hard for him but there is no Sabbath here or at least it looks like it. Men are at work chopping wood and teams hauling and companies out in full uniform with knapsacks on their back and guns on their shoulders for inspection. But still we have some time to think of God and his goodness [Editor’s note: The following three paragraphs in bold font are the only entries in the diary written in ink and they are written on pages out of chronological order with the rest of the diary. They were clearly written on Sunday, 9 February 1862, however, and I have inserted them here. These paragraphs are intended for his wife and I believe he must have mailed this diary home to her for safekeeping in mid-February when the diary entries stop.]Sabbath night at ten o’clock. I am well and in the hospital on duty as a nurse and I think that Providence has opened up this place for me and I shall never shrink from any duty that I am called to perform if it falls in my power to do it. Before I came to the hospital our boys thought that it was certain death to go there but I am glad to say that there has not one died there since I went and there has been about fifty in there since I went there. Everything depends on good nursing and we have got good nurses in there now and the surgeon says that he is going to keep them.We have prayers in the hospital every day by the chaplain so that we have some religious exercises but you would think that we were not much better than [ ] of heathen if you saw all that transpires here but still if we wish we can have some enjoyment. As long as I tented with my company, we had prayers in our tent every night and it is still kept up. We have some good men in our regiment adn there is some bad ones. We have got along very well so far. We have the name of being the quietest regiment that has been quartered in the District since the war commenced.I have been scribbling some here and if you can read it, you can do more than I can. And I suppose that you will be tired of it before you get it read but if you do not think it worth reading, you can turn over to something better if you can find it and it is all about alike. I can talk a great deal better than write. You must excuse me for I write on my knee and am sleepy and nursing at the same time. — S. B. BeatyFebruary 10th—Monday morning. It is clear and frosty. Up at six and eat breakfast and went down to the quarters. They are going to have regimental drill—the first for a month, it has been so muddy. But it has dried up and it looks like April . It looks as if the winter was over. I am well and able for duty. I sold my watch for eleven dollars. The men are all doing well.February 11th—Tuesday. It is cloudy this morning. There is nothing of interest here—only the drill and we are going to draw our new knapsacks and clothes. I am still in the hospital. I am well and I got a letter from J. A. Beaty today and it is snowing tonight but it is waning. I got a letter from Walker last night and he was well. The boys here are doing fine.February 12th—Wednesday It is clear and warm today. Returned my old knapsack and got a new one. I am well and doing as well as I can. It looks like spring.February 13th—Thursday This morning got a letter from William Lundy. The spring birds are singing and everything looks like as if winter was over. I am still in the hospital. Our camp is quite dry today. I am losing all my drill by being in the hospital but it may be best.February 14th—Friday. It rained a little this morning and was cloudy all day and got cold towards evening. It was clear tonight. I am in my usual health. I am still at the same place and the health of the regiment is improving. We have a woman here as a cook now but it is not much of an improvement for it is still bread and meat and coffee or meat and coffee and bread. I think I shall never want any more coffee after I get home for I am so tired of it. Nothing new in camp today.February 15th—Tuesday. It is snowing this morning and it looks as if it was going to be quite a snow. I am well at this time. We are still lying idle as a regiment and I do not think ever will do much. Then at night. I heard sleigh bells for the first time this evening. At ten we got orders this evening to cross the Potomac and report to General [Samuel P.] Heintzelman’s Headquarters near Alexandria February 16th—Sabbath morning. It is clear and pleasant and the snow is melting fast. At noon it is quite soft. It is about like some of our March snows in Mercer county.Diary # 2S. B. Beatty’s Memorandum Book. If I should be killed or die of disease, you would confer a great favor by sending this by mail to Mrs. M. S. Beatty, Delaware Grove, Mercer county, Pennsylvania January 7, nursing in the hospital February 18, 1862—Left camp Merced today for the other side of the Potomac and it being very muddy and we had a hards march but got along very well, all but some that got drunk. We got our tents up by dark and slept in them and the mud was two inches deep in them.Wednesday, February 19th—We were all day carrying brush and fixing up our hospital and it was still muddy and sad but we done the best we could but we had but few in it.Thursday, February 20th—Nothing of interest today. I am well and saw Daniel Young today.Friday, February 21st—It is still wet and muddy.Saturday, 22nd—-The birthday of Washington and we can hear the booming of cannon all around commemorating the day. Nothing of interest Sabbath 23rd—This is the first that I have spent on the sacred soil of Virginia and it was wet and muddy as usual and there was nothing done.Monday, 24th—It was clear in the morning till about ten o’clock and then there was a shower of rain and the wind rose and it sleeted and it blew a hurricane and blew down all the tents in the regiment and one of our hospital tents and it looked like desolation Tuesday February 25th—It does not blow so hard this morning and we made ready to put our tent and we got it up. I am still well and in good spirits Wednesday February 26th—Got case of varioloid [small pox] in the hospital but I will not run from it but will do my duty and trust my God [that] all shall be well. Nothing else of interest Thursday February 27th—Very busy preparing for inspection. Feel tired but that is nothing new.Friday, February 28th—The day of inspection. Fixed upon it and got everything ready but they did not come to the hospital at all. Feel all right today, thanks to God for his mercy to me.Saturday, March 1st [1862]—In the hospital. There was regimental drill today, the seventh time since we left Camp Curtin. In the evening, General Jamison put them through a while and scared our officers and got [ ] up some but they soon got their wits again and then they were all right again. The colonel [William Maxwell] resigned today and left the command Sabbath March 2nd—The Colonel started home this morning and was quite a touching sight to see him bid goodbye to the boys. Got dinner and then went down to the 63rd to see the boys and it snowed like fury for a while. Came back to the regiment, went to prayer meeting, and then came back to the hospital. I feel well in my mind and of course in body.Monday, March 3rd—The snow is soft with a crust on it and it is foggy and dark. It rained this afternoon. There was regimental drill today and there is a great wonder who will be our Colonel. Nothing else of interest. I am still well. Got vaccinated on Sunday and my arm is some sore and it makes me think of my family at hoe. God has been very gracious to me this day in upholding and comforting me and in drawing me near to Himself. Oh that I may be enabled always to trust Him and take Him for my [ ].Tuesday, March 4th—It is clear this morning. Our patients are all better in the hospital. Regimental drill this forenoon. Nothing else of interest today. I am well. My arm’s quite sore today. It makes me almost sick.Wednesday, March 5th—It is clear this morning and cold. It clouded up about noon. I am well today. There was a Captain [Charles W.] Chapman of the 63rd Regt. shot on picket this morning. Nothing else of interest.“A detachment of the regiment consisting of one hundred men, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Morgan, while out upon the picket line beyond the Occoquan, near Pohick Church, on the night of the 5th of March, 1862, was attacked by a party of the enemy. A skirmish ensued in the midst of the darkness, in which Captain Charles W. Chapman, of company K, and Quartermaster James M. Lysle, were killed.” [63rd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers]Thursday March 6th—It is a fine day and it looks like spring. Our new Colonel came on today. His name is [Charles Thomas] Campbell, Regimental drill as usual.Friday, March 7th—It is clear but cold and windy. Nothing of interest Saturday March 8th—Clear and fine this morning and I think of going to Mount Vernon today and I went and saw what was to be seen. This is a barren and desolate looking country. The fences are all out of repair and the land looks poor. The houses are old and small and the barns are miserable. It looks as if there was a curse upon it but it might be a fine country. Mt. Vernon is a fine looking farm but it looks neglected and forlorn. I saw the tomb of Washington and Martha, his wife, and several of his family relations and the old mansion and some trees that he planted and the old garden and the fountain and everything that was to be seen. Came back and feel tired but don’t begrudge my tired legs for it was worth all and more too.Sabbath morning, March 9th—warm and pleasant looking Like spring. There is a general inspection this morning. I am well today. I have been mercifully preserved thus far amidst all the hardships of camp life. I have not been one day sick thanks be to God for his goodness to me and I am still encouraged to put my trust in Him for time to come.Monday, March 10th—It is raining this morning and it was most of the day. We drew oil cloth blankets for tents when we march. The Division on the right of us moved today and we expect to move tomorrow. Nothing else of interest Tuesday March 11th—It looks like spring. There is some excitement today about movement but i guess we will not move today, The day passed and we are here yet.Wednesday, March 12th—It is clear and fine this day. There is review today and I went to the Potomac River and it is a noble looking stream. I am well today and in good spirits. There is a report that our army has possession of Manassas Thursday March 13th—It is clear and war and it looks like spring. The spring birds are singing and the leaves are beginning to start on the elders and briers and the grass.Friday, March 14th—Last night got orders to prepare immediately for a march and today we were all ready for a move but we were not commanded to march and we are here yet.Saturday, March 15th—There is quite an excitement in camp today about where we are to go but we know nothing about it. But we are to go on steamers down the Potomac somewhere. I am well and in good spirits. We had a very wet day.Sabbath morning, March 16th—Well and in good spirits. It is fair this morning and there is nothing of much interest. There is still troops coming in for to go down the river. We had preaching today.Monday, March 17th—we marched to Alexandria and went aboard the Elm City—a large and good boat, the best that is here, and where we are going, I do not know.Tuesday, March 18th—We are here on the Potomac and when we will leave this, none of us knows. It is just one month today since we crossed the Potomac. I am well as usual. We started down the river about noon. There was nothing of interest until sunset and it was a grand sight to me.Wednesday, March 19th—A beautiful morning. We are in the Chesapeake Bay and it is so broad that I cannot see land—only on one side, and it looks fine to see so many sails on the water. We landed at Fortress Monroe about sunset and loaded our goods on a horse car, moved them from the wharf and then unloaded them in the middle of the street and I slept for the first time in the street and it rained all the night and the water ran all around Thursday March 20th—Morning, it is still raining and I had to help load the regiment’s stuff and the hospital stuff and then went to hunt the regiment and it was quite a job. After a while, found them quartered in a stable.Friday, March 21st—Slept in a stable last night for the first time and I did not sleep much. We are just beginning to be soldiers. I am still well and i desire to be thankful for mercies past and the blessing that I now enjoy. The regiment moved their quarters and tented out in the open field in their dog tents and it rained in the evening and I stayed and guarded the stuff.Saturday, March 22nd—Still on guard till noon and then went to the regiment and then got some dinner. Our quartermaster is a poor excuse. I am well and in good spirits Sabbath March 25th—It is a beautiful morning and is as still as if there was but one regiment here but I believe there is about thirty thousand here and more coming. Nothing of interest till evening. Then it rained. It is quite cold at night.Monday, March 24th—We got orders this morning to be ready to move again at seven o’clock. The regiment started at eight and we did not get off till about twelve. We went about two miles and pitched our tents. We went through the old town of Hampton that the Rebels burnt last summer. It has been a nice place but it is all burnt. We are about four miles from Fortress Monroe.Tuesday, March 25th—It is clear and the wind feels cold. I am well as usual. Nothing of interest Wednesday March 26th—It is cloudy this morning and it spit snow this afternoon. I am well and I got a letter from my wife and it was a comfort to me.Thursday, March 27th—It was clear again this morning and it looks like summer. There is nothing of interest. I am well, thanks to God for His goodness to me.Friday, March 28th—It is clear and beautiful this morning. I washed some this forenoon and I am in the hospital. I am well and in good spirits. Nothing else but the usual montage of duty.Saturday, 29th March—The wind is in the east and it’s cold and chilly this afternoon. It is raining and sleeting. It is hard to see the soldiers camped in these small tents when it is cold and disagreeable, Got a letter from A. Walker today.Sabbath morning, March 30th—It rained all night and when I woke up this morning, I was lying in the water about two inches deep but I am still well. There seems to be no regard for the Sabbath here. While I write, the boys are playing ball and some are building fire places and walling up the front of their tents and some are at prayer meeting and some are lying in their tents.Monday, March 31st—It is clear and fine this morning. It is as warm as summer today and it makes me feel lazy but I am alright. I am still in the hospital but do not know how long I am going to stay but will know by tomorrow. It is two at night and I am on duty in the hospital Tuesday 1 April—It is clearcut not as warm as it was yesterday. I am going to stay awhile longer in the hospital. I am well but feel sleepy and tired. Went to bed at six.Wednesday, 2nd April—Up at twelve and I did not sleep more than two hours last night and I feel kind of used up but I am in good health Thursday 3rd April—Morning on duty in the hospital. I feel almost used up for the want of sleep but I am in good health. There is eleven in the hospital today but there is none of them dangerous. This is a beautiful day. We had a thunder shower last night and it started the grass to grow and it looks quite refreshing Friday 4th April—We have marching orders this morning to march on Yorktown. We started at seven and marched to Great Bethel and the Rebels lead left just before we got there and I was very much disappointed in the place. There is but one house beside the Meeting House and the fortifications are but very slight. There is nothing but mud works and we went on about two miles and encamped for the night and slept under the wagon. Slept very well and feel well this morning Saturday 5th April—I am well this morning. Our men started for Yorktown and I saw General McClellan this morning for the first time and he is a very plain looking man but is bold as a lion. It is a bad day for a march. It is raining but I am with the train and we can hear the sound of the cannon ahead of us towards Yorktown as if there was a skirmish. It is twelve and we have not started yet. This evening it cleared up and we have not started with the train yet.Sabbath morning, 6th April—It is clear and fine. We are here yet and the regiment is some six or eight miles ahead. Our train started at 6:30 o’clock for the camp. This is a very sandy country and there is more timber than in Mercer county and more swamp. We came to the place about noon that the skirmish was yesterday but do not know any of the particulars, We are beginning to soldier it now. It does not seem much like the Sabbath. We had very bad roads part of the way. Got to the camp about sunset and found all safe and sound, The Rebels threw some shells into our camp and killed a few of the artillery horses.Monday, 7th April—Don’t feel very well today and took some medicine. Got our hospital in big. There is nothing of interest in camp today worthy of note.Tuesday, 8th April—I am still unwell but am able to attend to my duty. I am very bilious but hope to be all right soon. It is a very wet day and nothing doing Wednesday 9th April—It is still wet and cold. Got orders this morning to move the hospital and it was a hard job for me and the work all fell on [1st Sergt. Thomas O.] Collamore and I. There was about ten or twelve in and they were moved out about one and a half miles and there was no provision made for them and we had no hands to put up our tents and we had to depend on the charity of our neighbors for their night’s lodging but we got along some way. I feel some better now.Thursday, 10th April—It is cold and spitting snow a little. We are here beside a Meeting House and there has been a Rebel camp here and there is several of their soldiers buried in the graveyard. It is a very flat and wet [place] and I should think unhealthy, I am some better today but do not feel right yet.Friday, 11th April—It is clear and fine this morning and it is quite refreshing. I am some better today and the boys are all doing well. Our regiment had a skirmish today with the enemy and there was three of them wounded and they killed about fifty or sixty of the Rebels Saturday 12th April—It is still clear and pleasant. All is quiet in camp as if nothing had happened. I am still able for duty. There is nothing of interest thus far.Sabbath morning, 13th April—It is clear and it makes me think of home that I left and my wife and children and a wish to be with those to spend if but one day with them and enjoy one Sabbath at home. All is quiet this morning. Nothing of interest. Our regiment went out on picket this evening.Monday, 14th April—Still clear. I am as well as common. All is quiet. Our pickets brought in one prisoner this morning. Nothing else of interest Tuesday 15th April—Cloudy this morning. I am well and feel thankful for my returning health. Our men are in god spirits. It is clear this afternoon. All is quiet except some shells flying back and forth from one camp to the other. Nothing else of interest Wednesday 16th April—It is clear and fine today, It is very warm. I am well and in good spirits. There is some cannonading today. There is no stir in camp. Nothing of moment today.Thursday, 17th April—It is very warm today, Our men are throwing some shot and shell today at the enemy. Our regiment is out on picket today. We moved our hospital again today. This evening there was the first of our regiment killed by the bursting of a shell. Nothing else of interest. Frederick Varick [of Co. G was killed].Friday, 18th April—It is clear and would be pleasant if I was at home. It is just one month since we left Alexandria and not much done yet. Our men are besieging Yorktown Saturday 19th April—It is cloudy this morning but pleasant. There is not much a doing. It is raining a little this afternoon. There was a ball threw over our camp. Nothing else of note.Sabbath, 20th April—It is raining and cold and all is quiet except an occasional cannon shot, I am well. Nothing else of note.Monday, 21st April—It is raining this morning. I am well. Got a letter from my wife and wrote one to her, All is quiet. Nothing else of interest Tuesday 22nd April—It is clear and beautiful. I am in good health and spirits. There is no fighting today. The soil here is good but it is wet and marshy Wednesday 23rd April—It is still clear and pleasant. All is quiet as if there was no army here. I am as usual. It is a beautiful place here in the woods. Nothing else of interest Thursday 24th April—It is clear and cold this morning. I am well. Drew new pants today. Was down at the regiment today. All is quiet.Friday, 25th April—It is cloudy and cold and chilly. I am well this morning. All is quiet in camp.Saturday, 26th April—Is wet and cold. There was a small skirmish this morning and our men took twenty prisoners. Our regiment was called out but was too late. It was wet all day and there was nothing of interest Sabbath 27th April—It is still cold and cloudy. I am well and hope that I may have good health.Monday, 28th April—It is cloudy this morning. At noon it cleared up and it is pleasant. There is nothing of interest in camp today.Tuesday, 29th April—It is foggy and dark this morning. Cleared away about ten. Our regiment moved their camp today Wednesday 30th April—It is cloudy this morning. All is quiet as usual. I am well at present. Our regiment on picket. Nothing else.Thursday, 1st May—It’s warm and foggy. Still in the hospital. I am in good health. Went over to the regiment and was mustered for pay. There is four months pay due us now. All is quiet. The siege is still progressing but silently Friday 2nd May—It is clear and warm. The Rebels are throwing shot and shell quite rapid today. Our men don’t answer them but work away. I am well.Saturday, 3rd May—There is nothing of much interest yet today, The Rebels are throwing shells pretty rapid this evening and some think they are leaving.Sabbath morning, 4th May—The Rebels have evacuated Yorktown and our men are on the march to take possession. I am well and in good spirits. Henry Eberman died last night in the Church Hospital and was buried today. We got orders to march about 2. Yorktown is very strongly fortified and I think they missed it by leaving. It does not seem much like the Sabbath to me, one the quiet days at home.Monday, 5th May—It rained last night and it still rains today. Our Brigade stands to pressure the Rebels this morning and we soon heard firing and it was kept up all day. We do not know the result. The roads are very bad and the road was full of teams all day. Our teams went about two miles. it still rains.Tuesday, 6th May—morning is clear and there is still more troops coming. Soldiering is hard business. We have different reports about the fight yesterday. our regiment was not in the engagement. We are stopped for the night. I wish we were with them.Wednesday, 7th May—Is clear and fine. We are about four miles from Williamsburg and no prospect of us getting on today. Some of our army went back to Yorktown this afternoon. Our team stayed. I stayed to guard the balance of the stuff. It is a beautiful day and I would like to be with the regiment Thursday 8th May—It is clear and pleasant. Our teams are here and I am going on to the regiment and I am glad of it. There is very bad roads. We went past the battle ground and it was a strong position. Our men could have held it against one hundred thousand of the best troops but it was a hard fought battle. It is a fine country around Williamsburg Friday 9th May—It is clear and pleasant. We are under marching orders. We started at ten from Williamsburg for some place up river. We saw plenty of rebel clothes thrown away in their flight from us. This is an old town, It was settled long before the Revolution. I saw wheat out in head today. We were all day going six miles. Camped for the night in the road, Went o bed at 12.Saturday, 10th May—Up at daylight making ready for a march. It does not seem much like the days at home for there is a train of wagons on the move ten miles long. After going four miles through a dense forest of pine to an improvement and it is the best I have seen in Virginia. The road is bad. I am well and wish I was at home to spend the day with my family but I must be contented and act the soldier. I spent last night in the middle of the road and slept very ell. Got to the regiment at sundown Sabbath 11th May—It is clear and warm. Are making ready for a march. I am well and it does not seem much like the day of rest. It is hard to spend the day in the army for there is so much noise and confusion Monday 12th May—Is still clear and beautiful. We are camped on the road forty miles from Richmond. I am well. Got a letter from my wife today. I was glad to hear from home and wish I was ready to go there but that is out of the question Tuesday 13th May—Clear and fine. Up at five. Slept under the wagon. Got orders to be ready to march at ten. All ready. This is a beautiful place. Started at the hour. It is slow traveling in the army. Saw corn four inches high. Marched about one mile and camped for the night and got two months pay.Wednesday, 14th May—Up at three. Started to march at four. Saw an orchard in the woods and several places where whole farms were overgrown with timbers of quite large trees. This wound be a fine country if it was not for slavery. Marched seven miles, then camped adn pitched our tents and stayed there all night.Thursday, 15th May—Is raining this morning. Got orders to march at six. Our train went half a mile and I stood about three hours. Saw more land that has been farmed overgrown with timber. Stopped for the night at Cumberland Landing and it is a very nice place. If it was in the North, there would have been quite a town. I am well but partly wet.Friday, 16th May—It is cloudy but not wet. I am well as usual. Nothing of interest today in camp. I saw some steam adn sailing vessels today. Sent home twenty-five dollars to my wife by Adams Express. Sent it to J. K. Hamblin Saturday 17th May—It is clear and warm. Washed some today. Sent off all the sick today in a boat. I am in good health. Nothing else.Sabbath, 18th May—Up at five. I am well as usual. It is the quietest Sabbath we have had for some time. There is nothing else of interest Monday 19th May—Our Brigade left—all but our regiment and we stayed to guard the Landing. The name is Cumberland on the Pamunkey River—the south branch of the York river—and it is about 70 miles from the bay and the tide rises at least two feet.Encampment of Army of Potomac at Cumberland Landing on Pamunkey River, May 1862Tuesday, 20th May—We are still here. I am not well today but think I soon will be. It is warm and dry.Wednesday, 21st May—It is clear and warm. I am some better today. We are still at the landing and I do not know how long we will stay here. Commenced to write a letter to my wife today. The Locust trees are white with blossom. All is quiet and nothing of interest Thursday 22nd May—Morning is clear and there is a fine breeze. It is quite refreshing. Wrote to my wife today. I am well and in good spirits and I am thankful Friday 23rd May—Got orders to march at six. All ready and on the march. Went eight miles and pitched our tents and got dinner and then got orders to pull up and be off again all on the march and it is slow going. I saw roses today for the first I have seen. Ten at night. We are still on the road as good boys working for Uncle Sam. Came through a fine country but it is like all the rest of with slavery. Fields overgrown with bushes and briers Saturday 24th May—Up at five. Slept by the side of the road. Slept about three hours, Feel all right. it is pleasant. We are ready for a move. Got to the Brigade at nine o’clock. At ten it commenced raining till evening.Sabbath morning, 25th May—Up at five. I am well, thanks be to god for His mercies to me. Got orders to march. Started at 7 o’clock towards Richmond. Crossed the Chickahominy and camped within 12 miles of Richmond for the night. All is quiet. the same curse rests on the country now. Within ten or twelve miles of the Capitol and it looks like the vineyard of the sluggard Monday 26th May—It is clear and cold for the place. I am well. Got orders to send everything back but the shelter tents and one blanket. I went back with the doctors things across the Chickahominy Tuesday 27th May—It is raining. The teams went back for the rest of the stuff. I am well and would like o be with the regiment. There is about one thousand wagons in sight of this place. There is some cannonading on our right this afternoon. Our regiment is on picket Wednesday 28th May—It is clear and fine. I am still guarding the doctor’s goods four miles in the rear of the regiment. I am well. Wishing the war was over that I could go home to my family. I long very much to see them.Thursday, 29th May—It is clear. I am still guarding. It is very lonesome away from the regiment. I wish I was relieved so that I could go forward to the boys. I am well. Butter is selling at 40 cents and cheese at 35 and eggs at 40 per dozen. Small round ginger cakes 2 cents apiece adn everything else in proportion Friday 30th May—It is cloudy this morning. I am still on the north side of the Chickahominy guarding the doctor’s traps. I am well as usual. Our Brigade moved back two miles and took up position on the railroad to guard it.Saturday, 31st May—It rained last night and there was thunder and lightning. All is quiet. Still in the same place. I am well. It is very warm. There is a battle going on in front. it has lasted all afternoon. Our Brigade is called out. there is conflicting reports about the fight.Sabbath morning, 1st June—It is cloudy and misting rain. The fight has commenced again. It is 5:15 o’clock and it was a hard fight for 5 or 6 hours but our men drove them back. Our army were attacked both days and they fought bravely doing honor to themselves and their country. There was several of our regiment killed and some wounded on Saturday. Today no particulars Monday 2nd June—I am still in the same place. Moved back about sixty rods to get better ground. There is quite a number of our men in. The most of them are wounded in the hand. The river has risen by some means not known to us about two feet so that it is hard for the wagons to cross. All quiet but the water is still up. Nothing else.Tuesday, 3rd June—I am well and in good spirits. We had a thunder shower last night. It is very warm this morning. We are still away from the regiment guarding the medicine and other hospital stuff. Crossed the Chickahominy and I went to the regiment and slept out in the open air and it rained all night Wednesday 4th June—It is still raining and there is many of our men that have neither blankets nor tents and it seems hard to haven exposed without shelters of any kind. I am well.Thursday, 5th June—It is still cloudy and cool. there is not much of interest—only that our men are still fetching in the wounded rebels and it is a horrid sight to see men that have lay on the field wounded for four days all fly blown. But war is cruel.Friday, 6th June—It is cold and chilly and I am very unwell today. All is quiet. Nothing else of interest Saturday 7th June—It is clear this morning. I am still sick. It rained this afternoon. Nothing of much interest in camp today.Sabbath, 8th June—It is clear and nice. I am in the wood away about 1.5 miles from the regiment and it is the quietest Sabbath I have seen for some time. I am still quite unwell. There is nothing else of interest Monday 9th June—I am still sick. We are going to move the hospital up to the regiment. Started to ride in the wagon but I could not stand it. Got there all safe [but] do not feel any better.Tuesday, 10th June—It is raining and is quite cold. I am still under the weather. I am able to walk around. Went over part of the battle field and the balls must have flew thick and fast. I saw little bushes not more than two inches through that had sixteen balls in them.Wednesday, 11th June—It is clear and cold. The Regiment marched back about one mile. All is quiet. i am still not well but think i am some better Thursday 12th June—It is still clear but warm. I am some little better. There was picket firing today. How I wish for the sight of my home and wife and children. I think I would soon recruit up again but it will take me some time hereFriday, 13th June—It is clear and warm. Up at five. Got breakfast and started for the regiment. The Rebels are throwing shells at our men. I am some better but still have that oppression in my left side. I am almost done soldiering Saturday 14th June—It is very warm today and the water is poor and scarce and the land literally stinks and I cannot help but be unhealthy. i am still better and think that I am going to get well. Went to the regiment for a letter but was disappointed again. Did not get any.Sabbath, 15th June—It is clear and warm this morning. It makes the sweat run free. I am still at the hospital. There is about fifty under the doctor’s care. I am about well now. This is a quiet day. One of the quietest I have spent in the service.Monday, 16th June—It is clear and cold this morning. I feel quite well, thanks be to God for continual blessings. All is quiet today.Tuesday, 17th June—It is clear and cold. Up at sunrise. Feel well. I am at the hospital. There is some heavy cannonading on the James River. there is nothing else.Wednesday, 18th June—It is clear and warm. I am well and able for duty. Wrote a letter to my beloved wife today. There is seventy here under the doctor’s care at this time. All is quiet.Thursday, 19th June—All is quiet. I am well today, thanks to the Giver of every good for HIs goodness to me.Friday, 20th June—It is still clear. There is nothing new. The same monotonous life. Oh how I wish I was at home with my family. I am about satisfied with a soldier’s life. It is not the life for me.Saturday, 21st June—Clear and warm. All is quiet. I am well. Wrote to my wife. There is nothing of interest today.Sabbath, 22nd June—It is still clear and warm. This is the quietest Sabbath I have spent for a long time. There is no stir of any kind. I am well and think I feel truly thankful to God for His goodness and mercy to me. This evening there was a small skirmish on which the Rebels lost about seven hundred in killed, wounded and prisoners and our men lost in all forty.Monday, 23rd June—It is warm and beautiful. All is quiet. I am well and able for duty. It rained this evening and there is some picket firing this evening. Nothing else.Tuesday, 24th June—It is clear but it looks like rain. I am still well and at the hospital we have 92 men here but they are all doing well except three and I think they will get well. There is nothing of interest Wednesday 25th June—It’s clear and pleasant this morning. There was an advance of our army today and there was quite a hard figh
Sold on eBay May 1st, 2024
1862-65 Handwritten Civil War Soldier's Diary Indiana Reg Castle Thunder Prison
WELCOME TO SALLY’S DIARIES: Before I get started describing this piece, I want to let you know that I have a podcast. I’ve taken some diaries from my private collection and shared them on our podcast called “Diary Discoveries.” We’ve got 48 episodes out now and you can find it on all the usual podcast venues. So if you enjoy the compelling and adventurous stories from vintage diaries then please check it out. Plus, I was asked to do a TEDx talk in Vienna about this very thing, collecting diaries, and if you are interested in this sort of thing just put into the search engines “10,000 diaries” and you should come up with it. It was a privileged and blessing to be able to share what I’ve learned in the last 36 years. And with all that said…… Up for auction today is one of the most extensive handwritten civil war diaries I’ve seen. It also came with original photos of the author and other people that I have yet to find out who they are. Please note, the photos you see above of the Rebel Prison Castle Thunder and then the author during his older years in his GAR uniform are copies, the other photos are original. I’ve had this particular diary in my collection for years now and feel it’s time to part with it. As mentioned above we have a podcast and we did use this particular diary in one of the episodes, #48, titled “Castle Thunder Prison Survivor – A Civil War Story.” So you can really get an idea of what this diary is all about on that podcast. I will try and share a bit of it here but there is way too much to this diary to do it justice in my description. The first thing I need to say about this diary is that I believe our author had another diary or perhaps just notebooks or pieces of paper that he carried with him and used during his time in the Civil War and then transcribed all of his entries into this diary after the war was over. I don’t think he had it with him as the hand writing seems continuous (if that makes sense). But I could be wrong about that and it could have been with him the whole time. He’s definitely not doing it from memory because the entries are like he’s right there when every thing is happening. But the second part of the diary, when he heads west, is like he picked up his diary once again and decided to write in the back all about his journey west as it was happening. Again, hope I’m making sense. Not only does this diary cover all three years our author fought in the Civil War (including travel through 8 different states during that time), the part that the podcast did not cover (and has not been shared anywhere) are the diary entries when our author decided to head West to the great state of Idaho in 1882 and spend the rest of his life there. So you actually get two very different yet very historical and monumental experiences in the life of our author. The diary contains 122 handwritten pages and 106 of those are about his time in the Civil War, the rest have to do with his trip West. The authors name was Gillis James McBane and he was born on December 30th, 1829 in Logansport Indiana. He claims he was the 1st white child born in Logansport. His father was Gillis McBane Sr. who was born in Scotland and came to America when just a little boy. Gillis Sr. married Elizabeth Kintner in 1921. They had 7 children, Gillis Jr. of course being one of them. His father was an Indian Agent and also owned a hotel there in Logansport. His mother died before he was 10 years old and then his father died when Gillis Jr. turned 10. He worked and lived on different peoples farms and then with his brother’s family while growing up. On July 2nd, 1862 Gillis enlisted with the 73rd Indianapolis Volunteer Infantry Regiment. I actually found a book written about the Regiment and will also include that with this auction. Gillis fought in numerous battles and writes about them all, some of which were The Battles of Stones River, Decatur, Perryville, Athens and more. Perhaps the most incredible thing when it comes to his life in the Civil war was the fact that he was taken prisoner from December 31st, 1862 while fighting in the battle of Stones River. He is taken to Richmond Virginia in box cars (terrible conditions while on the cars and traveling to Richmond) and put in one of the most notorious Rebel prisons called Castle Thunder. He is in the prison until February 3rd, 1863. When released he is taken to a Parole Camp in Annapolis Maryland and is there from February 6th to December 7th, 1863. While there he shares his experiences and talks about so many things including the 3,000 prisoners who arrive from Gettysburg. He’s a carpenter and chief cook at the camp. He starts his journey to meet up with his regiment on December 8th 1863, and finally meets back up with them on Christmas Eve, 1863, almost a year to the day of being captured. He’s taken sick and put in the hospital from May 20th, 1864 to March 6th, 1864. He sees a lot more action with his regiment and of course writes all about it. He receives a promotion to Sgt./Major January 16th, 1865. Finally the with the war coming to a close, Gillis arrives back home March 22nd, 1865, which means he’s been away from his home from August 31st, 1862 to March 22nd, 1865. On April 5th and 6th, 1865, he mentions downfall of Richmond and hearing that must have been quite the moment for Gillis after spending time in prison there. He heads to Indianapolis on April 15th, 1865 and talks about Lincoln’s assassination. This portion of the diary, this part of his incredible life, ends September 30th, 1865. Again, this is perhaps one of the most extensive Civil War (or really any) diaries I’ve read. He talks of constant marching, day and night, sheer exhaustion much of the time, staying in pre-occupied Rebel camps, bullets flying over his head, poor food rations such as only having crackers, raw bacon and coffee, the constant sound of cannonading, using the creeks and rivers for bathing and for drinking water, the dead and dying all over the battlefields, seeing shot up houses and buildings while passing through towns, men getting brain fever and other diseases, the battles themselves, etc. All of this and so much more fills the pages of Gillis’s diary. And this is BEFORE he gets captured! Then there’s his trips on the cattle cars which were so crowded with prisoners he had to stand most of the time. They also went without food much of the time not only on the way to the prison but during his time in the prison as well. His description of Richmond, the Rebel Capital is incredible as is his description of being in Castle Thunder Prison. And the news of all the different battles, not just the ones he is in but the great battles of the Civil War itself makes this diary (and his life) so very interesting. I could go on and on. Finally there’s the trip west. He boards a train, leaving Logansport Indiana on June 21st, 1882. He also takes ferry’s and steamers on this trip until he finally arrives in Walla Walla Washington on July 11th, 1882 and this is where this portion of the diary ends. Gillis spent the winter in Walla Walla and then in the spring moves to Moscow Idaho. He took a piece of land on Potlach Creek and lived there in Moscow the rest of his life until he passed away in 1914. I want to share a few example entries but it’s only the tip of the iceberg and I will also share a few entries from his trip west. And please note, these are only partial excerpts that I’ve picked out. I’ve left out so much because it would make this description way too long (as it already is). In fact, I did type up the entire diary (just the Civil War part) and it was 30 pages of typed script. (I am keeping my typed up manuscripts). He pretty much writes every day in the beginning and then gradually starts skipping days here and there, but really is pretty faithful with his entries. When you see the --------- between the quotes below, know that there are more entries that aren’t shared here. And if you need more examples of his entries let me know and I can get them to you. And with all that said…... 1862 “July 21st, Journal of Camp Life: “I enlisted in the service of the USA in Logansport and got a leave of absence to go out to my work near Monticello.” “Saturday, 26th, Returned to Logansport and home.” “Tuesday 29th, Went to Logan. Stayed all night at D. S. P.” “Wednesday 30th, Took the train 8 A.M. for South Bend. Had a huge time on the cars, some being highly spirited from the excessive use of ardent spirits. Arrived in Camp Rose 10 P.M. We being first squad in camp, found supper ready, drew our blankets and looked for a soft place on the ground to rest our weary limbs.” “Thursday August 2nd, Found the company in various circumstances. Those that were high spirited from the use of Whiskey the day previous was low spirited now.” “Thursday August 21st, The 73rd Regt. left Camp Rose for the land of Dixie and was escorted to the depo by the citizens and left amidst cheers and flags. Arrived at Indianapolis 11 P.M. and ordered to Louisville Ky.” Arrived at Jeffersonville 10 A.M. Laid over until 3 P.M. and crossed the river and marched through the principal streets of Louisville. The dust raised in such clouds that we could hardly distinguished each other. Through the dense fog of dust we could discern the form of many ladies greeting us with cheers. We went into camp one mile south of Louisville.” “Sunday August 31st, At 10 A.M. we arrived at Ky River and rested till 12 m. and found we was in the wrong pew as Curby Smith had crossed the river with 30,000 and was advancing on us and commenced cannonading our retreat. At 2 o’clock P.M. we then seen a heavy fog of dust raising to our left and heading us off and supposing then to be the enemy we formed a line of battle to make a gallant charge but when they arrived it was the Pa cavary (Cavalry) come to our aid. At 4 P.M. commenced raining. Myself, L. Smith, Wm. Jack and E. Powel being unwell stopped for the night in a barn.” (When he talks about Curby Smith I think he means the Confederate General E. Kirby Smith who lead the advance in the Kentucky campaign 1862.) “Friday morn. October 3rd, Up at 4 A.M. After laying all night in the rain and no shelter took up our line of march. At 7 A.M. went through Mt. Washington occupied the day previous by Rebs. Then crossed Salt River on rail bridge as the Rebs burnt the bridge. We went through cornfield and woods.” “Saturday October 4th, We again started for Bardstown 15 miles distant. We went 8 miles in a forward direction then flanked of past Fairfield. We marched very fast and it raining at 4 P.M. The cavalry skirmished in our advance we camped at 9 P.M. in sight Bardstown.” “Sunday October 5th, Got breakfast which consisted of one cracker and raw bacon then went into town. Poor houses captured 100 sick Rebs in hospital and some other prisoners.” “Friday October 10th, As I staid up until midnight night cooking I had battercakes for breakfast. We marched at 6 A.M. Went through the battlefield. The ground was covered with the dead. The hospitals was all full of dead and dying. We then marched in line of battle and heavy firing on our right and left. Went into camp at 2 P.M. Rain all afternoon. Co. “G” went out on picket. I took charge of the outside post of Co. “G”. We built rail pen and covered with fodder. I laid down and tried to sleep, too cool and wet.” “Saturday October 11th, It rained all night. Made coffee. The boys had drank their coffee but me. I had my coat off drying at the fire when Morgan and his men came in yelling and firing upon us like drunken Indians. I had to loose my coffee. We retreated back to camp and formed a line of battle. We opened fire on them with artillery and sent them back with some riders less we moved forward towards Harrodsburg scouting the country as we went taking many prisoners. Got to Harrodsburg at 4 P.M. Laid in town till dark. Moved 1 mile.” “Sunday October 12th, I got up early and had nothing to eat for breakfast. We marched at 9 A.M. Come upon the enemy. Formed line battle and marched all day in that position. We skirmished all day with the musketry and artillery. Our Regt. being in advance, returned back to the division to draw rations at night.” “Friday November 7th, In line and marched at 5 A.M. Chilly weather. Crossed all day the first state line 12 M. Snowed all day. The first house that represented the state of Tennessee had no glass in the windows but a darkey’s head in the place of glass (black glass). Hilly country and poor soil. Cold.” “Saturday November 8th, The brigade moved out at 1 P.M. to surprise the enemy at Gallatin Tenn. Had a slight skirmish. The Rebs fled. We camped three miles south of town on the bank of the C. River.” “Thursday December 4th, With orders to shoulder guns and knapsacks to go on grand review. General Rosecrans was present and told the boys they needed shoes. He wanted us to eat well, sleep well and fight well.” “Thursday December 25th, Christmas morn. In line at 7 A.M. to go foragin. March several miles before we met the enemy’s picket. We drove them several miles before us. Company “G” spent the day skirmishing with the enemy. Some killed and wounded in the 51st Regt. Got back to camp 9 P.M. Order to move at 6 A.M. in morn.” “Friday December 26th, In line and commenced moving toward Murfreesboro. I got two letters, one from S. E. S. and H. M. commenced raining and I no coat or blanket. The enemy made a stand at La Vergne. About 50 of our men left on the field dead. We skirmished all day through the rain and camped 1 ½ miles from La Vergne and no tents but take the rain. We camped 9 P.M. I an orderly Vaness went for an oil cloth to sleep under.” “Saturday December 27th, Wet and cold. The Rebs opened out with artillery. We camped on the yesterday’s battle ground. While I now write, 3 or 4 of the enemy shells pass over my head. We now, 11 A.M., open on them with artillery. Some wounded come to the rear. It rains. Co. “G” and “B” is skirmishers. We now advance. Skirmished all day in the rain and I no coat. Took 40 or 50 prisoners. In evening we pushed the enemy so they lost hats and blankets. I picked up a hat and blanket (Rebs). Go in camp at dusk. Co. “G”, “B”, and “E” goes on picket. Ceased raining and turns cool. The boys go for cotton to sleep on. We are relieved from picket 1 A.M.” “Sunday December 28th, Co. “G”, “B” and “E” goes on picket again and while I note this the roar of musketry is heard all around. I and E. Powell is on one post on the bank of Stewards Creek. We are relieved at 1 P.M. Go back to camp. Co. “G” and the 51st volunteered to cross the river and go into the Rebel camp. The Rebs made their appearance but repout (report?) of reach. We captured wagon load, sabers and guns and went back.” “Monday December 29th, The roar of musketry has commenced. We move our line forward at 5 A.M. The skirmishers are in motion. Co. “G” and “B” is ordered forward again on the skirmish line. Skirmished all day. The balls flew as thick as bees and at dusk we advanced cross the river. Drive the enemy from the timber throng cornfield into wheat field. The flask of guns reminded me of lightening bugs and the Minnie balls, mosquitoes. We held the line till 12 M. night then fell back and recrossed the river. We got in quite a mess with the Rebs. The killed and wounded is not known. We camped on the bank of S. River.” “Tuesday December 30th, Morn at 3 A.M. Rained all night. As soon as day begins to dawn the roar of cannon and musketry commences. Co. “G” and “B” again on the line. A brisk cannonading kept up all day to cover the prisoners. Great many killed. The Rebel shells come over our heads. “Wednesday December 31st, Breakfast over by 4 A.M. Some up all night, too cold to sleep. Cannonading commenced daylight. Spitting snow. The battle commenced at 6 A.M. and lasted all day. Our Regt. got into a regular Shiloh fight about 12 M. fought well and repulsed the enemy then was flanked and forced back at a heavy slaughter on both sides. Great many killed and wounded. Killed Capt. Doil Co. “H”, J. Fiddler, E. Powell, Wm. McDonough, J. Kies, Wm. Etnier. A number out of Co. “G” wounded while falling back. I was surrounded and captured and taken to the rear through the battle field which was three miles back. It was covered with the wounded and dead and dying. The enemy captured 1,000 of us and took us to Murfreesboro and paroled us. However, the battle raged furiously on the 2nd inst. Then General Rosecrans fought them back over the same ground. The 3rd inst we had 72 pieces artillery in position and killed 1800 in one hour and 40 minutes. A decided victory.” 1863 “Thursday January 1st, Cold and frosty this morn. Up at night. No place to sleep. Secesh took my coat, ruber (rubber) and blanket, canteen. Took all from me and give me no grub. We took corn for fuel. Poor fare. The battle rages. The wounded Rebs come in by wagon loads. I with the rest of prisoners was put in the courthouse yard. At night formed line and drove to another lot. At 1 A.M. draw pint flower (flour?) and nothing to cook with.” “Thursday January 8th, This morn finds us in Atlanta. We march ¾ mile out from town and drew ½ loaf bread and put in the day hunting graybacks at 8 P.M. Took the train toward Chattanooga. Lay at Dalton all day. I went to the spring for water, found 3 pretty girls. Sung songs for me. Secesh songs.” “Friday January 9th, Lay all day here. Out of rations. I bought a pie, 50 cents. The boys go for the rebs sugar.” “January 10th, This morn finds us in Dalton in an old hog car. Rained all night. This morn at 8 A.M. we leave for Knoxville Tenn. Travel all day and all night. The boys sing and try to be merry, sometimes fight and quarrel. Go at a snail’s gallop. Go all night. Crowded so we cannot lay down, no sleep, no grub. So it goes with us.” “Friday January 16th, Still finds us traveling slow, 30 miles from Richmond. Had one fight in my car last night. Rained all night. 11 A.M. we are now layin 13 miles from town waiting other troops to leave before we enter town. We arrive in Richmond 3 P.M. March up Main Street and stood at rinks till they find some place to put us. 6 P.M. now we go into old tobacco factory (Castle Thunder). Plenty tobacco. Draw rations, ½ loaf bread, little beef, mess of. In squads of 20. Cold.” “Saturday January 17th, This morn finds me on the 2nd floor. Sleep pretty well. I feel unwell. The day is spend gaming. I have been playing checkers through the window with my nose. At 5 P.M. draw our rations, ½ loaf bred spoilt meet (meat). Evening quite cool.” “Sunday January 18th, Still in prison playing checkers through the window. It’s Sunday and none of us going to church. We draw our rations as before. Men steeling each other’s haversacks. Our rations only ¼ ration.” “Sunday February 1st, Again a disappointed set of men. Instead of being on our way to Fortress Monroe we are in the prison. We have a general cleaning up the floor as though we was going to leave soon. I believe I shant go to church today.” “Monday February 2nd, It moderated. Look like Indian summer. We are still in same place. Reports say we leave at 3 in the morn. Joyful times if so.” “Tuesday February 3rd, Up all night. At 2 A.M. fell in line, 750 march out in the street and stood in ranks till 6 A.M. And it snowing and cold. Took the train at 7 A.M. Cross J. River bridge, ¾ mile cross and 40 feet high. Arrived at Petersburg 2 P.M. (22 m) took cars for City Point (10 miles). I seen Water Birch with red buds. Arrived City Point 4 P.M. The Flag of Truce Steamer New York there with Stars and Stripes flying. We gave three cheers. Took the boat for Fortress Monroe. Anchored 40 miles from City Point.” “Wednesday February 4th, Finds us at anchor 40 or 50 miles from City Point. At 6 we set sail for Fortress Monroe. We arrive at Fortress Monroe 10 A.M. Laid at anchor till 5 P.M. We pass the blockade. The Monitor on picket. I see the two large guns in the U. S. A. The Lincoln and Union. The bay full of ships. At 5 we raised anchor for Annapolis Md. Rough sea. Some sick. Travel all night.” I must stop here and to give you an idea about how much is left for this portion of the diary, I’m only on page 9 (of my typed manuscript) out of the 30 pages. As far as the written pages I’m not even half way through the diary. I want to now get to his trip West. I’ve quoted most of this part of the diary, but there are a few entries that I haven’t to try and save space here. JOURNEY WESTWARD 1882 “June 21st, Leave Logan 7 A.M. Arrive in Terre Haute 12:15 P.M. Dined in depot. Leave Terre Haute 2:50 P.M. Pass Martinsville 4 P.M. and It raining. Some harvesting, some planting corn. Arrive at St. Louis 8 ½ P.M. Took train 9 P.M. 3 trunks missing, 2 of Fry’s and my own. Arrive at C. B. & Q. crossing near Monmouth 4 A.M.” “Friday June 24th, Missing trunks arrived. We cross Mo. River to Omaha. Laid in our supplies. Come back to transfer depot at C. B. Quite warm. Took emigrant train. Was assorted according to nationality. Leave Omaha 5 P.M. Travel all night.” “Sunday June 25th, Travel all at 5 A.M. Pass through Clarks. Quite storm pass over and terrible cyclone pass in front of the engine and took everything in its way. Stop at Grand Island 5:45 A.M. Took breakfast. Clear off quite a nice day. We pass Kearney Junction 12 M. See quite a number dug outs and sod houses. Level prairie. 2 P.M. Rev. Galiger preached on train from 2nd Corn. 5th Chap and later clause 20th verse. In sight N. Plat River. All day cross N. Plat. 58:45 P.M. Arrive in N. Plat City. 6 P.M. lay here 20 minutes for supper. The river bank full.” “Monday June 26th, Travel all night. Stop at Sidney 5 A.M. to breakfast. Cool and pleasant. Altitude 3,000 feet. Pass Antelope, a place noted for quantity antelope. At 9 ½ A.M. we are passing between Bushnell and Pine Bluff. The line Nebraska and Wyoming T. (Territory). Prairie dogs and gofers are numerous. Passengers amuse themselves trying to kill them. We stop at Cheyenne (Chian) 2 P.M. in view of Black Hills, 50 miles of and Pikes Peak. The grade so heavy they put 2 engines on. Cheyenne capital of Wyoming. 6,000 inhabitants and 6041 feet elevation situated on broad plain with Crow Creek around two sides. From Cheyenne to Sherman is 100 feet elevation to the mile. Sherman is 8242 feet elevation. Black Hills in view to the N.W. and snow caped Mts. to the S. W. Made a stop at Thornburgh. The T. Hotel quite a building. Specimen of the products of the country, such as stuffed bear, deer, elk, antelope, lynx, swift grouse, pelican &c.” “Tuesday June 27th, We cross N. Plat River 7 A.M. and come into Fort Fred Steel to the south, 4 miles is hog back. Mt. Runs parallel with road 15 miles and is from 1 to 200 feet high. We see a herd antelope. L. Smith shot at them but no kill. Come to Rawlins 9:15 A.M. Lay here 3 hours. Quite a town for a destitute country. Leave 11 A.M. Pass the division of the continent or the summit of the Rocky Mts. At 1 P.M. see a herd of antelope on the hill. Bitter Creek runs parallel with road. 60 miles and empty in Green River. Arrive at Green River 8 P.M. Travel all night at 5 A.M. we arrive at the city of Evanston.” “Wednesday June 28th, Utah. Nice clear morn. Snow caped Mts. in view . We are now entering Utah Territory. We stop at Echo 10 A.M. In Echo valley and by Echo Creek. We cross Echo Creek 36 times in 26 miles. In a narrow canyon the rocky hill range from 2 to 500 feet high. Formed of red sand stone. Here we view the Pulpit Rock said to be the place where Brigham Young preached his first sermon to the Mormon’s. We pass on to Weber River where Chalk Creek, Silver and Echo Creeks put into W. River. Here some of the hills are composed of a chalky substance and of various colors. Weber affords excellent territory. Here we pass to 1000 mile. Tree designated by a sign board, 1000 miles from Omaha. Then we pass the Devils Slide or Serrated Rocks, from 50 to 100 feet high and 10 feet apart. Stone endwise run from base to top Mt. Pass through 2 tunnels. Follow this narrow canyon 40 miles. The Wasatch Mts. loom up on our left and in front covered with snow. The natives makin hay out of Alfalfa. The Weber River Canyon runs parallel with river. We arrive at Ogden 2:10 P.M. Transferred to other quarters. Pull out 3 ½ P.M. Come to Salt Lake. Travel several miles on the lake shore. Cross Bear River at Corinne. Game in abundance and ground all covered with alkali. Up, up, up we go with 3 powerful engines puffing and tugging, carrying us up to Promontory. At 7:10 P.M. where the last tie and last rail was laid and last spike driven that connects the east and west by rail.” “Saturday July 1st, Stop at Truckee City 12 ½ A.M. Pass through snow shed 48 miles long, also 2 tunnels. 8 A.M. breakfast at Blue Canyon. Here we hug around the side of Mts. while on the other side several hundred feet below us. We are at Shady Run. We pass around the Sierra Nevada Mts. then the great American Canyon. At this point the American River is compressed between two walls 2000 feet high. There we pass Colfax 10 A.M. Then Nevada, N. E. Mills, Applegate, Clipper Gap, Auburn. 11:30 A.M. New Castle. 12 M. pass Pino, Rocklin 1 P.M. dine. Arrive at Sacramento 2 ½ P.M. Fruit in abundance and confusion. Then Tremont, Dixon, Batavia, Elmira. From there Benicia. 9 ½ P.M. took ferry boat across the strait or bay, carrying 48 cars and 2 engines at one load from her back to Sacramento. One sea of fruit and grain.” “Sunday July 2nd, Finds at Oakland. Took ferry boat to San Francisco at 7 A.M. 2 miles across. Put up at the Montgomery House. Noisy town.” “Monday July 3rd, At Montgomery Hotel. The day spent in sight seeing. First to Woodward Garden, at museum and theatre. At night went to theater. See Uncle Tom’s Cabin play.” ‘ “Tuesday July 4th, At Montgomery Hotel. Everything decorated with flags. Quite street parade. All jubilant and patriotic. Several fires during the day.” “Thursday July 6th, At Montgomery House. At 9 A.M. all took steamer Columbia for Portland. All went well. All on deck taking in the sights. We see several whale and a lot of sea lions and fur seals. Also black fish 25 feet long. All went well until afternoon when sea arose and all on board sung New York except myself.” “Friday July 7th, All on board of steamer but very few up for breakfast. All in their bunks sick enough. I see whale and black fish. Sea ruff all day, continues into night.” “Saturday July 8th, On steamer. Sea not quite so rough but slim attendance at table. The sick made their appearance in evening 4 P.M. Crossed the barr at mouth Columbia River. Landed at Astoria few minutes. Sail all night.” “Sunday July 9th, Found us at two o’clock at the wharf at Portland. I and Scot strolled up through town till breakfast. We stop at Richmond House. Fry, Smith and myself crossed Willamette into East Portland to cemetery and to woods. Got shaved at Richmond Hotel.” “Monday July 10th, At Richmond Hotel. At 9 A.M. took Steamer R. R. Thompson down the W. River 12 miles to Columbia River. Mt. Hood in full view. Also Mt. St. Helena both covered with snow. However we may say Hood is visible 150 miles and is 17,000 feet high. We see the three twin sisters. Arrive at Cascade 2 P.M. Took train upriver at 3 P.M. Part time on trestle work over the river. The river lined with fishermen both whites and Indians. One Paten (?) trap caught 40,000 worth fish this season. We run all night.” “Tuesday July 11th, This morn finds us on train. Arrive Walla Walla 4 A.M. Rev. N. Evans comes on train and had us recheck for Huntsville as he now lives there. Arrive at Huntsville 6 A.M. Put up at Evans House. Afternoon went fishing. Caught mess mountain trout.” Well there you have it. As far as the condition of the diary and the photos the diary measures about 3 3/4” x 6” and the front cover is almost off but just attached by a tiny thread. The back cover is still attached and the binding is good along with the pages. The photos are in good shape. One is a tintype showing Gillis and another woman but I have no idea who she is or the children in the other photos.
Sold on eBay May 31st, 2024
ID’D LT. MORGAN ROBERTSON CIVIL WAR CSS NAVY CUTLASS SWORD? BY COOK & CO. N.O.
This is an authentic Civil War-era cutlass sword belonging to Lieutenant Morgan Robertson of the CSS Navy. It was made by Cook & Co. in New Orleans and is a valuable addition to any militaria collection. The sword carries historical significance as it was used during the Civil War (1861-65) in a time of great conflict.This original period item is a must-have for collectors of edged weapons and those interested in the Civil War. The sword has been well-preserved and is in excellent condition. Its unique history and intricate design make it a rare find. Don't miss the opportunity to own a piece of American history. (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay October 15th, 2023
US Civil War Sword of Lt. Seward C. Nelson, honored at Illinois Memorial Miss.
US Civil War Sword of Lt. Seward C. Nelson, honored at Illinois Memorial in Vicksburg National Military Park Mississippi. With I.D. disc.You are bidding on the actual sword, I.D. disc, and family bible of Civil War officer Seward C. Nelson (1838-1875) of Company C, 41st Illinois Volunteers, Union Army.His name appears on the memorial at Illinois Memorial in Vicksburg National Military Park Mississippi. The Wapella, IL Chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic (No. 251) was named the Seward Nelson Post.Lt. Nelson received this sword (July 12, 1863) when he was promoted from Sgt. to first Lt. in the field at Jackson, Mississippi after the officers in his regiment were all killed or wounded. This sword was never used in battle.Also included with this sale for Civil War historians, are old photos of Seward taken after his service, a handwritten letter, his obituary, and some Confederate currency he brought back from the war. I don't have his war diary but I have an old photocopy of part of it that is included.This collection has never been for sale. Lt. Nelson is my great-great grandfather ABOUT THE SWORDThis is an officer's sword.The blade obverse ricasso is engraved IRON PROOF like blades made in Solingen, Prussia (now Germany). The blade is acid-etched with foliage, military symbols, "U.S.", and "E Pluribus Unum". It has a grey tone, some dirt and light corrosion and is not restored. It is unbent and the tip is pointed and unbent.The hand guard is cast in solid brass and has the USA eagle perching on shield in front of 8 furled flags and 13 stars. Flared pommel.Wood grip covered with black leather and wound with twisted brass wire flanked on each side by a strand of single wire. Some of the single wires are present but are no longer in the right place next to the twisted wires. See photos.Leather washer where the blade and hilt meet is intact but the hilt is slightly loose on the blade.Scabbard is steel with brass drag and throat, screwed to the steel. There are two mounting bands with brass rings and a chain between the rings. The sheet brass is engraved with flowers and vines CONDITION:I have not cleaned, repaired, or polished any of this in any way and I believe this is the deep patina of a 160-year old piece of history. There is a small dent in the steel scabbard.Weight of sword and scabbard is 3 pounds.ABOUT THE I.D. DISCThe I.D. disc that Seward C. Nelson wore in the Union Army is made from a Liberty Seated silver half dollar: Inscribed, "July 12 '63 / Lunt S.C. Nelson / 41st / Ills". It is likely that this disc was worn at Jackson where Nelson was wounded on August 6, 1863. The back of the disc is the back side of the half dollar with a simple hand-crafted pin soldered on. The front of the quarter has been ground smooth (including the coin's date) and then hand-engraved as shown in the photos.The Liberty seated half dollar used (large letters in legend, mint mark O) was issued between 1842 and 1845 and is 0.900 silver with diameter 30.6mm. It was minted at the New Orleans mint.The disc has not been polished.ABOUT SEWARD C. NELSONBorn December 16, 1838 in Norway. He renounced allegiance to King of Sweden and Norway October 9, 1860.Enlisted in Captain Conklin's Company, Col. I.C. Pugh Commanding, 41st Ill. Vol. Inf. Joined regiment at Decatur 7 August, 1861 at age 23 for three years or the duration of the war.The enlistment muster states, Seward C. Nelson was born in the kingdom of Norway, was 23 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches high, light complexion, blue eyes, light hair and by occupation a farmer.His war diary indicates he was at Shiloh, Memphis, Vicksberg, and Jackson, and before that marched through Kentucky.He was promoted from Sgt. to first Lt. in the field at Jackson, Mississippi after the officers in his regiment were all killed or wounded. It was at this ceremony he received this sword.Two years after he enlisted, he was wounded at Jackson on 6 August 1863, "slightly wounded in the foot." He also contracted dysentery which he never fully recovered from.He was Discharged 22 October 1863 at Vicksburg, Miss. to accept a commission Seward is one of the heroes honored on the Illinois Monument (Company C, 41st Ill. Vol.) at Vicksburg National Military Park Mississippi Married to Rachel Woy April 4, 1866. He owned and ran a general store in Wapella, Illinois and was postmaster there until his death. He left an estate of $1710.Died March 13, 1875 at age 31. Funeral services were held at Presbyterian Church, Wapella March 15 at 1pm. Seward was a Mason and member of the Odd Fellows. Members of Masonic Fraternity and Order of Odd Fellows requested to attend.His gravestone can be found in the Sugar Grove Cemetery in Wapella, Illinois, and is shared by his brother Lewis Nelson.WAPELLA OBITUARYSeward C. NelsonWhen a good man dies the people mourn. The town of Wapella was called upon last Saturday to mourn the death of Seward C. Nelson who had been a resident of that town and township for the past sixteen years. Seward was one of those genial, clever gentlemen who secured the respect and confidence of all with whom he associated, either in business or social circles. He was a man whose word was as good as his bond, and during his long residence in Wapella his neighbors had formed such a strong attachment for him, and had such confidence in his clear judgement, that he was made a prominent leader in nearly every enterprise that looked to the advancement of this town. At the outbreak of the war he enlisted in this city in Co. C, Forty-first Illinois Infantry, and for three years faithfully served his adopted country in some of the most trying and arduous campaigns in the south-west. He was promoted to orderly sergeant because of his peculiar qualifications for the place. At the battle of Jackson, Miss., he led his company into the fight, being the highest ranking officer present. After passing through the storm of bullets during that long and persistent contest, and when the fight was about over and victory for the union army was completed, he received a severe wound in the foot, which disabled him. For his cohrageous (sic) conduct on that day he was promoted First Lieutenant. At the close of his three years enlistment, and when he was about to re-enlist for the war, Lieut. Nelson was seized with that terrible disease camp diarrhoea. This so reduced him in health that he was unfitted for further active service, and consequently he resigned and came home. From that disease he never recovered, and from the time of his retiring from the army till his death he was almost constantly under medical treatment. Men may say that the war is over and that the past should be forgotten, but think you that poor emaciated Seward C. Nelson could ever forget the cause that was slowly but surely dragging him down to his grave. After his return from the army he engaged in business in Wapella, and by strict integrity built up a reputation and trade that was profitable. During the greater part of the las eight years he was postmaster in that town, the duties of which office he conducted with that methodical care whlch (sic) guided him in every duty in life. Nine years ago he was married to Miss Rachael Woy. He leaves a wife and two children to mourn their loss. The funeral services were held on last Monday, and were conducted by the Masonic and Oddfellows lodges, in both of which he help membership Pease to his included with this sale for historians and collectors, are six photographs of Seward C. Nelson:• Two photographic prints by Cook & Fenwick, Bloomington, IL taken in his later years.• One colorized & retouched convex bubble glass portrait of the same photo above. The bubble glass is cracked. It has been poorly repaired with scotch tape, probably by my late mother.• Two small Daguerreotype prints, one in a hinged wooden case, both behind glass. (These are rare early photographic prints printed on polished silver plates.) Both frames are in poor condition. The hinged wooden case has a broken hinge mount. A younger Seward is seen in these photographs with two other people (perhaps his mother in one, and his brother in the other).• One desktop printer print of an internet photo from unknown source that looks like Seward in uniform. I have no information on this image.BIBLEAlso included in this sale is Seward C. Nelson's home bible, 1865. This has Seward's handwriting in it, and entries he made in the "family records" pages before the New Testament Publisher is the American Bible Society, "translated from the original Greek."The bible is in very poor condition, has an embossed leather cover (one side not attached) and weighs 6 pounds, three ounces. Dimensions are 7.5"W x 10.5"L x 3.75H" This will be shipped separately OTHER MEMORABILIA INCLUDED IN THIS SALE• Original obituary for Seward, clipped from the Wapella newspaper in 1875 (transcribed above)• Original printed funeral notice for Seward.• Clipping showing the Illinois monument, typed on by Seward's son, Norman.• A handwritten letter and envelope written by Seward in August 1871.• Three pieces of Confederate currency Seward brought home from the war:1. 1863 10¢ Ten Cent United States Fractional Currency2. 1862 Mansura Avoyelles 25¢ postage currency, hand numbered No. 623, Sept. 24th and hand-signed by the mayor and treasurer.3. 1863 $100 State of Louisiana, No. 1570 (hand numbered), hand signed by the Auditor and Treasurer.• An old (1990s) photocopy of Seward's handwritten war journal (incomplete), which begins on August 7th, 1861, and ends (incomplete) March 12th, 1862.PROVENANCE OF THIS C. Nelson is my great, great maternal grandfather. All these items were passed down over generations to me. They have never been for sale. (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay August 13th, 2023
Slave Document/ Fauquier County, Virginia/ Confederate
1872 Slave Document & Cover/ Fauquier County, Virginia/ Confederate Up for auction is a super rare 1872 letter and cover from former Confederate AAG Giles B. Cook, a Port Royal, Virginia lawyer, to William P. Ficklin of Fauquier County, Virginia. Ficklin is the father of Lt. William L. Ficklin of the famous Black Horse Cavalry (4th Virginia Cavalry). The letter is about the collection and settlement of accounts related to William & Ann Dulany, in-laws of William P. Ficklin. What’s interesting about this letter is that Cook is attempting to collect revenue in 1871 for non-payment of slaves hired out during the Civil War owned by Dulaney & Ficklin. Anne Marie Dulany owned 67 slaves and William 16 in 1860. Anne owned 102 slaves in 1850, which is considered very wealthy and extremely uncommon for a woman in 1850. Ficklin owned 36 slaves in 1860. The letter lists several slaves hired out, to who, and when and whether the person who hired the slave paid, as well as noting that several ran away to the “Yankees” in the spring of 1862. One gentleman refused to pay anything. Great detail. The notation for John Gatewood states he moved away and went bankrupt. Gatewood hired a slave girl named Ginnie (Christmas 1862) a week before the emancipation proclamation became law (January 1, 1863) in the rebellion states like Virginia, so legally Ginnie should have been set free. Ironically, she was just 45 miles from the Union Capitol of Washington D.C, where emancipation became law. John Gatewood was required to pay $15 to William S. Dulany for one year of service (1861) and to provide Ginnie with clothing and shoes. Another farmer, William W. Magruder also hired a slave man named Matthew a week before the emancipation proclamation became law (January 1, 1863) in the rebellion states like Virginia, so legally Ginnie should have been set free. William W. Magruder was required to pay $15 to Anne Dulany for one year of service (1861) for Matthew and to provide him with good and sufficient clothing. William Wilson Magruder was a 58-year-old Woodstock, Virginia physician at the time and owner of 13 slaves. Magruder was a Confederate sympathizer, working with the southern government during the war, he also rented a room to be used as a Confederate commissary in 1863. Dr. Magruder never paid his debt, because Matthew ran away to the Union Army in the spring of 1862, so Magruder refused to pay. Biography of Attorney & Major Giles B. Cook (Confederate) Major Giles B. Cook was assigned as AAG with Brigadier General Philip St. George Cooke in 1861 and AAG to Major General Samuel Jones in 1863. Cooke was the Asst. Inspector General for the Department of West Virginia in 1864 and the Acting Chief Inspector for Major General Fitzhugh Lee in 1865. This document is part of a large cache of documents purchased from a descendant of the Dulany, Eastham, and Ficklin families of Fauquier County, VA. Many of the documents were owned by Lt. William L. Ficklin of the Black Horse Cavalry (Confederate). William P. Ficklin was Lt. William L. Ficklin's father and Ann Dulany was his mother-in-law. John Dulany was his uncle. Ficklin’s father-in-law and Ann's husband was Col. Lawson Eastham, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1842-44 and the Virginia Senate from 1874-77. This is a one of kind rare opportunity to own a piece of Civil War history. See photos for condition. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding. (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay Dec, 8th 2019
Confederate States Civil War D-Guard Bowie Knife Cook & Brothers New Orleans LA
For auction is a Civil War D-guard knife. The knife is complete with original leather scabbard. It measures just over 23" long with a dark wood grip and iron guard. The blade has the maker's mark of Cook & Brothers, a well known Confederate manufacturer out of New Orleans, LA. There is also the Confederate States touchmark (CS) with a date of 1861. The blade is tight and in great shape as you can see from the pictures. This is a great looking item that would make a good addition to your collection or a perfect Christmas gift. Buyer to add $15 shipp
Sold on eBay September 7th, 2024
Civil War Diary POW LT. James E Catlin Battle of the Crater Camp Asylum 45th PA
Civil War Diary POW 2nd LT. James E Catlin Battle of the Crater Camp Asylum Company I 45th Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry DESCRIPTION: This is the diary / journal of 2nd Lieutenant James Edwin Catlin while and after he was a prisoner of war at Camp Asylum, Columbia, South Carolina. Lieutenant Catlin was captured at the Battle of the Crater on July 30, 1864. James Edwin Catlin was from Welsboro in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. He enlisted on September 21, 1861 as a Corporal. He was promoted to Sergeant on February 14, 1862, First Sergeant November 1863, Second Lieutenant June 21, 1864, First Lieutenant on May 17, 1965. He was a 2nd Lieutenant when he started this journal The following is a brief condensed description of some of the entries in the journal. January 1, 1865 he states his name, rank, and Regiment, as well as his home post office, and "In prison at Asylum Camp, Columbia S.C." The January 2 entry states: "A prisoner of War confined at Camp Asylum, Columbia S.C. Nothing to eat but corn meal and sorghum and very little of that." January 3: "At Columbia S.C. A Prisoner. January 4 - 20: "Ditto". On Janaury 21 he went in to the hospital with "fever". Sporatic entries interspresed between "Ditto"s. from January 22 thru February 12. On February 12, 13, 14 he writes about hearing Sherman is coming and the "Rebels are scared". February 15 he is put on a hospital car (train) headed for Charlotte North Carolina. He is just able to walk and the train hits 3 cows and runs off the tracks. Several entries about the journey to Charlotte then Thomasville then Danville. February 28: Arrives at Richmond and "put into the Officers Hospital at Libby Prison. Generals Cook and Kelly confined here." March 1 and 2 writes that Mr. Dent, General Grants brotherinlaw, is there and left on the 2nd. March 3 - 12 still at Libby Prison waiting for exchange and writing about the rain and the river is too high to go down in a boat. March 14: "on board the steamer N. York running off the Chesapeak, arrives at Annapolis. The remainder of the entries include his wait in Annapolis for his leave, his leave, his return to duty at Washington and Alexandria (with many details), his discharge on Sunday July 16, and life at home. There are entries for January 1 - 8, 1866 at the rear. There are also ledger notes for money he spent and lent or borrowed. The book "History of the Forty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry, 1861-1865" discusses the Battle of the Crater in some detail. Catlin is mentioned 9 times in the book on pages 91, 155, 157, 158, 180 (with photo on opposite page), 240, 261, 360, and 506. The reference on page 360 is interesting in that it is an account from Captain R. G. Richards who was also captured at the Battle of the Crater. He notes that he and Catlin were confined at Asylum with no shelter and had to sleep on the ground. The account from Richards is also interesting in the respect that an acount by a different soldier (page 261) who believes that Richards was killed at the Battle of the Crater. The book also details many of the other major battles the 45th Pennsylvania, thus Catlin, were involved in including South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Wilderness, and Spottsylvania. Condition: The red cover is in rough condition with wear, tears, and tape holding the back cover in place. The interior pages are intact, tight and remarkably clean. There is little to no foxing. There is a dark stain on the inside of the front cover that goes through several pages but ends several pages before the handwritten entries begin. Our photographs are an integral part of our description, particularly relating to condition. Please reveiw them carefully as you will be receiving exactly what you see. If you need further photographs or have any questions please contact us. Due to the value of this item signature verification will be required upon delivery - no exceptions. Please ensure the address you have with eBay is one where you can sign for this item. Please Note * Though we do our best to provide you with the best photographs possible, all monitors display photos differently, so if you are unsure of what you are seeing please do not hesitate to contact us directly. Our listings are best viewed with your monitor set at 1024 x 768 and 32 bit high resolution. Fine Print: We reserve the right to retract any bids from bidders we deem unsuitable. This includes but is not limited to bidders of sport, bidders with negative feedback and or bidders that have not followed through with winning bids in the past. Buyer is responsible for all costs associated with shipping. All forms of payment must clear before item is shipped. (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay March 3rd, 2024
Civil War of 1861 Id Dog Tag 76th NY Gettysburg Andersonville POW McClellan
Id tag Civil War Gettysburg and Andersonville POW 76th New York, dug tag, readable front, very tough to see back, but reads Alexander Cook along the top, Co K 76th, in the middle, Buffalo NY along the bottom (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay November 29th, 2023
New Listing24 Civil War Covers and 22 Letters from 25th Illinois Reg Soldiers Cook/Jackson
eBay Incredible collection of letters written by Edgar Jackson and B J Cook to there cousin Josephine Cook in Illinois. Appears both were with the 25th Illinois Volunteers. Incredible content including skirmishes, larger battles, discussions of African American soldiers, Copperheads and Sesesh. Some letters near brand new, most excellent, a few written in the field. 24 Letters and 22 covers, some patriotic. Incredible detail of life and battle described by Edgar Jackson and B J Cook during their time with the 25th Illinois Volunteers Detail of skirmishes and large battles. Descriptive and graphic depiction of the results of war in some letters, including the first hand account of the dead bodies of union and confederate soldiers. I have photographed just a few examples of the narrative of the letters. Obviously, there is too much to photograph. Officers and Generals are mentioned in many of the letters as they pertain to military operations, battles and skirmishes. Including Colonel McLelland, Captain Mitchell, General Fremont, General Jefferson C Davis and more. Another letter mentions a Colonel who is the brother-in-law of Governor Yates. Fascinating to read and a true snapshot of the Civil War from the perspective of two Union soldiers writing back to their cousin in Illinois. Large cent not included. Please message with any questions. (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay Apr 04, 2021
ANTIQUE 1861 COOK & BROTHERS CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE BOWIE KNIFE
On the blade it has C S A NEW ORLEANS LA. - COOK & BROTHERS 1861. Made by Cook & Brothers and is almost 16" long. Blade is 10" long and is very sharp and a very heavy knife. Very nice old knife for its age.
Sold on eBay Jan, 12th 2020
CIVIL WAR~COOK & BROTHERS~NEW ORLEANS CONFEDERATE FIGHTING KNIFE w/ORIG. SHEATH~
This auction is for a top quality rare antique Civil War Confederate fighting knife with the original leather sheath, marked on the knife: COOK & BROTHERS - NEW ORLEANS - C&B only made guns and knives during the war and ceased operation due to non-payment by the Confederate Government in 1864. This classic fighting dirk Bowie has a genuine carved exotic bone handle and an encapsulated full tang spear point carbon steel blade. This solid and impressive knife has a few very minor blemishes, appears only very lightly used, and overall is still in excellent condition. The sheath is al
Sold on eBay July 26th, 2024
CIVIL WAR ARCHIVE - 20 Letters - 138th Pennsylvania Infantry - BATTLE CONTENT !
Civil War Letter ArchiveThese 20 Civil War soldier letters were written by Jacob C. Claar (1836-1912) of Co. E, 138th Pennsylvania. He enlisted on 29 August 1862 and was mustered out of the regiment on 23 June 1865 at Washington D. C. Claar wasn't very articulate but these letters are still enjoyable and give a noteworthy perspective of the war.Letters include some mention of the Battle of Brandy Station, Mine Run, and Cedar Creek.Jacob learned how to swing a hammer from his father, Simon Walter Claar (1806-1849) and how to cook and wash his own clothes from his mother, Rachel Alice Croyle (1811-1861). When Jacob’s father died in 1849, his 40 year-old mother was left with a large family to care for. There were eight children enumerated in the household in 1850, ranging in age from twenty to two. Perhaps she was helped in keeping up the farm by 40 year-old John Claar and wife May who lived on an adjacent property—most likely a brother in law Before entering the army, Jacob married (in 1859) his cousin, Christina Claar (1839-1909), the daughter of Joseph and Ester (Ickes) Claar of Blain County, Pennsylvania. Jacob and Christina may have jumped the gun a little starting their family. By the time Jacob entered the service, he had two boys, Austin and Samuel, who are frequently mentioned in these letters.After the war, Jacob returned to Union, Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where he earned a living as a carpenter, a farmer, and eventually a preacher. The Stiffler family is also mentioned from time to time in these letters. I believe they were cousins of the Claar’s.See photos for a variety of images, some nice patriotic stationary, I counted three letters with his regimental seal, some battle content as noted above. They aren't the most incredible letters you will find, but the battle content and interesting content makes for a nice little grouping.The archive will come in an older binder as I found it - along with the transcriptions. Plus a hand-full of family letters that I didn't study.TERMS: Postage combined for multiple purchases. Please wait for me to send the invoice, otherwise you will pay a higher rate.We are members of the American Philatelic Society, the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society, the Manuscript Society and the Civil War Philatelic Society.We only sell genuine, original letters (no copies or reproductions). Some of our letters have been transcribed and nicely presented for future genealogists and history buffs on the Spared & Shared blog.We have been selling on eBay since 1998. BID WITH CONFIDENCE !
Sold on eBay December 12th, 2023
Three Slave Letters/ Confederate/ Black Horse Cavalry
eBay Three Slave Letters/ Confederate / Black Horse Cavalry Up for auction are rare two 1871 & one 1875 letters from Giles Cooke, a Port Royal, Virginia lawyer, to William P. Ficklin and William L. Ficklin of Fauquier County, Virginia. William L. Ficklin was a Lieutenant in the famous Black Horse Cavalry (4th Virginia Cavalry). William P. Ficklin is the father. The letters reference the collection and settlement of accounts related to William & Ann Dulany, in-laws of Lt. Ficklin. What’s interesting about these letters is that Cook is attempting to collect revenue in 1871 & 1875 for the non-payment of slaves owned by Dulany & Ficklin and hired out during the Civil War. Anne Marie Dulany owned 67 slaves and William Dulany 16 in 1860. Anne owned 102 slaves in 1850, which is considered very wealthy and extremely uncommon for a woman in 1850. William P. Ficklin owned 36 slaves in 1860. The letters mention slaves hired out by Dulany, to who, and when and whether the person who hired the slave paid, as well as noting the potential payment in Confederate money. Great detail. One gentleman mentioned is William W. Magruder. Magruder hired a slave man named Matthew a week before the emancipation proclamation became law (January 1, 1863) in Virginia, so legally Matthew should have been set free. William W. Magruder was required to pay $15 to Anne Dulany for one year of service (1861) for Matthew and to provide him with good and sufficient clothing. William Wilson Magruder was a 58-year-old Woodstock, Virginia physician at the time and owner of 13 slaves. Magruder was a Confederate sympathizer, working with the southern government and rented a room used as a Confederate commissary in 1863. Dr. Magruder never paid his debt, because Matthew ran away to the Union Army in the spring of 1862, so Magruder refused to pay and is referenced as “Dead.” The Black Horse Cavalry History By Colonel John Scott The Black Horse Cavalry was organized, or rather first set in line, by Captain D. H. Jones, United States Army, afterward a Confederate general, at Waterloo, on the Rappahannock river, in Fauquier County, Virginia, on the 18th of June, 1859, the anniversary of the battle of Waterloo. On that day, so auspicious for liberties of mankind, did this command come into existence which was destined to act so distinguished and important a part in the prolonged effort to establish the independence of a Southern Republic. Already had the storm-cloud began to gather, the hurricane to lower in the distance, and the organization of the Black Horse Cavalry was the first step which was taken in Fauquier County to meet the prognosticated war. The first captain elected was John Scott, a planter, residing in the neighborhood of Warrenton, and the author of “The lost principle.” Robert Randolph, a young lawyer of the Warrenton bar, was chosen first lieutenant; Charles H. Gordon, a planter, residing near Bealton, was elected second lieutenant. The noncommissioned officers were: William R. Smith, first sergeant, who was during the war elected a lieutenant of the command, and was afterward one of the most distinguished captains of Mosby's Partisan Battalion, but was killed, sword in hand, in a night attack on a Federal camp at Harper's Ferry; James H. Childs was elected second sergeant; Richard Lewis was elected third sergeant; Robert Mitchell was elected fourth sergeant. The corporals were: Wellington Millon, Madison Tyler, N. A. Clopton, and M. K. James. These were all young gentlemen of the first respectability, and were either themselves planters or [591] the sons of planters. The rank and file were composed of young men of the same social material with the officers. Among then were to be found James Keith, now well known as one of the ablest and most distinguished judges in Virginia, and William H. Payne, a leading member of the Virginia bar, who, during the war, rose to be a brigadier general in Stuart's cavalry division. Another, a young lawyer of brilliant promise, was Thomas Gordon Pollock, the son of the author of “The Exode,” a sublime production, and on his mother's side was sprung from the heroic blood of the Lees. During the war he was transferred, with the rank of captain, to the staff of Brigadier General James L. Kemper, and fell in storming Cemetery Heights. When it was discovered, in the spring of 1860, that the law allowed a third lieutenant to the command, an election was held in the town of Warrenton to fill the vacant post. There were several candidates, but the captain requested the men to elect A. D. Payne, which was done; for at that early period he discerned in him those high military qualities which, in the field, he afterward displayed. He has survived the war, and is now a distinguished member of the Warrenton bar. The first service which the command was ordered to perform was to report to Governor Henry A. Wise, at Charlestown, Virginia, at which point were being collected the volunteer companies of the State to insure the execution of John Brown and his associates. When the command reached Piedmont station, now Delaplane, on the Manassas Railroad, it fell in with the “Mountain Rangers,” a cavalry company, which Captain Turner Ashby, afterward so brilliant a figure in the Confederate army, had recruited in Upper Fanquier. Together these companies marched by night, fording the deep and rapid Shenandoah, and reported at daylight the next mooring to the Governor at Charlestown. A detachment of the Black Horse escorted the prisoners to the place of execution, while the rest of the command was employed in keeping clear the streets, for it was feared even at the last moment that an attempt would be made to rescue Brown. Upon the return of the command to Warrenton, the ladies of that patriotic town received them graciously, and gave in their honor a handsome ball. So early was the strong and lasting covenant made between the women and the soldiers of the South! The John Brown war, as the people called it, gave an immense impulse to the secession sentiment of Virginia, and when South Carolina seceded and coercion was talked of, the captain of the Black Horse immediately tendered his command to Governor [592] Pickens. This act proved to be in advance of the popular feeling, and many murmurs were excited; but it was ratified by the command at its next meeting. About the time of the formation of the Southern Republic, at Montgomery, fearing that Virginia would not take part in the movement, the captain of the Black Horse relinquished his command, and was commissioned captain in the army of the Confederate States. On the 16th of April, 1861, the day before the Ordinance of Secession was passed by Virginia, orders were received by Lieutenant Randolph, commanding the Black Horse Cavalry, and by Captain Ashby, to assemble their respective commands and proceed, without delay, to Harper's Ferry. The object of this expedition was to capture the stores and munitions of war collected at that place, so necessary to the Confederates in the struggle in which they were about to engage. Success depended upon secresy and dispatch, and every available means was employed to collect the commands. By ten o'clock at night the Black Horse had left their homes, not to return for four weary years-many of them never. With light hearts they marched, in happy ignorance of the future, until, when within a few miles of their destination, they heard the explosion of the arsenal. When this sound fell on their ears, they felt that they had been thwarted in the object of the expedition. But on their arrival things were found not so bad as apprehension had painted. The rifle works on the Shenandoah, it is true, were entirely destroyed, but the fire in the musket machine-shops had been arrested after about a third of the machinery had been wholly or partially destroyed. The building in which the manufactured arms were deposited contained over twenty thousand stand of Minnie rifles and rifled muskets, of which about seven thousand fell into the hands of the captors uninjured, and many others in a condition that admitted of repair. A large proportion of the hands employed were sent, with the uninjured machinery, to an armory established in North Carolina. The Black Horse Cavalry, after remaining several days on picket duty at Harper's Ferry, was ordered on similar service, to Berlin bridge, which crosses the Potomac from the county of London. It was while the command were at Harper's Ferry that Major Thomas J. Jackson, of the Virginia Military Institute, was ordered, by Governor Letcher, to take command, and the high reputation which he had won in the Mexican war inspired the volunteers with cheerfulness and confidence. From Berlin bridge, the Black Horse was ordered back to Warrenton, where the vacant captaincy was filled by the election of [593] William H. Payne, heretofore, as before stated, a private in the command. This gentleman was, at that time, a member of the Warrenton bar, and had been, along with Captain B. H. Shackleford, a Secession candidate for the State Convention which cut the ties which bound the Commonwealth to the Federal body. His genius, gallantry, and recognized devotion to the Southern cause pointed him out for the vacant post. Captain Payne marched his command to the Fauquier Springs, where it was mustered into the Confederate service, and from that point conducted it to Manassas, where, together with a few other companies, it formed the nucleus of the Army of Northern Virginia, with which, through all vicissitudes, it remained until the final day of dissolution at Appomattox Court-House. At the time when a raid was made by Captain Tompkins, of the Federal army, on Fairfax Court-House, where the lamented Captain John Quincey Marr was killed, the Black Horse, at the request of their captain, were ordered to that point, from which they performed much arduous scouting duty, and became well known to the enemy. Upon the advance of General McDowell, the Black Horse rejoined the army at Manassas. On the 4th of July, in an attempt to ambuscade a detachment of the enemy, two members were killed and several wounded by the mistaken fire of a South Carolina regiment of infantry. In the memorable battle of the 21st of July, in which so absolute a victory was won by the Confederate arms, the Black Horse Cavalry distinguished itself in the pursuit of the flying enemy, and the next day were thanked by President Davis in a speech. Soon after the battle of Manassas, the Black Horse Cavalry was selected by General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding the army, to be his body-guard. In this capacity it received Prince Napoleon and his suite, consisting of Count Sartiges and others, upon their visit to the Confederate army, escorted them to the general's headquarters, and was, the next day, the escort at a review of the army at Centreville. In the fall of 1861 the command was incorporated in the Fourth Virginia Cavalry, when Captain William H. Payne was promoted to be major of the regiment, and Lieutenant Robert Randolph succeeded to the captaincy, but was soon after detached to form the body-guard of General Earl Van Dorn, commanding a division at Manassas. When General Earl Van Dorn was assigned to an independent command in the further South, he made an unsuccessful application to be allowed to carry the Black Horse with him. In the spring of 1862 the command accompanied General Johnston to Yorktown, and on the march was employed as scouts in the rear, and as guides [594] to the brigade and division commanders, on account of their familiarity with the roads, water-courses, and points suitable for camping. When the army reached Culpepper county it was reported that the enemy, under General Sumner, had advanced as far as Warrenton Junction. General Stuart ordered a detail of ten of the Black Horse to change overcoats with the Governor's Guard, theirs being of a dark hue, and recrossing the Rappahannock to report the movements of the enemy. This detail did not rejoin the command until the march from Richmond to the Peninsula. The Fourth Virginia Cavalry was kept behind the earthworks, extending from Yorktown to James river, until General Johnston began to withdraw his forces. The regiment was then sent to Yorktown, and brought up the Confederate rear from that point of our lines. As soon as McClellan discovered that the rifle-pits in his front had been vacated, he pressed forward and overtook the Fourth Regiment about a mile and a half before it reached Fort Magruder. On this ground, the next day, the principal part of the battle of Williamsburg was fought-one of the best contested of the war, the number of troops on the Confederate side being taken into account. The Fourth halted and then slowly fell back, passing Fort Magruder. The Federals followed, and when they reached the edge of the woods, ran out Gibson's Battery — to engage a Confederate battery in the fort. At the same time a company of the Richmond Howitzers, stationed on elevated ground on the opposite side of the road, also engaged the Federal battery, and a brisk cannonade was exchanged. General Johnston, who occupied a favorable position for observation, discovered that Gibson's Battery was worsted in the encounter and ordered the Fourth Virginia to charge. The regiment was already stripped for the fight, and passing Fort Magruder in a rapid charge, captured the Federal battery. Leaving a few men to take care of the capture, the regiment proceeded by that road into a dense wood, the land on either side of it being too miry for the operations of cavalry. At about two hundred yards after entering the woods, where the road made a sudden turn, the regiment ran upon a large body of opposing cavalry, when Colonel Wickham ordered it to fall back to the edge of the woods. In the execution of this movement Colonel Wickham was pierced by a sabre, and a color-bearer had his flag wrenched from his hands. Colonel Wickham, being disabled from his wound, relinquished the command of the regiment to Major Payne. Toward nightfall the command was moved back to Williamsburg, and camped for the night. The next day the Fourth Virginia occupied in the line of [595] battle the vacant space between Fort Magruder and the redoubt to its right. The Federal skirmishers advanced against this part of the line, and took position in some timber which had been cut down the past winter. They opened a destructive fire upon the regiment by which several were killed and wounded-among them Major Payne, very severely. He was conveyed to a hospital in Williamsburg, and fell into the enemy's hands when the Southern army withdrew. Finding that the cavalry could not cope upon terms of advantage with sharpshooters thus posted, the regiment was relieved by infantry and moved further to the right of the line of battle. After the battle of Williamsburg the Confederate army continued its retreat on Richmond, the cavalry protecting the rear. The Black Horse participated in the dangers and hardships of this service, in performing which they were compelled to subsist on parched corn. Near Hanover Court-House, while on picket duty, the Black Horse assisted in checking the pursuit of General Branch's North Carolina troops by Fitz John Porter, who had overpowered and badly worsted them, and in this effort lost many men wounded and prisoners. The command took part in Stuart's raid around McClellan's army as it lay before Richmond, which was esteemed at the time a brilliant and hazardous feat, and participated in the fight at the old church in Hanover, where the gallant Captain Latane was killed. The regiment to which the Black Horse was attached was now, for a time, camped near Hanover Court-House, and while here an interesting incident took place. An English officer, who warmly sympathized with the Southern cause, presented, at Nassau, to a captain in the Confederate navy a rifle of beautiful workmanship, which he desired him, on his return to Richmond, “to present to the bravest man in the Confederate army.” The naval officer, embarrassed by the scope of his commission, and not knowing, to be sure, where he should find the bravest soldier in the Southern army, thought he could best fulfil his commission by giving the rifle to Captain Robert Randolph, to be by him presented to the bravest man in the Black Horse Cavalry. But Captain Randolph was as much embarrassed in the execution of this commission as the naval captain had been, for how was it possible for any one to say in that command who was the bravest man2 Robert Martin was the first sergeant, and in that capacity had displayed the highest qualities of a soldier, and had, in consequence, won the esteem and respect of both men and officers. Robert Martin, too, was foremost in every fight. He appeared to court danger for itself, and it seemed there was nothing he so little valued as life. To him, by general consent, therefore, the rifle was awarded as “the bravest of the brave.” [596] About this time General Lee, having heard that Burnside had been moved by sea from North Carolina, and was at Fredericksburg, sent a brigade of cavalry, which embraced the Black Horse, to make a reconnoissance in that direction. The command saw active service and gained valuable information for the General, and on its return to Hanover Court-House, the battle of Cedar Mountain having been fought, it was ordered to join in the pursuit of Pope. The Fourth Regiment crossed the Rappahannock at Wallis' ford, and, marching through farms, regardless of roads, came into the main road from Culpepper Court-House to Fredericksburg, and turning to the right, attacked the cavalry protecting Pope's extreme left and drove it across the Rappahannock at Ellis' mill. Turning toward Brandy Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, the command found that General Lee, with Longstreet's Corps, had established his headquarters at Willis Madden's house. Continuing its march, it crossed the railroad and rejoined Stuart, who, with Jackson's Corps, pursued the enemy to the crossings of the Rappahannock at the railroad bridge and Beverly's ford. Thus were the two armies again confronting each other, but on opposite sides of the river. In this situation General Lee, with the ultimate purpose of forcing an action, marched his army by the left flank, and crossing the Hazel river into what is known as the Little Fork of Culpepper, grouped his whole army on the Upper Rappahannock, opposite the Fauquier Springs. But Stuart's Cavalry, during this movement, had been detached from the army, and crossing the Rappahannock at Waterloo, the first drill-ground of the Black Horse, passed through Warrenton, and attacked, in the rear of Pope's army, Catlett's Station at midnight, thus striking his line of communication with his base of supply. This brilliant exploit resulted in the capture of Pope's headquarter wagons, the destruction of large army stores, and the capture of many prisoners. Upon the return of the cavalry to the army, across the Rappahannock, the Black Horse was assigned to duty at the headquarters of Jackson, who was about to make his celebrated flank and rear movements on Pope's army, which culminated in the second battle of Manassas. It had been the purpose of the Confederate commander, when he took position on the Upper Rappahannock, to cross his army at the Fauquier Springs, and occupying Lee's ridge and the adjacent highlands, to compel Pope to deliver battle at some point between Warrenton and Bealton. With this object in view he had crossed [597] Early's Brigade, of Ewell's Division, on what is known as the Sandy Ford dam, a point two miles below the Springs, to protect the men engaged in repairing the bridge at the Springs, over which the army was to pass. But this able plan was defeated by heavy rains, which fell the night before, and swelled the river to such an extent as to interrupt work on the bridge. This enforced delay enabled the Federal general to anticipate his opponent in the occupation of Lee's ridge, and secured to him the advantage of position which Lee had been maneuvring to obtain. Prompted by his military genius, Lee determined to cross the Rappahannock higher up, at Hinson's ford, and marching through Upper Fauquier to gain Pope's rear and compel him to engage battle on other ground than that on which the Federal army was so strongly posted. In pursuance of this plan, Jackson began his movement through the country above designated, until he struck Pope's line of communication at Bristow Station and Manassas Junction, as Stuart had before struck it at Catlett's Station. But the blow delivered by Jackson was a far more serious one; for, in order to regain his lost ground, the Federal commander was compelled to fight the second battle of Manassas. When Jackson struck the railroad at Bristow Station, where the sound of his cannon first apprised Pope of his whereabouts, he left General Ewell to guard the crossings of Broad run. He then moved down the railroad to Manassas, where he captured, in addition to several trains of cars, a large amount of army supplies, all of which were destroyed, except such as could be applied to immediate use. When this capture was first reported to the enemy, it was supposed to have been made by one of Stuart's raiding parties, and in consequence a New Jersey brigade of infantry, stationed below Manassas, was ordered up to retake the place. Possessed with this belief, the command marched to within a short distance of the fortifications, when it was found that it had to cope with Jackson's infantry, instead of Stuart's cavalry. The guns from the fortification opened upon the advancing Federals in front, while on their left flank they were assailed by Braxton's Battery. In this trying situation the brigade behaved in a soldierly manner, and marched from the field with ranks unbroken and colors flying. But when they reached the woods they broke when they were charged by a detachment of twenty of the Black Horse, commanded by Jackson in person, and many prisoners were taken. Noiselessly and swiftly Jackson traversed the country between Hinson's ford and Bristow Station. With such caution was his march conducted, under the shelter of forest lands, by day, no campfires [598] being allowed by night to indicate the presence of an army, that the enemy were kept in complete ignorance of the important movement. The perilous expedition, and the responsibility which attached to it, did not depress the General, but acted rather like an elixir upon him. His spirits rose high, and he relaxed much from his silent and austere mood. On the march he conversed freely with Lieutenant A. D. Payne, whose roused spirit kindled with his own at the approaching conflict, when a second time a great battle was to be fought on the border land of the hostile republics. The General used few words, but probed his subject to the bottom. His conversation was chiefly about the war, and he expressed himself freely about the merits of the officers of the Federal army, but with more reserve as to the Confederate officers. They were passing through the country of General Turner Ashby's nativity, and were at one time near the place of his birth and the scenes of his early life. Ashby, but a little before, and while attached to Jackson's army, had been killed, about the close of the magnificent campaign in the Valley. The career of the deceased officer had been brief, but as glorious as the morning star before it brightens into the perfect day. In a single sentence, Jackson photographed this peerless soldier, who has-been so justly compared, for generosity and courage, to the immortal Black Prince. He said: “Ashby was born a soldier, and I feel his loss now. He was a man of intuitive military perception; his judgment was never surpassed.” At The Plains, a village on the Manassas Railroad, about four miles east of Salem, Lieutenant A. D. Payne, with thirty men, was sent back to guide and accompany General Lee, who was with Longstreet's Corps, while Captain Randolph, with the rest of the Black Horse command, remained with Jackson. The lieutenant retraced his steps, and reported to General Lee as he was crossing the Rappahannock at Hinson's mill. The troops were hurried on in the direction of Salem, the track over which Jackson had just passed, and encamped for the night between that point and Orlean. General Lee made his headquarters at Prospect Hill, the seat of the late Dr. Jaquelin A. Marshall, and was then the residence of his family. With his staff, the General found quarters in the house, but Lieutenant Payne and his men camped in the yard. By some unaccountable neglect, the main highway, leading past Prospect Hill from Orlean to Waterloo, and from thence to Warrenton, had not been picketed nor guarded, so that there was that night between the Confederate general and the Federal army, which lay scattered between Waterloo and Warrenton Junction, nothing but this open [599] highway. In this exposed condition things remained for several hours, when it was discovered by Colonel Charles Marshall, the vigilant aide-de-camp of General Lee. About midnight, with consternation, he aroused Lieutenant Payne, and communicated the fact to him, and that the nearest brigade was a mile distant. With his whole force, all the roads in the direction of the enemy were picketed; but, fortunately, the enemy were not apprised of the General's exposed position, and the night passed without alarm. The next day, just before the head of the column arrived at Salem, information was brought to General Lee that a body of the enemy's cavalry were approaching that place. Lieutenant Payne, with his small detachment, was thrown forward to reconnoitre, for the rest of Stuart's cavalry were with Jackson. He dashed into the village, but was soon driven out by overwhelming numbers, and he endeavored, but without success, to entice them into an ambuscade prepared for them by General Longstreet. During the skirmishing which took place with the Federal cavalry, several prisoners were captured, from whom information was gained that Lieutenant Payne had struck Buford's Brigade of Federal cavalry, who, having captured some of Jackson's stragglers, had heard from them, for the first time, of his. movement. The next day General Lee reached Thoroughfare gap, but did not succeed in forcing a passage through it till late in the evening. During the entire day he was uneasy for Jackson's safety, and, in the evening, requested Lieutenant Payne to send him a soldier who was acquainted with the passes of Bull Run mountains. The man was stripped of all the indicia of a soldier, and, dressed in the garb of a countryman, was mounted on a lame horse and a wagon saddle. Thus equipped, he was started with a dispatch for Jackson, concealed on his person, and was directed, at every hazard, and with all celerity, to deliver it. Later, Lee directed Lieutenant Payne to make a reconnoissance to the rear of the force opposing him at Thoroughfare gap, and report without delay. Taking with him a party of five or six trusty men, the gallant officer made a detour to the right, and succeeded in reaching the turnpike, which connects Warrenton with Alexandria, near New Baltimore, about nine o'clock at night. From that point, he proceeded down the turnpike, and, mixing with the enemy, discovered that they were retiring rapidly toward Gainesville. This highly important information he quickly communicated to the Confederate general, at the residence of Colonel Robert Beverly. The next day, about noon, in advance of Longstreet's march, this detachment of the Black Horse opened communications [600] with Jackson's Corps, near Groveton, a place on the Warrenton turnpike, below New Baltimore. As soon as the two corps of the Confederate army were again united, Lieutenant Payne, with his detachment, was ordered to report to his command. The Black Horse, thus consolidated, took part in the great battle of the 30th, the Second Manassas, in which General Pope was as disastrously defeated as McDowell had been on the same ground. In this engagement, many members of the Black Horse were fatally wounded, among them Erasmus Helm, Jr., than whom there was no braver soldier nor more charming gentleman. The second battle of Manassas continued through three days, and was unsurpassed for severity by any fought during this bloody war. The effect of the heavy rain, which had prevented Lee from crossing his army at the Fauquier Springs, was now experienced in all its force; for Pope, in this prolonged struggle, was heavily reinforced from McClellan's army transported from Harrison's Landing, which could not have been done had the battle taken place in the vicinity of the Rappahannock according, as we have seen, to Lee's first design. The Federal army, having been routed from every position it had occupied in the battle, retreated into the strongly intrenched camp at Centreville, whose fortifications had been constructed by the combined skill of Johnston and Beauregard during the first winter of the war, and now a second time offered its shelter to a broken, defeated and demoralized Federal army. On Sunday morning, while the victorious army was recruiting its wearied virtue and binding up its wounds, Lee and Jackson, sitting on a fallen tree, were engaged in close consultation. Their horses were grazing at a short distance, when an alarm was given that the Federal cavalry were approaching. The two generals sprang for their horses, but failed to secure them, and in doing so Lee fell forward and so injured his hands as to be compelled to ride in an ambulance through the ensuing Maryland campaign with his hands bandaged and in a sling. At this critical moment two privates of the Black Horse tendered their horses and the officers were again mounted. But it proved to be a false alarm. At noon the Confederates began to march to Pope's rear, at Centreville, passing Sudley church and Cub run bridge, the object being again to interrupt Pope's communications, and compel a renewal of the conflict. When the Federal general discovered this movement he moved out of the ramparts at Centreville, and with disorganized masses recommenced his retreat toward the Potomac. From the crest of a high hill Jackson saw the retreating columns, and, at the same time, observed a detachment of the [601] Federal army as it was taking position behind the Independent and unfinished Manassas Railroad. This was evidently a force thrown out to protect the Federal retreat. Jackson immediately attacked it, but with an inadequate force, and the fight at Chantilly took place, which lasted until night. It is left to the future historian to inquire why the entire strength of the Confederate army was not employed against the retreating columns of the enemy. Perhaps it was because Fate had declared against the establishment of the Southern Republic, and it was by such means that her conclusions were to be wrought out. Flushed by this victory, it was determined to cross the Potomac and carry the war into the enemy's country. If this military policy had been adopted as promptly after the first victory at Manassas, it is clear that the Confederate States would have been triumphant in the war. The sound policy of secession would then have been vindicated, and have marked the beginning of a great nation instead of being hawked at as a “perfidious bark built in the eclipse” that has wrecked the fortunes of a people. The army marched for Edwards' ferry. Along the route there was manifested by the people the greatest curiosity and desire to see their great General “Stonewall Jackson,” as he had been baptized on the battle-field. Groups would be collected on the road, composed of all ages and both sexes, black and white crowded together. When Jackson would be pointed out to them they would send up a great shout, and the General, lifting his cap, would gallop away from the applause. In this connection an amusing incident occurred which created no little merriment, and exemplifies the liberties his soldiers would sometimes take with “Old Stonewall,” as they called their darling. The Black Horse sent forward one of their members to ride as near to Jackson as military etiquette would allow. He was, by all odds, the ugliest fellow in the command; indeed, the Black Horse used to brag that he was the ugliest fellow in either army. When the next admiring crowd was passed, and they demanded to see the great captain, this soldier was pointed out to them. When they shouted and cheered he halted, and, with the utmost complaisance, received their compliments. Jackson, of course, had galloped on as usual. When the General, turning in his saddle, saw what was going on, he was greatly amused, and the joke was repeated until the novelty wore off. The Black Horse accompanied Jackson in his expedition to Williamsport, Martinsburg, and Harper's Ferry. At the latter place he employed the pen of Lieutenant A. D. Payne to copy his order [602] of assault to be delivered to his officers-orders which were never acted on, as the place was surrendered before the assaulting columns began their work. The General remained at Harper's Ferry till a late hour of the night, disposing of the prisoners and the material of war which he had captured. He then started, escorted by Lieutenant Payne, with a detachment of twenty of his command, to reach Lee's headquarters at Sharpsburg, leaving his army to follow. At daybreak, a little out of the town, the party halted, and built a fire in a skirt of woods. Here Jackson slept while a party was sent to discover the position of Lee's headquarters. As soon as this fact was reported to him he joined the general commanding. The next day the battle of Sharpsburg was fought, during which the Black Horse acted as aides and couriers. In Jackson's report of this campaign he extols the conduct of this command, naming and complimenting its officers. When the Confederate army recrossed the Potomac, General Stuart made strenuous efforts to have the Black Horse restored to the cavalry division. He wanted them to accompany his raid around McClellan's army at Harper's Ferry, where it lay gathering strength for another invasion of Virginia. But Jackson would not agree to Stuart's proposal. He said: “I know the, Black Horse, and can employ the greater part of the command for staff duty.” In this raid Stuart took with him fifteen squadrons of horse, composed of details from his regiments, one of which the writer of this commanded. The raiders crossed an obscure ford of the Potomac, above Harper's Ferry, General Wade Hampton, with a battery of horse artillery, being in the van, and camped that night at Chambersburg. The next day they passed through Emmettsburg on their return to the Potomac, and, marching all night, early the ensuing day reached White's ford of the Potomac, below Harper's Ferry, having thus made the circuit of the Federal army. But here Stuart encountered a formidable force of infantry and cavalry, stationed to oppose his passage of the river. Without hesitation, and with that undaunted courage which he showed on every battle-field, he drove the enemy before him, rapidly threw his command over the river, without so much as losing a horse-shoe, and marched off for the army headquarters as the artillery of the enemy was taking position on the heights he had just evacuated. As he passed their camps the infantry cheered him, a compliment they were always slow to pay the cavalry. When McClellan crossed the river at Harper's Ferry, Lee was encamped at Winchester. Jackson then restored the Black Horse to its place in the cavalry division, for Stuart was ordered to throw [603] himself in front of the advancing columns of McClellan, and delay his march until Lee could again interpose between the Federal army and Richmond. In obedience to this order, Stuart crossed the Blue Ridge into Loudon county, and heavily skirmished with the Federal advance through that county and Upper Fauquier. At Union, near the dividing line of the counties, he held his position so well that it was not until the evening of the second day that he was compelled to relinquish it. At Upperville, Markham, and Barbee's cross-roads, Stuart made stands until compelled to retreat by the pressure of numbers. In the meantime, Lee crossed the Blue Ridge, at Chester gap, and took position on the south bank of the Rappahannock. He was there informed that McClellan had been relieved, and Burnside promoted to the command of the Federal army, and that he had indicated his intention of marching toward Fredericksburg. Lee again put his army in motion, and posted it on the Spottsylvania Heights, at Fredericksburg, and confronted Burnside on the opposite side of the river. The Union army again suffered defeat, and again changed its general. In the winter of 1863, while General Hooker was on the north bank of the Rappahannock, the Black Horse was detached from the Fourth Virginia Cavalry, and ordered to Lower Fauquier and Stafford county to report the enemy's movements to General Lee. During this time the command performed many brilliant exploits in its numerous encounters with the enemy, captured three hundred prisoners, and minutely reported Hooker's movements. Its services were handsomely acknowledged by General Lee and General Stuart in general orders. An incident that occurred at this time illustrates the nature of this service. General Fitz Lee, with a brigade of cavalry, had crossed the Rappahannock, at Kelly's ford, and moving down the north bank of the river, had driven the enemy's pickets to within three miles of Falmouth. At Hartwood church he captured a number of prisoners, and detailing a guard of men, whose horses were in a weak and crippled condition, ordered Lieutenant A. D. Payne to take command and conduct them to the army, crossing at the United States ford. But he informed him that he would, in all probability, fall in with a company of Confederate cavalry which had been on picket. After proceeding about two miles, Lieutenant Payne came suddenly on a body of cavalry drawn up in the road, and discovered, after calling to know to which flag they belonged, that they were a squadron of the enemy. He immediately turned about, and, ordering the guard to shoot any prisoner who should [604] attempt to escape, endeavored to return to Fitz Lee. Finding himself rapidly pursued, he turned off the main road, but soon encountered, drawn up in line, another force of Federal cavalry. He passed very near to them, and, much to his relief, succeeded in reaching his brigade. There he informed Major Morgan, of the First Virginia Cavalry, of the perils he had escaped, and, directed him to the place where he would find the squadron he had last seen. Major Morgan at once, with an adequate force, repaired to the spot, finding the enemy occupying the same position, who at once surrendered. When Morgan returned with his prisoners, Lieutenant Payne inquired of their commander why he did not attempt to rescue the prisoners. The officer replied, “I was only waiting to surrender, for we were all too much excited to see that the greater part of your force were prisoners.” Lieutenant Payne replied: “I was not quite that far gone; but if you had made an attack I should have been compelled to withdraw the guard and let the prisoners go.” When Fitz Lee returned to his position on the left flank of the army, Captain Randolph, again in command of the Black Horse, gave permission to ten or a dozen of the men to follow the march of the enemy toward Fredericksburg and pick up stragglers and horses. This they did for some distance, but finding neither men nor horses, the party returned. Two of them, however, “Old blaze” and Joe Boteler, concluded to follow the hunt yet longer. A narrative of their adventures may prove interesting, and will at least show how such work may be done. Near the Stafford line they stopped at Mrs. H.‘s and applied to have their canteens filled with brandy. This the old lady positively refused to do, saying: “You are in danger enough, without adding to it by drink.” But she relented when they promised to bring her back “six Yankees.” And this is how they complied with their engagement. Between Spotted tavern and Hartwood church, the scouts charged with a yell a small party of the enemy and succeeded each in capturing a mounted cavalryman. These prisoners were disarmed and dismounted, and ordered to remain on the roadside until the captors should return. To induce them to do so, they were told that there was a force in the woods who would capture them if they attempted to escape. Depositing the arms and horses with a citizen, the scouts continued their ride in the same direction. Soon they came in sight of the rear guard of a cavalry force, and, taking advantage of a body of wood to conceal their numbers, charged with a shout. This hurried the retreat, and two of them, who had straggled, were taken prisoners. A little [605] further on they met a soldier in blue, who proved to be an Irishman, and not suspecting an enemy, was easily added to their list of captures. Retracing their steps, they called for the horses and arms they had left, and, to their surprise, found their first capture waiting for them by the wayside. Remounting them on their own steeds, they met a little boy, who informed them that there were “three Yankee cavalrymen” at his uncle's, who lived a mile from the road. The horses were a temptation which the scouts could not resist, but the difficulty was how to dispose of their five prisoners while they went to secure them. Knowing two ladies zealous for the cause, they prevailed upon them to furnish a supper for the captured soldiers, but to delay in its preparation until their return. As fortune would have it, there were at the house two citizens who were charged with having taken the oath. The captured horses and arms having been secreted, with the exception of two carbines, these were loaded and given to the suspected citizens, and they were ordered to stand guard at the door. They were frankly told of the suspicion that attached to them, and that if they allowed the prisoners to escape they would be sent to Castle Thunder. The scouts followed their boy guide to his uncle's gate. One of them entered by the front door while his companion went around to the rear. As he entered the sitting-room on the first floor he found three Union soldiers. They sprang for their arms, which they had left in the hall, but the other scout coming to his companion's assistance, they were forced to surrender. One of them proved to be a courier of Colonel Kellogg, of the Eighteenth Pennsylvania, and had on his person valuable dispatches. The next step was to secure the horses, which having done, the Confederates returned with their additional prisoners and relieved the citizen guard. Supper over, the party started for the Confederate camp, but stopped at a house on the road, where the prisoners were allowed to sleep until daylight. Passing Mrs. H.‘s, where they had been supplied with their brandy, they exhibited their eight prisoners, two more than they had promised to bring. As they entered camp with their captures, they were warmly congratulated by their comrades, and sent forward by Captain Randolph to General Stuart's headquarters. When told of the adventures of the scouts, the General expressed great satisfaction, but remarked it was the first time in his experience he had ever known whisky or brandy entitled to be put on the credit side of the sheet. In the ensuing campaign of 1863, the Black Horse constituted a part of Stuart's cavalry division, and participated in the battle of [606] the severe fight at Brandy Station, and in all the movements conducted by Stuart to mask the movements of Lee's army in the Valley of Virginia as it was being marched for the invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania. At Aldie, in the county of Loudon, the Black Horse, under command of Lieutenant A. D. Payne, covered itself with glory. The Southern cavalry had been pressing the pursuit from the direction of the Blue Ridge, during the day, and had brought the enemy to a stand at a point on the Middleburg road two miles from Aldie, and at an equal distance from that place on the Snickersville road, these two roads converging at Aldie. Colonel Mumford was in advance with the Fourth Regiment, the Black Horse being the leading squadron. He halted his command, and taking with him two pieces of artillery, he ordered Lieutenant A. D. Payne to follow with his command. He posted the artillery on a prominent point in the angle formed by the two roads, and commenced firing on the enemy who were advancing in large numbers on the Snickersville turnpike. To capture the guns placed in this exposed position the Federals sent forward a regiment of Massachusetts infantry. In this critical position of his guns, Colonel Munford ordered Lieutenant Payne, who had not with him more than thirty of his men, the rest being scattered as videttes, to charge the advancing column of cavalry, but never expecting, as he afterward said, to see one of them return alive. Lieutenant Payne formed his men in the turnpike in a column of fours, and down upon the enemy he rode with a loud cheer, the dust concealing the insignificant nature of his force. The regiment, thus deceived by the boldness and impetuosity of the attack, fired at random and was thrown into confusion. A number of prisoners were captured before they discovered their error, and returned to the attack. But the object of the cavalry charge had been attained and the guns were withdrawn in safety, and the timely arrival of the rest of the brigade saved the detachment from destruction. When Stuart discovered Hooker's intention to cross the Potomac at Edwards' ferry, he left two brigades of cavalry posted between Lee and the Federal army to continue to perform outpost duty, while with the rest of his division he moved to the rear of the enemy's cavalry, and placed himself between the Federal army and Washington. This he effected, crossing the Bull Run mountain, and, after raiding through Prince William and Fairfax counties, recrossed the railroad at Burk's Station, where he found a large store of forage of great value to his tired animals. From this point he marched to the Potomac, at Senecca falls, where, as the fording was deep, the [607] caissons were emptied and the bombshells carried over by cavalrymen in their hands. After capturing a canalboat laden with commissary stores, Stuart proceeded to Rockville, in the direction of Washington City. Here a large Union flag was flying, which he would not allow his men to pull down, saying he was not fighting the flag, but his real motive was that he wanted it as a decoy. From Rockville several regiments were sent in the direction of Washington, who captured the long wagon-train so often spoken of in connection with this campaign. It was drawn by more than an hundred mules, and seemed a rich prize; but it proved in the end a serious disadvantage, for it retarded the movements of the command, beside requiring a large detail of men. This raid produced great consternation among the enemy, and drew from Meade's army all his available cavalry to oppose it. But for this encumbrance Stuart could to better advantage have engaged the enemy, and destroyed, or, at least, interrupted the communications with Washington and Baltimore. At Westminster, eighteen miles west of Baltimore, the Fourth Virginia Regiment charged a regiment of Federal cavalry, driving a portion of it toward Baltimore, and the rest toward Frederick. From this point Stuart proceeded to Hanover, in Pennsylvania, where he engaged a large cavalry force under General Kilpatrick. In this fight the Second North Carolina Regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William H. Payne, formerly captain of the Black Horse. He bore himself with conspicuous gallantry, and was taken prisoner in a charge which he led, the regiment sustaining considerable loss in killed and wounded. The effort of Kilpatrick to detain Stuart was foiled by this fight, and he moved on to Carlisle barracks, which, with his artillery, he set on fire. From Carlisle the Southern cavalry marched to Gettysburg, and took position on Lee's left, near Huntersville. They took part in the battle on the memorable 3d of July, 1863, in which the Southern Confederacy received its death wound. Upon Meade's advance into Virginia, Lee retired to the south bank of the Rapidan, with headquarters at Orange Court-House, where he remained until October 11th. He then determined to assume the offensive. With this intent he ordered General Fitz Lee, with whom the Black Horse was serving, to cross the Rapidan at Raccoon and Morton's fords, where he found himself face to face with Buford's cavalry division. In the fight which ensued, the Black Horse lost some of its bravest men, and the Fourth Virginia two of its most gallant officers. This spirited attack, combined with an attack by General Lomax's Brigade, compelled Buford's retreat to the direction of Stevensburg, closely pursued by Lomax. Captain Randolph, in [608] command of the Black Horse, with some other men from the regiment, arrived at Stevensburg as the Third Virginia Cavalry had been repulsed. Being in line of battle he charged the Federals with great spirit, and drove them back on their dismounted line. Captain Randolph then ordered his men to fall back a few hundred yards in an open field, and there rallied them around their colors, under a heavy fire of the enemy. By this gallant conduct a large number of the Third Virginia, with their lieutenant colonel, were rescued. For this service General Fitz Lee complimented Captain Randolph in high terms, and said it was the most beautiful sight he had ever witnessed. This commendation was greatly valued by the command, but it had been dearly bought by the loss of many of its bravest members. General Fitz Lee continued the pursuit of Meade as far as Bull run, who, occasionally, turned upon his pursuers, and punished their audacity, as at Bristow Station. General R. E. Lee fell back to the Rappahannock, General Fitz Lee on the railroad, and Stuart, with Hampton's Division, on the turnpike, bringing up the rear. As soon as Fitz Lee crossed the river he sent two of the Black Horse back to watch the enemy's advance, and report his progress in rebuilding the railroad, but with permission to take any other men with them they might select. They crossed the river and recruited Sergeant Joseph Reid, of the Black Horse, a man remarkable even in that army and in that command for sagacity, calmness in the moment of danger, and a lion-like courage. Having collected much valuable information the party reported to General Fitz Lee, who ordered Sergeant Reid to take command of his scouts operating in Lower Fauquier, Prince William, and Stafford counties. So well did he perform this hazardous service, that he has left with the people of those localities many a thrilling tale of his daring and hair-breadth escapes. In consequence of information sent by Sergeant Reid, that the Federal army was moving toward the Rappahannock, furnished with eight days cooked rations, and sixty rounds of ammunition, General Lee withdrew to the south side of the Rapidan. During this movement Meade advanced to Mine run, in Spotsylvania, where an undecided affair took place between the two armies, the Fourth Virginia Cavalry holding Roberson's ford on the Rapidan and repelling the efforts of the enemy's cavalry to effect a passage of the river at that point. From this point the Black Horse, with the exception of Sergeant Reid's party, were sent to Upper Fauquier and Loudon counties to observe and report the enemy's movements, on which duty they remained during the winter, at the close of which they were ordered to report to the regiment at Orange Court- [609] House. In the spring of 1864, before Grant, who now commanded the Union army, began his forward movement, General Sedgwick made a reconnaissance in force in the direction of Madison Court-House, and was met by A. P. Hill's Corps. In the collision which ensued Second Lieutenant Marshall James, one of the most gallant officers of the Black Horse, with a small detachment, greatly distinguished himself. In the latter part of April the cavalry corps marched to Fredericksburg and took position on the right of the Army of Northern Virginia. In May they broke camp to meet Grant's advance from Culpepper into the Wilderness by way of Germanna ford. On the 4th and 5th of May were fought the battles of the Wilderness, after which Grant commenced upon Richmond his celebrated movement by his left flank. The Black Horse engaged in the desperate fighting which lasted for several days, in which the cavalry was employed to stem the torrent of Grant's advance until the infantry could be marched around to his front. During these engagements the Black Horse lost heavily in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Among the latter was a young Englishman by the name of Alston, who had crossed the sea to join this command. He was as gallant, in army phrase, as they make them, and true to the cause for which, he had staked his life. While in prison his friends in England sought to procure his release, and the Federal authorities were willing to set him at liberty upon condition of his returning home and taking no further part in the war. But Alston would not consent to be separated from his comrades. He was, in due course of time, exchanged, but died in Richmond before he could rejoin his command. On Sunday, May 8th, the Southern cavalry were driven back to a position near Spotsylvania Courthouse, where they formed a thin screen, behind which the infantry was concealed. The enemy advanced in full confidence of encountering only the force they had been driving, from cover to cover, since earliest dawn, but they were met by a murderous fire from a long line of battle, which sent some of them to the rear, but stretched most of them on the field. The day after the battle of Spotsylvania Court-House, Captain A. D. Payne ordered two of his chosen scouts to report for duty to the general commanding. They were directed to approach as near as possible and report whether the troops that had been stationed at that point had been moved toward Spotsylvania Court-House, and to discover, if possible, at what point Grant was concentrating his army. The scouts, being entirely unacquainted [610] with the country, were sent to General Early, in the hope of obtaining a guide. But while Early could not furnish them a guide, he concerted with them signals, which, being communicated to the pickets, would enable them to re-enter his camp at any hour of the night, and himself conducted them through the lines of General Joe Davis' Brigade. Protected by the darkness, they soon found themselves in the midst of Grant's moving army, and made the discovery that the troops from had been moved up to Spotsylvania Court-House, and that the center of Grant's camp was south thirty degrees east from a particular house which had been marked on General Lee's diagram of the country, and furthermore that the Federals were throwing up earthworks. As soon as this information was communicated to General Lee, he turned to his map, and, drawing the line as the scout had reported, appeared greatly pleased. He said to the officers around him: “I am in the right position.” On the evening of the 9th, the cavalry followed Sheridan in his raid on Richmond, and had desperate fighting with his rear guard. On the 10th, the Black Horse, under command of Captain A. D. Payne, charged a party of the enemy and captured a number of prisoners. On the 11th, the Confederate cavalry, still in pursuit of Sheridan, renewed the fight at the Yellow tavern, near Richmond, in which General Stuart was mortally wounded. On the 12th, they engaged the head of Sheridan's column, at Meadow bridge, on the Chickahominy, but, overwhelmed by the weight of superior numbers, were compelled to withdraw. In the execution of this order, Lieutenant Colonel Randolph, a former captain of the Black Horse, was instantly killed. A braver and more beloved officer never perished on the field. On Grant's arrival near Richmond, a desperate engagement occurred near Harris' shop, in which the Southern cavalry behaved with great gallantry, fighting for many hours as infantry, and for the greater part of the day resisted and obstructed the advance of Grant's whole army, until Lee had time. to get his troops up from his line of battle and deliver the heavy blow which the next day he inflicted on the Federal army at the Second Cold harbor. In this sanguinary engagement the Black Horse lost more than half the men taken into action. Soon after, at Trevellyann's Station, General Hampton fought, perhaps, the bloodiest cavalry fight of the war, in which the Fourth Virginia Regiment behaved with conspicuous gallantry, sustaining again a heavy loss. Sheridan was now compelled to retire upon the [611] main body, harassed by the Confederate cavalry, by whom he had been completely foiled in his attempt upon the communications leading to Richmond by way of the Virginia Central Railroad and James River canal. Returning to Lee's army, the Black Horse were occupied in arduous picket duty, and engaged in daily skirmishes, taking part, also, in the overthrow of Wilson's cavalry raiders. In August, 1864, General Fitz Lee's cavalry division was sent to reinforce Early in the Valley, who had fallen back after his campaign against Washington. In the fight at Waynesborough the Black Horse was the leading squadron of the Fourth Regiment, and was especially complimented by General Early. After driving the enemy through the town, the Confederate cavalry halted on a hill in the western suburbs, when an officer in the Union service, Captain J. A. Bliss, faced his squadron, and, placing himself at its head, ordered a charge. But his men followed not their gallant leader. He, not looking to see, or, as it appeared, caring whether he was accompanied by his command, dashed alone into the midst of the Black Horse. No one fired at him, the men not wishing to kill so brave an officer. With his sabre he wounded several of the command, and some one knocked him from his horse, and might have killed him but for the interposition of Captain Henry Lee, a brother of Fitz Lee, who, observing the dismounted officer to make the Masonic sign, went to his assistance. During this campaign, and after the affair just mentioned, George W. Martin and Campbell, of the Black Horse, with a member of the First Virginia Regiment, were returning from a scout late in the evening. It was raining, and the soldiers had their oilcloths thrown over their shoulders, which, in a great measure, concealed their uniform. On looking back, they saw three mounted men coming up behind them, whom they inferred were Union soldiers, as they were in the rear of Sheridan's forces. Drawing and cocking their pistols, they rode slowly, that they might be overtaken. The Federals--for such the party were-had had their suspicions aroused, and also prepared for the fight. As soon as they came alongside of them, the scouts wheeled and demanded a surrender, when they were fired upon by their opponents. They proved to be Lieutenant Meiggs, of Sheridan's staff, and two orderlies. Lieutenant Meiggs' shot passed through Martin's body, but he braced himself, returned the fire, and killed Meiggs. The other two scouts captured one of the orderlies. The other made his escape, and reported to Sheridan that his party had been bushwhacked, who, in retaliation, ordered the burning of every house [612] in a radius of five miles. Joshua Martin was carried to the house of a farmer, where he was tenderly nursed until sufficiently recovered to return to his home in Fauquier. After the war closed, General Meiggs, believing that his son had been assassinated, sought to have Martin arrested and tried by a court-martial for murder; but when the facts, as above stated, were certified to him by Captain A. D. Payne, the matter was dropped, for Lieutenant Meiggs had been slain in open and legitimate war. George W. Martin is now at home, a prosperous agriculturist, and one of the most respected citizens in the community in which he resides. In the month of December, the Black Horse was ordered into tardy county, and performed hazardous but thankless service among the “Swamp Dragoons,” as the disloyal element in that county named itself. They suffered severely from cold, but consumed large quantities of pork and apple brandy, in which, at that season, that inhospitable region abounds. Returning from this duty, the command proceeded to Richmond, where it remained until the beginning of the final act in this stupendous tragedy. They fought side by side with their brethren of the cavalry at Five Forks, who never displayed a more indomitable spirit than in these closing scenes of the war. They were in the saddle day and night, marching and fighting without food, and without sleep, in the vain endeavor to protect the Confederate trains from the swarming hordes of the enemy's cavalry. At High bridge, the Black Horse shared, with their comrades of Fitz Lee's Division, the last rays of glory that fell on the Army of Northern Virginia, capturing an infantry brigade, and slaying its commander on the field. Near Farmville, the cavalry repulsed a division of Gregg's cavalry, which came upon them unawares, and nearly succeeded in capturing General Lee. But, instead, in this collision, General Gregg was taken prisoner. On April 9th, General Fitz Lee was ordered to hold the road from Appomattox Court-House to Lynchburg, which he did, in spite of repeated efforts by the enemy's cavalry to wrest it from him, until a flag, conveying the intelligence of a truce, compelled him to pause in his advance upon the enemy. Thus, sword in hand, the Black Horse, which had formed the nucleus of the Army of Northern Virginia, was found at the post of duty and of danger when that army of tattered uniforms and bright muskets surrendered to overwhelming numbers and resources. Of this army it might be said: “Vital in every part, it could only by annihilation die.” The division of General Fitz Lee did not surrender until some time afterward; but, being cut off from the main body of the [613] army, the Black Horse patiently awaited the approach of night, and, under its friendly cover, sought their various homes, which, four years before, they had left to fight for and protect. But the command was again collected at the Fauquier Springs, by order of Lieutenant Ficklin, Captain A. D. Payne being then a prisoner of war. They had resolved to repair to Johnston's standard, which was still, as they thought, flying in North Carolina. But the writer of this article repaired to their rendezvous, and informed Lieutenant Ficklin that General Johnston, too, had surrendered, and that the cause for which they had all fought had been lost. The Black Horse Cavalry was then disbanded, on the margin of the same river on which it had been organized, and but two miles lower down the stream. The Black Horse Cavalry may now be found settled, for the most part, in their native seat, Lower Fauquier, as diligent in peace as they were courageous and faithful in war. But members of the command may be found scattered among the States, assiduous, in all the fields of enterprise, to catch the golden six miles of fortune. Of the Black Horse it may be said, as it was said of Cromwell's Ironsides, except that they tread the higher walks of life: “That, in every department of honest industry, the discharged warriors prospered beyond other men; that none were charged with theft or robbery; that none were heard to ask an alms; and that if a baker, a mason, or a wagoner attracted notice by his diligence or sobriety, he was, in all probability, one of Oliver's old soldiers.” These letters are part of a large cache of documents purchased from a descendant of the Dulany, Eastham, and Ficklin families of Fauquier County, VA. Many of the documents were owned by Lt. William L. Ficklin of the Black Horse Cavalry (Confederate). William P. Ficklin was Lt. William L. Ficklin's father and Ann Dulany was his mother-in-law. John Dulany was his uncle. Ficklin’s father-in-law and Ann's husband was Col. Lawson Eastham, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1842-44 and the Virginia Senate from 1874-77. This is a one of kind rare opportunity to own a piece of Civil War history. NOTE: The letters are authentic, but the parole image shown is a copy and will be included in this sale. See photos for condition. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding. (Condition: Pre-Owned)
Sold on eBay February 16th, 2025