Peter L. Dumont Letters Referencing Battles and Libby Prison

 

 

Bull Run

 

(Pending)

 

Fredericksburg

 

Camp on Potomac Creek

Sunday Evening, January 11, 1863

 

Got her letter and one from Breish.  Is well, was on guard all night and day at Gen. WarrenÕs headquarters.  Fried pork then used grease and cotton rag to make a candle to write by.  ÒLast night there was a woman by our camp fire all night she was driven by a lot of drunken soldiers to take refuge in our camp in order to save her person.  Believe me dear Clara for I speak the truth she is the first woman that I have spoken to in Virginia.  She belongs to the 17th Regulars and she is called the daughter of the Regt.Ó.

 

Last Thursday the whole 5th Corp went on review, wishes she could see it:  ÒÉsuch a black field of moving mass I never saw the men were about fifty abreast and in an oblong column it took them about an hour to pass Gen Burnside and staff.  He sat on his horse with his head uncovered all the time the old fellow looks just as I expected to see him.  He is a good looking man of about 35 or 40 years of age but there is no hair on the top of his head but there is plenty around his face to make up for the top of his headÓ.

 

More officers from Utica resigning including Captain [doge?] of Co. F and Capt Lewis of Co C, Lieut Stanford and Lieut Jones of C A and Lieut Alden of Co C and Lieut Wilson of Co H.  ÒThis I believe makes 17 or 18 officers that have left us since we left Rome and if they keep on the same we wonÕt have any that came with us six months from the time we left thereÓ.  Tell Julia Tom isnÕt any better but the doctors think he is getting better.  ÒÉtell Jacob Breishs folks if you see them that I have sent quite a number of small trinkets home that belonged to him by Lieut Stanford and he may forget to give them to them  I thought they would be glad to have them.  His clothes I took and buried [sic] on account of the fever in themÉÓ 

 

More talk of attacking Fredericksburgh Òbut I guess it is a camp runner as usual.  Dear Clara how much I dream of you and home of late I see little ida in my dreams almost every night oh god how long I am afraid it will be before I hear her little Pratling [sic] tounge [sic] and the Tip tap of her little feet again.  I see now that I am away from you all how dearly I loved you.  Oh I pray god stop this horrible work of death and let us return to those we love and who are anxiously watching for our safe return.  Dear Clara if god spares my life to return once more to you I mean to live a better man.  I see the effects of this war so much every day that it has impressed my mind with a horrible sickness of it god grant that it will soon end all the soldiers down here sick enough of Fighting to stop on any terms.Ó  Closing, then p.s. hoping they will be paid off the 15th of the month.

 

Camp at Warington

Thursday November 16th 1862

 

Feeling pretty good again after the march.  Writing by candlelight.  Orders to move, possibly tonight.  ÒJackson is in our rear with a lot of men to attack us and if we donÕt leave to night we will have to go in the morning.Ó  Busy with inspection and drilling all day, no time to wash clothes.  ÒI donÕt know where we will go from here the talk is we are going to attack the Rebels they say we are entirely surrounded by them so I thought I must write to him.Ó  Fletch is cooking their rations to take with them, has no money left for postage.

 

ÒDear Clara god onley [sic] knows how I love you and my little ones keep good care of them and yourself until I see you al again which I hope above all things to do so hopeing gods blessing rests upon you all I will bid you all good by for the present.  Excuse my hasty writing.  From yours fondly and truly now and forever god helping me.  Yours P.L.DÓ

 

 

[no location noted, marched from Warrington closer to Fredericksburgh]

Thanksgiving Day November 27th 1862

 

Was sick again, getting better.  Marched nearer to Fredericksburgh and now only 5 miles from the enemy.  ÒI suppose I have gotten a pretty hard cold and have got the Ereysyplius [?].Ó  Tom and Fletch led him to the hospital blind and with his head swollen twice its natural size, couldnÕt see his eyes.  Getting sight back.  ÒWe have had a great deal of wet weather down here and the north is losing more men by lying on the cold wet ground than they will lose in battle.Ó  Can see Rebel camps and General Lee is in sight with 140 thousand men and wonÕt leave Fredericksburgh, has sent away women and children.  Pioneers have gone ahead to fix the roads to haul cannon down to shell them out.  Resignations include ÒCapt Cone and Lieut Smith of Co F Lieut Trueax of Co C and Lieut Wicks of Co R.  Lieut Stanford is now in charge of the ambulance train and feels big over it because he has a horse to ride.  Marched over 100 miles from Washington because they took a round about way.  ÒYou must know it was a hard one for me because I could never walk much I think the men will make good pack pedlars [sic] if they ever get home againÓ.  He was lying in the hospital this morning when the mail came and he ran out and was disappointed not to get a letter from her.  ÒI donÕt know whether I shall be well enough to go in the fight when they get ready or not I will tell you the truth I have not seen what I could call a well day since I have been down here and what is more I donÕt think I ever shall there is something down here that donÕt agree with me at all I am all broke out I spots just the same as at Camp SewardÓ.  HasnÕt done duty there or here.  The least cold lays him up.

 

ÒTo day we have got crackers and salt pork for dinner and they are all talking and wondering what you have got good to eat at home.Ó

 

 

Camp at Fredericksburgh VA

Sunday November 30th 1862

 

Got her letter and sorry to hear she is working so hard on military coats.  Getting better.  Many in hospital.  So lonesome on this Sunday. Wrote a letter for Tom.  Dreamed he was home in the garden picking something for her to make soup and hurt his knee, pain woke him up and he was so disappointed to be in tent.  She had mentioned her letters might sound cold but he says they do not.  Wishes he hadnÕt said some things to her but he loves her so much and his only regret is that his position in life hasnÕt allowed him to do better by her.  Reminisces about children and tears come to his eyes: ÒPoor little Ida how she used to run for her Bonnet when I went for my Cap Bless her little pimpim [sic] face.Ó

 

ÒThere is not any more news here at present worth telling onley [sic] some of them say the reason why we are lying still so long is that there is so many Peace Runners around and they think they will settle this war I hope to god it is so and then we will all come home again and live Happy and Contented.Ó   ÒP.S. I am glad to think that Pa did not come down hereÓ.

 

Camp near Fredericksburgh VA

Monday December 8th 1862

 

Snow storms, bitter cold, frozen canteens while on picket.  CouldnÕt write because shivering too much.  He is well but had a fever and most have a cold. Notes from Fletch and Tom to family at home.  Tom feels better than ever.  Rumors of going home vs. marching, or if give up pay can go home.  He would go home.  Shelter tents Òare no better than a couple of pocket handkerchiefsÓ.  Much Peace talk but also say going tomorrow to Acquia Creek.  Please send stamps and envelopes.  He worries about her keeping warm Òin the old castleÓ.  Wants to know how the cabbages came out and if Òthe old methodist didnÕt try to cheat you of of them.Ó

 

 

Camp at Falmouth half a mile from Fredericksburgh

December 12th 1862

 

Well except back hurting a little.  Got letters from her and Joey.  Witnessed 2 days of shelling Fredericksburgh and Òsot it all on fireÓ, some troops crossed the river after dark and had an engagement with musketry until about 7 o clock.  Trying to cross today and rebels are shelling the towns to keep them from landing.  The 57th and 66th NY were badly cut up this morning.  He and Fletch went to Falmouth to buy something to eat but shells were flying and they had to run to camp.  Describes battle with Rebels firing first on men who were laying pontoon bridge.  Thinks he will have to cross the river tomorrow.  Asks her to care for the children if he falls in battle and she has to bring them up fatherless.  Tell family his last thoughts will be on all of them.  Tell Julia Tom is well but feels bad he may never see her again.  Describes how awful it is to see Òthe shells and cannon to work at the destruction of human lifeÓ.  P.S.  Fredericksburgh is still on fire and cannonading at 6 PM.

 

 

Camp at Falmouth 2 miles from Fredericksburgh

Tuesday December 16th 1862

 

Sixth day of fight at Fredericksburgh, horrible sights but he hopes it will make a better man of him, looking higher than earth and hopes to make his peace with God.  Details battle starting from Saturday.  ÒWe then laid down on the battle field for the night and oh the dead and the cries of the wounded made me feel sick enough of war to never see any of it.Ó  Dead were all around and wounded passing through.  Sunday shelling and Co I [?] Grimley was only one wounded.  Col took them further house and they laid behind brick houses.  Laid under fire 3 days.  146th escaped pretty well. 

 

Went out 8 or 9 last night to dig entrenchments and at 4 AM made a grand retreat.  Whole army is back on this side of the river.  Enemy has possession of town, gave 10 hours to remove wounded.  ÒGen Hooker had said that this is the 2nd Sebastipol [?] and that it was awful to place men in front of such Formidable works as the Rebels have got behind Fredericksburgh  Describes dead and terrible slaughter.  Almost impossible to take Rebels because so many rifle pits.

 

ÒDear Clara when you read this donÕt think that I am weak but you know that I always was tender hearted and I cant stand such scenesÉÓ Asks her to bring up children well if he dies and wishes all well.  P.S. not much fighting today, talk of being paid off after this fight.  Tom is sick with diarrhea.

 

 

Camp near Potomac Creek VA

Thursday December 18 1862

 

Describes horrors of battle of Fredericksburgh and retreat:  ÒOur Regt they say was the last one out of the City and so of course they must of covered the Retreat.  I think if the Boys had of known of it at [sic- missing word?] time there would of been a great deal of Excitement amongst them. Ò  Because they had laid in the city so long and saw so much without participating in it they were especially upset.  ÒOur Col was heard to say he would not lead them in the field for anything they was so excited he was afraid he could not command them.Ó  Describes how they didnÕt go into battle immediately even though he thinks they were ready.  They were the next in line to go but the firing stopped and they withdrew under cover of darkness.  In the morning the shelling started and they fell back in the town behind brick houses.  Describes lying there Sunday and Monday expecting to go into battle in any minute.  Describes building trenches at night with everyone whispering.  Describes retreat.  ÒI for one Dear Clara with some others which brought up the Rear guard was about the last that left the City We lost our Regt and we did not know that we were Retreating and we was running all over the City after our Regt so when we came to the Bridge they was tearing them up.  I saw when I left the town a great many soldiers yet in town which had stragled [sic] from their RegtsÓ.  Has heard the Rebels took a thousand prisoners.

 

Asks about the children and if Willie is as fat as ever and walking yet.  Fletch got a letter from home and says to tell all he is well and safe.  Fletch found a new overcoat in the street that is splendid and he is going to send it home.  Peter will send a Òsecesh letterÓ which is worth something because it is from the Rebs.

 

 

Camp near Potomac Creek VA

Friday December 16th [sic- should be 19th?] 1862

 

Sketch he started of the bombarding of Fredericksburgh while it was happening but they got ordered across the river and he couldnÕt finish it.   They are under marching orders, some say back into Fredericksburgh, others say back towards Washington.  He doesnÕt think going back because old guns were replaced with new Springfield rifles and all sick and crippled were sent off to the General hospital including Tom and George Wheeler went with him.  He doesnÕt know where that is but some say Washington. ÒBut the men donÕt want to fight any more some of the Regulars are getting paid off.Ó

 

Says he can tell she didnÕt keep her word to write every Sunday, feels bad she is lonely Òbut where is lotty and malley they cant all be goingÓ.   Many received food boxes and everything was spoiled, would like a box but she had better wait.  All hope to go home in the Spring.  CanÕt wait to see her and dreams of little Ida almost every night. Perhaps she will never hear from him again if they go into a fight.

 

12-19-1862c.jpg

 

 

Camp on Potomac Creek 4 miles from Fredericksburgh

December 20 1862

 

Great many sick and dying of exposure, cold and wet.  Tell Julia Tom is pretty sick with the Bloody Disentary [sic] but is getting better.  Peter is feeling better than he has since heÕs been there except for the cold weather.  ÒI cant stand the cold weather like I used toÓ.  Has a fireplace inside the tent now.  DoesnÕt hear anything about renewing the battle at Fredericksburgh. 

 

ÒThere is going to be a general Court Martial in our Regt on the acount [sic] of deserting in front of the EnemyÓ.  Names Tom Kirkland (no one has seen him) and Mike Keating (left but came back).  ÒI was coward enough but I wouldent [sic] have the name if I had got killed in the Battle yes I and fletch stood ready to go anywhere but either one of us would of rather been somewhere elseÉWe are expected to be paid off every day since the fight and we havenÕt got it yet I have got fifty cents left and I think that will do me untill [sic] I get paid off.Ó  

 

HasnÕt heard from her, thinks she doesnÕt write as much as she used to, begs her to write.  Asks if she will have enough money:  ÒÉtell our folks I think they are very kind for giving away to let us in the house and not asking any more for it than they doÓ.  HasnÕt heard from father or Bill.  ÒÉtell me if the Children grows any and if Ida and Charley has such times as they used to have if they do I think it will try your Paitience [sic]Ó.  Asks her to take care of herself:  ÒI would not want to see you Worn out to a shadowÓ.  Tell Sarah Groff [?] she may thank the Lord that her Jake never came with us, he misses the poor fellow very much and thinks heÕs better off.

 

 

Camp on Potomac Creek near Fredericksburgh

December 23 1862

 

Tells her how much he counts on her letters, loves her, ÒI am glad now that I am placed amongst Dangers that I can look back and see how Peaceful and Quiet we have lived together and enjoyed each others society so long without trouble and strifeÓ.  Almost as warm as summer.  Everyone is hoping for a Christmas box but he doesnÕt know what to say because some boxes have sat in Washington for six weeks.  Buried two more comrades with proper boards telling their name and age.

 

ÒWe heard on dress Parade the Punishment some of our Boys has got to take that was Court Martiald [sic] on November 30th they have got to cary [sic] a log weighing 30 pounds for 30 days from morning until [sic] night and forfeit 5 dollars of their Monthly Pay for 3 months because they dident [sic] turn out on Review on the 26 of last month there was some 6 or 7 of them but thank the Lord Dear Clara I am not one of themÓ.   Tom is doing better but wishes for letters from home.  ÒDear Clara I wonder if they talk as much about Peace at home as they do here in Camp we are all the time talking about Peace down here but donÕt seem to be settleing [sic] it very fast.  Rumor that they might go to Alexandria for winter quarters.  Rumors of peace vs. fight Òkeep up a Perpetual ExcitementÓ.  Asks about children and family, for her to kiss the little ones often and tell them he is coming home so they wonÕt forget him.

 

 

Camp near Fredericksburgh

December 25 1862

 

Chrismas after Dark

By Candle Light

 

Has been on guard all day since last night.  His health is good but Tom is not any better.  The weather was like summer.  They had fresh beef and whiskey for Christmas, he ate the beef but traded his whiskey for tobacco.  Most others got the day off and could walk around at will visiting.  Buried 5 more comrades and thinks there will be many more.  He saw Ed Lomis for the first time since Fredericksburgh and he looks so bad he doesnÕt think heÕll make it.  It seems hard to see so many die when they could be sent home to recover.  Ò There seems to be some kind of disease here that takes a person very sudden and I donÕt beleive [sic] the docters [sic] understand it or how to cure it one and all agree that it is so much exposure to this kind of weatherÓ.    Sending her two more drawings he made Òa day or two ago by myself they represent the Places I made them for to life.Ó   Says he sent a number before and she never mentions them so he doesnÕt know if she got them but please save them until he gets home.

 

While writing another man died in the hospital and three deserters were brought in by the Provo guard, including Edgar Davis of their company who deserted about a month ago.  Hank Baker is very sick with fever.  He has written 6 or 7 letters since the Battle of Fredericksburgh and gotten none from her.  Gives love to all and wishes them a merry Christmas.

 

Camp on Potomac Creek VA

December 28 1862

 

Most are sick with colds and disease.  Fletcher got a letter from his brother David saying that no one has heard from the Regiment since the Battle of Fredericksburgh and he assumes she hasnÕt gotten any of his letters and he hasnÕt heard from her in so long.  Tell Julia that Tom is improving slowly.  Today another is buried from Company F Òbut I donÕt know his name there is so many dying here that it would take most all of ones time to keep track of them Poor Ed Lomis I donÕt think will ever see his Sarah again he is most goneÉout of eight-hundred and sixty men that we drawed rations for at Camp Seward we now have five hundred and sixty that we draw rations for and the number is diminishing very fast ever day we have not got an officer that we enlisted under in Utica in our CompanyÉ. Second Lieut Durgee of Company I has been appointed over Lieut Jones in our Company as Captain and the orderly Sergeant of Company  E has been promoted in Lieut Stanfords PlaceÓ.  Describes more about Jones and Stanford.  Nine promotions in the Regt but none in the Company.  Everyone feels bad the officers they enlisted under are gone but Òwe can safely lay the blame on Capt Cones shoulders if he had staid with us as he agreedÓ they would hae all their officers and be better off.  They end up being assigned to the Center of the Regiment instead of on the right.  ÒI heard yesterday morning that the Col had reported us unfit for Duty at head Quarters we are drilling on guard duty what little we drill now and the soldiers think we are going somewhere on guard dutyÓ.  ÒI send you some drawings of Camp life keep them for me the tent on the left is the kind that we now live in.Ó

 

Camp on Potomac Creek

Sunday Evening, January 11, 1863

 

Got her letter and one from Breish.  Is well, was on guard all night and day at Gen. WarrenÕs headquarters.  Fried pork then used grease and cotton rag to make a candle to write by.  ÒLast night there was a woman by our camp fire all night she was driven by a lot of drunken soldiers to take refuge in our camp in order to save her person.  Believe me dear Clara for I speak the truth she is the first woman that I have spoken to in Virginia.  She belongs to the 17th Regulars and she is called the daughter of the Regt.Ó.

 

Last Thursday the whole 5th Corp went on review, wishes she could see it:  ÒÉsuch a black field of moving mass I never saw the men were about fifty abreast and in an oblong column it took them about an hour to pass Gen Burnside and staff.  He sat on his horse with his head uncovered all the time the old fellow looks just as I expected to see him.  He is a good looking man of about 35 or 40 years of age but there is no hair on the top of his head but there is plenty around his face to make up for the top of his headÓ.

 

More officers from Utica resigning including Captain [doge?] of Co. F and Capt Lewis of Co C, Lieut Stanford and Lieut Jones of C A and Lieut Alden of Co C and Lieut Wilson of Co H.  ÒThis I believe makes 17 or 18 officers that have left us since we left Rome and if they keep on the same we wonÕt have any that came with us six months from the time we left thereÓ.  Tell Julia Tom isnÕt any better but the doctors think he is getting better.  ÒÉtell Jacob Breishs folks if you see them that I have sent quite a number of small trinkets home that belonged to him by Lieut Stanford and he may forget to give them to them  I thought they would be glad to have them.  His clothes I took and buried [sic] on account of the fever in themÉÓ 

 

More talk of attacking Fredericksburgh Òbut I guess it is a camp runner as usual.  Dear Clara how much I dream of you and home of late I see little ida in my dreams almost every night oh god how long I am afraid it will be before I hear her little Pratling [sic] tounge [sic] and the Tip tap of her little feet again.  I see now that I am away from you all how dearly I loved you.  Oh I pray god stop this horrible work of death and let us return to those we love and who are anxiously watching for our safe return.  Dear Clara if god spares my life to return once more to you I mean to live a better man.  I see the effects of this war so much every day that it has impressed my mind with a horrible sickness of it god grant that it will soon end all the soldiers down here sick enough of Fighting to stop on any terms.Ó  Closing, then p.s. hoping they will be paid off the 15th of the month.

 

Camp near Falmouth VA

Friday, January 30th, 1863

 

Received the box  she and Julia sent in good order but canÕt send anything to Tom.  He took all his things out except half the turkey and nailed it back up and brought it to the doctor who said there was no sense in sending it because it might be sent half way then sit for six months.  He got to have a long talk with the doctor who said ÒTom went away from here with the remitant Fever and was turning in the Typhoid and if he got over that down here in this climate he would be lucky and his chances were better for going home than if he got over it than they were for coming back here againÓ.  Apologizes repeatedly to Julia: ÒI would rather he would have them all if I could onely [sic] get them to him than ever taste a bit myself rather than ever be blamed afterwards the things are all in the box nailed up yet except my part hoping that I will yet get a chance to send it to him but I think I will risk that money in a letter to him tomorrow.Ó

 

Got six inches of snow but wonÕt trouble her with his troubles because she probably has enough of her own.  He is very healthy now.  ÒWe got paid off last night after dark and I will send you 40 dollars in allotment Papers one of them is from my tent mate mr Joseph Corrigan and he wants you should keep it 6 or 7 days or untill [sic] his aunt Mrs. Margaret Corrigan calls for it he will write for her to come there and get it.  She is in Clayville and he thinks it is the best way to get it.  Toms money cant be got now they tell me untill [sic] next Pay day with them Checks I send by Mr Deming.  I also send a [Port monic?] taken from Frederickburgh [sic] with some catriges [sic] and musket capsÓ.  She can take the check to the bank, the money he had coming was 30 dollars and 30 cents so she can see he has 10 dollars left, discusses other money.  Lengthy closing.

 

 

Camp near Falmouth VA

January 31st, 1863 (letter says 1862)

 

Replying to letter he received from her last night although he wrote yesterday.  Went early this morning to the Colonel and applied for a pass to go to Acquia Creek and this time was not refused.  ÒI shall start early tomorrow morning to go there if I am well and alive although it be a hard days work for me I guess I can stand it I suppose it is about 30 miles there and back and such going as it is now will make it seem like fifty so you can tell Julia that Tom shall have his things after all I have put the things in 2 haversacks and one on each shoulder I will go trudgeing [sic] along through the mud.Ó  Has sent back 2 checks by Mr. Deming, one for Joseph Corrigan his tent mate for his aunt Miss Margaret Corrigan, and a pocket book with musket caps and cartridges taken at Fredericksburgh.

 

ÒThis morning I was made a fourth sargent [sic] in our Company so you see I will be releived [sic] from a great deal of Extra Duty besides getting More Pay my wages now are 17 dollars a month.  I am sorry you feel so bad every time there is talk of a Battle although I suppose you cant be blamed for it if it had not of been for the mud I think there would have been a great many of us slaughtered by this time but keep up your Courage and Hope for the Best.  Gen Hooker has not been in any Engagement lately at all and I cant see what the Papers took it from and you spoke about fletch and the Barber Business tell Sarah I have not bought any of them tools and he fletch Denies the Statement of saying he wanted six dollars for them he has not sold them to anybody although most of them is gone I canÕt say where we never went into the Barber Business at all because we never had time.Ó

 

Camp near Potomac Creek, VA

Monday March 23th, 1863

 

[rough sketch of eagle with banner]

 

Thinks they are on the verge of a Battle because theyÕve been ordered to be ready with 8 days of rations.  Every one who didnÕt have a knapsack has been ordered to get one and carry his grub on his back with no tents or clothes and take nothing but a blanket.  ÒThere is no wagons going with us and but two pack mules to cary [sic] the Officers things.  This morning the Docter [sic] would not excuse anybody he has ordered one man that walks on crutches his name is bright to report for duty.  We have got lots of cripels [sic] some of them pretty bad and they have all been put in the ranks again.  Some say they are going to Fredericksburg.  ÒÉexcuse this short letter oh my Dearest and onley [sic] one on Earth that I love.  I shall Confide the keeping of you and my little ones in the care of god and if it is the lot that god has set aside for me to be shot on the filed of battle then try and live a true and Christian Wife and bring our children up in the fear of the Lord I pray every night just before I go to sleep for your welfare and safe keepingÉÓContinues closing.  Says his arm hurts from being vaccinated.

 

Camp near Potomac Creek, VA

Wendsday [sic] March 25th, 1863

 

Still in old camp but thinks they are preparing to move.  Having inspection today and every man has to carry 40 rounds of cartridges.  ÒLast night our picket line was attacked all over the long [Road?] was beat and troops were sent out to strengthen the lines to night but none of us were into it our Col laid awake all night last night our Officers seem to be afraid of some thingÉ. My opinion is that Lees men will fight us for a little while at Fredericksburg and then fall back on Richmond and then I think we will have to follow him up and when we have got as near there as they want us to get they will show us what they want that is to coax us near Richmond and then send a heavy force in our rear and Destroy the Rail Road and cut off our suplies [sic] and fight us from both sides and then hurah [sic] for another great Union Victory .  I tell you I donÕt Predict the future very often but if Joe Hooker crosses the Rappahanock River with the intention of taking Richmond mark my words if they dont come true strategy has been their plan of fighting all the time and they will use it now they used it at Fredericksburg [sic] with good success and our Generals couldent [sic] see itÓ.  Some of their boys went out on picket to fill up a Brigade that was Òdefisient [sic]Ó, eight out of each Company.  ÒWe heard how Demming went home and reported our Regt the Dirtiest and the Lousiest one in the service and more he has reported us totally demoralized and I donÕt believe they are any more lousey [sic] than some other Regs down here and as for being Demoralized it is the feeling of all the men in the armey [sic] they would all gladly come home if they could.  He has just come into camp and the Boys hooted and holered [sic] after him awful. Ò

 

They have just been ordered for the first time that no one is to leave camp without the permission of the Commander.  They act as if the Rebs are close.  Lengthy romantic, religious closing.  George Bates has just heard that his mother is dead Òhe feels awful bad for such a wild fellowÓ.

 

 Camp near Potomac Creek, VA

Thursday April 9th, 1863

 

Is well, in same Camp, no more rumors of moving.  ÒThere will be a grand move I think before we hardley [sic] expect it we had that Grand Review By Abraham Lincoln last Tuesday they say there was 80 thousand troops present we were on the Banks of the Rappahanock and The Rebels were on the other side of it drawn up in line of Battle.  I suppose they thought we were going to Attack them they lay Behind Frederickburg [sic] thick as Ever to judge by their Camps they fired two guns to let us now that they were awake.  Fredericksburg looks forsaken and Dingy Enough now from a distance what a thing this war is Fredericksburg once a thriveing [sic] and well Established City and the oldest one they say in the United States now lies almost Desolate and in Ruins and such marks the tracks of the armey [sic] all over Vigrinaia look where you will nothing meets the Eye But Ruins & Desolation where Houses stood nothing remains but Chimneys to tell there Ever was any and their Occupants have gone mostly all in the Rebel army except the women and Children and they have gone Here and there no one knows Where god help them if they had any influence in Creating this Monstrous Rebelion [sic] for now I think they suffer almost Everything I have seen when we were out on picket some of the little log Houses and their inmates suffering almost Everything little Children scarcely old Enough to know what we were doing down Here were in almost a state of nakedness and in want of something to allay their Hunger poor little things how I did pity them when they would come todeling [sic] through the snow their little bare feet looking like Coals of fire and asking for Hard tacks to stop their hunger who could refuse that had any bit of human feelings left.  I for my part could of given mine willingly and gone without myself just to see them Eat.  I hope Dear Clara never to hear or see you or my little ones suffering as I see them here.  But my telling you of it wont [sic] help it a mite so I will stop.Ó

 

ÒTomorrow we are to have a grand muster to see how strong the armey [sic] of the Potomac is.  We are expecting to be paid off every day But the pay master Doesent [sic] seem to get along yet we have had a sutter [?sic] here for about 3 weeks and the most of the Boys have spent their money before they even got in getting orders on the Captains if I felt like it I might make a good deal of money in making them pictures such as I sent home.  I have made a good many of them already some offer me 50 cents apiece to make them and they will pay me on pay day.  I have got some money comeing [sic] in that way now I have to mark laurel root for almost the whole Regt to whittle on there is some one running to my tent all the time and I am getting tired of it it is all work and no payÓ.   Closing.  P.S. written sideways over text of page 4:  ÒLiet Col White of the 117 was here this afternoon I havenÕt learnt whether the Regiment has come or not we Expect them all the timeÓ

 

 

 

Chancellorsville and Libby Prison

 

(Pending)

 

 

 

Wilderness and Preceding Skirmishes

 

(Pending)