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Julia FROST "Walker" was the recipient of most of these letters |
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- Letter from John
Houston Hazleton to Delos Walker-
- Company “D” 106th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers -
Camp Observation – Dec 31st 1861
Mr D. H. Walker
Dear Cousin
After so long an absence from home and friends I thought perhaps you would
like to hear a few words from your cousin in the army doing duty for his country
and defending it from invasion by Rebels and armed traitors. I am Orderly
Sergeant in Co. “D” 106th Regt “Pennsylvania Volunteers” Our Company are all
from Canton or near there with one or two exceptions. Which makes it much
pleasant than it would be if the Co. was formed of men from different parts of
the country. Many more have joined this Regt from Canton & vicinity. I think we
have now here from our section of the country about 200. There are hardly any
young men left around Canton. Mr S. H. Newman is our Captain we think a great
deal of him although he has not been with us for some weeks having been detached
on recruiting services. I heard a few days since by a young man from Canton that
he was at home very sick with the Bilious fever. We were expecting him with a
squad of men until we heard he was sick. I will give you a brief history of my
travels since I left home. A squad of 40 odd men (myself among them) left Canton
Sept 3rd 1861 for Harrisburg by rail road. After we had proceeded as far as
Ralston we met Col. P. Wise of the Keystone Regt. Located at Philadelphia. He
urged us to go on to the City and join his “Rifle Regt” after talking over the
matter awhile we concluded to go. Reached the City at dusk. The next morning
were mustered in and marched to camp about 5 miles from the center of the city.
We were promised our uniforms & immediately after getting to camp but when we
reached there we found only one company and they were not half fitted out. We
staid there about 2 weeks receiving no uniforms guns no not even our blankets to
lie on but it was fortunate for us as the weather was warm. It was not long
before we began to think we had been dieped. So we concluded to join Col.
Morehead’s Regt. He told us if we did not get our uniforms in the next day we
might leave but we did not leave, everything was right. When we moved from the
old Keystone Regt. We only marched to the opposite side of the city about the
same distance from the center. Staid there [___] days on the 30th we were
ordered here where we have been ever since. We have been in no engagements as
yet. Have been here as guards to keep the Rebels from crossing the river. Our
camp is located about 2 miles back from the Potomac on the Maryland side. Gen.,
McCall engaged the Rebels at Drainsville Va. About the 20th [___] and completely
routed them. Our loss was only 7 killed & 60 wounded according to Gen. McCally
official report. He says the rebel loss in killed & wounded could not be less
than 90. One of the rebel prisoners says that they acknowledge a loss of 300 or
400. I enjoyed very good until about the 1st of Nov. Through the month of Nov I
was off duty several days but only a few days but only a few days at a time. The
last day of Nov I was attacked violently by the piles they only lasted however 2
or 3 days. Then I the Rheumatism set in my left shoulder and hip and my bones
ached, my tongue was heavily coated, & I had every appearance of fever. I staid
in my tent about two weeks and took medicine all the time. But getting no better
the doctor told me I must come to the Hospital where I have been since the 13th
of Dec. I had a slight attack of Bilious fever followed by 3 ague chills. I feel
very well now walk out nearly every day, good appetite and should think I would
get along and soon be able to do duty if it wasn’t for the Rheumatism which
hangs in my shoulder & hip. I will write more about our fare & customary when I
write again. That is if you answer this pretty [___]. We have no snow here yet
not enough to hardly show on the ground. Write me all about the weather and all
the news. Love to all. I have not heard from our folks since they arrived in
Lansing
J. H. Hazleton
[] Transcribe July 22, 2002, by Wendell R. Evans []
Jonathan Morgan to Delos Walker
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Letter Corporal Jonathan V. Morgan
Company E Kane’s Rifle (42nd) Regiment Pennsylvania (Bucktails) Camp Pierport – Jan the 20th 1862 |
Respected Friend
Accept my well wishes for your prosperity and happings. This unhappy state
of affairs has separated us for a time and perhaps, forever; but this as part
will decide, as long as I live I will remember you. You are a kind, honest
friend of mine. Your sympathy and aid was ready for me at all times, through our
youthful days, and you entered heartily into our enjoyments. Often do I think of
the “good old times” we have had together. Dear friend we may never be thus
associated together again. Let us now keep up the only mode of communication we
have that is, by the instrumentality of the pen, the most influential implements
in the world.
It gives me great pleasure to receive letters from a friend. I feel while I
am reading them almost as if I was talking to him.
If it shall be my [he_py] los I hope to be with you soon again. But until
this dangerous rebellion is put down I consider it my duty to stand by my
Country. Dear Friend I think you are doing the same. It would not do for all to
go to war. We as soldiers, appreciate your labors to sustain us in this noble
caus the salvation of the home of Washington and the perpetuation of his
institutions.
Write soon.
Your well wishing Friend
“Corporal” J, V. Morgan
“A soldiers boy”
Direct to Washington D.C.
Company E Kanes Rifle Regt, Pa R.V.C.
[] Transcribe June 24, 2002, by Wendell R. Evans []
Letter Hannah Kelsey, wife of Selah Kelsey to her cousin Julia Aurelia FROST Walker
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Maine Feb 19th 1865
My Dear Cousin Julia
I wrote you some time ago but have not received any answer yet. Perhaps you
have not got it yet although it is nearly two months since. Your brother Ruels
wife has been to our place of late but I did not see her would have been pleased
to of seen her but it was not convent for me to leave home at that time. She
passed our house if I had of known it would of hailed her one moment. Selah is
talking of trying his fortune in the oil works of Penna. This Summer there is
considerable excitement here about that country but I immagen it would be to
oily for me so I am going to stay where I am of that is the Colenlation at
preasant. How is your father & mother health this winter if you have had as cold
& snowey winter as we have. I think you are ancious to see warm weather by this
time are you going to live where you are another year. How does Mr Whitrears
people like going west please give me their address when you write me again.
Father has been visiting us the passed two weeks in company with his eldest
sisters daughter she is spending the winter with Father her name Hannah
Elizabath Wright is a widdow lives in Philadelphia has three children all
married we have never known anything about fathers relatives untill lately there
is a legacy left them in England $13,000,000 which is to be payed next June it
set them to hunting each other up to see who the __uful heir was. I don’t know
as we ever should of known each other if it had not been for the leagsey. It
seems to me that I sent you our photo [___] some time ago did I! Or am I
mistaken about it I have not got any of them left now & I intended one for you
March, 19th 1865
You see I concluded this some time ago but have not sent yet. Yours come to
hand a few days ago began to think you had forgotten me. Uncle Curtises have
given up visiting you at preasant. We have heard that Uncle Davids people were
bad off Aunty has been sick so has Horace Uncle has a bad hand thinks he will
loose the use of it. Uncle Luke has been buying another farm [___] him on the
South we are going on it as intend to now we shall move in about two weeks. O
Jule I would like to visit you ever so mutch & if nothing happens to hinder us
we shall some day. Glectie is at home in Spencer Mary we expect her every day
now sister Bradley & husband are coming to spend the summer with us. Does your
Father think of moving West what a dreadful colometz to be deprived of health
Sarahs health is poor all of the time don’t know as she will ever enjoy health
again. Do you think this slave holders Rebellion is nearly at an end. How many
homes it has made desolate Charles is with Sherman Harrison & George is under
Grant they have been favored thus far although they have been nearley three
years in the servace, Our Love, Write soon
Hannah Kelsey
[] Transcribe June 24, 2002, by Wendell R. Evans []
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Letter Roswell Amasa Walker to Delos
Walker-Julia Frost
Company C, 132nd Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers [] Camp Whipple Sunday Aug: 22th 1862 |
Tis but a few days since I wrote to sister Mary but as I have a few leisure moments I will send you a few lines to let you know that we are still well and enjoying ourselves as soldiers only can. When I wrote to sister we were in Camp Chase yesterday we were removed about 1 ½ m where we are now encamped. Our situation is in deed pleasant. We are upon a hill gently sloping to the East we are in sight of the Capital & the Capitol. We also have a view of Georgetown and the forts surrounding our encampment. We have more for our convince perhaps than you imagine. I have Portfolio in which I can keep my papers nicely and which makes a nice writing desk Our knapsack serves for either chair or pillow, Uncle Sam dresses us well and furnishes us with substantial food; This morning we were marched into a fort near by and practiced a little in Artillery drill it is thought that our company will take possession of one of the forts to learn to work the cannon: I am glad if they are. Our Co. bears the color of the Regt. Instead of being Co. A. It has been decide that we shall be Co. C. We were out on dress parade to night our Col. Was there his name is Oakford He is a noble looking man. We get considerable news here but cannot rily upon it Yesterday and day before we heard of sad reverse of our Army that Pope was rapidly retreating before the Rebel Jackson. To day Sigel in conjunction with Pope has cut the force under Jackson badly. But we cannot tell what to believe. Please write all the news of importance you get tell us whether or not they are drafting men in Penn. I hope you will not be drafted if you are I shall wish myself at home to go in your place; To night I got my likeness taken which I sent to sister Mary. Please report whether it is received or not also the $25 dollar which I sent to father. I have received but one letter from home by mail since I left and I have written several. Have Geo. Hutchins & Mart Havens returned to the army. I should have had several photographs taken could I have got them but the artist would [no_ld] not take them. So I final had him take me one for which I paid him .75 cts. It is now getting late almost time for roll call so I will close by saying good night. Do not fail to write often love to all inquiring friends tell them all to write for a letter is not disagreeable to a soldier accept these pen line. Brother & sister
From your obedient – [___]
R A Walker
Co. C 132nd Regt. Washington D.C.
Care of Capt Townsend
[] Transcribe June 24, 2002, by Wendell R. Evans []
Letter Roswell Amasa Walker to Delos Walker-Julia Frost
Company C, 132nd Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers
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Camp Whipple - Thursday September 4, 1862
Dear Bro. and sister
Your [___] [___] [___] I received yesterday was glad to hear that you were
all well and that [___] [___] [___][___] [___] [___] [___] [___] received Mary’s
mother and Uncle [___] letter the day before I tell you after waiting over a
[___] for a letter from [___] [___] was rather an agreeable surprise to
receive one two days in succession. I think before you get this you will get
several others that you had not received when you wrote yours. That is some of
you folks in the settlement. Well what news to tell you I do not really know. I
think since last I wrote we have marched [___] miles and have since returned to
our old quarters Camp Whipple. I know not why but there are many mysterious
things about war. I suppose you have learned of this movement the Union Army of
their retro grade movement from the vicinity of Richmond. The Rebels forever
following last Saturday at Manassas a sever battle was fought. We heard the
firing it lasted nearly all day we know not which side were victorious. Camp
rumors cannot be depended upon. Doubtless both sides met with sever loss but the
great struggle is yet to come if the Rebels do not back this thought that they
are pressing on towards Chain bridge 6 mi above here where they intend to cross
on to the Maryland side. But I think they will meet with defeat of union [___]
lines for the past week. Regiment after Regt. have been filtering in from all
directions most passing on for Chain bridge. There fortifications around
Washington are certainly severe against all the forces that our enemy can bring
against them. We have been engaged a few days in digging rifle pits We learned
that Kanes rifle regt. lay last night about 2 miles from here. Dewit saw one of
the boys belonging to the [___] Co. with Morgens boys. He said Bill was there
with his regt. We tried to day to get a pass out of Camp to go and see him but
could not and heard at [___] [___] time that they were passing on towards Chain
bridge and will pass near hear if so we may see him yet. Our guns which we rec.
had been condemned and last night we received in their place the Harpers Ferry
Musket they carry an oz ball and three buckshots [___] that make the Rebels
[___] I hope so. The more I see of the enemys country the more [___] I detest
their opposition to law and Union. Tis a pleasant day indeed we have had some
showers within the past few days the boys are both well. They have just see a
nice [___] [___] Canton. The mail just now came in. I dropped my pen had out for
a letter, but got none Oscar rec. a letter yesterday from [___] with a line
enclosed for me his folks were well you say you guess that Ge. Hutchins and Mart
Havens were a little homesick I guess your right about Geo. Mart did not show
homesick so much. I have not heard from [___] if the [___] boys since I left
Camp Curtain [___] [___] what a surprised to hear that Eld Kinney had taken Geo.
Home tell Eld Harmmon that we were too late in thinking of Mrs Chaplainey or him
they have given the position to a minister [___] [___] I am sorry. I suppose
David has [___] to war before this time. When you hear from him write and give
his P.O. Address [___] [___] to write. Tell her not to feel too bad for I think
with good luck the fighting will be [___] [___] [___] before a great [___] [___]
regt to which [___] belong passed through here not a great [___] [___] Oscar saw
many of his old a [___] from Canton. Mrs. Townsend [___] [___] [___] get she is
a good and pleasant women [___] a good nurse, were it not for her it [___] [___]
seem half as much like home I heard [___] what voice even now while I
write. She says [___] not going to leave us. We have a butler [___] [___] [___]
the regt has some of the boys and [___] [___] [___] much in advance but his not
[___] [___] [___] nor myself. Tell mother we have had several good dishes out of
those dried [___] I sent Jay a little tell him to answer to tell all the friends
to write. Love to all ask [___] to tell me where to direct to the boys that is
Floyd and George. When you write again tell me how many letters you and the
folks have rec from me
Tell me all the news
No more at present
From me R. A. Walker
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Transcribe June 24, 2002, by Wendell R. Evans
Letter Roswell Amasa Walker to Delos Walker-Julia Frost
Company C, 132nd Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers
Camp near Harpers Ferry
Sunday Oct. 5th 1862
D. H. & J. A. Walker
Dear Brother & Sister
I [___] know as I shall write enough if I attempt it to compensate you for reading but [___] the landing I will send you a few lines to let you know that we are still with the army at Harpers Ferry. Eating our daily allowance of both food if did which last named article I think [___] taking a [___] [___] [___] [___] makes its way quickly to the outside after being eaten but I think we are [___] durable clean after all for soldiers every now and then we go down and bathe in the Shenandoah which empties into the Potomac just below the ferry. Upon Wednesday last Kimballs Brigade consisting of 4 Regt’s besides our own were ordered to march. We started quite early in the morning. The artillery in our advance and winded our way along the Potomac in the direction of Leesburg. We marched till about 8 or 9 oclock in the evening and halted within three miles of the above named place. When we soldiers were informed that we marched for the purpose of taking the city which in the morning was occupied by the Rebels. But a union force had taken it just before our arrival and I guess it was well they did for when we reached our place of destination there were not a hundred men left in the brigade. The rest having straggled behind our regt at our halt. Could count but 19 a few others came up that night some the next morning and some after we had returned to Harpers Ferry. It was indeed a long hard march somewhere between 20 & 25 miles. And we had to carry our guns cartridge boxes with no rounds in them and haversacks containing three days rations, so you may commend me rather tough for I endured it well with the exception of my feet getting a little sore. But the beat of Tin John was the next day we had to march back again, but we took a route 4 or 5 miles nearer. That helped us a little, I saw and tasted of some very nice apples and peaches found through several good looking villages some of them displayed Union flags & some did not but acted rather preach We saw also one or two schoolhouses looked upon them as natural curiosity. Oscar & Dewitt both remand in Camp Oscar was not doing duty then on account of ill health & Dewitt was on guard so he did not go. Oscar was better now [___] he has commenced to do duty again. The last mail we rec was over a week ago. Then I rec. Julis letter, I have written one since to father & mother. The mail is very irregular in its comings but when it does make its arrival. I think we get all that is sent. To write every opportunity. So uncle yet at our houses I understand you have removed your quarters. Well they [___] change of pasture makes fat cattle I wish you swell in your new home. I would like to pay you a visit shall do so at the first opportunity Tell Jay and all the rest, they must write often and I will give some of you a letter once or twice a week. Tell Dewitt’s folks they must send him a letter often he has not rec. but two since he came away and he don’t like so few I guess. I shoul don’t we drew soft bread yesterday the first we had drawn for a good while and it tasted considerable like home. Well I have not written much only to let you know that we are well but my sheet is most full and I have nothing new to tell you so I will close. Excuse bad looking paper we cannot keep it neat. Write soon
From your brother R. A. Walker
I wish you would send me another Agitator I did not get the one you did send.
Where is John [___] and the rest of our Covington boys.
They have been inflating a large balloon for a few days, guest this morning
they sent it up to a considerable height. Oct 6th.
[]
Transcribe February 16, 2003, by Wendell R. Evans
Letter Roswell Amasa Walker to Delos Walker-Julia Frost
Company C, 132nd Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers[]
Harpers Ferry – Oct. 15 1862
Delos Julia & Melissa
Dear Brother sister [__ ] from last eve I read a good long letter from
yourselves and Mary in conjunction I tell you it inspired me with the spirit of
writing and although I answered Mary’s a day or two before I got it yet I will
proceed immediately to answer yours thinking if it gratifies you as much as that
did me I shall be more than paid for my trouble. For about 2 weeks we could not
get the mail. Then about 3 days ago we did get one. I recd by it a letter from
home and one from Belind I immediately answered the one from home as I had a
little business matter to speak of and I will soon answer Belinds. Then last
night I recd one from you, one from Julius, and one from Cousin John. He says he
is gaining but I will enclose you the letter therefore need not give you the
particulars. I gave him a long answer to day. Julius spoke as though I had not
written to him, tell him I sent him a letter since the battle. I presume he has
it by this time. I have written to you since then, though you had not reed it
when you wrote me. Three papers came with the letters, well you said you were
troubled with jobs comforters, that is you Delos, I know how to sympathize with
you. I had a few while in Harrisburg. I have not since though. You say the
parolled boys are home, then make the remark that they do not know their
destination well. I think they’ll live fat while they do stay and as to a
soldiers knowledge of his destination I think I know about the extent of that,
but I am glad they are fortunate in getting home safe once. Will Kezia go with
them again, I am glad to hear you mention Ford and [___]. V. as being alive. Yes
Jule lines from home will never fail to interest me. Tell Uncle Roswell I will
deputize Uncle Stratton to attend to him until my return. So I think he will
soon recover. He thinks we were brave in battle we would not be cowards. It
would disgrace our family name. We are very thankful as well as yourselves that
we are safe. We owe it alone to the one that ever protects the lover of right.
Tell Uncle that Oscar is a steady boy I think that camp influences have
tended to remind him more of the influences of home. I know they have me. Tell
aunt Isabell a letter from Anty and my cousin would be very acceptable. Tell
[___] to kiss his wife for me. He’s a lucky fellow indeed tell M. J. I have more
letters to write than she does but I wont be particual who writes first. I
wouldn’t mind going to one of her applecuts. I am glad Cov. Is doing so much for
soldiers and am thankful for the kindness you manifest to me. And shall and have
made free to mention to you some things that are not very expensive to send but
do not want to put you to too much trouble. Tell Nat’s wife I hope she may not
be separated from her husband long and as to the sister if you think she’s smart
I am sure I should. I think I shall be home about the time you eat the first
meal from your new table. Oscar & Luet. McDougal have made application for a
furlough I think the prospects are fair for their getting them if they do you
will see them home in a few days. Doc will tell you all the news. Well Melissa I
am glad you wrote to me again. It seems kind of friendly. But you say you have
recd no answer to the one you wrote before, I sent it nevertheless and no doubt
before this you have recd it so that is all right. You say you miss your friends
in the army. Well we are glad that our old and tried friend at home think of us
but do not wish them to worry for us for we are doing quit well now for a while
since coming to Harper’s Ferry we fared rather slim. But or Col. Has been
talking to our quarter master and we get sope & bread now and more plenty of
sugar [___]. You think it seems a long while till Dave’s discharge but do not
imagine that this war will last 3 years. It certainly cannot. Morgans boys will
be company for Dave and make it much more pleasant. If Oscar comes home he will
be in Canton nearly as soon as my letter arrives at Covington. Dewitt is
somewhat complaining and as for myself am troubled a little yet with the back
door. Well you know what I understand that the Rebs have made a trip into Pa and
captured quite an amount of horses. They are getting very audacious. Probably
occasioned by their capacious stomaeks crying for food just now. Mary didn’t
tell me about the applecut you or Jule spoke of. Well Mary next time you go to
an applecut give me a nice description of it as it is getting late in the
evening and as I just gave you and father & mother a letter excuse me for this
time and now friends give me another letter soon as long and spicy as the other,
excuse me for making this a lengthy and accept it from your brother and friend
R A Walker
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Transcribe June 24, 2002, by Wendell R. Evans
Letter from C. O. Hazleton
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Note by C. J. Congdon – Nov. 1989
Letter Dated “Canton Aug 6th 1861”
Salutation “Friend Walker” was undoubtedly to Roswell Amasa Walker, son of
James Walker & grandson of settler from New Hampshire Isaac Walker who
established a farm in Covington Township July 1813. The family in 1861 lived on
a farm in the eastern part of Covington Township.
Signatures
C. O. Hazleton was a cousin of Roswell, whose mother had been born Eliza
Hazelton in Townsend, Vt. Her father, Dr John Hazleton, had also immigrated to
Covington sometime before 1830
G. M. Van Dyke apparently was a friend of C. O. Hazleton. He was doubtless descended from John Van Dyke, a native of Holland, soldier in a Northumberland company of rangers (1778 – 1783, & settler in Ulster in Bradford Co.
Canton August 6th, 1861
Friend Walker
We this day enlisted under Capt. McDougal and will start for Harrisburg on
Friday sure hop
We are anxious to have you go with us therefore you will (without fail) please be here ready to start at that time.
In love at haste we remain
Your Friends
G M Van Dyke
C O Hazelton
[]
Transcribe February, 15 2003, by Wendell R. Evans
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Letter A. M. Whitteker, Husband of Sarah FROST Whitteker, to Delos Walker, Husband of Julia FROST |
Camp Curtain, Nov. 8th 1862
Brother Delos
I am now seated in agreement to write a few lines to you I am well as usual & as contented as I could expect to be away from home. It was a dreary day yesterday it snowed most all day & the wind blew very hard this morning the ground is covered with snow about 4 inches deep but the wind has gone down & it begins to thaw. I have pretty comfortable quarters as I tent with the officers although I have no office in the Company but might have had but I chose my present position that is Sect. for our Capt. Hall of Mainsburg all I have to do is to do his writing such as making out reports & rolls & I had to stop since I commenced this & make out a muster roll for the Company to join a Regiment I shall get extra pay & be cleared from guard duty & carrying luggage when we march & upon the whole I rather have my situation than any noncommissioned office in the company. If our boys had stuck together we would have had a full Com. & I should have been a Lieut. But some enlisted & some got clear & a great many run away so it left but few together in the eastern part of the County we made a great many different arrangements to join with other Pieces of Companies & some one would back out we finally about 40 of us with some Bradford Co. fellows & made out a full Com. We held our Capt. & they most of the other officers we have 1 sergeant 1 Corporal & the Teamster A. B. Mott is our Sergeant. If you could be here & see the figuring for officer you would not wonder that that war lasts we expected yesterday to have a regular fight here but it has passed off quietly so far there was an awful excitement & every man that had a revolver night before last loaded it expecting to use it. I did mine at least & them that had non whittled out clubs of Hickory wood to defend their rights with but the general government backed down from its position & I think it will all go right yet. When we came here Gov. Curtain told us we should have all the rights & privileges of the volunteers. Elite our officers from our own men & form Regt. & then be placed along the frontier of Pa & met and the forts arround Washington & so let the drilled troops go on & we could drill & be of service to the Government at the same time. This was the recommendation of Gen. McClallen. But the old regiments must be filled upon consolidated & that would not do as it would throw a certain set of drunken men out of office & so the Adjutant General of the U. S. came up here & ordered squads from full companies that had joined regt. To be ready to march in the morning to join old companies & fill up old regiments & be subject to be thrown into battle in a few days without any chance to be drilled. Well there was a delegation of 40 Captains went to the Gov. & told him the feelings of the men & that they never would be driven into the old regiments until they had a chance to drill. He said he had done all he could against it but government had overruled him so far he told them to be firm & it might come out right yet. The Adjutant General placed a double guard arround the camp from the Provo Guard & Harrisburg with loaded rifles & told them to shoot the first man that tried to cross his beat.
Continued on an other sheet
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Continuation of above |
Sunday Morning Nov. 9th
Well Delos I will try & finish my short letter this morning but it is pretty could and we have no stove in our tent yet although we keep a of hot coles in our tent our officers thought it would be best to not buy a great deal of furniture until they knew whether they would hold their position but there is no doubt of it now. Our tent is about 12 feet square we have a floor in it & a table that I made out of boards & a bench & I have a trunk, we expect to get some camp chairs & a stove & some matresses & have our meals cooked by themselves. John Austin is our cook he & I & the Capt. & 2 Lieuts stay together. Our 1st Lieut. is from Smithfield his name is Chas. Wood the other is from Springfield his name is Geo. Herman they appear to be very fine men were Capt. & first Lieut. in their Com. Before we joined. They had 2 barrels of apples sent to them the other day & expect a barrel of sider a tub of Butter in a few days. We have plenty of meat & sometimes potatoes Bread hard crackers beans Coffee a little sugar & the most I miss is butter & cream for coffee we have blankets enough amongs us so we put 5 under us & plenty over us it is could this morning & snows a little I most close this short letter & if you will do as well by me I will write again soon any thing from that Sect. on will be interesting
Yours &c A.M. Whitteker
[] Transcribe February 15, 2003, by Wendell R. Evans []
| Letter from A. M. Whitteker, Husband
of Sarah FROST "Whitteker" to sister in law Julia FROST "Walker"
Prinus Division 171st Regiment, Penn. Militia
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I read a few lines from you in Sarahs letter and will try & write a few lines to you in answer to it I was very glad to hear from you. Had given up entirely hearing from you & Delos could not think what I had done that he would not write to me but perhaps he is excusable. I was very sorry to hear of Roswells death but it is the way many has gone & many more will before this war is ended. There is full more lives lost by sickness than by the rebel but lets I think. In fact a man must have a very strong constitution that can stand the hard marching and exposure a soldier has to endure we have had a pretty good trial lately we took boats here the last day of March to reinforce a few of our troops that are at Little Washington on the Pamlico River about 100 miles from here by water. When we got most there we found the Rebels had a battery planted (near the old blockade) that could sink every vessel that tried to run by so we sent back for gun boats to drive them back they got 5 there before we came away but did not succeed driving them out so we had to come back we were on the water 7 days & it was as windy disagreeable weather as we have had this winter we were on 3 different boats and all the time exposed to the wind with nothing much to eat but hard crackers we could not even get a chance to make our coffee most of the time I gave 5 cents for the privilege of stuping a cup on the stove. It was impossible to keep warm enough & to sleep nights we got back in camp about midnight & got marching orders early next morning but did not start til next night at 12 oclock then marched the next 2 nights til about midnight then lay on the ground the fallen of the night but the nights were so cold I cold not sleep much with what clothing I had along. That is the way it goes soldiering & it did not do any good we turned back each time the last time without engaging one half of our artilery & only one Regt. Out of 16 of the Infantry It is the opinion of most every that either expedition would have been sweep full if they had half tried. But I have not time to tell you all about it now I have the worst cold I ever had my feet were blistered & I was lame all over could call myself sick if I had time but all the rest in the tent are sick & I have been busy every minute since I got back hardly took time to sleep I thought I could rest today as it was Sunday but they sent around some muster rolls this morning they must have made out by 4 oclock so I have been very busy all day & am tired writing you will think so by the looks of this. But you must excuse poor writing & mistakes this time. I think those verses were very good. The weather has been quite warm here for a few days but the nights are cool fruit trees have been in blom some time. I suppose they will draft again up there before long but I hope they wont draft. Draft [___] if they do. I will try & do as well by him as he did by me if I am alive. I should lik to hear from you again & Delos too if he gets time.
To Julia A. Walker Yours c A. M. Whitteker
[] Transcribe February, 15 2003, by Wendell R. Evans
Letter from A. M. Whitteker
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Camp at Washington N.C. Friday May 12th 1863
Dear Brother and Sister:
I rec’d yours of April 26th several days ago was very glad to hear from you
after waiting so long and will try and write a few lines to you today and let
you know what I am busying myself about “away down in Dixie” we are enjoying a
few more peacefull days in Camp which seems quite good after being knocked about
so much as we have been lately our Camp is close to town and we have the best
quarters we have had since we came out. Had better material to build with we
confiscated 2 deserted houses that stood near by. Tore them down & used the
boards windows doors & c to build up our quarters. The weather is to warm for
comfort days but our drill is only three hours a day beside dress parade. I have
plenty to do the balance of the time to keep me out of mischief but can stay in
the “Shanty” most of the time. We have a brick floor in it and by wetting it &
opening the door & window manage to keep comfortably cool. We had a few days
last week quite cool but it is barm again now. About like the middle of June up
there if it was not for being away from my family I could enjoy life in Camp
like this very well but we are not left so long at a time. Were not in camp but
very few days last month saw some very disagreeable times. Hadn’t much to eat
but hard tack coffee & pork which we had no chance to cook most of the time. But
you have probably heard about it by my letters to Sarah so I will not give you
any of the particular & cars. We were trying to get to this place to reinforce
Gen. Foster who was here with a small force entirely surrounded by the Rebels I
presume you have read some acct. of it in the papers. The force is small here
now (not over 3000) it is expected by some that they will attack this place
again soon but I should think they had a pretty good trial of it before. We keep
pickets out in all directions it is only 2 miles to the Rebel pickets to one way
and there is a Rebel flag in sight up the river. Two Companies of our regt. are
out on picket now across the river toward Newbern. They stay out a week & are
relieved by others I expect it will be our turn next. The whole Co. has not been
out yet but we have furnished a few at a time to go out toward Plymouth. I
presume you have heard before this that Capt. Hall was discharged April 11th &
has gone home. Wood is now Capt. Stacy 1st Lt. And Vaness (the one that was
orderly sergt.) 2nd Lt. And your humble Servt. Is O. Sergeant. Was promoted by
Capt. Wood without asking for it and it was very unexpected to me as I had not
been looking for any office in the Co. and according to the order of promotion I
would have had to commenced at 8th Corporal and been promoted 13 times to get to
where I am now but I had done a great deal of the Orderlys business all the time
& the Capt. Thought I could do it best of any in the Co. and wanted I should
take it but I did not care much about it as I had a very good place was getting
$17 per month had no guard police or fatigue duty to do. Had good quarters & was
favored in a great many ways but I stay with the Capt. yet & shall keep the
books and accts. The same as before. But it will keep me pretty busy but the
work is light & time will pass away the quicker. I am getting very anxious to
get home & see Sarah and Molly & hope to do so in a little over two months if my
life is spared but there may be a great many changes in that time Corporal
William H. Palmer of our Co. died the 8th ult he was a large robust man was only
sick a few days. (Perhaps you was acquainted with him) he was from Sullivan near
where you taught school once. We have been very lucky so far have only lost two
men yet but there is time enough for a great many to die yet before our time is
out. The food that is furnished us is not what it should be. So much coffee &
bean soup without any vegetables gives them all the “back door trot” some who
drink the coffee but one kneads something to rinse down the hard crackers beside
poor water. I board with the Capt. and Lieuts Again. Draw my rations have them
cooked with theirs we have a smart kind of a Darki to do our cooking “he does it
up in good style too” We have had several nip’s of Strawberries get them in town
for 20cts a qt. Talk of having a quart every day… Washington is a very pleasant
town shaded with Large Elm trees with plenty of flower gardens. Now in full
bloom if I had a envelop large enough. Julia I could send you a nice “bouquet” I
had not heard that you taught school last winter. Delos “where did you teach” I
don’t hear much about the draft lately I hope they will get along without it but
I don’t see how they cando. I understand the Rebels have a new General (General
Starvation). They begin to feel his power too (right smart) as the darkies say.
You will think by the looks of this that I not improved in writing much but I
have got the habit of writing very fast without taking pains to write well but
if you cant read it save it til I come home & I will read it for you. I have
been interrupted so many times since I commenced this I don’t know what I have I
have written but please excuse mistakes & I will try to do better next time.
Write again soon direct to Washington N.C.
Yours &c
To Delos and Julia Walker A.M. Whitteker
Tel Sady I will write to her often & that I am well & my likeness to her
Sunday.
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Transcribe February 15, 2003, by Wendell R. Evans
Partial Letter A. M. Whitteker[]
Continued
There are a great many going from here in a few days to Oil City to work.
Reliable men that come from there say that wages are from four to five dollars
per day there & that a man with a team can make $10 per day clear of expense. I
have thought some of going there myself. That we would pack up our things &
leave them here & Sadi & Nellie come out there on a visit while I went there to
see what the prospects were. I have already got some shares in a Co. that is
putting down wells there I could come with them part of the way we shall have to
give up this house next Saturday. But I cant leave until the Draft takes place.
Sadi is writing a letter so she wont write any thing in this. We had Nellies
Photograph taken will send you one if she don’t come out there soon. Please
excuse this very short letter and I will write more
Next time.
Affectionately Yours
A. M. Whitteker
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Transcribe February 15, 2003, by Wendell R. Evans
Letter from Merrick C. Seely
of the 7th Pa. Cavalry
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Camp Parkhurst – May 17th 1862
Dear Brother Deloss
I thought I would write you a few lines to let you know where I am and how I am getting along and first I would say that I am well, I will now give you a short history of our travels since we left Covington. We stopt at Harrisburg some four or five weeks we then took the Carrs and went to Pittsburg there we was wellcomed with a supper prepaired by the City authorities we staid there one night and one day we then took the steamboat Sir Wm Wallace and sailed down the Ohio River we arrived at Louisville I believe the fourth day and went on the Indiana side and staid there some time from there we marched on horseback to Bardstown KY and there we staid some time again the weather was bad the most of the winter thus far from Bardstown we went to Mumfordsville at green River we staid there about one week and from there we went to the City of Nashville and campt within three miles of there and we had a beautiful place for a camp and the weather fine but we did not stay there long for our Regt. Was there split up a part went to Collumbia apart staid there and the rest of us went to Lebanon we remained there four or five weeks it is very pretty and pleasant place and a good Country from there we come here to Murfreesboro and are here yet way down in Tennessee in the sunny south and the land of cotton. Weather is now fine crops look well. Clover has been in blom for some time strawberries are ripe wheat is all headed out seedy Peaches are about one inch in diameter and I tell you there will be an a bundent crop for every tree hangs very full and almost every fence corner is full of trees I think if we should be here when they are ripe I think I shall have one or two at least, and grapes grow in large quantities in the woods such as tax grapes both in Kentucky and Tennessee they will be very plenty here this fall. The timber here is Cedar Oak Elm Locust some Buttonwood Black walnut a few hickory and a very few Beach and Maple but dogwood is very plenty. When we come in town we see some very sour looking faces and especialy among the woman for they hate a yankey soldier as they call us as bad as they do the devil and I think they are more afraid of us than they are of him for I believe they think he is their friend and I believe he is to but we find some good Union men down here I wish there was more, when we came to Lebanon the Inhabitants were much feared some of the woman were crying some put on their bonnets and shawls and peaked out of the front windows to see if we were coming toward them if we was they intended to run out of the back doors but they soon found out we did not come there to hurt them as they had been told it was reported there the Union Soldier would rob steal. Murder and as much worse as posible well I do not blame them for some of them for believing what they was told for the Rebble Soldiers went through there and stole about seven hundred wagons and a large number of horses and threatened to shoot all Union men that would not go with them and that is the way they got meny of their men but some have run away since and come home took the oath of aligiance and some even went into the northern army now I must tell you about the fight at Lebanon there is no doubt but you have seen an acount of it in the papers but I will tell you what I know about it there is a man by the name of John Morgan he goes about the Country plundering all he can get hold of. He has been dreaded for a long time for he has so men friends and is so well aquatinted with the Country that it seems almost imposible to get him he lives in Kentucky but he operates in this state as well as there, on the morning of the 4th of this months there was a lot of our men started after him having heard that he staid within five or six miles of our camp that night with five or six hundred men with him well armed well they staid where we was told they did but had left before our men got there and as there was only sixteen sent out that was they did not follow them but come back to camp and reported the same and in a few minutes there was others came in camp that went out the same time the others did but on another road they said they see them the Morgan men going out on the Nashville road there was then a force of about six hundred sent after them and when they got some eight or ten miles from here they found the rebbles had set fire to seven bales of cotton it was yet burning when our men got there they also tore up some railroad and cut down some teligraph wire so our boys kept on after them still but they afterwards found he turned to go to Lebanon with his men so they started to come back to camp knowing they could not get him that day but before they got to camp they met Col. Wynkoop and Gen. Dumont with about four hundred more men determined on having him and his men it was then dark men and horses hungry but they turned back and went with the others rode until two oclock in the morning they were then within about 5 miles of Lebanon there they waited until fifteen minutes after three and then started for town, Horses and men still nothing to eat well they run the Horses all the way in town got there just at day break and then the bullets begin to fly for the Rebbles were in houses and fired at our men from the windows on both sides of the road but our men routed them took about 185 prisoners and most all of their Horses and arms the number they had killed we never could ascertain the number of our men killed was nine one belonged to our company it happened that there was but two of our Covington boys in the fight or two Covington and one Mansfield had I time and space I could tell you meny of the perticulers but by not doing it we will have the more to talk about when I come home.
Please answer this as soon as you get it direct to camp [___] [___] [___] [___] Nashville [___] [___] [___] [___] [___] in care of Capt. C. C. McCormick Tennessee
When you see my wife you give her the perticulars and also the rest of my friends as I cannot write to all, we expect there will be a hard fight at Corinth in a day or two. I believe it is about eighty miles from here so you see we will not be likely to be there.
M. C. Seely
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Transcribe February 11, 2003, by Wendell R. Evans
Letter from Keziah Hannah FROST "Seely"
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Camp Parole, Maryland – August 10th 1862
Dear Sister and Brother
I now set down to redeem the promise I made to let you know that I am alive and well and hope these few lines will find you in the enjoyment of the best of health and now how about my getting here and how much it cost me. I got a ticket at Troy for Baltimore it cost me just 7 dollars to get there and it took me just twelve hours for I was in Baltimore at 6 oclock Friday morning and there I took passage on board the steamboat Champion for Annapolis at which place I arrived at 10 oclock Friday morning it cost 75cts apiece for us to come down on the boat making 8 dollars and a half and we got our breakfast on the boat that was another half dollar so it cost me just 9 dollars to come and I had full as pleasant a journey as I could expect and now about the place Annapolois is a fine old place containing some splendid building but there is no regularity about the streets or buildings it looks the person alone of carelessness and negligence and now about this camp it is a lovely situation the ground is dry and rolling and I was going to say that it was surrounded by the rolling waves of salt water but it is not quite though there is no part of the camping ground but what affords a lovely view of the bay and the scenery is one calculated to inspire one with sublime thoughts and now that the ground is dotted over with canvas tents and the intervening spaces crowded with men of every kind it presents an interesting study. Some of them look cleanz and some the other way some seems thoughtful some inteligent some jovial and appear as though they never thought of the past or future and tried to fill every passing hour with Merrick. There is several hundred paroled prisoners here the only business they have is to cook what they eat there is a regiment here that acts as guard the paroled men say they do not enjoy themselves half as well as they did when in service for they feel as though they might as well be at home tending to their own affairs as to be here eating government beef for they cant do anything else for the government until they are exchanged but were I to guess I should say they enjoyed themselves very well the Covington Boys are all well John Huckins has got a buckshot in one of his legs that he brought from Murfreesboro with him but he is not lame and seems to be taking comfort. Tell his mother that if she could see him here she would feel a though he was taking more comfort than she is at home. They all seem cheerful Jule I cant write so you can read it nor can I think of a thing to write so I guess I will stop. I have not been in to see James Allen yet but shall before I come home and I do not know when I shall come home but I am not the only women here to see their husband there is quite a number of Pennsylvania women to see their companion, give my respects to all tell ma if I stay here long I will write to her. Write to me direct to Camp Parole near Annapolis Maryland Company L 7 Regt Penn. Cavalry direct to Merrick
Your Sister Keziah H Seely
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Transcribe February 9, 2003, by Wendell R. Evans