Peter DumontÕs Civil War: One New York SoldierÕs Story
Summary of
Letters- Working Draft
[1858][1862][1863][1864][1865]
[1880]
West Troy
June the 12th
1858
ÒMy
dear wife
It
is with Pleasure I now improve these idle moments in talking at a distance I am well and enjoying good health we are down in troy this morning and
shall go down the river about noon so it will give me a fine chance to run
around and see the place Cyrus has
been sick and he thought he had the fever & ague but he is better now we had our boat spring a leak and had
to go on the dry Dock because we could not pump the water out fast as it run in
and besides all that we have been trading horses and we have got a bully team
now you had better believe we
think some of bringing a load of coal up to Schenectaday [sic] this trip and not to Utica oh you do not know how bad I want to
see you you must take good
care of the little girl you know what I mean dont [sic] you if you dont [sic] I will tell you what
I mean when I see you again I dont
[sic] know when that will be but I hope to see you again oh it has seemed as though I had gone a
month already you must excuse my
writing [p. 2] because I am in [a] hurry and want to go along with Cyrus around
town write to me if you please
because I want to hear from you and all of you you must try and get well by the time we get back & lo I
want a kiss so bad I dont [sic] know what to do so here is one for you [series
of looping letters or symbols] good by my Dearest until I return
from
your affectionate husband ever true to you
Peter
L Dumont
good
by [looping wreath or chain around the good by]
[1858][1862][1863][1864][1865]
[1880]
Utica
June 19th
1862
To
Clarinda from Peter at home in Utica. ÒOh I have been so lonesome.
Since you and the little ones are gone I hardly know what to doÉEvery one who
meets me says why Pete whats the matter. Why you look [choopfallen]
enough, is your old woman gone with both the babies, what makes you look so
lonesome.Ó Both families are well. Gardening, set out nearly a hundred
cabbage plants. Playing fiddle. Notes about Jerry Mullin and his
wife. ÒÉ they have caught that young scapegrace Alex Lyons while trying
to make his escape on board a vessel in Toronto Canada west.Ó Not going
to circus without her. Sorry she is near out of money, will try to send
some. ÒMy work is just the same as it was and old Hill and the [musk
rats] wants some just nowÉ Tell Ida the rats has not eat pa clear all up and
kiss her for me and Willie to and Clara oh take care of them for my sakeÓ
Had supper with Jones and slept down to mothers one night.
Utica
June 29 1862
So
lonesome tears came into his eyes, hasnÕt gotten a letter in 2 weeks.
Last Thursday the 29th Almeda gave birth to a 9 pound daughter, they called
for Julia but she wonÕt come until the next day because she and Tom are mad the
baby came too soon. Going to BillÕs. Went to TomÕs last Friday after
she came up from Jones and she was so mad about the baby coming too soon.
Malvina came to get his breakfast but he didnÕt have any wood so she
left. He hasnÕt built a fire since she left. Wants to know Òwhere
them docter Books are jake wants hisÓ.
ÒI
have paid musksprate [?] 3 dollars and paid Hills 1 dollar and old Brown the
milk man which I could not help he come in the shop and it leaves me pretty
shortÓ. Wants to know how much money she has left and he will send her some
if she wants it even if he has to borrow it. ÒTake good care of the
Babies and kiss every night for me and look upon my picture for meÓ.
Cohoes
October 17th
1862
To
Clarinda from friend Marion in Cohoes Albany County NY. Discusses family
and friend visiting from Schoharie. Mrs. (Name?) mother Òhad a letter
from her yesterday stating that Lyman had been down at Utica to attend a
funeral he said one of his mates had died very suddenly and he had been down to
the funeral. I have been worried ever since for I thought perhaps it
might be Mr. DumontÉ. Tell Bill I would like if he would send me a paper when
the regiment leaves Rome.Ó
Arlington Heights
October Monday 20th 1862
Camp Seward
[letterhead of tree made of
American flags and word ÒUNIONÓ in red, white, and blue]
Feels pretty well, slight
cold and headache, all broke out in face and hands and swelled up in
blotches. ÒThe Docters [sic] is
puzzled to tell what ails me some tell me I have got the itch but I hope not
there is a great many sick ones here at presentÓ. Blames the march to Washington. Sick include Fletcher (Dimbley?), Tom Thickens, George
Whitten, John McGuire, and Ed Lomis who shot his right forefinger: ÒI cant say whether it was accidental
or done it to cheat the government he did not gain his effect because he will
have to stay.Ó Rumor that Fordis
Phelps drowned in the river on the way from NY.
Peter went to the Arlington
house, Òformerly the residence of Gen Geo Washington but lately the house or
residence of the Rebel Gen Lee I picked some rose leaves from his garden which
I send to youÉ.Swertfinger give me some apples blows which I send also there is
plenty of them here.Ó Complains of
lying on the cold ground at night with no straw available and too warm during
the day. Has to get up at the call
of the drum at daylight at half past five and cook breakfast before daylight so
to be on duty at sunrise. ÒI donÕt
see the fun in a soldiers life at all.
I hope you will cast a thought on us once in a while when you go to your
beds and tables and think we endure hardships never seen in our homes far
away. Our Col does not get any
better as I see yesterday Col Corcoran passed by here with his brigade of
McMickeys I had a good sight of him they are encamped close by us a fine lot of
soldiers as ever were.Ó Misses
her, no fences or houses, all you can see is soldiers, Òyou cant get a sight of
a woman at all.Ó
Arlington Heights, Camp Seward
October 22nd 1862
[letterhead of US Capitol,
Headquarters 146th RegÕt N. York Vols., Col Garrard, Company –
written in A Capt Cone]
Can hardly walk, Òall
swelled up in the groins and broke out in sores the docters [sic] donÕt know
what to make of it the soldiers here say I have got the Camp itch but the
docters [sic] say I havenÕtÓ.
They have marching orders for Harpers Ferry tomorrow but doctors say he
has to stay behind and he may have to go to Washington Hospital but he doesnÕt
want her to worry because he doesnÕt feel sick, only lame and no appetite. Has to walk Òstradel legedÓ and all the
boys laughing at him. The health
of the rest of the camp is poor with all kinds of sicknesses. They are getting vaccinated for small
pox. Some are getting
discharged. ÒThis letter is
covered with Virginia Sand and it looks awful dirtyÉ.this is such a bad place
to write we having to lie on the ground to writeÉ this is a very wicked place
but donÕt fear for me because you know what I have been heretoforeÓ . Young clergyman, 17 years old, held
Sabbath meeting that was well attended and gave religious books to all those
that would take them. [not signed so there may be another page].
Arlington Heights, Camp Seward
October 27th Monday 1862
[letterhead of woman in flag
dress with feather hat helping man in billowing pants, probably Zouave, laying
on his pack]
Letter No. 9 Received 3
Got her letter and
MalvinaÕs. Woke up day before
lying in two inches of water in tent. It was so cold they could hardly stand,
ÒI never saw colder weather in the middle of winter than I saw this
morningÓ. Took quite a tramp
looking for something to lie on and found a picket fence which they tore up and
made a floor for the tent.
Everything was wet and they couldnÕt build a fire so went without
breakfast but it warmed up ÒÉ so to night
I and fletch are writing quite comfortable tell Maley I delivered her
mesages [sic] imeadiately [sic] after I got her letter and tell her not to let
that be the lastÉ I want to see you so bad again I dont know what to doÉÓ All are getting better except John McGuire:
ÒI think he will not stand it long if he stays here his breath smells so bad he
drives every one away from him I think it is ConsumptionÉ I forgot to tell you
fordis Phelps came in Camp Handcuffed and alive yesterday he was caught in
baltimore and brought here there has been some desertions since we got here but
I think they will be caught before long.
Tell Julia Tom is well and looks good.Ó
Arlington Heights, Camp Seward [?]
October 29th 1862
[letterhead of US Capitol,
Headquarters 146th RegÕt N. York Vols., Col Garrard, Company –
written in A Capt Cone]
Got her letter, is happy to
hear she is well and sorry she feels so bad about him Òbecause I was not what
you might call sick at all onley [sic] I felt kind of dead and that breaking
out I had was pretty bad I was so sore I could hardley [sic] touch anything
without hurting me but thank the Lord I am a great deal better so that I can
begin to do somethingÓ. Yesterday
he and his regiment and 14 more went on a tramp down below Fort Albany on
review Òand it was a splendid sight I wish you could on such an occasion [sic]
be here I know you would like to see so many men formed in line of battle I saw
them from fort Albany and they look like a great mass of Woods moving along
from there I went over to gen Lees house and from there down to the Potomac
River and back to Camp again making in all about eight miles and I came
todeling [sic] back tired and hungry enough.Ó She had asked how he sent a letter from NY and he said he
didnÕt, but guesses because it had the flowers in it they thought it was money
and broke it open then mailed it when they saw it wasnÕt.
ÒWe are going to harpers
ferry next Friday to form a reserve Corps in the next battle which I hope will
lick the rebbels [sic] clean out and let us come home this winter.Ó Their Colonel doesnÕt think theyÕll see
battle this time and has been offered two good places for the winter Òbut he
wont except [sic] anything but the battle field all the boys think he wants to
pay us off for the papers coming out on him so hardÓ. Plenty of good drilled men who are going to stay there
because they have good Colonels.
The Fourth Oneida is in winter quarters and will stay here. Sick are all getting well except a few
who will be discharged. Talks
about her inquiry about a white swelling on his hip. Feels he will stay until the end of the war. ÒYou cant tell how hard it is to get
away from here when once you get here they are on the watch for deserters all
the timeÉ if you haint got a pass they arrest you immeaditly [sic]. They are going to brand deserters with
a letter B on the forehead as a mark to carry through lifeÓ. Tells of deserters from Fourth Oneida
who got caught.
Wants her to let him know if
they are going to do a draft again in Utica. ÒAll the drafted men are shoved ahead of VolunteersÓ. Had his picture taken and is sending
it: ÒDear Clara I am tanned as a
molato but my heart is as white as it used to be does Ida know where her pa is
gone and does Willie grow any poor little I should not have left them and you
the way I did but I dident [sic] see so far then as I do nowÓ.
Camp Seward
November 5th 1862
Wednesday Evening in Camp
Early Candle Light
[letterhead says CLEVELAND
with multicolor print of city and woman, Buckeye State Soldiers, ÒMOTTOÓ We
live for the Union, We die for the Union, We will uphold the UnionÓ]
Feeling better but not on
duty yet. James DeForest said he
got a letter from Bill unhappy that Peter and Fletch donÕt write so he
did. Got her letter, good news from
home, and twice mentions he doesnÕt want her working so hard on coats for fear
she will work too much. ÒFletch and me are a writing at the same time by Candle
light and all alone and he laughed when I told him that you wrote about our
singing. Tom has just come in the tent
and was a crying because he donÕt get any letters I should think Julia might
write to him all the time she haint got anything else to doÓ, asks her to speak
to Julia about it.
Company is guarding Long
Bridge. Rumor going around Òthat we
were going near the Rebels again but I have got so I donÕt believe nothing what
they say any more. I think we will
guard Long Bridge some time yet to come they say the army will not go into
winter Quarters this winter on the account of so many nine months men. I hope they will get through by spring
because the Democrats rule againÓ.
Has spent all but three of
the ten dollars he brought, loaning money to Geo Wheeler for tobacco, postage
stamps, paper and envelopes, and chipping in on food that he didnÕt eat. Wheeler got a letter saying she was up
to his house to see his mother and Peter heard she was down to Jones to
supper. Says how he misses her and
urges all the girls to write, ÒDear Dear Clara let them coats go and write to
me oh how I do miss your company and society you know last sumer [sic] when you
was gone how glad I was when you came home. But I am ten times more so than I was.Ó
Camp Seward
November 7th 1862
[letterhead embossed with
small shield]
Soldiers are Òsuffering
beyond description there is 3 inches of snow on the ground and it is so Bitter
Cold we cant stand it without suffering considerableÓ. Some have made arches in the tent with
old stovepipes and built fires but they choke from the smoke inside so Òthey
drive us all out doors where we have to stand and take it.... it snows and
blows so we cant cook anything to eat and so we must eat bread and waterÉ The
Col has just come from Washington and he says we must pack up and leave in this
storm where we are going and how we are going god only knows.Ó Rumor they are going to Thoroughfare
Gap.
ÒI tell you if I only was at
home with you now no money would hire me to go through what we go through here
the boys have all got the home fever this morning the worst kindÉwhile I am
writing Fletch sits in the tent with eating some cold beans from yesterday and
Day Bread he says tell the folks we are almost starved and froze to Death he
says he has got enough of soldiers life and more to than he Bargain for I wish
you could see us just now you would laugh and cry both our tent is all mud and
wet and cold as ice I am writing this in smoke so I have to stop every minute
to wipe my eyes I am so cold my teeth chatter in my head fletch says tell them
the truthÉClara I could not help writing this and letting you know the truth
maybe I have done wrong if so tell me so Dear Clara I hope to see you and talk
with you and the Children once more and then there will be better times.Ó
Camp at Warington
Thursday November 13th 1862
[letterhead embossed with
small shield]
Made a march, tired and
sore, left Camp Seward Sunday November 9 at 2 PM, marched 5 miles, halted for
night, took Bull Run Road and passed BaileyÕs Cross Roads. Had two crackers and a cup of coffee
for supper. ÒI have heard of men
taking up their Bed and walk but we have to carry our bed our house and all our
furniture and everything else we got a rubber blanket a shelter tent our pans
knives and forks our clothing and gun and it weighs awful heavy on our backs. The order was read before we started
that any man who fell out of the ranks on the march would be shot and that
sickness would be no excuse for him.Ó
Monday Nov 10: roll call 4
AM, ate 2 crackers and a pot of coffee, marched all day 13 miles, passed
Fairfax Court House, stopped one and a half miles from the battlefield. Ate same as breakfast, laid down on
ground Òso lame tired and sore I could not sleep.Ó
Tuesday Nov 11: roll call 4 AM, so sore seemed he
couldnÕt move, got meat for breakfast, started for Bulls Run. Many sick. Reached Centrevill at 10 and saw the Rebel ÒDefencesÓ. Marched 13 miles for the day, stopped
at Bull Run. ÒAfter fletch and me
got our supper we went up to the Battle field it was the most sickening sight I
ever saw and I hope to god I never will see again our soldiers were never
buried here at all they was throwed on the top of the ground about a bushel of
dirt throwed on them skulls and bones laid all over the ground hands arms legs
head and feet stuck out from every grave and some of our men say they saw men
that lay just as they fell in Battle but they was in the woods there is
something very curious in the air down here because the hands and legs I saw
was as naturel [sic] as life the finger and toe nails just the same we went to
bed to night thinking of the Horrors of War fare and all its DangersÓ
Wednesday Nov 12: roll call 4 AM, ate breakfast, warm
muggy day, started marching at 8 to the Thoroughfare Gap, reached Gainsville at
10 and the order was changed from Gainsville to Warrington. ÒStoped to day to rest at Buckland 15
minutes the boys pretty well tired out halted about 2 miles beyond and pitched
our tents for night quite a Bloody fight in Co A to night our Regt Marched 13
miles to day.
Thursday November 13: pleasant day, roll call half past 3,
marched at 7 for Warrington.
Passed New Baltimore and reached destination about 11 Òwhere ends our
march for the present. Passed to
day about 50 or 60,000 men and more than twice that much here the old
Fourteenth and where they are I have seen lots of Rebels PrisonersÓ. Describes
the ragged uniforms of the soldiers, they look poor, the houses are deserted or
burned to the ground. Lots of
cannon balls, shells, dead horses. ÒI have heard a great deal of the Sunny
South but I can safely say it is the most miserable looking country that ever
wasÉand every thing goes to show that all along that there has been fearful
strife and struggle for life between Bull Run and Gainsville. Directly on each
side of the road on a hill side we saw nearly a thousand dead horses and about
as many graves with hands heads and feet protruding out of the ground.Ó The Rebels had possession of the ground
and their dead had been buried decently.
ÒIt was the spot where Col McQuade was supposed to be killedÓ. Water is very scarce and not fit to
drink. On the march they drank
water out of the road. Houses are
built of logs and mud Òand thatÕs what I call the Chiverlous SouthÓ.
ÒClara there is not much use
of telling you how I stood the march you can well guess you know I never could
stand it to walk and it pretty near used me upÓ. Says he sent her some drawings of the march. Describes dangerous spot they are in,
mentions Òthe fighting Division Warrens Brigade Sykes Division and Hookers
CorpÓ, 26 and 57 and all NY regiments.
ÒAs soon as we got into camp the Utica Boys and Oneida Co Boys flocked
in to us as thick as crows on carrion they all looked well.Ó They think they will go home in the
spring. Saw SarahÕs brother and he
is a Lieutenant in Co B 14 Regt.
Rebels are 13 miles away, have been ahead of them, now across
Chickahomany River. Siegel has
been shelling them. Afraid they
will see hard fighting. Hopes to
see her in heaven. So many friends
coming up to him, didnÕt realize how many he knew. They marched 5 days and 60 miles. All hope to come home in spring. Òthe officers have most all here sent in their Resignation
now on the account of McClellen.Ó
ÒClara kiss the little ones
for me every night and tell them pa will come by and by and be a mother to them
and a faithful wife to me and Dearest Clarinda may god Protect and bless you
all from your Peter ever true and faithful to the lastÓ
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.
Cohoes
November 30th 1862
To Clarinda from friend
Marion in Cohoes. Glad to hear it
wasnÕt ÒPeatÓ who was dead. Thinks
of Clarinda every day. ÒI was in a
perfect stue [sic] untill [sic] I got your letter. I was sorry to hear the regment [sic] had left Rome I was
thinking perhaps it would not be called for this winter. I was very sorry to hear the children
had the hooping [sic] coughÉ.the mill is running full time and we have got back
our ten per cent so we are all right againÓ. Mentions Ray Babcock, Bill McGarvey [?] and Ed Jones came
and Gordon took him to stay briefly in the boarding house. Went to a Thanksgiving Ball. Give my love to [Julia? Lola?] and Bill
and ÒPeatÓ.
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.Ó
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.
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
[1858][1862][1863][1864][1865]
[1880]
Camp on Near Falmouth VA
January 4, 1863 Sunday
Is well. ÒI have at last heard from you and oh I
was most tickeled [sic] to death to hear from you and that you was all
well.Ó Tell Julia Tom is very sick
in hospital and wasted away to almost nothing. He goes to visit him as often as possible and there is a
notice that says no admittance.
Tom doesnÕt want him to tell Julia how sick he is for fear she will try
to come and there is no place for her to stay. He hopes heÕs not doing wrong telling Clara the truth.
ÒDear Clara I done something
last new years day which I hope I shall never have to do again. I made a coffin for one of my tent
mates Jacob Breish and yesterday I put a head board to his grave he was a good
boy and I liked him very much. I
have written to his folks about his illness and death and I suppose by this
time they have received the painful news.
Poor fellow he had bright hopes for the future but he said to me in
Frederickburgh [sic] that he had given himself up to god and if it was his will
he was willing to go but he would rather not die yet he dident [sic] at that
time that he would come back in the same camp and die so soon he was onley
[sic] sick a very few days I had onley [sic] been in the tent a couple of
weeks. Previous to his death he
has wanted to tent with me ever since we left home.Ó
She had asked who he tents
with and he says Joseph Corrigan is the only one left because Òfletch and me
got divided on the march from Warrington here and we have not been together
since although there has not been any trouble between us I like him just as
well as ever. Most all of our officers
are resigning and by the time you get this there will be about 15 of them that
has left us since we left rome.Ó
Sending another picture of winter quarters that looks better than the
original. Asks if Willie walks,
poor little fellow, wants to see him.
ÒLet me know in your next
letter how Bill came to work in the observer office.Ó Hurt his back when a log he was carrying fell on it. ÒYou musent [sic] think it is so easy
to get clear from here as you think for a man has got to be half way in the grave
before they let him go. I tell you
there is no sympathy for a sick man here at all he has got to stand up untill
[sic] he falls down and then they will pick him up to fall down again.Ó
Utica
January 16,
1863
From John W.
Breish
Thanking
someone, probably Peter, for kindness to brother and feels he canÕt risk going
behind the lines to get his body back
ÒÉbut I think even if I went and could get him he would not keep as the
weather is so warmÉ if I can in any way benefit you I would gladly do it.Ó
Camp on
Potomac Creek, VA
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 on
Potomac Creek, VA
January 17,
1863 [letter says 1862]
Got
the money Julia and Clarinda sent, took it and bought tobaco [sic] with it but
he can't give Tom his money because Tom has gone to an unknown hospital with
"the Black toungue" [sic]. The order is now that they will go in the
morning in light marching orders. The opinion is they are going in another
fight. They got extra rounds of Catriges [sic] and are going to leave the tents
where they are. The 5th New York [Zouaves] are going to occupy their hospital
for 7 days for their sick. He comforts Clara with religious references and then
says "I would gladly come back if I onley [sic] could but I am in a tight
place just now....Take good care of your self and the Children for my sake and
I will try to do the same for yourn [sic]. God bless and Protect you my onley
[sic] loved one untill [sic] I see you again. Kiss my little lambs for me as
often as you can." Adds a page with a poem and postscript.:
"As
I walk the sentinel's midnight beat
I
think thou art always nigh
My
prayers and thoughts are all of thee
My
only love good by (original) "
"P.S.
The statement of Capt. [More? Could be Cone?] is a correct one. There is no
boards to be got. To make a coffin of the one I made for Jacob [Breish] was of
3 hard tack boxes fastend [sic] together by poles under the bottom. Wesley can
tell you all about it better than I can in this letter. P.L.D. There is a good
many buried without coffins."
Camp on
Potomac Creek
Sunday
Evening, January 25, 1863
Is
well but tired. Last Tuesday made
another move toward enemy and was guarding General WarrenÕs headquarters. ÒThe night before we started without
any sleep and last night and to day [sic] again and the Excitement and Fatigue
of marching through mud up to the knees most every step without a heavey [sic]
Rain to accompany [sic] it makes us feel all feel Pretty much used up but I
couldent [sic] go to bed to night [sic] without writeing [sic] to you.Ó
Was
building roads and digging out of mud ÒÉI tell you it was the greatest thing
you ever saw we made out to get within about 2 miles of the river and there
sunk in the mud the Rebels were on the opposite side to give us another warm
Reception. Some said that saw them
that they didenÕt [sic] want to hurt us but if we molested them that they would
give us another warmer like that of frederickburgh [sic]. Our pickets said that they (the Rebels)
would moition [sic] with one hand to come across and with the other they would
slap the But [sic] of the Cannon the Rebel Pickets told ours that gen Lee sent
down word that if we wanted any help to lay our pontoons across he would send
us 2 or 3 Regiments he could spare them just as well as not from Wednesday
morning until yesterday there was nothing spoken of or heard except a continual
curing of old Burnside he has lost more horses and men by this moven han we
have through the whole war by marching.
Every soldier that I talked with swore up and down that he would never
cross that river again under Burnside as long as he livedÓ. They estimate they have lost 40 or 50
thousand men. ÒIt seems as if the soldiers has about made up their minds to
settle this war themselves there were whole Divisions that never lost a man
before by Desertion that lost nearly half this time they are going to leave
just the same every time the army moves they wont fight for the niger [sic] any
ways and they havenÕt received any pay in so long and the news has reached them
that their folks and famiys [sic] are going to the Poor house and they have
become Completely Demoralised.Ó
Thanks
her for her letter saying she sent turkey and pie but thinks it is a waste
which is why he hasnÕt asked for a box, everything comes spoiled. But he would be happy for something
good to eatÉÓI think I have eaten my share of hard tack and Salt Pork here and
on salt water both. I wish many a
time Dear Clara for one of your good mealsÉYou will see by this letter that we
escaped another great battle and returned safely back to our old Quarters
again. We owe it all to a heavey
[sic] Rain Storm and a kind an Benofishent [sic] Providence. It does seem as if our cause was not a
just one and the soldiers have adopted that Belief [sic] firmly since the
battle of Frederickburgh [sic]. I
think the state of feelings that Prevail at present throughout the whole armey
[sic] of the Potomac is a death blow to our side and to the Union I firmly
believe [sic] that our soldiers can never be made to win another battle they
say this war has become a nigger and Polittical [sic] war changed from what it
was at first Entirely it is awful to hear Curses upon Curses falling upon
Lincoln and Hallecks head very hour of the day things has got to Change most
wonderfully and that very Quick to hold this armey [sic] together much
longer. I donÕt know but what you
will think I am a secessionist [sic] but the State of things are as I represent
without exaggerating [sic] it at all.
I am not gifted with words to express enough the true state feeling that
exist and the glaring fact but enough of this I will stop telling the truth because
it may not interest you as much as some others. Our Regiment Dear Clara which left Rome a little over 4
months ago with about nine hundred men is now reduced to about 3 hundred and I
hardley [sic] believe [sic] since
this last move we could number that amountÓ.
Got
the money she sent and he still had TomÕs money but doesnÕt know where to send
it. HasnÕt heard from Tom since he
went to the hospital and doesnÕt know where that is. Thinks he is in Washington. Got 2 papers, one with tea in it.
ÒOh
I pray they will soon end this war and let us come home where our hearts and
mind is on and not on the battle field there was a time when our men were
fighting for the Union but that has all Passed away now and their minds are
bent now altogether on going home.Ó
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
January 27,
1863 [letter says 1862]
Tells
about doing laundry and how some of the men have lice from not keeping
themselves clean. Says he looks about the same but not as fleshy and
white. Fletch cut PeterÕs hair and there was a lot of gray. Worries
about ever getting home due to sickness and the battlefield, perhaps he
shouldnÕt have enlisted but itÕs too late now. Maybe God sent him there
for a reason and he will Òlook with Bright hopes for the futureÓ. Talks
about gloves, socks, pants, and shoes. Says he doesnÕt think heÕll be
made an officer although they told him heÕll be made a Corporal which will
relieve him of a little extra duty. Asks about family members.
Wants to come home. Describes men being buried without coffins or
ceremony. Talks about generals being Òbeastly drunkÓ, General Warren
could barely sit on his saddle during a march. ÒLicorÓ has been given out
twice and he gave his away. Thinks they are going to move again.
Asks God to watch over the family.
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,
February 2nd, 1863
Is well, went to general
Hospital and found Tom looking pretty good only very weak and Òtickeled [sic]
most to death to see me and those things from home he says he thinks he will
live now he has got all his things now and them 2 dollars he has got also. Poor Lumbard Tell his wife I found him
in a sad state he cant get off his bed anymoreÓ. Tell his wife ÒI gave him a couple of letters sent down by
me and if she thinks of coming down to see him she will find him at the general
Hospital on Wind mill Point about 2 ½ miles from Acquia Creek
Landing. George Wheeler is getting
fat as a Pig and he feels Tip top he says he is satisfied Uncle Sam has got to
pay him 13 dollars a month for doing nothing. Tom Wheeler sent a dollar by me to give to himÓ. He had a good excursion, was at Acquia
Creek a half day and bought Òsome apples and Pie and Cake Cheese and warm
Buiskit [sic] but mind you we had to pay for it. Besides having a Bully Ride on the Cars there and Back again
I guess I was at the Hospital 2 or 3 hours and in that short space of time I
saw about 20 dead bodies carried along there is about 5 thousand in the
Hospital at that Place Every Thing is Comfortable Clean and Neat Every one has
his own Bed to sleep on made of Iron and about 3 feet from the ground With
Plenty of Blankets to Cover them.
They have a Christian society meet there most every night Praying and
singing for them that with to hear them.
My Sargentcy [sic] commences with the first of this month so you see I
am getting 17 dollars a month now oh how I did Wish when I got on the cars
yesterday that they wouldent [sic] stop until [sic] they got in UticaÓ. Lengthy closing.
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
February 7th,
1863
Suffering
from a severe cold. Just came back from picket, snow and heavy rain for a
week, cold and wet with no house or tent, they suffered. Tasted Virginia
hoe cake for first time which was pretty good since they had Òlived on Uncle
SamÕs hard tack so long most anything is palateable,Ó gives recipe.
Comments on friends or relatives back home. Their Colonel is now acting
as Brigadier General since Warren has been assigned command of the Division.
Peter is now a commissioned officer and ÒCanÕt resign just yet.Ó Rumor of
another movement. The men all long for peace, are Òsick and tired out and
see no use of fighting any more.Ó Closes by saying heÕs going to bed
because he has been sitting up in the rain all night for a week and hasnÕt
slept much. Wishes family well and says ÒI will bid you good night and
retire to my soft bed on the hard ground and quickly fall asleep.Ó
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
Thursday
February 19th, 1863
Is well, 4 inches of snow
then heavy rain turned into mud.
Tom is back and looking better than he has since he got to Virginia. Tom
is wondering Òwhy Mr. William Jones donÕt write to him and me. I for my part shall never write him
another Letter as long as I live until [sic] I get one from him. I should think at home where everything
is handy to sit down to a table and write he might easily of answered one of my
letters but if he donÕt care for me I donÕt for him. I write a great many letters here at a great
Inconvenience. I have to sit down
and take a Board on my lap Instead of sitting at a table. Dear Clara I have commenced going to
school again we have Sargents Call here ever morning at ten o clock and we have
to get a lesson and recite it before the Lieut Col it seems quite Naturel [sic]
to go to school again only if you were here to go with [sic] me it would seem
more Naturel [sic] you know you used to go to School with me once I can
Remember how you used to look with your little bare feet Pattering along the
Road but those Days are gone Dear Clara and we have seen happier ones and I
pray to the good god that gave us Existience [sic] we may see them once moreÓ.
Col has gone to Washington
on furlough for a week and some think he has gone to pick out a place there for
them. Rumor that they will go back
to Washington and the Army of the Potomac may be broken up. ÒWe are Detailed or rather about 60 of
our Regt is Every Morning to build fortifycations [sic] between here and Acquia
Creek. People assume they will
fall behind it and take transports back to Washington. Mr. Demming has not arrived yet, they
have been expecting him for a few days.
Fletch got some things that were sent down by Tom Gray. ÒHe told me there was no gloves sent to
me in that package. Dear Clara I
donÕt wish you should send me anything more by Demming he charges to [sic] much
and I can get along without those things very wellÓ. Lengthy closing signed ÒYour Husband Peter L.D. soldier of
the PotomacÓ
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
Sunday
February 22nd, 1863
[sketch of winter scene on
Potomac]
Is well. Cold and clear last night but six
inches snow in morning and Òso cold it is impossible to keep warm you see we
have got these goverment [sic] shoes and the minuet [sic] we step in the snow
our feet is wet.Ó Tom is fit for
duty, looks better but says he doesnÕt feel well. Most of the boys were on detail yesterday building forts and
today the snow is so deep and itÕs so far to go for wood that most donÕt have
wood and are suffering from the cold.
ÒWe have to carry all our wood on our backs and go about a mile after it
and lug it up a pretty steep hill at that it makes pretty hard work for us
although when we first came in camp here the woods was thick and close to us
but there are so many of us that they clear off a large piece of woods in a
small time.Ó
Excitement an hour ago when
it sounded like the boom and rattle of a thousand cannons and everyone thought
the enemy was coming which they couldnÕt believe because of the snow. ÒBut soon the word came that it was
washington [sic] Birthday and that soon quieted the minds of them very quick
they had forgot all about the 22nd entirely.
Resumes writing on
Monday. He almost froze one of his
fingers yesterday afternoon when he went for wood and one finger was sticking
out of his glove. It turned all
white but seems all right. Joe
Durgen from Utica came Saturday night and said the winter hasnÕt been any worse
up north than here. Mr. Deming has
not arrived yet. Mr. Dennison the
shoemaker was there Saturday morning and he said Deming was still in Washington
trying to get transportation. The
men are still going off by sickness and death and itÕs not much better than
before. He wrote a letter for Tom
to Julia and will send it with this letter. ÒDear Clara we suffer from cold weather a great deal here
you see our little tents are not any bigger than a table cloth and are not any
thicker than a Cotton hankerchief [sic] the cold and snow blows rite [sic]
through them but I must closeÓ.
Lengthy closing.
[Undated and
No Location, probably right after he took turkey box to Tom in hospital
February 2, 1863, and just before his first reference to Julia being upset on
March 1, 1863]
ÒDear
Clara
Julia
wrote to tom that you had a Lot of money given to you in that ward and I Can hardley
[sic] Credit it or you would of wrote something to me about it I should
think She says you can afford to
buy Turkeys there seems to be a
misunderstanding about that Box it
was a luckey [sic] thing that he got any of it at all I had given up all hopes of his getting it when the
thought struck me that I might get a furlough to go to him if I had not done so he would not got
any I would rather he would have
had the whole Box than she should be [p.2] Dissatisfied when you write again Please give me the
Partickulars [sic] about it from yours truly [sic] Peter. L. Dumont.
Julia
thinks i feel big since I am sargeant [sic] but you can tell her I have not
growed any since I have been in Virginia Pete
Clarinda
Dumont
Utica
Please
foward [sic]
Camp on
Potomac Creek, VA
Sunday,
March 1, 1863 [letter says 1862]
Has severe diarrhea and has lost a lot of weight as begins letter, but resumes writing on Monday March 2 and feels a little better. Demming was there the day before. Dave Reese saw Peter and hardly knew him. Hopes they donÕt have to stay 3 years as Clarinda had mentioned, but says they will have to stay at least that long Òif they mean to carry this thing through until they lick the south.ÓWhen they were on picket they captured rebel soldiers and they were better dressed than PeterÕs regiment. He had Òquite a Talk with themÉ.they were Inteligent [sic] and talked fight right in your face while they are a prisoner they are grit to the Back BoneÉ.and they said they would fight harder now since abe issued [sic] that procklamation [sic].Ó He is concerned that Julia is upset with him; she accused him of being too big to help Tom now that he is a sergeant and of not sharing his turkey and fair share of a box that Julia and Clarinda went halves on. Peter denies this and says he does all he can to help Tom. Asks how much money Clarinda got from Òthat wardÓ which Julia wrote to him about. Likes the neck tie Clarinda sent Òfirst rateÓ. Best wishes to her and his little ones.
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
March the
4th, 1863
[eagle with shield red and
blue letterhead]
Is well. ÒThis morning I have sent that great
pipe home to you hopeing [sic] it will reach you all right it has been the work
of my own hands and the pastime of many lonely hours of my soldiers life and I
think I have wiled them away advanteousty [sic].Ó Everyone in the Regiment says his is the best yet. He has been offered 9 and 10 dollars for
it time again and maybe he should have sold it but wants her to see it. He made it with just a large
jackknife. He could make a dozen
and sell them to the officers but he wants to come home and use it himself Òif they will onley [sic] settle this
foolish warÓ. Is sending her 75
cents in this letter Òwhich has been earnt by a jack knife and a whittleing
[sic] yankee and that is myself they call me so sometimes down here because I
am a whittleing [sic] something all the timeÓ. He made the stem from a laurel bush and the bowl from the
root. HeÕs sending it by Sergeant
Major Mr. Wright who is going home on furlough. Wants her to write when she gets it because so many people
have wanted it that he thinks sheÕll never get it. Everyone is anxious for peace. It rains or snows every other day and is cold. If she hasnÕt sent the gloves yet donÕt
send them because he has a good pair now that the company got a box from
Camden. His old ones were worn
out. Wants her to watch her health
and that of the children because whenever he hears they are sick he thinks
about it for days.
Òand now I must close
hopeing [sic] that the giver of all good is watching over you and my blessed
little lambs. Dearest Clara kiss
them often for me and tell them of their Pa who is far away and would gladly
come and kiss them if he could but god wills it not yet and now hopeing [sic]
to hear from you soon I remain your Companion you [sic] fond and loveing [sic]
until Death - Peter L. DumontÓ.
P.S. Tom is well and on duty, tents with Ed Burbrige [?] who got a box
and is living high off it.
Camp on
Potomac Creek, VA
Tuesday
March 10th 1863
Sends
a detailed drawing of soldiers drilling in camp under a flowery archway with an
A, eagle, and banner, with the note: "Co A 140 Regt NYSV". Says they
have been fixing up the camp. They were measured for a Zouave uniform.
"Most of the boys swear they will never wear them big pants but millatary
[sic] power can make a man do almost anything down here." They don't want
to buy new uniforms because they are expensive and his current clothes are in
good shape. Some of the boys are working on "them forts" which are
almost done. Spring has come but it makes him sad to be away from home and
today it's snowing. They have orders to go on picket again soon and he hopes it
won't be as bad as last time. Tom wouldn't let him read Julia's letter,
probably "on account of that lot of money and that turkey." Tom
complains of a pain in his breast and doesn't do much duty; "all the boys
call him a dead beat on the goverment [sic] because he looks healthier than he
did when he came down here." He has a new acquaintance in the Regiment:
"[bates?] tylers Brother". Tyler was wounded in the Battle of
Fredricksburgh and is hospitalized. Peter saw Sarah's brother: "He has got
to be a great big man and as grey as a rat."
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
March 13th,
1863 [letter says 1862]
Going on picket tomorrow and
doesnÕt know when heÕll be able to write again. ÒWe have got Orders to lay in our arms now all night they
say the Rebels are all around us they have tried to break through our picket
lines quite a number of times. I
think before long we will have a fine time of it or else a hard one Every thing
begins to look like a move they have been giving [sic] us an Extra supply of
Catriges [sic] and we are to have a general inspection in a day or two.Ó The 4th Oneida has orders to
join the Army of the Potomac, they have been trying to get there all winter but
he thinks they wonÕt want to be there long ÒÉ they dont realize I think what
actual service is I guess one or two battles would satisfy them for a while and
they would soon wish themselves back in washington again.Ó Many are being discharged Òamongst them
is old fordis phelps he got as lousey as he could before he went away.Ó Is waiting to hear if she got the pipe.
ÒI would like to know what
the people say about the Conscription law it will go very hard with some of
them I think espesialy [sic] with the poorer class you had better believe the
14 boys feel good they have onley [sic] got one month more to stayÓ. HeÕs only been gone 7 months but it
seems like a year. He hopes she
isnÕt short on money ÒÉif I
thought you would suffer on that account I would be tempted to desert and run
my chance and come home although Them that goes is most sure to get catched and
brought backÓ. Tom says the doctor
told him his heart was affected, he loaned Tom money for tobacco.
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
Saturday
March 21, 1863
ÒThe first of this week our
Caverly [sic] and artillery [sic] had quite a fight on the Raphanock River and
we were expecting to be called out every moment and this morning there has been
Considerable Sharp fireing [sic] Close by us and we havenÕt heard yet what it
was we was Expected to go out Every minute but is is all stoped [sic]
nowÓ. Snowing. Skirmishing and
raids all around but the 146th has nothing to do with them. Rigging and fixing up the camp as
though they are going to stay but he thinks they will have to move soon,
ÒThis morning the Regt. Was
marched up by Companies to The Hospital to be Vaxinated [sic] for the small Pox
theysay there is a great many cases all around us of that kind and if it once
gets a hold of the armey [sic] it will sweep threw [sic] faster than the bullet
can.Ó The Captain told Tom he was
going to try to get him home because his heart has been affected and he is off
duty again. Peter wants Clara to
go stay with Òour folksÓ if she can: ÒI shall be more Contented if I knew you
are there if you and Julia went together it wouldent [sic] be but a little
while before Every thing would go wrong and I have often heard my mother say
she could live with you untill [sic] she died and I think if you ight happen to
get sick you would get more kindness from my mother than you would get from
your own sister although I know it is saying a great deal about her. But it is TomÕs wishes all the time
that you will both go to keeping House together. I think Dear Clara you must be as Poor as a Crow by this
time if you have nursed that boy all winter but I suppose you know best about
such things better than I do. I
wish he would grow fast enough to come down here and lick the Southern Giant
and then perhaps I might get home I wish you would gell george if he comes home
to writ to me.Ó Peter doesnÕt know
where to direct letters to George.
ÒI suppose you would rather see me than him but with our folks it wont
make much differance [sic] he has been away alongtime now and you must all be
glad to see him if he is clear of the draft never to come down here because he
will be sorry if he does all his life perhaps I was never made for a soldier
and cant bear to be one its something else besides playing up soldier on 4 of
July as you see them in Utica. It
is so much excitement here from morning till night I cant take a moment of
comfort that fife and Drum and the Bugle is enough to make one crazy and then
[?] they are what leads you on to Death or Victory and they have become so
odious that the boys swear every time they come out.Ó
He says her letters are good
and that he used to laugh at her spelling at home so Òyou must not blame me if
I comit [sic] the same fault now it is a natueral [sic] complaint of mine and I
canÕt help it.Ó He says he feels
bad Sarah canÕt find relief from her sorrows and to tell her she has his
sympathy and love as a true friend.
He wishes Clara were living with Sarah. ÒI think if Jake had lived and come with me here we should
of grown more and more atached [sic] to one anotherÉ. Dear Clara I suppose you
woul be very glad to see me but I wish you would give up the idea of jumping
over the old marble block for fear of hurting your ) [half circle like a closed
parenthes]. I wont tell you
now and then what would be good for you must Excuse my Blackgarding Dear but
you yourself now that would hurt and that would hurt me just the same as you
selfÓ. Give his love to father and
mother and all the folks. It has
been six months they have been separated.
Hopes the war would settle this Spring and he would feel better about staying
until then. Lengthy romantic
religious closing. P.S. Asks her
to send a little of each red, white, and blue sealing wax, and a little piece
of sandpaper in each letter as big as the letter, not very coarse: ÒmiddleingÓ.
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
Falmouth, VA
Saturday
March 28th, 1863
[letterhead
red and blue eagle with shield]
Got a letter from ÒjoeyÓ who
said not to desert and come home Òbut when I read her letter I had a mind to
desert and come home for all her advice.
She said that you had a bean regular every Sunday night but come to find
out she is a split tail like herself his name she says is Mrs. Sarah Graff you
must be carful [sic] or else you might get into trouble with such a bean. I have had one of the same kind call
upon me the other day her name was Mr George Reiser he came and took dinner
with me he looks the same as ever onley [sic] his front teeth is most all gone
I wonder how Josey would like to see her old flame again he asked about her and
why she never answered his many letters.Ó
They had a review and
another is ordered for today but he thinks they wonÕt have it because it is
raining too hard. Rumor that Òif
Hooker crossed the River the fifth Armey [sic] Corps would remain where they
are to hold Acuia Creek and we are in that Corp. some of the 14th boys came over to our Corp after
Review and they said the 146 Beat all the rest of the troops on marching we
were reviewed close by their Camp we had the worst Batalion [sic] Drill
yesterday we ever had some mistake that our officers made while on Review made
our Col so mad that Imeadiately [sic] after arriveing [sic] in Camp he ordered
a Batation [sic] Drill. I tell you
he gave us a sweater he said while drilling us that the men were not to blame
it was the Officers and he wanted to see them do Better. Ò Puts the letter aside and comes back to
say they had to go for wood down at Potomac Creek and it was raining so hard
Òthe men were swearing like Pirates because they had to go in the Rain the Boys
have it prety [sic] hard now there is drill twice a day and wood to be got
Policeing the Camp grounds so it hardley [sic] gives them any time to
themselves they have to go about a mile after wood and back it up a pretty
steep hill it is for the Captain and Company Cooks.Ó The health of the Regiment is good. They hear they will get four months pay
in a day or two. He wants to know
how she gets along for money. ÒI
am dreadfuly [sic] afraid you are Pinching yourself I wonder if the Children
would know me if they could see me now that is what makes me feel very bad to
think if Ever I live to come out of this Cruel war my Children will not know me
yet I have some hopes that Ida will remember me if I had onley [sic] of known
that they want a going to draft I should have been to home this day with my
loved onesÓ.
Camp on
Potomac Creek, VA
Saturday
April 4th, 1863
[Sketch of Duryea Zoauves
was attached with a very old paper clip, and is mentioned in P.S.]
Just came in from picket for
four days and half that time they had nothing to eat. ÒI was sent back to Camp with nine men to get rations
for the men on Picket and just as I got the men all ready to start back on the
Picket line again he Col sent for the Sergent [sic] and I had to go to his tent
and such a mad man I hardley [sic] ever saw he told me to leave Camp
imeadiately [sic] and not to take any Rations with me so you see we had to go
Unload our Haversacks again and he told the Officer of the day to search us to
see that we took nothing back this is about the worst thing I have seen the old
fellow do but you see he couldent [sic] blame me for I had a pass given me by
one of our Captains and signed by the Commander of the left wing of the picket
lineÓ. Weather was nice while they
were gone but cold last night and they didnÕt feel afraid of being attacked by
the Rebs this time.
ÒI had Command of 15 of the
Duryea Zouaves on my post and they are a good set of fellows as Ever I
saw.Ó Apologizes for not writing
but they had been ordered out suddenly.
ÒÉthe Pontoons have all gone down to the River and the next thing that
goes I suppose will be the men but I hear that our Corps is not a going they
are going to hold this Place against an attack from the Rebels. Somebody has got to stay and it may be
that we are the luckey [sic] ones I hope soÓ. They have not been paid off yet but are expecting it every
day. ÒTom is about the same yet he
donÕt drill or do any thing else.
But George Wheeler has been put on Duty againÓ. Lengthy religious closing.
ÒP.S. I will send you a
small Picture of where I was on Picket with the Deryea [sic] ZouavesÓ.
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
Monday April
6th, 1863
[letter has small crimped
seal, no color, hard to tell what it is]
Got her letter saying she is
well and he is too except for a sore eye he got during a snowball fight between
Co. A and Co. H. Even the officers
were throwing snowballs. ÒWe had
orders today to prepare for a review to morrow [sic] by abraham [sic]
Lincoln the Cannons fired like
everything to day and I suppose he had just arrived.Ó They are still in the same camp.
ÒI have copied a letter to
day for your amusement it is supposed to be written [sic] by some young Lady
that once lived in Fredericksburg but got married and went to new Orleans and
she made a promise with a female friend of hers to let one other into their
first night Experience of married life.
I would like to know if the Girls at the north feel the same. I kind of think it is something
similar. I send it to you to Laugh over and when you have read it you can let
some of your females [sic] aquiaintences [sic] read it. But I would like you should keep it for
some day if I live I would like to have a laughing spell over it myself. Please write and let me know what you
think of it. Maybe you may think I
was foolish in spending my time with such stuff but I thought it might tickle
you some to read it. I call it
quite a treat you might give it to mother to let father read it if you think
best I will leave that to your judgement.Ó Glad to hear she is well. ÒI cant [sic] think of much to write so I guess I will close
giveing [sic] you in the care of the almight ywho is wathing [sic] over us all
oh how much I love you now I Realy [sic] Beleive [sic] if I should see that I should Kill you
with Kisses the longer I am away onley [sic] tends to Increase your Loveliness
to me I was told before I was married that Children increased the Love between
Man and wife and I Beleive [sic] it is so for I would not part with neither of
you for ten times your weight in gold oh that this Cruel war would onley [sic]
end How Happy we Could onely [sic]
live because I always thought you Loved me and that is all I can ask. I pray Every night for you and my
little ones that god will soon join us together again in Happiness good by My
Dearest and onley [sic] loved one.
Write soon your Husband Pete.Ó
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
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
Thursday
April the 14th, 1863
On the move, orders to start
tomorrow morning with eight days rations, rumor going across the river again,
Cavalry is on the move for the last two days and they say they are going across
the river. ÒI have sent all your
letters back for they was to [sic] much for me to carry if we did not have to
march I would not send them anyway I have taken a good deal of pleasure in
Reading them over when I was lonsome [sic] and sad. Mr. England took them he has been down to see his sons he
starts for home tomorrow morning he keeps a shoe store on Genesee Street.Ó Paymaster came but did not pay them
off. God bless her and the
children until they are reunited.
Got a letter from Òmy sister MallyÓ. CanÕt get his picture taken as she wished because there is
nowhere to do it but he would like to see hers and the childrenÕs. ÒTom has got to take his gun and go
with us But I donÕt think he can stand it long.Ó Lengthy closing.
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
Friday April
the 17th, 1863
Did not move on account of
heavy rainstorm ÒSo we have been
paid off and I will send you 40 Dollars in allotment money and I will send you six more in the
next letter if god spares me to send one by the looks of things here I
shouldent [sic] wonder if we went across the river again this morning when we
got up we found 2 balloons up over frederickburg [sic] our folks looking for a
strike somewhereÓ.
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
Sunday April
the 19th, 1863
Got her letter Friday night
and was glad to hear the children were better. ÒWe have not gone yet but they say we are going tomorrow
morning they have kept giveing [sic] us our Rations as fast as we Eat them up
so we still have 8 days Rations yet and orders to move tomorrow morning to day
they are removeing [sic] our sick to washington men that has been in the
service for a long time say that this is the most curious move they ever
saw. Everything looks so
strange.Ó
Sent her $40 by mail and
hopes she will get it. ÒI cant
imagine how you got along and have 3 dollars left of that money I sent
home. I am afraid you are liveing
[sic] to close you will get as poor as a snale. I am afraid the next time I send home money I will have
quite a little sum. I will draw
all Sergeants pay next pay dayÓ.
She wrote that he was in the service six months but he says it has been
Ònow 8 months lacking 3 days and I pray god that it wont be 8 more before I see
Home and wife and my Beloved little Children it seems as if I had been here a year. You spoke about getting the same usage
the poor girl got I think you would have to wait about a week after I got home
first you see Hard tack and salt pork donÕt make us very anxious for that kind
of business it is hard work to know what a hard Jake is at present I think I
like the old Red Head as you call him Better Every Day I am with him he is a
thorough disciplarian [sic] and if
any body has a mind to they can get along with him first rate. If the men do wrong they will find him
their Equal any day he is a man posessed [sic] of tender feelings of which I
know of by is treatment towards our sick men any body that wants to do right
and obey him will like him the more they see him.Ó
There was an awful accident
he just went out to see. ÒOne of
our Batteries was out Drilling and an Amunition [sic] Box Blowed up filled with
shells 3 men were wounded 2 of [them- sic] mortely [sic] and one not so bad the
men all started on the Double Quick thinking the Rebels were attacking us it
made a dreadful noise. I cant see
what they were out Drilling for on Sunday perhaps this is a lesson from god to
them to abstain from future actions of the same kindÓ. Closing. P.S. will send her his picture if he can get it taken and
some money if what he sent before arrives safely. ÒI have just heard that Joe Hooker has broke his leg falling
from his Horse.Ó
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
Friday April
the 24th, 1863
He just returned from picket
duty yesterday, was sent out after the rest of the Regiment had started and it
was very difficult because it rained all four days. ÒWe have just heard that Joe Hooker has been relieved of his
Command and if true I suppose we will have to stay here some time yet the talk
is that [sic- crossed out ÒBurnsÓ]
Fremont has got the Command of the Armey [sic] of the Potomac.Ó
ÒDear Clara last night I
received a letter from you stateing [sic] that you had got to move from fathers
oh I hope it is not so I think they are onley [sic] trying to plague you or
something else of that kind because it is only 3 or 4 weeks ago that they wrote
to me that they wouldent [sic] think of you going away. I hope all may yet be well oh if I was
onely [sic] home again how glad I should feel I would dance for joy if they
onley [sic] would say that peace was declared. They say Hooker was relieved of his Command for Refuseing
[sic] to cross the Rappahanock at Fredericksburg and also refusing to move the
two years men in the armey [sic] are haveing [sic] great times here at
present. Conserning [sic] the two
years men the Zouaves and the 14 Riefuse [sic] to move and all the nine months
men.Ó Hopes she isnÕt frightened
by the photo he sent, it doesnÕt really look like him and he wants to send her
a better one. Is anxious to hear
if she got the 40 dollars he sent.
He is sending her two dollars in this letter which is all he can spare
because he only has 5 dollars left after getting his picture taken. He hopes if it doesnÕt cost too much
she could send one of her and the children to see if they have Òaltered anyÓ
since he left. ÒI hope my folks
will think better of letting you go away from home. I felt so bad I could hardley [sic] keep from crying for I
cant bear the thoughts of your [sic] leaving there because if you go away from
there and be taken sick with the Children I donÕt know of any one who I think
will be so good as mother to help you.
Tom got a letter from Julia last night the first for a month and he was
awful mad because his mother rented them rooms of Julias he said after we was
gone our folks will misuse our wifes and turn them out of doors.Ó Lengthy
closing. Ògod bless you my Dearest and onley [sic] loved one and may he in his
wise judgement [sic] protect my little ones. May your days of trials and sorrow be turned into days of
gladness and Rejoiseing [sic]Ó
Camp near
Potomac Creek, VA
Sunday April
the 26th, 1863
Just got back from a tramp
to Falmouth and Fredericksburg: ÒI
went to see how it looks since the Battle Every thing looks in Ruins and is
almost desolate except the Rebel Soldiers that occupy the town and they were so
close to the river that I could of Coresponded [sic] with them very easily if
it had of been allowed it seems so strange to me that we can approach one other
so close without danger and soon we shall be trying to take one others lives
and be Engaged perhaps in a terible [sic] Battle But such is in times of war
the Banks of the River were quite thick of Rebels to day it being a very fine
day and they were Engaged in Cathing [sic] fish with net and hook you could
hear them talk and laugh quite distincly [sic] they would come down to the
river with the fish pole on one shoulder and their gun on the other and sit
down and go to fishing without the least fear of being molested whatever and
that is the way they do picket on the rebel side of the Rappahanock. A great many of them wear our uniforms
which are taken in battle but their uniforms are gray and our boys Call them
graybacks and yellow bellies god forgive us our many sins if we have to attack
them at this place again for it is a great deal stronger now than it was then
and it will cost more lives than it did before. They have fortified it to an Enormous Extent.Ó
Still wondering if she got
the $40. Rumors and instructions
every day that they are moving.
Again they are ordered to take 8 days rations in their knapsacks: ÒI tell you it makes a load for a mule
to carry [sic- crossed out ÒletsÓ] there is 80 or 90 hard tacks about 5 pound
of bacon a pound of sugar ½ pound coffee 1 rubber blanket 1 woolen one
our tent and Clothing Canteen Catriges [sic] and gun and all together makes a
pretty heavy load to march withÓ. Hopes she doesnÕt have to leave Òour folksÓ and
go amongst strangers to live but if she must she must. Lengthy closing, signature, circle with
Òa kiss, the best one that I can give you nowÓ.
Camp near
Falmouth, VA
Monday April
the [sic- long blank area],
1863
Hopes the children are
better than they were in her last letter.
Regiment is out on picket:
Òthey went out on Saturday and left me and Lieut Walker in Charge of the
Camp we expect them back tomorrow if nothing happens. Yesterday was a Dreadful warm day it was hard work to keep
Comfortable in the shade the mud is pretty near all dried up and the grass
looks fresh and green. Yesterday
our division was Recieved [sic] by a foreign General. He was fixed up in all the grand and most Costley [sic]
Uniform you could imagineÓ. Tom
feels bad because he hasnÕt heard from Julia in a month ÒÉthe Docters [sic] Held Quite a
Consultation Over him yesterday and I shouldenÕt wonder if he got his
DischargeÓ. Tom is relieved from
hard duty. All the
boys talk about is money, some got paid but he doesnÕt know when he will get
paid, if will be for 4 months. He
wonÕt get any of his Sergeants pay this time but thinks he can send home $46
which will leave him with only 6 dollars and heÕs afraid they wonÕt get paid
for another 4 months. He got the
paper and sealing wax she sent and Òthat letter you sent with Josephines I have
never receivedÓ. He only gets one
letter a week and itÕs from Clarinda.
Lengthy closing hoping the children are getting better.
Parole Camp
Anapolis Mayrland [sic]
Sunday May
17th, 1863
[sketch of man drinking
coffee in tent, eagle with banner reads ÒLIBBY PRISON RICHMOND, MAY, 1863Ó,
under sketch says Òmade in Libby Prison Richmond May the 9th 1863 by
P.. Dumont 146 Regt NY VolsÓ
ÒDear and Beloved wife
Thanks be to god that I am
alive and well and god knows how I hope this may
[p.2 and 3] Read strait
[sic] across
find you the same I suppose long before now you are
thinking that I am killed or Else taken prisoner we left Camp the next morning after I wrote that last letter
and little did I think it would come true so Quick what I spoke about on the 27th
we commenced moveing [sic] towards the [sic- missing word?] marched all day and
camped on old Camp misery on the 28th it commenced Raining But we
marched all day Crossed the
Rappahanock at 12 oclock the Enemy Retreating before us took Quite a number of Prisoners
without fireing [sic] a gun
Reached the Rapidan River about dark here we had to pull off all our
Clothes and wade the River up to our waist and the water was Bitter Cold some kept their Clothes on and laid in
them wet all night here our Lieut Col told us this would be a grand thing to
tell our sweethears of when we got home
on the 29th we got up very Early in Rain and mud marched all
day fording Quite a number of small streams the 146 ordered to United States to
Capture a Rebel force there when when [sic] we came upon them they fled in
great haste leaving Behind them doe [sic] they were mixing for Bread Camped in a dence [sic] forest for the
night on the 30th we marched all through the woods Backwards and
forwards taking some prisoners and at night Camped near Chancelorsville [sic]
where we Had an order read to us Congratulating our Corps on its success and
said now the Rebels had to come out and fight us on fair grounds or Else make
an unglorious Retreat this
Came from Hooker after dark 10 men out of each Company in our Regt went out in
front near the Rebels and done Picket duty all night May the 1st this morning drawed in our pickets
and dealt out 20 rounds of Extra ammunition [sic] to Each man about 8 oclock
our division began to move to the front the infantry [sic] Regulars went in and
opend [sic] the fight our Regt the
5th N.Y. and the 140th Brought up the third line of
Battle Every body said it was the
most dangerous spot to form a line of Battle they ever saw we mad [sic] a
flanking movement through the woods and while going through we had to halt very
frequently at one of these Wm Givens had his leg Badly Broken By a piece of
shell a piece of it struck me on
the calf of the right leg as big as a marble But it had lost its force [p.4] it
only hurt for a little while But it is Black and Blue yet I stood Close to
givens when he was struck another one Menzo [?] S. Gibbs had the top of his
skull Blown off by the Explosion of a shell Covering fletch Dimbleby with blood
after this we moved to the left in line of Battle and the 146 Regt was ordered by gen Sykes to Support
weeds Battery we imediately [sic]
moved to the Right and laid about 20 paces in Rear of the Battery Shortly after
Co B. of the 146 was ordered off to the Right to skirmish they being on the Right of the
Battalion Shortly after Co A was
odered [sic] to follow onley [sic] farther on the Right here one of our Company
got Badly wounded In the arm the
Rebs poured volly [sic] after
volly [sic] into us But we were in a deep woods and they could not see more
than one or two of us at a time
Soon they advanced in line of Battle and we had to fall Back there Being
onely [sic] two Companies of us
then they heard us Runing [sic] through the woods and they opened a
deadly fire through the woods But we Escaped unhurt though the woods was alive
with Bullets then we got down where the Battle had Raged the hardest and the
Capt happened to think he had not Been ordered to fall Back [p. 5] He thought he had Better go Back again So he told us to
follow him as far as he went most of the Company done so we had not gone far when we halted and
heard them Coming through the woods
the Captain told me to come with him and we advanced up as far as a Rail
fence the Captain jumpt [sic] over
it and I laid down and stuck my gun through the fence Ready to fire when they
come in sight the Capt said he thought it was our Regt coming Round to skirmish
with us But the Brush was so thick you could not see them untill [sic] they
Came Right upon us the first I
knew the Capt made a leap over the fence and about 200 balls followed after
him they fired in the
Direction I lay and it would have been Certain death to me to have moved as it
was I happened to look to the right of me along the fence the [sic] stood a
Rebel with his gun leveled at my head onley [sic] about 20 feet from me to of
withdrawn my gun Back through the fence and fired at him would have been
imposible [sic] for he could Easily of shot me before I could of done the first
thing so there was onley [sic] one Course to Pursue and that was to surrender and
Be made a prisoner of war they took my gun & Catridge
[p. 6 and 7] Read straight
across
Box away from me and marched
me in their lines where I came across the first Lieut of our Company we kept
together and was marched around Considerable until [sic] night when we were put
under Charge of the Provost guard and they marched us to a place where they had
about 15 more of our Co prisoner they had about a hundred in all I will mention their names There was Dimbleby Sergt Leary and
myself the first Lieut E. R. [?]
Mattison John Latham. James ward.
John weeb [?] alonzo murry. John [Klemson?] Wm A Palmer. John Plunkett. Micheal [sic] Keating. Jos Corrigan. Timothy Larmour
Thos Jones. A. Parks. And
the Captain was wounded in the arm and leg and also made prisoner I cant think of all their [sic-missing
word?} just now the next day they
started us for the Rail Road to go to Richmond But when we got near the Depot
they heard it was all torn up By our Cavelry [sic] so they ^marched us 2 days
and one whole night without any rest or any thing to eat at last we Brought up
at Hanover Junction where we got four Hard tacks and a quarter pound of pork
for a days Rations I had four
dollars and a half when I arrived there & I spent it in the same day for
something to Eat to stop my hunger
you may not Credit this very well But let me here say that in Richmond
you may pay 10 dollars for a Breakfast and not an Extra one at that [crossed
out word] we remained at Hanover Station until May the 7th when we
started on foot at 12 oclock for Richmond
Distanced 25 miles we
Reached it the same night but Remained outside of the City this was the hardest
march I ever had 25 miles in a half day it was more than some of the boys Could
Endure on the morning of the 8th
we were confined in Libby Prison at Richmond the people Called us yanks and Damed [sic] Yankees &
Blue Bellies while passing through the town we were paroled on the same day
here we lived very scantily one quarters of a loaf of soft Bread as big as our
5 cent love [sic] and a quarter of a pound of salt pork was all we had to eat
for one day this we drawed about Dinner time of each day I eat Coffee grounds
to help stop my hunger we lived this way until the 13 when we left our prison
and started again on foot for City point on the James River Distance from
Richmond 40 miles we marched all day up until 10 oclock at night on the acount
[sic] of rain and darkness 2 men
were badly hurt and one Killed by falling down Embankments I and fletch [p. 8]
marched together hold of one anothers hands to keep [missing words?] I never
saw such a time in all my life
Speaking the truth you could not see your hands before your face the
prisoners stopt [sic] in the Road and would not go any farther So we staid [sic] where we stoped [sic]
until [sic] morning we started again and got to City point at 12 oclock where
lay our transports to take us away there was four of them fletch and me got on
the Ocean Steamer S. R. Spaulding
Here we got plenty to eat one loaf of bread and all the meat we could
eat they took 12 hundred on our boat and started for fortress Monroe got there
about 9 oclock the next morning where we stopt [sic] for orders about 3 or four
o clock we started for the Parole Camp Md. Where we are for the present one
mile from Annapolis we have drawed
all new Clothes on the acount [sic] of being Louzzy [sic] we got covered with
them in Libby Prison I
supposed Dear one you have mourned me as one lost among the killed or wounded
But thank be to god I am neither one
I was in hopes that I might come Home when I got Here But they say it
cant be done I would like you to
send me some money for I am in great need of some and perhaps it may be
possible for me to come after all
I shall try my Best to come home as soon as I get a letter from you
Direct your Letter to Sergt P.L. Dumont Co A 146 Regt. N.Y. Vols Camp Parole
Annapolis Mayraland [sic] Excuse
me for not writeing [sic] more for I am in a hurry to send this to let you know
that I am amongst the living god Bless you and yours my Dear one give my love
to my folks from your Husband Peter L. Dumont I donÕt know any thing about tom as I was taken in the first
days Battle.Ó
Camp Parole
May 19, 1863
ÒDear Clarinda
we have just received orders
to leave this place and if you haint sent any money you need not untill [sic] I
write again also tell fletchers
folks not to write to him until they hear from him again
yours with Haste
P.L.DumontÓ
New
Convalesant [sic] Camp Near fort Barnard
May the 22d
1863
Has traveled all over and
now come to a stopping place at a Convalescent Camp about 3 miles from
Alexandria and 4 miles from Washington.
They had been at both places but finally have been placed here which is
only a half mile from old Camp Seward Òand in a most Beautiful Place Everything
is Clean & neat they say
it will Be Some time in august before we are Exchanged & oh if I Cant come
home In that time I feel as if I shant never be of any good to the goverment
[sic] hereafter I am not any good
to them now and might as well be at home as not I Cant I Cant [sic] tell you in my letters how much we have
suffered in the past few weeks so I will not try But I have gone through it all
& am well and hearty as a buckÓ.
Talks about trying to get home but the men say it is most impossible. Sent her a letter and a book from
Annapolis and then a note in great haste telling her not to write again but she
can now and he gives her the address.
He has not heard from her in over a month and doesnÕt know if she got
the picture of him and the $40.
Let him know if she sent any money to Annapolis and heÕll write to the
postmaster to send it to him. If
she hasnÕt sent him any money he wishes she would because he has no money and
has borrowed the paper and envelopes.
Lengthy closing.
New Convalesint [sic] Camp Near Fort
Barnard
May 24th, 1863
Talks about homesickness. What he has recently been through seems like a dream. He canÕt believe he was a prisoner of war in Richmond. Now waiting to be exchanged to Òtake the Bloody fieldÓ again. Thinks fighting this summer will be harder than ever. Describes Libby Prison. They were in a garret with a tin roof and during the heat of the day they thought they would perish. Three-hundred and fifty men were in a room at would accommodate 20 or 30. The room had lice, vermin, a strong-smelling privy with no door, tobacco quids and juice on the floor. The water was Òto [sic] filthy for swine to drinkÓ. No place to wash. Scarcely enough food to keep from starving. Rations were a quarter loaf of bread Òthe size of our 5 cents loafs at homeÓ and a piece of meat the size of an oyster. If they got within two feet of the window a sentry fired on them from below. Now living in a comfortable barracks in a ÒDelightful Place in a neat Cedar GroveÓ. Everything is clean and quiet. Church three times a day. There are 200 government buildings. ÒSuttersÓ [?], picture galleries, barber shops, and a railroad running through. Feels confined and says he will never again complain when Clara asks him to go walking. Talks about long marches. Describes the march to Libby Prison: Ò23 miles from noon till night was not bad under a burning sun.Ó The Rebel Cavalry marched them to Libby Prison. They were mounted and had orders to shoot down any man who straggled or fell behind. Asks Clara to take care of herself and the children and write soon.
Convalesint
[sic] Camp Elaxandria [sic] VA
Sunday May
31 1863
Got her letter with money
. Is well except for bad cold that
will wear off soon in this hot weather.
Hopes she is better than she last was with the children when she last
wrote. ÒOh how I do pity you to
think you are all alone now and in that old shanty I know it is not fit for
human people to live in may god Comfort you in your loneliness. I shall try hard to come home for it
seems as if it would kill me to Go back to the Regt without seeing you and my
little ones.Ó Yesterday he got a
pass to go to Fort Corcoran with Fletch and they visited old Camp Seward which
doesnÕt look anything like it used to.
ÒWe saw Billy Kirkland Charly Kirklands Brother and Givens and lots of
Utica boys they are haveing [sic] a nice time of it they are liveing [sic] as
Comfortable as they would at home almost they have their good beds to lay on
Chairs to sit on and table to Eat off of and they have been here now almost two
years. Some of the soldiers are
haveing [sic] very Easy times in this war But our regt has had it hard enough
since they have been out they Cant say the 146 is 4th of July
soldiers for they have played their share of the play since they have been
here. Lengthy closing, will close
because he wants to go to Church this afternoon. P.S. As of today he has been in the service nine months and
nine days and has 52 dollars coming to him including 3 months of sergeantÕs pay
at 17 dollars a month since the
last of February. The paymaster
has been ordered to pay them off and they expect to be paid next week.
Camp
Convalisent [sic] Near Fort Barnard VA
June 3rd
1863
Mostly over his cold. ÒI suppose you have about broke your
back with lifting those heavy things tell me if hank [sic] has got your things
yet and if they are most spoilt I
cant Imagine what our folks are going to do with all those nice things these are getting to be hard times to
run in Debt much if I Profysy [sic] wrong there is going to be pretty hard
times before a great while. I have
got that money all right you sent me.
Tell me Dear Clara if it was the girls or father and mother that wanted
that money & what did they say when they heard I was taken Prisoner oh how
I should like to be by you to Day Dear Clara I have got so much I want to tell
you that I cant that I cant [sic-repeats words] put in to a letter but I am in hopes I will have chance to
by and by . Tell fletchs [sic]
folks that I helpt [sic] to take him to the hospital yesterday afternoon with
the Digearious fever But he is a great deal Better to day. He got up singing yesterday morning he
was taken very sudden but by the time [sic- two words crossed out] you get this
I think he will be well again.Ó
Fletch wonders why he doesnÕt hear from home and the only one letter
Fletch got was from DaveÕs wife.
ÒDear Clara I have forgot
how old the Children are please write & let me know. You may think this funny but I Cant
help it it seems as if my memory
was good for nothing lately & it seems as if I was getting Deaf sometimes they have to speak 3 or
4 times before I can hear them
there seems to be a buzzing in my Ears all the time maybe it comes from this cold I have
had & will soon wear away. I
have not heard from the Col yet but Expect to all the time.Ó Closing. ÒP.S. I picked
ripe strawberries here last week I
wish I could send Ida some does
she like all such thing the same as Ever poor little thing how I want to see her.Ó
Camp Convalisent
[sic] Near Fort Barnard VA
Sunday June
7th 1863
Feeling quite lonesome. Got her letter Tuesday and thatÕs all
he got. ÒI have not got an answer
yet to that letter I wrote to the Col
maybe he will never answer it
there was all my hopes in getting home in getting an answer from
him they have Stopt [sic] giveing
[sic] papers here to Officers & Privates and it is almost imposible [sic]
to get out of the grounds now I
hope something will turn up pretty soon so as to give us a Chance to get home oh Dear Clara how hard it seems to be
where I Can Come home and yet I Cannot
it is hard telling whether they would let me Come if they knew I was
dying or some of you at home I am
dreaming of you & home almost every night but morning finds me always in
hearing of fifes & drum how
odious they Sound to me now I used
to take delight in hearing them.Ó
Asks her to let him know how
much Provisions cost at home now and Òhow much rent are you paying for that
miserable old paddy hole donÕt
blame me Dear Clara for speaking so of the place you live in for you know what
a strong dislike I always had for it
I think if I Came Home you wouldnÕt stay in it long. I am afraid nobody will call there to
see you in that place.Ó Asks how
Sara Graff doing because she hasnÕt written about her in a long time. Has so much to tell Clara
that he canÕt put in writing.
Hopes she will write again soon because it is consolation for him since
he canÕt see her. ÒSend them
pictures for I cant wait much longer before I see them little ones of
mineÓ. Is sending her a letter for
his folks and hopes they will write to him. Asks if she has heard from George because George hasnÕt
written to him and he doesnÕt know GeorgeÕs ÒdirectionsÓ so if she knows them
please send them. Fletch is better
but still in the hospital. Lengthy
closing.
Camp
Convalisent [sic] Alexandria VA
June 18th
1863
Got her letter, sorry he
didnÕt write sooner, last Tuesday he went to visit the boys at the Fort and on
Sunday he spent all day at church.
They got paid off and he got $34 all in greenbacks and he doesnÕt feel
safe sending it just yet while so much money is going over the road. If he doesnÕt get to come home he will
send it all before they leave here.
A number of the boys came here from the hospital at Acquia Creek, all
sick. Most of Hookers Army is now
near Washington and there is great excitement. Stragglers come in from the front every day saying it will
be another Bull Run.
ÒNow I will tell you all
that I know about Menzo [Gibbon?]
at the time he was killed [crossed out-were] we were in the woods
seeking shelter from the Enemys shells & waiting to get the order to form
in lie of Battle he was in a
stooping position with his back towards the enemy & Dimbleby was close to
him Dimbleby fell down
behind him when he heard the fire or else the same shell would of killed them
both the shell took effect about 2
inches above the eyebrows taking off the upper part of his head Completely he fell over backwards on Dimbleby and
never moved a muscle we were
imediately [sic] ordered in line of Battle & as I passed the spot where he
lay I took a last look at him his
features were Composed & I thought I discerned a smile on his face what ever became of his Remains after
is more than I can tell I saw many
that had met with a similar fate on that bloody field he marched towards the enemy Bravely & had met a
soldiers fate he seemed to have a
Presentiment that he was going to be killed for he told some of the Boys the
night before he would never live to come out of this Battle but he showed no
Cowardice tell his mother I donÕt
think she can ever Recover his body & if she could he was so mutilated she
could not bare [sic] to look at him
She has the Consolation however to know he died bravely and in the
defence [sic] of his Country I
trust he has gone to a better place than earth can afford us poor mortals.Ó
The ring he sent Clara is
made of beef bone. He assumes she
was joking that he made it of human bone and laughed when he read that part of
her letter. He made one for Ida
but broke it before it was done so heÕll try to make another. ÒYou spoke about telegraphing for
me I donÕt know how it would work
Here you can do as you think best
about
[missing a page?]
Camp
Convalisent [sic] Alexandria VA
June 20th
1863
Is well. ÒWe are now in tents but in the same
Camp there was about 7 thousand
Convalisents came here this week & we had to put up tents they are not as good as Barracks but
the sick is looked to before prisoners as they should be of course Quite a number of our Regt came here
also on the sick list I was
talking with a man here last night
he said if a man was married and could show a good Excuse such as
Sickness or Death he might get a furlough
oh Dear Clara I want to come home so Bad I listen for every word any
body says about getting furloughs
it seems as if I cannot give up coming any way I have seen our new
uniform it is the most Curious looking
Rig you ever saw.Ó
Has written to Òour folksÓ
but never received an answer. Wants
to know where Julia is now because Clara doesnÕt write anything about her.
ÒI suppose the army is
haveing [sic] quite a hard time of it just now I see in the papers they are falling down all along the Road
most dead for water & such dreadful Hot weather I pity them from the Bottom of my Heart for we cant keep the
water from Running off of us here in the shade & doing nothing
whatever.Ó Had some rain last night. ÒExcuse this short letter for paper
[sic- missing words?] from your husband with great love.Ó Closing.
Camp
Convalisent [sic]
June 24th
1863
Got her letter, sorry he was
the cause of so much anxiety by not writing her sooner but he did write twice
and thinks she should have gotten the letters sooner. ÒI have been looking for a telegram since Monday but as yet
none has come I think if you send
one I might get Home to day I have
been playing with a little girl of Idas age here in Camp & she thinks a
great deal of me She puts me in
mind of Ida so much I could hardley [sic] leave her Poor Sweet little Ida
How bad I want to see here
oh Dear Clara god knows how much I think of you & would give all
& Everything to see you all again
but it seems every time there is a shadow of hope to get Home something appears
before if if you havenÕt
telegraphed to me yet do so now & see what can be made out of it I am willing to run the risk be it ever
so great.Ó
Fighting in camp last Sunday
sounded awful with the roar of artillery all the time. Wonders why donÕt Òsome of our folksÓ
write. Fletch feels bad too
because he doesnÕt hear from his folks ÒoftenerÓ. ÒDear Clara if you could see the way the Boys crowd around
the post office to hear from home you wouldnÕt wonder at our wanting to hear
from homeÓ. Some of the poor
soldiers havenÕt gotten any letters since they got there and to see their looks
when they leave the post office empty handed could almost make you cry. ÒSome will swear & some will go off
by themselves & have a cry over it & some will say that they will give
ten dollars for a letter they donÕt care whether it comes from home or not so
you see Dear Clara what Soldiers thinks of getting a letter.Ó
He seems to have trouble
with one of his ears. Since he was
taken prisoner he has had a pretty hard cold and he guesses it settled
there. He can hardly hear out of
it but guesses it will get better.
Lengthy closing. ÒP.S. I met with a pretty narrow escape the
other night I woke up in the morning with a pin in my mouth how it came there is more than I can
tell good night Dear Clara From
your true PeteÓ
Camp
Convalisent [sic] Alexandria VA
June 28th
1863 Sunday
ÒDear wife Feeling lonesome & tired of mind I
think I will write a few lines to you
Hopeing [sic] it may find you all well at Home I got a letter from you on Friday stateing [sic] that I
might look out for that telegraph on Monday I have been looking all this week Except Monday But now I shall come [wence?] on Monday
to look again.Ó He heard that Tom
is only 3 miles from him but he canÕt get to him. He heard that Tom got tired out on the march. ÒBy what I can learn from all that I
have seen & heard the boys say this last march has been one of the Hardest
of the whole war the men fell down dead in quite a number of cases along the
Road there has been a great deal
of talk here lately of a general Exchange on the 6th of July I hope it is not so for I do not care
about returning to the Regt while this Hot weather lasts and most of all dear
Clara I can never make up my mind to go back before I go home it will most kill me if I have to do
it But I cant tell I shall
feel Hopeful untill [sic] I hear from you again.Ó
He thinks there are about a
hundred of his Regt there counting sick and prisoners. He wants to see Tom but is afraid he
wonÕt and says to tell Julia the boys said Tom is well. Lengthy description about hopes
and prayers for a furlough. ÒI am
afraid I have offended some of our folks some way I cant tell how
for none of them writes to me How
much I do prize a letter from Home
Dear Clara I cut them pictures of Ida & willie off just so they
would go in that Case I brought with me
so I have all four of them in together them pictures I brought from {sic- missing ÒhomeÓ?] are just as good
as they ever was onley [sic] the case is soiled a littleÓ. Lengthy closing.
Camp Convalesint [sic] Alexandria VA
June 28, 1863 (Dear Brother)
ÒDear Brother
I am well at Present &
hope these few lines will find you all the same at home Hearing that you was in Utica I
expected to get a letter from you But have not yet got one I should of wrote one long ago if I had
of known where your address was
this is the onley [sic] reason why I have not written to you before How much I have suffered since I have
been a soldier I hope never to go
through with again I refrain from
writeing [sic] home everything in the Hardships we endure for I dont want [p.
2] them to worry of a trouble I have Brought on myself so I donÕt write all to
make them feel bad although I have
Received some honers [sic] since I have Been here I was promoted to a Sergt last winter from the ranks Even that Office is looked up to here
in the army as a big thing we have
nearly as much athority [sic] as a Comissoned [sic] officer and the men are in
duty bound to obey us as much it
relieves me from all guard & fatiuge [sic] duty as well as many other
things. I hope this will find you
well & enjoying yourself & take my advice never enlist if you donÕt
want to be sorry all the days of your life after I have not one half [p.3] the strength I had when I enlisted
although I look Hearty & well & feel so at present I hope you will answer this as
soon as you get it and let me hear from you give my love to father & mother & all
enquiring friends
You affectionate Brother
Sergt Peter L. DumontÓ
Camp
Convalisent [sic]
July 4th
1863
ÒThis is the most lonely
& Impresive [sic] 4th of July I ever saw I am well in body but sick in heart
& mind but I hope this will find you all well at home.Ó He got her telegram Wednesday and took it
to the Colonel who sent it to Washington to the War Department to get it
signed. HeÕs not confident heÕll
get it (furlough) so she shouldnÕt be disappointed. ÒLast night I had a dream & I thought I was at home
& I always take dreams rite the reverse so I donÕt place any confidence in
comingÓ. He doesnÕt blame her
because she has done her duty and more.
He and Fletch had their likenesses taken with their new uniforms
(Zouaves?) and he thought she might like it in case heÕs not coming home. Pictures are expensive there, it cost a
dollar and 70 cents. He loaned
Fletch 2 dollars and Fletch says he will pay Peter or send a letter to Dave and
have Dave pay Clara.
They got news that General
Lee is captured along with 100 pieces of artillery and 50 thousand rebels. Everyone is fussing and ÒhurahingÓ but
he thinks itÕs too good to be true.
ÒThere has been no 4th of July here to day not even so much
as a fire cracker it has been
dredful [sic] still except Services at the ChapelÓ. HeÕs starting to feel resigned to his fate that he wonÕt get
a furlough but he still has hopes and wants her to keep up good courage for his
sake.
[from Sarah
Graff to Clarinda?]
July Monday the 6 1863
ÒDar [sic] friend
i take up my pen to let you
know that i have not foregoten [sic] you and that I miss you very much when
Sunday [evenings?] comes yes I often think of you and your poor
little ones and of thare father that is so far from you and them i hope that the lord will spare his
life and bring him back to his wife and children again for it is hard to be
left as I am in this world I often wish i was laid in the grave by my husband
and [child?] i feel very lonesome
by spells [p.2] it will be five
weeks Wednesday since i left Utica but it seems more like a year then [sic]
five weeks I donÕt feel contened
[sic] there then eny [sic] other place I know of it is very plest [sic] here
for the lake is wright [sic] in front of the house I often sit by the window for hours and look in the
water it is getting late and I
must bring my letter to a close so I bid you good night Mary sends her love to you excuse me for not writing sooner I am well and hope that these few lines
find you and children the same
when you write let me know when you hear from your husband last and how he
is getting along.
Write soon and [oblig?] me
I remain as ever your
Friend Sarah M Graff
Yours truly
Direct your letters
Sarah M Graff
[Houkinsville?]
NY
Excuse this poor writing
Camp
Convalisent VA
July the 8th
1863
Sad to hear Ida is so sick,
please take care of her because he couldnÕt bear to lose her.. Òfor I always
thought so much of her. I donÕt
mean by this that I donÕt think anything of willie for I should hate to loose
[sic] him just as bad but you know how Ida was her Papa girl how much she always seemed to think of
me & how she did always want to go with me where I went. But sometimes I think she will never
follow me again I have had a
Presentiment since you sent that telegram that the lord would punish us for our
wickedness But I hope for the Best
I have not heard anything form that furlough since it went to the war
Department & that is week ago
Some say it takes two weeks to get it.Ó
ÒWe are getting glorious
news here at present to day the news
is that the whole of the rebel army of virginia is destroyed I pray god this
may be true vicksburgh has fallen
& Richmond is expected to be taken every day & it seems as if the Rebs
is cathing [sic] it on every side pretty bad just now.Ó
She had asked his consent to
go to the picnic with George on July 14th and he is surprised she
wouldnÕt go without his leave but wants her to enjoy herself however she can.
ÒNo Dear Clara go & may god Bless you I love you to much to keep you from
enjoying yourself it cant make any
talk with the folks you know for he is my Brother yet you know I am jelous
[sic] very much so & I hope there will be no danger in giving my consent to
such and [elopement?] with my Brother as for me I cant find no pleasure in
anything now I get up in the
morning & when night comes I am as tired as if I had done a hard days
work I am thinking of you &
home all the time & it works so much on my mind it makes my head acke [sic]
all the time my Constitution is
not what it used to be the least exersize [sic] tires me all out & yet if I
was forced to it I suppose I could march fifty miles in one day.Ó He doesnÕt
think theyÕll be exchanged soon but if they are heÕll make the best of it. Much excitement in camp. ÒI have found a young man here by the
name of Justis Place he used to
work at Harwoods. He sends his
respects to her ^ Malvina. Ò Closing.
Camp
Convalisent VA
July the
12th 1863 Sunday
Got her letter and glad to
hear all are well. Saw that Ida
was expecting a ring so he sat right down and made another one (the first one
broke), he worked from 2 PM until dark to get it done. Has given up coming home because they
say they will be exchanged pretty soon.
Will send her money, either in this letter or by express. Will see how much they charge and
if itÕs not much heÕll send it to her that way. If he doesnÕt get a furlough heÕll send another ten
dollars.
ÒDear Clara I suppose the
letters I write to my folks they donÕt get for I saw a Utica Herald here with a
letter advertised in it for george & I suppose it is one that I sent him
about 2 weeks ago I suppose by the
time you get this you will have been to the pic nic I hope you enjoyed yourself firstrate when you answer this tell me how it
came off I wish I had of been
there to go with you but then I see pic nics enough here every day I am getting
sick of them you know what I mean drums fifes & bugles & soldiers I
almost hate the sight & hearing of them.Ó
Adds up dollars and cents
and shillings for Òthem stockings you spoke abot [sic]Ó and concludes Òthat
would make 12 shillings for 4 Dozen & if they only paid you 11 shillings
they cheated you out of oneÓ. The
pictures he had taken with Fletch, Fletch stood in the best light Òbut then you know he is the Best
looking & maybe you look at that a great deal his folks has one just the same there is no Difference between the two.Ó
DonÕt listen to Bill Jones,
he wasnÕt a gentlemen telling her such stuff, there is some talk of Co A soldiers surrendering themselves
without a struggle and he doesnÕt know if itÕs true but he was not one of
them. ÒAs near as I can find out
there was about 18 of them that run in a house & then give themselves up
but I was not with them when I was
takeing [sic] I was surrounded by about 200 of Rebels me and the Captain
alone.Ó Closing.
Camp
Convalisent [sic] VA
July 16th
1863
So sorry to hear Ida is so
sick again. ÒDear Clara I will
tell you how fletch came to know about your sending for me he was crying around & asking me
every day if there was not some way to get home so I told him if he would Promise me never to sat anything
to anyone I would tell him how I thought he might get one you see I wont lie about it for I
thought he would never tell you or his folks that you had done so for me But you see you cant trust your Best
friends with a secret I know [otto
gulick?] he is one of them Dutch meat Pedlars that lives up near the [Capron?]
factoryÓ. He sent her a letter
with a ring for Ida in it but he doesnÕt know if sheÕll get it because the roads
are in a bad state. ÒÉI sent you a
paper with a receipt for 20 Dollars which I sent by express I hope you have got
it before nowÓ. He would have sent
it earlier but hoped he was going home.
He feels bad she had to ask for it because she doesnÕt use a lot of
money. ÒSometimes I wonder how you
get along with as little as you do you have forgot Dear Clara that you sent me
ten dollars I am sorry that I have
spent so much money But I could
not help it Dear Clara we have lived so poor here that I have bought a great
Deal to eat & we have to pay double here what everything is worthÉÓ They are supposed to get paid 3 months
pay next week and he will send her all of it.
Òtell me in you next letter
what Mary that was stayed with you
I suppose though it was Mary Myers
what is she doing now Dear
Clara donÕt scold me for telling fletch for I thought I was doing a favor and I
little thought it would come back to you so soon.Ó Closing. ÒI
remain yours in love & truth Peter L DumontÓ.
Camp
Convalisent [sic] VA
Sunday July
19th 1863
HasnÕt heard from her and
hopes she got the money because he knows she must need it. Worried about little Ida being
sick. ÒI think that in a few days
we will be Exchanged & then I will have to go Back to my Regt again it will be hard for me to do so without
seeing you But I shall try
to feel Better than what I do.Ó
Unhappy he hasnÕt gotten a
letter from George or Malley and says he wonÕt write them again until he
does. It makes him feel bad that
none of his folks write when they all know how to. It seems like no one cares about him ÒBut I think I know on one who loves me
& is thinking of me while I am here and that is you dear Clara I place all the Confidence in you &
Believe you are what I hoped & wished for there is not much news here at present onley [sic] what you
hear in the Papers I think
that our folks are Driveing [sic] the Rebels pretty hard at Present & they
will be forced after a while to yield to the old goverment [sic] again I hope this Summer will finish up the
wicked Rebellion I am tired
of lying around in Idleness the way we are here and I have seen all the
fighting I want to But if it is my
lot to go into more Battles I shall go the same as I went before.Ó Closing.
Camp
Convalisent [sic] VA
Friday July
24th 1863
Finally got her letter, it
had been 10 days since heÕd gotten one and thought she must be sick. ÒDear Clara you Cant tell how I felt
after I read your letter I feel
for you with all my heart god knows how gladly I would come if I could & be
with you I never thought any of my
folks could of treated you with so little respect it is hard I know it But dear Clara I happen to have a hope
that I shall yet get through this wicked Rebelion [sic] & come home to live
& die with my Dear little wife & then I will try & atone for all
the Sorrow I have Brought on you I
am afraid you stay at Home to [sic] much
why did you not go to the Pic nic & enjoy yourself I think it would of done you a great
deal of good I did not know untill
[sic] lately that you was liveing [sic] in such a place as you are up stairs
& in one room I am afraid you
are doing an injury to yourself by trying to please me as you think I donÕt
want you to [spunge?] your stomachs or live Poorly to save a little money
because that would hurt my feelings worse than anything else Dear Clara last Sunday I spent the
whole day in the tent thinking of you & wishing I could see you I wonder if Joey never thought of
setting on the steps & if nobody never thought of saying any thing to her
for it & then that night Society
oh Dear Clara it makes me feel awful I was almost crazy when I read your
letter I sat down & thought I
would write a real saucy letter to them but my better feelings over Balanced my
Bad ones & I was glad I did not write it for that would onely [sic] be
letting them know you had been writeing [sic] about them to me So Dear Clara take my advice try not to
notice everything they say or do
overlook it if you can & rest asured [sic] that one of the truest
& most loveing [sic] hearts beats warm for you that ever beat in a human
bosom god Bless & Protect you
through life & I hope when the harvest Comes you may be gathered with all
the heavenly & be at rest.Ó
Wants to see a picture of
her to see if she is altered any.
Did not get a letter from George or Mally but may get it tomorrow. ÒI am glad to hear that Ida was so
pleased with her ring poor little thing how bad I do want to see her She must always be called her pas [sic]
girl I always thought so much of
her & she always seemed to think a great deal of me.Ó Is sending her five dollars since he
thinks heÕs not coming home. He
would like to have her come visit but there is nowhere for her to stay: Òthe houses within 15 miles of here was
all Burnt Down in the Commencement of this war & nothing is to be seen but
tents.Ó If he thought the war
would last much longer heÕd send for her anyway. They got mustered in and are
going to be paid soon and heÕll send it home. Closing.
P.S. ÒTell me in your next
letter if george is enrolled for the DraftÓ.
Camp
Convalisent [sic] VA
Sunday July
26th 1863
Feeling lonesome. ÒGot a letter from Mally to day with
her likeness Most all the Boys are
going Crazy over her good looksÓ
He answered her and is sending it with this letter and a Harpers
Weekly. ÒI thought you might think
more of it if I sent it if I bought it than if you had got it yourself.Ó They got mustered for two months pay
and he will send it as soon as he gets it, doesnÕt know the cost of carrying it
by Express. ÒHow bad I do feel
because I cant get home But I felt worse when I got your letter saying you had
cried every letter you wrote oh
Dear Clara it was to [sic] bad But if anything of that kind happens I wish to
know it for I wish to share your sorrows likewise whatever may Befall or Beset
you I know of one fond
loveing [sic] heart that will never cease to Beat for you & you alone while
life remains I cant express by
words how deeply I love you & the longer I am away the stronger grows that
love for you to Part with you now
I think it would about kill me you know last summer when you was gone onley
[sic] a month how long it seemed to me & how Dearly I prized your worth
when you came I hope that we may
live together again & live happily .Ó
HasnÕt got a letter from
George yet but might get one tomorrow.
DoesnÕt know when they will be exchanged. It could be in the next month. ÒWhen I am in the service 25 days longer I will be one year
in the service of Uncle Sam god
grant that I may not pass another one here.Ó Closing.
Convalisent
[sic] Camp VA
Friday July
31st 1863
Got her letter and one from
Joey, glad all are well as he is.
ÒI have not written to Mr. Hart yet & did not mean to untill [sic] I
was gone a year But I think he has done well & I think you have Done well
with it but I donÕt think bill [Daywell?] ever Done much out of his own Pocket
for any body But I think Mr Hart a
good and kind man & if you think it is right I will write to him & thank
him for what he has done for you because he will of course Expect you have
wrote to me about itÓ. Has not
gotten paid. Thank Joey for her
letter and picture, he would write to her but doesnÕt have postage stamps. ÒPoor little Ida how bad was she hurt I wish I could see her I guess she
remembers her papa Pretty well But willie I think He will forget me or has done
so long ago.Ó
ÒWe have had quite a time
here the Paroled Prisoners has
been kept under so close confinement that they have Revolted 2 or three times
& they have placed us in another Camp with a strong guard around us &
they have cut down on the Rations so they [sic] men did not have enough to
eat the Comanding [sic] officer of
the Camp has to keep himself very Close to his Quarters or he is called all
sort of names & hooted at & in a number of cases he has been stoned.Ó
Hopes sheÕll send him a
picture because he wants to see her so bad. Word just came while heÕs writing that theyÕve been
exchanged but he doesnÕt believe it.
ÒI am sorry to here of [kates?] Baby & I hope it will live if her Children
had lived she would have had quite a family by this timeÓ. Closing.
ÒP.S. I forgot to tell yesterday I got a
letter from the Col of our regt with a strong recommend for a furlough it was
wrote the 8th of June and it is now to late I might of come home just as well as
not if I had got it in time it was
for me and DimblebyÓ
Camp
Convalisent [sic] VA
Sunday
August 2nd 1863 [says 1862]
Not feeling well Òthe
weather is so hot the water runs in streams down my Body I suppose this is the cause of my
feeling so.Ó ÒI got a letter from
george yesterday that has been wrote some time.Ó They have not been exchanged yet although they say it will
be a few days Òbut I think it all Origanates [sic] from the thought that it is
about the time for a Regular ExchangeÓ
Has not been paid. ÒI Have
written to Mr Hart a letter of thanks But Did not tell him of his
PromiseÓ. In 20 days he will have
been in the service for a year. ÒI
wonder if I will have to stay 3 years
it seems hard & yet I should not feel Exactly right to Come Home to
Stay with this war unsettledÓ.
ÒThe girls write to me it will be a day of great Rejoising to see their
Dear Brother home once more if they
think so much of me I wish they would show my Dear loved wife some of that
love I would like it far better.Ó
ÒÉ we are now in a Camp
where we are kept under a Close guard & there is not a Shade tree to keep
us from the Burning sun & our tents draws the Sun so it is Hot as an Oven
inside almost oh my it is awful
Hot to day I hope you donÕt Suffer from such hot weather in Utica the soldiers have turned out 2 or 3
times in large Bodies to Claim their Rights as soldiers but so far they have
been unsuccessful I am afraid they
will do something awful before they get through with it they are Deprived of all liberties
& their Rations have been Reduced one half Such Procedeings [sic] will make good men Desperate &
Claim their Rights by main force if
they can not be obtained any other wayÓ. ÒI might just as well Been at home
these two months as not if I had of Recevied that Recommend in time but it is
to [sic] late now.Ó Closing.
Camp Parole
VA
August 7th
1863
Got 2 letters and her
picture, was so glad. ÒYou are a
great deal flesher [sic] than what you was when I came away from home I think
you look as well as Ever I saw you
looking onley [sic] you look sad & Dispirited about something I am sorry to hear of Jim Harpers
death.Ó She wanted to know how he
knew she was living upstairs, asked who told him. He said no one did, he guessed it from her letter when she
said she came downstairs after getting her work done and sat on the steps
looking for him to come home. ÒIf
the soldiers donÕt fall in love with your Picture I have already & I fell in
love with the Origanal [sic] some years ago & I find that looking over the
past that love has not been Cooled a might I donÕt think george will have to come here for they are
Dischargeing all Subjects of that kind here nowÓ. They have not been paid off and wonÕt be for a week or two
because the Paymasters went to the Regiments and wonÕt come back until theyÕre
done. He is owed almost 4 months
pay but he doesnÕt think they will get but 2 months. ÒThere will be 68 Dollars Coming to me the last of this
month.Ó A lot of talk they will be
exchanged soon but it could be another month.
ÒYou must direct your
letters now to Camp Parole Near Alexandria Virginia we have got into a Better
Camp all to ourselves and it is called Camp Parole I would like to have you
come here if it was not for a set of Rowdish Men Called Soldiers and wearing
Soldiers Unifom who stands Ready to Blackguard Every woman that Comes into
Camp this is one of the reason
[sic] why I have not sent for you and not a descent Place for you to stay is
another Reason.Ó Everybody thinks
the war will be over soon. CanÕt
get postage stamps. Closing.Ó
Camp Parole
VA
August 10th
1863
He went down to the Potomac
River and got a mess of freshwater clams and fried them up, they went first
rate. Wishes she could have been
there this summer to get berries, they were so thick the soldiers couldnÕt pick
half. ÒI could of picked 12 quarts
of them long Black Berries in a coup of hours & huckle Berries I have never known what huckle Berries
were untill [sic] I Came here I have had my fill of them this summer oh how I have wished I coul of sent you
and Ida some they looked so
nice.Ó Has not gotten paid yet. Talk that they wonÕt get exchanged at
all or not in a good while anyway.
If they donÕt he will try to get home. Mr Place wanted I should ask Mally if she would be offended
if he should ask her to hold a corespondence [sic] with her he says he has no
one to write to in Utica & would like some one to hold a corespondence
[sic] with in that place.Ó Tom
came over to this camp for 2 or 3 days then yesterday went to the Regt: ÒI Pitied jim for he did not look fit
for to go he just got a letter
from Julia with her Picture in it
he wanted me to write an answer But he did not have time Our Regt numbers now about 190 men
& there has been 4 Regts Cnsolidated into it this is what I call one of the greatest losses of the
war what has become of all our men
I am sure I cant tell & I Doubt if the Col can tell there is no news so I will come to a
closeÓ.
[A poem in different
handwriting on different paper with different spelling was folded with this one
but probably is unrelated.]
ÒSelling heavenÓ
Go bring me said the dying
fair
With anguish in her tone
There costly robes and
jewels rare
Go bring them every on [sic]
They strewÕd them on her
dying bed
These robes of princly [sic]
cost
Father with bitterness she
said
For these my soul is lost
With glorious hopes once was
blest
Nor feared the gaping tomb
With heaven already in my
hart [sic]
I lookÕd for heave to come
I heard a saviour [parding?]
voice
My soul was fillÕd with
peace
Father you bought me with
these toys
I barterÕd heaven for these
[p.2 reverse]
Tak [sic] them they are the
price of blood
For them I lost my soul
For them must bear the wrath
of god
While [careless?] ages roll
Remember when you look on
these
You [sic] daughters fearful
doom
That she her pride and
[thin?] to please
[appears unfinished?]
Parole Camp
Near Alexandria VA
August the 15th 1863
TheyÕve been busy getting
mustered and paid off. Got a letter
from Bill Dagwell in answer to one he sent Mr. Hart. ÒHe says that you was on the Point of seeing the firm of
hart & Dagwell once or twice & that you was very much in need of money
he says you told him this I think
you done very wrong if you was in want of money to not let me know it while I
was carrying it about in my Pocket
he seems to feel Big over it to think he has helped a Poor Soldiers wife
a littleÓ. He sent her 25 dollars
by Express. Talk of exchange but
nothing official. ÒYou wrote of
seeing Old [Top?] at Carters & she spoke about the Pic Nic I hope she did not tell you anything to
make you feel Bad for as sure as I live I hope to Retain your love I acted not
in any way to make her say anything of me and tell the truth I acted not out of
a married mans place while in her Company
if she has said anything mean about me or hinted such a thing I hope you
will tell her that she has told a Black lie for as god let me live I did not
think of such a thing May be I am
going to [sic] far But I thought when I read your letter she had said some
thing to hurt your feelings I do
not Blame you if you did think something of it For I had no Buisnesess [sic] to
go as I did I hope this Rebelion
[sic] will soon come to a close for god knows how Bad oh how Bad I wish to see
your Dear face again & my little IdaÉ Somehow or other I feel as if I cant
go Back to my Regt Do my Country Justice in another Battle Unless I can see you
againÓ but he thinks he wonÕt be
able to. Closing.
Camp Parole
Near Alexandria VA
Sunday
August 16th 1863
Got her letter and wants to
answer even though he wrote yesterday.
Got a likeness of Mother and likes it very much, can see sheÕs grown
older, tell her he likes it a great deal Òand it shall never leave me while I
have strength to carry it. I have
a pretty good lot of Pictures now to carry about But I donÕt mind the heft of
them I am sorry I did not get a Better one of Ida it has most disappeared & look [sic] quite Dim.Ó
ÒIt is reported here in Camp
that the yellow Fever is Raging Pretty Bad & this Morning they Commenced
giveing [sic] us Whiskey & Quinine to keep it off I for my part have not seen a case of it yet.Ó Sent her $25 by Express. ÒOh how I do wish I could see you to
day I feel so lonesome I hope you feel Better over our
seperation [sic] than what I do if
you donÕt you must feel miserable indeed
I am sweating like a Butcher while I am writeing [sic] this for oh my
you cant begin to tell how hot it is down here But the nights are getting somewhat cooler so we manage to
sleep a little Better than we did 2 weeks agoÓ. ÒSeeing Joey feels so bad I will try & write her a few
lines to day I hope you will tell me next what that young [top?] has to say
about me and if she lied to you or said anything bad I refer you to Sarah Graff for I was not out of her sight
all the whole day É I never thought she was much anyway. Oh Dear Clara I have never done
anything wrong no more than what you have seen with your own eyes & god
helping I donÕt mean to do it
Believe me I have always been true as steel to you through life & so
wish to remain.Ó Closing.
Camp Parole
VA
August the
20th 1863
ÒI write you today because I
hardley [sic] know what else to do with myselfÉI am well that is to all
apearances [sic] but my Bowels have not been in a good state for a week
past I have eaten a mess of new
Potato & a couple ears of green Corn
this may have upset me some
they are givieng [sic] out whiskey & Quinine here twice a day But my
Stomach wont Bear it I drinked it
Once & I was sick afterwards so I DonÕt drink any now I donÕt know But it is good as a
medicine But the men shamefully
abuse the privelage [sic] they have got
Some draw their rations and give them away to others & they got
Beastly Drunk on it One young Boy
here Drank so much that he lied in fits all day afterwards if they is many Dying her from [crossed
out ÒSmallÓ] yellow fever they keep it still from us for I have not seen a case
of it yet But one thing is sure
they would not give the men whiskey for nothing there is some Contgious [sic] Disease amongst us and a Bad
one to But it is kept stillÓ. Weather is getting colder, need two
blankets at night to keep warm.
They donÕt hear much about
an exchange and some say it wonÕt happen.
ÒThe New york herald says there is No Probability of an Exchange on the
grounds that the Rebels Refuse to Exchange on the old Cartel if they donÕt exchange us I hope to get
home in a few days as there is some talk of giveing [sic] us all a
furloughÓ. He hopes that he might
get a furlough because he still has the ColonelsÕ recommend.
ÒThe news of the riots &
the resistence to the Draft has tended to Dishearten the Soldiers very much at
the Present time if we had a
hearty & Cheering Responce [sic] from the loyal States I [sic] is the
general Belief this Rebelion would not last long But this Sudden Outbreak of men at home will have a tendency
to Prolong the war a great while longer.Ó
Lengthy closing.
Camp Parole
VA
Near
Alexandria
Sunday
August 23rd [sic no year, should be 1863]
Dreadful hot, too warm to
write with any comfort. Still
hasnÕt gotten a letter from her and anxious to hear if she got the money. ÒDear Clara it was a year ago yesterday
since I enlisted and how long it seems since I left you god onley [sic] knows how long it yet
will be before I see you maybe never.
But I hope before another year has Past & gone the war we are
engaged in will [sic- missing ÒbeÓ] over never to come again.Ó Lengthy discussion
of whether or not they will be exchanged and when: ÒI am prepared for better or for worse let come what may but
oh how Bad I want to see you if I could onley [sic] come home for a few days
just to see you & the Children once moreÓ. Lay awake last night thinking about them and thinks Òoh how
Bitter would be the parting of the second time & perhaps it would be better
if god did not see fit to let [sic- missing ÒmeÓ] come home just yet for it
would be a hard thing for me to come back again. I have often thought of our Parting it was a hard one but it was perhaps
for the Better. I merely had a
glimpse of all that I held most Dear on earth I little thought to leave you so.Ó
Has heard often from the
Regiment lately and how much they have suffered. ÒThat noble Band of men that left Rome last fall numbering
about nine hundred men is now Reduced to about one hundred & seventy or
eighty men the Lieutenant Col
Commands it now and them that are with the Regt writes to us that if we can
posibly [sic] keep away from it we had Better for they say they have nothing
but hardships & abuse now the
4th Oneida has not seen much of the war yet there are some of its members here in
Convalisent Camp & I was talking with them & they say they have never
seen a grey Back or Rebel yet
they have had a good time around the fortifications [sic] while our Regt
has endured all the hardships and Privations of warÓ. He has just gotten a couple of papers such as they
distribute around every Sunday and will send them to her since he thinks sheÕs
never seen them. Lengthy closing
Òtell little Ida her papa will come home one of the days.Ó
Camp Parole
Near Alexandria VA
Friday
August 28th [/ or 1] 63
Finally got her letter and
one from Joey. His health is
good. ÒI am sorry you have made up
your mind to go [hoppicking? hop picking?] for now I am afraid I will have no one to write to me that is all I
Care about itÓ. Not exchanged yet,
doesnÕt know if will be. ÒPoor
Dave Jones how I feel for him if
he would feel about it as I did I should never Care about Coming home if I was
in his place it is Horible [sic]
to Contemplate I hope for his sake it is not so such news as that would Kill
me I would Rather hear my wife was
dead than to hear that news god forbid that I shall ever hear it from my own
home But I can trust you I have never Doubted you for you never
gave me causeÓ.
ÒThe talk is here now if the
Comisoners [sic] cannot agree on some terms of Exchange [crossed out Òwe willÓ]
by next Monday we will all be sent to our own States there seems to exist a great Dificulty [sic] about the Negro
Soldier it is the general Opinion
we will not be Exchanged at all I
have now got 68 men under my Charge & feel power invested in me to act the
same as Captain and my time is Ocupied [sic] some now what it used to beÓ. Hopes to get home before they exchange
him Òand then I hope it will be
before you go a picking hopsÓ.
Lengthy closing.
Camp Parole
VA
Sunday
August 29th [/ or 1] 63
Is well but lonesome and
sad. ÒI have got things
straightend [sic] around so now with my spread of men that I find more time
than I thought I would have
yesterday I went and had another likeness taken for I want you to have a
good one Every one Prounounces
[sic] this to be a good Picture of me as I know look. I suppose I donÕt look as I used to but one thing if I am
alerted in looks you may Rest Asured [sic] that I am Not altered any way else
onley [sic] I hope for the Better.Ó
Wants to see them. All engrossed
in talk of Exchange. Òthe Officers
here in Charge of us Say Arangments [sic] are already Completed to send us to
our own States I hope this is true
But we cannot with any Certainty Rely upon what we hear.Ó Nights are getting very cold but daytimes
are comfortable.
ÒSometimes I wish if you
have not gone a hop picking you would give it up & I donÕt want you to stay
at home so close neither I am
afraid you stay there to much for your own good and I am afraid if you go I
will not hear from you very often
Dear Clara if you Onley [sic] knew how much I prize your letters you
will not wonder at my Request they
are half of what I live [ of ff?] But if you wish to go I will not say nothing
against it for I wish you to enjoy yourself as much as you canÉ But with me
here it is far diferent [sic] I am surounded [sic] by plenty of Company none of
the female kind though & our
Camp is situated on a Beautiful Rise of ground overlooking the Potomac River
with its surface covered with sails & shiping. Yet I am not satisfied. There is a longing and craving which I cannot overcome &
that Dear Clara is you and home. I
suppose by this time the draft has come has come [sic—repeats words] off
in Utica. I sincerely hope george
is not one of the Unlucky ones for I would not wish him to suffer what little I
have god forbid that he will see
as much of this terible [sic] struggle as I have None can Conceive how terible [sic] it is untill [sic] they
are actually engaged in it I
suppose I am not much more of a coward thatn the soldiers in general yet the other night while I lay wide
awake I began thinking of those hideous monsters called Shells that flew around
us at Chancelorsville [sic] & the leaden misels [sic] actually it made me leap rite [sic] up
in my Bed and I couldent [sic] help it oh it is terrible work this human Buchery [sic] and I
hope it will soon be over with
Onely [sic] think of what this war has done over one hundred thousand
brave men lay beneath the soil of Virginia alone But I am [crossed out gettetin] getting Clean of [sic] the
track of a soldier these
thoughts a true soldiers [sic] Banishes or rather tries to But I cant help
Expressing my feelings sometimes.Ò
Lengthy closing. Signed:
P.L.Dumont
Sergt in Charge Squad No 11 Paroled Prisoners
Camp Parole
VA
Thursday
Sept the 3rd /63
[letterhead of woman in red
with flag, Chas Magnus 12 Frankfort St N.Y.]
Got her letter and the paper
but was ahead of her in getting the news:
ÒI am Glad george was not drafted for I should hate for to see him come
if he did Not want toÓ. Not
exchanged and no signs of it. Everyone
is saying they are coming home but heÕs afraid itÕs just camp talk. ÒTo day I have been mustering the
men for something I donÕt know for what But I guess it is for pay I am glad Sarah has come back for I
think she is good Company for you
I hope she will turn out better than my acquaintance has I have no need to hope for I know she
will. That Mr Place I wrote home
about has turned out to be one of the worst sort of men he went to Washington and mixed himself
in with mean women of that place and then came back & made his brags about
it and Mr philip Smith has got so he Sports a woman at this Camp and she
happens to be a nigger at that he
got in the Sutlers Shop here for Clerk and that is the way he spends his money
he earns here god help & keep
me from such things I donÕt see
how they Can do it & have a clear Concience [sic]. Ò Describes how most all the boys go off
to Washington and come back to brag about what bully times they have with women
and most of them are married, but she will never hear that from him.
Hopes to come home soon to
see her and Ida and Willie. ÒI
hope they will both live to be good Children & be a blessing to us in old
age if god Permits us to see it.
That Bill [Sweatfager?} has turned out as I expected I suppose he is a subject for Virginia
and Bill dagwell has got enough to Pay his 3 hundred dollars without feeling it
but how many will have to come that have not got it to Pay Charles Milburey is drafted I see by
the papers But what is Brother
Henry going to do I suppose he has
not got his 3 hundred to pay & I donÕt think his height will clear him for
I have seen smaller men than him down here.Ó Lengthy closing.
Signed:
Sergt P.L.Dumont
Comding Squad No 11 3rd
division
Paroled Prisoners
a kiss to all
Camp Parole
Sept 8th
1863
Is well but quite
lonesome. Went to see the
Lieutenant today who said he would write a recommend for him to get a furlough,
showed him the ColonelÕs recommend.
Lengthy description of how badly he wants to come home and is Ònot of
any use I am afraid the goverment
[sic] will be the loosers [sic] by keeping us pened [sic] up so tight when they
come to Exchange us if they ever do I am afraid the most of them will desert on
purpose to get home tomorrow is
going to be a sad day here there is going to be a couple of Deserters Shot
Close to our Camp I have heard some of our own boys tell there was 16 of them
came here from the front a Couple of days ago and they witnessed the execution
of them men out there. They say it
was the hardest thing they have seen since they have been down here Most all was affected to tears. If so
god knows I do Not want to see it.
Our boys that Came here have been put in the invalid Corps. They are worn out gone up for active
Service. They was the Hardest Looking
set of men I have Ever seen they
have suffered every thing this sumer [sic]. Ben Chapman the hardest looking & bigest [sic] man in
the Regt is Broke down he is here
at Convalisent Camp mother knows
him very well.Ó
They are getting new
clothing, he will have to get pants and stockings. He doesnÕt know when theyÕll get paid. They had orders to muster them but they
were countermanded again. ÒOne of
our Sergts that came from the Reg says we have been struck off of the
Regimental Books & marked on Detached Service. I nor no one else can tell what it means But it sounds as if
we were not going Back to the Regt
very soon. I have been a Prisoner
of war now 4 months & 8 days and I begin to feel tired of this kind of
life. Wednsday [sic] the 9th
Dear Clara I am feeling Quite well to day.Ó The execution has been postponed. Got a letter from the Regt saying Òthe Captain has gone back
to take Command of his Company with one arm.Ó Lengthy description of how much he misses home. He wants to hear from her and if she is
picking hops. He wants to fill out
this sheet but Òthe boys keep me getting up & making out Passes & running after them all the time I have been very busy making out
Clothing Rolls all this week so far but I have got most through now how Does Sarah graff feel now I wonder
if she has most forgot Jake I wish
you & she could live together while I am gone I think she would make good Company for you.Ó
He doesnÕt hear anything
from Tom, the poor fellow didnÕt
want to go back to the Regt. If
Peter had known he would be in Camp so long he would have sent for her but itÕs
too late now. ItÕs hard to find
good company here: Òthere is
nothing but low and vulgar conversation going on all the time & I donÕt
wish to hear it you must lump it
But once in a while we can come across a few good ones but they are
Chiefly to be found amongst old married men I think you know Michael Keating he has got so he donÕt send any money to his wife at all but
spends it amongst the women in elaxandria & Washington & Phil Smith
& lib murrayÕs Brother has got something to Remember them by for some time
to Come oh it is awful such doings in this world I wonder what things are coming to I gues [sic] Phil or andy
neither one sends any money home it is to [sic] bad but they have got Past
taking advice and they wont have anyone Preach to them as they call itÉ.if you
ever hear any one write about me what I have wrote about them you Can make up
your mind that I have gone Stark mad for as long as god gives me my Proper sence
[sic] & faculties for reasoning you will never hear from me in such a
wayÓ. Closing.
Camp Parole
Va
Wednsday
Sept 16th 1863
Health is good but sad &
disappointed. ÒYesterday I went to
the Great City of Washington & oh how I did wish I could of seen your Dear
face there when I Came to see so many men & women who seemed to take so
much Comfort in Each Other Society you cant tell how bad I felt & oh how
much I longed to be at home with you & my little Ones. I was in the war Department & I saw
Dave Laughlin there & had Quite a talk with him he told me he did not think there would be any more
Exchanges So I canÕt see what they are going to do with us Unless they do let
us Come home. I came home tired
almost out about Dark last night & am sore all over to day I was in most
all the Public Buildings the war Department the navy yard Smithonian [sic]
institute & the Capitol so you see I had Quite a tramp of it oh I wish you
could see it as well as me altogether it is Quite a sight worth seeing we heard today they was giving out 15
hundred furloughts at Annapolis to one time for thirty days so may be if we
have paitience [sic] over time may come yet it donÕt seem to do any good to
make an application for a furlough É Laughlin told me if my father went to [Rescoe?]
Conklin & had him to intercede for me I might get a furough that wayÉ a
great many of the Boys have got them from Francis Kernin But Laughlin tells me
he is on the wrong side of the house he has no influence at all that is the
reason why they donÕt get them.Ó
Complains that they are
making him be very strict, giving orders to the boys that he doesnÕt want to
but he must obey : Òthe Boys look to me to see if I wont be so hard on them but
I must Do my duty or else Suffer myself for it I will send you a couple of pictures for Ida & Willie
they was given to me & I feel as if I wanted to send them something &
donÕt know what else I can send them
kiss them often for me take
good care of your health for my sake.Ó
Closing.
Camp Parole
Va
Sunday Sept
20th 1863
[letterhead with two color
pictures: soldier with drum and
flag and War Department building, Chas Magnus, 12 Frankfort St. N.Y.]
ÒDear Clara
to day has been another long
tedious Cold & lonesome Sunday
it has been so Cold here to day it was impossible to keep warm but for
all that I am enjoying good health and hope you are all enjoying the same good
health & now Dear Clara I suppose I will have to inform you of the news
that we are all exchanged & will have to go to our Regts & just about
now they are getting all ready for a big fight again out in frontÓ. Has been busy for a couple days getting
more clothing and Òthere has about 18 hundred guns Come to this Camp which they
say are for us the Officers that
is over me here in Command told me
this morning that Lee thought we
were all Exchanged this what I write to you is mostly imagination but I think
it will prove to [missing ÒbeÕ?] true.Ó
Says if he had had a chance to have come home he thinks would have gone
back to the front cheerfully and willingly but he hopes all will turn out well so donÕt
despair and keep spirits up. He
would die if he didnÕt think the war would soon end, perhaps over the winter so
they can come home in the spring. ÒFletch donÕt want to go to the Regt any more
than what I do But I guess he will have to go with [missing word?] although
they want him to the hospital so much he makes so good a nurce [sic].Ó He gave Peter a present of a nice
woolen shirt. The Regt just got
paid off so he wonÕt get paid and will have to wait for another payday before
he can send her money. He hopes
she doesnÕt suffer for anything as long as she has the means of getting it.
ÒDear Clara my dream of
seeing you this year has vanished I am afraid but still I have hope of seeing
you sometime. I think your last
letter was a good one and oh how I do prize those little misels [sic] that come
from you if I could not hear
from you then I would be sad indeed I never thought before I was married that I
could love one so much as I do you
I would rather loose [sic] all the riches of the land than you Dear one
& yet we must be parted but I feel it cannot be so forever.Ó Closing.
Camp Parole
Va
Sunday Sept
25th 1863
Got her letters, glad to
hear she is well as he is. ÒAs
soon as I got the recommend of Mr. Conklin I took it and went to the Lieutenant
and he had just received an Order from the war Department that we are all Exchanged he let me read it & I found it was
true so it was of no use going to Washington with the paper But last night I went to him again and
he said he would do all he could to get me a pass to go to Washington So he wrote me a good Recommend for a
Pass I took it and went to Head Quarters & the Col said he would like to give
me a pass but his orders was not to let any one go out of the Camp So I am to day writeing [sic] just the
way things is I do not Believe it is wright I should have a furlough or else I
would have had one long before now the way I have tried to get oneÓ.
They had orders to leave
this morning but for some reason they didnÕt. Nobody believes him that they have been Exchanged because
there is nothing in the papers about it. ÒThey all think because the Rebels
have been placed back in the field against [Rosearand?] & Burnside our
goverment [sic] will do the same for Retaliation & if we are ever taken
Prisoner again most likely we shall be shot for takeing [sic] up arms before we
are exchanged A dreadful feeling
prevails amongst the Boys on that acount [sic] I have been called away on Court Martial all day to day for
pretty much I have just heard that
we will all go to the front to morrow morning.Ó Lengthy closing about wishing
he had seen her one more time and take care of the children.
Camp Parole
Va
Sunday Sept
27th 1863
ÒTo day has been one of the
Most lonesome Sunday I believe I have ever seen since I have been down
here the eleventh & twelvth
[sic] Corps of Paroled Prisoners have left this Camp & gone to join their
Regiments fully armed for the front & it leaves the Camp Quite Naked &
I am expecting every moment while I am writeing [sic] this letter to get Orders
for the fifth Corps to go fletch
has been ordered to Report here to go with us he feels very bad about going But that donÕt do any
good he thought he was going to
stay with the docters [sic] at the HospitalÓ. Some complain about their health to get excused from
going back but he Òcant put on Cheek enough when nothing ails me No I will go & when I cant go no
farther then I will stop & have a Clear Concience [sic] that I have not
tried to shirk my duty although I donÕt want to go to the front any more than
any other man I have tried every
way to get home to see you & my little ones & every means has failed so
far So I will try & feel
Resigned to my fate tell Ida her
Pa will come one of these days & then her Pa will stay with her never to
leave her any more oh I would give
the world to see you all once more Dear Clara if that would do it But it wont
so we will have to hope & wait & put our trust in Providence Untill
[sic] Brighter days dawn upon us & I feel that is not far distant for it
seems as if the day must soon come when this war is ended I was in hopes it would die out with
the song (when this cruel war is over) but that is worn out some time ago &
almost forgottenÓ Lengthy statement
that she must keep up her courage and not feel miserable and God will comfort
her. ÒI wish you was in another
house for I am afraid you will suffer very much from the Cold in that old house
you live in.Ó If he could have
been there for a few weeks he would have worked on making her comfortable but
sheÕll have to do it herself.
ÒDear Clara you need not
feel afraid of my ever deserting for that is the last thing I shall ever think
of & I shall ever try to be Deserving
So if there is a chance of Promotion I shall try & be one on the
list for it I made a big jump over
Quite a number of the Corporals & Sergst last winter & perhaps I may
make another one this winterÓ.
Lengthy closing.
Camp Parole
Va
October 2
1863
Sorry she feels so bad about
him going back to the Regt. and he feels bad about it too ÒBut as a Soldier I
must Obey Orders For some Reason
which I cannot acount [sic] for our Corps Still Remain at this Camp although we
have been expecting to leave here every day there is Considerable talk about our going down in Tenesee
[sic] Under the Command of Gen Rosecrans the 11 & 12 Corps have left this
Camp to go there. I mean Paroled
Prisoners. I think it is an
Undoubted fact that we are not Exchanged but are going to be Placed in the field
in Retaliation for what the Rebels have done. Quite a number of the men have been Placed in Confinement
for Refuseing [sic] to take arms before they were exchanged what they will do with them Remains to
be seen Fletch has been Ordered to
Report in Parole Camp & is now
staying with me.Ó Thinks his Corps
is going to Tenessee and they will join them there.
ÒI & fletch got a
talking about Sarah graff & Jake last night & we would like to know
what has become of Fred JakeÕs
Brother we have never heard from
him since we have been Down here
also about that money of Jakes whether she (Sarah) ever go [sic] it or
not I would like to see
Sarah & all old friends first Rate But oh dear Clara how much more would I
give to see you & my little ones.
Dear Clara all you can do for me now is to pray for me that I may be
Spared to you & our little ones
But at the same time Pray that I may become Better than what I ever have
Been pray that I may Become one of
gods followers & live to him & for him onley [sic] Fletch says all that he feels is his
great sins & expresses a great determination to Seek god I hope he may every Soldier should feel the same as he does I think if we were all good men in this
war it would of come to a close long before now But generally [sic] they are
wicked very wicked indeed.Ó
Closing.
Camp Near
Culpeper Va
October the
8th 1863
Left Convalescent Camp
Monday and arrived at this Camp late in the day and Òeverything has bewildered
my head so I could not write before this
it seems as if I cannot get acustomed [sic] to the old Camp life again
& now I must tell you about our Regt it has altered Considerable since I
last saw it & has now Become so it is looked upon with pride by the whole
of our Corps while they are
drilling Officers from other Regts come to see & admire them But it is very hard for the Boys to
drill the new drill if they could
be seen in Utica to day Uticans would look on them with wonder as soon as we got to the Regt they sent
for the Uniform for us & to day they have got guns for us the Boys was just
paid off when we got here.Ó They
are settling up the years clothing account and some are in a great deal of debt
to the government. ÒI donÕt know
how much I owe Uncle Sam but I guess I will find out this after noonÓ. They have been ordered to be ready to
march but he doesnÕt know where.
Expects it is way out in front and they are going to fall back around
Washington. The have had 8 days
rations ordered and there is talk of getting them again so they will be gone
for some time. Closing.
Direct your letters like
this
Sergt P.L. Dumont
Co A 146 NY Vols
5th Corps
Washington DC
Camp at New
Baltimore Va
Five Miles
from warington
Oct the 22nd
1863
Just got back in Camp after
13 days, has had a hard time of it, feet are sore and ankles swollen. ÒWe have been Retreating &
advancing sometimes Driveing [sic] the enemy & sometimes they drove us at one time we were at Fairfax
fifteen miles from Washington & then we would advance & the Rebs would
Skedadle & all this time we have been carrying the load of a horse they have kept 8 days Rations on our
back all the time there has been
some pretty hard fighting but as luck would hav eit we did not get into
it. We have taken Quite a Number
of Rebel Prisoners & they the Rebs have taken some of ours but Not near as
many it has been one of the
hardest marches I ever saw
we was at it Night & Day.Ó
Glad they are stopped for they need rest. He doesnÕt know what General MeadÕs intentions are but
thinks they will lay here for a few days.
Sorry he hasnÕt written and there is no mail anyway.
Òwe had 96 Conscrips come to
our Regt on the Battle field & the [sic] looked most scared to death it was
a Bad time to Bring them to us But they are all right now & improve the
looks of our Regt very much by filling up its thinned and Vacant Ranks Poor fletch had to march one day on his
stocking feet the soles of his shoes came off & he could not get any
more he had very Bad feet But we
are all where we can Rest & get Recruited up a little now. Ò
ÒYou spoke about seeing Bill
dagwell on the street I answered
his letter imeadiately [sic] & you say you have found out what that is
about me & after writeing [sic] a page & a half about telling me you
have not done so yet in your
letter you kept saying you would tell me But after Reading it over a number of
times I could not find it so you will have to write about it again for upon my
honor I do not know what it is & it has never Been told me Tom is well & feels so But he thinks Julia is at home I shouldnÕt
wonder if I did not have to write him a letter this afternoon to send to her it
will be a Month yet if not more Before we get any pay & I hope you will not
come to want Before that timeÓ
[appears to be missing a
page, no closing]
New
Camp No name
Oct 26th 1863
Left Camp at New Baltimore
Saturday afternoon and marched 4 or 5 miles through mud and rain, then the next
day was Sunday and they marched another mile to a New Camp where they now are
with 8 days rations. ÒWhile I am
writeing [sic] heavey [sic] Cannonading is going on Close to us But I donÕt
know what I is the Orderly just
told me that there was a mail going out at 5 o clock so I am writeing [sic]
this in a great hurry in order to get it in the next mail.Ó Closing.
Camp Near warrington junction
Oct 31st 1863
They are at another new camp
and he doesnÕt know when they will stop moving . ÒWe have been on the move now about 4 weeks & have had a
pretty hard time of it for a great wonder my health is good for I have been
marching almost without any shoes that is they have been open so the water
could run into them at every step & I have had wet feet most all the
time But last night I got a new
pair so to day my feet feels quite ComfortableÓ. The weather is nasty and rainy. They are to be mustered for four months pay but he thinks it
will be 3 or 4 weeks before they get it.
ÒI would like you to write how much money you have got for I think you
must be most out & if Dagwell offers you any you had better take it for you
may need it I have got a little
yet I brought ten cents down with me when I came to the Regt & since I have
been here I made a picture to send to you & was offered 50 cents for it
& sold it so I will make another & send to you as soon as we get settled. Once more our new uniform has come to
day that is for the men that has lately joined our Regt we have had Conscripts
come here 3 times since I have been here & we have now about 250 of them
altogether & more coming we
will soon have a Big Regt again
the 146 is getting a great name in the army of the Potomac But we never
hear anything Spoke about it at home
I donÕt Believe a Better Class of men ever left the State & yet
there is no praise for them the
old general that is Garrard is looked upon with pride by the whole Brigade
& the Boys in the Regt feel very sorry that they lost him for a Col it is not as it used to be the Boys all
hated him when we first came out but now they all love him as a father.Ó Asks her to send a couple
postage stamps because he cant get them.
ÒWe have been expecting to
have a big fight for 3 weeks past but so far we have kept clear of it except we
had Quite a Battle at Bristow Station we double Quick it on to the field and
got there just as the Battle ended the Rebels lost about 500 in killed and
wounded ours not near as much I thank god with all my heart that we
have been very lucky so far but there is a long time to come yet I wish I could see the end of it.Ó Apologizes for not writing
oftener but it is not possible.
Closing.
Camp 3 miles
Beyond Kelleys ford
Monday Nov
9th 1863
ÒWe
have fought in a couple more Battles in the army of the Potomac one was on Saterday [sic] & the
other was fought yesterday what
was accomplished yesterday I have not yet learnt the one on Saterday [sic] was a decided success to us the
Rebs lost a great Number in killed & wounded & we took about 22 hundred
prisoners besides driveing [sic] them into the River & drowning a good many
of them & 9 pieces of artilleryÓ.
HasnÕt answered her letter because they have been moving and have had no
chance and no way to send it. Cold
and first snow of season. DoesnÕt
know where they are going but ÒI think we are going to follow the enemy up we are ocupying [sic] the grounds that
they have left & where they meant to stay this winter they had splendid log
huts built all ready for winter one of our Boys found an unfinished letter in
one of the Cabins & he was writeing home (a Rebel) & he wrote that we
(the yanks) had fallen back around Washington and the fighting was over in
Virginia. But our shells had the
effect to induce him to believe that all the yanks was not gone yet for he must
of left his letter in great haste Everything shows how they was surprised by
leaving things behind them we have
to Back the 8 days Rations yet it
seems as if we can not advance this way a great ways farther for the Rail Road
is a complete Ruin all the way along & that is the only way we can get our
supplies.Ó The track is all torn up
and burned. Tom just got mail with
a package with gloves and a couple hankerchiefs. They are going to put Tom in the invalid corps and this is
probably the last move he will make because he is not fit for field service. Òoh how I wish this terible [sic]
slaughter would end & we have the Privelage [sic] of Returning to our homes
& families.Ó ÒOld Gen Garrard
was engaged in the fight of Saturday but he came out all rightÓ. Closing.
Camp near
Kelleys ford Va
Nov 13th
1863
The
weather is good but cold nights. She
is worried about his clothing and he has not suffered much yet from cold except
his hands. ÒWe have gone through
much & suffered a great deal in the past few weeks but thank god I am well
and getting rested now. I have
often wanted to send home for something but I know it takes money and that is
what keeps me from sending I never
think of myself at all I am always thinking of you & the little ones &
if you are comfortable & not in want
I can earn a little money by my pencil down here so I think you had
better keep what you have I have made 2 pictures & got a dollar for them so
you see I am not very bad off yet.
I could not wear Boots with this uniform if you could send them.Ó She shouldnÕt try to live on a dollar a
week and starve herself and the little ones. He is going to be able to send her 50 dollars in a few
days. ÒTell Kate and hank I wish
them much joy & I think it about time they let up. I rember [sic] the thanksgiving we were
happy then & I hope again to be so.
Tell me what hank is doing now.
Who takes Ida & willie to Sunday Shool [sic] I should think willie was to small to
go.Ó He want to subscribe to the
papers for her because they would be company for her. ÒI am glad your Bean comes so often to see you I wish we
could be sitting in one others houses as we used we took a great deal of
Comfort in those days but did not realize it I often think of Jake & wish
he was here with me I always thought as much of him as I did of a Brother But I
hope he is Better off than what he would be down here . I will send Ida a picture to keep her
Remembering me I drawed it in a hurry & painted with another fellows
paint I wish you would get mally
to get me some cheap water colors & some drawing paper & brushes &
do them up in a Package & send them to me they wont cost much tell her to get dark Blue light Blue
Crimson light Red white India Ink Crome yellow green light green & a number
1 pencil.Ó He doesnÕt know how
long theyÕll be here but they are fixing it up like they would be here all
winter. Closing.
Camp near
Kelleys ford Va
Friday Nov
20th 1863
Got
her letter but doesnÕt know why she isnÕt getting his, must be problem with the
mail going out. They have been in
one battle but he wrote to her twice since then. ÒI am sorry to hear you have lost one of your front teeth
and your hair is getting grey. But
I shall never think the less of you for that as long as you are what you have
always been. I pray for you every
night that you may keep your health & that we may soon meet again the Reason why the Boys of our Regt has
got furloughs was Because they was taken sick & went to Washington &
there was an Order isued [sic] for them all what was in hospitals to have
furlough to go home & vote So
you must not be surprised if I cannot get one here from the field.Ó Expects he would be refused if he asks
unless he happens to get sick and end up in the hospital.
They
are still in the same place as where he wrote from before and still carry 8
days rations. ÒI think we will go
up to Culppepper [sic] & stay there for a while like as not we will try to
cross the Rappadan Before winter sets in & have another Chancelorville
[sic] fight.Ó No one knows but all
think the war will end by spring.
He canÕt write often because they are moving and he only has 2 or 3
sheets of paper and he will have to borrow an envelope. There are no Sutters anywhere to buy
anything. ÒTell me how you lost
your tooth and Be Careful & donÕt loose [sic] any moreÉif you should happen
to loose [sic] all of your teeth & your hair turn to white I will love you
as ever as I Promised Before god and man.Ó Closing. ÒP.S.
I am third Sergt now.Ó
Camp near
Paolia Mills Va
Tuesday Nov
24th 1863
ÒWe
just returned from another mud march.
We started this morning about Daylight to Cross the Rappidan River to
have another fight with the enemy
But Before we had Reached 5 miles from Camp it Comenced [sic] Raining
& we got stuck in the mud again But not as bad as last winter & the
Order was given to get Back into Camp again So here we are after a hard tramp throught the mud I DonÕt think we will stay here long if
the weather will permit of our moveing [sic] for gen Meade seems Determined to
have another fightBefore going into winter Quarters But it has got to be the time of year that we cannot Depend
upon the weather at all & then we have had a very open fall & generaly
[sic] one extreme follows another so we cannot tell what is going to be done
But one thig is Cerain if the
weather will permit you may expect to hear of another great battle being fought
near Fredericksburg for the Rebs will not give up the other side of the
Rappidan without a great StruggleÓ.
The army is getting paid off and all are paid except his regiment. ÒI made a coupld of Pictures one
Saturday & one yesterday & got a dollar for them so you see I can keep
myself in spending money for we do not get any Chance to spend any there has
been no Suttlers allowed in front since we fell back from Culpepper and the
Boys have been in a great State for tobacco there is but little to be seen & extraordinary Prices
are asked for it.Ó
He
thinks it will be a few days before they can move again but the weather looks
unsettled. Tom has had all his
things turned in and will probably be in Washington but he may stay with them
until they move again. It looks
like Tom will get his discharge since heÕs not worth a great deal in the
army: Òhe has had something the
matter with him ever since he has been down here.Ó Lengthy closing hoping God will spare them to meet
again. ÒA kissÓ.
Camp at Warrington
Junction Va
Monday
December the 11th 1864 [should be 1863]
ÒI have just returned from
Guard Duty on the Rail Road where I have been for two days & when I Came
Back I Received a letter from you
Our duty is very hard on us here while we are on guard we can not Sleep at all 48 hours
we have to Stay on Post without Sleep & when we come into Camp Some of them
have to go Back again But if
Nothing happens we shall get along well Enough I have got another Shanty Built up & yesterday I made a
picture of it which I will send to you together with a letter from a soldier of
how we Live fight & Die it is
the most true of anything I have ever Seen in Print You Spoke about my Reinlisting [sic] there is Not money
Enough in America to get me to Enlist again No Clara if I Ever get Out of this Scrape alive & well I
Shall Remain at home Contented the Rest of my life.Ó
The weather is twice as cold
as last winter and theyÕve had two snowstorms already with 6 inches of snow on
the ground. He sold the two pocket
handkerchiefs and the thing she sent him to wear around his neck. HeÕs hoping theyÕll get paid next pay
day and heÕll send her money. ÒYou
spoke about Bill [Morey?] enlisting again
this is the Onley [sic] place for such men as Him Here we can keep them away from whiskey
& women a Bully Place for men
that donÕt know how to Behave at home
every once in a while some one keeps hearing something about his wife
what she is doing while he is gone
oh I Believe I should go Crazy & Shoot myself if I Should hear such
things about you So far I have
never herd [sic] anything about you & I hope I never shall I Believe I have a good wife & one
that loves me & I love her in Return
I hope god may Spare us to meet again & live & take comfort in
one another Society James
[Wandwright?] is two days over his time on furlough now & I donÕt know what
will be done with him when he comes back
that Mr [Edic?] has been Released from the guard house & one months
pay taken away from Him He is as
you Say a good man & deserves Better treatment but every one must Pass
through a course of Milatary [sic].Ó
Lengthy closing, encourages her to keep from catching so much cold
because he worries so when she is sick.
[no location]
Sunday Dec the 20th, 1863
Thinks
sheÕs not getting his letters but he has gotten hers and everything she has
sent. They have gotten back across
the Rappidan. He has built a tent
with a stove to try to keep warm.
ÒWe have suffered so much of late from exposure that most any kind of
habitation seems good to us & we are drawing Soft Bread now every day But I cant get enough to
eat. Sometimes I draw my loaf at
night & I am so hungry that I eat it all up at one meal & then go
without Untill [sic] the next night
our loafs are very small.Ó
He thinks that if they stay for a while they will get enough and
everyone is sending home for boxes.
ÒLast
night Phil Smith and Tom Wheeler came back to the Regt Phil told me he had seen the whole
family but he had his head so full of nonsence I could not get any thing out of
himÓ. The sutler and paymaster
stay away but he hopes to be paid next week. He worries sheÕll suffer in the cold house. ÒThis week they Isued [sic] an order to
grant furlough for ten days apiece & to be given to the men that had been
in every Battle and had been present at the Regt all the time first & then
the Paroled Prisoners & Hospital Boarders as they call them. Come next it may be possible for
me to get one and it may not I will do the Best I Can.Ó
A
corporal got a letter from Tom in Washington in the Invalid Corp Òsuch a letter I never Read in all my
life Most every other word was
acompanied [sic] with an Oath he
never Spoke about me at all & Before he went away he never Bid me good by
or said any thing at all onley that he was going I think he Served Me a rather mean trick considering how
much I have Done for him I have
done more for him that I would of done for any other man But you see I got my pay for it.Ó He was hoping they were done moving for
the year but there is talk they will be moving closer to Washington. He hopes they can stay where they are
for he has built a warm shanty.
Lengthy sentimental closing wishing he had been able to come home. P.S.
in margin that he went to the railroad and bought two small but expensive
loaves but it was better than going hungry.
Camp at Bealton Station
Christmas Morning Dec the 25 /63
Got
her letter and glad to hear all are well.
Nothing going on in Camp, they got paid and the Boys are trying to spend
Christmas buying things from the Sutler.
ÒI am going to send you a Christmas present in the Shape of 50
dollars I donÕt know of anything
Else that I could send you that would be as acceptable as money for I know you
must want it. The paymaster
surprised them because they werenÕt expecting him until the middle of the
following month. But in 6 more
days they will be mustered for another 2 months. ÒYou spoke about my Bed I have got it about 3 feet from the Ground & it is made
of Poles Covered with Cedar Boughs.
It is Equal to a feather bed Compared with what we have had for the past
2 months. I will send you a
picture some day how my house looks Inside & Out side.Ó HeÕs sorry she didnÕt get his first
letter because there was a lot of news in it. He got everything she sent including the paints and
paper.
ÒI
expect James [Wandwright?
Handwright?] of our Co will be Coming Home in a few days on
furlough. I wish I had something
to send by him to you or the Children
you must take a couple of Dollars of this money & Buy Something for
the Children & tell them I sent it to them for Christmas Steve Lent I believe is Coming Home on
furlough Oh how I wish I [missing
ÒcouldÓ?] Be there on New Years with you & the Children But I cant So I
will have to make the Best of it
But I hope you will all enjoy yourselfs and not let the absence of me
interfere with your happiness. I
wish you all a happy Christmass & New year & if Onley [sic] the
Openeing of another New year Should Bring with it Peace & a Reconciliation
Between us two Hostile People what a gladness would fill the Hearts of Many of
Our noble men that are now away far away to day from their Homes &
firesides. God grant that the
Coming new year may Bring Peace & Joy to our Unhappy Land which Traitors
Sought to destroy & overthrow.Ó
But he feels the time is not yet coming. He bought some cakes and cheese and apples from the sutler
for indulgences. He hopes they
arenÕt so expensive that she canÕt buy them. Lengthy closing, concerned about mail and money
getting through. ÒA kiss & a
happy ChristmassÓ
Camp at Warrington Junction
Wendsday [sic] Dec 30th 1863
ÒI
am Sergt of Camp Guard to day & am writing to you from the guard House Mr Edic came back late last night &
to day he was placed in the guard House in my Charge he overstayed his furlough 3 days but I hardley [sic] think
anything will be done with him for he says it is not his fault but some
accident on the Rail Road that detained him.Ó The things she sent were like a surprise party for him
because he wasnÕt expecting anything and thanks her very much. ÒTell Ida Bless her little heart that
candy was good she sent me it is the first I have had since I left home tell
her Pa eat it all up.Ó The picture
she sent of Ida is all worn out from being in his pocket. He was surprised they moved to
Warrington Junction and didnÕt want to move because he had set up a nice camp,
but it was because of the men reenlisting.
ÒThe
Country around here is infested very thick with Gurrillas [sic] & our duty
Picket duty is very heavy on us at Present 25 men out of a Company at one
time. The Gurrillas [sic] have
become very Bold around here of late
they are making Raids on us nightly & very frequently we find our
men Surprised where there is a Small Squad doing duty Striped [sic] of all
their clothing & their throats cut from Ear to Ear. Ò They slept with pieces loaded the night
before last expecting an attack.
Hopes she got the $50 for Christmas. They will be mustered in for another 2 months pay.
Ò2
days after to day we of the 146 will be in this Rebellion 3 different
years 1862 1863 & 1864 So if it should end this winter we
would be in this war three years after all.Ó Lengthy wish for peace and determination to win. ÒThe soldiers have Suffered and Endured
So Much through the folly of Rebels they all unite one other in saying that
there Can Be No Peace Untill Every Vestige of Rebelion [sic] is Swept from the
face of the earth & all seem Determined in their Resolve the feeling is far different from what
it was last winter then they
wanted Peace on any Terms But it
is not so now.Ó Is going to start
build a shanty because heÕll have to sleep on the ground until he does so. Lengthy closing.
[Undated,
probably December 1863 or January 1864, mentions her letter of December 1 or 7,
building winter quarters, Camp at Bealton Station which is location of December
25 1863 letter but signed Sergt
which is January 1864]
Camp at
Bealton Station Va
ÒDear
Clara
I
Received your letter of Dec [1 or 7?] last Evening & was glad to hear that
you was all well I am Sorry to
hear that you have got a Bad Cold
I am afraid that you expose yourself to the Cold weather to [sic]
much if you have not got Clothing
enough you must Buy it Remember
your health Before anything else
without that you might as well be with the Dead I am in hopes that the sore on willies
[sic] head wont [sic] amount to much
we are now Building up win ter [sic- spanned two lines] Quarters in
hopes that we Shall Stay here through the winter Yesterday they had the Report around Camp that gen [p. 2]
Meade was Superseded [sic]
But as a general thing it is not Believed we have got most tired of Changing [sic] our generels [sic]
in the armey [sic] of the Potomac
it Creates a great deal of disatisfaction [sic] amongst the men. Yesterday our old Capt Came Back he looks first Rate & he was
Received By the Boys with a great deal of aplause [sic] he is a good man and I am glad he has
Come Back I have Been to work to
day Lugging logs to Build my Shanty for this winter I wish you could See the Shanty we have to live in here for
winter it would suprise [sic] you
and make you Laugh at the same time
[p.3] But a soldier Can
live in any kind of a place and I Believe Can endure more than any other person
in the world. We have Been now for
most a month past liveing [sic] on about half what we want to eat it Comes from their giving us those 8
days Rations & it was imposible [sic] for us to Carry them when they gave them
to us & now they are trying to Make them up on us. By giveing [sic] us one day for
two the talk is now that we wont
get paid Untill [sic] next month on the acount [sic] of most of the boys not
haveing [sic] anything Comeing
{sic] to them they are Settling
up the years Clothing account & that is why they havent [sic] any thing
Comeing [sic] the last of this
[p.3] month I will have a hundred Dollars Comeing [sic] to me you must take all you can get from
other folks to get along Untill [sic] I can send you some Our Sutler Come here to day [sic] But
the Boys have not got any money to Buy any thing [sic] with Tom went from here to go into the
invalid corps But I must
Close give my love to all of the
folks and take good Care of yourself & little ones hopeing [sic] to hear from you soon I
Remain yours ever & ever with love god Bless you all
Sergt
P L Dumont
P.S.
Send
me a little Black linnen [sic] thread in a letter
[1858][1862][1863][1864][1865]
[1880]
Camp at Warrington Junction
Sunday Jan 5th [may be 3rd]
1864
Was
glad to get her letter and hear from her ÒBut at the same time it brought News
which I did not wish to hear that was about yourself & mother But I am in hopes this will find you
all well again I am in hopes you
have Received that money long Before now because it was to [sic] much for us to
loose [sic].Ó She shouldnÕt have
sent him all the money she had and he doesnÕt want her to do that again because
she might need it. He is in the
same place but hasnÕt had time or an ax to put up a shanty. James [Handwright?] went home on
furlough and he hopes he will stop to see her. ÒI hear that the Orders has been given to stop these ten day
furloughs on the account of So many Reinlisting [sic] into the Veteran Corps
& so many are leaving the armey at present.Ó He told Jimmy to tell her how hard it was to get a furlough
so she wouldnÕt think he didnÕt try.
He almost begrudges others who do get a furlough. Mr. Edic is still in the guard house
for overstaying his furlough but he did give Peter everything she sent.
ÒI
forgot to tell you we had another Execution in Our Division about
Chrismass it was a Deserter He was
taken out about One Oclock the
Division drawn up in Line So all could see him & a few minutes afterwards a
number of balls Pierced his Breast
I was Spared the painful Sight for I was Sergt of guard that Day &
was left to guard the Camp Onley
[sic] me & three men on guard was left in Camp. Last night I drawed a picture by Candle Light & I will
send it to Ida tell her how her Pa wears such Clothes Fletch is in Command of the Company for a Couple of days
& I am acting Orderly in [HandwrightÕs] place.Ó The weather is very cold but strangely thereÕs no snow. They have had 5 or 6 die suddenly in
the past 3 weeks and they canÕt tell what itÕs from: ÒI think it is with Exposure to the weather you see we have to be Out in the cold
& Rain & all kinds of weather & we keep a cold all the time you must take good care of that leg of
yours or you may have a Bad one of itÓ.
Hopes Mother and all are well by the time she gets this letter. Òtake good Care of the little ones
& donÕt let them freese [sic] to death in that Old ShantyÓ. Closing.
Camp at Warrington Junction
Friday Jan 15th 1864
Has
been on fatigue in the woods and is now writing by candle light. Is healthy. ÒI am glad to hear that some one is good enough to help you
if it is Old gleaves & I am glad to hear that you can keep warm for I was
much afraid you would suffer in that Old House this winter I am liveing [sic] first rate now if
they will just let us stay where we are
I have Bunks Built in my Shanty so I can keep off the groundÓ. Jimmy Handwright returned from furlough
and he Òsaid he Passed by the house quite a number of times but did not see ay
of you & he was not well enough acquainted with my folks to go there on
Purpose.Ó He bought an ax for a
dollar fro a soldier who reenlisted.
ÒYou spoke about Fletch does his folks say anything about his money I
know he has Sent a few times to his Sister But then he spends an awful Sight to
the Sutlers for Nic Nax. I told
Phil Smith what you wrote about his father but he donÕt seem to Care you donÕt know what an awful differance
[sic] it makes to be in the army a little while. I am glad to hear you say that folks Speak well of me that
goes home I try to be good to
every one but there are a few always wherever you may go that donÕt want to
have any one above themselves you see
I have to tell them to do something about Camp such as Cleaning up & they
donÕt like to do it very well Some times but they have to obey me just as much
as if the Col told them to do it.
Phil Smith is one of that kind.
I donÕt have to do a bit of work unless I have a mind to all I am Supposed to do is the Bossing
& this is what they donÕt like
I try to be good to every one & I wish all to be the same to me.Ó
Says
he has to tell her about something that he wasnÕt going to but he cant keep it a
secret: ÒIt was on last new years
eve it was one of the most Severst Cold nights I have ever seen the Col drawed 18 gallons of whiskey
for the Regt I I was one that had to go to the Commisaries after it after I had drawed it I had to stand
around in the cold about an hour & I came near freezing. So I up with a Big pail that had some
in it and drinked a Big Swallow of it & Before I knowed it I was drunk But I felt sorry & ashamed
imediately [sic] after donÕt let
it trouble you for I have Swonrn never to become a drunkard what makes me feel so worked up about
it is because I have had it offered to me so many times by the Officers & I
have always Refused & now they have got Some thing to laugh aboutÓ.
Captain
[Clasgens?] and Lieut Dutton have gone to Utica to recruit and she may see
them. He wishes he could have
gone. ÒYesterday we took 16 of
Mosbys gurillas [sic] at this placeÓ.
Tells her to take good care of her leg or she might lose it and she
could tell folks she had been to war.
Closing.
[sketch
of bird with banner reading TO THOSE I LOVE AT HOME]
ÒSergt
P.L. Dumont & Lady
I
wanted to see how this would lookÓ
ÒLaterÓ
[a
half sheet folded with letter}
He
just got her letter and glad to hear all are well. They are still not getting enough to eat in camp but to buy
anything seems like taking bread out of her and the childrenÕs mouths. Tom was not sick and felt well but Òhe
was covered all over with Bunches I donÕt know whether they will hurt him or
notÓ. So unhappy he hasnÕt made it
home. Lengthy sentimental
message. ÒDear Clara if they tell
you that I will be an altered man Believe it will be altered for the
Better you know that I can
not Drink or run with mean women & I hope & pray that you will never
know me as such and as forgetting you or leaving it is the last thing I think
of as the thirsty man
panteth after water so my heart panteth after you oh Dear ClaraÉ The Boys laugh at me when I donÕt get a letter
they say Pete or the Seargeant is love sick again they can see something is the matter of meÉ the song you
sent me is a good one But it has been sung out long ago by the soldiers I
rember [sic] its thrilling notes while marching on to Chancelorsville Battle
field.Ó Closing.
Camp at Warrington Junction Va
Friday Jan 22nd 1864
Got
her letter and was glad to hear from her and get pictures. ÒI think the pictures are very nice
onley [sic] I would of Liked them Better if they had of been Card de Visites
But they are very welcome as it is you see this kind of Picture Spoils Very
easy the Children grows
& look well & hearty which I am glad to see ask [Melora Teed?] who she is making that Shimmer for perhaps she is making it for some
body to look at I supposed she has growed so I would hardly regonize [sic] her
now But I hope she has growed good
also I have got a letter from her & I thank her very much for itÓ. He is happy to get a letter from
anyone at home. She is wrong, the
door hinges are not leather but cloth.
Òdo you think I would have leather hinges that would make it look like a
Barn But you see it looks like a
Pig Pen the Picture looks a great
deal better than the House.Ó He
has been pretty sick with diarrhea:
ÒThe Docter give me Sweet Oil & Laudlum to check it & I have
suffered everything almost since for after that I could get nothing to pass my
bowels for a great many days But I
am getting better now.Ó
No
more furloughs, but when they resume it will only be for those Òwhose friends
are Not Expected to live at home.
I should like very much to see you all if I Possibly Could this Winter
But I hardley Believe I will have a chance. I have had it hinted Once to me that fletch was coming home
to Recruit But I donÕt know whether it is so or not if it is so he is lucky I donÕt Begrudge him the chance but I would like the chance
very well myself. I rember [sic]
the Rats Melora Speaks about very well.
I wonder if Rats Bother her now.
I wouldent be Supprised [sic] if two legged Rats Began to Bother her by
this time wont george be gentleman
enough to take you out a Sleigh Rideing [sic]. I wish you had one by the way how is the little sleigh can
you use it this winter for willie & the wagon I shouldent wonder by this time it is about played
outÓ. He wishes for a furlough but
it would be hard to leave again and he would be hunted down as a deserter.Ó
Lengthy
closing that continues across the back page writing in the other direction and
ends:
ÒFrom
your Husband with love Untill Death
Sergt
P.L.Dumont
Co
A 146 Regt &
Zouave
Vols
Girard
Tigers
Army
of the PotomacÓ
Camp at Warrington Junction Va
Thursday Jan 28th 1864
Got
her letter and feels so bad she was upset about him drinking whiskey that he
writes a full legal-size page of apologies and promises for it never to happen
again, excerpted here. ÒBut I cant
blame you for I suppose you have seen Enough of the effects of Lichor in you
lifeÉOh Clara I have sworn never to become a Drunkard & I mean to keep my
Promise. I have had temptation
upon temptation but it has had no effect upon me. Sometimes I Think I have incurred the displeasure of the
Officers by not Partaking of what they termed a Sociable glass. É I always
Refuse & they hardly know what to make of it. You tell me to look at them little faces & try to be
good for their Sakes. Oh Clara
you DonÕt know how Bad these
Remarks made me feel Coming from you who I have loved so much. But I feel they are just &
Right. It has been my Chief Object
to try & be good & do as you would have me. But it was almost as much of an acident [sic] my being so as
anything else.Ó He just did it to
keep from freezing and maybe itÕs not as bad as she thinks.
He
is on Guard and it is 10:30 at night but he has left a Corporal in charge and
come in to his shanty to write so the letter will go out in the morning. ÒAbout 4 oÕclock this afternoon
intimation that the gurrillaas [sic] would attack us to night. The Regt was all turned out imeadiately
[sic] & commenced to Erect Obstructions about the Camp &vnow we are
awaiting them To give them a warm Reception in Case they come. The men have orders to Sleep on their
arms with their Catridge [sic] Boxes on But my tent mates are Snoreing [sic]
Soundly while I am writeing [sic] this letter. Perhaps they are dreaming of home instead of Being Attacked
by Gurrillas. The Moon is Shining
Bright & it will be hard work for them to Surprise [sic] us to night. But I do not have much fears of their
Coming. Henry Brownell of
[Saguoit?] is here on a visit he
was very glad to see me & I to see him. He is going home tomorrow night & I will send a Relic of
Mine Run by him. It is an old
Revolver thrown away by the Rebels at the last Place we went to attach
them. I have Scoured it up &
put a wooden Cilender [sic] into it the other one being thrown away or lost by
the Rebs. I have Carried it all Over
in my knapsack because it was a relic of war & was small & Light to
carry. What you say about lotty I
can hardley credit yet it may be true.
If she likes him & is willing to live with him through life I
suppose that is all that is required.
I hope he will make a good Husband for her. I was going to Say Some thing else But I guess I wont about the other one you know.Ó
Lengthy
closing. ÒHow I long to be home
with you and my little ones. But
the grim monster of war must appease his appetite before we shall meet again I
fear. I also received a letter
from Sister Joey together with a likeness of mother. How naturel she does look. I feel Proud of it.Ó Closing
Camp at Warrenton Junction Va
Saturday Feb the 6th 1864
Has
been out on Rail Road guard for 2 days, very sleepy. Heavy cannon firing in front of them from early morning
until dark. Hopes it will die down
otherwise theyÕll have to head out in the mud into battle. Prays for dead on both sides. DoesnÕt feel those at home have as much
sympathy for the dead as those in the field who Òare used to seeing death at
wholesale & every dayÓ. They
just read the numbers and donÕt think any more of it. Last night they took 7
guerillas and one was a major. All
were sent to Washington. ÒI am
glad that Cone & Stanford is arrested & I hope all may get what is
comeing [sic] to them. I heard
that Stanford was up some time ago for defrauding the govrment [sic]. I shall never forget how he cheated
JakeÕs wife out of that money it
was Shameful & most Disgraceful act to take the advantage of a woman in her
situationÓ. He often thinks of it
because they were dear friends. ÒI
have heard some things about Sarah Since I have Been down here But I would not
Believe it for all the world if they had sworn to it. I think she thought to [sic] much of Jake to ever disoner
[sic] his name.Ó
He
doesnÕt know when the paymaster will come. He wants to come home so bad but takes comfort in looking at
their faces. He knows Willie wonÕt
know him but thinks Ida will remember.
Lengthy closing with sketch of Zouave with gun.
Camp at Warrington Junction
Feb 8th 1864
Short
pencil letter on half sheet. He
has been preparing a letter for the Herald which he will send with this and
asks her to have father drop it at the Herald Office. Fighting seems to have ceased on the Rappidan and he doesnÕt
know the particulars except they took a number of prisoners who are passing by
on the Rail Road by squads. It was
a reconnaissance accomplished by their army. They are to have a review of their Division at one oÕclock
and he is in a hurry.
ÒYou
need not tell many that I wrote this piece if it appears in Print for they
would laugh at youÓ. Closing.
Camp at Warrenton Junction Va
Friday Feb the 11th 1864
Got
her letter and JoeyÕs and glad all are well as he is. Fighting is quieted.
They had 200 killed, missing, or wounded. Took some prisoners but not as many as originally
thought. Hopes war will end in
July as she says but they try not to get their hopes up too much. ÒI will not believe that [major?
Mayor?] if I was in your place for I cant see how a man can go to wasington
[sic] & get such a position without doing some thing more for the service
than recruitingÓ. She said
Julia was upset that Tom didnÕt send money but maybe he didnÕt get it. They are owed money. Why doesnÕt Clara get upset when Peter
doesnÕt send money. He should get
$68. In a few days he will have
been in the service 18 months.
Fletch went out on picket and came back sick. Their duty is less, which is good because they hardly had
time to wash clothes.
Joey
writes that this cruel war has taken all she had to live for but Òshe will
learn a lesson that many has had to Suffer for what this Cruel war has done how
many Bitter tears have been shed.
How many families have been broken up how many Children have become fatherless. How many widows have this cruel war
left with large families to support & no means to do it with. We cannot even advance a Picket line
without causing Sorrow in some northern home. I have been Right in the face of the enemy where there has
been heavy fireing [sic] & see the men look at one another in wonder if
they shall ever get out of it alive or not. Perhaps while they are yet talking they would be launched into
eternity all have their hope that
all may end well But many very many are doomed to Bitter disapointment [sic] for we cannot move
toward the enemy without SomebodyÕs life must [crossed out Òpay theÓ] Be
Sacrificed. God speed the day when this Cruel war is over & when Peace and
Quiet is restored all over the land.Ó
DoesnÕt
blame her for trying to get all she can: ÒIf you can get 2 dollars a week from
Baker I think this is nobodys Business but your own & then the City
subscribed a large amount for soldiers families & I believe you come under
that heading. Perhaps you will
need all you have and more two [sic] before I get any pay again.Ó Some say they wonÕt get paid because
they are paying large bounties and the treasury is exhausted at Washington. He doesnÕt know if it is true but she
had better prepare for it. Lengthy closing written sideways across the last
page of writing.
[Undated and
No Location probably February of 1864, mentions ValentineÕs Day, Guarding
General Warrens HQ, heÕs Officer of the Guard, mentions Clarinda is living with
Julia]
ÒDear
Wife
Through
a great mistake made By me I again write to you Hopeing [sic] That you will
soon correct it I was on guard
[sic] and officer of the guard at Gen Warrens Head Quarters and while There I
Received a Letter from Eliza at St Johnsville stateing [sic] that she wanted me
to write to her She sent the paper
and Envelope and Postage and so I took out my Lead Pencil and answerd [sic] her
Letter and at the time I got it finished I was Called away on some other
Buisness [sic] and Being in a hurry I left it for some one Else to Direct and
told them to Direct it to you at the time not thinking of the mistake Untill
[sic] it was to [sic] late I donÕt
know what you will think about it but I write so little to other folks it Comes
[p.2] Second Nature to me to Direct it to you When you Receive This I hope you will remail hers and
sent it on to her donÕt tell her
of the mistake and Perhaps she will never know of it My cold is getting a great deal Better and I hope these few
lines will find you all well at home
I thought I would send you a homemade or rather an armey [sic] made
Valentine and see how you would like it
it look just like the house I live in in now I received a letter from you to day let Julia stay there as
long as you Please I dont
[sic] think Kate and hank had a right to feel mad at you they might get a
liveing [sic] I should think as well as other folks take good Care of you health my Clara so good By Untill
[sic] you hear from me again Pete L DÓ
Camp at Warrenton Junction Va
Feb 20th 1864
Glad
she is well, he is too but the boys all have bad colds. ItÕs the coldest weather heÕs seen
Virginia and he almost froze to death in his bed. She wanted to know what he does on a regular Sunday and he
describes todayÕs routine of getting up with the drums, roll call, build a
fire, make breakfast of Òdried apples sauce fried pork coffee & BreadÓ,
wash hands and face, comb hair, Òwrote a letter for CharlieÓ, and expects to go
on picket in the afternoon. He got
a letter from Charlie and it was a curiosity because it has drawings. She asks what he heard about Sarah and
it was something before she was married, something about her & George
Keiser but he doesnÕt pay attention or think anything of it.
They
still havenÕt seen the paymaster.
ÒThere is a great deal of talk here about the 146 reinlisting [sic] they
talk about 11 hundred dollars & thirty days furlough.Ó Many in other regiments have reinlisted: Òthat thirty day furlough has a strong
effect upon most of the army around
such is their desire to see home once more that they Sacrifice most all
their life time her for the Purpose of Spending a few days with those they love
at home.Ó Closing.
Warrington Junction Va
Thursday Feb 25th 1864
ÒPage
1stÓ
Got
her letter and one from father and was glad to hear all were well at home as he
is. He is gaining in flesh some
and will send her a likeness with the whole uniform. Got paid off and he is sending $20 now and more next
time. At the end of the month they
will be mustered in again for another 2 months pay. ÒI got a letter from father & it looks quite nice and
Natural. In his letters home and
to Joey he mentioned that if Joey could do something to help Òwile away some of
those tedious and Lonesome hoursÓ he would be ever grateful so that may be why
she made the change Clara spoke of.
His heart bleeds when he reads her letters and there is nothing he can
do. When he is tempted to go
astray he thinks of her and the children.
He has been feeling so homesick he canÕt eat or sleep or feel
contented. ÒI suppose that will be
a grand affair that weding [sic] I wish I was at home to witness itÓ. They are only giving out furloughs to
people who have friend home who are sick and not expected to live.
He
didnÕt get the paper she sent but Fletch was showing one around and he missed
it because he was out on picket.
ÒGeo Whittens Brother came here to day. You did not tell me what you thought of that Piece in the
paper I want to know so to see
whether it is Best to write another one some time. I am glad to hear that Ida
is so much of a Scholar Bless her little heart how I do want to see her.Ó Talks of wanting to come home, he thinks
a great deal of his country ÒBut how much more I Prize my home & those I
love there asembled [sic] I have
seen all the glory I want to in fighting I have Risen a step to houner [sic] in
the army & now le me live & die in Peace whith thos I love & when I
Speak in this way I think I am utering [sic] the sentiments of nearly all that
are here.Ó Closing.
ÒP.S. I am going to send you the Likenesses
of all the Generals that have had Command of the Army of the Potomac since I
have been in it. Write as soon as
you get this for I will feel anxious.Ó
Camp at warrington Va
Feb 26th 1864
ÒI
send these to you Because they are a great heft to carry around & I now
have all besides my own & that I do not care for these have been with me many weary miles over virginia also
with me in Captivity in Rebeldom
it is a great heft to carry when we have a load without it.Ó He would keep them if he thought theyÕd
be staying where they are but that is uncertain. Òthe man who Brings it is george Whittens Brother he has
been on a visit hereÓ.
Closing. ÒP.S. there is no
one that I show my Picture to that will believe it is me so it is of no more
use Write SoonÓ
Camp at Warrenton Va
Sunday Feb 28th 1864
They
have orders to move at any time but not sure where. They are getting hard tack and 3 days rations. Some say some of their troops are going
to Mine Run again. Just had his
picture taken again ÒIt is not a very good one for it was Spoilt in the
Colering [sic] but it is a good likeness of me tell me if you think I have altered any.Ó Everyone who sees the old picture of
him thinks it is a relative and looks nothing like him, Òit donÕt look no more
like me than Abe LincolnÓ. He would send money but doesnÕt want to do so close
to pay day because of missing money, he thinks they get opened at the post
office. Closing.
Camp at Warrington Junction Va
Saturday March 4th 1864
They
are still in same camp and others have gone back to their camps and all is
quiet. They will be going on
railroad duty today. He has been looking
for her letter for a couple days and always worries sheÕs sick.
ÒDear
Clara I must tell you of a little scrape I got into for you see I can not keep
anything from you. I was Sergeant
of the guard the other day & a Prisoner was brought to the guard house
& Put under my Charge. &
at night an Order through the drum major (he gave it to me him Self) I Released
him By that Order & the next morning after I was Relived [sic] from guard I
was Placed under arrest & had to stay in my tent a whole day. But yesterday morning the Col sent for
me to Come up to his tent & after giveing [sic] me a fatherly kind of a
Reprimand. He told me I was
Released from arrest. But for the
very same offence last winter one Sergt was Reduced. You see I thought the Order came from the Col But it did not
& even if it did I had no Buisness [sic] t let him go unless I got it from
his own lips. But it is all Right
again. I was afraid it might go
Pretty hard with me But I guess I have got a good Reputation here & this is
what cleared me. They do Reduce
Sergts here in this Regt for almost night. So I think I have got off Pretty easy this time. It is the first time since I have been
in the Regt that they have found anything against me & that went a good
ways in my favor. The Col told me
he Reduced a Sergt for the same offence last winter.Ó
He
hopes she got the money, wants to send her more pictures, feels foolish buying
them but wants to send her something.
DoesnÕt want to send her more money until heÕs sure she got what he sent. If he thought she was ÒpinchingÓ
herself or the little ones he would send every cent he had. Has to go because
is going on picket or Rail Road guard duty for 2 days. Closing. ÒMuch joy to Mr. & Mrs. gulichÓ.
Camp at Warrington Junction, VA
March 5, 1864 [letter says 1863]
Camp at Warrington Junction Va
Saturday March the 8th 1864
Just
got back from Rail Road guard and was glad to get her letter and hear that she
is well as he is. He is getting
fatter every day.
Òoh
Clara I felt as if I could desert my Regiment and come home when I read your
letter although you donÕt say anything about it very plain I can see by the way you write you have
not been treated as one of the family or with Proper Respect. Have you become a slave to them that
are no Better than yourself The
idea of your staying at home & taking Care of kates & hanks children
while they attend weddings [sic] & places of gaiety. Oh it almost makes me crazy & mad I
donÕt know how or why it is But
Hank has always been treated by our folks better than any of the family &
his life has been one of the Blackest & most notorious that has ever been
in Utica. Almost everyone knows it
yet see with what Respect my father has treated me & you to what he has
treated them. I almost believe if
I had of married one of the worst whores in Utica she would be treated with
More Respect than what you have been
But Dear Clara I am satisfied with you & am happy in the love which I think you bare
[sic] for me.Ó Talks about how
much he loves her and he wanted to cry when he read her letter but he couldnÕt
because of hate and madness. Wants
to get home to comfort and protect her from this cruel world. Wants to come home to cheer and comfort
her. God will protect her, he is
praying for her. He tries not to
cry because he is a soldier. He
probably shouldnÕt have written to her but he was so upset. Still needs to know if she got the 20
dollars he sent. Closing.
ÒP.S.
when you write to me of any of your troubles or trials & afflictions DonÕt
Say anything in your letters to me to encourage desertion for I have felt
sometimes as if it would not take but a little to make me Desert & in case
I was caught the Punishment would be to Horible [sic] for me to endure. P.D.Ó
Camp at Warrenton Junction
Friday March 11th 1864
Got
her letter and glad to hear all are well except Ida and he hopes she is
better. She asked if he and Fletch
are mad at each other. ÒI
hope not although you may think it Strange because we donÕt tent with one
other the Reason is this I suppose
he is yet very young & likes livelier Company than what I care about.Ó They ended up separated and never
really thought about it, there have never been any hard feelings between them. ÒMy arms you make fun of is a little
larger than what they was when I left home & my Sober looks you can imagine
what causes that.Ó Poor little
Willie doesnÕt even know him but he hopes some day he will have reason to call
him something other than a loafer.
If Lotty wants a letter she should write one and heÕll answer it. Poor Ida likes candy and heÕll
send her 2 dollars in this letter.
Charles Duel has enlisted and left behind a woman who would do most
anything for him. He did color the
picture but how did Mally know it?
The fellow spoilt it by putting on varnish.
ÒI
donÕt care what Bill Jones says about our Regt although we do go by the name of
tigers I believe Gen Garrad give
us that name & was Proud of it but he did not give it to us Because he
thought were persons appropriate of it
after we drawed the Uniform we wanted a name Befitting us so he called
us his Garrard Tigers & we feel Proud of the name there is more real men in this Regt than any Other that ever
left Oneida County & to tell the truth I think it would be a Poor
Comparison to Call such men as Bill Jones their equal.Ó She should kick him out
when he talks like that. If he
makes fun of the Regt he makes fun of Peter. DonÕt blame the men for not sending money home because some
of them owed it all to the government for clothing. George Blakman [?]
may be one. Peter only owed
5 dollars while some owed 60 or 70.
Thinks there have been big mistakes. ÒTake good care of yourself & little ones Take Good of Sarah or your bean or
perhaps you may loose [sic] her one of these days.Ó Closing. Signed
ending with Garrard Tigers.
Camp at Warrenton Junction
March the 16th 1864
The
weather has been cold but usually it is so warm it makes a fellow feel a little
lazy. He has read in the papers that
by an Act of Congress Seamen can be transferred into the navy. About 1500 will be taken from the army
and he wants to serve out the rest of his time there. ÒConsider the heavy
marches & the loads we have to carry day after day & the Broad Canopy
of heaven to Shelter us at night with mother earth for our Bed and
Pillow.Ó It seems like the navy
would be preferable. Plus he could
end his service 2 months earlier and make more money. Someone in the regt was in the navy for a year and has two
thousand dollars prize money coming.
But Peter wonÕt do it without her permission.
He
is sending more pictures. He
thinks he saw Jackson when he was first taken prisoner and he was buried while
he was in Richmond. HeÕs probably
foolish for sending them but he wants to send her something. He hasnÕt been able to make too many
pictures this winter because they are too busy. James Handwright is very sick and Fletch is acting as
orderly. ÒBoth our Company
Commanders are on furlough Curren of Utica has ben made Lieut Col &
Armstrong has resigned & gone home.Ó
Closing.
Sketch
of man in uniform with note:
ÒCaptain Durkee of our Company wounded at Chancelorsville One arm goneÓ
Camp at Warrenton Va
Monday March 21st /64
Has
been busy and lots of excitement Òwe have been Expecting Stewarts Cavelry [sic]
to make a Raid here and have Been Preparing to meet him Diging [sic] Rifle Pits
& entrenchments & have had everything Removed so if he was to Strong
for us we meant to Skedadle & Burn everything around us But I think the Excitement has nearly
died away for things are going on as usual again.Ó
He
was afraid he would miss the opportunity to apply for the navy so he went ahead
and did it without her consent. If
she knew how he suffered with the long marches and heavy loads she would
understand. He sent his
application to army Head quarters and is waiting for a reply. But since heÕs an officer he doesnÕt
know if theyÕll let him go.
He
is glad she did better this winter than he expected. ÒIf Mr. Hart keeps up his Promise in the course of a year
that little will amount to a great deal in time.Ó Talks about wanting to go home. Loty says he should answer her letter but he didnÕt get
one. He got one from father and
she had written a few lines on it
ÒBut then if she thought anything of me I donÕt think she would wait for
me to write for She has more time and a Better Place to write in. But I suppose her time is otherwise
Occupied at Present.Ó There is
heavy booming of cannon out in front just starting. He doesnÕt know what it is. Closing.
ÒA
kiss to you and the little ones. I
will send you a piece of Poetry written for the soldiers it is very true.Ó
Enclosed copy of ÒSoldiers LettersÓ poem, Daily Chronicle, Thursday March 17
1864. Reverse includes theater schedule for ÒNew Fords Theater, Tenth Street
above Pennsylvania Ave.
Camp at Warrenton Va
Friday March 25 1864
Is
afraid Ida will get very sick before she gets better, he just has a
feeling. He doesnÕt know when his
navy papers will come, he expects them every day. He feels bad the sleigh and wagon have been used so bad but
he doesnÕt blame her if George has it Òyou might as well make him a Present of
it first as last for he will never ofer [sic] it back to you again Untill it is
good for nothing. You see I know
him of Old. But I am not telling
you of it to find fault for I can easily imagine how you feel whenever they ask
you for any such things.Ó
Glad
to hear that Tom is home and will be happy , he knows he would be. Tom may tell quite some stories but if
he tells the truth he canÕt say anything to hurt him. Wants to know if Ida recognized Tom. ÒI heard about Dimblebys loosing their
child some time before I got your letter.
I suppose they must feel
pretty bad about it. Wantsto know
if she got the money and pictures of the Generals.
The
sick were moved away and he thinks they are under marching order but the
weather will not allow it. ÒThey
say Gen Grant is down here to Put the Armey [sic] of the Potomac in motion
& will Review it in a few days.Ó
Closing.
ÒFrom
your affectionate Husband
Sergt
P.L. Dumont
Co
A 146
N.Y.
Vols.
Garrard
Tigers
A
kiss
This
lace for Ida and my love to allÓ
Camp at Warrenton Va
Friday March 25 1864
Is afraid
Ida will get very sick before she gets better, he just has a feeling. He doesnÕt know when his navy papers
will come, he expects them every day.
He feels bad the sleigh and wagon have been used so bad but he doesnÕt
blame her if George has it Òyou might as well make him a Present of it first as
last for he will never ofer [sic] it back to you again Untill it is good for
nothing. You see I know him of
Old. But I am not telling you of
it to find fault for I can easily imagine how you feel whenever they ask you
for any such things.Ó
Glad
to hear that Tom is home and will be happy , he knows he would be. Tom may tell quite some stories but if
he tells the truth he canÕt say anything to hurt him. Wants to know if Ida recognized Tom. ÒI heard about Dimblebys loosing their
child some time before I got your letter.
I suppose they must feel
pretty bad about it. Wantsto know
if she got the money and pictures of the Generals.
The
sick were moved away and he thinks they are under marching order but the
weather will not allow it. ÒThey
say Gen Grant is down here to Put the Armey [sic] of the Potomac in motion
& will Review it in a few days.Ó
Closing.
ÒFrom
your affectionate Husband
Sergt
P.L. Dumont
Co
A 146
N.Y.
Vols.
Garrard
Tigers
A
kiss
This
lace for Ida and my love to allÓ
Camp at
Warrington Junction
April 1st
1864
Navy
papers he was expecting have not come and sometimes he thinks the Colonel never
forwarded them. Discusses how anxious he is to get in. The Colonel is back
with the Regiment and having target practice and Battalion drill.
Describes changes in the Army of the Potomac and their Division is now one
Brigade commanded by Brigadier General Ayres. Sykes has command of the
Corps and the men donÕt like him leaving because he Òhad become endeared to
them as a fatherÓ. They are now in the third brigade of the first
Division and the Fifth Corps under Major General Warren and he is not well
liked. Went down to the railroad and had his picture taken to send
back. ÒYou can see by this that we have to go almost bare headedÓ because
the Colonel makes them Òware these Scull Caps on the Crown of the head
affording scarcely any protection to our headÓ. Getting hard tack again.
ÒEverything seems to be preparing for a terrible conflict as soon as weather
will permitÓ, soldiers passing toward the front daily on cars.
[Undated
Thursday the 14th, 1864- probably April 14, 1864- weather is warm,
Spring campaign has commenced, not transferred to Navy yet, Clarinda is living
downtown and has gotten out of paddy hole]
Camp at
Warrenton Junction Va
Thursday the
14th 1864
Got
her letter which he was waiting for a long time for. Did not like the idea she was living downtown when he first
heard it but if Lotty stays with her he wonÕt care so much about it. Glad she got out of Òthat Paddy holeÓ
but afraid she wonÕt get along as well down there with strangers as she would
Òwhere you was Aquainted [sic]Ó.
Drills every day and target practice every other day. Weather is warm and pleasant. Sutters are leaving so he thinks the
Spring campaign has commenced.
Hopes they will stay there to guard the railroad. HasnÕt been transferred to the Navy but
neither has anyone else. There
seems to be some fault with Commanding Officers in complying with the order
showing a reluctance to part with any of their command but he doesnÕt see how
they can disobey an act of Congress.
He
has only gotten one letter from George since heÕs been there and he answered it
immediately. He would write more
to others but the cost of postage is high. He hopes she doesnÕt think heÕs reserved too much money for
himself over the winter. They have
had things to buy since they came to this camp at the Junction: Òeggs cabbage onions butter & flour
and we have had to Pay dreadful High Prices for themÉÓ He never bought any of them because he
felt like he would be taking it out of her and the childrenÕs mouths. Sutters will not be allowed in the army
again until winter. Asks her to
write with the number of the house she lives in and where it is. ÒWe have climbed to the to [sic] top of
the hill & are now on our downward course but I am afraid the downhill will
be the worst.Ó Hopes the fighting will
end this summer so they can come home before the three years is up. Lengthy closing. ÒP.S. tell Loty to write. I am afraid you have lost your old Bean
Sarah Graff ____ a kissÓ
Camp at
Warrenton Junction
April 19th
1864
Got
his warrant and will send it home so it wonÕt wear out in his pocket. All
the boys in the regiment were examined for the Navy but not him because his
papers hadnÕt come so he will go again tomorrow but Òthey examine the
applications pretty strict but I am going to try for it hardÓ. Report is
they will move Friday, they have getting ready for a week. He was playing
ball and hurt his little finger so badly the doctor excused him from
duty. Back page is to his father saying he thought it would be safer to
send it to him to give to Clara.
Camp at
Warrenton Junction
Friday April
29th 1864
[LAST LETTER]
Is well, has been on picket
all day and itÕs now 9 PM. Ordered
to move at 8 AM. They say the mail
has been stopped. ÒBurnside is
marching on to the front with about 40 thousand men & amongst them is they
say about 10 thousand negro troopsÓ.
Those troops are left along the road to guard the other troops. Relieving the 5th Corp. Encamped all around them. ÒI have not seen any of the Black
Sogers [sic] yet so I cannot give you a discription [sic] of themÓ. Burnside Corps looks hard and warn out,
begging for hard tack. Have
marched from Annapolis MD without much to eat. The men who were examined for the Navy were supposed to
leave the regiment this morning but for some unknown reason they did not
go. ÒI was in hopes that I might
go but I am afraid I cant for it seems my papers did not comeÓ.
ÒDear Clara I am afraid
before you hear from me again there will be a hard battle fought with the [sic- missing Army] of the Potomac
but wherever I may be placed I shall try to do my duty as well as I can. I hope the lord will spare us to meet
again on earth. Take good care of
yourself & our little ones give my love to all of my Folks & may heaven
protect us all evermore, God be ever with us, From your Affectionate husband,
With love, Sergt P.L. Dumont.Ó
[1858][1862][1863][1864][1865]
[1880]
George C. Carter to Clarinda]
Utica N.Y.
June 19/ 65
ÒMrs. Dumont:
Madam:
The case of yours is now
settled- Your husband now has been officially reported as deceased and I have
the necessary information to enable you at once to complete your claims – The above alluded to intelligence
has just arrived & I hasten to acquaint you of the fact –
Very Respectfully
George C. Carter –
[line with flourish]Ó
[George C. Carter to Clarinda]
Utica N.Y.
June 20 1865
ÒMrs. Dumont
Madam
I wrote to you last evening
to inform you of the reliable news I had just Recd [sic] from the Army in
regard to the fate of your husband-
I directed that letter I think No. 2 Cooper Street, if so, you may not
get it, therefore I write this morning again.
If you will call at my
office now I will talk with you about your matter - I have the statistics sufficient now for you to
proceed to your claims on the Govt
Your husbandÕs decease has been
established – Though sad is [p.2] the intelligence – You have no
further hope of his being living -
Very Respectfully
George C. Carter –
[line with flourish]Ó
Office of
Correspondence with the friends of the Missing Men of the United States Army
Washington,
D.C., July 3rd, 1865
[form
letter with blanks filled in by hand]
Dear
Sir:
I
am in receipt of a communication from Chas. [Y? G?] Jones No 15 Wall St New
York City in which he informs me that he is positive Sergt. Peter L Dumont Co ÒAÓ
146 N.Y.V. was killed at the battle of the Wilderness on the 5th
of May 1864.
For
further particulars address informant as above.
I
am, very truly,
Yours,
Clara
Barton.
Per
R.G.P.-
[1858]
[1862]
[1863]
[1864]
[1865]
[1880]
[Undated and
No Location, probably right before September 21, 1880, see related letter]
ÒDear
Brother and Sis
We
havenÕt heard from you since mother came home mother has bee Very Sick Since She has been home with
malarial fever and aint been out of bed for over a week aunt Rosa came up and Staid over Sunday
and Grandma is here this week She
was very [Low?] all night She was
out of her head and Grandma sits up all night She is a great deal better than She was yeasterday
[sic] She wanted to know if you
had wrote yet and She worrys [sic] and thinks you are sick now be sure and
answer this write away
Will
P.S.
how is matie I think her picture is Splendid
[word
ÒkissÓ circled]Ó
Utica
September
21/80
ÒDear
Sister
I
received your letter this noon
mother is getting along slow now but she is a great deal better Last Friday she was so [low?] that the
Folks was afraid both Sarah Graft
and Grandma sat by the bed all night and the house was full of Folks I was going to send for you but Grandma
said to wait till morning and see how she was and when the morning came she was
a great deal better and the Docter [sic] says the worst part is past although
she may have more fever they [sic] only trouble we had was in getting folks to
stay there Grandma was taken [p.2]
Sick with the Colera Saturday night and we had to send for Sarah Graft Aunt Malley has sat up a few
nights Mrs. Graham sat up 1
night Just as I am writing
this aunt Rosa has come up so I guess we will get along all right there is a great any people here who
has the malerial fever and very dangerous
Mrs Gotting in west Utica died day before yeasterday [sic] with it and
hanna Elijha Cummins wife has got it and is Staying at Mrs [Mellars?} now donÕt
worry for the Doctor says Mother is getting along Splendid I will write again in a Day or So now you write for a Letter Seems to
cure her
this
is all
Yours
Ever
Will
[decorative
lines]Ó
[Fragments
and/or Undated]
[Fragment 1,
Undated and No Location, end of sentence, has not written in a long time, had
been concerned about being wounded]
Ò&
Rest asured [sic] that I have not forgotten you & the little ones Because
you did not hear from me sooner than this the most that I cared about it was I
might get wounded & then it might Be a long time Before you heard from
[sic-missing ÔmeÕ] But I must Come to a Close Give my love to mother & all at home & to Sarah
graff & all enquireing [sic] friends take good care of the little ones
& your self may the Blessing
of heaven attend you all Untill [sic] we meet again write soon
From
you Husband Ever Untill [sic] Death
with love good By Untill [sic] you hear from me again your & yours only
Sergt
P.L. DumontÓ
[Fragment 2,
Undated and No Location, Òthis goes on the bottomÓ, closing, ÒI shall go to
church tonightÓ]
Òthis
goes on the bottom of the last page
^ ^
and
think of one who love you tenderly
I cant write much more on account of room so I must close now
Clara
do write and be a faithful and true wife to your true and loving
Husband
Peter Dumont
P.S.
I shall go to church to night [line around P.S. section]
[Fragment 3,
Undated and No Location, Ò4Ó in circle as in pg. 4, asks her to telegraph
something serious, two-sided with closing]
ÒIt
I donÕt think it would be a great Crime for there are no signs of an exchange
very soon and I might as well be there as here Dear Clara any way to see you
once again yesterday I saw [Gen?
Geo?] Limeback & wife at Fort Corcoran She is the first woman I have had a good talk with since I
have been down here they are
liveing [sic] as Comfortable as Piggs [sic] for Soldiers Dear Clara take good Care of your
health & the little [p. 2] ones & may heaven Bless you & Protect
you. it [sic] will have to be some
thing pretty serious what you telegraph to have me Come I guess. Good by for now I will try to write
oftener from your ever true & loveing [sic] Husband Forever
Sergt
Peter. L. Dumont.Ó
[Fragment 4,
Undated and No Location, no opening but does have closing, sends Òising glassÓ
from Antietam, hopes sheÕll stay with his parents, did she get $33 he sent with
ConeÕs father]
ÒDirect
your letter to Peter L Dumont Washington 146 Regiment Co A Capt Cone
I
send you a piece of ising glass taken from Rocks at the Battle ^field of
antietam [sic] in Maraland [sic] them soldiers give it to me last night Clara kiss the children for me every
night when you go to bed and be a good woman for my sake for I love ^ you
better than anthing [sic] else on earth
give my respects to all enquiring friends I look at your picture every chance I get and think of you
and all of you left at home I hope you will stay with father and mother all the
while I am gone I shall feel better satified [sic] [p.2] for your being there
than any where else write and let
me know if you got that $33 I sent by Cones father or not if not you must get it i [guess] this is
all at present
from
yours
Ever
& ever
P L
Dumont
true
to the LastÓ
[Undated and
No Location, small fragment, P.S. with closing, may be early letter –
ÒThey say I am 700 miles from home it is a beautiful country down hereÓ, back
says couldnÕt send cannon cap because stolen]
Ò(P.S.) Tell Malvina she must read your letters
because it seems as if I must write every letter to you ask her what she ment [sic] by that box
in the Post Office and if I can send my letters there just as well it will save
you something after a while because I suppose the penny Post fetches them to
you
They
say I am seven Hundred miles away from home it is a beautiful country down here you can see every thing
most except a woman I have seen
onley [sic] 2 since we iÕve [sic] been here from yours
Peter
L. Dumont
[p.2,
centered on back] I sealed up that big letter without that Cannon Cap because
some one stole it from me and I had to let it go but iÕll [sic] see if I cant
get another one for you and send it some time [upside down at bottom] P.S. Ask
Mally
[Undated and No Location, 1863
in banner, opening and closing, just had his Òface pulledÓ, looks cross, may
have changed, wants to see hers and the childrenÕs pictures]
ÒDear
Clara
I
have just been and had my face pulled But I think you will hardley [sic] know
me
I
suppose it looks ike me with the Exception [sic] of looking so cross it donÕt
look to me to be natuerel [sic] But the boys say it looks just the same as I do
onley it is awful cross Dear Clara
perhaps my looks have changed some since I have been down here But my heart is
not unless it is for the Better I
would like to see ours and the Childrens pictures first rate I suppose they have altered some But I think I should know them if they
should come where I was Quick [sic] [p. 2] I wish I never had of Left them but
that cant be Helpt [sic] now and now Hopeing [sic] that the giver of all good
will steer out frail crafts over this now Unhappy Country to meet Happilly
[sic] once more and war & strife be at an end amongst Humanity and Nations
forever I remain your Husband
Sergt..
Peter. L. Dumont
[bow
shaped flourish or banner with Ò146 N.Y.S.V. 1863Ó in it]