JACKSON ATTACKS (8)

As the sun moved into the western sky Jackson and his thousands (specify) prepared to attack the open right flank of Hooker, the 11th corps under the command of O.O. Howard rested as the grey legions began the assault.

Abe Heed of company A , reported to Colonel Richardson that a large body of troops has passed our front to the right…Richardson reported this fact immediately to General McLean who conveyed the information to General Devens
“I guess Colonel Richardson is somewhat scared; you had better order him to his regiment.”
With such insulting neglect, Colonel Richardson returned to his regiment, and although it was early in the afternoon, he ordered the company cooks to immediately prepare supper, privately conversed with his officers as to what they should do under certain circumstances, and in fact prepared them for a surprise which he knew would overwhelm the division.
Edward Culp 25th Ohio Infantry, Devins Division 11th Corps

On the eve of battle jokes were played; laughter and jest were as common as if we had been a party of picnickers instead of armed men waiting the onslaught of thousands in deadly conflict. Morning was of the densest fog. The 12th corps breakfasted, as on every morning during the operations, before daylight and as a battle seemed inevitable. They were ordered to strike the few tents and have everything packed for a movement to clear the front. By sunrise the whole front was covered by a very good breastworks of logs.
Col. Dixon, 107th New York, Rugar’s Brigade, Williams Division, 12th Corps

About noon a column of the Rebel troops could be seen with a glass moving along the pike westward. For three hours this column could be seen, and it was well known what it meant. They were allowed to go on unmolested, save not and then a shell from a single gun from our side.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade Williams Division, 12th Corps

As yet not a gun had been fired; everything was still and quiet; the troops were tired and moved about noiselessly; there were thick woods and underbrush on each side of the road, with the occasional field or farm while resting in this position a courier came to us, who was acquainted with some of our boys and said we were in the rear of the Yankees.
John O Casler, 33rd Virginia

We formed line battle in woods in front line and lay down to rest while two other lines formed in rear of us to support us. When everything was ready about 6pm which was so late that some began to thing we might not make the attack till morning.
Samuel Pickens Company D 5th Alabama


Their fires were kindled for cooking supper, and dressed beeves were ready for distribution among the companies. They fled before us, strewing the ground with muskets, knapsacks and other accouterments. On the way we crossed a little farm and as I passed the dwelling I saw several ladies who were wildly rejoicing.
Captain Wayland Fuller Dunaway, 40th Virginia Infantry, Brockenbraugh’s Brigade, Heth’s Division


We came out of the woods, which had been concealing our movements, into an open field expecting every moment to engage the enemy, but they were so much taken by surprise that our pickets had driven their whole line. We continued driving their rear, lying down behind their breastworks, we intended waiting until morning to renew the fight but the enemy thinking to retrieve himself made a night attack which they partially succeeded in capturing one our batteries, but soon we were in line again and recaptured our battery together with quite a number of prisoners.
Ted Barclay 4th Virginia, (Paxton’s Stonewall) Brigade

The first thing you know a shell passes near you like lightning, you can’t see it, but you have a faint idea that it is not far off and that the next one will take your head off. They nearly deafen me. Then there is the little fellows (bullets) they are more to be dreaded that the large ones. We had issued to us a musket shell before we went on this late march and I found the rebels were not behind us in that line either for I could hear them bursting all the time, they crack like a pistol. Some times burst inside a person. One m an in our regiment had one burst in his arm, it tore it all to pieces.
Oscar Ladley, 75th Ohio Infantry, McLeans Brigade, Devens Division, 11th Corps

The men ran like frightened deer, not knowing whither. A battery near us opened fire on them, thinking that they the rebels had broken through. The stampede of the 11th Corps was something curious and wonderful to behold. I have seen horses and cattle stampeded on the plains, blinded apparently by fright, rushing over wagons, rocks, streams or any obstacle in the way, but never before or since have I seen thousands of men actuated seemingly by the same unreasoning fear that takes possession of a herd of cattle.

As the crowd of fugitives ran by the Chancellors house, the greatest effort was made to check them, but only those stopped were knockec down by eh swords of staff offiecers or the sponge staffs of Kirby’s battery.
Jacob Cole 57th New York, Zook’s Brigade, Hancock’s Division, 2nd Corps

Never saw so much confusion in my life- men scattered and mixed up every way. It was a running fight and the difficulty was to keep near enough to the Yankees to shoot them. They shot at us very little- only when they’d have a little breastwork. 1st redoubt we advanced on the artillery stuck out pretty well and threw grape and canister like hail- a good many of us in the edge of a pine thicket lay down a minute or two but on went oru men and a shout told of the Yanks were driven on.

Some excited fellows were firing wildly over the heads of us who were ahead and really there seemed at times as great danger of being killed by our men as by Yankees and several times wed stop and wait for them to get up in line with us. Some fired without taking sight up in the air and I noticed balls striking the ground just in front of us. Some of our men were wounded by our own side.

Noticed a large Newfoundland dog- in the agonies of death with a ball hole through him.
Samuel Pickens Company D 5th Alabama

LEE/JACKSON MEETING (6)

This site denotes where Lee and Jackson had their fateful meeting. From here Jackson and Lee met for the last time. This also is an excellent venue to think about the men of Jackson’s corps as they passed this spot on their way to the federal right flank.

At daylight on the morning of the 2nd of May we were relieved and went to the rear about one mile to where the roads forked, her were Generals Lee, Jackson, AP Hill, Stuart, and many major generals holding a council of war and planning our attack. Generals Lee and Jackson seemed to be very busily engaged in laying and arranging some broom straws on one end of the box where some bacon and crackers were place for their breakfast. At last General Lee gave the straws a stroke and knocked them all off. Rising to his feet and shaking hands with General Jacksons, AP Hill and some others, he sat down to eat his breakfasts, after asking a blessing. General Jackson, I supposed had already eaten, for he immediately mounted his horse and uttering a few words to some of his aids, rod off up the road. In a few moments Jackson’s Corps was in motion
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps

Allowed to sleep later than expected after day light. Went to branch and took a good wash and made feel fresh. Resumed the march passing a good many troops lying along the road. We heard Yanks cheering in their formal still way and some boys wished Jackson would come along that we might raise a cheer.
Samuel Pickens Company D 5th Alabama

Three divisions of our corps under Jackson started on the march and moved south for awhile and we could hear skirmishing on our right. We could not imagine where we were going. We continued marching through fields and woods until about 3 o’clock in the after noon. The day was hot and w marched fast- the men throwing away their overcoats and blankets.
Joseph O. Casler 33rd Virginia

In a little while the wood was passed up lines to give way to left and there came Glorious Old Stonewall at a sweeping gallop- hat in hand on his sorrel horse followed by aids and couriers. Could only see he was a younger looking man than I expected to see and not so stout but apparently well make- black hair and beard and a little bald pot on back head that showed plainly after passing.
Samuel Pickens Company D 5th Alabama

THE FORDS (4) of Chancellorsville

Ely’s Germanna and United States Fords all saw federal troops pass over them on those fateful days in early May. U.S. Ford is on private property and Germanna Ford is a few miles from the battlefield so I conglomerated the various ford experiences with the recommendation that the reader of this sit at Ely’s Ford, as seen on the park map.

The first part of March we moved camp to what is known as United States Mine Ford. This is where people did got out gold long time ago. We remained here until April 28th when we had t evacuate this place in a hurry on account of a large force of the enemy came on all of the sudden.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division

The enemy took advantage of the bridge which we had just completed over the Rapidan River at what is known as Germanna Ford. (Lee was planning an offensive move north via the Germanna Ford thus the 12th built a bridge to help the army cross the river.) Captain J.E. Tyler had been in charge of a detail to do this job. Just as he had it completed and about to return to camp gathering up tools, etc., the enemy came up and captured nearly the whole guard. Some few escaped and gave us warning of the enemy coming on us with a large force.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division

They were at work building a bridge across the river, and all together, the workmen and guards, they numbered a little over a hundred men. They had made good calculations for defense but very poor ones for a retreat. They had a high bank to shelter them from out side of the river, and a few men might have held the ford against a large force. The river is narrow, not over seven hundred yards wide. They had the advantage of us in position, as we had nothing whatever to shelter us. But they chose not to fight, and to run away was out of the question. A few tried the latter plan, however, and paid for it with their lives, as every one that attempted it was shot down. After a few shots had been exchanged, they threw down their arms and came over to us. We took at this place ninety-six prisoners, among which was one captain, two lieutenants and a major.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade, Williams Division, 12th Corps

Crossed the river at the U.S. Ford on a pontoon bridge, we passed the rebel works that lined the banks and halted for a short rest. The mule train that was used in lieu of regular wagon train to carry our provision passed us on their way to the front.
In the early part of the night word was passed round that if any man wished to write home, he had about ten minutes to do it, as the mail carrier would be around about that teem to take them. As with would probably be the last time that I would have a chance to write, as a big battle was expected, I threw myself flat on the grass and wrote a short letter home by the light o the moon, getting it finished just the latter carrier came round..
Private Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey, 2nd division Berry, 3rd brigade 3rd Corps

The retreat over the river began on the night of the fifth. Up to our knees in slush we sought to find or way to the fords, it frequently happened that men striking their feet against the covered stumps stumbled forward into the slough, covering themselves with mud. It was a horrid night. The men were disheartened and worn out, but could not help laughing, as man after man dove under and came up with his new uniform of soft mother earth. A battery passed, on the caisson of which sat a man covered in a tarpaulin, and lo, he was singing to himself such familiar tunes and melodies as “Home Sweet Home.” It seemed supremely ridiculous that nay one should sing under such circumstances, so the boys hooted and jeered him, crying “Catch him,” “Stop Him,” and the line but still the song under the tarpaulin went on.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps

Camp Sumter

Over Thanksgiving vacation I travelled to Madison for another day of reading original documents at the Wisconsin Historical Society.I hit gold again.It'll take me a while to transcribe what I found, but here is my first entry.

I found a letter from Captain Wirz at Camp Sumter asking permission to move the hospital from the compound to outside to gain more room to house his prisoners. Below is the letter. Enjoy.

Camp Sumter Andersonville Ga
April 25 1864

Genl

I have the honor to enclose report of Conf. States Mil Prison report of guard forces at this post. Allow me Genl most respectfully to point out to you several things which in my humble judgment need some action upon.

The hospital which is within the stockades impedes very much the ___ line necessary to keep such a large number of prisoners in proper bounds. Beside I am very much in want of the space which the hospital is occupying. Prisoners are constantly arriving, and soon I will not be able to quarter everyone. The gates which ought to be closed are to be left open to give access to the surgeon as well as egress to the dead, all these things combine making an alternate most desirable.

There are a great many applications of prisoners to take the oath of allegiance to the Southern Confederacy, not however with the intention to enter our service, but to be allowed to work at their respective.

An increased guard would not only be very acceptable but it is a great necessity. These suggestions Genl submitted to yours remain
Most respectively
Your ob servant

Wirz
M. S. Wright Capt Commanding
Brig Genl
Present

NOTE: In the letter Wirz talks about "egress for the dead." On that day Corporal Reuben I. Malone died at the prison. He was one of those who used that egress. Sort of humanizes the practical writing of Wirz.

FITZHUGH’S LANDING

FITZHUGH’S LANDING (3)
Slaughter Pen parking lot
To begin the spring campaign of 1863 Hooker ordered 1st and 6th Corps to cross the river near here. After crossing the two corps dug in and waited for orders to move. This grand deception orchestrated bh Hooker did little to fool General Robert E. Lee. As Hooker ran into trouble, 1st corps returned to the Falmouth side of the river then marched to support the federal troops at the Chancellor House. 6th corps stayed here until may3 when it made its assault on Marye’s Heights.

About midnight we marched again hoping to surprise the enemy by rushing two regiments in pontoon boats, capturing the rifle pits along the opposite bank and thus clearing the way for a pontoon bridge. For this perilous duty our regiment and the 24th Michigan were selected. The troops moved slowly in the fog, rain and darkness and so much noise was made by the mules in the pontoon train that little hope remained of surprising the enemy, about daylight when the engineer corps had launched only half of their boats into the river, they were opened by the musketry of the enemy posted in rifle pits beyond the river. A panic ensued in the pontoon train. There was a grand skedaddle of mules with lumbering pontoon boats, negroes and extra-duty men. We cleared a track and let them by us in their frantic and ludicrous flight. We had completely failed to surprise the enemy.

A fog hung over the river and as soon as it cleared away and order from General Wadworth to Colonel Bragg to move the regiment to the bank of the river and fire across the enemy. We double-quicked forward in line, threw ourselves flat upon the ground and commenced firing but w could gain nothing. The rebels were on higher ground and in rifle pits and their fire was more destructive than ours could be on them.
Rufas Dawes, 6th Wisconsin 4th Brigade 1st division First corps


On the morning of the April 29th I was on camp-guard while the thirteenth Georgia regiment was on picket and was guarding the river crossing. We heard a few guns fire at the picket post, and soon a very heavy volley. This was just at day break. This shooting immediately put the whole command in a stir. The drum was beating the long roll and officers were shouting, “Fall in line.” I and the rest of the guards around the line received orders to go t o out tens, pack up and follow the brigade. We caught up with them while they were forming in line at the foot of the Mary’s Heights, on the R. &F. R.R. . We built breastworks nearly all day.
G.W. Nichols, 61st Georgia Infantry, Gordon’s Brigade, Early’s Division

It now seemed the Rappahannock must be reddened with out blood if the crossing was to be forced. The river was about two hundred yards wide and very deep and the banks were high and steep. Pontoon boats enough to carry about four hundred men were lying in the water at a landing place called Fitz Hugh’s crossing or Pollock’s Mill, with one end caught upon the shore and oars to row the boats were lying in the bottom of them. Of course they were directly under they were directly under the enemy’s fire. About nine o’clock the sixth Wisconsin and twenty fourth Michigan regiments were ordered to cross the river in these boats and attack the rifle pits. I confess that a shrinking from the proffered glory came over us. To be shot like sheep in a huddle and drown in the Rappahannock appeared to be the certain fate of all if we failed and os some if we succeeded. The regiment was ordered to into line at once to prepare for the rush. Knapsacks were unslung and piled upon the ground. We selected men from each company who were to row the boats and instructed them in their duty. Colonel Bragg briefly and plainly stated to the regiment what was expected of them and the plan for the execution of the movement. The plan was simple and fully comprehended by the men. A line of troops was to be moved forward to the edge of the river bank who would fire over our heads at the enemy while we crossed the river in the boats. Batteries of artillery were planted on the hills back on the plain, which would also fie upon the enemy.

We had to pass over an open field and down a sloping bank to reach the boats, and during this time, we received the fire of the enemy. When our battle line appeared the rebels turned their fire upon us. “Now for it boys. By the right of companies to the front. Run, march,” came the sharp jerky emphasis from colonel Bragg. The men plunged into the boats and threw themselves upon the bottom of them as they had been instructed. Her was our only mistake; the men were on the oars. “Whiz” came the bullets. To halt or flinch in the deadly storm was disgrace if not death. Nervous and quick orders were given something line this:” Heave off your boats! Up with the oars!” Here fifteen of our men were shot. When we got across the river, we jumped into the mud and water, waist deep, waded ashore, crawled and scrambled up the bank, lying hold of the bushes. Very few shots were fired before they were throwing down their arms or running over the plain.
Rufas Dawes, 6th Wisconsin 4th Brigade 1st division first corps

The wooded hills about a mile back from the river were well fortified by General Lee, and in these our brigade was led when the news came that the enemy had crossed. A fine old road runs from Fredericksburg down the river. This road had a cedar thicket on each side which almost shut out the view from our breastworks. Through a few openings our men could see the enemy busily engaged in building their breastworks and mounting their guns. The 31st regiment, commanded by Col. Clement A. Evans, was ordered to occupy the road and observe the movement of the enemy. Our position was only a short distance from the breastworks of the Federals, and we had noting to do but watch them at work. They did not have any skirmishers out to annoy us, and at first we had a fine time peeping up over the bank of the road, which afforded us ample protection. Some of the men felt so secure that they made little fires in the road and behind the cedar break toward our enemy and began to warm their breakfasts, for this was early in the day. Suddenly there was volley of artillery from the confederate position in our rear, and shrieking shells brought every man to his feet. This was the beginning of an artillery dual with a federal battery a short distance in front of us. The confederate artilleryman cut the fuses on their first shells too short, and they exploded just over our heads and scattered fragments and shrapnel all around us but did us no harm. The federal guns in their redoubts in our front now began to reply. Some of our men watched the effect of our shells as they fell in and around the enemy, while others observed the solid shot from the Yankee guns as they plunged into the red dirt in from of our works. When the firing was at its hottest, Lieutenant Aree threw up his hands and exclaimed, “That was a good shot.” A shell from our battery cut a Yankee in the redoubt in two. We were in great danger from our shells all the time and were glad when the shelling ceased.
Gordon Bradwell, 31st Georgia, Gordon’s Brigade, Early’s Division, Jackson’s Corps

FREDERICKSBURG VISITOR CENTER

The site of the fight of December 12th this area played a vital role in the battle of Chancellorsville for this is where General John Sedgewick’s 6th corps finally took Marye’s Heights and the surrounding area. From here Sedgewick moved off in support of Hooker on May 3. Prior to that confederates occupied the town and this area.

We are here in the city yet and I do not know how long we will remain here, we sand guard on this side of the river and the yanks on the other. We stand in speaking distance to each other but we do not shoot at each other I think both is a fraid. We are having our fin here a saining for fish and ketching fish with a hook and line we drag them out by the hundreds with sains. They are mostly shad and herring but the water is very cold.
Henry Brooks, 51st Georgia Infantry, Seemes Brigade, McClaw’s Division

In April the balloons went up every day and we could hear the Yankees drilling and having sham battles. They were teaching their fresh troops hot to fight Confederate soldiers. We could hear them charge, one line would try to yell like the Confederate soldiers and the other would “huzza, Huzza, Huzza” like the Union army.
G.W. Nichols, 61st Georgia Infantry, Gordon’s Brigade, Early’s Division

MAY 3
At one o’clock this morning (May3) the sixth corps following the River Road entered the city of Fredericksburg. The Rebels in the city fled to the forts on the hills in the rear, while the Corps formed for the attack in the streets. The 2nd RI formed in Princess Anne Street. At daylight the Rebels opened their guns from the forts on the hills and shot and shell came crashing through houses like volleys of musketry.
Elisha Hunt Roads, 3rd Brigade (Edward's), 1st Division, Sixth Corps

At daylight the Rebel batteries from Marye’s and the neighboring heights opened on us, but they found difficulty in depressing their guns enough to do us any injury, and as we were on the outskirts of the city, they could not fire on us without damaging the city.
Lt. Col. Mayson Whiting 37th Massachusetts Infantry, Brown’s Brigade, Newton’s Division

About 10 o’clock we moved into the railroad cut half-way between the edge of the city and the sunken road at the foot of the terrace of Marye’s Heights. After two abortive attempts to carry the heights, General Sedgewick organized five columns of assault…all five columns were successful in capturing the works they attacked, and were closely followed up by the rest of the corps. The 37th reached the summit of the hill just in time to see the surrender and to aid in some of the captures.
Lt. Col. Mayson Whiting 37th Massachusetts Infantry, Brown’s Brigade, Newton’s Division


My brigade was ordered to “Double Quick” from Hamilton’s Crossing on the extreme right of the line to Taylor’s Hill, above Fredericksburg and on the extreme left of the line, a distance of about five miles our route followed closely the Confederate line of battle, just in the rear of which our course was taken, and of course at many points we were exposed to a sharp fire from the enemy’s artillery and skirmishers… and after a fatiguing race, a small portion of the brigade, breathless, drenched with perspiration and utterly fagged-out, reached our destination and gladly seized the opportunity for resting in the rifle pits and trenches already constructed. I doubt whether more than two hundred men composed the advance of our force. The remainder were dragging a long, as best they might over rough and dangerous road were compelled to follow. Gradually, however, these stragglers came up, until a respectable force was gathered around us. But our arrival was none too soon, for, just at the foot of the hill, Gibbons’ Division was preparing to seize our position. Fortunately a small canal, which here crossed in the valley below had delayed the enemy and thus afforded us time to gain the defenses of the hill.
Henry E. Handerson, 9th Louisiana Infantry, Hay’s Brigade, Early’s Division

We advanced at the double quick (for second line of works) and the Rebels left their works taking their cannon with, but leaving one caisson in our hands. A case shot burst in front of my company throwing s shower of iron about us. One iron bullet stuck me upon my foot causing me to jump into the air, but only lamed me a little. I picked up the iron bullet and put I into my pocket and will send it home.

The entire heights are now in our hands and her we rested until 3:00 when the corps advanced some three miles and met the enemy again at Salem Church.
Elisha Hunt Roads, 3rd Brigade (Edward's), 1st Division, Sixth Corps


May 4th While General Sedgewick worked toward Banks Ford on the 4th Rebel General Early recaptured the Marye’s Heights.
We advanced about two miles when the skirmish line struck the Yankee skirmish line, and we drove it in at once and pushed on the heights. Our line of battle forwarded and retook the heights with but very little loss to us. In this little battle of only a few minutes, my shoe sole was shot in twain and my foot stunned. Captain Kennedy had his sword strap shot in twain and Corporal Holloway had his canteen buts open with a ball.
G.W Nichols, 61st Georgia, Gordon’s Brigade, Early’s Division, Jackson’s Corps

CHANCELLORSVILLE TOUR GUIDE

As I've mentioned in an earlier post, I like to research battlefields during the winter, in preperation for a tour in the summer. Chancellorsville is one battle I studied during the snow so I could immerse into the battle when I got to Virginia. For fun, I collected some 1st person accounts of the battle and placed them according to the best location on the battlefield for me to read them. If you can get to the Chancellorsville battlefield for a tour, the next few weeks postings might make your visit a bit more immersive. I think you'll like this. Enjoy.

Our first stop is at the Stafford House. All of the content in this post would be best read at the home or in front of it.
(April 7th) President Lincoln visited the various encampments and our regiment was drawn up in line to receive him. He was accompanies by a large number of generals and their staffs with a regiment of lancers following behind as a body guard. President Lincoln wore a tall black hat, his feet nearly reached the ground, and his great height, clothing in civilian dress as he was, in striking contrast with the rest of the company. As he passed along the front of the line, the regiment presented arms, the drum corps played and the boys all joined in giving lusty cheers. President Lincoln returned the salute by raising his hat. The visit was preceded by a humorous event which occurred as the President and retinue passed through the regimental street to reach the parade ground. In this street a limb of a tree projected over the street, high enough for the ordinary man mounted, wearing a military hat, to pass under, but the tall hat of which Lincoln wore came in contact with that limb, and the hat fell to the ground. An orderly promptly handed the hat to that owner, who replaced it on his head, this was in plane view of the regiment and a smile passed along the line as a result.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps

Hooker Takes Command
Now we all feel that General Hooker will be like the poor man that won the elephant at the raffle. After he got the animal he didn’t know what to do with him. So with fighting Joseph. He is now in command of a mighty big elephant, and it will remain to be seen if he know what to do with him. All know that General Hooker can command and fight a division to perfection, but to take a great army like ours in hand and cope with the great rebel chief successfully is another thing. But we will wait and see, and like good soldiers, obey orders and go where we are sent, even unto death.
Daniel Crotty, 3rd Michigan Infantry, Hayman’s Brigade, Birney’s Division, 3rd Corps


“Pack up!” “Fall in!” all is stir and excitement in the camp. The bugles are blowing,” Boots and saddles” for the cavalry, camped above of us on the hill: we drummer-boys are beating the “long roll” and “assembly” for the regiment; mounted orderlies are galloping along the hillside with great yellow envelopes truck in their belts; and the men fall out of their miserable winter quarters, with shouts and cheer that make the hills about Falmouth ring again. For the winter is past; sweet breath of spring comes balmy up from the south and the whole army is on the move-wither?

“Say, captain, tell us where are we going?” But the captain doesn’t know, more even the colonel,-nobody knows. We are raw troops yet, and have not learned that solders never ask questions bout orders.
So fall in all together and forward! And we ten little drummer-boys beat gaily enough, “The Girl I left Behind Me,” as the line sweeps over hills, through woods and on down to the river’s edge
Harry Kieffer, 150th Pennsylvania Infantry, Stone’s Brigade, Doubleday’s Division, 1st Corps

Soon the regiment was forming in line, while the drum corps, at the suggestion of the sergeant-major, played the tune The Girl I Left Behind Me for leaving Falmouth seemed like leaving home. The colonel, riding to the centre-front gave the command, “Shoulder arms: right face; right shoulder shift arms; forward, route stet, march.”
“We are off for Richmond or the Grave,” expressed some of the boys.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps


After Hooker’s retreat the army returned to Falmouth and Stafford.
The march back to Stafford Court House, full twenty miles was made through a driving rain storm, and when we reached our old camp, about eight o’clock that night, we were in deplorable condition with neither tents, blankets or overcoats-which had been lost on the battlefield- we had no shelter from the storm and nothing remained for us to do except build immense fires and rest our wearied limbs as best we could. Reminiscences how we were able to build fires when everything we possessed was soaked through by the rain. Generally someone was thoughtful enough to protect his matches and after one fire was started with difficulty of building others overcome. But it sometimes happened that there were no matches in the party. A fire was then obtained by putting into a rifle the powder of a couple of cartridges, ramming loosely upon it a piece of flannel, or woolen cloth and then discharging the gun upon the ground. The flannel becomes ignited and with the aid of a few dry twigs a fire is easily started.
Samuel Toombs, 13th New Jersey, Ruger’s Brigade, William’s Division, 12th Corps

The Last McLaurin Entry

Here it is, the last letter from Archie. Records indicate he was wounded at Resaca. After that I have no information. I hope you enjoyed reading his story.

Camp Near Dalton Ga
April the 10th 1864

Dear Sister
I will not endeavor to answer yours of the 29th of March, which came safe to hand yesterday. It found me enjoying the bets of health. You can’t imagine how glad I was to get it and to hear that you were all well. I have no news of importance to write you. We re still camped in our old place near Dalton and no indications of a move. The Yanks are all peaceable out in front. I am in hopes that we will have mails regular pretty soon. I hear that the cars are running so far as Brandon if that be true I think that we will soon be getting mail regular. I have written to cousin Mary Jane McLaurin. I have not received an answer yet but I think that I will get it tomorrow. I had come to the conclusion that I would not hear from home any more until the war was over but I guess you will have chances to send letters occasionally. I am going to send this by one of the Franklin Rifles who is going home on furlough. I don’t expect to get a furlough before next winter but if I live to see next winter. I think I will get home then. I wish I could see you all but I don’t think there is any chance soon. If the boys that have gone home would have acted right it not be long before it would come my time to go but they have done so badly that I would be glad to see every one of them brought back and punished. I received a letter from Clem last night that was dated Feb 9th. It has been along time coming. He said that they had enrolled the militia and it took him. I want you the next time you see him to get after him and make him join some volunteer company and tell him to join some cavalry for infantry don’t pay vary well. Tell Dutch that I think he is large enough to write to me if he is large enough to plow. I tell you I want to get home and get some vegetables and milk and butter. Mary I want you to make me some cheese. Ben Knapp is going to sent his negro home in about two or three months to get things for our mess. If he does he will come by our house. I haven’t seen Ben Mann yet. I am going up to see him after while and get him to write to cousin Mary Jane and tell him what you said. Well Mary I will have to close for this time. Give my love to all the family and the same for your self from your affectionate brother
Archie

Direct to Co (e) 7th Miss
Regt Tuckers Brigade
Dalton Ga

Feb the 9th 1864

Camp Near Dalton Ga
Feb the 9th 1864

Dear Sister
I will endeavor to answer your letter of the 22nd of January which I received several days ago. I would have answered it sooner but we heard that the Yanks had possession of Jackson again and I thought I would wait a few days and see if I couldn’t hear something more about it but have not. I am in hopes that it was a false report. I am in fine health at present and getting along finely. We have a negro in our mess and I don’t have anything to do. That is I have no cooking or washing to do. The negro belongs to Ban Knapp. There is only four of us in the mess and we get along finely. Alic Currie has been a little sick for the last two or three days but he got a letter from home yesterday and eh is a good deal better to day. I have no news of importance to write. We can hear nothing of the Yanks about here. I do wish that they would stay away until spring opens for I would hate to leave my house now. Well Mary I will quit now until after supper as it now ready.

Feb 10th

Well Mary as I did not get to finish your letter yesterday I will now try and finish ti. I have just been up to the debating society. We have one in our regt but I don’t belong to it. I heard to day that our regt was ordered to Mobile but I don’t put any confidence in the report. I wish it was true for I am afraid if we don’t send reinforcements there that the Yanks will take it and cut off our communications from home. Boot Scott’s negro came from home. He got here yesterday. He said that Robt started back and got sick and went back home. I wish he would come back. Well Mary I will have to close as it is getting late and my light is bad. I am writing by fire light and you know how bad it is. Tell Mag to write to me. This leaves me in the best of health. So nothing more at present. From Arch

February the 2nd 1864

Camp near Dalton Ga
February the 2nd 1864
Dear Sister
I will now attempt to write you a few lines as I have a little leisure time before drill. I haven’t received a letter from you in some time but I think that perhaps I may yet get one to day. I have no news of importance to write. We have got splendid weather up here now.

Well Mary I didn’t get to write much before drill and I haven’t much time now as I am going to send this by Julius Havis. He has got a furlough and expects to start in less than a half an hour. We have all gone in for the war. That is all of our company except three and one of them is Jim Lee. I am in hopes that I will draw the next furlough when Julius comes back. We all drew for the one that he got but I was not fortunate enough to get it. Well Mary I must close as he is pretty near ready to start. I am in the best of health at present so nothing more to present. from Arch

Christmas 1863

Near Dalton Ga
Dec 25th 1863

Dear Sister

I will once more write you a few lines as I have an opportunity of sending it by hand, Boot Scott of our company is going to start home on furlough to night. I am well at present and that is all I have time to write for I was busy working on a chimney to our house and Boot said he was going to wait until to marrow but he found out he could get off to night and he is going to start. I have had a very dull Christmas thus far but I have enjoyed myself a great better than I did last Christmas. I had a pretty good dinner to day. Capt Burche’s wife came up to see him to day and brought him several good things to eat and Jim Lee invited me to eat with him and you know I wouldn’t refuse. Well Mary I will have to close as Root is about ready to start. It is now about 8 o clock and I am sitting in my house writing my firelight. So you must excuse bad writing and all mistakes. So nothing more at present. From you affectionate brother,
Arch

December 7th 1863

Camp Near Dalton Ga
December 7th 1863

Dear Sister

I will now endeavor to answer you letter which I received yesterday evening. I was really surprised to see a letter for me for i had come to the conclusion that you had all forgot me but I believe you did make out to think of me once more. I am well at present and enjoying my self as well as could be expected after a shameful thrashing from the Yanks. We get plenty of corn bread and beef but that is about all that we do get. We draw a little sugar and sometimes a few rotten potatoes. Mary I want you to send me a little box of provisions again. Will have to chance to send them for Hamm Webb has written home for his negro and he says if you writer his people that they will let you know when he will come by Brook and fetch a box for me. Get Pa to write to Hamm’s father about it and he will let him know. If he writes tell him to direct the letter to John L. Webb McCall’s Creek PO Franklin and if you send the box be certain not to send me any clothing for I have got as much as I want to carry. I want you to send me some butter and some preserves and some sausages. I don’t know whether that is spelled right or not. If it is not, you know what I want. It is some hog guts with ground meat stuffed in them. And I would like very much to have a corn meal pound cake. Some of the boys got some the other day and you may depend that they were nice. If you send any send one with Alex Curries name on it for the fellow can’t get any of that kind for me home it appears to be at a loss since Neil was captured but I keep plaguing him so much that he is all the time at some mischief. Tell me when you write whether cousin James has moved out yet or not if he is tell Meg that I want her to send me something good to eat for that is all that a soldier ever thinks of is something to eat and when they get their belly full. They lay about and smoke and talk about their sweethearts. Well I have written all of the foolish mess that I can think of and I have to get ready to go on guard directly. So nothing more from your brother,
Hugh

December the 6th 1863

Near Dalton Ga
December the 6th 1863

Dear Sister
I have an opportunity of sending a letter down in our neighborhood by some old men that came up to bring clothing for our regt. They got here yesterday and they expect to start back to marrow. I have no news of importance to write. We are still in camp near Dalton. We don’t have much to do only a little guard duty. Jim Lee’s negro got back yesterday. He brought Jim a find lot of potatoes and butter and cake and preserves and a little of everything else that is good. He give Ben Knapp some butter and potatoes and we had a find breakfast. I would like very much to come home this winter but I can’t even as much as hear from home. I haven’t had a letter in so long that I wouldn’t hardly know how to read one if I should happen to get one but I don’t know there is any chance of getting one from home for I think you have all forgotten how to write. I have written to Pa and Nancy and Maggie and you and cant get an answer from either party and the next time I write I am going to write to Ma and if she don’t answer my letters I am going to quit writing to anybody and see how that will do. I wrote home for a blanket some time ago but you need not send it for I have got me a splendid one now. Well I will close of this time. This leaves myself and all the boys in find health that is what few of them are hear. Give my love to all the family and a portion of the same for yourself. From your affectionate brother,
H.A.McLaurin

After Chattanooga

Camps near Dalton GA
December 2nd 1863
Dear Sister
I once more have an opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am still in the land of the living. We have had another fight and the yanks have given us a genteel thrashing. I was in the fight but did not get hurt. There was none of our company hurt but there was five captured. Neil Currie, Dan Cupit, John Smith, John Robinson (Robertson), and William Cobb were the ones captured. They were captured on the 24th of Nov. The Yanks began to advance on us on the 23rd and the left wing of our regt was guarding a railroad bridge to the right of where our brigade was stationed. We held them in check until Tuesday morning the 24th and we had to fall back from there and the boys were afraid to get out of the ditch for fear they would be killed. They tried to get me to stay with then and surrender but I told them I was going to risk my chance of getting out. The Yanks were in 150 yard of me when I left the ditch. Driving in full line and as I left they fixed a full volley at me but none of them touched me. We skirmished with them form Monday evening until Wednesday evening and then we were ordered to go back to our brigade and about the time we got back there and began to rest our selves. We looked down the hill and saw the Yanks coming with five lines of battle so we were ordered in our ditches and our regt stayed there until the Yanks whipped our men on the right and got into our ditches and began to fire down the ditches at us. They captured one piece of the battery that belonged to our brigade. I was in 50 yards of the battery when they planted their colors on it. The battery men and the Yanks fought with sticks and rocks and carried out one piece after the Yanks got hold of it and were trying to hold it. I would not have believed this if I had not seen it with my own eyes. But I tell you I am ashamed that I belong to the brigade that I do for it done some of the shakiest fight I ever saw, but I feel that I have done my duty. We left Missionary Ridge Wednesday night or rather we more run away from there before night. I think we had as well as quit and go home for I see no other chance but for us to be whipped. Alex Currie was not in the fight. He had just got back from the hospital and he had no gun so he was sent back to the rear with the wagons. He is the luckiest boy I ever saw. We are camped in about three miles of Dalton Ga and we have all got rested and our mess has killed a big fat hog and we are all doing fine. Well I will close for this time. Hoping to hear from you soon. Give my love to all the family and the same for yourself. From your affectionate brother. Archie

Ps when you write, direct to Dalton GA
Compamy (e) 7th Miss regt
Anderson’s Brigade

Give my best respects to Uncle Henry and miss Sallie and also(_______) at one.

November 1st 1863

Camped in line of battle near
Chattanooga Tenn
November 1st 1863
Dear Sister
I will now endeavor to answer your ever welcome letter of the 12th of last month that came safe to hand a few days ago. I would have answered it sooner but Bill Howard of our company sent up his discharge a few days ago and I was waiting to hear from it. He has got it all signed and he is going to start home to marrow evening. He says he is going to try and go by our house and carry this. If he don’t go by there he will put it in the office at Brook.

I tell you Mary we are all faring fine now. We have nothing to do but to stand pickett a little. We have got our cooking utensils here with us and we do our own cooking. We have plenty near all got our houses put up. I think we are too well fixed up to stay here long. I have got a very comfortable house to sty in. I would not care much if we have to stay here all winter. I was glad to hear that Joe Cobb had got home, I feared that the poor fellow would never see home again. He said that he thought he would not try to get away from the place where he was shot but he seen me when we area falling back and he hallowed for me to help him and I did so. I went back with him and myself and Balaam Smith had to pretty near tote him for about two miles. I slept there all night and waited on the wounded for it was near dark when I got to the hospital and I didn’t know where to go to find our regiment. Next morning Joe begged me to stay with him but I thought it was my duty to go back to the regt so when I found the boys there was not a yank to be found, only dead ones but gracious knows there was plenty of them. I want you to know tell Ma not to be so uneasy about me when she hears of a fight. And cant hear from me in a ni a god while for after a battle we hardly ever have a chance to write under a weeks time for it takes us fully that long if not longer to get settled.

I think I will get along better after while for Ben Knapp has sent home for a negro to cook for us. Ben is a splendid mess mate, only he gets a little pettish now and then. We haven’t got but three in our mess now as Alex Currie has gone to the hospital and I expect he will get a furlough before he comes back. Neil is as fat as an old hog. He has lay about here so long and done nothing. That he is so lazy he can hardly get about. He hasn’t helped me and Ben to cook any mouthful to day, but we have got him out getting supper at last. Well I quit for this evening as it is getting late.

November the 2nd 1863

Well Mary I will commence again this morning and try and finish your letter this. Morning finds me in the best of health. I don’t think I can write much more for I wrote pretty near all I could think of yesterday but there was one thing I forgot and that was to tell you to send me about two dozen potatoes and some butter and some preserves. You can put them in a box with my clothes and send them by Bennet for he has got free transportation for all the things he is going to bring back with him. You can’t imagine how I would like to be going home with Bill Howard. I think if I was to go get home they wouldn’t see me back hare before next spring. They are offering 40 day furloughs to any body that will get a recruit and have him mustered in to the service and doing duty then they can apply for a furlough and get it. So if you see any body that want to join the army just send them to me. Tell them that this is a splendid place and rather than miss I would give right smart for a furlough. Me and Neil are going to write Luther Blue and see if there isn’t some men in his company that wants to swap with us and come to this company and let Alex and him and me go to that company. We are getting tired of the infantry. We want to try cavalry a while. I would like to have been at home when you went up to Mount Zion. I would to see all the girls. I think I will have to write Miss Betty a nice little letter. I think maybe so she would answer it. I would like very well to see Miss Anet Douglas. I have almost forgot how she looks. Well I will quit for this time. Give my love to all and the same for your self. From Archie

Notes offered on the tops of pages

Top of page 7:

Neil is going to send some letters to our house and he wants you to send them home the first opportunity.

Top of page 4

I want you to write to write me regular for when you write regular I get a good many letters. I will do the same.

Oct 5th 1863

Near Chattanooga Tenn
Oct 5th 1863
Dear Sister
I will write you a few lines as I have an opportunity of sending it by hand. There is an old man going down in Franklin. I am well at present. I wrote a letter to Pa yesterday but I don’t know whether it will go or not. There has been an artillery dual going on pretty near all day. I have been listening at the booming of cannons and the bursting of shells all the time but none of them have come near than half mile of us. I don’t fear them much when they don’t come any nearer than that. I heard yesterday that Bill Adams was killed in the fight the other day. Will Algood was also killed. Ben Mann was not hurt. He came out safe. Well sister I will close as it is getting late. Trusting in God that we will meet again if not on earth I hope we will meet in heaven. So nothing more only I remain your brother

Archie

PS Please excuse all the mistakes a it is very late and I am in haste.

Sept 25th 1863

Sept 25th 1863
Dear Sister
I will once more write you a few lines to let you know that I am still in the land of the living. There has been three days fight near Chattanooga about 7 or 8 miles south of Chattanooga. It commenced on the 18 and lasted until the night of the 20th. We were held in reserve until the 20th and then our brigade were put into it. We did not have any killed in our company. We had 6 wounded but none of them dangerous. I thank kind providence that I came out without a scratch. We succeeded in driving the enemy back to Chattanooga. We are in about 3 miles of Chattanooga in a line of battle. I don’t think we will advance on them though for they are in fortifications. Neil Currie come out alright. Alic (Currie) is at the hospital. He was not in the fight. Neil says to please write to some of his folks that he is all right and tell that Alic was sent to the hospital sick but not sick much. Well I will tell you who was wounded. Joe Cobb was wounded in the left eye. Jonathon Sermon through both thighs. John Love is slightly in the knee. James M Rushing slightly in the left arm (later amputated). George Spring in the right arm. Everet Smith struck with a spent ball but he is back again, able for duty. Hoping that I will come home safe through all, putting my trust in God. I will close. Give my love to all and the same for your self. From Archie

Just before Chickamauga

Camped Near Lafayette Ga
Sept 15th 1863

Dear Father
I will now write you a few lines as I have a opportunity. We are down in Georgia. I can’t tell you exactly where, only we are near a little town by the name of Lafayette. We don’t know what moment we will be ordered to move. We left Chattanooga the 8th. We have been marching ever since. We have been in line of battle two or three times but we haven’t had to fight any yet but I don’t think it will be long before will have to do some of it if we do I hope that we will give the Yanks a good whipping. I will put my trust in kind providence to carry me through safe. If I should happen to fall ti will be in a good cause. Haskins artillery is up here but I haint had a chance to go and see any of the boys yet and I don’t know whether I will or not. Pretty near all of Johnston’s army is up here. I think from the preparations they are making here that we will send old Rosy backt with a genteel bashing. Well I will close for this time. Alic Currie is sick gut they will not send him to the hospital. Neil is well. I am well but have been a little sick but I am all right again. Give my love to all and receive a portion for your self. From your affectionate son
H A McLaurin

August the 10th 1863

Camped near Bridgeport Ala
August the 10th 1863
Dear Sister

I will write you a few lines, as there is a man out of the company who is going home. I haven’t much time to write as it will soon be time for the cars to be here. I am in fine health at present and so fat and lazy that I dread to do anything. The Currie boys are both well. Alic is in better health now than I ever saw him. The Yanks are just on the opposite of the river from us. I wrote to Pa about a week ago but I don’t know whether he received the letter or not. If he did not I will tell you how we are doing here. Our brigade is on detailed to guard a bridge across the Tennessee River. The Yanks are on the opposite bank from us. While we are on pickett guard we sit and talk with each other all day. They talk very friendly. I don’t think they will attempt to cross the river here. We had an election in our company a few days ago for third Lieut.. We elected Root Scott again but he hasn’t been examined yet. I don’t know how he will stand the examination. I tell you Mary I begin to want to see home pretty soon it will be 12 months since I left there. There is plenty of girls about here but none of them as pretty as the Miss girls. I don’t think I could me Reb one among them. Well I must close as I am in great haste. Give my love to all the family and a portion of the same for your self. From you affectionate brother

H.A. McLaurin

I have received a letter from Cousin Mary Jane McLaurin a few days ago. She said she would like to hear from you.

August the 7th 1863

Camped Near Bridgeport Ala
August the 7th 1863


Dear Father

I will write you a few lines as there is a man going down in that part of the country but I don’t know whether you will get it or not you will get it or not. I am well at this time all the boys are generally well. I have no mews of importance to write. We have a right smart of guard duty to do here. The enemy is on one bank of the river and we are on the other but we don’t shoot at each other. We sit and chat with them all day long. I don’t think we are in much danger. I don’t think they will attempt to cross. We all get along very peaceable. I received a letter from cousin Mary Jane McLaurin a few days since. They were all well in that section. She said that her two twin brothers were in Miss the last account she had of them and her brother John was near Charleston. She said that Uncle John was so going out in the service in a few days. Well I will close as I am in a hurry. Give my best respect to Mr. Strong and Miss Sallie and my love to all the family and the same for your self and hoping to come out safe. I remain your affectionate son Archie

I am going to write every opportunity whether you get the letter or not.

July the 22nd 1863

Camp Near Bridgeport Ala
July the 22nd 1863

Dear Sister,
I once more have an opportunity of sending a letter as far as Covington by hand. So I will write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at this time; our brigade is stationed near Bridgeport to guard the river and the bridge across the Ten. River. We have very heavy guard; we have to come on guard about every other day and we don’t get enough to eat. We get a little poor beef and corn meal; and sometimes a little flour, sugar, and lard; but it takes it all to make two meals a day. There is great dissatisfaction in the army here at this time; the most of boys think that the confederacy is gone; I think, myself, that it is a doubtful case; I doubt there is much chance for us now; I think if they don’t feed us better than they are doing now, they wont have an army long; there are plenty of boys about here but they wont let us kill any of them if they can help it but, they are getting scarcer than here; Alex Currie has been a little sick, but he is getting well again; Neil is well, but he grumbles powerfully about the rationed; I know he can eat any time of the day that he can get to victuals but he can’t get to them now. He swears that he is going to kill a boy (pig) if they don’t feed him better; but I don’t think he will do it for he is to blamed lazy; don’t tell any body that will tell Neil what I have said about him; we had him very mad about a week ago. He was writing a letter to his girl and we found out who it was. I tell you, he was hot. Well I will close, as I can’t think of anymore to write. Give my love to all and reserve a portion for yourself, nothing more as from your affectionate brother,
Archie

June 16th 1863

Camp Near Shelbyville Tenn
June 16th 1863
Dear Sister
I will now try and answer your letters that I received the night before last. I would have answered them yesterday bur our company had to go out and work on the breast works and I felt too tired to write when I came back. We had to work two hours. Back work goes harder with me than it used to. I think there will we will be some of the largest men when this war ends that ever was heard of. We have been lazing up in camp so long that we dread to do anything but we will have to do a little more now as we have to furnish wood in town as the regts that used to furnish wood has the small pox. We have fine times though when we get to town. I would not have any better time than we are having now. When we don’t draw enough to eat we try to buy it and when we cant buy it there is another way of getting it. I reckon you can guess how that is with out me telling you. I want you to tell Ma that I am not suffering for clothes now. I drew a pair of shoes and a pair of pants a pair of drawers a shirt and a hat. Tell her that she need not fear about my arm for it is well. Tell her to that I will be certain to take care of number one always
The letter that was mailed in Covington, I sent it by Capt. Learly. He was going home and I had to write in a hurry and forgot to tell you who I was going to send it by.
That man that stayed with you that said that he lived near hear didn’t miss it for when he said that they were pretty near all union people about here for I think myself that the most of them all union they charge about three prices for every thing we buy but there are some very pretty girls up here but I don’t like them very much. They say that the Mississippians sell water to the Tennesseans. I told on old lady that the Mississippians didn’t try to fool them when they sold them water but the people up here did. I told her that when they wanted to sell water up here that they mixed a little milk with it and sold it for milk. I tell you that old woman didn’t talk about water any more.
All the houses close to our camp have been visited by me and they all know me. Tell Mr. Strong that he ought to get some body else to live with him while Miss Sallie is away from home. I think that Liva McClatchy was bad off to marry from what Nancy wrote to me. I think if she had waited until the war was over she might have done better. When you write tell me how Coony is getting along. I haven’t heard from her in a long time. When the mail was stopped and none of us couldn’t get any letters, I tell you we were the worst looking crowd you most ever saw. You wrote that you heard that we were in Jackson. I wouldn’t be surprised if we were sent down there before long. Mary I saw John Byrd in the guard house in town the other day but I don’t want you to even whisper it out of the family for I wouldn’t have him know that I wrote it for nothing in the world but I don’t much blame him for being in there for I would have done just like he did under the same circumstances. I will not write the particulars about it. Tell Jenny that I can’t think of a name for her pup without she will call him Brackston Bragg. Tell me whether Jenny ever got her knife or not. I sent it to Brook by a man from the Dalgreen Rifles. He said he would leave it at the post office. I put it in a letter. Please let me know whether she ever got it or not. Well I will close hoping to hear from you soon. This leaves me in the best of health and spirits so nothing more only I remain your affectionate brother
Archie

June 7th 1863

Shelbyville Tenn
June 7th 1863

Dear Father
I will once more try and write you a few lines hoping that they may find the way through to you. I have no news of importance to write. I am in the best of health at this time and I do sincerely hope that I will remain. So I get plenty of meat and bread to eat. The army here is in splendid health. I think that we have very healthy place to camp. The Currie boys are both well. Alic stands camp life fine since he has come back from home. I am very anxious to hear the result of the battle of Vicksburg. I would like to hear how Wither’s Artillery come out as soon as you hear who was killed or wounded that I am acquainted. We thought for a long time that we would get to go to Miss for a good while but there happened to be our lot to stay up here. Our division, or part of it rather, went out toward Murfreesboro the other day but we didn’t stay bur one night. We thought we would get into a skirmish while we were out there but did not. The cavalry had a little skirmish. Will I will close for this time but I hope things will have a better face before I write again. Hoping to hear from you soon. I send you and all the family my love so nothing more only I remain your son.
H.A. McLaurin

June the 10th 1863

Well Mary as I did not yet to send Pa’s letter off the day I wrote it I thought I would write you a few lines in answer to the one I received from you to day. You cant imagine how glad I was to get a letter from home. I am in fine health at this time. I have no news of importance to write. I am in hopes that you will not have to leave home yet a while. I think you are all worse scared than hurt. I can just tell you if I was at home I would fight some before I would leave the Irish potatoe patch. You need not be uneasy about me for you may be sure that I will take care of me well. I will close for this time. Give my best respects to Mr. Strong and Miss Sallie and my love to all the family from
Archie

April 16th 1863

Camped Near Shelbyville Tennessee
April 16th 1863

Dear Father
I will now drop you a few ines as I have an opportunity to send it to Brook. I am well at this time but have I have got a right sore arm where I was wounded but it is getting better. I don’t know what caused it but all that was_________ when I was_______ got the sorest are I ever saw. The Dr burnt the ______flesh out of _______this morning with costic. It don’t pain me any more. I think it will soon be well. The health of the here is very good at this time. I have no news of importance__________________. I wrote a letter to Cornelius and received an answer a few days ago. He said that he had been sick with the chills and fever but he was getting well. Then he inquired very particular about you and he wanted to know how you were getting along with your crops. He said that they were only getting half rations quarter pound of bacon and half pound of flour. We get a little more than that but we don’t get full rations. The commissary say that we get full rations but they don’t near hold out. When we draw 3 days rations they last about 2 and then the third day we have to buy and a very dear prices.
I received a letter from Mary yesterday and she said that she was selling butter mild at 75cts a gallon and we have to give $1.00 a quart and butter $2.75 a pound and every thing else the same way. There is some talk of us starting to Kentucky soon but I don’t know whether to believe it or not. I will send Jenny her knife as I have a chance to send it by hand. I will put it in the letter. Tell Mary I haven’t finished he ring yet but I will finish it before long and send it to her. The Currie boys are both well. Neil has been a little sick but not much. I have just been down in the old field watching the boys play ball. It mad me think of old times. Tell Dutch that I wont slight him. I will try and find something to send him before long. Well I will close for this time hoping to hear from you soon so no more only I remain your affectionate son
H.A McLaurin

7th Mississippi Infantry; Archie's regiment

Archie McLaurin, the subject of the letters I've been posting was a member of the 7th Mississippi Infantry. If you want to learn more about the regiment as well as read some amazing primary source materials from the regiment, check out the website below. Enjoy.

http://www.7miss.org/

March 11th 1863

Camped Near Shelbyville Tenn
March 11th 1863

Dear Sister

I will now endeavor to answer your letter. I received a day before yesterday. We got off pickett day before yesterday and I was glad to find a letter here for me. Capt Brisler has not got here yet. Lieut. Rankin brought me the letter and the bundle Miss Sallie sent me. You can’t imagine how glad I was to get that bundle. I want you to tell her tht I am very much obliged to her. Tell her I will try and find a nice beau for her if she has lost her old one (Dr Strode). I don’t think it will be any trouble for me to find a sweet heart if ever I get home as three of the best looking men I know are married. I think there is a chance for me now as Walt Strode and Jimmings are out of the way. We got off pickett without a fight but I thought twice that we were in it but the Yanks run both times. Gen Van Dorn captured 1200 prisoners one day last week. They were all around the square in town the other day. When we came through there they looked right bold. They looked like they ought to fight better than they do. You spoke about Walk McDaniels being in the hospital. If you could see him he wild bring anything you would want to send me. I wrote to you when I was out on picket but for fear you wont get it I will tell you again what I want you to send me. I want a pair of shoes 2 pair pants and 2 pair of cotton socks. You need not listen to the soldiers in the hospital when they say that they don’t get enough to eat for they are so use to telling lies up here that they have to tell some down there to keep in practice. If I was to get a chance to go home now I would have to tell many a lie to keep up with the boys her in camp. If I didn’t they could beat me so bad that I would be ashamed of my self but as long as I can stay with them I think I can keep up with them. I expect Nan Mitchell will cut a dash now with her new pianna. I would like very much to hear one now. It has been so long since I heave heard that. I have almost forgot how they sound. I will tell you what Penny’s present is but don’t tell her until she tries to guess what it is. Tell me the next letter what she guessed first it is a little white handle knife two little blades in one end and a little pair of scissors in the other. Tell Dutch that I will find something nice for him before long. Tell him to be smart and learn fast and learn how to write me and write me a letter. Well I will come to a close. Hoping to hear from you soon. This leaves me in the best of health so no more from your brother
Hugh A McLaurin

We enter 1863

Archie begins his 1863 letters in March. Plenty of 1863 to come so enjoy.

March 7th 1863
Dear Sister

I will attempt to write you a few lines to let you know where I am and how I am getting along. We are out on pickett again. I am well at this time. I expect we will have a skirmish with the Yanks before we go back to camps. The Yankee cavalry drove our cavalry picketts in a few days ago and took several of our cavalry prisoner and two or three of our infantry. Our brigade was called on to assist them but they run before we got in sight of them. We have been out ever since last Monday. We will have only two more days to stay. I will write again as soon as we get back to camp. I want you to send me some cotton pants the first opportunity, I want two pair. I also want a pair of shoes. I can get shoes here for $10 a pair but they won’t last more than one march before they are wore out. I was very glad you didn’t send but one shirt. I am in hopes if we do get into a skirmish that we will come out victorious. I received a letter from Cousin Mary Jane McLaurin a few days before I left camp. Well I believe I will close for this time. Give my love to all from your brother,
H M McLaruin

Murfreesboro

Just days before the battle of Murfreesboro, Archie pens the following letter. THere is a lot of backstory here, from spies so prevelant in the Roscrans/Bragg bouts to the girls of Tennessee. Enjoy.

Camped near Murfreesburo Tenn Dec 27th 1862
Dear Sister

I seat my self to answer your letter that I received a few days ago but did not have an opportunity of answering it right off. There is no news of importance. I write only I am in fine health and enjoying myself fine. It is a very dry Christmas; not so very dry either for it has been raining pretty all the time. It is raining now. We have 3 days rations cooked in our haver sacks. We are expecting every hour to have to go out on pickett. There is heavy cannonading in the direction of Nashville. Well Mary I was down in town yesterday and saw two men taken out to be shot for deserting and I saw one hanged. The one that was hanged was a spy. His wife was in the guard house with him when he was brought out. He asked the officers if they would let his wife have his body to take home and bury. They told him that they would. Then he asked then if they would let her have that wagon to carry him in. They told him they would. He then told them all goodbye and the wagon started off. When they were going through town he sang all the way. When they tied the rope he jumped off before they knocked the scaffle (scaffold) from under him. Old Bragg had several more shot yesterday for deserting. You wrote to me to know what kind of a place Murfreesburo is. It is a tolerably large place but it looks very bad now. It is twice as large as Brookhaven. There is some of the prettiest girls in the country here that you most ever saw with the exception of one. They are secesh girls to. I saw three yesterday that talked but right you need not think because I am bashful at home that I am so here for I am getting to be as bold as you please. I received a letter from Nancy yesterday. I also received one from Mag the same day that I received yours. I want you to write all about the exhibition and tell me how Jenny and Dutch performed and tell me too whether Guince has rode my colt or not. Tell Jenny that I want her to write to me. Well I will close as it is getting late. Excuse the mistakes. Give my love to all the family and receive a portion for yourself. From your brother.

Hugh McLaurin

October the 30th 1862

Be certain and
Send me a letter
With the box
If not before October the 30th 1862


Dear Father

I write you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along. I am tolerably well at this time. My face is still swollen a little but not much. I left Frank at Knoxville sick. I left there the 26th. I haven’t heard from him since but he wasn’t sick much. It was snowing when I left and I thought that it wouldn’t do to make him travel in that kind of weather so I left him at a convalescent camp with Alic Currie. The Dr said he would have him attended to. I guess he will be up in a day or two. We are camped 8 miles from Knoxville. I guess we will go there in a few days to go to Chattanooga. Pa I want you to send me some clothing. Ham Webb is going home after clothing for the company. He says to leave the things at Starms and he will get them. I want you to send me a janes coat, pair of pants, pair of shoes and tow or three pair socks. Tel Ma to make the coat tolerably large. I will send you $5. Webb will leave it at Storms. You can get it. I would send you more but I don’t know when I will draw. I will keep $30. Tell Mary that I want a comforter very bad. Tell her if she hasn’t got time to know to get Miss Sallie to knit it. We had a pretty deep snow on the night of 26th. It was about 5 inches. Well I must close as it is very cold. Give my love to the balance of the family. Excuse bad writing for I am so cold I can scarcily write. From your affectionate son Archie

Webb can tell when he gets to Brookhaven when he will be coming back. He can let them know at Storms and you may find out. Please send something to eat in the box you send my clothes in. Send me some butter certain

Archie in camp near Knoxville

Camp Near Knoxville
September 27th 1862

Dear Father,
I will now write to you a few lines to let you know where I am and how I am getting along. We are still near Knoxville. My face is rising again. My lip is as large as it was when old Wallace hurt it but it don’t pain me much. I think it will it will break in a day or two. The Doctor that is along with us has no medicine that is good for me. My health otherwise, is as good as it ever was. We have splendid water here but we have to go a good ways after it. We are camped on an oak ridge in a healthy place. We got officers appointed over us until we get to our regiment. They try to show their authority to much. I see now we will leave here tomorrow or next day after tomorrow. I don’t know get to our regiment. I can’t tell whether we will have to march or go by the way of the cars. Well, so I have seen right smart of the world. Since I have left home I have seen a paper factory and I have seen them making paper. It bangs all the things that I ever saw and I have seen a good many different kind of people too. I seen one man that if ever I see him after war is over, I will whip him or he will whip me sure. He is a doctor too but, you know we have right smart to bear here but maybe so, I will be free some of these days. We get plenty of corn meal and bacon to eat here. Some of the boys went out the other day and pressed a large haversack full of Irish potatoes and four pumpkins and some peas and bought a canteen full of molasses. U Frank got hold of some splendid pies so we fared fine while it all lasted it give out this morning so some of the boys on another scouting expedition as they call it I will tell you in our mess there four of the Franklin Rifles. Dave Calcote & myself and we have concluded not to starve while were are in east Tennessee. Frank is getting along fine. He studied about home right smart the first week after he left but he is over it now. He is enjoying himself finely. I think I will get off when I get to the regiment. My lip is larger I think than then it was when the horse hurt it but none good thing, it don’t pain me like it did then. The doctor here says that I winter well. I must close as I have no more news to write. Give my love to all of the rest of the family &reserve a portion for yourself.
From your affectionate son

Hugh A McLaurin

PS You had better not write until you hear from me again. I want to hear from home the worst you ever seen a boy.

Archie McLaurin of the 7th Mississippi Infantry

Well school is in full swing and with teaching and coaching I have not had time to play with research. I still want to offer something to the blog world so I thought I would begin a seriel of Archie's letters. Recall I have posted a few of his letters previous. After transcribing them a few years ago, allow me to offer my new installment. Enjoy.

Camp __aurdgold
March 4th 1862

Dear Father

I will now endeavor to write you a few lines to let you know that we all reached the place on Sunday evening a little before sun set. It is pretty cold up here now but I don’t mind if much. It was raining a little when we reached here but it has cleared up. We pitched our tents yesterday. Sunday night we stayed under an old shed in a fair ground but we didn’t sleep much for it was so cold that we had to stay by the fire all night, but last night we slept fine. There are not many troops here now. I expect we will have to move again before long. Well I must come to a close as I have to help the boys fix up some table to eat on. This leaves me well and in fine spirits. Tell Miss Sally that I will answer her letter in a few days so no (Page Torn)

Son H A McLaurin

Direct letters to
Jackson
Tenn
_ Capt Parker
7th reg Miss Vol

Loss of innocence

Whenever I read the following quote I think of innocence lost, a love and willingness to sacrifice for an ideal only to learn the ideal is not so ideal.I will use this quote as the final thought in my Civil War unit. Enjoy and feel free to interpret what you want from it.

"My shoes are gone; my clothes are almost gone. I'm weary, I'm sick, I'm hungry. My family have been killed or scattered. And I have suffered all this for my country. I love my country. But if this war is ever over, I'll be damned if I ever love another country."
--- Confederate Soldier During Retreat To Appomattox

Chancellor House in May of 1863

This spring,bathed in a golden sunset, I read the following accounts of the action around the Chancellor House. The traffic sounds all but disappeared as my mind built the sounds of May 2nd and 3rd of 1863. I wish I were there now, reading more accounts. Enjoy.

CHANCELLORS HOUSE April 30
We arrived at the Chancellorsville in the afternoon of the 30th and bivouacked for the night near the Chancellor House. The pioneers were at once set at work cutting down the timber around the camp, and steps were taken to fortify the position. Every ax in the corps was in motion, and until long after midnight the ring and clatter of axes and the crash of falling timber could be heard al along the line. Our line faced toward the pike road-the direction which the enemy was supposed to be coming from. The 11th corps was on the extreme right, reading far into the wilderness.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade Williams Division, 12th Corps

May 1st
On the 1st of May we were mustered for pay. It was a warm, bright morning, such as the May Dan celebrators love. I never saw a brighter or more peaceful morning; but it was the calm before the storm.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade Williams Division, 12th Corps


We were ordered to leave our knapsacks here which we did, and were never seen afterwards. We moved slowly forward and entered and open field where we were ordered to lie down. In a few minutes we arose, moved on again until we reached a rail fence skirting another piece of woods into which we marched, col. Carmen was injured at this point while getting over the fence and retired leaving the regiment in command of Major Grimes. We proceeded through these woods in line of battle some five hundred yards when orders were received for the regiment to return to and report to our old camp near Chancellorsville. The order to report to our old camp was virtually an abandonment of the aggressive policy so hopefully entered upon. As a check to the advance of the enemy the trees in our front were cut down and every precaution taken to guard against surprise
Samuel Toombs, 13th New Jersey, Ruger’s Brigade, William’s Division, 12th Corps

The day was intensely hot, the dry clay-like soil of Virginia was quickly transformed into dust by the marching men horses and artillery, and the air was so heavily laden with the particles of earth that one could see but a few feet in any direction. Water was scarce, and the halts to find it or to rest were very few. On, on we pressed, much of the time on almost the double-quick, until it seemed that each step must be the last, my feet were sore and blistered, but I was not as badly off as many others whose shoes had given out entirely. The route was strewn with blankets, overcoats, and shelter tents thrown away by the men to lighten their load.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps



We occupied this position until ordered to fall back. We had, before entering the wood from which we retired, left our knapsacks, and were ordered to take them on our retreat. We had not, however, retired on the same ground by which we had advanced, and were some 400 paces past our knapsacks when we received this order. We faced about and marched back in the direction of our knapsacks. Just as our men were taking knapsacks our skirmishers were fired upon. I was receiving instructions from General Ruger, he was sitting upon his horse, when a shell exploded, throwing the earth upon us, and wounding Captain Rutter, of Company I.... .
Lt. Col. Newton Colby, 107th New York, Rugar’s Brigade, Williams Division, 12th Corps

Finally about one o’clock (am) that night, having reached a point near Hartwood church, eighteen or twenty miles from where we had started, a halt was called for the remainder of the night. As soon as the order was given, a rush was made for a small sandy brook close by, and so anxious were the men for a drink or to secure water for coffee or their canteens, they got into the stream like a herd of cattle and soon the water was thick as sand. Up to that time I had acted on a school boy notion hat coffee was injurious, but this night I drank coffee for the first time, and though I strained it as well as I could though my lips to keep as much of the sand as possible from entering my mouth, I found it so refreshing that I was henceforth a great coffee drinker. Coffee and hardtack disposed of, it was but the work of a minute to spread out our blankets on the ground, and we were soon in blissful sleep.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps


NIGHT OF MAY 2
We had run through swamp, creeks and mud until we were wet to our waists. We lay in line of battle again…suffering a great deal from the cool breezes, our clothing being wet and muddy. It was awful to see the flashing of the artillery and bursting of shells in the air over our heads during the whole night. You may know that one cannot sleep much under such circumstances as these.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps


(They) took shelter and made breastworks of large oak trees which they cut down and piled up. On the top of this wood they put on a heavy log with a space between by propping it up to give room to shoot through. It was a formidable work.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division

MAY 3
Scarcely had the light of day begun to penetrate the depths of that gloomy wilderness before the fight begun on the left of us. Our pickets or skirmishers where driven in about five o’clock and in less than an hour the battle was raging in all its fury.
Van R. Willard, 3rd Wisconsin Infantry, Ruger’s Brigade, Williams Division, 12th Corps

While the fight was raging most fiercely, rations were brought down to us and we were supplied with hardtack. Before we could secure either coffee or sugar, the order was given, “Fall in Thirteenth; forward march. The regiment moved promptly forward and relieved the second Massachusetts.
The first sensation on coming under fire was one of timidity, but that soon passed away, and the men became as cool and collected as though no danger confronted them. We had a good view of both lines of battle, and for about an hour contested the advance of the enemy. A zouave regiment which moved into action at that point attracted general attention. As the regiment advanced in column closed in mass division front, and deployed into line, it presented a beautiful sight: but the enemy concentrated their fire in that direction and the line which a moment before was moving into position beautifully, melted away like a snow bank under a hot sun. The battle grew fiercer each moment.
Samuel Toombs, 13th New Jersey, Ruger’s Brigade, William’s Division, 12th Corps


The next morning, Sunday, we were awakened by the heavy irregular tramping at our rear. Rising and looking around I saw moving along among the trees a very broken and demoralized trail of soldiers. Instantly I felt what it meant. Our time had come. We must go into action. We soon learned that this was the remnants of 11th corps, and that it had been sent to occupy our safe place. Our division was at once all in bustle and preparation. Coffee and hard-tack were soon swallowed. With the risen sun our regiments were speeding at the double-quick pace toward the right, where desperate fighting had already been renewed. Near Chancellorsville hotel we were halted. The three mile run had been a severe beginning for the day. We remained where we halted for nearly an hour. Then, in column, we moved on past the famous house, past the forty guns which had been massed in the open space beyond the house, and towards the woods where, at the right, sharp crashing whirr of musketry rose above all other dreadful sounds which filled the air. The horrors of battle began to appear, in our path were many who had met with wounded and death in the regiments that preceded us. We made a short halt where the dead and wounded were lying, this was most trying ordeal. Had the stop continued long it might have been demoralizing. With nothing to do, with mutilation and death visible at our feet and with peril to ourselves increasing, large drafts were made upon our moral resources. Fortunately the halt was but for a few moments. The by the right flank we advanced in line of battle. What an advance! Leaving the open field we entered the wilderness. Our progress was for the most part a mere scramble; over logs. Through dense underbrush, briers, and in swamp mud. We were scratched bruised and our clothing torn. But we pushed on for about a hundred yards into the thicket. In somewhat thinner woods we were halted and when in line lay down and began to load and fire at will. It was an ugly give and take. We could not see the enemy, but the whizz and ting of their bullets showed that they were not far away, how long this aimless firing continued I don’t know, but as the excitement grew any of the men rose to their feet, fired and remained standing to load and fire.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps

When we arrived behind the breastwork where we had routed the enemy must in front of their batteries, forty-odd pieces of artillery were pouring out the grape and canister by the bushels on us. We halted and began to pour volleys of musket and Minie balls into their ranks. I seized hold of one of my company’s guns and was shooting whkle he handed me cartridges. I could see men shot through-some in the head and some torn all in pieces by the belching cannon in our front. Orders came down the line to for us to fall back., which I learned later was a false alarm. However, this was a fortunate thing for me, for I if I had remained there only a few minutes longer, I would have been captured by the enemy’s on my right who were falling back towards us in our rear and captured all that remained behind the works.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps


One of my men in his haste had shot away his ramrod, he help up the musket to show me what he had done. Without thinking I started the rear, where at a short distance, I knew lay a musket. No sooner had I left touching distance of my company when an irresistible sense of loneliness and dread seized me. Each step away made the sensation more acute. Somehow, however, I got the ramrod of the dead man’s musket and went back to the line on the run.. With the return to the firing line came assurance and courage.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps


The air seemed full of hissing, shrieking demons, and I expected that the next moment would bring death. The fight went on. So continuous and direct had been the firing that the underbrush at our front was literally cut down about waist-height.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps

On arriving safely at the new line of battle, Lieutenant Bedee (now commanding the regiment) was met by General Sickles,
“What regiment and where’s the rest of it?”
“Twelfth New Hampshire, Sir, and here’s about what’s left of it.”
“Then fall in, my brave men, and help us hold this line.”
“But we’re all out of ammunition, General”
“Then pass to the rear with your gallant men, and give my guns a chance.”
And we passed through his lines close to the Chancellors house and the woods beyond. As we passed this house, the bricks were being shattered by shot and shell and the house soon took fire. The house, used as a hospital at the time, was hastily cleared at the last moment an officer visited the cellar and there found women who had taken refuge there when the battle began.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps

The Chancellorsville house seemed to be a special object of their wrath, and a battery stationed near there lost a large number of horses. One shell struck a horse inn the field to the right of us as we marched, blowing the animal to pieces and throwing the rider violently to the earth.
Samuel Toombs, 13th New Jersey, Ruger’s Brigade, William’s Division, 12th Corps


(Following the assault of the Stonewall Brigade and Pender’s attack on the right side of the road) when the command to charge was given to so…as we advanced a shell struck the ground immediately before me, exploding and covered me with dirt, but providentially inflicted no wounds. Onward we rushed with the Rebel Yell. When we came in sight for those formidable rifle pits we were delighted to find them abandoned by our foes; and when we climbed over them and entered the field just beyond them we were no less glad to discover that those batteries that had so noisily shelled us the night before had been withdrawn.
Captain Wayland Fuller Dunaway, 40th Virginia Infantry, Brockenbraugh’s Brigade, Heth’s Division


Our artillery open out on them, but they seem to care for anything, as they start up a hellish yelling and come for us. We open our small arms on them and cause some to fall to mother earth to rise no more. They close up the gaps in their ranks an still come on. We get the order to fall back, which is done in good order, loading and firing as we go. Our artillery got to the rear and take position as to be ready for the enemy when we have passed them. The battle rages fearfully along the line and thousands fall on both sides. They break line after line, but not till they pay dearly for every foot of ground they take. Falling behind a line in front of the Chancellorsville House, we get the order to lie down, which is done gladly for a few minutes the rebels pour their shot and shell into our midst, and many a poor fellow roles over without a groan. Captain Mason is killed laying by my side; a piece of shell takes him in the bowels and kills him instantly. Our front line gives way again, and we are on our feet once more, ready to receive the charge of the victorious enemy. Our artillery opens out on them and then our musketry, mowing down fearful gaps in their ranks. But on the come, and back we have to get again. General Birney rides up on his beautiful hors and gives the order to countercharge the enemy. We come to a right about face, and before the rebels knew what we were about, charge into their midst, making them get back a short distance, and taking a number of prisoners…they charge on us, thinking to carry our works, but they got as far as they can get as we hold our works against all their attacks, and about 12 0’clock the terrible battle of Chancellorsville is ended.
Daniel Crotty, 3rd Michigan Infantry, Hayman’s Brigade, Birney’s Division, 3rd Corps

Two confederate batteries galloped up to our line, and , unlimbering, opened upon the battery in the yard( Chancellor Yard) at close range. There were in the southern army many soldiers in their teens, but here at one of the guns labored a boy who was, as I guessed from his size, not more than twelve years old. It was his part to fire the gun by pulling the lanyard, and as often as he did it he playfully rolled over backwards. Boys will be boys.
Captain Wayland Fuller Dunaway, 40th Virginia Infantry, Brockenbraugh’s Brigade, Heth’s Division

Near the Chancellorsville House was a well that supplied the house with water. A large number of men, famishing for water, crowded about this well regardless of the flying missiles of death, and here some were wounded and killed. My first impulse was to obtain water here myself, but I quickly took in the situation and concluded to move on.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps


We charged through the wilderness about half a mile and halted behind the breastworks built by the enemy the night before. As soon as we passed the first line of breastworks which the enemy had built and had been driven from, the men on my right and left and front were falling rapidly. As I was advancing, one of my company was shot right in front of me. I passed over him but saw that he was dead by the time he struck the ground. Some of the company would holler out to me that they were wounded, what they must do, etc. I would tell them to get to the rear. I could not stop to care for these poor fellows.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps


We commenced firing at the line in our front and the 7th NJ who were on our left started to flank the flankers. As soon as the 7th had fairly started, Col Seward gave the order to charge and over the breastworks we went, driving the rebels back in short order and capturing some seven stands of colors, besides a lot of prisoners. One of the colors was captured by the 7th NJ after a knock down argument. The color bearer would not give up the standard until he was knocked down by the butt of a musket and the flag was rested from his grasp. A rebel colonel having been cut off from his men, was ordered to halt and surrender, but as he would no neither was shot from his horse. The woods were strewn with dead and wounded rebels with an odd one of our own. Having no support, we fell back to the works and found when we got there that the 12th corps had skipped out, leaving our brigade alone without any support but a battery of artillery that was posed on top of the mound in our rear.
Private Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey, 2nd division Berry, 3rd brigade 3rd Corps


We lay here only a few moments. General Ramsuer sprang upon a log and gave the command, forward and charge them boys, charge them!” We gave a cheer and rushed across the line of breastworks. Our ranks were so thinned by this that we could not hold our position very long, but reinforcements came up, and again the enemy was driven form his strong position in confusion. Our brigade fell back to reform and let fresh troops take our place

During the assault Colonel Edwards walked on top of the works waving his sword to encourage the men and was shot through the shoulder. When he was brought back I helped him out of the ambulance and expressed sympathy for him which caused him to shed tears but he said nothing. Colonel Perrin was brought back shot through the body and General McGowen was struck below knee while standing upon the works.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps

Made a charge through what is called Abitis, trees cut down and its branches cut to form a sharp end to prevent us from getting to them. This, however, did not prevent us from carrying out the order to capture the works and the lines of the enemy. When we got near their guns, they ran away and we turned their guns on them and fired on them as they ran through the works.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division


Soon after we left the works I received a wound in the leg that prevented me from keeping up with the Reg. And I had to paddle my own canoe. There being a ditch in front of me which I had to cross and not knowing wither I was badly wounded or not. I took in into my head to jump over and if my leg would stand that, to go on my way to the rear. But if not, I made up my mind to lie down in the ditch and take my chance of being captured (quite a number of men were lying in this ditch but wither wounded or not I did not know). Jumping over I found to my satisfaction that my leg would stand it and started after the regt. As near as I could guess, fro they were nowhere to be seen. Shot and shells were plowing up the ground in all directions, while bullets whistled past my ears in dangerous proximity.
Private Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey, 2nd division Berry, 3rd brigade 3rd Corps


It was an awful sight to see, what destruction we had made upon the enemy. They were piled on each other in every sort of shape. Some of them was blown to pieces, some head off from explosions of caissons and limber chests, horses were piled on each other, it was an awful sight to behold.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division


Throwing away my gun to lighten my load, I went over the field the best I could, and not looking to see where I was going, I was brought to my senses by a command to lay down, and looking up found myself in front of a battery of artillery that was firing into rebels and in between two guns that were about to fire. Throwing myself flat on my face, the guns were discharged that shells passing over me, while I was enveloped in smoke and powder. No damage done, and getting up again, I wended my way past the Chancellorsville house, Hooker’s headquarters. Old Joe himself was leaning against a pillar when I passed.
Private Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey, 2nd division Berry, 3rd brigade 3rd Corps


When we arrived behind the breastwork where we had routed the enemy must in front of their batteries, forty-odd pieces of artillery were pouring out the grape and canister by the bushels on us. We halted and began to pour volleys of musket and Minie balls into their ranks. I seized hold of one of my company’s guns and was shooting while he handed me cartridges. I could see men shot through-some in the head and some torn all in pieces by the belching cannon in our front. Orders came down the line to for us to fall back., which I learned later was a false alarm. However, this was a fortunate thing for me, for I if I had remained there only a few minutes longer, I would have been captured by the enemy’s on my right who were falling back towards us in our rear and captured all that remained behind the works.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps


Soon I found myself alone. I saw that I must run or be killed. I started to run, but after a few steps my sword scabbard tripped and threw me down on my face. Up again. I tried to break through the bushes; I fell again. And was so exhausted that I could to no further… I discovered the rebels rapidly coming through the brush. Instinctively I started to rest. But as I rose, I saw one of the oncoming skirmishers take a sudden interest in me. He jerked his musket from charge to direct aim. I was his mark. For several seconds I looked into the muzzle of that advancing musket. As in a mist, I saw many moving men and head the noise of their rush. But my brain was concentrated on that one advancing figure. Within a few paces distance came his musket to a charge and with the bayonet at my breasts the man yelled. You____ ______ _______ of a ____, give me that sword. My captor (either 5th or 6th Alabama soldier) a tawny bearded fellow, seeing that I was but a boy, changed his manner and at once I gave him my sword.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps


I have never in my life heard the missiles of death whistle so fast and thick around me. I was very nearly covered in earth many times by bombshells. The bark from the trees often made my face sting, and splinters knocked from the neighboring trees or saplings were stuck in my clothes.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps

Then as the firing slackened I was a foreboding disorder on our right. A feeling of suspense and of doubt seemed to thrill along the line. The disorder changing to tumult, it swept in upon the company next to mine and then it stuck my company’s right. Rising in successive ranks from the ground, the men, with questioning looks at one another, started, at first slowly and then rapidly, backward. It was a necessary retreat of almost helpless men from a coming danger which they felt themselves powerless to resist. The enemy, discovering that our ammunition was exhausted had charged us, striking our extreme right, must as one line of the letter V meets another.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps

After getting possession of the works all of the troops were formed on the road which faces to the north then General Lee rode along in front of us and we as a matter of course, we cheered and cheered time and again. Our brigade along with Semmes brigade moved out of line to go down to Salem Church to reinforce Early.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division



NIGHT of May 3
Captain McFail and Lieutenant Mike Bowers came back looking for stragglers and found four young who where were known to be cowards, but who were always great braggarts after a battle was over. They all pretended to be sick but I could see no indication of it, and they were marched off, but before reaching the works, one of them slipped away, although the fighting had ended.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps


After all the wounded were attended to I was very tired and went to sleep late that night in a tent. I would wake up cold during the night and reach out for a jug of whiskey and take a swallow and go back to sleep again.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps

After we rested in the woods for a short time, we gathered around those few already found, forming a rallying nucleus for those still hunting for the regiment. Towards night, led by Colonel Berdan of the sharpshooters, we, with others that had come in, were ordered back to the Rappahannock. In a short time I overtook John Moores, a comrade of my company. He had been badly wounded in one foot and was making his way to the rear as best he could. We were overtaken by a mounted man, and I induced him to dismount and give Moores a ride to eth hospital near the river.
J.P Fahey, 12th New Hampshire, Bowman’s Brigade, Whipple’s, Division, 3rd Corps

I could not sleep much that night, for the moment my eyes were closed I imagined I could see soldiers falling all around me, and their dying groans rang in my ears all the time.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps


Our pickets sent in quite a number of rebel prisoners…one had a bad wound in his neck. Sanborn wishing to sympathize with him a little said, “a bad wound that you’ve got.” The reb, lean, lank specimen of humanity on which all sympathy had been lost, replied with a look, sour and ugly enough to satisfy the evil on himself, “Yes, but I wish it was through my D---D heart.” “So do I” said Sanborn quickly, and I think it was the feeling of all the boys that his wish had been gratified.
Sergeant Austin C. Stearns, 13th Massachusetts Infantry, Leanord’s Brigade, Robinson’s Division, 1st Corps

On this road (Plank Road) the struggle of the day and night before had been severest. Our own and the Confederate dead and wounded by the score lay side by side there. Twice, batteries plunged past us, the hoofs of the horses and the caisson wheels, crushing and mutilating the dead bodies of friend and foe. Along the roadside, were gathered hundreds of the wounded of both armies, their only shelter from the blazing sun being blankets stretched over them, held in place the closed hammers of muskets, the muskets reversed and stuck into the ground by their bayonets. Confederate reserves passed us, hurrying to the front at “double-quick time:” supplies of ammunition were being carried forward.
Lieutenant Clay McCauley, 126th Pennsylvania, Tyler’s brigade, Humphrey’s division, 2nd corps


POST BATTLE
Several young Yankee surgeons in fine uniforms came over with a white flag, and I went to where they were attending their wounded. While there I talked with a wounded man from Ohio, and saw one of our soldiers cut a forked limb from a tree and make a crutch for a Yankee who was wounded in the foot. The unfed horses of a Yankee cavalry regiment had been hitched to the trees near by and had knawed off all the bark within their reach.
Spencer Glasgow Welch, 13th South Carolina Surgeon, McGowan’s Brigade, AP Hills Division, Jackson’s Corps


The enemy had used the Chancellor House for a field hospital and had taken a great many of their wounded, as well as ours that they had captured, and placed them in and around the building. When they had to fall back and our forces advanced, this house was between the two armies. The enemy masked their batteries behind the building and were annoying us very much. The only alternative for us to get them from behind the house was for our artillery to shell the house. Our batteries opened on the house and soon knocked it into a “cocked hat.” The fine hotel was soon in flames and the enemy got away as quickly as possible but it was too late to save the poor wounded. They had to perish in the flames.
William Norman, 2nd North Carolina, Ramsuer’s Brigade, Rodes Division, Jackson’s Corps
Our pioneer’s corps then went to work burying the dead when I witnessed the most horrible sight my eyes ever beheld. On the left of our line where the Louisiana brigade had fought the last evening of the battle and where they drove the enemy about one mile though the woods, and then in turn fell back to their own positions, the scene beggars description. The dead and badly wounded from both sides where lying where they fell. The woods, taking fire that night from shells burned rapidly and roasted the wounded men alive. As we went to burry them we could see where they had tried to keep the fire from them by scratching the leaves away as far as they could reach. But ti availed not; they were burnt to a crisp. The only way we could tell to which army they belonged was by turning them over and examining their clothing where they lay close to the ground. There we would usually find some of their clothing that was not burned, so we could see whether they wore the blue or gray. We buried them all alike by covering them up with dirt where they lay.
Joseph O. Casler 33rd Virginia

Our own dead had been buried and wounded removed but the Yankee dead and wounded lay thickly over the field. Many had not yet had their wounds dressed and lay groaning on the wet ground praying every passer by to change their position or give them a drink of water and now a the excitement of battle was over our men did all in their power to alleviate their suffering… Their dead lay thick over the grounds some seemed as though they had died without a struggle without a visible wound but the small mine ball had done its work of death; others could hardly be recognized as human beings, mangled and torn by solid shot, shell and grape, and these showed how awful had been their suffering, with teeth clenched and hands deeply buried in the earth, they seemed to have suffered agonies before death relieved them; and the poor horses were not spared, her laid some literally torn to pieces, others with feet shot off endeavoring in vain to get up. Our men humanly shot them as they would never get over their wounds.
Ted Barclay 4th Virginia, (Paxton’s Stonewall) Brigade


We found it (their departure) was a hurry move as they had left all kinds of things behind them, among the legacy which they left was about 45 beefs, finest kind, all killed skinned, dressed and ready to cut up, lying on hides. Some of them took up an idea that it had been left on purpose with poison on them so as to kill us, but it was alright and we had lots of fine beef for several days. This was one of the richest camps I ever saw. All kinds of good things; can goods, clothing of all kinds, guns ammunition, artillery and all equipment such as was very useful to our army.
James E. Phillips Company G, 12th Virginia Infantry, Mahone’s Brigade, Anderson’s division