Hamilton, Mass.
March 26, 1862

My dear Mr. Wood
A Hamilton boy, John
Whipple by name, started yesterday
for Washington, with the model of
a gun which he expects will kill
all the rebels, enrich his family,
immortalize himself, and make
Hamilton forever famous. I have
not seen the gun, but I believe
it is said to have obtained the
long longed-for desideratum of
loading at the breach instead of
the muzzle, and seems to me it fires
at both ends and so is muzzle all
over, but I cant swear to that. He

[page 2]
is armed with several letters of intro-
duction, and has been furnished with
money by people who have faith in
the invention. His family are poorest
of the put poor, though they would
mob me if the knew I said so–
living in an awful hand-to-mouth
way, and not living at all only
burrowing. But these boys are in-
genious, and what they have done
they have done of themselves and are
all the more deserving. this one has
a wife and one or two children. I
never spoke to him or any of them in
my life, but I know all about
them and he has had to struggle–
that is, he must have had to struggle
against awful difficulties and he
will be a stranger in Washington,
and you know how often inventors
are left out in the cold. Now if you
could get at him, and speak a
kind word to him, and say that
I have written to you about him

[page 3]
and his gun–(he will probably know who I am) it may do
him a world of good–He has letters to Ben. Perley Poore & Henry
Wilson among others–They, especially the former will tell you
of his wereabouts probably. Perhaps you will examine his gun
any way. I do not believe any kindness you show him will
not be thrown away. Understand I dont vouch for him in
any way, for I dont know enough of his character personally. I
his invention is successful, it will be a great thing–if it isnt, your
attention will probably do no harm–I just tell you the facts and
you may act upon them as you think best–People here are sanguine.
I am in the hurry of getting ready to go to
Boston for a few days–so I cant stop to write more now–
I hope you will have some news ready against I get back

Good bye
Yours truly

[though unsigned the letter was written by American writer Mary Abigail Dodge, 1833-1896, who wrote under the pseudonym “Gail Hamilton.”

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former owner and editor of the Staunton Spectator]

Wednesday night, March 26, 1862.

The first intelligence this morning, communicated
to me by Blackley, was that a young man wounded
in the battle near Winchester, had arrived during the
night or early in the morning. His account was that
we had lost 350 killed, wounded and missing, and that the
enemy’s loss must have been much heavier, as they pre-
sented dense masses to our guns. It was rumored after-
wards that Stafford, of this place, a Lieut. in the 5th
Regiment, was among the killed. We heard nothing
more till late in the afternoon, when a large number
of wounded (160 it was said) arrived in stages and ambulan-
ces. The surgeon in attendance reported our loss as about
400 — others said 500 — but all concurred in the statement
that the enemy’s loss was probably as great as the number
of troops we had in the fight — variously reported from
2500 to 4000. Jackson had fallen back to Mt. Jackson,
and the enemy were cautiously pursuing. Several state-
ments are made in reference to the treachery of the ene-
my, hoisting white flags and taking them down again, but
I am not certain that the stories are true. Va went to
the Hospital to assist in providing for the wounded — She
said it was a painful sight, but the patients were re-
markably cheerful. Several of them remarked that the
greatest trial they endured was leaving their wounded
comrades in the hands of the enemy. The Federal force
is estimated at 18,000. A considerable portion of Jack-
son’s army was not in the fight, not having come up.
A party of horsemen from Rockbridge — some twenty —
passed through town this afternoon, going down the Val-
ley — One little fellow, being very tipsy, fell off his
horse, and there was much delay in getting him on a-
gain. As he finally rode off he tried to raise a
shout, but was too drunk. And this youth is going
to encounter danger — perhaps death!

[transcription by The Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-258

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private of the 23rd Ohio]

Wednesday, Mar. 26, 1862
Guard mounting no
Parade Practiced as
usual. Have done nothing
this day. Alex & Gillet
were out with
companies B & D on a
scout
Stormy snowing at
times

MSS 10317

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F, 25th Massachusetts Infantry]

Wednesday
March 26
On guard from two till six this
morning. Slept in the depot on
some hats with Minott. Rode in an old
hand car this evening. Rainy to-day. Have
been reading some. Wrote a letter to Hen Russell.

MSS 11293

[from the diary of William M. Blackford, of Lynchburg, Va., former diplomat, newspaper editor and bank officer, with 5 sons in the Confederate Army]

Wednesday 26 Cold rain–much indisposed
scarcely able to drag myself about. No
mail from Richmond. Came home and resolved
to take to bed–but compromised by taking rest
on the sofa, while there situated and in
the midst of a hard rain heard a carriage
come to the door. I went to receive the visi
tors and was accosted by a gentleman
who said he was Dr. Green & that he and his
companion Dr. Houston, both of the army[?] had
tried in vain to get in at the hotels &
that he was under the necessity of throw
ing himself upon my hospitality, in
virtue of old acquaintance. I asked if
he were Dr. Daniel Green. He answered
he was. I assured him of the most [?]
welcome & of my admiration of his spirit
& courage in taking the course he did. I
found him quite unwell. We had sup
-per prepared. I was much gratified
at meeting him again. It is perhaps
more than 20 years since I saw him.
He came over with Dr. Wiliams, medical
Director & Dr. Ben Blackford–their ob-
ject being to rent some of our factories
to establish hospitals here for some
800 men sick & wounded–Ben with Dr
Williams & his wife 7 his father–Dr. Green
gave us the first intelligence we had of
a severe fight Jackson had with the ene-
my, on the farm of Rich. Barton five
miles from Winchester last Sunday. The
enemy had begun to fall back from
Strasburg–Jackson advanced and over
took them–Ashby’s cavalry brought on
the action & Jackson supported him with
infantry & artillery–The enemys forces
were brought out of Winchester and out
numbered ours three or four times–our
loss was heavy–some valuable officers killed.
As I am confident Lanty was in the battle
we of course feel deep anxiety to learn his
fate–Sally Minor came down in the
packet this morning–[?] went home
at 12 in spite of the rain & snow. I dis
like to see any one leave my house [in] such weather.

MSS 4763

Wednesday 26 March 62
My Darling Wife

The robins on the trees
around me sing as merrily this
morning as if this part of the world
was enjoying its usual quiet, and
the soldiers are laughing and talk-
ing as cheerful as if apprehension
of danger and alarm for the future
was the last of their thoughts. Since
last Thursday when we started
toward Winchester we have had
exciting times. We were engaged
on Sunday in a fiercer struggle
more obstinately maintained on
our side, than that at Manassas
last July. The battle between the in-
fantry, the artillery having been en-
gaged in firing for some time before,
commenced about 5 oclock and en-
ded about 6 Oclock when our lines
gave way and retreated in dis-
order to our wagons about 4
miles from the battle field. Our
loss in killed wounded and miss-
ing I suppose may reach four hun-
dred. Col Echols had his arm
broken. The next morning after the
battle we left in good order about
10 Oclock and came some seven
miles in this direction where we
encamped and cooked dinner
Before we left the enemy appeared
with their cannon on the opposite
and as we were leaving com-
menced firing upon us.

[page 2]
One of others shells burst in
our regiment killing four and
wounding several more. We came
that night, Monday, to Woodstock
and on yesterday came here some
ten miles farther. We keep some
artillery and cavalry in our rear
close to the lines of the enemy who
check his advance and keep us ad-
vised of what is going on. We re-
main in our encampment, with wagons
packed and every thing in order to
move, until the afternoon when
we move back. To you this would
seem exciting yet the soldiers sit
around in squads laughing and
talking as if the[y] enjoyed the sport.
I think it likely if the enemy adv-
ance we will continue to retreat
down up toward Staunton. His force
which we engaged at Winchester
was some 15,000 according to the
best estimates which we can get of
it whilst ours did not exceed
4000. I think we will not venture
upon a battle against such odds
but will wait for re-enforcements
and continue to retire if we are
pressed. You may be certain
to hear from me if I get out
safe from another engagement.
I wrote to you on Sunday night
I have the opportunity of send
thing this [must mean “this thing”] by Jim White, and
as he is about leaving I must
close – So good bye Darling
until my next –
Ever Yours
E F Paxton

E[lisha] F[ranklin] “Bull” Paxton, University of Virginia alumnus and Confederate general; commanded the 27th Virginia Infantry and later the 1st “Stonewall” Brigade at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 2165

Hampton, Va. Mar. 26th/62
Dear parents
I sit down
to write you a few lines to let
you know that I am well and
away down south in dixie. the last
time I wrote we had just returned
from Centreville to Fairfax Court
house. well we stayed there 3 or 4
days then marched to within 2 miles
of Alexandria through a heavy rain
and we all got wet through to the
skin and it was cold and windy and
it rain,d all night and we had to
lay on the ground and it come pretty
tough but we come out in the morning
all right and being used to such
scrapes we did not take cold and all
felt as happy as kings. we went on to
Alexandria last Friday afternoon and
went aboard the steamer Georgia and
started down the river the next morning

[page 2]
there was 35 vessels in all. we went
as far as the mouth of the Potomac
that night and cast anchor and stayed
all night then went on to fortress
Monroe about 200 miles from Alexandria
we had a splendid time of it. the
weather was warm and clear. we passed
all the rebel batteries along the Potomac
but they were all deserted. there was
some splendid forts and fortifications
along the river that the rebels boasted
of their efficiency to blocade the river
but the rebels had left on suspicion.
Before we got to Fortress Monroe we
got out of sight of land which was
something new for me. we arrived in
port about 4 oclock Sunday afternoon
and landed the next morning and
marched out to hampton village about
3 miles. the rebels evacuated the place
last fall and burnt the village so that
there is not a house left. we stayed
there that night and started for

[page 3]
Big Bethel the next morning about 11
or 12 miles distant but before we got
half way there our scouts came in and
brought the news that the rebels had
evacuated the place as usual. we then
halted and encamped in the woods where
we are yet. we heard last night last
night that Norfolk had was being
evacuated and that is a great stronghold
of the rebels. it is a little up the James
river and on the opposite side from
Fortress Monroe. it seems that the rebels
retreats as soon as they hear of the
Potomac army coming. there is 40 or 50,000
of the Potomac army here now and they
keep a coming all the time and you
can depend upon it we are going to drive
everything before us. I think we will
be in Richmond in less that 2 weeks
Our western armies are doing well
there has not been a battle lost in
over 3 months and that aint all we
don’t calculate to lose any neither.

[page 4]
The Galway boys are all well. the
weather is very fine and we are all
enjoying ourselves well.
Well I must close for this time
by bidding you good bye.
Write as often as convenient
This from your son

James Henry

unidentified Union soldier

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]

Wednesday Sat all day in the room with Tom–bought
him a bottle of Wistar which seems to help his cough

Dr. Winstar’s Balsam of Wild Cherry, a popular patent medicine of the time

MSS 6960

[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, younger brother of General Thomas M. Logan and a Sgt., Co. B., 1st Special Battalion (Rightor’s), Louisiana Infantry]

March 26th 1862 Wednesday
Rose & breakfasted at Lizzies this
morning – went to the post office &
started out to camp on foot –
Reached the Lions den at 11 o’clock
find Fry, Harry & Sprightly at
home, the two latter having chills –
find many Crescents in Camp
from like complaints – Spent a part
of the day with Fry at the Commis
-sarys – Lieut Faries arrived today from
Yorktown & reports the Enemy near Bethel.
Wrote to Mr George & to Sister
Sallie tonight by Van Vinson – We are [Sarah Septima Logan, 1847-1928. SRFD]
all going to Camp tomorrow – None of
us believe the report abt the Enemy
being near Bethel – We have been fooled
before – Find Dick is off into my [-]
[–] – Had a jolly time with my
mess tonight – Took a bath & retired at
11 ½ o’c

[Co. B, 1st La. Bn. was known as “Crescent Rifles”
or “Crescent City Rifles”]

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards, annotation by Robert K. Krick]

MSS 6154

Camp Rappahannock
March 26” 1862
My darling Wife
John Kenney came back
yesterday but to my surprise &
great disappointment brought no
letter from you nor horse and
very little information about
you. He said however that you
would write by Capt Chrisman
who I will look for every day.
John told me a great story about
you all saying the horse would
not suit you me & that he must
not be kept at Frescatti until
he was fit for my use. of course
I dont believe a word of it and
just conclude that he did not
bring the horse because he did
not want to be troubled with him
Now the fact is I am left really

[page 2]
very much in need of a horse &
must have one immediately. my
pony is a very nice little
horse but cant carry me through
the mud & he cant jump a fence
or a ditch with me on his back.
Geo Chrisman has just arrived
bringing a letter from you &
one from Ned who tells me
that the horse will not suit
me. I am perfectly satisfied
with him at any rate he is
the best I can do. I cant pos-
sibly get one here & am out
of one now. I must therefore
have him and that too at once.
And now I will tell you how
to send him. When I was at
Gordonsville I bought a saddle
of a man named Nichols in the
Quarter Masters department. Ned
knows him & was present Ned
must get money of you to pay

[page 3]
for it and go to G-ville and
get the saddle. he must then
get a bridle rein & bit fasten
it to the halter on Frank &
you will have a bridle. then
but a boy on him & send
him at once. I want the
saddle as bad as the horse.
I have not time to write to
Ned now you tell him that
I cant do better than take
the horse & as he seems to
be so fractious, I call him
“Hornet”, & you know when
I think enough of a horse
to give him a name, I will
keep him if I can.
You say my darling you
dont know how long I will
be here, I dont know either.
Genl Elzey has applied for
leave to take his brigade to
Orange for reorganization

[page 4]
which is absolutely neces-
sary to preserve our regiment
Capt Covington who will
carry this has called for
it, I must close.
I will write by every
opportunity.
Most affectionately
ETH Warren

“Camp Rappahannock”, heading – ‘Rappahannock Station, present-day Remington, Fauquier County.’

“John Kenney”, line 1 –

“John”, line 9 – ‘Both referred to John Kenney, Jr., Ordnance-Sergeant, 10th Virginia Infantry.’

“Capt Chrisman”, line 7 –

“Geo Chrisman”, page 2, line 7 – ‘Both referred to George H. Chrisman, Jr., Captain, Company H, 10th Virginia Infantry.’

“Frescatti”, line 12 – ‘Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson Magruder Warren’s ancestral home located a few miles north of Gordonsville.’

“G-ville”, page 3, line 1 – ‘Gordonsville.’

“Genl Elzey”, page 3, line 21 – ‘Arnold Elzey, Confederate general, commanded the brigade in which the 10th Virginia Infantry served.’

“Capt Covington”, page 4, line 3 – ‘William D. C. Covington, Captain, Company I, 10th Virginia Infantry.’

“ETH Warren”, page 4, signature – ‘Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Lieutenant-Colonel, 10th Virginia Infantry.’

[transcription by John P. Mann, IV]

MSS 7786-g