[from the diary of Dr. Brodie Strachan Herndon]
24 Bridges again washed away
by flood. Mother & girls write
to Park & Nannie and I to Jim by
Nannie Corbin who has attempted
a journey to Richmond. Betty
also goes to join Wil by appointment
in Caroline.
MSS 2563-b
[from the diary of Jonathan B. Hager of the 14th U.S. Regulars as copied and annotated by him at a later date]
June 24 A tremendous rain storm came last night
about midnight. I was laying quietly in my
bunk enjoying the music of the rain on my
tent & wondering how the poor fellows were getting
along who had been drowned out the day before
when I heard a most violent seething, boiling
and foaming on my foam on my floor. I reached out
my hand and to my utter disgust I found
about three inches of water running through.
I took me but a moment to jump up & pile
valises, boots, shoes & clothes above high water
mark & lie down & wait for the water to fall
Just before the rain I was awakened by the adjutant
& notified to be in readiness to move early in
the morning, as the enemy had threatened an
attack on our right flank. We did not go for
the rain undoubtedly prevented.
MSS 9044
HQ Caseys Division
Prospect Hll Va
Tues June 24 1862
Mrs Edward Shephard
Your letter came
duly to hand, and as your husband
was busily engaged n performing the
duties of a laundress, he wished me
to write a few lines to you in
return in which I am pleased to
to say that we are getting along
as well as can be expected under
the circumstances. It would be
somewhat a novel sight for some
of the ladies in Glenham, to see
how well the general routines of
household duties are performed by
some of us here, and I assure
[page 2]
you that Edward is not behind in
adding the sund4ry little fixtures to
our frugal repast. We have been
encamped here nearly three weeks
during which time we have have[sic]
been permitted to ramble about in
the woods, and by the brooks providing
we did not go to far. we enjoyed it
much, it has been pleasant weather
for some time, although pretty warm
Last night we experienced a most
terrific thunder storm. the rain fell
in torrents leaking through our tents
sufficient to warn us that the
canvass was not waterproof.
I think that an attact will be
made soon upon Richmond, and I
sincerely hope that the union army
will meet with success in bringing
the rebellion to a speedy close and
that those that are spared may be
restored to their friends, to life[sic]
[page3]
in peace beneith [sic] the folds of that
flag for which they have left home
and friends to defend. Edward wishes
William Bernett to get him 4 Linerich[?]
fish hooks, and 2 eel hooks not to large.
Write as soon as you rec this and
enclose them in your letter.
Enclosed you will find ten dollars
if you receive this I will send
$10 more in my next or less.
Take good care of the boy. Remember
me to friends and I remain
With Respect
W. H. Knapp
Mr. & Mrs Edward Shephard
[page 4]
P.S. Genl McLellan has
greatly changed his oppinion
since the late Battle in regard
to Caseys Division, the first
report came out by the jelousy
of other officers, but since
then it has all been corrected.
The next money Edward sends
home will be forwarded by
Express if we are near an
Office. Tell Father & Mother
that they must write to me
as often as possible, and not\to worry as I think I will get out of this all right yet.
Write Soon
Edward Shephard
Will H Knapp
Excuse bad writing
in Haste
Knapp and Shephard were both privates in the 7th Independent Battery, New York Light Artillery
MSS 12631
[from the diary of William M. Blackford, former diplomat, and bank officer, of Lynchburg, Va. with five sons in the Confederate Army]
Tuesday 24 Here is a long interval during
which I have not made an entry
For several days of the last week I
was much engaged about various
matters and on Thursday 19 I went
to Richmond on business of the Bank
that is to buy bonds–I had tele-
graphed to Gwathen that I should be
there and his son had taken the
trouble to notify them so that on my
arrival I found William, Lewis,&
Eugene at the house. It is the first
time for some years I have had them to
-gether–they are all well–remarka
bly so–Mary Gwathen is very kind
to them & they, or rather Lewis & Eugene
made her house their head quar
ters–Friday morning, I transacted
business with the Treasury Depart
-ment–and at 12 went with Wm
to see his Pontoon Bridge–He had
a steam tug at his disposal, & we
steamed down in a few minutes. The
bridge is very simple in its construction
some 20 or 30 boats–schooners & canal
boats are anchored head to stern at
the distance of 25 feet, bow, of course, [up?]
[stream?] –across these are laid four
rows of sill 16 in by 4–and then
plank put on in the usual way. There
is in the middle a large lighter
which serves as a draw bridge. Wm
says when ordered to do the work
he had no book to refer to and had
to depend on his own resources–He
spend three days in getting the
materials, vessels &c and commenced
building Saturday at 10 AM & had the
work finished 6 P.M. Monday,–After
examining the Bridge we proceeded to
Drewrys bluff and went over the
batteries which are certainly very for
-midable as are the obstructions in
the river–I feel [?] the enemy
will never pass there–but they
may be carried by an attack on the
land side. The batteries are all
casemated–the guns of tremendous cali
-ber and manned by sailors–spent the
evening with Rob Maury whom I met
[?] & his son Dick, Major 24
th- wounded in Btl at Seven Pines
Saturday I devoted to business pretty
much, and did all I could accomplish
at present getting about 107 [?] of bonds
Saw Lewis in his way to Petersburg
on duty–Took tea at Robt. Maurys
Sunday; Wm sent his horse on for me
and I rode out to his quarters. Eugene
came just before I started. I regretted
being thus cut off from for the day
William & I called on Gen Huger At
his Hd Qrs.–then at the camp of the
Beauregard Artillery –then at the
camp of the 11 Regt and then rode
on to Gen Gardlands [sic] Hd. Qrs. where
we were expected to dine. We had
a very good dinner. At 3 witnessed
a Brigade Inspection. His Brigade
a[l]together of N.C. regiments–I never
saw a larger[?] or finer looking set of men
than those of 20: N.C. which was drawn
up in front of Hd.Qrs. After dinner
rode with Garland & William through
our lines which I though very
strong–saw many parties at work
went within a mile of the pickets
but had to return on account of the
lateness of the hours–Found Eugene
at Marys–but he would not stay
all night–Lewis, who returned in
the evening train from Petersburg, remained
all night. Monday eveng–got to
te cars in time & met Martha Mau
ry & dick who accompanied me
home. shortly after our arrival
tee came Willy Davis & his cousin
Ann on their way to Careyswood where
they are to remain a while–Found Ran-
dolph McKim at our house. He
is no aid to Gen Stuart, who
is wounded at the house of Dr. Davis
Mary has been very sick during
my absence–and has not yet re-
covered
Tuesday 24–very early breakfast for
Mathew Dick & Randolph McKim
The two former took the Charlottes
ville train–the latter the Richd
Found arrrearages of work which
kept me very busy all day.–much
worried by not being able to lay
my hands upon these mptes pf tje
Mobile & Ohio R R Co which
a telegram informed me would
now be paid. I have satisfied myself
they were not forwarded for collection.
Heard that Launcelot had been left
in Staunton sick & disable. I
hope he may be able to come home
after night Mr Old, wounded at
7 Pines, called upon us. He was at
the University with Lanty & was his
pupil at Stranges–a very inteli
gent young man.
MSS 4763
Camp Near Richmond
June 23d 1862
My Dear Creek
As none of my mess are up
out of bed yet and every thing is quiet this
morning I will try and write you a short
letter, but I dont know whether you will ever
get it or not; I never get one from you now
by mail, and I know you send them, the
last I heard from you was by E. W. Byrum, and
that is over a week since, I am getting very
anxious to hear from you again, surely I
will get one this evening.
There is nothing new transpiring about here
just now, sometimes a little picket
skirmish, but they have been so common
of late, that they cease to excite us, particularly
as there is never much damage done in
them. John V. Moores Regiment has been
assigned to our Brigade, and is now camped
[page 2]
close beside us, we are all very glad to have
them with us, it is a very fine Regiment.
Some of our nieghbours are pretty badly fatigued
since they came here, I have seen a good
many of them. Pete Ackers, Gus Vandiver &
are all here, and wishing they were back
to South Carolina, they find some difference
between soldiering in Virginia and S.C.
but they will soon get used to it, they
are all getting along finely.
Tell Billy Smith Gambriells wound is doing
well, he is in a fine Hospital and has
the young ladies fighting about who shall
wait on him, he is doing finely and will
be able to come home in a week, or so, others
or our wounded are not doing so well and
several of them will die, but they are all
strangers to you,
how is the fruit crop at home this year,
you must try and have a good water
melon patch for me when I come home.
I sometimes think the war will close by
that time and let us all home again
[page 3]
wouldn’t that be fine , oh I could be
so happy at home now. I would never leave
you again. I have been longer off than I
expected, but let us hope that it will not
be much longer till we assume our former
happiness, which will be all the sweeter by
the consciousness of having done our duty.
William is getting on finely and keeps his
health well, and does his duty like a man
hardly ever speaks to me though unless I
speak to him, but that is his way, you know,
and he is a noble fellow.
Give my kindest regards to all our friends.
Kiss Little Maggie for me, and tell her not
to eat any more green apples.
Good bye Dear Creek, May Heaven Bless You
William
The last letter written by Major William Anderson of the 4th South Carolina Infantry to his dear “Creek,” Lucretia McFall Anderson.On June 30th he was mortally wounded in the Seven Days Battle before Richmond, and died July 4, 1862.
MSS 10366
Head Quarters, Western Department.
Tupelo Miss June 23 1862
My Dear Cousin
Dick
Major Brent formerly of the 17 Va intends going
to Va soon and has kindly offered to take this to you. he has been acting
as of Chi[e]f Staff in Col Jordans absence (who has been quite sick for some time)
I presume you heard that I have been in this office. I was seperated from
my command at Fort D. they escaped a few hours before I did but I
did not know it until I reached Columbia Tenn. consequently I have
never been with them since–they are now near Chattanooga Tenn and
I am very anxious to join them but find a great difficulty in getting
a suitable horse in this Country in fact there is none to be had at all.
I was very sorry indeed, to hear of Willie R having lost
his arm. Alvin Buck is now in Richmond and you will probably
see him before he returns. Irvie & Geo Hope are still in the office
Geo. Williams has been promoted recently to the position of A.A. G.
on Col Liddells staff. Comd’g a Brigade.
Dick–Genl. Beauregard has left us for awhile. he has gone to
take a short respite for the benefit of his health, and Genl. B. Bragg
the “Man Slayer” as he is usually called is in Command of our little
band of patriots. Marsh B. is here in a Missouri Reg’t also Frank
Buck. Br. Marcus is in the Qr. Mr. Dept.–“Clark’s Division.
” Irvie has just stepped in. he said tell Dick that I wanted to write
to him but he had treated me so cussed mean I won’t write. he requested
me to tell you that you are a “Sow Hog” he sends love,
I would be very much oblige to you if you would be kind as to inform
[page 2]
where Mack & Dick Bayly are. write soon and believe me to be
Very Aff
Your Cousin
R. Blackmore
P.S. Our retreat from Corinth was fine did not lose a man
except a few sick prisoners, not a piece of Artillery, and only lost
some 300 worthless muskets and a few Commissary Stores.
R.B.
Love to all the boys
Letter to Richard Bayly Buck, 1844-1888, of the Warren Rifles, Co. B. of the 17th Va.
MSS 3064
[from the diary of Jonathan B. Hager of the 14th U.S. Regulars as copied and annotated by him at a later date]
Monday 23 this day like many that preceded & followed
has been exceedingly hot. The mercury ranging
between high up in the nineties and a hundred
in the coolest spot we could find on our bowers.
An occasional shot was heard during the day
the heat driving even the artillerists to seek the
shade. The intense heat brought on a rain in the
afternoon; an immense rain accompanied by
terrific claps of thunder, which brought to the blush
the puny efforts of man to counterfeit with the
huge throats of his mortal engines. Many of the
officers were washed out. The water poured in the
low ground upon which we were encamped, from
the high ground upon our right, in torrents, and
the bedsteads were the only places of safety. I
escaped the deluge & congratulated myself upon
being so much better off than the rest, and I
am inclined to believe I was a few hours too
soon as appears from my diary of next day.
MSS 9044
[from the diary of Dr. Brodie Strachan Herndon]
23d Charles
rents out Henrys Store–retaining
George Chewning & shelves for the Books
MSS 2563-b
Camp Near New Bridge Va, Monday June 23 1862
My Dear Brother haveing received no letter from you for sometime I thought
it best to drop you A few lines & inform you that you must write oftener
now what excuse have you for not writing I bet you cant find A good excuse
you will say there is nothing worth writing no news & you thought I would
not care to have A letter untill there was some news, now Just write any
thing no matter as long as you write A letter I am sure you can make out as
well as I can, if you have nothing else to write about Just write about box
shooks molasses, sugar, hoops Fish herring and anything else connected
with your business, or Just give me you experience in Housekeeping
now there are A great many things you can write about which will make
A pretty good letter now just try it you have got A good desk & A chair to sit
on every thing comfortable & can write about which will make
A pretty good letter now Just try it you have got A good desk & A chair to sit
on & every thing comfortable & can write with ease, you of course have
heard A great deal about Chickahominy Richmond & Genls McClellan
Porter & Heintzelman well I have seen all these & have been acrost the
Chickahominy on Picket have seen white oak swamp when the water was
up to my waist you dont know how pleasant it is to stand on Picet in a swamp
on A rainy day with the water up to your waist & the musquitoes as thick as flies
in July and August, talking about flies how they do bite me while I am writing
this we are now taking A little rest after our hard work we have nothing
to do except about once A week when my turn comes to go on Picket we have
done some marching & no little work since we have been on the Peninsular
I suppose we shall have some more work to do soon on the siege guns have got
to be used again you at Home can have no Ida of the immense amount of
labour required in getting these siege guns in Position at the siege at Yorktown
the roads were so bad it was impossible at times for the Horses to move the guns
& the only way that the guns could begot in place was by three or four hundred
men to drag them you have been over to Fort Preble & thought you had seen large guns
well the guns at Fort Preble are toys compared with the one & two hundred pound
Parrott gun that we used at Battery No 1 you have course heard of this battery at
the moth of Womsleys Creek well that was the work of the New York 5th
although we have had no notice of it in the papers when speaking of the
Battery by the Baltimore American it always has said something good about
the New York fifth, we are still the Pet of Baltimore & even the famous New York
seventh cannot take our place we have A name in Baltimore in which we may
well be proud you cannot look for A movement on the part McClellan for
weeks he will not move untill everything is ready if we should have A battle
before July it will be the Rebels that commences it my Health is verry good as
good as ever it was give my respects to Mrs Leavitt remember me to all enquir
ing Friends your Brother George
[from a journal containing the letters of brothers George Leavitt of the 5th New York and Joseph Leavitt of the 5th Maine, as copied by the their father John in the autumn of 1865. Both boys were mortally wounded in the war, George at Second Bull Run August 30, 1862 and Joseph at Spotsylvania, May 18, 1864]
MSS 66
[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, younger brother of General Thomas M. Logan, formerly a Sgt, Co. B, 1st Special Battalion (Rightor’s), now with the Hampton Legion]
Monday – June 23rd 1862
Nothing more than the routine of the
last week to note, of today – Spent the
day nursing Captain Harrison who continues
sick, & paying such stray officers as
have dropped in to get a few C.S. bills –
Rode to town on Billy, for medicines for
the Capt – Saw Mullie & Bro for a short
while – left payrolls for the former – Saw
Col Conner, Col. Hodge, & Ben Fishburne
the latter met me in the streets & we recognized
Each other immediately – Constant firing along
the lines today of Artilery, but can hear
nothing in regard to it – Every one looks for the
great battle tomorrow or next day. Jackson
is said to be at Hanover Court House only
16 miles, in McClellands rear – God grant it
may be So – Sligh left for Monroe today but I had
not time to write Sallie – Cleaned up my Enfield
today for the battle – Brother Geo is to come out
[The following lines are cross-written over the above page.]
for me and we will join Mullies Company
& fight together – perchance fall by
the side of one another! Retire tonight
with the blues, Home & Heart sick –
[“This may be Edward Foster Hoge, though he is not yet a Colonel.”]
[“This is Dr. Benjamin Clay Fishburne, a surgeon who served in the Richmond hospitals.
A “Richmond “Dispatch” article of 8/26/62 notes he is in charge of Keen Hospital.”]
[“J.E. Sligh was a member of the disbanded Rightor’s Bn. He joined the 28th La. subsequently.”]
[transcriptions by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards; annotations by Robert K. Krick]
MSS 6154
