Your faithful blogger, hereinafter known as the other half of Dawson’s Raiders (mild mannered librarian by day, fearless blogger by night) has been temporarily stymied by a “wind event” that left her home without power three nights ago. When electricity is restored the Raiders shall resume their ride bringing you all the latest from the home front and camps of both armies.
Wednesday July 2d 1862
Camp “I dont know where”
My dear wife
Since my last letter we have
in three successive days engaged
the enimy [sic] & routed them each
time. Thus we have had in
six days six fights and
driven McClelland & his hosts
a distance of between 20 & 30
miles. The fight yesterday was
the hardest & most doubtful
of all & lasted from early in
the morning until two hours
after dark, during which time
musketry & artillery kept up a
continual & terable [sic] roar
our Brigade was assigned the
duty of supporting our batteries
on the extreme left and
[page 2]
were subjected to a continued
fire from 30 of the enimies [sic]
guns, and yet our loss was small
my regiment occupied a position
over which the shells exploded &
the pieces fell in front & in
rear on the right & left &
now & then in our midst. if
we had been 15 feet out of
this position in any direction
many would have been hurt
but it was only three were
touched Lewis Knicely of Woodstock
& Wm Bamber of Harrisonburg
were slightly wounded and
Genl Lewis’ son William had
a bruise in his arm oh my
darling, how good & merciful
God has been to me & my reg-
iment. How wonderfully he has
[page 3]
preserved us from harm. Yester
day I could not help but feel
as the missils [sic] of death were
flying all around us that
the Great Ruler of the Universe
was in mercy turning them
from our destruction. The
fight was terable [sic] & the
enimy [sic] held their own until
the close or very near it.
we had gained only a slight
advantage, except in position
I understand that just about
dark a Division of ours
had gained their right flank
which would have enabled us
to gain an easy victory to
day, but during the night
the enimy [sic] retreated leaving their
killed & wounded in our possession
[page 4]
and I have just been told
that two prisoners have been
brought in who state that
all but two Brigades had
crossed the James River under
protection of their Gun boats
at a point above the mouth
of the James Chickahominy River on
Sunday the entire force of
the enimy [sic] crossed the Chicka
hominy at New bridge to the
Richmond side Monda Sunday
Monday & tuesdays [sic] fights all
occured [sic] on that side. the
last fight occured [sic] about 3 or
four miles from the James
River & about 15 from Rich-
mond. I dont know how
many prisoners we have
some say 12000 before
[page 5]
yesterdays fight the loss
in killed & wounded is in-
deed terable [sic] on both sides, but
much greater on the enimy [sic]
we have captured a great
many supplies & wagons
& over 1000 horses & mules
& a great many Guns &
small arms. Notwithstanding
our continued success the
enimy [sic] have retreated with
order & each time when
closely pressed have made
a fierce obstinate & gallant
stand. in fact each time
seemed to require all our
effort to drive them, &
yesterday we could not do
it & we were the first
to cease firing. I tell
[page 6]
you the truth is they fight
so well that I am sometimes
surprised that they retreat
at all & wonder why they
do, and am all the time
feaf fearful of something
going wrong. but now
that they are beyond the
James I hope all is right.
Capt Coffman sends a note
for Mrs Coffman please have
it delivered at once. I heard
that you were boarding at
the Exchange. I am glad of
it, & hope you like it.
Most affectionately
E.T.HWarren
We have had very little to eat
but crackers since the fight began
& I have just slept on the ground
with the men, stand it pretty well
“Camp “I dont know where””, heading – The bivouac of the 10th VA Infantry was located a short distance from Malvern Hill.
“McClelland”, line 6 – George B. McClellan, Union general, commanded the Army of the Potomac.
“The fight yesterday”, line 8 – The Battle of Malvern Hill occurred on 1 July 1862.
“our Brigade”, line 15 – The brigade consisted of the 10th, 23rd, and 37th VA Infantry regiments, along with Wooding’s Danville (VA) Artillery Battery.
“Lewis Knicely”, page 2, line 13 – Lewis C. Kneisley, 2nd Sergeant, Company F, 10th VA Infantry. He was wounded in the shoulder by a piece of shell at the Battle of Malvern Hill.
“Wm Bamber”, page 2, line 14 – William Bamber, Private, Company C2, 10th VA Infantry. He joined as a substitute on 10 April 1862. His wound in the head received at the Battle of Malvern Hill was more serious than noted by Warren; it resulted in his absence from his company. Bamber did not rejoin the unit until 19 September 1862.
“Genl Lewis’ son William”, page 2, line 16 – William M. Lewis, Private, Company B, 10th VA Infantry.
“Capt Coffman”, page 6, line 10 – Isaac G. Coffman, Captain, Company B, 10th VA Infantry.
“Mrs Coffman”, page 6, line 11 – Magdalene McD. Smith married Isaac G. Coffman in 1852.
“the Exchange”, page 6, line 14 – Exchange Hotel, Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, VA.
“E.T.HWarren”, page 6, signature – Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Colonel, 10th VA Infantry.
[transcript by John P. Mann, IV]
MSS 7786-g
[from the diary of Jonathan B. Hager of the 14th U.S. regulars as copied and annotated by him at a later date]
July 2 At the first peep of day we were up & under arms.
In our ignorance, happy ignorance, we supposed the
whole army was yet with us. Our little brigade of
regulars was drawn up in battle array where
the enemy cold have a full view of us. Here
we stood some time. It was a dull, dark,
cloudy, murky, close morning. We were without
breakfast & I had not even so much as a
drink of water. During all the night previous
I had about a gill of warm water in my
canteen with which i wet my tongue at intervals
long between. Now if we were to be attacked a-
gain I should suffer terribly for want of it.
About 6 o’clock the 14th was conducted into a
long line of rifle pits where by spreading out
we made considerable show. At this time I
came across a straggler who had a canteen
of water, fresh. I negotiated with him for it &
finally I purchased the water for a gold dollar,
he pouring it from his canteen into mine—
About 7 o clock it began to rain. I was without
any protection. The rain increased & I wrapped
myself up in straw with which the rifle pits
were tolerably full, but the rain soon found its
say through this & it was not long ere I was
wet to the skin. We spent perhaps an hour or
more here when we got orders to leave the pits
a few at a time & to struggle, indifferently
as if were towards a wood not far in the rear.
In a short time we were all congregated in this
wood where we struck a line for our old
position, the plateau of Malvern Hill. We reached
it in a short time in the midst of torrents of
rain. Our consternation may be more easily im-
agined than described, This immense plain which
the evening before was filled to overflowing with
the stupendous army and with all the parapha-
nalia of its equipment, its horses, its wagons, its
artillery, was totally deserted. The army had
left during the night & our poor little brigade
was all that was left to interpose between the
Grand Army of the Potomac & the rebel army.
As soon as the men could sling their knapsacks
which had been left here the day before under
a guard we left to join the main army.
The windows of heaven seemed opened. The
roads & the surrounding Country were all under
water. It washed down the hills almost fearful to
behold. We who had been under fire for so many
days were in danger of our lives from getting under
water. Of course the mud & mire was bottomless.
As we straggled along endeavoring to keep
from being carried away by the torrents rushing
impetuously on both sides of the road, our
attention could not but be attracted to men
standing by the roadside here & there each one
with an axe in his hand, standing by a tree
nearly cut through and only waiting for one
last man or horse to pass to fell it across
the road. Besides these groups of men were
stationed at each little bridge ready to blow it up
when we had passed—We were the rear–guard
of the “Grand Army of the Potomac,” As we
trudged on we came to a line of boxes of hard
bread. There was no time to issue it and each
man as he passed by took a handful and as
it was tolerably wet there was considerable di-
ving towards the bottom of the box to find a few
dry ones. I got about half a dozen & put them in
a haversack which I foraged from a dead soldier
in the morning, but in a little while they were
wet through & unfit to eat. On we trudged for
three or four miles farther when a halt was called
A line of battle of the brigade was formed and
preparations made to keep the enemy in check
in case they pursued us. Here I found among
the débris of an old camp, a white (or what had
once been white) rose blanket, evidently rebel–I
put it on my shoulders & it was very comfor-
table indeed–for I was wet to the skin & the
rain had made me very cold. No enemy came,
They had been badly cut up the night before &
were most too sore to follow & beside the terrible
storm of water was too much for their fire—–
We then moved on towards James River at Harrisons
Landing. We got in sight of the army about 1 P.M.
The mud &water were too much for my shoes, the
soles were at variance with the uppers and my
feet being filled with sand found there at every step.
Being in sight of Camp I halted to see if I could’nt
remedy my troubles. Ere I could ascertain that at
present they were remediless the regiment got out of
my sight–I moved on in the direction I last saw
them taking expecting to overtake them, but could
not find them. Nor did I find them that day.
I walked over that immense plain, through mud
& mire & then walked back again, then I took
another line & pursued that both ways. Mud
over ankle deep was not in my way, for I was
lost & had no home until I could find my
regiment–I could not hear of it–Nobody knew
where anybody else was. I ascertained next day
that I had been within a hundred yards of it
two or three times, but there were so many regiments
and so many men and they were all so covered
with mud, that one could not be told from another.
As I walked on the banks of the James River I got a
soldier to fill my canteen. The water was thick
with mud, but it tasted good–By this time it was
nearly dark & I must have some place to sleep,
but where should I find it? I passed some wall
tents near the old Berkly Mansion. I went to
them, knocked at one & entered–I was a sweet
looking object wrapped up in a dirty white blanket
with my drawn sword in my arms, mud from head
to foot & no doubt they thought so. I spoke:
“Gentlemen, I am an officer of the regular Army, through
a mishap I have lost my regiment & have sought it
in vain for the last three or four hours. I was in the
fight yesterday evening, slept on the battle field
which we left this morning, am hungry, thirsty,
tired, sleepy & wet. Have lost everything but honor
& my money & desire a place to sleep.” An
officer said I should have it & gave me a shelter
tent with a bundle of straw under it. I divested
myself of the remnant of my shoes, got off my
pants, wrapped myself in my rose blanket & was
soon oblivious to all earthly cares. I slept soundly
till morning.
MSS 9044
[from the diary of Samuel Johnson of the 1st Massachusetts Independent Light Artillery]
July 2nd
Left our position at two A. M and again
fell back reaching Harrison Landing on
the James River at seven A. M. here we are
to form a new line of battle covered by the
gun boats. by five P. M our entire army
had arrived and encamped here. The
army in the recent battles has lost. 1,582
killed. 7,709 wounded and 5,958 are missing
total. 15, 229. Rained hard all day and
night.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 8493
Fort Albany July 1 1862
My Dear Wife
I have just now received
another one of those good letters of yours, of
date, June 29th I posted a letter to you yesterday
morn, the 29th, and two papers, containing three
Magnolias, this morn, I have just been reading
the glorious news from Richmond, I suppose
you will hear of it today too, You need not
be afraid of our going down south to fight
or in fact anywhere else, so long as Col
Wm B Greene, is at the head of the Mass
14th, I do’nt say that he is afraid to fight,
or that he is a coward, but you may rest
assured that the Mass 14th will never see
or do any fighting with the rebels, this
is not my opinion alone, but the opinion
of every one in the Regmt. Oficers and all.
Nothing pleases Col Greene so much as
to have a good looking regmt one that
he could take to Boston or anywhere, so
that they would show off pretty well. The
[page 2]
Col is a regular “Old Betsy” but a real good man
Wed afternoon, 4 o’clk
It is raining in torrents, and has been doing
so all day, and to help the matter along
it is very cold, I think it is the coldest
storm we have had this summer, it does
not affect us much however, we keep
snug in our tents, and pass away the
time in various ways, Some of us are
writeing letters to our dear ones at home,
some are reading, some ar[e] playing Dominoes,
and the rest are singing or sleeping. I have been
asleep the most of the day. I have probably
slept five hours since morning. I had to
wake up to eat my dinner, because we
had baked beans, we are going to have some
more for supper, you know baked beans dont
go bad on a cold stormy day. There is some
talk about camp to-day, that we shall get
paid off tomorrow, but I do’nt beleive it, I
hope not, because Friday is the glorious fourth
and I think that the “Boys” will be better
off without ther money, than they will with it.
[page 3]
We have’nt any of us got any money, or, not any
to speak of, and I beleive that the “fourth” will
pass by, much more pleasantly to some of
us than it would, if there was plenty of money
in the camp, because there are many here who
would be under the influance of Rum if they
had the means to procure it with, but who
will now, (if we dont get paid off) be obliged
to pass the day in a quiet, and peaceful man
ner. Probably we shall get paid off on the 15th
We are not going to Washington on the fourth.
that is “played out” We did not go to Fairfax
Seminary to the great reveiw, that I wrote
you about, that was also “played out” in short.
they were all camp stories, We can hear any
thing that we want to, here, As I sit here
writeing one of my mess sits by me reading the
account of the fighting, down to Richmond.
I cannot help comparing our situation to
that of those brave fellows who are probably
now fighting for us, here are we in in warm
and comfortable quarters, wanting for nothing-
(so to speak) while they, perhaps, are suffering.
[page 4]
for the want of a great many things, that we
make no account of. Sometimes some of my
mess begin to find fault, about the war. I begin
to talk to them about those that have gone to
fight at the south, and it most always has
the effect to silence their complainings,
We are to have Sixteen bushels of Green Peas
for dinner on the fourth of July, rather a small
mess, but we will try and get along with them.
There is so much noise and skylarking here in the
tent, that I can hardly tell whether I am on
my head or heels. The Boys are determined to
have a good time if it does storm so bad.
I wish you could see some of the capers that
has, and are being carried on, I guess you would
laugh some, at any rate, I dont think you
would say that the “Boys” had’nt had
a good time today.
It is now time for summer, I must not miss
the Beans. Write often as you can to your
humble servant, and he will do the same
to you, Give my love to Father & Mother
a kiss to our darling little ones, and lots
of them for yourself. Imagine me with
you in spirit if not in body–and
beleive me ever yours truly in love,
Robert
I sent a letter to Father yesterday
(Dont forget Postage Stamps)
[upside down in top margin of page one]
I think Ernie is improving fast in writing
letters. Tell him I thank him for his last.
Thank you for the lock of Sissy’s hair, I keep it with Ernie’s letters
MSS 1242
Camp Carlile Va
J uly 2nd 1862 Wednes Eve.
Dear Cousin
It is with
some difficulty that I write
you. I am well and
doing finely, vut can hard
ly find a desent place to
write on–i am writing
on a box about two feet high
and am sitting on the ground
We left Camp Butler on
Friday last and arrived
here on Monday evening
We had a good time making
our journey came through
Indianna and Ohio We
passed through a part of
Indianna and a part of Ohio
on Sunday The People turned
[page 2]
out in great numbers
at every station. At
Dayton about 6 thousand
thronged about the Cars
while we stoped. The young
ladies gave many of the boys
beauquets and brought us
Cakes and Pies O! and
dont I love some of them,
though? This camp is a
very nice one and is sit-
uated on an island between
the Ohio and Virginnia shores
of the Ohio river. Well Eli
Hank is in our enemies country
and is just as willing to fight
Secesh as ever. You are right
I wouldent be any thing but
a soldier. I want you to
tell me what young man said
that I would come home if I
could I would have like to had
been there on the 28th. I suppose
[page 3]
that you had a good time
I want you to write and tell
me all about it Give me the
particulars. The crops looked
rather backward in Indianna
and the corn in Ohio. The wheat
was being harvested all through
Ohio and appeared very well–
Harvesting is nearly done here
The country looks rough I tell
you. Nothing but rocks and
hills. Surround us Eli I cant
begin to tell you anything about
how the country You can look
on the map and learn where I am
I am just above Balar on the
Ohio Shore and on an ialand
belonging to Virginna called
Wheeling Wheeling is a very nice
town. Eli I wish that I
could see you about one
hour so that I could tell
you all about our business
[page 4]
Well Eli you must
write to me soon and
tell me all the news Tell
me all about the girls
in general. Give my
regards to the School mam
and all other young lades
regars to all you folks
and all of you write to
Hank Your True Cousn
and Friend
W H Redman
Direct to W. H. Redman
12th Ills. Cavelry
Company C
Camp Carlisle
Wheeling
Virginia
Eli Mead Esqr
MSS 7415
[from the diary of William M. Blackford, bank officer and former diplomat, with five sons in the Confederate Army.]
Wednesday 2. it began to rain early this mor
ning–I am sorry for it as it will
enhance the sufferings of our troops
Telegrams informed us of a bloody
battle last evening–the bloodiest
of the whole series. Enemy in retreat
-It rained hard all day, which
must interfere with military op
erations–The telegraph would not
work and we passed the day in
suspense–very unwell.
MSS 4763
[from the diary of Private Ephraim A. Wood, Co. C., 13th Massachusetts]
Wednesday July 2nd 1862
[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee fromWilmington, N.C.]
Tuesday 1st of July Cloudy & rather warm. Everybody anxious for news from the seat
of War–The Examiner gives us great encouragement–So far all seems to
favourable for the Confederates–& I pray it may continue so–How soon this
cruell War would end–If all the loafers about–cowards–& half Union
men were made to enter the Ranks instead of lounging about at
corners finding fault with our President & generals–I for one would
gladly chain them into service, & the great negro men too–I cant bear to
look at them idleing about-knowing that for them & theirs this cruel
War was projected–Cousin Sally London & Anna Wright have arrived & are at
Judge Persons’—paid Mr Guthnell board to day $5 pr week–For E & self $40–
The last payment was made on the 3d of July[sic]
MSS 6960
[from the diary of Frank C. Fitzhugh of Cutshaw’s battery]
July Tuesday 1 1862
Battle of Malvin Hill.
Va. Battery engaged. got four
horses killed & 3 men wounded
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 4448
