1865 September 27: “There are still stories about that this command is to be mustered out of service”

The original of this letter is in the Jerry E. Flint Papers (River Falls Mss BN) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, University Archives and Area Research Center.

Camp 4^th Wis. Cavalry.                   .
San Antonia, Texas.              .
Sept. 27^th  1865

My Dear Mother

                                I think it is about time that I should write a few lines to you, although I can find but little of interest to note.  The greater portion of the Regiment is out on a scout and will not be in until the first of October.  I was left in camp as I had just had another visitation from my old friend “Chills and Fever.”  The hot weather is now nearly over and I am hoping that with the cool days my usual good health will return.

My main trouble arises from exposure to the hot sun.  We have one of the finest camps I ever saw.  It is situated in a pleasant grove with a fine stream of clear sparkling water running close by.  The good water we have here is one great advantage over Louisiana.  There our best water is the muddy Mississippi, while here there are plenty of fine springs where the water gushes out from beneath ledges of solid rock.

Well tomorrow we are ordered to leave this delightful camp and locate ourselves on the top of a bluff near by.  There being only three or four men in a company present, it gives us a more work than a few lazy soldiers can appreciate.  Therefore we have remonstrated with the Gen^l and he has fairly promised us that we may stay in our present location until the return of the boys.  If he fully consents all right, if he don’t I hope the vilest torments of His Majesty down below will haunt him through endless years.

There are still stories about that this command is to be mustered out of service, but I can tell you nothing reliable about it now.  I think we shall know in a few weeks whether we are to remain through the winter or not.  Unless we can go home very soon, I believe I would prefer to remain here until spring.  I would like to hear from home very much, but our facilities for mail are so very poor now that I presume that is the reason I do not get any letters.

I have not heard from Helen¹ for six months.  Tell Phineas¹ to let me know where she is next time he writes.  What can I do for living if I get out of the service pretty soon.  Is there any work to do? Wont [sic] it be hard though to come right down to the manual labor?  It is really dreadful to think of, and then only sixteen or eighteen dollars a month after getting a hundred and fifty.  Oh it is awful, awful.  I enclose five dollars to get you a pair of fur lined shoes for winter.  If it is not enough tell Phin¹ to pay the balance and send the bill to me.  If I remember right you are troubled to keep your feet warm in the winter.

Remember me to Grandmother and all other friends.  Hoping this may find you well and in the enjoyment of all the blessings of life.  I remain as ever

Your Boy,
.                  .Jerry

1 .  Jerry’s sister, Helen, and his brother, Phineas, or Phin for short.

Jerry Flint letter of September 27, 1865, from the Jerry E. Flint Papers (River Falls Mss BN) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls University Archives & Area Research Center

1865 August 27: Jerry Flint Writes, “there is not much prospect of the Regt. being Discharged this fall”

Jerry Flint, with the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry, complains that he hasn’t had any letters since June, but we have not had a letter from him since then, either.  The original of this letter is in the Jerry E. Flint Papers (River Falls Mss BN) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, University Archives and Area Research Center.

New Orleans  La
August 27^th  1865

Dear Brother;

                           I dropped you a few lines the other day in reference to the money I expressed to you, but was in to [sic] big a hurry to write more at that time.  I shall start for Indianolia [sic: Indianola, Mississippi] tomorrow provided I can get a Steamer that suits me.  I might have gone last night but accidentally got left because I did not like the Boat.

After I got to the above mentioned point I shall have 160 miles to go by stage to get to San Antonio where the Regt. is now located.  As near as I can learn there is not much prospect of the Regt. being Discharged this fall.  I have not had a letter from the north for so long I have almost forgotten where to direct a letter to find my friends.  I have not had a letter from that country since June.  That is the honest truth.

My health so very fine now and as we will soon commence having cooler weather I am in hopes to be bunkum again.  I might have got a furlough while in Hospital but was afraid that you would laugh at me for coming home so often.  How are all the folks and what do they find to do this awful hot weather ?

Do you hear anything from Helen.  Let me know where she is now, and what Dean is doing.¹

Tell all my good friends that if they want to see me to Go to Texas.

Business is quite lively here since the close of the war.  Jeff. Thompson the Rebel Gen. has a store only three doors from where I am writing.  I see him every day.  The famous Semmes [Raphael Semmes] of the Alabama is also here.

If that money does not arrive by the twentieth of Sept., write and let me know.  Have the money so disposed of that I can get it at any time.

Write Soon Direct to San Antonio,

From Your Brother,
.              .J. E. Flint

1.  Jerry’s sister, Helen Flint Dean, and her husband, Royal L. Dean.

Jerry Flint letter of August 27, 1865, from the Jerry E. Flint Papers (River Falls Mss BN) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls University Archives & Area Research Center

1865 June 17: “I think the next class of troops that will be discharged are the veterans. . . . The Regular Army will be raised to the required number, and then we will be discharged”

Ed Levings is still feeling somewhat depressed that the 12th Wisconsin Infantry is not getting mustered out quickly.  The original letter is in the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO), in the University Archives and Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Hd. 3^rd, 2nd Div. 17^th N. C.
Near Louisville Ky, June 17^th, 1865

My Dear Parents;

                                Within the last two weeks I have not written to you, but I did not forget that you were looking for a letter; and I must tell you that of late I have been rather delinquent.  I was not in the writing mood.  Vexations and disappointments combined to make me miserable, and when I attempted to write, as I did one day to you, my mind was so hampered by unpleasant thoughts about the prospects &c that I quit writing and tore up the sheet.  I saw that there was no probability that we would be discharged very soon, and this with other things, such as half rations, and ignorance as to what the government intended to do with us, made me feel anything but pleasant.  I knew you would be disappointed to hear that we must remain in service awhile longer.  I concluded the better way was not to mourn over an event I could not control, and I said I will try and be contented and remember that “there is a good time coming”, and it may not be far distant.  And yesterday we received your letter of the 4^th inst. and I perceived you had not been too sanguine about our coming home right away, and I felt better.  I then thought I could write you a letter, and now I am doing it.  Well, the men whose term of service would expire with the coming October have been mustered out, and now there is an order to muster out all whose terms of service would expire by Oct 1866,— another step toward mustering out the troops.  The government does but one thing at a time, and I think the next class of troops that will be discharged are the veterans.  I have no idea that we will be kept more than 6 or 8 months.  The Regular Army will be raised to the required number, and then we will be discharged.  The men who have longest to serve will probably be kept the longest.  The time will seem long to us, but I calculate to make as good use of it in some way, and any suggestions from you will be welcome. — Ten per cent of the men are to be immediately furloughed for twenty days, and when they return, more will be furloughed.  You need not look to see us home on a twenty day furlough — it is too short a time.  Bye and bye, a longer time might be given, when we would try and get furloughs.  Next week we shall receive pay,—one installment of bounty and eight months pay.  Of course, we know not what our future movements may be.  I think we shall be scattered about the country to aid in the enforcement of the laws where necessary, or untill the several State governments can be reorganized and can assume the place of military authority.  By that time there will be a Regular Army to do the soldiering. — We left Washington on the 7^th inst via the Baltimore and Ohio R. R. and reached Louisville the morning of the 12^th — a distance of more than 800 miles.  We took the boats at Parkersburg.¹  The terminal of the B. & O. R. R. and came down in 44 hours, coming farther (425 miles) and in less time, than on the cars.  In my next I will tell you about Washington, and our trip from here to Louisville. — We have seen the 30th boys.  They look well mostly.  John White will go home next week.

[Edwin did not sign off]

1.  Parkersburg, West Virginia, is located at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reached Parkersburg in 1857, but lacked a crossing over the Ohio River until after the Civil War. When the B&O completed the Parkersburg Bridge to Belpre (1868-70) , it was the longest railroad bridge in the world.

A copy of an address, also dated June 17, 1865, was included with Edwin’s letter.  Although Edwin does not say who, it was most likely written by the general of the Third Division, Mortimer D. Leggett.

Hd. Qrs. 3^rd Div 17^th A. C.
Near Louisville K. [Kentucky] June 17^th/’65

Soldiers of the Third Division :

During the last four years you have displayed your valor and patriotism on scores of battle-fields.  Scores of times have you met the enemies of our Government in deadly conflict, and always proved victorious.  You never suffered your lines to be broken, you never attacked a position held by the enemy, which you failed to take.  You never were driven from a position which you attempted to hold.

When the history of the bloody battles and arduous campaigns in which you have been engaged shall be truthfully written, it will be said of the Old Third Division :  “It never knew defeat.—It was never late in battle, and never early out.— It never turned its back to the enemy.— It always responded to the order, ‘forward’ with a cheer, and moved without regard to the obstacles or force in its front, and stopped only when its own commander sounded the ‘Halt’.”

Of your name and record justly feel proud.  Soldiers guard well that name!  Don’t suffer any feeling of disappointment or discounted to lead you to tarnish that proud record, which, up to this date, is without a blot.

When we left N. C., our visions of home with its comforts and endearments were strong, and we all hoped, ere this, to be there.  But the Gov’t determined that it would be imprudent to so soon disband us.  Every inch of territory, lately in rebellion, is still under under under Martial Law, and while Martial Law prevails the war is not at an end, though active warfare may have ceased.  Until reorganizations takes place, & Civil Tribunals are ready to assume the control now exercised by the Military Authority, soldies [sic] will be needed, and we may justly & legally be held in service, and have no just rights to complain.

It is the expressed desire of the Govt to reduce its expenses as much and as rapidly as possible, and we may rely when being mustered out of the service at the earliest of moment deemed prudent by the authorities at Washington.

For the meantime, a liberal percentage of the men will be permitted to visit their homes on furlough, and the usual discipline must be maintained in camp.

See other Sheet.  [Ed’s letter]

1865 June 14: “I suppose we are going for Texas now, at any rate such is the general expectation”

The original letter is in the Jerry E. Flint Papers (River Falls Mss BN) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, University Archives and Area Research Center.

Camp 4^th,Wis Cav’y
Vicksburg Miss June 14 1865

Dear Brother

                          I have not written to you for so long that I have no doubt that you think I am playing off.  But not so.  I have been so thoroughly disgusted for the last few days that to write to any one or speak pleasantly has been a task.  You are probably aware also that since leaving the vicinity of Mobile where I last wrote you I have travelled [sic] all over the Southern Confederacy.  Have been at Vicksburg only about a week and am fully up for a campaign.  This is what  disgusts me.  I enlisted for the war, and now that it is over I am desirous of leaving the service.  Men who have laid back and came in at the eleventh hour are being discharged while those who have served from the beginning must be used for garrison duty, or make triumphal marches over a played out Confederacy.  I suppose we are going for Texas now, at any rate such is the general expectation.  Excuse me for expressing myself disgusted.  I believe it is the first time.  Service in war is well enough, I can stand that, but peace soldiering ruins body and soul.

The Regiment is going to be consolidated and the surplus officers mustered out but I do not place much confidence in that as being a means of my getting out, for the Col. [Joseph Bailey] is bound to have me stay.  I am still in command of the company.  Warren [Warren P. Knowles] is in the city (NO [New Orleans]) and whether he intends to join the Regt or not I cannot say.  Am in hopes to [hear?] something from him in a few days.  I rather wish to go to Mexico but if I must stay where I am now, why that knocks all these plans in the head.

The boys are all well and in as good spirits as you could expect them to be soldiering in a time of peace.  Rossie [Roswell V. Pratt] is perhaps an exception to the general good health, although he is still on duty.  His lungs trouble him some.  Northern atmosphere would help him.

Tell the folks I am all right, with the exception of being a little cross.  But by no means to expect me to write to them for I have sworn off entirely.  Meantime I hope they will all fulfill their duty to a fellow mortal by writing to me once a week.

My Best respects to all and remember me as ever

Your Brother

J E Flint

Excuse this envelope.  I have no small ones nor money to buy any with.

.

Jerry Flint letter of June 14, 1865, from the Jerry E. Flint Papers (River Falls Mss BN) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls University Archives & Area Research Center

1865 June 10: Tribute to Colonel Samuel Harriman

The following letter is from The Prescott Journal of June 10, 1865.

Letter from Major Eden.

THINGS IN THE ARMY.

Tribute to Col. Sam Harriman.

Well thus we play the fool with the time ;  and the spirits of the wise sit in the clouds and mock us —Second Part King Henry IV, Act II ; Scene 2.

SPEED.—And now you are metamorphosed with a mistress, that when I look on you, I can hardly think you my master.—Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act II ; Scene 1.

Love rules the Court, the Camp, the Grove.—Lay of the Last Minstrel.

FRIEND LUTE :—The multifarious wanderings of the 37th Badgers have at length come to a conditional termination in the wilds of Tenallytown.  After perils by sea and land, compared with which Saint PAUL’s experience (vide¹ II Cor. chap. xi, verse 26,) was a mere holiday excursion, (without the additional modern peril of excursion trains,) we are permitted to rest on our laurels within sight of the City of magnificent distances.  Our Division Hospital is located on our Mount Pisgah,² from the summit of which we can, like MOSES, behold the promised land, which again like him, we are not allowed to enter.  Stern orders emanating from Hd. Qrs. Gen. Comdg. the Dist. keep us from the city, except in a very intermittent way.

But our otherwise hard lot, is much alleviated and relieved by the presence of sundry members of that portion of creation which adheres to the tenents [sic] of the crinoline persuasion—in the words of Mr. MICAWBER, “I allude to lovely woman.”  Mrs. Col. SAMUEL and Mrs. Maj. BOSUEL of our Reg’t, honor us with their presence, as does also the wife of one of Col. Sam’s staff.

Therefore be it resolved :

I.     That now the fighting is over, the Army is a big thing. II.    That the presence of lovely woman in camp has a humanizing and moralizing influence. III.   That it is worth getting into a row or two, if only for the sake of having l. w., as aforesaid, sympathise with you. IV.    That under present conditions of pay, emoluments, and appurtenances, especially the latter, we are willing to suffer for our country for an indefinite period, unless sooner divorced.

The pleasingly domestic aspect of our Brigade Headquarters is truly refreshing.  In the midst of the grim paraphernalia of war, various little feminine articles denote in so unmistakable manner the presence of l. w., as aforesaid.  Our gallant Colonel mounts his charger with some mysterious article of infantile apparel clinging to his spur, or a doll’s head emerging from his pocket.  Dress Parade has its solemn [–]nery relieved by a cheerful vision of mounted feminines, and the Colonel’s staff is augmented by almost an entire squadron of crinoline cavalry.  “The spirit-stirring drum and the ear-piercing fife” have long ceased to charm, their martial tones having yielded to those of the peaceful piano.  Crinoline ranks cartridges ;  bayonets yield to bonnets ;  picketing has become pic-nic-ing ;  and camp and garrison equippment [sic] means horses and ambulances to convey the ladies to reviews.

A remodeling and reorganization of the army has long been talked of, and behold we have it, in a fashion never dreampt of by Casey [Silas Casey], little known to Hardee [William J. Hardee], and but dimly imagined by McClellan [George B. McClellan].  The Sanitary Commission has just sent for a supply of parasols, hoop skirts, and childrens’ [sic] carriages, and the Christian Commission for a large box of tracts for the young, for distribution through the Brigade, and for an exta suppl of preserved meats and fruits, to refresh the fainting bodies of its Chaplains, to enable the to discharge their new and onerous duties.

On the 9th inst. we had the pleasure of assisting as a spectator, at a very pleasing ceremony, the presentation to Col. Sam. Harriman of a very handsome sword and belt, by the officers of his staff.

The Inspector General, Capt. Chas. H. McCreery, was elected to do the talking, and spoke as follows:

COLONEL :—A pleasing duty has been given me to perform.  During the time they have been associated with you, in the discharge of official military duties, the officers of your staff have learned to honor you for your high soldierly qualities—for the zeal and alacrity with which you have at all times performed the work assigned you, and for the kindness and gentlemanly treatment they have uniformly received at your hands.  They will not soon forget the scene which they have passed with you, nor the conspicuous part you have taken in the closing days of the rebellion.  Now that the war is over, we may soon be released from a soldier’s life and be permitted to return to our homes and kindred, and the more genial pursuits of civil life.  They are unwilling this time shall come without expressing to you their appreciation of the important services you have rendered the government in its most trying hour, and their regard for you as an officer, a gentleman, and a friend.  We may soon be separated.  I express their feelings when I say, that their earnest wish is that your future in civil life may be brilliant as your past military career has been, and that a full measure of health, prosperity and happiness may be granted yourself and family.

Permit me, Colonel, in their behalf to present you with this sword—not on account of its intrinsic value, not as a slight token of their esteem and regard for you.  Though they trust you may never have occassion [sic] to unsheath it in actual warfare, it may serve in the future as a memento of past associations that will ever be pleasant and sweet to them.

The Col. then responded, as follows :

CAPTAIN McCREERY AND OFFICERS OF THE STAFF.—I thank you for this beautiful token of your confidence and esteem.

It is doubly valuable coming as it does from those who have been most intimately connected with me during the time I have commanded the Brigade, and coming at the close of the campaign and the end of the rebellion, when there can be no selfish ends in view.

I trust and believe that it will never be necessary to draw this bright blade in defence of the nation but whether my path in life may be in civil or military pursuits, no act of mine shall tarnish this memento of your regard, but shall be kept bright and pure as I receive it from your hands.

The sight of it will bring back fresh to memory the many pleasant and many trying hours we have passed together, and around it will cluster many pleasing recollections.

It will be pleasant to remember it as a gift from officers who have been true gentlemen in their deportment, and always ready to sustain me in all I have attempted.

We shall soon be called upon to separate, perhaps never to meet again, but I shall ever remember you for your uniform kindness and the prompt and efficient manner in which you have discharged every duty while we have been associated together, and you will carry with you my prayers and wishes for your prosperity and happiness.  Again, gentlemen, I thank you.

A few hours were then spent in friendly intercourse, while we were recipients of the kind hospitality of the Colonel and his amiable and agreeable lady.

We have since then had a series of visits from Gov. Lewis [James T. Lewis], Gen. Lucius Fairchild, Gen. Gaylord [Augustus Gaylord], Gov. Crasse, of Michigan and have reviewed and paraded to our hearts’ content.

Adieu, Lute ;  we hope the day is not far distant that will see us on our way home to the State, when we, that is us, intend visiting Prescott, and investigating the habits and customs of the Ed. Fam. Pap.                            .R. C. E. [Robert C. Eden]

1.  Vide is used to direct a reader to another item; in this case a book in the New Testament of the Bible, Second Corinthians, chapter 11, verse 26, in which the Apostle Paul writes, “I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.” 2.  Another Biblical reference, this time to the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy (chapter 34, verses 1-4), where God commanded Moses to climb up and view the Promised Land.

1865 June 3: Homer Levings Sends a McClellan Saddle Home to Prescott

The original letter is in the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO), in the University Archives and Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Washington D. C. June 3^rd 1[8]65.

Dear Father and Mother

                                             There is no news to write but I thought I would scratch off a few lines to while away the time.  I expressed a box to Prescott yesterday for you, containing one McClelan [sic] saddle,¹ and a bridle which I would like to have you get, as soon as convenient.  I do not know what the express charges will be on it probably not over five dollars.  Ed has gone to the City to day.  We have not had any letters for several days.  The 15^th Corps have all gone, probably some of our Corps will start to morrow, for LouisVille [sic].  We have not been paid off yet.  I expect we will get paid at LouisVille [sic].  I would prefer to be discharged here, but I supose [sic] we will have to go to the state.  It is so warm that I do not feel like writing so I will stop.  Yours Truly, .                                                                                                                                          .Homer.

1.  The McClellan riding saddle was designed by General George B. McClellan and adopted by the U.S. Army in 1859. It remained standard issue, in various models, for the remaining history of the horse cavalry. .

Edwin Levings letter of June 3, 1865, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1865 May 27: Letter from the Thirtieth Wisconsin in Kentucky, News of the Guerrillas Captured with Sue Mundy

The following letter comes from the May 27, 1865, issue of The Polk County Press.  The 30th Wisconsin Infantry contained many men from northwest Wisconsin, spread across multiple companies.

Correspondence of the Polk Co. Press.

FROM THE THIRTIETH WISCONSIN REGIMENT.

A SKETCH OF ITS DOINGS IN KENTUCKY, &C.

LOUISVILLE, KY., MAY 8, 1865.

FRIEND FIFIELD.—Here I am setting in my Sanctom Sanctorum [sic]¹ trying to wear away a dull time,—for I have been perfectly at leisure of late—or rather busy doing nothing.  I thought to myself, that perhaps you would like to hear from some member of the BLOODLESS 30th Wisconsin Regiment, and of the grand campaigns the Regiment has been through since it has been in Kentucky.  Five companies of the regiment, under the command of Col. D. J. DILL [Daniel J. Dill], arrived here the 29th of November, 1864.—Four companies under Major JOHN CLOWNEY, were waiting at Paducah for sometime previous to our arrival, for us to join them, and then if possible, to go to the front,—which every member of the regiment have been anxious to do, since its organization.  However such was not our fate.  The Col.’s orders had “gineout”² at this place, and nobody knew anything about the regiment, nor did they seem to care much ;  consequently had to go into camp and await something to “turn up” to relieve us of our situation.  We lay here in camp ten days.  Col. DILL after making every effort to get the regiment together, finally succeeded in getting Major CLOWNEY with his command ordered to this place.  The next move to be made was if possible to get ordered to the front, where we could bather our “maiden swords” in the blood of a “confed” [Confederate]—but all efforts seemed to be unavailing, and we lay here in camp not knowing whether we belonged to Uncle Sam or not, nor even recognized.  The men set about trying to make themselves comfortable.  The weather being cold and either raining, snowing, blowing or freezing—without any fire only what the men had to do their cooking with, as we were in tents.  Finally on the 11th of Dec., orders came from Regimental Hd. Qrs. to strike tents, and be ready to march at short notice.  All was bustle and confusion.  About 10 o’clock on the 11[th] we marched down to the Nashville depot, and proceeded on our journey rejoicing until the next day at 2 P. M., when we arrived at Bowling Green and found that was our destination, as the rebel Gen. LYON³ was in the vicinity of the Louisville and Nashville Rail Road, with quite a force, and might possibly (as there was quite a large supply of Government stores there), attack the place.  We went into camp about two miles back from the town, and immediately formed a picket line.—We staid here four weeks doing picket duty and not a sign of the enemy.  Raining and snowing, nearly all of the time, and the way the Kentucky soil stuck to the Union soldiers boots, you could really say that it was true Union.  The men when off duty were building log houses for shelter and comfort, and had fairly got ready to enjoy life, when we were ordered back to Louisville.  [paragraph break added]

Accordingly on the 10th of January, we took a special train at 1 o’clock, P. M., and did not arrive in Louisville until the morning of the 12th having traveled  72 miles in sixty hours.  If we had been in haste we certainly should have taken “walkers line.”  On our arrival at Louisville we were ordered to duty at the Military Prison, to guard Confederate prisoners ;  but this could not last long without some change.  Major CLOWNEY with three companies was ordered to Frankfort, to protect the loyal Kentuckians from guerrilla outrages.  Capt. MEACHUM [sic: Edgar A. Meacham] was ordered with three companies to the city, to do Provost duty ;  three companies being left at the prison with plenty of Guard duty for the whole nine companies.  I will here say there is but nine companies in the State.  Co. “I” was left at Fort Union, D. T.  There has not been more than six hundred prisoners here at any one time since we have been stationed here, as they are transferred to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, as soon as the rolls are made out and transportation furnished—the companies that are stationed here guarding them through to their destination.—A great many of them are good looking men, but their dress is not very becoming.  It looks as if they had not changed it since they entered the service.  The Prison is now nearly cleaned out.  None are left here now but the sick and wounded that are unable to travel.  Five guerrillas are confined here, among them is BILL McGRUDER [sic: “Billy” Magruder] and MIDKIFF [sic: Henry Metcalfe], captured with SUE MUNDY.  McGRUDER was badly wounded in the lungs, but is recovering slowly.  I think he will have a chance to practice on the hemp for twenty minutes some of these fine days for exercise.⁴  Guerrilla bands will soon be broken up in this State, as Gen. PALMER [John M. Palmer] is using every effort to bring them to justice.

I suppose I should say something about Louisville.  It is a very well laid out city, with many beautiful residences, but it cannot look as well as it did before the war broke out.—The streets are very much out of repair, and it will take a number of years to bring it back to its original appearance, and as for the genuine loyalty of its inhabitants, I should not want to trust it much, although there are many loyal people here.—The 14th of April there was quite a large procession paraded the streets all day, in honor of our victories.  On the morning of the news of the assassinnation [sic] of our beloved President, the city looked dark and gloomy enough.  The business portion of the city was heavily draped in mourning, also many residences.  Every Union citizen felt as though they had lost their best friend, while many of the “secesh” would say “that it was the death blow to the rebellion.”  Quite a number would rejoice in private, but if the boys in blue could find one of them, he was promptly marched off for safe keeping.  It would not do to talk secesh to any great extent, as Union men were not to be trifled with.  Business has fallen off nearly one half since that time—all Government offices have also cut down their expences [sic] one half of what they were before the surrender of LEE’S army [Robert E. Lee].

I should have said in my letter before, that the officers of the regiment are scattered nearly as bad as the companies.  Col. DILL was detached and put in command of the Post of Louisville for sometime, and then was relieved at his own request, and is now Provost Marshal Gen. of this District.  Lieut. Col. BARTLETT⁵  is on a General Court Marshal in session in this city.  Surgeon HOYT [Otis Hoyt] is in charge of Post Hospital.  Adjt. SPENCER⁶  is Post Inspector.  Lieut. WILSON [Henry A. Wilson] of company “A” is in charge of a Bureau for the purpose of issuing rations to the destitute families of our soldiers, which belong to Kentucky regiments.  The guerrillas so infest the towns where the soldiers enlist from, that they are obliged to leave their homes, and come to the city to live, where they can be protected.—The season here seems to be very forward to the people from the North.  Every thing is growing nicely and in the city gardens look beautiful.  In some they have mowed the grass, and Peach trees have all been in blossom, and the Shade trees have leaved [sic] out.

As I have used up my present material, I will close, hoping to have something more interesting to communicate at some future period.

Yours,          .D. A. F.

1.  Sanctum Sanctorum is a Latin phrase from the Bible meaning “holy of holies” and referred to the inner place of the Tabernacle of Ancient Israel and later the Temples in Jerusalem. It’s derivative meaning, used here, is any private place that is secure and free from infringement.
2.  Irish slang for “go out” or “get out.”
3.  Hylan Benton Lyon (1836-1907) graduated from West Point in 1856 and was a career military officer, fighting Indians in Florida and then in California and Washington Territory. When the Civil War started, he resigned and raised Company F of the 3rd Kentucky Infantry, which soon became part of the 1st Kentucky Artillery. Lyon equipped the unit, which initially was known as Lyon’s Battery (later Cobb’s Battery). In January 1862 Lyon was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 8th Kentucky Infantry and exercised command in the absence of the colonel. Lyon’s regiment was part of the garrison of Fort Donelson, Tennessee, and he became a prisoner of war when the fort surrendered to General Grant. He was exchanged in September and his regiment was reorganized as the 8th Kentucky Infantry, with Lyon as the colonel. The regiment fought during the Vicksburg Campaign, with Braxton Bragg, Joseph Wheeler, with James Longstreet at the Siege of Knoxville, and the Third Battle of Chattanooga. By 1864, Lyon commander cavalry as a brigadier general under Nathan B. Forrest. In December 1864, he led 800 Kentucky cavalrymen on a raid into Tennessee and western Kentucky, attempting to enforce Confederate draft laws and to draw Union troops away from General John Bell Hood’s Nashville campaign. His men burned seven county courthouses that were being used to house Union troops. With the end of the War, Lyon accompanied Tennessee Governor Isham G. Harris to Mexico, where he was a civil engineer for nearly a year before returning to his home in Eddyville, Kentucky. He resumed farming, opened a prosperous mercantile business, and served as state prison commissioner. He was primarily responsible for the Kentucky State Penitentiary being located in his hometown of Eddyville.
4.  A hemp rope will be used to hang Magruder in October, 1865.
5.  Edward M. Bartlett, from Durand, was on general court marshal duty from March to September 1865.
6.  Theodore C. Spencer, from Eau Claire, was Post Inspector in Louisville from February to September 1865.

1865 May 29: Edwin Levings on The Grand Review — “The moments of that day will long linger in the memories of our boys”

A typescript copy of this letter is in the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO), in the University Archives and Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  Not having done it ourselves, we cannot vouch for the accuracy of the transcription.  The beginning and end of this letter are almost identical to parts of Edwin’s letter of May 27th. At this time, the 12th Wisconsin Infantry was part of the Army of the Tennessee (Oliver O. Howard), XVII Corps (Francis P. Blair), Third Division (Mortimer D. Leggett), 1st Brigade (Charles Ewing). For more details on the Grand Review, see The Prescott Journal’s article on June 3, 1865.

Washington D.C. 12th Wis. Vol. May 29, 1865

Dear Parents,

                          It has been some time since my last, but so much has transpired that I did not have the time.  You are doubtless wondering when we are to come home.  As yet there is but one order from the War Department mustering out and discharging troops, and that applies to those only whose terms of service expire prior to October 1, 1865.  Our impatience to know what the War Department has in mind for us has been great, but we are contented to wait until it shall be their pleasure to inform us.  With so many troops to be discharged, there are many minute matters to be looked after, requiring much time.  If they will simply pay and discharge us, I will abide their time, be it weeks or months.

Well, the Big Grand Reviews are over, and never was Washington in such a merry or receptive mood.  The Army of the Potomac passed in review the day before us, on the 23rd.  We were fortunate and got a chance to see them and they presented a grand sight — all had new uniforms, polished brass on their accoutrements, guns shining brightly and most of them wore white gloves. all wore white gloves.  In precision, they marched down Pennsylvania Avenue — their non-commissioned Officers wearing sabres and their band gaily decked out in spendid [sic] uniforms with bearskin hats.  Next day was our day to perform and what a comparison it will be.  We were to march as we always did — no pomp and ceremony for us.  Some of the boys were issued new pants and we did the best to shine our battle-scared guns, clothing and what little brass there was left among us.  Homer and I spent considerable time washing and fixing our steeds — at least we could do that much.  That day we all fell in, and it seemed the minute the order was given, our boys took on an appearance of glory and holiness, and they marched, oh how they marched, never before did they stride like that.  Just imagine the scene, Mother and Father, if you can !  Men marching in their old worn-out uniforms, some with new pants that stood out like sore thumbs, scuffed shoes, the guns seeming to speak out “we have seen better days,” our flags tattered and torn, and all along the way, crowds upon crowds of people, cheering so loudly they deafened our ears.  Down Pennsylvannia [sic] Avenue we proceeded, and I fancied myself a “little Napolean” [sic] on my horse — and she lived up to qualifications by prancing as if she had been trained purposely for this type of duty and performance.  Homer looked like a Roman soldier upon his stallion, presenting himselr [sic] in the best fashion to the onlookers.  General Sherman [William T. Sherman] headed the column, followed by General Logan [John A. Logan], and each Brigade, headed by its own General and Staff.  We were up front of our Brigade with General Leggett [Mortimer D. Leggett].  How proud we were.  The color bearers carried the flags that told of our conflicts with the enemy.  As we passed the reviewing stand, all eyes went right, and the boys did right shoulder arms in perfect timing.  President Johnson [Andrew Johnson] with his Government Officials, some Foreign Officers and General Grant [Ulysses S. Grant] stood up and cheered us as we passed.  I thought we would all lose some more buttons for our chests swelled up and our hearts throbbed.  On we marched and back to Crystal Springs.  Not one minute of the march did we think how hungry we were and that our breakfast had only been hardtack and coffee that morning.  The moments of that day will long linger in the memories of our boys — though they looked like a lot of Bummers, they did not feel it in the least, and I feel sure the people appreciated them all the more for it.  They know we have not had an easy time of it during this conflict, and are aware of it more now.

We do not live too well since we came to Washington.  Homer says to tell you if they don’t pay us soon there is apt to be some foraging going on right here in our Nation’s Capitol [sic], for the boys cannot live without eating.

Hold on —

There is an order this morning stopping the muster-out of any more troops in the District, and it is said we shall proceed as organizations to our respective States, there to complete the work.  There are good reasons for it.  The boys, many of them, behave rather badly, and there is no doubt that if paid off here and let loose, many would lose all their money, and many would never get home.  By the way, the Western boys do not hitch well with the Potomac chaps.  Washington is in more danger today than when defended by McClellan’s troops [George B. McClellan].  I do not mean to say our soldiers are deficient in good morals generally, but simply to say our soldiers that in the presence of so many troops of all characters, the elements are stronger, and that society is much disturbed.  [paragraph break added by UWRF Archives]

I have not been down town to see any sights.  As it has been, and is, I am on duty two hours in every eighteen and we are Camped 4 miles North of town.  As soon as I can though I mean to get down and see some of the things of interest.  It was impossible to see anything the days of the 23rd and 24th even if we had the time.  We were fortunate that General Leggett had the curiosity the day of the Potomac boys march for we would not have had the chance to see them otherwise.  Cant’ tell you any more about our muster-out and I must go to my duty.

Until next time, I am your son,        .Edwin

Grand review of Sherman’s grand army, at Washington on May 24, 1865, looking up Pennsylvania Avenue from the Treasury Buildings, image from the Library of Congress¹

1.  “Grand review of the great veteran armies of Grant and Sherman at Washington, on the 23d and 24th May, 1865. Sherman’s grand army. Looking up Pennsylvania Ave. from the Treasury Buildings, during the passage of the “Red Star” Division,” by Mathew B. Brady (New York : E. & H. T. Anthony & Co., American and Foreign Stereoscopic Emporium, 501 Broadway, 1865 May). Albumen photographic print on stereo card, cropped by UWRF Archives for this blog post. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-stereo-1s02873 (digital file from original stereograph, front) LC-DIG-stereo-2s02873 (digital file from original stereograph, back) LC-USZ62-57018 (b&w film copy neg. of full stereo) LC-USZ62-107052 (b&w film copy neg. of half stereo, left side).

1865 May 27: Edwin Levings on the End of the War—“The work is done, and is it not well done?”

The original letter is in the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO), in the University Archives and Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  The original letter is rather faint, so the copy below has been darkened so that it is readable.

Crystal Springs D. C. May 27^th 1865.

My Dear Parents ;

                                We had the pleasure of reading your letter of the 20^th inst last evening ; and it really seems clever to be in receipt of news from home in a single week’s time. —  I have taken my pen to answer, as you doubtless expect to be kept posted as to our prospects for coming home, &c.  As yet there is but one order from the War Department mustering out and discharging troops, and that applies to those only whose terms of service expire prior to Oct 7^th, 1865.  Our impatience to know the purpose of the War Dept concerning us has been great, and is yet, but we are becoming contented to wait till it shall be their pleasure to inform us.  Among so many classes of troop[s] to be discharged there are many minute matters to be looked after, requiring much time.  But if they will simply pay and discharge us, I will abide their time, be it weeks or months.  I presume we shall be served in the order of our enlistments. — There is an order this morning stopping the muster-out of any more troops in the District, and it is said we shall proceed as organizations to our respective States there to complete the work.  There are good reasons for it.  The boys, many of them, behave rather badly, and there is no doubt that if paid off here and let loose, many would lose all their money, and many never get home.  [paragraph break added]

By the way, the Western boys do not hitch very well with the Potomac chaps.  Washington is in more danger to-day than when defended by the [?] troops.  I do not mean to say our soldiers are deficient in good morals generally, but simply to say that in the presence of so many troops of all characters the elements of evil are strongr [sic], and that society is much disturbed.

I have not been down town yet.  I mean to do so as soon as possible.  As it is I am on duty two hours in every eighteen ; and we are camped 4 miles North of the town.  Ellsworth¹ was over here to see us yesterday.  He looks well.  His Div. moves camp to-day over to Alexandria.  We mean to go and see him ; also Dwight and wife who live there.  The Sanitary Commission is here bestowing its donations to the troops.  We have received some good clothing and some eatables from it.

Well, Kirby Smith has at last come to terms, so I guess we will not go to Texas nor Mexico.  The work is done, and is it not well done?  I hope that no many days will elapse ere we can meet you at home.  Write to us often, and do not look for us till you hear of our arrival in Madison.

Yours affectionately —
Edwin D. Levings

[On the back is a short letter from Homer]

Dear Father & Mother

                                          It has been some time since I have written any and I have nothing to write now, but I will try and say a few words to let you know that I have not lost all regard for you.  I went over to see Jut and Elsworth¹ [sic] the other day, they have both been to see us.  You wanted to know what we thought about selling the mare and colt.  I think you could sell them if you have not already, and the money would do you more good than they would.  There is an order not to muster out any more men.  The troops are to be sent to their States and all moustered [sic] to-gether.  I hope they will pay us off before sending us home, if they do not the soldiers will be apt to forage a little, for they can not live without eating.  Our living has been verry [sic] poor since we came to Washington.  But I must bring this to a close.

Yours Truly, Homer.

1.  Edwin’s and Homer’s cousin, Ellsworth Burnett, captain of Company F, 37th Wisconsin Infantry.

Edwin Levings letter of May 27, 1865, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1865 May [21]: “Now that an armed foe no longer assails the Old Flag, I must write of other things than the scenes and incidents of war”

After Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston surrendered all of the Confederate forces in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida, to Union General William T. Sherman on April 26, 1865, Sherman’s forces left Raleigh on April 30, 1865, and marched about 250 miles to Washington, D.C.  Edwin describes that march in this letter.  They marched in their usual two-wing formation: the Army of the Tennessee—which included the 12th Wisconsin Infantry—and the Army of Georgia.  Unlike their earlier marches, however, foraging was prohibited, which is why Edwin talks about guarding houses as the troops marched by.  The daily march increased from a more leisurely fifteen miles a day to almost thirty miles per day, and because of the springtime heat, many men straggled or dropped from heat exhaustion, another concern for Edwin and his brother Homer, in their Provost role.  Rumor had it that the grueling pace resulted from a bet between some of Sherman’s generals as to who would get to Richmond first.  After marching through the battlefields of central Virginia, Sherman’s troops arrived in Washington, D.C.—technically, across the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia—on May 19th.  The last “march” required of these soldiers was the Grand Review on May 24.  Edwin mentions the upcoming Review in the first paragraph, and describes it in detail in a later letter (May 29, 1865).

A typescript copy of this letter is in the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO), in the University Archives and Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.  Not having done it ourselves, we cannot vouch for the accuracy of the transcription.  The date of the letter is obviously wrong, since the march did not end until May 19th.  More likely the date should be May 21st.

Washington D. C.  May 1st [sic], 1865.

My Dear Parents,

                                 Well, aren’t you surprised !  Here we are in Washington and are ordered to take part in a Grand Review, for which little preparation is being made.  And now while you are looking for “another army letter,” I gladly pen these lines, hoping they may confer as much pleasure and interest as felt by me when tracing yours.

Now that an armed foe no longer assails the Old Flag, I must write of other things than the scenes and incidents of war, and what shall they be?  My purpose was to write a short sketch of our march from Raliegh [sic], North Carolina to Washington, but the thought occurs that from previous letters you must be quite familiar with the features of interest in a march, for though varied, they are much alike in each instance, and therefore I will not invite you to a perusal of what might be but little better than an old story.  I will say it was the most pleasant and agreeable march ever performed by us.  We¹ had been detailed for Provost Duty at Division Headquarters, and being mounted on horses, with the privelege [sic] of going where we wished, had an excellent chance to see the Country and people.  Sometimes we remained as safe guards at the houses during the passing of the troops, and sometimes stopped overnight.  Everyone was seemingly glad the War was ended.  Numerous questions were asked about the North and the Yankees, and more than once I tired with talking.  By the way, would you believe it — some of the fair ones asserted their liking for the Yankees, and more than once I said they would marry the first favorable chance.  Further, some of Raleigh’s daughters actually made peace with Uncle Sam’s boys by marrying them.  This demonstrates conclusively that there is yet in Dixie a real love for the Union.  Now, who says the war was a failure, when it ended by making lovers of enemies?  A different turn of the wheel of fortune some of the Northern girls may think, and what do you suppose they will say?  The trip I shall always remember with satisfaction.  I would give some of the conversation, but fear I might spin this out to too great a length.

I can not think but that our required services will not be more than 6 or 8 months longer.  But I must leave you now for duty calls.

Your affectionate son,
.                                       .Edwin

1.  Edwin and his brother, Homer.