1865 January 18: “I tell you we hugged the ground for awhile for dear life, expecting at every discharge to be hit”

Pocotaligo, South Carolina, was the closest depot to Port Royal Island and was a sought-after target for Union troops to disrupt railroad service.  It fell to Union General William T. Sherman in early 1865 shortly after his army’s capture of Savannah in Christmas 1864. Very little of the community remains today.

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.

Pocotaligo S.C. Jan 18^th, 1865

Cousin Hattie,

                             A leasure [sic] hour has come, and I am thinking how well I should like to receive a letter from you.  It is a long time since I had that pleasure, and it is with the hope you will soon write to me that I pen these lines.  I fear you thought as Father writes so regularly that your letters would possess no interest to me, or perhaps, you have expected two letters for one.  Your letters will certainly interest and please and I shall look for them.  I am no letter writer, — my letters are sorry looking, dull things — and hoping you will pass my imperfections by[,] may I not receive a letter from you soon?

How well I should enjoy being home this evening!  I fancy I can see how the scene in the kitchen looks.  Father is perusing the newspaper; Mother is sewing, or dreamily sitting in the rocking chair, and you are intent with a book.  A more interesting scene than I can sketch, of course, ~ very pleasant, but I will not continue the sketch farther.  I wonder if I shall again be permitted to enter the home circle and enjoy its sweet influence.  Only the All-seeing Father, who careth for us all, knows.  I am far away, and am taking a soldier[‘]s lot, and know not what may be in store for me.  I am not sad in consequence.  Our cause is holy, and if I live to enjoy the blessings of a restored Union, that enjoyment will increase with the remembrance of these days of toil.  If not, it will be all right.  I can use the present only, and may I use it well.

Well, Dear Cousin, we have both been in battle again, and we are yet safe.  I must tell you what we have been about the last few days.  The 17th Corps left Beaufort on Port Royal island the 13th inst. to gain a foothold on the Charleston and Savannah R. R.  Our Div. was in advance.  The day following we skirmished with the rebels for 10 miles, and night closed the day with a sharp, short fight.  Co. A. 45th Ills. and Co. A. 12th were on the skirmish line and advanced to within 300 yds. of the rebel intrenchments which were across a marsh, 2 miles from Pocotaligo Station.  The rebels poured fierce volleys of musketry into us and played on us from 3 forts with artillery.  We were in the open field  but lost but few men.  That we lost so few is truly surprising.  We lay down between the  corn rows, and I tell you we hugged the ground for awhile for dear life, expecting at every discharge to be hit.  The cannon shot ploughed up the ground showering us with dirt.  Robert Gibson of River Falls was knocked down by a piece of shell, but beyond a slight bruise there was no harm done to him.  Some of the boys had their knapsacks completely riddled with bullets.  The cloth tent & blankets of Private Beardsley [Alva S. Beardsley] of Prescott were completely riddled and ought to be in the Historical Rooms at Madison.¹  We had but 3 wounded in the Co. one severely, none killed.  The rebels left in the night retreating across the Saltcatcher River towards Charleston.  I think the rebels must be very weak when a mere handful of men can drive them.  The negroes said they, the rebels, were terribly frightened.

We are strongly intrenched on the R. R., it being the purpose I am told, to establish communication with Savannah.  I hear we shall stay here 8 or 10 days, draw clothing & other supplies.  So you see this army has become a flying column and may strike anywhere.  The troops are perfectly joyous at the discomfiture of the rebels who can only make a show of strength at most.

While at Beaufort the Sanitary folks & the Christian Commission agents visited us, distributing their gifts among us.  It does me good to see these ministers of Kindness from our Northern homes.  They presented the Regt. with a lot of canned milk, tomatoes, soda crackers, farina, & other things.  The farina, though, what can we use it for?  We can not make puddings with it without other material.  It might answer to whitewash cake when sugar is high.

The weather down here is fine at present — the nights are cold & we have to get up close to the fire.  Dear Cousin, I heard, how, I do not recollect, that you are teaching school.  Tell me how you get along.  What is Lottie about.  Let me know what the young folks are busying themselves about there [sic] winter evenings.  We are both well as usual.  Please write soon directing via N. Y.  [paragraph break added]

With well wishes for your happiness, I am Your Cousin, Edwin Levings

1.  The museum displays of the Wisconsin Historical Society were called the Historical Rooms at this time.

Edwin Levings letter of January 18, 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

1864 September 15: “Madame Rumor says Sherman is ordered to push out after Hood as soon as possible”

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

Camp of the 12th Wis Vols.
Near Atlanta Ga  Sept 15th / ’64

My Dear Parents ;

                                  Yours of the 1st inst. was rec’d day before yesterday ;  also, that of Cousin Lottie.  As I have not yet mail’d my last letter to you I will write another to send off with it, so here it is — as follows.

We are all enjoying ourselves firstrate.  Our camp, which is beautifully located on the East side of the R. R. and equidistant from Atlanta and Eastport, is in the shade of small pine, hickory, and oak trees and near a little creek, along which are numerous springs of most excellent water.  Everything about camp has the air of neatness and order.  The breastworks in front are finished, and we have more rations than we know what to do with ; and we are quietly awaiting the issue of new clothes and the arrival of some of Uncle Sam’s pay agents.  A large bakery is building and soon we shall have soft bread.

It may interest you to know the difference between campaign rations and camp rations.  The former consists of hard bread, beef, bacon, beans, dessicated potatoes, sugar, coffee, salt, pepper, with occasional tastes of vinegar, whiskey & so on.  The latter of the same, with rice, Irish potatoes occasionally, and fish, krout [sic: sauerkraut], soft bread or flour, or both, and molassess [sic].

Madame Rumor says Sherman [William T. Sherman] is ordered to push out after Hood [John Bell Hood] as soon as possible, and that our stay here is likely to be shortend [sic].  It may be so.  Possibly it is feared the general may take advantage of our resting spell and send off troops to Richmond or Mobile.  He dare not risk an open engagement with this army, for he well knows what would be the result ; and he is equally aware that that [sic] he can do nothing with it even when stronly [sic] entrenched.  Despairing of assistance and of successful operations, it seems more probable he will disperse his army to be of use where it can be given.  You do not know, I guess, how nice a trap Sherman had set for him on the first inst.  Had the 23rd Corps been up to time, Hood and his army would have all been gobbled.  The position of the contending armies on that day I will sketch for you.  Our head generals were feeling finely over their prospective success and I think old Hood’s hair stood up straight when he saw the danger.

Map from page 4 of Edwin Levings’ September 15, 1864, letter, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

This was the plan.  While the 4th and 23rd corps were swinging around in the rear of the rebels, and the 17th corps was moving to a position on the right of the 16th, represented by the dotted line A. B., the 14th Corps was to move forward its right & make a connection with the 15th Corps.  When the 23rd had occupied the line represented by C. D. it was to announce the fact by opening the ball and immediately the 14th Corps was to charge down the R. R. and then a general pressing in was to follow.  It was 3 o’clock P. M. and the 23rd Corps being 2 hours behind time & observing the rebels getting away did not get the position intended & attempted to head them off on the line E. D.  The 17th Corps was on hand.  You know the result of the movement.  The 14th charged & did good work, as it was.

Politics are discussed by us with great interest.  At present all eyes are directed to the doings of the Chicago Convention.  Many fear McClellan [George B. McClellan] will be elected, some think he will run about as Douglas [Stephen A. Douglas] did.  They await the election in great suspense, believing everything hinges on this issue.  It makes us feel bad to see so many Union men faltering just at the time when energies are most needed, at a time when they can be most valuable.  Their sacrifices are not equal to ours and, if I may use the expression, “Can they not watch with us one hour” ?  I have hope that the country will be saved.  If God has not given us over to our own ways we shall come out as redeemed people.  The are a most perverse people and unwilling to do God’s will, and the evils and calamities of war are meant to bring us to our alligiance [sic] to Him.  We can not tell what is ahead, but I apprehend there are to may be privations and sufferings more sever than we have yet had ere we come out of the struggle.

The Capt. and some other officers, I understand, have sent in their resignations.  The boys will not mourn his departure at all.  1st Lt. Charles Reynolds is a much better officer and far better liked.  Lt. Kelsey is also well liked.¹

You ask, Mother, if we lost our medicine, and if you shall send us some.  We lost the homeopathy medicine during the battle of the 22nd July.  We both think it best you do not send any at present, at least, if at all.  Not that it has grown into disfavor with us.  I have my doubts about wanting to use it any more in Dixie.

Col. Bryant [George E. Bryant] who commands the Brigade will soon leave us.  It will be difficult to find a Col. in whom there is a firmer confidence — all think highly of him & hate to have him go home.

We both have good health, I am more fleshy than at the opening of the campaign.  Homer says you may send him by letter a little pulverized alum² which he wishes to have on hand in case he would have the ague [fever].

Yours &c,          Edwin D. Levings

1.  The captain at this time was Orrin T. Maxson, from Prescott; he resigned as of September 18, 1864. Charles Reynolds, from Madison, currently the 1st lieutenant, became the captain as of October 7, 1864. Wallace Kelsey, officially listed as being from Owatonna (Minn.) was currently the 2nd lieutenant and would become the 1st lieutenant as of October 7, 1864, and be replaced as 2nd lieutenant by Alva McKee, officially from Rockford (Minn.).
2.  Pulverized alum was used to stop bleeding, for diphtheria, for croup, and for offensive foot sweat!
.

Edwin Levings letter of September 15, 1864, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1864 August 25: “Only think, a rifle loaded with 16 cartridges and fired all in a minute if desired, and loaded in another”

There is obviously something missing toward the bottom of this letter from Edwin Levings with the 12th Wisconsin Infantry in Georgia.  Page 3 ends in mid-sentence and what follows on the next page is labeled “6” and picks up two weeks later.  The original letter is in the Edwin D. Papers (River Falls Mss BO), in the University Archives and Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and when we find the stray page, we will add it to this post.

Near Atlanta Ga Aug 25^th, 1864.

Dear Father ;

                         Yesterday’s mail brought us a letter from you of the 14th inst.  All your letters lately have come through in nine or ten days.  We like to have them thus often.  The distance seems shortened, in fact, we seem almost to be at home, when hearing from there so often.

I doubt I can write a decent letter this morning.  I have been trying to solve a geometrical problem and failed.  I was successful with one I saw in the Rural and felt so pleased about it that I attempted another.  I never studied Geometry, I suppose you know, and I found the solution of the problem involved more knowledge of that branch than I am likely to possess during my soldier life, at least, I am sure I would like that study and perhaps may send for a book after we are paid off.

We shall probably be armed with the Henry rifle, a 16 shooter.¹  Most all the Regt. want that arm and can get it whenever the money is ready.  The price is $41.  Col. Bryant [George E. Bryant] has written to Gen. Sherman [William T. Sherman] to see if he will allow one of the paymasters at Marietta to come & pay us, so we can get the guns.  I have seen the rifle and fired it, and it is unhesitatingly pronounced the neatist and most effective gun in use.  Only think, a rifle loaded with 16 cartridges and fired all in a minute if desired, and loaded in another.  It has many other advantages.  The cartridges are metallic and, of course, water proof.  The cartridge box is small & will hold 100 rounds.  There are no caps nor baynet [sic] to carry.  Gov’t. furnishes the cartridges.  We have both signed for them.  If a soldier is killed & his gun recovered it is sent to his friends, or sold, according as he may have previously expressed the wish, and the money sent to his friends.  [paragraph break added]

1860 Henry repeating rifle

The military situation here is changing for the better, I understand.  The left wing and center of the army is falling back to a new line of works, that fact being to straighten the line by letting the left rest on the Chattahoochee above Marietta, and allowing the right to swing further around the city.  You can see this arrangement the better secures our communications while it is certain to cut off those of the rebels.  This done, the rebels must fight us on our own ground, or skeddadle when they will surely be destroyed.  Either movement will result in their destruction.  The 17th corps, in the center, withdraws to the new line this evening about ½ mile distant.  At first thought this movement would seem like a confession of weakness on the part of Sherman, but you will remember the destruction of the rebel army, not the possession of the city, is …

———

6                    Sept. 10th,  Could not mail till I will say a little more.  We have about 540 men present — about 450 doing duty.  The recent battles will not make our permanent loss over 100, so that we have left about 900 men.  Half of them are of no account to us at present, and a good many never were and never will be.  Co. A  has lots of well men along the R. R. lines who won’t come to the front till made to come ~ perfect sneaks.  I hate to say it, but it is truth, & they are our recruits, with hardly an exception.  They are horrified at the idea of bullets & so make excuses or get detailed where bullets don’t sing their requiem.  Just so in the Co. with a few, — never in a fight yet & never mean to be if they can help it — sick or going to be, can hardly get them on picket & when there won’t fire a shot if they can help it.  I have a perfect contempt for such men.  Don’t send any more such men down here.  I am glad to say not all our recruits are such cowards.  There are some of them as good substantial, reliable men as carry a musket.  But it is a fact 1 veteran is worth 3.  Yet a doz. such men as I first mentioned, but enough of this.  [paragraph break added]

We are both well.  Hope you will write often.

Yours affectionately, E. D. Levings

1.  Benjamin Tyler Henry patented, in 1860, the first practical, lever action repeating rifle. It has a reliable .44 caliber rimfire metallic cartridge and produced a rapid and highly accurate fire. The first Henry rifles were in the hands of Union soldiers by mid-1862.

Edwin Levings letter of August 25, 1864, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1864 July 24: “My heart aches with sadness as I proceed to give the account” of the Battle of Atlanta

Edwin Levings, with Company A of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, describes his regiment’s portion of the Battle of Atlanta.  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.

Near Atlanta Ga., July 24th, 1864.

Ever Dear Parents,

                                  I hasten to write you knowing you must be anxious about us, for re this reaches you the news of battle in Ga will have come. We have had no chance to write  for the last 20 days and we have had nothing from you during that time.—We are both safe and unhurt ~ thanks to our Heavenly Protector who cares for us all.  [paragraph break added]

Dear Father and Mother, news of the battles of the 21st and 22nd inst has reached you through the papers and I know with what anxiety you await some tidings from us.  We were both in  those battles.  Our division charged an important point of the rebel works, took it & held it.  The 4th Div. on our right did not charge.   This was on Thursday the 21st, half way between Decatur and Atlanta, and directly east of Atlanta.  For four or five days the 17th Corps preceded by other Corps had been swinging around to the East of Atlanta via Marietta, Rossville & Decatur.  We crossed the Chattahoochee near Rossville.  Our forces had severed and destroyed the R. R. running East to Augusta and had met but little opposition.  On the 20th we passed though Decatur and took up a position 4½ miles from Atlanta, & the 4th Div supported by the 3rd drove the rebels back  1½ miles with but slight loss.  At dark the 3rd Div took up its position on the left of the 4th. Div and at 7 A. M. next morning made the charge.  Our Brigade suffered fearfully.  Co’s A & B skirmishers, followed by the 12th led the charge.  The rest of the Brigade, 16th Wis, 20th, 30th, & 31st Ills. supported us over a hill, through a cornfield, into a piece of thick woods we went, driving the rebels from their first line of works in most gallant style & inflicting some loss on the rebels.  Would to God this were the better part of the story!  My heart aches with sadness as I proceed to give the account.  [paragraph added]

Our proud old 12th lost 156 men in killed, wounded or missing.  The battle lasted a little over an hour.  The rebels fought obstinately.  We went beyond their works, but a terrible flank fire compelled us to fall back behind their works.  Co. A lost 20 men killed, wounded & missing, 1/3 the number engaged.  The killed are ~ W^m Hodgess, David S. Dresser, Henry Bowers, Julius Olison [sic], George W. Hope, Torbion Halverson.  Wounded ~ Robert Triggs, mortally; James Holman, left arm amputated; Orderly Sergt. Alva McKee, slightly; Jeremiah Caniff, severely; Andrew F. Ottman; Morris Denhem, severely; Albert Barrett, slightly; Frank Barrett, badly in shoulder; W^m Burnett, hand slightly; McCollum, leg slightly; Olin, leg slightly; Jack Carruthers, slight scratch on arm; Syness, leg; Hammer, slightly.  Totatal Total 6 killed & 14 wounded.¹  James Balsom, Co. I, was not hurt.²  [paragraph break added]

The rebel fire was very hot.  I lay behind a log for one hour, with some others, near the rebel breastworks & during that time the rebels killed 6 of our boys & wounded 7, all less than 25 ft. from me.  We dared not raise our heads to shoot but finally crawled off.  Our boys were truly brave & have been complimented for their valor.  The rebels were ugly fellows to handle but prisoners (we took 40) stated that they never saw troops charge as determinedly as we.  ~  But this battle was nothing to that of the 22nd.  The rebels attempted to destroy McPherson’s [James B. McPherson] command, the 15th, 16th & 17th Corps.  They massed their forces on the 16th Corps occupying the extreme left & nearly doubled it up on the 17th.  We were drawing rations just about noon when we heard faint musketry in our rear & ran our Div. trains moving off as fast as possible, men running for dear life.  15 minutes the great battle had fairly begun.  The rebels were coming on to the 16th Corps & were driving it back out of the woods, yelling constantly.  The 4th Div. had moved to our left and it was driven back & I believe if it were not for our 3rd Div & some of the 15 Corps they [would] have utterly destroyed us.  For 6 hours the battle raged furiously & the 16th Corps & the 4th Div. 17th lost terribly.  We checked the rebels, threw up a new line to connect with that of the 3rd Div. & facing south.  We had not half finished it, when the rebels charged on our Brigade over the same ground we did the day before for the same works.  The line of our 3rd & 2nd Brigades was that of a horse shoe, & our regiment faced west, towards Atlanta.  The rebels came up 5 lines deep, drunk with whiskey, & gunpowder & some of them actually got inside our works, but never went out.  They could not take the position.  The musketry was awful and the slaughter of rebels was awful.  A great many were captured.  We burried [sic] our & their dead in front of our line yesterday.  There were rebel guns enough in our front to arm 2 regiments.  [paragraph break added]

I tell you the boys felt bad when they saw our men falling back at the commencement of the battle. It was almost a Bull Run affair.  If we did not hold our position we knew we were “gone up” & resolved never to give it up as long as we had a cartridge.  Many regiments lost half their men before the rebels were checked & many their knapsacks.  Our train was not captured.  Part of our knapsacks were left over across a creek & fell into rebel hands.  We both [Ed and his brother Homer] lost every thing we had but our oilcloths.  We can get along without till the campaign is over.  I have borrowed stationery to write you.  The rebels were driven partly back & have concluded it was a sorry job they undertook.  All is very quiet today.  [paragraph break added]

Gen. McPherson was killed while coming to us.  Our Brig. Gen. (Force [Manning F. Force]) was wounded a day or two before.  During the rebel charge the 12th, 14th, 17th, were reported to fire on front & on both flanks but strange to tell very few were hit.  Our regiment lost but a few men that day.  The 16^th did splendid fighting—so did all the troops.  Gen. Logan [John A. Logan] now takes McPherson’s place.  Sherman went through the lines & was loudly cheered.  I am suffering a good deal from a boil on my left knee.  I can hardly walk.  We have built works with traverses to guard against flank fire & are going to hold our ground.  If they come again we can use them up.   Homer has the toothache some, otherwise is well & hearty.  Jack is all right.  Hood [John B. Hood] commands the rebel army.  In the 2nd day’s fight the Co. lost 12 men, 1 wounded , 1 missing, Samuel Roberts is the missing one.  He was with the regiment wagons & is supposed to have been killed or captured.  Nothing is known concerning him.  I pity his family.  [paragraph break added]

I must not write any more.  Write us soon & often.  Give my love to Cousins S. &  H. &  tell them we hope to hear from them soon.  Affectionately yours, Edwin D. Levings

Since we came to Sherman’s army we have lost over 200 men.

1.  In alphabetical order, the casualties at the Battle of Atlanta from Company A were:

	Name	From		Name	From
	Albert J. Barrett,	Prescott		James H. Holman,	Prescott
	Francis M. Barrett,	Prescott		George W. Hope,†	Diamond Bluff
	Henry Bowers,†	Marinette		Torbion Hulverson,	Martell
	William Burnett,*	Clifton Mills		John McCallum,*	Prescott
	Jeremiah Canniff,	Prescott		Alva McKee,*	[Rockford, Minn.]
	John Carruthers,*	River Falls		Julius O. Oleson,†³	Prescott
	Morris Denhem,	Pleasant Valley		Anthony N. Olin,*	River Falls
	David L. Dresser,†	Kinnickinnick		Andrew F. Ottman,	Trimbelle
	Nathan K. Hammar,*	Prescott		Michael E. Synes,*	Martell
	William H. Hodges,†	Hudson		Robert Triggs, Jr.,†	Kinnickinnick

Those marked with an asterisk were probably wounded very slightly as they are not listed in the official rolls as having been wounded. Those marked with a cross were killed in action on July 21, 1864, including several whom Ed lists as only wounded.

2.  James Balcom, from Kinnickinnick, was originally in Company A, but had just been transferred to Company I on May 1, 1864.
3.  Of Julius O. Oleson’s death, the official records states, “Probably an error. Has been reported living afterwards and a prisoner of war by a comrade.”

Edwin Levings letter of July 24, 1864, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1864 June 13: “We are at the front, right up to the rebels who are strongly intrenched along the mountains about 18 or 20 miles from Atlanta”

Fierce but inconclusive fighting had occurred in Georgia at New Hope Church on May 25, 1864, at Pickett’s Mill on May 27, and at Dallas on May 28.  By June 1 heavy rains were making the roads impassable to a 19th century army.  On June 14, one day after Edwin Levings’ letter and following eleven days of steady rain, Union General William T. Sherman was ready to move again.  But he won’t get very far, very fast because of the Confederate rifle pits and breastworks described by Edwin.

On June 27, Sherman will attempt to break the stalemate by attacking the Confederate position on Kennesaw Mountain.  Big Shanty—mentioned here—will be a site of major fighting in the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.

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.

Camp of the 12th Wis. Vols.
1½ miles beyond Big Shanty,
Ga. Monday, June 13th, 1864.

My Dear Parents,

                                 An opportunity is offered for mailing letters at 4 P. M. and I gladly improve it to inform you where I am, how I am, and what is transpiring here.  We are at the front, right up to the rebels who are strongly intrenched along the mountains about 18 or 20 miles from Atlanta and are pecking away with some spirit.  We are doing the same to them.  Are posted on the left of the R. R. which is in operation up to our lines.  In front of us at the distance of 1 mile is Lost Mountain, at the base of which the rebels have breastworks and forts ready to receive us.  On the summit is stationed their Signal Corps and it is thought they have two heavy guns up there also.  We are in the valley, which is of a rolling surface, and are intrenched also.  Our camps and fortifications are in the edge of the woods about 1 mile from theirs.  Our breastworks we built yesterday and the day before of rails logs, timber &c, with earth thrown up in front.  The rifle pits are but 60 rods beyond and but 80 or a 100 rods from the rebel pits.  I do not know whether the intention is to charge the rebels over such ground or not.  If it is, there will be a bloody time.  The enemy has all the advantage and it looks as though he could keep it if we move forward in his front.  The belief is that 2 Corps have moved to flank them, and our demonstrations are mainly to divert their attention.  Certainly, the rebels have a tremendously strong position and I think Sherman had got something to do before he gets them out of it and captures Atlanta.  As yet the rebels have not opened on us with artillery in our front, (I mean the 17th corps) but they can shell our camp if they choose, in which case we shall have to make for our works.  They would evidently like to draw us out, and then they would treat us to some of their “water melons,” I think.  It is stated by the best authority that Johnson’s [sic: Joseph E. Johnston] force is 80,000.  7 A. [Army] Corps, at least, are represented here, the 4th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 20th & 23rd.

I wrote on the 9th to you from near Acworth.  We are about 6 miles from there.  The 3rd Div. had the advance the following day & drove the rebels from Big Shanty.  The rebels’ cars left that morning, and ours came in yesterday, blowing loud and long, to let the rebels know we can keep ourselves in supplies.  The next morning we moved forward and took up our present position.  We expected a battle but did not have it,—there was some warm skirmishing later in the day and our Brigade lost a few men, none from the 12th.  We advanced through the woods to to [sic] open fields, the rebels retreating.  Then my Co. lay down under cover of the woods till relieved at night by another.  The balance of the regiment in the meanwhile throwing up breastworks.  We are already [sic] to receive the butternuts, now.  It rains hard all the time and we can’t keep dry ¼ the time.  Has rained everyday for the past 10 days. [June 13 being the 11th day.]   I sleep with one Hodges.  We have put up our oil cloths & sleep above the ground, the water running under us.  Our hard marching is over and I am thankful.  [paragraph break added]

I had a letter the other day from Cousin Almond.  He says it rains all the time there, and but but few crops are in.  (That was May 31st)  Uncle Myron’s resignation was accepted and he is home,—at Canton with his family.  Uncle Israel is at Madrid on a visit.  Cousin Daniel Packard had been wounded and was home on 30 day furlough.  Geor A. Packard is among the wounded under Gen. Butler [Benjamin F. Butler].  No particulars from him.  I have written you all of interest.  I will write when I can and you must do the same, not waiting for me.  I have the best of health and shall try and keep it.  I shall look for Homer next week.  By that time I hope we shall have the privilege of telling the people of victory.  I hear no news from Richmond.  I wish you would send me papers,—some with miscellaneous reading, any kind you have.  You do not know what a pleasure it is to us to have something to read, situated as we are.  I think there is not a sick man in the Company.  The regiment draws rations for 740 men.  We left quite a number behind, some of whom are sick, some tired & some afraid to come to the front.  But I must close.  Now write to me good long letters, and God be with you all.

Your affectionate boy,
Edwin
.

Edwin Levings letter of June 13, 1864, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

 

 

1864 May 25: “I think there is no doubt but that we are going to the front”

Union General William T. Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign was already under way when Edwin D. Levings of Company A, 12th Wisconsin Infantry, wrote this letter.  His regiment is about to set off on a march to join the Campaign in Georgia.

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.

Huntsville Ala, May 25^th, 1864

May Dear Father,

                                  As I have just written to Cousin Hattie, I had not determined to write to you so soon, or at the same time, but I thought would say a few words to you ere we march and enclose my photographs.

I did not write many letters yesterday.  After I finished my washing the Capt. made me work on the Muster Rolls till 11 o’clock last evening.  There was no release for me till it was done and now I must hurry off these lines for we march this forenoon.

I expect we have got to climb mountains and do many other difficult things.  The distance to Rome [Ga.], our supposed destination, is about 150 miles.  I think there is no doubt but that we are going to the front.  There is no bad news from Sherman, but I suppose he means to make every step firm and strike hard blows.

You must write every opportunity.  Do not fancy your letters will not get to me for they certainly will.  Gen. Sherman says in a public order that he wishes the soldiers to have the full benefit of the mail facilities & wants them and their friends to use them as much as desirable.  He despises nothing but the sensation correspondents who hang about the army, too cowardly to shoulder a musket, to puff officers.

We are now having clothing issued to us.  Some of the recruits, Jack¹ in particular, have some shoes that seem to cry aloud ~ are rather “done gone up” as the darkies say.

All the boys, those of the Falls [River Falls] especially, look tough & hearty.  I feel first rate now — better by far than when I went home and I think I can stand a march with its exposures, as well as any of them.

Homer you are lucky in not being down here for reasons you will understand.  Have a good time while home.  John Rice, says you need not be in a hurry to tell the officers when you are well, but of course I want to know you are well.

The weather is fine — not too warm — accompanied with occasional dashes of rain.

I must stop for the drums are beating to fall in.  So Good bye & God bless you all.

Edwin D. Levings

1.  This probably refers to John H. McConnell, from Prescott, who enlisted January 4, 1864, so would be a new recruit.

Edwin Levings letter of May 25, 1864, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1864 April 30: 4th Wisconsin Cavalry Home on Furlough

Following are some smaller items of local news from the April 30, 1864, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal.

From The Polk County Press:

ESCAPED.—Gus. Johnson, a deserter, and a most desperate character, who was captured at Winslow & Bros. camp on Yellow River, on the 25th ult. by Provost Marshals Whiting and Seymour has made his escape from Fort Snelling and is again at large.  A few days since he was at Swede Lake, a few mils from here.  He says he knocked down his guard and made good his threat to remain under Uncle Sam’s care but a few days.

PROMOTED.—Lieut. F. H. PRATT,¹ Gen. SIBLEY’s Staff [Henry Hastings Sibley], has been promoted to Captain Co. C, 7th Minnesota regiment, and has gone to join his regiment, in Kentucky.

OUR VETERANS.—Last Sunday the veterans of the 4th Wis. Cavalry, who enlisted from Osceola, arrived home on a 30 days’ furlough.  As it was not known when they would be home, their return was a joyous surprise to kindred and friends.

The following list of names, all of who have credited themselves to this place :—Byron S. Kinyon, George S. Hayes, Wm. D. Kent, J. W. F. Nason, Wm. Foster, Charles Fenlason and Dolphus S. Freeland.

We would suggest to our citizens that a proper entertainment should be got up for the boys before they again leave us, to battle for the Union until the rebellion is crushed.—”Brave boys are they”—WELCOME HOME.

From The Prescott Journal:

Co. A 12th Regiment.

The veterans of Co. A 12th Regiment, who have been home on furlough, left on their return last night.  A dinner was given them on the day of their departure, and a ball in the evening.

“Brave boys are they all,
Gone at their country’s call.”

Heaven shield them, and return them home again.

Co. G, 4th Cavalry.

The veterans of Co. G, 4th Cavalry, returned on furlough last Saturday.

This was the first company that left the St. Croix Valley, as the “Hudson City Guards,” and it embraced many of our best and most talented men.  They have seen much active and varied service, having been present at the taking of New Orleans, and on duty in the Gulf Department ever since.  The men are in robust health, and as enthusiastic as ever for the service.  That genial gentleman, JAMES KEEFE, is in command.

A grand reception was given them in Hudson, on Thursday evening.

Resolution.

Resolved, By the Common Council of the city of Prescott, that the sum of Sixty Dollars be and hereby is appropriated out of monies now in the Treasury, for the purpose of defraying expenses incident to the getting up of a Dinner and Celebration for Wisconsin veterans now on furlough within Pierce Co.—Said money to be paid upon the order of the Mayor of this city.

(Signed,)            G. A. DILL, Mayor.
A. MILLER, City Clerk.

Notice is hereby given that the foregoing resolution was passed by the Common Council of the city of Prescott, on the 20th day of April A. D. 1864.

A. MILLER, City Clerk.

1.  Frank H. Pratt (1837-1884), from Taylor’s Falls, was the 2nd lieutenant (August 24, 1862) of Company C, 7th Minnesota Infantry, then the 1st lieutenant (June 15, 1863), and officially became the captain on April 25, 1864.

1864 April 27: Edwin Levings’ Furlough Coming to an End

Company A of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry has been home to Prescott on furlough.  Edwin Levings has gone to Madison in preparation for the regiment leaving Wisconsin to go back to the War.  Ed writes to his brother Homer, who is lingering at Prescott because of illness.

Camp Randall, Madison.
April 27th, 1864.

Bro. Homer,

                        I will improve the evening in writing to you.  For I do not know how else to spend it.  We did not get away from Prescott till 3 o’clock Tuesday morning.  We came down on the “War Eagle” arriving at Prairie-du-Chien this morning  at 5 o’clock, waited there till 9 for the cars and got into Madison at 1 P. M.  I took cabin passage which cost me $3.50, or $8.00 which includes deck passage.  I obtained no sleep Monday night till I got on the boat, & that was not much.  I made it up yesterday.  We had a good time coming down but I thought of home and of you all as I shall often.  Mr. Pickard was one of the passengers.  He is a great hand to amuse children, and I was much amused myself to witness his performance with them.

I took supper at Henry Stone’s house Monday and had a good visit.  Mr. Miller who preached at River Falls last Sabbath was there and I formed his acquaintance—found him a very interesting man.  I took along the box sent to George Miles—left it at the depot with the Capt.’s baggage.

The Capt. left you transportation at his house.  If you prefer you can get cabin passage by paying $3 or $4.  The Capt. said he would try and get you transportation from Pr. du C. [Prairie du Chien] but I do not know whether he did or not.  Apply at the ticket office for it anyway, for possibly he made arrangements for you.  I inclose [sic] you a ticket which the Capt. gave me for you.

Had I known the Capt. would have left transportation behind I should not have left home till to-day, for we are not obliged to be here till Friday night.

The 37th leaves here for Annapolis to-morrow.  Ellsworth [Ed’s cousin Ellsworth Burnett] put on his captain uniform this morning—have not seen him yet.  Justin Winchester is coming down with the measles—guess he will not go with the regiment.

I hope you are getting better and will join us ere a great while but stay till you are thouroughly [sic] well and have a good visit; and if you are able, write write to me, for I shall be lonesome without you and letters will be a great treat, but I must stop.  Direct to Camp Randall as letters will follow if we are not here to get them.  Hoping you are all well tonight and with much love to you all.  I bid you good night.

Yours affectionate brother

Edwin

There is talk of our going away Saturday, but the [___] is Monday will be the day.  I will write before starting & let  you know where our destination is & send photos.  Edwin.

Thursday morning — I have seen Ellsworth this morning.  He is not very well.  He is not yet released from recruiting, he says & will probably go up to Pierce Co. again for more recruits before going to Annapolis.  Justin will be left behind.  Walter Howes is their Orderly Sergt.  I must go up town to-day & get those pictures so I will not write more.

Yours &c.
Edwin

 

Edwin Levings letter of April 27, 1864, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1864 April 9: Sketch of the 12th Wisconsin’s History

The following appeared in the April 9, 1864, issue of The Prescott Journal.  Company A of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry consisted of men primarily from Prescott and surrounding areas.

CO. A, 12th REG’T.

A Sketch of its History.

Co. A. 12th, returned here on furlough last Sunday.  This company, it will be remembered, was recruited by Capt McLEOD [Norman McLeod] and Lieut. MAXSON [Orrin T. Maxson], under the name of “Lyon Guards,” and in the character of its personnel was not surpassed by any company which has been recruited in the St. Criox Valley.

Shortly after going into service, Captain McLeod resigned, and the company has since been under command of Capt. O. T. Maxson, whose efficiency and care for his men has made him one of the most popular officers who have come from this State.

This company and the regiment to which it is attached, has done an immense amount of service, as the following record will show :

The company was organized Sept. 1861, mustered into the U. S. service in October, left the State in January 1862, quartered in Weston, Mo. and Leavenworth, Ks., until March 1st when they started for Texas a part of the Jim Lane expedition.  Marched to the Cherokee country, when ordered back to Lawrence, Ks, and ordered to New Mexico.—Marched to Fort Riley when ordered back to the Mo. River, and embarked for Columbus, Ky.  Was engaged in repairing the Mobile and Ohio R. R.  Was mounted by order of Gen. Grant [Ulysses S. Grant] in August and employed in scouting the country from the Tennessee River on the east, to near the Mississippi on [the] west.  Captured during this time, over three hundred horses, about twenty rebel soldiers, including Col. Burrows a Presbyterian clergy man, commanding a rebel regiment.  Upon one occasion, a favorite guide of the Co., Mr Silence (since Maj. Silence) was captured with fourteen of his men thirty miles from Co. A Camp.  The report reached Camp at evening.  At ten P. M. forty of the company started in a heavy rain ;  rode 30 miles by 4 next morning.  Crossed Sharron Ferry, driving in the enemies’ pickets that were posted for the protection of the ferry ;  made them a camp of 100 men of Col. Faulkner’s command [William Wallace Faulkner], brought away two rebels.  Taylor’s, as hostage for Silence, leaving word they sho’d hang it Silence was not returned ;  re-crossed the ferry at sunrise within 100 rods of Faulkner[‘]s camp, and reached Humbolt at 2 P. M., making 70 miles in sixteen hours.  Silence was exchanged for Taylors.  At Lamar, Miss. was attacked by Capt. Clay while being set a videtts.  The company was charged upon Clay’s men who fled into an ambushcade of Kansas Jayhawkers closely pursued by Co. A.  We captured 137 of Clay’s men, wounded 40, and killed 15 ;  Capt. Clay badly wounded.  Made the march to Yackay, in Miss ;  was at Holly Springs at the burning of the same ;  during the winter following was employed in guarding Memphis and Charleston R. R.

In April into Memphis.  April 18th marched 30 miles from Memphis, under Col. Bryant [George E. Bryant] to Hernando to attack Gen. Chalmers [James R. Chalmers].  Skirmished about twenty miles. On reaching the town, found Chalmers in line of battle ;  a warm engagement, lasting about an hour ;  drove the rebels leaving 78 prisoners in our hands besides their killed and wounded.  Next morning followed the rebels ten miles to the Coldwater ;  the stream not passable, and works on opposite bank too strong to pass in absence of pontoons.  Artillery and small arms was used freely from ten A. M. until 4 P. M. we evidently losing more than Chalmers.  We lost several valuable officers during the day.  May 10th, embarked at Memphis for Vicksburgh [sic] ;  was engaged until the surrender, July 4th, in that campaign.—Was marched to Jackson, and engaged in routing Johnson [sic: Joseph E. Johnston] from the locality, returning to Vicksburgh [sic], was sent to Natchez ;  from there went on the expedition that captured Fort Beauregard, on the Trinity River, La. ;  was twice engaged with Wirt Adams’ Cavalry, near Natchez.  Enlisted as veterans in December and January ;  came up to Vicksburgh [sic] ;  started on the Sherman raid ;  was under fire at  Baker’s Creek and received the first rebel officer’s sword surrendered on that expedition.  Was again under fire at Canton ;  marched 31 days on ten days’ rations.  Are now on furlough, which expires April 29th.—Of the original number that left with the Co. 29 are dead, 22 discharged, 47 re-enlisted.

The following are the re-enlistments in the company :

	S. E. SEELEY,	F. I. VANWARNER,
	HARRY LAW,	B. I. HUMPHREY,
	E. TUBMAN,	A. N. OLIN,
	A. SANFORD,	E. O. CLEVELAND,
	G. C. HEMPELL [sic: Hempel],	S. C. ROBERTS,
	W. A. BURNETT,	A. J. WALTZ,
	J. H. HOLMAN,	W. E. MINER,
	A. McKEE,	J. T. HEY,
	E. D. LEVINGS,	ROB’T TRIGGS,
	H. W. LEVINGS,	J. O. OLSON [sic: Oleson]
	L. LAFOR [sic: Lafoe],	P. B. JEWELL,
	JOHN N. LEASE,	WM. HODGES,
	N. W. BROOKS,	THOS. CARR,
	B. [sic: R.] GIBSON,	N. W. [sic: N. K.] HAMMER [sic: Hammar],
	J. T. CRIPPEN,	A. T. [sic: A. F.] OTTMAN,
	M. L. HAWLEY,	W. KELSEY, since promoted to
	J. N. HAGER,	2nd Lt.
	FRED GARLT [sic: Garit],	J. M. CULLUM,
	J. E. ALLEN,	J. D. JONES,
	R. CASTELLO [sic: Costello],	H. BOWERS,
	D. L. DRESSER,	F. M. BARRETT,
	E. BLAISDELL,	C. HENNINEGON [sic: Hanningson],
	E. C. PIECRCE,	ALBERT BARRETT.

1864 March 5: News of Polk County Soldiers, and Other War-Related Items

Following are the small items from The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal of March 5, 1864.

From The Polk County Press:

VOLUNTEERS.—St. Croix [Falls] has filled her quota of volunteers under the last call.  Deputy Provost Marshal VINCENT [William J. Vincent] informs us that the following persons have been sworn into the service for that town.  They are for the 7th regiment, and go with Recruiting Officer DAVIS :

	James Rice,	George Samuel,
	John Buck,	Charley Hart,
	John R. Day.

.
RETURNED FROM THE WAR.—Our brother [Henry O. Fifield] who has been sojourning on the “sacred soil” of “ole Virginia,” for the past three years, in the service of Uncle SAM has returned from the war and has been making us a short visit this week.  Though somewhat older, and we trust wiser from experience, he is still the same boy who used to brag that he could “whip his big brother.”   Belonging to the gallant old first Minnesota has not lessened his fighting qualities, and we “perhaps” should admit his boast should he renew it.  We have managed to keep him quiet this week, however, by the use of a straight jacket.

— Captain MAXSON [Orrin T. Maxson], 12th Regiment has enlisted over sixty men since he returned here, and still keeps gathering them in.

DISCHARGED.—Lieut. P. V. WISE, of Prescott, has been honorably dismissed the service, on account of wounds received in battle.  He will resume the practice of his profession at Prescott.
From the Hudson Star.

PROMOTED.—Robert Huges [sic: George Robert Hughes], of the Hudson City Guards, has been appointed 2d Lieut. in a Negro regiment. Good for Robert.
From the Hudson Star.

— Milwaukee it is believed will raise her quota by volunteers, under this call.  The last draft in that city had a healthy effect.

From The Prescott Journal:

Co. A, 12th Regiment.

The following are the number of credits in this county of veterans re[-]enlisted in Co. A, 12th, as received at Madison a few days ago :

Prescott, 11 ;  River Falls, 6 ;  Clifton, 2 ;  Diamond Bluff, 2 ;  Trimbelle, 1 ;  Perry, 1.

  Henry Barlow, Co. A, 12th Reg., died in hospital at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., Feb. 15th, of Chronic Diarrhoea.

  A dispatch from Pro. Marshal FRY [James B. Fry] announces that the draft will surely come off on the 10th inst.

  The Minnesota Union State Convention, which was held at St. Paul on Wednesday, passed a strong resolution in favor of the re[-]nomination of Mr. LINCOLN.

A Washington letter says advices from near Charleston report that some 15,000 troops have been dispatched by the rebels to Tallahassee, Fla., for the purpose of disputing the advance of our forces upon that place.  Part of these troops are said to have been sent from Georgia, and the remainder from Beauregard’s army  [P.G.T. Beauregard].  If the number of the rebel troops be correctly stated, the opposing armies will be very nearly matched should they meet.

— The Army of the Potomac is again on the move.

— Over 3,700 negroes have been recruited in Missouri in the last three months.

— The manufacture of sword bayonets in the Confederacy has been discontinued.

— The steamer Denbirg was lost recently in attempting to run the blockade from Mobile.

— President Lincoln has issued a proclamation declaring that the port of Brownsville, Texas, is released from blockade.

— A large rebel force has been sent from Charleston to Tallahassee, Florida, to impede the advance of our forces upon that place.

— A Paris edict prescribes crinoline small on the front and sides, but prodigiously stuck out behind.

— Mobile papers think that Sherman’s plan is to penetrate to Central Alabama, and thus compel the evacuation of Mobile.  [William T. Sherman]

— The policy of extending the President’s amnesty to Colonels is much talked of.  Rebel prisoners and refugees state that this would cause whole regiments to desert.

— The Lafayette Courier learns that Jesse D. Bright has modified his political views to harmonize with the logic of events.  He says that the South has staked slavery upon the fortunes of war, and having lost in the desperate chance, must abide the result.

— A private letter informs the Boston Transcript that San Francisco will give this year $200,000 to the Sanitary Commission, and the rest of the golden State will add at least another $100,000 subscription.

— A captured rebel letter says there are secret Union associations formed in Virginia, that are known to have 10,000 members, some of these being wealthy and influential citizens.  The letter says :  “Jeff. Davis [Jefferson Davis] knows this and has ordered several suspicious parties to be arrested, and secret agents are now on the hunt for all suspected traitors.”

1.  The following served in the 7th Wisconsin Infantry:

• James Rice, from Osceola, enlisted February 22, 1864, served in Company G
  A John Rice, from the Town of Sterling, enlisted January 18, 1864, served in Company F

• John Buck, from Polk County, enlisted in Osceola on February 22, 1864, served in Company G
• John R. Day, from Polk County, enlisted February 22, 1864, served in Company G
• Charles Hart, from Polk County, enlisted February 22, 1864, served in Company G
• George Samuels, from Polk County, enlisted February 22, 1864, served in Company G.

Other recent Polk County recruits not listed in the March 5 newspaper were:

• Alexander Cadott, was originally listed from Burnett [County], later changed to Town of Sterling, enlisted February 29, 1864, served in Company G
• Joseph Cadott, from Town of Sterling, enlisted February 29, 1864, served in Company G
• Andrew H. Connor, from St. Croix Falls, enlisted January 18, 1864, served in Company F
• George W. Davis,* from Farmington, enlisted January 18, 1864, served in Company G
• Peter Delp, from St. Croix Falls, enlisted January 18, 1864, served in Company F
• Peter Francis, from Farmington, enlisted January 18, 1864, served in Company F
• Michael McHugh, from St. Croix Falls, enlisted January 18, 1864, served in Company F
• Richard H. Turnbull, from St. Croix Falls, enlisted January 18, 1864, served in Company F
• Orrin Weymouth, from St. Croix Falls, enlisted January 18, 1864, served in Company F
• Edwin E. Whitney, from Farmington, enlisted January 18, 1864, served in Company F.

* Although he only enlisted on January 18, George W. Davis is listed as the recruiter for several other recruits.