1865 July 16: 12th Wisconsin Infantry Gets Mustered Out

Edwin and Homer Levings finally get discharged, along with the rest of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, between at least July 16 and July 20, 1865, in Louisville, Kentucky.  They then return to Madison, Wisconsin, to be paid, which apparently happened on August 10, 1865.  The original document 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.

To all whom it may Concern:

Know ye, That Edwin D Levings a Private of Captain Charles Reynolds Company, (“A”), 12th Regiment of Wisconsin Veteran VOLUNTEERS, who was enrolled on the Fifth day of January one thousand eight hundred and sixty four to serve Three years or during the war, is hereby Discharged from the service of the United States this Sixteenth day of July, 1865, at Louisville Kentucky by reason of Instructions War Dept. A.G.O. July 1st 1865
(No objection to his being enlisted is known to exist.*)

Said Edwin D Levings was born in __________in the State of New York, is Twenty three years of age, Five feet Four inches high, Fair complexion, Blue eyes, Brown hair, and by occupation, when enrolled, a Painter

Given at Louisville Ky this Sixteenth day of July 1865.

	*This sentence will be erased should there be anything }		Aug. P. Noyes
	in the conduct or physical condition of the soldier }		1st Lt. 16th Wis Vet Infty &
	rendering him unfit for the Army.}		A. C. M. 2d Div 17th A. C.
	[A. G. O., No. 99]
	Wallace Kelsey, 1st Lt.
	A Co 12th Wis V V Infty
	Comdg Co
.

[In red ink written across the document:]

Madison
Paid in full to Aug 10/65
Bounty [Inspection?]
[Maj?] Harris, Pay.²

1.  Augustus P. Noyes, 1st lieutenant of Company B, 16th Wisconsin Infantry.
2.  Joseph Harris is listed as an “Additional Paymaster, U. S. Volunteers.” He served from February 23, 1864, to December 1, 1865. Including Harris, there were 24 Wisconsin men commissioned by the President as Additional Paymasters in the U. S. Volunteer Service.
.

Document, July 16, 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 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 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 April 29: The Marching Twelfth from Alabama to North Carolina

The following letter from “W” in the 12th Wisconsin Infantry—including Prescott’s Lyon Light Guards (Company A)—appeared in the April 29, 1865, issue of The Prescott Journal.

March of the Twelfth from Alabama to North Carolina. 

Correspondence of the State Journal.

GOLDSBORO, N. C., April 5th, 1865.

Messrs. Editors :—If not too late I will lay before your readers a brief resume of the movements of this regiment since I left it in October last, until it arrived safely in this town, a few days ago, in order that the records may be complete as set forth in the columns of the Journal.

On the 29th of October the regiment left its camp on the Little River, Alabama, crossing the Coosa and camped near the Pasoo river for the night, camping next night near Cave Springs.  On the 1st of November it reached Cedar Springs, pressing though Van Wert on the next day, and on the 4th the command bivouacked near Lost Mountain, going into camp near Marietta, Ga., next day.  On the 8th the boys delivered their votes and on the 10th received pay.

They broke camp on the 18th of November, and moved to Atlanta, and on the 15th started out on the campaign, which ended at Savannah so gloriously ;  passing through McDonald on the 17th, Jackson—near where the command crossed the Comulgee river—on the 18th, Monticello on the 19th, and reached Gordon on the Georgia Central R. R. on the 22d, and Toombsboro on the 24th, having destroyed 10 miles of the road and burned stations No. 18 and 14.  They crossed the Oconee river on the 26th, its passage being slightly disrupted by rebels, who seemed unable to procure force enough to do anything more than injure roads and bridges in our front.—On the 30th the regiment crossed the Ohoopee river, and on the 2d December camped at Millen, after having torn up several miles more of railroad, destroyed Herndon Station, and done a general foraging business all over the intervening country.  On the 4th December the regiment reached Beaver Dam, having destroyed more railroad track ;  crossing the Little Ogeechee river next day, marching, skirmishing, and fighting among the swamps and rice fields, sometimes nearly to their waists in cold, dirty, muddy water, until the 12th day of December, when they made their camp near the city of Savannah.  Here Major—late captain—Price [John M. Price] of Co. D, was shot by one of our own soldiers, who evidently mistook him for a fleeing rebel, as he was on the lines and between our pickets, and unfortunately didn’t stop when halted by the soldier.  On the night of the 20th the rebels left the city, and next day our boys occupied it, much to their satisfaction.  The regiment was reviewed with others on the 29th by Gen. Sherman, and on the 31st had its general muster for the month.

On the 4th of January the regiment moved to Thunderbolt Landing, six miles from Savannah, embarked on the steamer J. R. Spaulding, sailing next day to Beaufort, S. C., landing there at nine P. M., and going into camp one mile beyond the town.

The regiment left camp for another campaign January 18th, marching out some six or seven miles, and next day engaged the enemy.  The skirmish line drove the rebels some five miles, back to their works near the Pocotaligo river, pressing close up the forts, whose guns opened with grape and cannister [sic], at which place Lieut. Chandler [Almon N. Chandler], of Co. K, was killed by a rebel sharpshooter’s bullet, and several men wounded.  During the night the rebels evacuated and our troops took possession of the forts with the station and railroad, where the regiment went into camp until the 20th, when it was sent out to reconnoitre, driving the enemy’s skirmishers to and across the Salkehatchee river, engaging them there for several hours in a heavy rain storm, before retiring to camp.

On the 30th inst. the Corps again began to move, following it up day after day, with but slight interruption from the enemy until the 3d of February, when the 1st and 4th Divisions of the 17th Corps found it entrenched, charged, drove the force across the river, taking its works.

On the 7th the command camped on the site of the former battle of the Cowpens, fought during the first part of the Revolution, or war for Independence.  We crossed the Charleston & Augusta Railroad at Midway Station on the 9th inst., and the South Edisto river the next day, reaching North Edisto on the 11th, near Orangeburg, where the rebels had heavy works, and were engaging our 1st Division very hotly.

Next morning the old 12th was ferried across the river in pontoon boats, about a mile below the town, formed a line of battle in a swamp on the other side, marched through it, where in many places it was up to the men’s arm-pits, for a quarter of a mile, then, having turned the enemy’s works by this flank movement, the boys charged the rebels, sending them out of their works and the town in a terrible hurry, so that but few were captured.  In fact, a train of cars was at the depot, which started off as our boys came in sight ;  those who were unable to pile on to it fleeing to the woods as fast as legs could carry them.  A large rebel garrison flag, 9 by 13 feet, was captured by Warren, of Co. H of “ours,” in the Court House, and which is now in possession of Col. Proudfit [James K. Proudfit].  Our regimental colors took its place, proudly floating in triumph over the captured city, to welcome the troops advancing from other directions to possess the prize.

As a compliment to the regiment, it was detailed to act as provost guard of the town it had captured, while the army remained here.  Most of the town was burned, having been fired as the rebels were leaving, and the wind was too high to allow of success to any effort made to subdue the flames.  We left town next day, pushing on to Columbia, tearing up the railroad on the way, crossing the Saluda and Broad rivers, and reaching the city on the 17th day.  We found it on fire, burning with a fierceness that defied all opposition.  We spent two days tearing up the railroad near the city, and then marched to Winnsboro on the 20th, bivouacking on the banks of the Watoree river in a heavy storm of rain.  We passed through Liberty Hill next day, almost stalling in the terrible mud of the region.  Gradually pushing forward, the army reached Cheraw, on the Great Pedee river, on the 3d of March, capturing many cannon and large quantities of all kinds of supplies.  The rebels had just moved it from Charleston, intending to keep it from Gilmore’s [sic: Quincy A. Gillmore] army ;  but, our cavalry having cut the railroad between Cheraw and Chesterfield, the supplies were stored at the farmer place, and so fell into our hands.

Leaving Cheraw on the evening of the 4th, the command moved to Bennettville on the 7th, camped at Rock Fish creek on the night of the 10th, and reached Fayetteville, on Cape Fear river, on the 11th ;  the foragers and “bummers” or corps de bum, as I hear them styled, of the army having driven the rebels out of the town before the troops got near it.

On the road the boys had been reduced to rations of corn, and to only two cars per day at that, at one time.  Judge of their feelings when, in response to Sherman’s order for supplies for his troops, two steamers came up from Wilmington loaded with oats !  These were sent back to the stupid fellow who dispatched them, and the welcome “hard-tack and sow-belly” soon made its appearance, to gladden the hearts and fill the stomachs of our brave heroes.

Our corps left Fayetteville on the 18th, moving toward Goldsboro where it arrived on the 24th inst., having engaged the enemy on the 21st about twenty miles above near the Black River.  The boys were ragged, dirty and footsore when they came in, but are now well clothed, fed and rested, anxious to begin another campaign, believing that it will be the last they will be called on to make before the rebellion will be squelched and its defenders subjugated.

I have endeavored to procure a list of the casualties in the regiment, which has occurred since I left it last October, as correct as possible:

COMPANY A.

John Ducey [Ducy], died March 21st, from wounds in neck and shoulder, received March 5th, near Cheraw.
Tortien Halverson [Torbion Hulverson, from Martell], serious wound in thigh, received Jan. 14th near Pocotaligo.
Christopher McCann, missing since Nov. 20th, supposed to be captured.

COMPANY B.

Mark B. Long, died at Chattanooga, Nov. 23d, from wounds and amputation received in July.
James F. Allen, died at field hospital, Dec. 15th, from chronic diarrhea.
James Palmer, died at Chattanooga, Feb. 10th, from remittent fever.
Clifford Carns [Carnes], captured Jan. 24th, near Pocataligo, S. C.;
David G. Spier [Spicer], captured Jan. 19th, near Columbia, S. C.
Elba Cowles, recruit assigned but never reported.
Matt Cusly [Curly], recruit assigned but never reported.
Dwane Dune [Dunn], recruit assigned but never reported.
Eustis Felior recruit assigned but never reported.

COMPANY C.

Peter Timby [Temby], died in the ambulance, Nov. 26th, near Oconee river.
Morgan D. Kinney, captured at Fayetteville, March 11th, 1865.
Corp. Gilbert Baker, wounded and captured, July 21st, died July 31st, at Atlanta.

COMPANY D.

Christian Seh [Ceh], died at Toomsboro, Ga, Nov. 26th, chronic diarrhea.
Nicholas Blackley [Marcus Barchlay], died at Burdon Station, Ga., Dec. 1st, chronic diarrhea.
Nicholas Weaver [Weber], died at 1st Division Hospital, Goldsboro, N. C., March 31st, chronic diarrhea.
D. C. Bowen, wounded slightly in foot, at Savannah, Dec. 17.
Major (late Captain) J. W. Price, shot through the body, at Savannah, Dec. 19th ;  died Dec. 20th.

COMPANY E.*

Selon [Lelon] Campbell, died at Nashville, Feb. 8th;  had never joined the regiment.
Matthias Feldhausen, shot in both thighs, March 21st, near Bentonsville, N. C.
John Aspenwall, shot in right arm (which was amputated), March 21st, near Bentonsville, N. C.
Henry Miller, discharged Jan. 21st, by reason of wounds received June 27th.

[*these men were all actually in Company H]

COMPANY F.

Alvin S. Colson, missing since Feb. 26th; supposed to be captured.
Anthony Koch, chopped and had a toe amputated Jan 30th.

COMPANY G.

Thomas Sullivan, died at Savannah, Ga., Jan. 27th, from fever.
Ambrose Porter, captured near Gordon, Ga., Dec. 7th, 1864.
Hans Anderson, bruised on leg, by spent ball, March 19th.
Joseph Moses, recruit, assigned, but never reported.
William Little, recruit, assigned, but never reported.
Charles Oleson, recruit, assigned, but never reported.
Helge Oleson, recruit, assigned, but never reported.

COMPANY H.

John Sawyer, straggled off Oct. 28th; supposed to be captured. [prisoner Jan. 28, 1865]
Richard Roe, straggle off Oct. 28th; supposed to be captured.    [deserted]
Richard Beaton, captured January 30th, near Pocotaligo, S. C.
John B. Belieau [Beaulieu],  captured January 31st, near Pocotaligo, S. C.

COMPANY I.

James Silbaugh, killed March 11th, at Fayetteville, N. C.
William E. [C.] Cook, died December 16th from diarrhea.
Eliphaz DeWitt, died January 3d, from diarrhea.

COMPANY K.

Lieut A[lmon] N. Chandler, killed January 14th, at Pocotaligo, S. C.
Gustavus A. Stevens, died at Vicksburg, Miss., August 10, 1864, diarrhea.
Alonzo Vaughn, died at Jefferson Barracks, January 26th.
George Shafer [Shaver], missing since March 20th, supposed captured.
John Kilson [Killson], died in hospital, Nashville, February 17th, from diarrhea.

We hear that Richmond has fallen at last into our hands, hope it is true, and that the last foot of Southern soil shall soon be covered by the genius of Peace, with happiness and liberty in place of war, misery and death, is the prayer of                         “W.”

1865 March 26: Edwin Levings Describes the Battle of Bentonville

The Battle of Bentonville took place March 19-21, 1865, in Bentonville, North Carolina.  It was the second to the last battle of the Carolinas Campaign.  William T. Sherman led the Union forces and Joseph E. Johnston led the Confederate troops.  As a result of the overwhelming Union strength and the heavy casualties his army suffered in the battle, Johnston surrendered to Sherman little more than a month later.

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.

Goldsboro   N.C.   March 26^th, 1865

Ever Dear Parents;

                                   At last this campaign is ended, and there is a prospect of rest for us.  I can now write, read or do anything that pleasure dictates.  Now I must write to you, now you must write to us.  How welcome a letter from you now would be!  But we would rather get a letter to you just now than receive one, for you are doubtless longing to hear if it is still well with us.

A Kind Providence has been with us on our long march, and we are both safely through, and well and rugged as ever.

Long before this reaches you[,] you will have learned how the campaign resulted in a glorious victory of our arms over those of the rebels.  Soon after our departure from Fayetteville N. C. formidable bodies of the enemy were met & defeated by the 14th, 15th & 20th Corps; and on the 21st inst we whipped their concentrated forces under Johnson [sic] and drove them in disarray across Mill Creek near Smithfield and across the Neuse River, they burning the bridges in their retreat and leaving their dead & wounded on the field.  This battle was 20 miles west of Goldsboro.  The same day Schofield’s [John M. Schofield] army entered that place, and Gen. Terry [Alfred H. Terry] from Wilmington secured the crossings of the river & laid pontoons.  Of our loss I am not advised.  The rebels lost heavily as they played their old game of charging our breastworks before finished. Our Corps being on the flank was not generally engaged.  The 1st Div. did splendid fighting, but lost considerably.  Edward Pratt, who belongs to that Div. was just here & wishes me to state for his folks that he was unharmed & is well.  The rebels calculating that our ammunition was insufficient for a heavy battle, & that we had about wasted it, came on like a mighty billow to overwhelm and destroy us, but it did not give out, nor was it likely to do so, and they only got the more lead for their folly.  The 12th had 3 men wounded in Co. H.¹  I worked harder in on hour that day than I ever did, in throwing up works. But the rebels did not budge our skirmish line in front of the Div., so we were not engaged.

We are now encamped on the east side of this place, and are to have rest, and rations from the North, without limits I had almost said.  I suppose those magnificent granaries of which Gen. Sherman spoke in his congratulatory order the other day have got to “shell out.”

Well the mail, the first that has been made up here, goes out in an hour, & I have only time to write you but little.  We will write you often now, while opportunity is ours, & you must increase the flow of letters to us.  Since commencing a huge mail has come & we have a pile of it, 3 letters from you, one from Jack, one from J. Winchester, & papers not a few.  Yours are dated, 22nd, 29th Jan. and Feb. 2nd.  You shall have letters now often.  You must wait for another day for a detailed account of this march &c.

Has Grandmother returned?  Tell Jack he missed the fun of the service & give him my warmish regards.  We are both in our usual good health & spirits.  Let us hear from each of you, that is, from three or four of you, all of you, and two boys in blue will be made very happy.

Yours Affectionately,
.                      . Edwin

1.  Company H’s John Aspenwall, from Weyauwega (right arm amputated), and Mathias Feldhausen, from Wrightstown, are listed in the official roster as being wounded at Bentonville, N.C.

Edwin Levings letter of March 26, 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 February 11: Sherman Heads for Charleston as the Carolinas Campaign Gets Under Way

The following letter comes from the February 11, 1865, issue of The Prescott Journal.

ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

The Campaign in Virginia.
The Armies of the Potomac and the James. 

SHERMAN’S NEW CAMPAIGN.

From the Sixteenth Wisconsin.

Entering Savannah—Removal to Beaufort—
March on Pocatoligo [sic]—A fight with the Rebels—
Lt. Chandler, of the 12th killed—Retreat of the Enemy—
Only forty Miles from Charleston—Col. Fairchild—
The Army in Splendid Condition. 

Correspondences of the State Journal.

CAMP OF 16TH REGT. WI. VET. VOL. INF., }
POCATOLIGO [sic], S. C. Jan. 16, 1865. }

Our regiment left Atlanta with the rest of Gen. Sherman’s [William T. Sherman] army and marched through to Savannah, Ga., arriving there Dec. 11th, having marched three hundred miles in twenty-six days.  We destroyed the railroad running from Atlanta to Savannah as we marched and subsisted chiefly on the country generally finding abundance, and meeting with no opposition.

We remained in front of Savannah from the date of our arrival until the morning of the 21 of Dec.  The city being surrounded with rice fields which the rebels had flooded with water, we were prevented from making an assault immediately upon our arrival, but the morning of the 21st, the rebels having learned that Gen. Sherman had perfected his arrangements for successfully crossing the rice fields they evacuated, and crossing the Savannah river went into South Carolina.  We immediately marched into the town and found everything in good order.  The citizens appeared at their doors and windows and greeted our appearance with cheers and demonstrations of pleasure.  It seemed like marching through one of our northern cities.  Many ran out with refreshments distributing them among the men.

We remained in Savannah until January 5th, when we crossed on board of transports and came to Beaufort, on Port Royal Island, where we remained until the 13th, when we marched to Broad river, which surrounds Port Royal Island, put ever a pontoon bridge in the night, and in the morning crossed, and marching a short distance ran into the rebel pickets.  Skirmishers were immediately deployed, when we advanced, driving the rebels about three miles, when the 2d brigade of our division followed them up, and our brigade, Gen. Force commanding, consisting of the 13th and 16th Wisconsin regiments and the 30th, 31st and 48th Illinois, with one section of artillery, were sent around to get to their rear, if possible, while the 2d brigade amused them in front.  Skirmishers were deployed from the 12th Wisconsin and 15th Illinois, the whole under charge of the brigade picket officer, Lieut. Chandler,¹ of the 12th.

We found them in force in our front, but succeeded in driving them easily.  Our brigade being separated from the rest of the corps, we were obliged to guard our rear as well as front.  Gen. Force [Manning Force] accordingly ordered Col. Fairchild [Cassius Fairchild] to take his regiment and the battery and be prepared to resist an attack from that quarter.  After marching about four miles we again struck the main Charleston road, getting in just ahead of the two brigades, but not cutting off the rebels, as we supposed we would.  Marching about one mile further, we drove them inside their fortifications, Fort Pocatoligo [sic], our skirmishers getting so near as to prevent them from using their artillery with much effect.

Our loss in driving them in was eight men and two officers, Lieut. Chandler, of the 12th, being killed as he was gallantly charging with his line of skirmishers upon the retreating rebels.  No better officer has fallen.

In the night the rebels evacuated, and in the morning we pursued them until we came to Pocatoligo [sic] bridge, where the Charleston & Savannah Railroad crosses, and where we at present remain.  We are encamped upon the railroad, on ground previously occupied by the rebels for that purpose.  They had erected neat log houses, which we have taken possession of, and are quite comfortable.  We will probably remain here until the 14th, 15th and 20th Corps come up.  We are now within forty miles of Charleston.  Hilton Head will be our base, getting our supplies from there up the river to our present camp, when they will follow us up by rail as we advance towards Charleston.  From here we have railroad communication with Savannah.

Gen. Foster has been trying to take this place for two years past, and it was but recently he was defeated with a loss of four hundred.  We took one prisoner who told us that when we commenced skirmishing with them in the morning, they said it was only Gen. Foster with his brigade, and that they would soon clean them out ;  but when our boys cried out, “Skedaddle, Johnnies !” they raised the cry of “Sherman, Sherman in coming !” and gave way.  They seem to be impressed with a wholesome terror of Gen. Sherman’s army.

Gen. Force is now commanding our division, which puts Col. Fairchild in command of the brigade, a position which the whole brigade is pleased to see him occupy, and one which he is well qualified to fill.  He is esteemed as one of the best officers in the Corps, is universally and deservedly popular, and is an officer of whom Wisconsin and especially Madison may well be proud.

Our army is in splendid condition, the men are all healthy and feel fine, and are anxious to be led against Charleston, feeling perfectly confident of success.

A. J. SENECA.

1.  Almon N. Chandler was actually a captain by this time, of Company K, 12th Wisconsin Infantry, having been promoted as of January 6, 1865. From Marietta, Wisconsin, he enlisted September 7, 1861, was promoted to 1st lieutenant October 19, 1861, and was killed in action on January 14, 1865, at Pocotaligo, South Carolina.

1865 January 22: “A soldier’s etiquette in camp is funny enough, and we often laugh to think what our mothers would say could they see us”

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 22^nd, 1865

My Dear Parents;

                                  I presume you are daily looking for letters from us, wondering why they do not come.  I have not written you this month as often as intended, owing to preventing circumstances.  I know not that I can write anything of interest today, and have only taken up my pen to see.  I say see, because I am barren of news and must write of something else to interest, if I write at all.  I wrote to Cousin Hattie a few days ago, detailing what we had been about for several days; and since then nothing important has happened.  What we are here for, I do not pretend to know.  Sherman makes all his movements count, and it is conjectured the 17^th Corps was sent out here to attract the rebel attention while the balance of the army should quickly execute some more important work elsewhere.  Contrary to expectations, the R. R. here, instead of being repaired, has been torn up, indicating that no rail communications are to be used at present.  The rebels in small force are on the other side of the Saltcatcher [Salkehatchie] River 3 miles above us.  The regiment has been up there twice to reconnoiter, skirmishing a little to develop their position and discover a place to cross.  Troops of the 1^st Div. have also been out but accomplished nothing, the river or creek being unfordable and requiring the building of a bridge before crossing.  It is idle to speculate what we will do.

Fort Fisher and the neighboring forts are said to be in our possession, and by reliable authority, Wilmington also.  If so, blockade running is over.  It does seem as though no great penetration is needed to see that the rebel power for mischief is about used up.  Of course, the rebels will still fight, but not successfully nor hopefully, even.  The longer their resistance, the more complete & overwhelming their overthrow; and it is thouroughness [sic] in this work of crushing rebellion that we desire.  Annihilation is the decree of Provdence [sic] for Slavery and its armed up holders, and as the instruments of its execution, we can well afford to abide the time of the Great Disposer, rejoicing that deliverance is indeed close at hand.  We can thank God for 1864;  and may reasonably, yet by faith — faith in our purpose and in the purpose and favor of God — expect that with the results of this year’s struggle the war will close.  But to another subject.  [paragraph break added]

How often, when reading your letters, I have wished you had mentioned more of the minutiae of your every day life at home!  Not that your letters are uninteresting, but I suppose you think we would not care to hear about the little affairs that engage your attention, and so, do not often allude to them.  You mistake.  It is the little affairs of home life that to the absent ones constitute the charms of the “dear spot” and make each of its members so endearing and will you not in future be a little more specific?

I fancy you possess a somewhat similar feeling with reference to us, though not with reference to this Southern soil, as we do respecting home.  You would like to know what we are more immediately about than is told [to] you in letters—wish you could see for yourselves—see what we do, how [we] live, how we are situated & so on.  While it would be interesting, and presuming you have that curiosity, I will try to picture out to you our circumstances & how things look.  Bear [sic] in mind we are among the pines.  Here is our camp—brush & roots cleared away—the little dog-tents ranged in rows on either side the streets, presenting an orderly, neat, snug appearance, though to the conscious observer a comical appearance as well.  The blazing log of resinous pine is before each tent and gives interest to the scene, and you may see us cooking, carrying water, partaking of the ever welcome coffee, hard tack &c at meal time, enlivening the occasion with hilarious talk or speculative remark, according as we are in a mood for it.  A soldier’s etiquette in camp is funny enough, and we often laugh to think what our mothers would say could they see us.  The smoke of the burning pine & the exposure to all sorts of weather have made us look black some what, & you would say we had not washed for a month.  When we eat we sit or stand at a rough table of boards, or, Turk like, sit on the ground, or recline.  The dishes may get washed, or simply wiped with a piece of paper.  We do profess to look white and to aim at tidiness, cleanliness & so on, but then a bright gun & equipments are the first consideration with shoulder-straps [officers], and we must have them all right, though we look like mudsills.  Our tents, called dog tents, are simply pieces of cotton or linen cloth, 5 ft. square, buttoned together.  Each man is owner of a piece & can tent with one or more of his comrades comfortably.  Our tentmates are Lennius [sic] Williams and Nelson Brooks.¹  We have determined to pass the hours of camp as pleasantly & profitably as possible & have accordingly sent for reading matter viz. Harper’s Monthly, Phrenological Journal, Mil[waukee] Sentinel, State Journal [Madison, Wis.], Christian Advocate, N.Y. Independent.  The Christian Commission have lately given us papers & magazines.  [paragraph break added]

There I must not write any more to-night.  It is beginning to rain and I guess I will stop, blow out the light & retire.  So good night.

23^nd,  Monday morning. — It still rains.  The regiment is going out to forage to-day.  I am excused from going, having no hat.  I have not had a hat to wear for two weeks, my old one being worn out & no opportunity having occurred lately to draw a new one.  I suppose you will worry at this announcement, but you need not.  I am not suffering for the lack of a hat or anything else.  My health is never affected by exposure and I am not afraid of becoming sick.  When I want a hat I pull off Homer’s.  I have been selling gold pens (with a hat on) lately for Dale [Wilber P. Dale] who is now in Savannah.  I have sole $150.^00/000 worth & have some more to dispose of.  I suppose he will give me something for my services.  I must mail some money to him today, $100, which he told me to do.  He says he expressed you $160 and sent you a receipt & an order on Mr. Searle of Hudson for $200 more.  Have you received the money or heard from him?  I have another letter to write & must bring this to a close.  Has Pomeroy returned?  Let us know all that is going on & write soon Via N.Y.

Yours affectionately,
E. D. Levings

P.S. ~ I am much in need of a handkerchief.  Will you send us a couple?  E. D. Levings

1.  Linneas M. Williams was from Malone and enlisted December 22, 1863.  Nelson Brooks was from Kinnickinnick and enlisted October 30, 1861.
2.  George Pomeroy was in Company G of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry. He was from Cataract and enlisted October 1, 1861, and mustered out October 30, 1864, when his term expired.

Edwin Levings letter of January 22, 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 December 19: “We destroyed R. R. almost daily” on the March to Savannah

“Sherman’s March to the Sea” is the common name of General William T. Sherman’s Savannah Campaign.  The campaign began on November 15, 1864, when Sherman’s troops left Atlanta, Georgia, and ended with the capture of the sea coast port of Savannah on December 21.  Along the way, his troops destroyed military targets, industry, infrastructure, and civilian property, and disrupted the South’s economy and its transportation networks.  Operating deep within enemy territory and without supply lines was considered to be a revolutionary war tactic at the time.

In yesterday’s post, Edwin Levings of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry wrote, “I have not time to make any thing but a simple statement or outline of the trip, but will ere long give you a minute sketch of what I saw, and of what was done.”  Here is that “minute sketch,” titled a diary but really just a long letter.  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.

Diary of the March to Savannah —

Before Savanna Ga., Dec. 19^th / ’64

The 12th day of Nov. was a day that the soldiers of Sherman will never forget.  To the spectator, the scenes of that day will, in after years, have lost none of their vivedness [sic] and interest, and in the rush of events will be singled out as the commencement of one of the greatest movements of “this cruel war.”  A grand breaking up—like that of the ice in early spring—pointing to the approach of an event, the magnitude and importance of which can not be fully realized till it is come upon us.  What is going to be done?  Everything has an unsettled look,—there is a hurrying to and fro, but no sign of anxiety is apparent.  Surely no evil is brooding.  Every body wears a look of satisfaction—the paymasters have liberally distributed their “green backs” and there’s plenty to live upon for some time.  [paragraph break added]

It is 12 o’clock M.  There is a buzzing noise in camp—orders have come to fall in.  What now?  Well, no matter, “fall in,” is the order.  Then there is a rattle of cups, plates, spoons &c.—some burn their mouths in their haste to drink their coffee,—rations half cooked are hurredly [sic] devoured or thrown away, ejaculations of all sorts, curses intermingled, fill the air.  Who would’nt [sic] be a soldier?  Some laugh, some are cross, some sing.  All in line, we are soon marching up the R. R. to Marietta to begin the work of destroying the track and depot buildings.  The regiments strung along at equal distances begin the work, and soon the rails are loosened, the ties & fencing piled up, and the rails placed across them.  Fires are made, the rails heat & bend, or are bent & broken around a post or tree & then we sit down to cook our suppers.  It was a grand sight to see those thousand fires along the track, the Military Academy which Sherman used to attend, in flames, & the depot buildings and public houses meeting the same fate.  Simultaneously the destruction went on from Kingston to Atlanta.  Then we began to consider the boldness of the act.  We were severing our communications—cutting loose from our base to find another hundreds of miles away.  Could we do it.  Yes!  No backward steps with Sherman’s army.

The morning of the 13th, long before light, the 17th Corps was marching to Atlanta.  We crossed the Chattahoochee 1½ miles below the R. R. bridge and arrived at the city after dark & camped.  The following day was spent in completing the preparations for the campaign.  I improved the time in washing, sewing, &c.  Rations (3 days to last 5) were issued at night, also some whiskey.

The morning of the 15th the march had fairly begun, our course being S.W.  A good many were set up with whiskey and toddled along much to the amusement of the sober, but it was their last spree, and they would have their fun.  The road was good most of the way, but the country already overrun by our foragers afforded but little subsistance [sic].  After marching 12 miles, we camped.  I managed to get a yearling heifer so that we had plenty of meat.  The 15 Corps was on another road to our right & the 14th & 20th were on our left, and in this way we marched through to S.  The trains and batteries kept the road and the infantry marched outside through the woods & fields.  There was considerable cannonading to our right, but no real fighting.  A permanent detail had been made to forage provisions for the troops, and thus we were well supplied with flour, molasses, meat, pork, potatoes, etc. while on the march.  Thus the march went on, the country becoming more level & richer & the roads better till we arrived at the Ocmulgee Mills on the 3rd or 4th day out.  We crossed the river of this name on pontoons.  Rainy weather set in, and for the next 3 days the roads were awful.  Once or twice we did not get into camp till after midnight.  On the 22nd we struck the R. R. junction at Gordon between Milledgeville and Macon.  I was on picket,—the weather was very cold,—ice formed ½ inch in thickness.

Next day was not relieved till after the troops had all left, and thinking the opportunity a good one, we stole away & took the R. R. track for 7 or 8 miles, when learning that the troops had halted 1 mile north the R. R. on account of bad roads, we turned off.  We were fortunate enough to get some cooking utensils, molasses, flour, meal, potatoes, meat &c—yes! and some nice butter & biscuits.  What do you think of that Eh!  At night we had to destroy R. R.  The day following we were detailed for rear guard, and had charge of a lot of mules & horses that were to be brought along and turned over at night at Brig. Hd. Qur. [Brigade Headquarters].  Homer had one, so did I, an old slab sided fellow, thought to be the slowest, but emphatically one of the best—he had the regular “get up” to him, and out distanced the rest by a long ways.  We took the R. R. track, came to a long trestle work spanning about 300 yds. of mud & water not less than 3 feet deep.  Now here was a difficulty.  In we go, one after another, & all are dismounted save one, before half way across.  My steed stuck fast, lay down, blankets & bundles were swimming about and I got exceedingly wet.  I lifted my load to those crossing the bridge and after much urging piloted him out to terra firma.  One fellow was under his mule & it was with great struggling that he got out.  It was a funny time.  Two days more marching and we were at the Oconee River 6 miles below the R. R. bridge.  The next day we crossed on pontoons, & camped 3 miles beyond.  While foraging that after noon on his own account, Homer discovered hid in a gulley 3 trunks filled with valuables.  He brought away a revolver worth $15, rings worth $5, tobacco & other things worth in all some $35.

The march was easy for us as we did not march more than 12 or 15 miles per day except once or twice when we made 20 miles.  We destroyed R. R. almost daily, 5 or 10 miles in a place.  The R. R. was very fine, the track being laid on stringers.  This we would destroy in this manner.  We would pry it up with rails, then pile it up & burn it.  We arrived at Millen Junction Dec 2nd.  From here we marched along the R.R. destroying every station we came to.  The work of destruction was most complete.  Foraging was most thorough and we were abundantly supplied with everything eatable the country afforded.  From the Ogeechee the country is very swampy—all pine country.  I would not live in it for all it contains.  We burned a great many houses, taking for our own use every thing we needed.  This movement is a most terrible blow to Rebels.  The R. R. system of Georgia is used up.  I want now to see S.C. [South Carolina] litterally [sic] torn in pieces, and if this army ever enters that state, it will be; and then, if by that time the rebellion does not cave, I mistake.  6 months more will tell.

Wish I had leasure [sic] to write a better account, but you will get a pretty correct idea, I think, from this epistle.

Yours as ever,
.                     .E.D. Levings

Edwin Levings diary, December 19, 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 – page 1

 

1864 December 19: “We had a verry pleasant time, living mostly on the country”

Now it is Edwin Levings’ brother Homer’s turn to write to their parents.  As usual, Homer’s spelling leaves a lot to be desired.  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.

Near Sevanna [sic] Ga.
Dec. 19^th 1864.

Dear Parents

                        It was with the greatest pleasure that I perused your letters the other day while on picket.  I supose [sic] you have heard by this time where Sherman [William T. Sherman] with his army have turned up, but I supose [sic] you are waiting to hear the particulars from us.  I have not kept any journal on this march, I will leave Ed to give you an account of it.  We had a verry [sic] pleasant time, living mostly on the country.  We had no enemy in our front except Wheeler[‘]s cavalry [Joseph Wheeler] but they did not hinder us much.  The Infantry did not have much of any fighting to do.  We were not ordered to the front til we got within four miles [of] Sevanna [sic].  Our company being on picket that day we skirmished throug[h] a swamp where the troops could not march in line of battle on account of its being so wet.  [D]id not meet with any enemy except one rebel who was wounded and was trying [to] get away but the boys stoped [sic] him and made him wade across the canal where our line was formed.  The next day we were releived [sic] by the 14th Corps and we moved to the right to our present position.  We are 8 miles from Sevanna [sic], our camp is on a large rice plantation.  There is a lake betwen [sic] us and the rebs so there can be no attack made at this part of the line.  We live principally on rice as we have not drawn any rations yet except ½ ration hard-tack and coffee that we drew this morning.

We expe[c]t to draw more, thoug[h] this evening.  Dale¹ is stopping with us most of the time he intends going north in a few days to by [sic] goods to bring here and sell.  Ft. McCallister [sic] was taken several days ago this was all the fort the rebs had on the Ogechee [sic] river it is about 6 miles from here.  Our supplies come that way.  I do not know how large a force they have got in Sevanna [sic] probably about 15000.  There are a good many citizens from the country rushed in there to keep out of our way.  They will be made to help defend the city.  Some of our prisoners have escaped from them, clad in the butternut suit, they say that the rebels gave them a chance to enlist in their ranks or remain in prison, many of them chose to go into their ranks and watch their oportunity [sic] to get away, rather than lay in prison.

Lieut. Higbee² expects to start for home in a few days.  I think it would be a good way to invest money, that land of Frak [Frank?] Hart’s.  We have about $350 in cupon [sic] bonds which we shall send home the first oportunity [sic].  They are much better to keep than other money because they draw 7 percent int. and are not taxable.

[December] 20^th   Capt. Price³ of our regt. was shot last night.  He was picket officer for our briggade [sic].  He was shot by one of our own men by mistake, while reconnoitering.

As I [have] more letters to write I shall be obliged to stop.  With much love for all I reman [sic] your

Obedient Son
.                         .Homer.

P.S. —
Lieut. Higby [sic] starts home in a few days.  Shall try and send that money by him, or let Dale have it & he will give you an order on Mr. Searle of Hudson for it.  He has money belonging to Dale which is ready for him but he wants the money now.
Will you mail me a blank book, size 3 x 5 inches ¼ inch in thickness, for Journal purposes.

1.  Wilber P. Dale, from River Falls, newly mustered out of Company A of the 12th Wisconsin when his term expired.
2.  Chester G. Higbee, from River Falls, newly promoted to lieutenant in Company A of the 12th Wisconsin.
3.  John M. Price, from Barton, was captain of Company D of the 12th Wisconsin. He was wounded at Atlanta, and was promoted to major on November 21, 1864.

Homer Levings letter of December 19, 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 – page 1

 

1864 December 18: “We have made something of a march,—300 miles—and made a big hole in the Confederacy”

Edwin Levings, with Company A of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, describes Sherman’s March to the Sea.  The campaign was designed by Union Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman to be similar to Grant’s innovative and successful Vicksburg Campaign and Sherman’s Meridian Campaign.  Sherman’s armies reduced their need for traditional supply lines by “living off the land” after consuming the rations they brought with them.  Foragers provided food seized from local farms for the Army while they destroyed the railroads and the manufacturing and agricultural infrastructure of Georgia.

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.

Before Savannah, Ga. —
Dec 18th 1864.

Ever Dear Parents;

                                    At last I can write to you, and as usual, of our continued welfare; and this is the best news I have for you.  Thanks to the Kind Providence that has guarded our steps.

Now my snow-white sheet, companion in my toils for many a weary mile, be the bearer of glad tidings to far-off friends, and may your Journey be as prosperous, and your welcome as merry, as fortune and friendship can make them.

Yes !  to tell you of our health & safety is a pleasure for your anxiety to hear from us must be great, and your pleasure will be enhanced when I come to relate where we have been, and what we have seen and done.

But before proceeding to my narration I will acknowledge the receipt by yesterday’s mail — the first since our arrival here — of 4 letters from you postmarked respectively Nov. 1, 7, 11, 21^st and I need not tell you we were most happy to peruse them.

As you are aware, we have made something of a march,—300 miles—and made a big hole in the Confederacy.  Will not the North rejoice when it realizes the effect of this great movement ?  It can not do it now, for no more terrible blow has been dealt the South than that what has just been given it in Ga.

I have not time to make any thing but a simple statement or outline of the trip, but will ere long give you a minute sketch of what I saw, and of what was done.

Now get a good war map if you can and follow me. — We left the Gate City in flames on the 15 ult. & arrived before Savannah on the 10th inst. all right.  The army, — 4 Corps, 14th, 18th, 17th & 20th — marched in two columns.  The 17th struck the R. R. at Gordon, between Macon & Milledgeville, & 170 miles from Savannah.  The towns we passed through after leaving Atlanta are McDonough, Jackson, Monticello, Hillsboro, Gordon, McIntyre, Toomsboro, Oconee, Tenille [sic], Burton, Herndon, in fact nearly all the stations on the R.R. between Gordon & Savannah.  The 17th Corp[s] had the R.R. all the way & did most of the work of destruction on it.  We burned nearly all the stations & tore up & burned the track all the way to Savannah.  The road can never be rebuilt during the war.  The destruction was immense.

I have said nothing of what the other Corps did.  The 15th, on our right made a feint on Macon.  The 14th & 20 went to Milledgeville.  Kilpatrick [Judson Kilpatrick] & his Cav. made a feint movement on Augusta whipping old Wheeter [Joseph Wheeler] hansomely [sic].  We lived off the country almost entirely.  We had only 12 days rations hardtack issued to us while on the way & full rations.  We took every thing we could lay our hands upon, & I will say never since I have been a soldier did we fare better, lived like princes in the eating line, flour meal, rice, fresh port, chickens, grese [sic], turkeys, honey, fresh beef, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, turnips, sugar & molasses being plenty.  But we took all & there is not enough left along the line of our march to save the people from starvation.  They must go elsewhere or suffer with hunger.  [paragraph break added]

We crossed the Ocmulgee River on pontoons, the Oconee River 6 miles below the R.R. bridge, & the Ogeechee River at Burton.  Marched from 5 to 20 miles a day — lay over one day.  The country all fine, though of poor soil, is one of the most fertile in the South, & many a wealthy old rebel have we ruined, taking every thing !  [T]housands of negroes came with us & are now being turned to valuable account. We came up before Savannah, took a position, but owing to the almost impassible swamps moved around near the Gulf R.R. leading South.  We are there now, about 7 miles from Savannah, & 6 from the R.R. bridge on the Ogeechee River.  When we came here no communications were open.  Fort McAllister, on the Ogeechee & 9 miles below the bridge had to be taken.  It was taken by a portion of the 4 Div. 17 Corps & some of the 15th Corps in less than 20 minutes.  Gunboats attracted attention & there the Infy. charged capturing the entire garrison & armaments.  Our cracker line is now open.

No rations drawn yet, but will be in a day or two.  We have eaten up every thing around here.  Our food now is Rice, of which there are thousands bushels in the country, & coffee & beef, nothing else, save now and then a potato or little meat.  [paragraph break added]

Dale¹ came through with Kilpatrick’s Cavalry.  He came down to Atlanta just before we left with 4 or 500 dollars worth gold pens — sold them all in one day, got cut off & had to come through with.  He is with us now — a wild trick of his, you see.  [paragraph break added]

We are on the South side of the city 7 miles distant, rebels are opposite entrenched on the other side of a big rice field covered with 4 or 5 ft. water.  No fighting, nothing but picket firing & artillery duels.  Are waiting the arrival of supplies of all kinds for a siege.  Best authority places the rebels at 15,000.  Many citizens with all their goods are inside & can not get out.  They are completely hemmed in on all sides.  Pardon such a letter, I have no business to send such a letter but the mail goes out soon & I know you would be glad to get even a scratch of my pen.  Are both well.  Will both write fully next time.  So Good by[e].  Yours affectionately, Edwin D. Levings.  Write via N. Y. Army of the Georgia.

Were paid off at Atlanta, & have got $360 to send you, which we will do as soon as an express office opens.

1.  Wilber P. Dale, from River Falls. He had mustered out of the 12th Wisconsin on October 28, 1864, when his term expired.

Edwin Levings letter of December 18, 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