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

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

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

My Dear Mother

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Boy,
.                  .Jerry

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

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

1865 April 22: Wisconsin Soldiers in St. Louis Hospitals

The following list of Wisconsin soldiers comes from The Prescott Journal of April 22, 1865.

Wisconsin Soldiers at St. Louis.

The following is a list of changes in the U. S. General and Post Hospitals at St. Louis of sick and wounded Wisconsin soldiers since report 1st March, 1865, with a list of those remaining in hospital April 1st :

DEATHS.

March 10, Jacob Sheefer, F, 33d, chronic diarrhœa, Jefferson Barracks.
March 11, William Hobiernich, G, 1st cav., chronic diarrhœa, Jefferson Barracks.
March 26, Charles E. Southwick, H, 49th, rubecia, Benton Barracks.
March 29, John Drysdale, C, 6th, typhoid fever, Benton Barracks.
March 31, Edward Williams, I, 49th, pneumonia, Benton Barracks.

DISCHARGED ON SURGEON’S CERTIFICATE.

March 1, Benj. F. Wells, D, 3d cav., aneurism, Fort Scott, Kansas.
March 9, Conrad Nelson, G, 43d, chronic diarrhœa, Jefferson Barracks.
March 13, Thomas J. Baldwin, G, 23d, heart disease, Jefferson Barracks.
March 13, Michael Brusch, H, 16th, deformed feet, Jefferson Barracks.
March 13, Christian Carstan, A, 3d cav., loss of sight, Jefferson Barracks.
March 15, Edward McWilliams, E, 8th, chronic diarrhœa, Jefferson Barracks.
March 15, John C. O’Brien, 3d cav., pleuritis, Fort Scoot, Kansas.
March 20, Truman Rich, A, 8th, gunshot wound, Jefferson Barracks.
March 22, Henry Colburn, E, 1st cav., hernia, Jefferson Barracks.
March 22, John Dodson, H, 31st, chronic diarrhœa, Jefferson Barracks.
March 27, Issac Matocein, II, 18th, gunshot wound, Alexander Barracks.

 RETURNED TO DUTY CONVALESCENT.

March 1, Franis M. Sandy, F, 43d.
March 4, Joe R. Wasson, F, 1st cav.
March 8, Chas. Field, C, 26th.
March 8, Joe. R. Morris, F, 12th.
March 8, John Roach, F, 24th.
March 8, Chas. E. Noff, C, 31st.
March 11,  Jules II LeGoff, 12th bat.
March 14, Wm. II Thompson, C, 43d.
March 16, Jas. N. Wickham, D, 17th.
March 18, Simon Herrel, D, 17th.
March 22, Wm. J Neely, C, 43d.
March 22, J.H.A. Toat, H, 14th.
March 22, Isaac Mateosin, H, 18th.
March 28, Christian Cruscius, 1, 26th.
March 28, Geo. Crosby, F, 1st cav.
March 28, John Duff, E, 31st.
March 28, John O’Niel [O’Neal], H, 29th.

REMAINING IN HOSPITAL THIS DATE—BOSTON BARRACKS POST.

 J.J. Blowers, B, 7th, gunshot wound.
Samuel Burke, D, 24th, typhoid fever.
Arch. Camehan, C, 56th, chronic rheumatism.
Isaac Simon, B, 38th, pneumonia.
Seuben S Hoff, B, 48th, bronchitis.
Wm. Edmond, H, 48th, insanity.
Zachariah Taylor, F, 48th, typhoid fever.
John Allen, F, 48th, pneumonia.
Ezra Boyle, C, 48th, typhoid fever.
Johnathan Allen, C, 50th, pneumonia.
O.F. Ingraham, C, 50th, fever.
Hans Jesperaen, B, 50th, measles.
Henry Hurley, E, 50th, fever.
Calvin Boyer, B, 50th, fever.
John Slater, D, 50th,bronchitis.
John S. Gibbs, B, 50th, rheumatism.
Jacob Becker, E, 50th, pneumonia.
Robert Nigerfin,D, 50th, remittent fever.
High Dnning, B, 50th, intermittent fever.
George W Berlin, D, 50th, mumps.
Henry  J. Smith, D, 50th,   ”
Jonathan Hay, B, 50th,      ”
Albert Johnson, B, 50th,    ”
John S. Craft, A, 50th, measles.
Benjamin F. Scriber, B, 50th, tonsilitis.

BENTON BARRACKS, GENERAL.

J.  H. Winn, H, 1st cav., attendant.
Frank Sherer, (bugler,) 3d cav., on duty.
Edward Roberts, F, 22d, attendant.
Corp. J. C. Skinner, H, 22d, attendant.
Adam Baitis, C, 24th,                 ”
Michael Ryan, B, 30th, conjunctivitis.
Corp. Jacob M. Heer, D, 33d, attendant.
Benj. F. Miles, C, 33d, attendant on duty, office.
Francis M. Carter, F, 49th, pneumonia.
Michael Maher, C, 49th, gastric fever.
James Priestly, F, 49th, bronchitis.
Samuel Pauley, F, 49th, pneumonia.
A. E. Sampson, G, 49th, measles.
George D. Farmer, D, 49th, measles.
Edward Williams, I, 49th, pneumonia.
D. N. M. Williams, H, 49th, tonsilitis.

JEFFERSON BARRACKS, GENERAL.

John J. Haszard, 6th battery, under treatment.
Joseph Armstrong, 7th battery,    ”
John D. Miles [Mills], 10th battery, on furlough.
Jacob Heinrich, 12th battery, under treatment.
Corp. Gilbert Moss, C, 1st, H. A.,    ”
James H. Wickham, D, 1st cav., convalescent.
William Heidel, E, 1st cavalry, under treatment.
Ole J. Bradley, K, 1st cav.,                ”
August Parkman, K, 1st cav.,           ”
Moses Hartford, B, 1st cav.,             ”
Jonathan B. Ayres, F, 1st cav.,         ”
George H. Young, K, 1st cav.,          ”
Henry Schultz, A, 3d, under treatment.
Sergt. Andrew Torgerson, G, 3d, under treatment.
Daniel Donaldson, I, 3d, under treatment.
Orion Robinson, I, 8th, convalescent.
William W. Foy, H, 8th, furlough.
John C. Sylvester, H, 8th, on furlough.
Elisha Lampshear, B, 8th, under treatment.
J. L. Tourtelotte, H, 12th, under treatment.
David Dondin, B, 12th, convalescent.
James Camp, E, 12th, on furlough.
John F. Hany, A, 12th, under treatment.
Lewis Brown, F, 12th, convalescent.
Ole Olson, C, 12th, under treatment.
Louis Paul, C, 12th,         ”
David Brunnet, F, 12th,  ”
Ole T. Nash, K, 12th,       ”
Israel T. Patrign, G, 13th, on furlough.
Dexter Blankenship, F, 13th, under treatment.
Charles Rich, K, 13th, on furlough.
James Wolford, B, 14th, to be discharged.
Aaron Baer, A, 14th, under treatment.
John Weber, D, 14th,             ”
Richard Hardman, B, 14th,   ”
Henry D. Wise, H, 14th,         ”
David McCarty, I, 14th,          ”
John Wilson, K, 14th,             ”
Henry Herrick, C, 14th convalescent.
Meir Worlfgang, H, 16th,       ”
Arthur Cornell, C, 16th,          ”
Eagle Halverson, E, 16th,       ”
Thos. Cardmad, G, 16th,         ”
Herman Winde, F, 16th, under treatment.
James O. Hasch, G, 16th,          ”
Andrew Hainedell, —, 17th,      ”
John Pasehell, A, 17th,               ”
William P. Tinkham, —, 18th,  ”
William Pugh, A, 18th,               ”
Robert Richards, F, 18th,            ”
Corp. William McCain, F, 21st, convalescent.
John Carey, H, 21st, under treatment.
H. J. Rosencrans, I, 22d,       ”
W. P. Middleton, H, 22d,      ”
Henry W. Lewis, C, 22d,        ”
Corp. Christ’n Bessinger, E, 24th,
William R. Ellis, H, 25th,        ”
Ole Haginson, B, 25th,             ”
William Long, E, 26th,             ”
Ferdinand Kirshner, H, 26th, ”
Phillip Mattis, H, 26th, under treatment.
Andrew Spaar, D, 26th,       ”
Nelson Sperling, F, 31st, convalesscent.
Omer Gee, B, 32d,                 ”
Joseph W. Edwards, B, 32d, under treatment.
Charles Norton, D, 32d,             ”
Bugler J. M. Moore, B, 32d,      ”
Sylvester F, Bush, F, 33d, convalescent.
Peter F. Chase, D, 32d,              ”
James Shaw, K, 33d,                  ”
Patrick McDonough, K, 33d, under treatment.
William H. Weeks, D, 33d, on furlough.
John Button, A, 43d, under treatment.
Jeremiah Holcomb, A, 43d,      ”
Oliver Brown, F, 43d,                 ”
John Jeilings, E, 43d, on furlough.
Frederick Gremer, B, 46th, under treatment.

U. S. MASINS [sic] GENERAL HOSPITAL.

Ludwig Dooth, D, 19th, chronic diarrhœa.
Ira Aldrich, D, 19th, anæmia.
Henry King, E, 86th, pneumonia.

ST. LOUIS POST HOSPITAL.

Issac Vansice, H, 3d cav., attendant.

1864 July 26: The Rebels “are ugly fellows, but gunpowder and whiskey, with which their canteens were filled, did not save them nor help them at all”

Another letter from Edwin Levings with the 12th Wisconsin Infantry near 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., Tuesday, July 26th, 1864

Dear Father and Mother,

                                             Last night the mail arrived bringing us 4 letters and 2 papers — 2 letters of the 4th and 10th inst from you; the other 2 from Grandmother and Cousin Emma.  We had had none for 2 weeks, and if I ever felt grateful for letters I did last night.  You should have seen the almost wild joy of the boys when it was announced the mail had come, and a very large one too.  Can you imagine our eager joy at the receipt of letters from loved ones, especially after a battle?  How gladly each reads the cheering words, notes, the solicitude felt for him & so on, and then comes swelling up from the heart the wish that they knew now that he is safe and well.—I wrote you last sabbath, but do not suppose the mail went out.  It will go to-day, I think, and this will give you two days later intelligence for us.

We have had no fighting since the battles of the 21st and 22nd inst.  Our army has been digging and throwing up works almost constantly since, and every one believes if the rebels come on to us again we can hold our own against all odds, and about use them up.  We are fortified in front, rear and on both flanks.  Our Div. is determined to hold the horse shoe line it charged and took on the 21st.  If the rebels could not take it on the 22nd charging on the south and weaker side, I doubt they can do it now, strengthened us we are, unless they outflank us.  I have heard it asserted that the credit of saving the left wing of our army that day from a most disgraceful defeat is due to our 3rd Division.  They fought like heroes and will be termed such.  The rebels came on 4 or 5 lines deep and charged as many times.  Once some of them actually got inside our works but they never got out.  The rebels that charged our Corps are said to be Longstreet’s [James Longstreet] old Corps.  They are ugly fellows, but gunpowder and whiskey, with which their canteens were filled, did not save them nor help them at all.  They carried off many of their wounded during the night, but their dead,—we had to bury them mostly ourselves.  How many they lost I can not say—have not heard a guess.  Gens. Sherman [William T. Sherman] and Logan [John A. Logan] were riding over the grounds the following day and one remarked, so goes the story, to the other that he had never seen so many rebels dead on so small a piece of ground.  Lt. Kelsey says he counted 32 dead dead on a space of ground 40 feet square.  On the left of the Div. a whole rebel Brigade broke through when the 15th Corps reenforcing us captured them.  Here it was where our beloved McPherson [James B. McPherson] was killed.  He rode down into a ravine up which rebel soldiers were coming and knowing they were in it, 2 rebel soldiers robbed him of his effects but did not know they had killed McPherson.  I think the rebels have had reinforcements.  They are reported moving our left again.—

My boil on my knee made me so lame I could not walk.  It is getting better now.  We miss the loss of our things some, but are not bothered with a load now.  Mother, will you send me a testament, mine was gobbled as was Homer’s also.  This is all the paper I have &  Homer wishes to write some, so I close.  Write soon & believe me ever your affectionate boy.  Edwin

Sunset, July 26th, 1864 ~ I had the good fortune a few minutes ago to purchase some stationery,—enough to write half a day’s letters, so you may expect we shall write to you as usual.—There is talk of our falling back, to other works lately thrown up, our present line being exposed to our own fire too much ∼ think we shall do it tonight.  I forgot to acknowledge the receipt of those letter stamps.  They came but in the nick of time and my thanks to you for them.  No more this time & so good night to you all.

Yours as ever,
.                     .E. D. Levings
.                            .1st Brig. 3rd Div 17th Corps.

Edwin Levings letter of July 26, 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 9: News of Local Soldiers John Otis, John Goldsberry; Wisconsin Sick and Wounded at Vicksburg

Following are the smaller news items from the July 9, 1864, issue of The Prescott Journal.

  We regret to learn that John Otis,¹ of Co. A, 12th Reg., son of Franklin Otis, Esq., died in hospital a short time ago.  No soldier ever entered the service with purer motives, and his death is a severe affliction to his aged parents.

  JOHN GOLDSBERRY, Co. F, 37th, has returned home on furlough, having been wounded before Petersburg, June 17th.  Johny made a quick trip to Dixie and back.

  Henry E. Sinyzer has been appointed 1st Lieut. Co. E, 6th Reg., vice Chas. P. Hyatt, promoted.  The Lieut. has fairly won the position.

  Fremont [John C. Frémont] is called the “Pathfinder,” but he evidently is off from the right path to the White House.

  There was a large Fremont Ratification meeting in New York a few days since.  The material for the meeting was borrowed from the Democrats.—Gen. McClellan [George B. McClellan], was cheered much more than Fremont.  It is unlucky fro Fremont that the mass of his supporters are to fill up the time until they have a nominee of their own.

  S. S. Fifield, of the Polk County Press, was in town this week.  We are glad to see him so well recovered from his recent severe illness.  [The reason we have not had articles from the Press.]

  An interesting letter from “BOB” EDEN, Capt. Co. B, 37th Reg., will be found on the inside of this paper.

  Two years ago the Copperhead press strongly opposed the $300 commutation as a measure to favor the rich and drag the poor into the army ;  and now that it is repealed, they are violent in denunciation of the repeal.  What will suit them?

DEATH OF CAPT. HUNTER.—Capt. J. W. Hunter,² of the Third Wisconsin, formerly of this place, who was wounded in one of the late battle in Georgia, has died of his wound.—Monroe Sentinel.

Sick and Wounded Soldiers at Vicksburg.

The following is a list of sick and wounded soldiers in hospital in Vicksburg, from June 14th to June 18th, furnished by Mrs. C. A. P. HARVEY, Wis. State agent :

	John Baker,	H, 33d	regiment.
	A. Antoine,³	F, 14th	do
	R. H. Douglass,4	E, 8th	do
	E. E. Pauline,5	L,	2d cavalry.
	George Hewitt,	E,	do
	G. Haydy,	H,	do
	H. Belch,	H,	do
	Henry Jung,	H,	do
	H. L. Brooks,6	M,	do
	___ Kanouse,7	F,	do
	Orson Mills,	C,	do
	James E. Cronk,	M,	do

1.  John A. Otis, from Trimbelle, died June 11, 1864, in Rome, Georgia, from “disease.”
2.  James W. Hunter, from Monroe, was captain of Company F of the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry. He died June 8, 1864, at Chattanooga, from wounds received May 25.
3.  Abram Antoine, from Fort Howard, died June 11, 1864, in Vicksburg.
4.  Robert H. Douglass, from Salem, died June 8, 1864, in Vicksburg.
5.  Ernest Pauline, from Fountain City, died June 12, 1864, on the Hospital steamer H.W. Thomas.
6.  Perry L. Brooks, from Porter, died August 17, 1864, in Vicksburg.
7.  Thomas Kanouse, from Richland Center, was discharged with a disability on July 3, 1864.

 

1864 June 6: The 7th Minnesota in Paducah, Kentucky

A letter and a lengthy post-script from Wyman X. Folsom to his father, W. H. C. Folsom, in Taylors Falls, Wisconsin.  Folsom was in Company C of the 7th Minnesota Infantry, along with a number of other Taylors Falls and Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin, men.  The original letter is in the W. H. C. Folsom Papers (River Falls Mss S), in the University Archives and Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Paducah Ky.            .
June 6^th 1864

My Dear Father

                                Yours of the 30th came to hand this morning. I am happy to learn you are all well at home but am exceedingly unhappy to hear of your not having rain.  We have had an abundance of rain.  [paragraph break added]

Dr. Mattocks¹ and me attended church last evening.  I am very much displeased with the tomfoolry [sic].  All that the minister seemed to care for was to raise a laugh.  The audience were mostly rough and illbreed [sic].  One half of the inhabitants here do not know anything.  [paragraph break added]

Major Burt [William H. Burt] met with quite an accident last Friday.  He bought him a fine horse at St. Louis and since we have been here he spends his time in training him.  Last Friday his horse kicked him in the face, cutting his nose most off and injuring him; will mare [sic: mar] in different parts of his face.  He can not see this morning, his injury is not serious though.  I am ashamed to say that most all the regiment were glad to see him hurt.  I am very sorry indeed to see him so (not withstanding his ill feelings towards me).   [paragraph break added]

Albert Pearson,² brother to Sam Pearson the watch maker, is in hospital with consumption and I am afraid will not never see Minnesota again.  He is not able to go home and is failing very fast.  Co. “C” had only two sick men this morning and have only two in Hospital; is not that good for a hundred men.  C “C” numbers eighty ninty [sic] one men.  Only one company in the regiment that numbers more.  Co. “D” has ninty [sic] two men.  The regiment is verry [sic] healthy and in good spirits.  Some are thinking of going home this fall, but if I am not mistaken they will get badly fooled.  I am not expecting my discharge before my time is out, and that is one year and a little over two months more.  Then I am in great hopes of seeing you all but my stay at home will be short for I am going through Commercial College before I go to the Falls to stay.  [paragraph break added]

Next Friday I am going to join the “Union League,” Dr. Smith also [Lucius B. Smith].  A good many are joining of our regiment.  Mr. Guard’s³ wife is here with him.  Capt. Carter,⁴ Lieut. Buck⁵ (of Winona) and several others have their wifes [sic] with them.  Guess they contemplate staying all summer here.  I am in hopes we may stay here and next fall go to Saint Louis.  Then I will go through Commercial College.  But I may be dispointed [sic: disappointed], our doctors are having their hands full.  There is a regiment of negroes here that they are taking care of and a __ and and [sic] one ___ besides.

Col. Marshall [William R. Marshall] has come back looking good as ever.  He is a good man and the regiment know it.  Our chaplain has resigned; is a good thing for the regiment for he never done any good, and was a curse to us.  Good by,

Your Obt.⁶ Son,
. .      .Wyman X. Folsom
.      .  ..Co “C” 7″ Minnesota
… MPaducah Ky.

12 o’clock noon

I have been down town for some papers for men to go to Hospital.  Frank went with me.  We went in to a Saloon and and [sic] had some ice cream and straw berries [sic].  There is some verry [sic] fine gardens on the outskirts of the city and strawberries in abundence [sic], good large ones and only fifteen cents a quart.  O ! but they are delicious with ice cream these warm days.  The thermometer stands to ninty [sic] six, it is most awfull [sic] hot.  I bought me a linen coat and in fact most every one that can wear them are buying, situated as I am not having to drill or appear in military suit as all on dress occasions.  It must be verry [sic] hot here in July and August.

I am great hopes that we will stay all summer.  There is some good Union families but they are mighty few and scattering.  A flying rumor has just come in that Richmond was taken, but I do not believe it at all.  Grant [Ulysses S. Grant] has been verry [sic] sucessfull [sic] so far, but he can not take Richmond without taking time.  It will cast men, many, and time to capture that stronghold.  I do not want to see Richmond captured without Lee [Robert E. Lee] and his army.  Sherman [William T. Sherman] is __ and driving Johnson [sic: Joseph E. Johnston] before him.  I have now some business on hand.  Give my love to all.

Your Obt.⁶ Son,
. .      .Wyman X. Folsom

1.  Brewer Mattocks was the assistant surgeon of the 7th Minnesota Infantry.
2.  His name is listed in the roster as Albert Pehrsons, 30, from Taylors Falls. He enlisted in Company C on August 15, 1862. Albert died June 22, 1864, in Paducah.
3.  Erastus E. Guard (1825-1878) was from Taylors Falls when he enlisted August 12, 1862, and was in Company C. He became the Principal Musician on May 28, 1863, and transferred to the non-commissioned staff. Guard mustered out November 16, 1864, with a disability.
4.  Theodore G. Carter (1832-1915) was the captain of Company K. He was from Nicollet County.
5.  Norman Buck was the 1st lieutenant of Company C at this time. He will be promoted to captain of Company D in January 1865.
6.  Obedient. “Your obedient servant” was a common way to sign-off when writing a letter in the 19th century.

Wyman X. Folsom letter of June 6, 1864, from the W. H. C. Folsom Papers (River Falls Mss S) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1864 June 1: “If I am obliged to serve long as Infantry I will desert”

This is Jerry Flint’s first letter home since returning to the camp of the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry after his furlough in Wisconsin.  Normally his style of letter-writing is to run everything together with very few paragraphs; this letter has too many paragraphs, often breaking up a subject into many single-sentence paragraphs.  We have maintained his paragraph breaks in this transcription, since it is easy to tell what belongs together.

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

Camp 4^th Wis Cavalry
Baton Rouge, La.  June 1^st 1864

Dear Brother,

                          I told you that I would write you as soon as we arrived at this place.  And only one day has passed and I am fulfilling my promise.

Don’t you think it a rare bit of promptitude in me?

We find things in in rather an excited state here just now.  They are making extensive preparations for opening another campaign, probably to go over the same ground from which Gen’l Banks [Nathaniel P. Banks] so disastrously retreated.

The troops are all under the command of Gen’l. Canby [Edward R. S. Canby]. H’d. Qrs. at Natchez.

Our regiment, be being so full of recruits, we lack a great many horses.  The consequence is an order was read this evening that eight hundred of the men are to be equipped as Infantry immediately and report to Brig. Gen’l. T. W. Sherman [Thomas W. Sherman] ready for the field.  It is not decided yet who will go, but one thing if I am obliged to serve long as Infantry I will desert.

Whitefield looks tolerable well, although he has been sick some since I left.

He has got his hair cut and his whiskers are shaved off except for his chin which makes him look more like a man than I have seen him for a long time.

He tents with Henry and Charly.¹

Charly was rather disappointed at not getting anything in the box sent from River Falls.

I have just commenced the duties of Orderly.

My commission has not arrived, although Knowles [Warren P. Knowles] says the recommendation went in a month ago.

I went to a dance the night after I returned here, in company with Lieut. Knowles  [Warren P Knowles].

We had a very good time.

I do not know when Warren will start on his furlough.  Just at this time they don’t like to let officers leave.

Jim Tozer [James A. Tozer] is in the Hospital again.  I believe he has had a fever but is slowly improving.

Carleton [Carlton H. Lyman] is also in the Hospital but not very sick.

I found here a letter from you and one from Sarah.  Tell her that I will answer hers soon.

Give my best respects to Elmira and family.  Also to Mother, Grandmother and everybody else.

Tell Lyman Powell to go to the devil.  Confound him, he wouldn’t let me have a horse when I offered to pay him three times what it was worth.

Did not see Helen as she had gone to Darien.²  Dean and Shaw have furled.³

Write Soon
.     .Respectfully,
.     .     .  .Jerry E. Flint

1.  There are multiple possibilities for Henry, but no way to know which one Jerry is referring to. Charly was probably Charles G. Knowles, Warren P. Knowles’ brother; they were both from River Falls.
2.  Darien is a village in Walworth County, in southeastern Wisconsin.
3.  Because the sentence about Jerry’s sister Helen is followed by a sentence about Dean, Dean probably refers to her husband, Royal L. Dean. “Furled” might be referring to the closure of Dean’s business, which would make “Shaw” his partner; i.e., “The Dean and Shaw Company has closed.”

Jerry Flint letter of June 1, 1864, from the Jerry E. Flint Papers (River Falls Mss BN) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls University Archives & Area Research Center

1864 February 13: Local Recruits Enlist in the 7th Wisconsin Infantry, Governor Randall, Insanity Prevalent in the Army, and Other News

Following are the small items from The Polk County Press of February 13, 1864.

JAMES W. F. NASON, and CHARLES FENLASON, Co. G, 4th Wisconsin cavalry, have re-enlisted for the war. These with MELVIN MCADAMS, who has re-enlisted in the 6th Wis. Reg. fill the quota of the town of Farmington, providing the authorities of that town take the necessary action to obtain their proper credits.

ENLISTED IN THE IRON BRIGADE.— We are informed by Provost Marshal VINCENT [William J. Vincent] that G. W. Davis, R. A. Turnbull, Peter Delp, E. D. Whitney, S. Fran, John Rice, Michael McHugh, Orin Weymouth, and A. H. Connor, who left here to join the 2d Wisconsin Cavalry, changed their minds when they arrived at La Crosse, and enlisted in the gallant 7th Wis. Reg., Iron Brigade.  Bully for them.

— We learn that the town of Sterling offers $200.00 bounty to each of three volunteers to fill the quota of Burnett County and that town.

OUR QUOTA.— It is high time some steps were being taken to induce men to enlist and full up our additional quota, under the last call.  We suppose our quota will be 16 men.  There can that many be raised if our citizens will go to work.  Remember the government bounty will not be paid only till the 1st of March.  It is better to volunteer than be drafted.  Read the call &c. on first page.

GOV. RANDALL.— In another column will be found the letter of a Washington Correspondent discussing “men and things” at the Capitol.  We notice with pleasure a complimentary and truthful reference to the best Governor that the Badger State ever had.  Alexander W. RANDALL is the same energetic, live public officer in the city of Washington that he was in our own State.  His Messages and his Speeches when among us always contained the ring of the true metal, and we predict for him and the State he is from, through him, further and higher honors.

— Gen. Sibley [Henry Hastings Sibley] has advices from Fort Garry¹ that the Indians refused Governor Dallas’ tender or provisions and ammunition upon condition of their leaving the settlement.  The Indians on both sides the line are reported in an extremely destitute condition.

— A State Convention to revise the constitution of Louisiana will meet on the 22d of February, at which time the election of State officers will take place.  A convention in Florida for reconstructing the State will meet on the 1st of March.

— An order from Gen. Lee puts the rebel army on short rations.  [Robert E. Lee]

—Twelve hundred Colorado troops have re-enlisted as veterans.

— About twenty-five Indiana regiments have re-enlisted.

—Gen. Grant has gone to St. Louis to visit a sick son.  [Ulysses S. Grant]

— The First Missouri Calvary, 900 strong nearly all re-enlisted as veterans.

— All the soldiers at the rendezvous in New Haven, Connecticut, are to be vaccinated.

— Gov. Gamble of Missouri is dead.  Lient. Gov. Hall succeeds.  His message is unqualifiedly loyal.

— The Union members of the Minnesota Legislature have nominated Lincoln for the Presidency.

— The Blakely guns contracted for by the Government and Council of Massachusetts, under the authority of the legislature, for coast defense, are expected at Boston in a short time.

— The Southern Methodist Book concern in Nashville has been taken by the civil authorities for a government printing office.  It was a pestilent secession concern, and has now been put to good use.

— A new rebel steamer, with a valuable cargo of army supplies and a splendid uniform for Gen. Lee from his admirers in London, was run ashore and burned near Wilmington, on the 10th ult.

— Longstreet [James Longstreet] sent a flag of truce to General Foster [John G. Foster] a few days ago, protesting against the circular on the amnesty proclamation among his soldiers in handbill form, stating that any communication our government desired to make to the rebel soldiers, should be made through him.  General Foster replied, stating that he accepted his suggestion, and enclosed twenty copies, trusting to his desire for peace to give publicity to them.

— Four hundred rebel prisoners under guard of Ellsworth’s Zouaves arrived at New York from Chicago, on the 1st inst.  There prisoners have taken the oath of allegiance and enlisted into the United States navy.  [Elmer E. Ellsworth]

— The Secretary of the Treasury has removed the restrictions on commercial intercourse in the State of Kentucky and Missouri, and it is said the same policy will soon be pursued in reference to Delaware and Maryland.

 — Gen. Weitzel [Godfrey Weitzel], who is now in Cincinnati, has been ordered to report to General Butler [Benjamin F. Butler].

— Ohio people think they will raise their quota by the first of March and thereby escape the draft.

— 1,300 rebel prisoners, who had taken the oath of allegiance, arrived at Philadelphia from the west on the 2d.  275 of them enlisted in the navy.

— Insanity is alarmingly prevalent in the army, induced by exposute [sic: exposure].— Twenty-five insane soldiers were sent to Cincinnati a few days since.

1.  Fort Garry was a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in Winnipeg, Canada.

1863 August 29: The Latest War News

Below is the news that followed yesterday’s news on the Second Battle of Charleston Harbor in The Polk County Press of August 29, 1863.

The News.

A gang of thieves, who said they belonged to Colt’s Rebel cavalry, recently robbed the Southern Bank of Kentucky, at Carrollton, of $100,000 in gold and $30,000 in bills.

Cairo dispatches reported that Gen. Pemberton [John C. Pemberton]¹ died last week at Selma.

Grant [Ulysses S. Grant] and staff and Adjutant General Thomas [Lorenzo Thomas] left Cairo Monday night for Memphis.

Over one hundred thousand bales of Confederate State cotton have been recently captured at Natchez.

Gen. Horton is on an expedition up Red River.  There are 8,000 rebel troops up that river, Walker² and Heber³ in command.

Kirby Smith is in Texas.

Johnston’s forces are scattered in the Chunky River country.  [Joseph E. Johnston]

All seems to go well in Arkansas, Gen. Schofield⁴received dispatches on Thursday stating that our gunboats captured three or four Rebel boats, crews, and all the Rebels had in the river.  Gen. Davidson [John W. Davidson] had crossed the White River at Clarendon, and moved in the direction of Little Rock.  His advance were [sic] in sight of the pickets of Gen. Price [Sterling Price].

 Gen. Boyle⁵ has issued an order for the impressment of six thousand negro laborers from fourteen counties in Kentucky, for the purpose of building the great military road through that State toward East Tennessee.

Advices from New Orleans to the 11th inst. are received at Memphis.  They state that the health of the city is only fair.  There were numerous cases of yellow fever at the quarantine.  The steamer Wood from Vicksburg had arrived, bringing down 500 sick soldiers.  Disease is said to be on the increase at that point, most of the cases being of the most malignant type of fever, seven out of ten of which prove fatal.

Jeff. [Jefferson Davis] is locking the stable door, now that the mule is gone.  A court of inquiry has been called to meet at Montgomery, to investigate the Rebel campaigns in Mississippi and Louisiana in May, June, and July, and especially to inquire into the surrender of Vicksburg and Port Hudson.

1.  Pemberton will not die until 1881. In August 1863 he was a prisoner of war and was exchanged on October 13, 1863, and he returned to Richmond.
2.  Lucius Marshall Walker (1829-1863) was a nephew of U.S. President James K. Polk. He graduated from West Point and served on the western frontier until 1852 when he resigned. Walker was living in Arkansas when he enlisted and was commissioned colonel of the 40th Tennessee Infantry (Confederate). In March 1862 Walker was promoted to brigadier general. One year later he was assigned to the Trans-Mississippi Department and commanded a brigade at the Battle of Helena. After the Battle of Reed’s Bridge (August 26, 1863) General John S. Marmaduke accused Walker of cowardice and Walker challenged Marmaduke to a formal duel. On September 6, 1863, Walker and Marmaduke squared off on the north bank of the Arkansas River near Little Rock, and Marmaduke eventually mortally wounded Walker.
3.  Probably refers to Paul Octave Hébert (1818-1880) graduated from West Point, served in the Mexican War, and was the 14th governor of Louisiana (1853-1856). When Louisiana seceded in April 1861, Hébert was appointed a brigadier general in the Louisiana Militia and in August, 1861, was promoted to brigadier general in the Confederate Army. In 1862, Hébert was sent to the Department of Texas and later to help defend Vicksburg. He saw battle in June, 1863, at the Battle of Milliken’s Bend in Louisiana.  Hébert was sent back to Texas, where he was when the War ended.
4.  John McAllister Schofield (1831-1906) graduated from West Point, served in the artillery, and was a professor at West Point and at Washington University in St. Louis. When the Civil War began, Schofield became a major in a Missouri regiment and served as chief of staff to General Nathaniel Lyon. Schofield received the Medal of Honor (in 1892) for “conspicuous gallantry” during the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, where Lyon was killed in action. In November 1861 Schofield was promoted to brigadier general and to major general in November 1862. From 1861 to 1863 he held various commands in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. In 1863 he returned to Missouri as commander of the Department of Missouri.
5.  Jeremiah Tilford Boyle (1818-1871) was a successful lawyer and an abolitionist in Kentucky before the Civil War. When the War broke out, Boyle raised a brigade of infantry for the Union Army. He was commissioned a brigadier general in November 1861, and participated in the Battle of Shiloh. In May of 1862, President Abraham Lincoln appointed him Military Governor of Kentucky and several times he sent troops to combat raids by John Hunt Morgan. Boyle resigned in 1864 after his son was killed in action.

1863 August 30: Prescott Guards’ Losses in Dead and Discharged

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.

Natchez Miss. Aug 30th 1863

Dear Parents,

                       Your last letters of the 9th inst came a few days ago.  I had written one, but have not yet sent it off, and, perhaps you are waiting to hear from us.  Circumstances now require me to write another.

We are ordered on a 10 days scout in Louisiana and start to-morrow morning — after rebels, I presume, though in what locality, we are not apprised.  2 Brigades are going and we expect to have a fine time.  All is quiet here.  We were mustered this afternoon.  Lieut. Reynolds [Charles Reynolds] has returned from Wis.  The Capt. [Orrin T. Maxson] has not arrived yet, consequently no pay for him till next muster.  Com[pany] officers draw but half pay when on furlough.  [paragraph break added]

The sick boys do not improve much. — a hard time they have of it.  James Gibbs,¹ of the Mann Valley, died recently in St Louis.   Several deaths have occurred in the Co. within a short period.  We have lost 9 men from sickness² (except Miley³ who was killed at Vicksburg) since we left Memphis, and 21 since the organization of the Regt.,⁴ 18 have been discharged,⁵ 22 are absent on furloughs, sick leave, &c., some are on detactch detached service, so that as a Co. we are about played out, but what are left are composed of good stuff,—as the boys say, the “Essence of of of Co A.”  Dale and Jack⁶ are tough & hearty.  We think a great deal of Jack.  I would recommend him to the consideration of young ladies for a husband.  He is our best Serg’t by all odds,—a worthy fellow, true as “steel”, and always ready & agreeable to all.  [paragraph break added]

Not much to write — we await the news from Charleston with impatience.  By the way, let me not forget to say we wish you would send us some papers, for they are scarce here & 15 to 25 cts. a pieces.  Wish we had some of your nice butter, Mother, you must have some for us when we come home.  We shall soon be on the last year.  I trust by the end of that year this war will be over.  You speak of the probability of the final extinction of the Democratic party.  I do not know what to think.  The War Democrats are making strenuous efforts to rescue the leadership of that party from the Copperheads, Cox,⁷ Vallandigham [Clement L. Vallandigham] & Co. & place it in the hands of such men as Butler [Benjamin F. Butler], Dickinson [Daniel S. Dickinson], Johnson, &c.  I hope they will succeed.  The war will end all the quicker for it.  [paragraph break added

Homer was calculating to write, but it is so late that he chooses to defer till we return from the scout.  We are in excellent health & spirits as usual & hope you are not without the same blessing.  Write soon, how Grandmother is, and all about yourselves & all else of interest.  Our respects to those enquiring.  With love to you all, I remain,

Yours Ever
E. D. Levings
Co. A. 12 th R
W. V.
3^rd Brig
4 Div

P. S. — Don’t forget to put on the Brigade & Division.

1.  James Gibbs, from River Falls, is listed in the official roster as dying on October 1, 1863
2.  9 men lost from sickness since leaving Memphis on May 11, 1863:

1. Gordon Allen, 2nd Lieutenant, from Massachusetts, died August 4, 1863
2. Dougald McIntyre, from Cottage Grove (Minn.), died August 25, 1863, disease
3. James G. Nichols, from Hastings (Minn.), died August 28, 1863, disease
4. David B. Northrop, from Hudson, died July 26, 1863, disease
5. William L. H. Pumplin, from Trenton, died July 6, 1863, disease
6. John Quirk, from Prescott, died August 11, 1863, disease
7. Solomon M. Russell, from Richmond Township, died June 26, 1863, disease
8. Robert Wilson, from Prescott, died August 29, 1863, disease
9. James Gibbs, if Edwin Levings is correct about the date.

3.  James Miley, from Prescott, killed in action June 21, 1863, Vicksburg, Miss.
4.  12 more would have needed to die before the regiment left Memphis to come up with a total of 21 dead since the organization of the regiment, but only 10 more, for a total of 19, actually died:

1. James M. Colgan, from River Falls, died February 24, 1863, disease
2. Benjamin B. Comstock, listed as being from Lawrens, N.Y., died July 17, 1862, disease
3. William T. Connolly, from River Falls, died March 19, 1862, disease
4. Charles Deyarmond, from River Falls, died March 7, 1862, disease
5. John J. Johnson, from New Centerville, died June 22, 1862, disease
6. Peter Nelson, from Martell, died January 27, 1863
7. Jacob B. Patterson, from River Falls, died April 1, 1862
8. George W. Prescott, from New Centerville, died November 8, 1862, disease
9. Thomas Smith, from New Richmond, died January 16, 1862
10. Edwin C. Tubbs, from River Falls, died December 7, 1861.

5.  18 had been discharged by this point:

1. Sven Anderson, from Rush River, discharged December 16, 1862, disability
2. Andrew Anderson, from Rush River, discharged December 16, 1862, disability
3. John G. Borner, from Prescott, discharged December 21, 1862, disability
4. William S. Dennison, from Hastings (Minn.), discharged May 18, 1863, disability
5. Samuel W. Dickinson, from River Falls, discharged June 7, 1862
6. Arrington Gibson, from River Falls, discharged April 29, 1862, disability
7. George H. D. Goodwin, from River Falls, discharged June 7, 1862
8. Zachariah Griffith, from New Richmond, discharged July 1, 1862
9. Walter M. Howes, from Prescott, discharged September 22, 1862, disability
10. Charles F. Huntington, from New Richmond, discharged July 1, 1862
11. Bruner D. Hyatt, from Prescott, discharged June 7, 1862, disability
12. Eugene V. McLeod, from Prescott, discharged April 23, 1862
13. William E. Moulton, listed as being from Calais, Maine, discharged June 7, 1862
14. Lewis Reynolds, from River Falls, discharged April 29, 1862
15. Abner Wonsetler, listed as being from Youngstown, Ohio, discharged December 16, 1862, disability
16. Hart Boughton, from Prescott, was transferred to Company G, December 31, 1861 and discharged August 3, 1862, disability
17. Josiah K. Hudson, from Centerville, was transferred to Company G, December 31, 1861 and discharged April 15, 1862, disability
18. Albert H. Letson, from New Centerville, was transferred to Company G, December 31, 1861 and discharged July 19, 1862, disability.

6.  Wilber P. Dale, from River Falls, and Jack probably refers to John F. Crippin, from Prescott, who was the only John in the company who was a sergeant.
7.  Samuel Sullivan Cox (1824-1889) served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio, and, like his fellow Ohio Congressman Clement L. Vallandigham, was a peace advocate who criticized the emancipation proclamation as unconstitutional.

Edwin Levings letter of August 30, 1863, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1863 August 8: Death of Lieutenant Gordon Allen

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.

Vicksburg, Aug 8^th, 1863

Dear Parents,

                        We received your last letter of the 19^th and 21^st ult. [July] several days ago.  I was much surprised that you had nothing later from us than the  inst. [August], — slow time for patience, indeed, and as mysterious as slow.  But you know now how we were coming on.  In the 19 days following the surrender of V[icksburg], I had but one opportunity to write, being gone to Jackson, and this, too, will cause you a long anxious suspense ere you hear from us.  I am thankful I have had no sad news to write you concerning us.  This war is the occasion of much suspense and solicitude to all who have friends in the army and when sorrow and bereavement have become the log of so many, how thankful should we all be that such has not been the lot of our family.  How many times in a day you must think of us!  In the midst of danger, the dead and dying all around us, the uncertainty of life before us, surely, you can not believe us unconscious of your solicitude for us.  Be assured it is a scource of great satisfaction to us both, to know we are remembered at the throne of Grace by you daily, and to receive your kind and affectionate letters.  Their influence is felt and has done us good, and we hope to hear from you often.  [paragraph break added]

The weather is very warm, but there is a gently breeze in the daytime, and the nights are very cool.  Some cold KinnieKinnic¹ water would be a treat here, I assure you.  Much sickness prevails in the camps & men are dying every day.  If we can stand it till the middle of next month, we shall come out all right, I think.  [paragraph break added]

Our 2^nd Lieut., Gordon Allen,² who recently got his promotion, died this week of diptheria [sic] and was buried in the City Cemetery on the 6^th inst.  His was the first case of diptheria [sic] that has occurred in the Regt. — very sudden and violent.  He was a fine young man, a true and faithful soldier & officer and, best of all, has been a bright & shining light of Christian example & excellence.  He died at 9  P.M. of the 4th, the day the Capt & 1st Lieut left for home on furlough.  Kelsey, Roberts, Dale³ and I were with him the last few hours of his life.  For some time he tried hard to tell us something, but owing to his throat being so choked or filled up, we could not understand him.  A metalic [sic] coffin was got for him — His mother is a widow who had three sons in the army — one only now remains — one having fallen at Port Hudson.

Affairs here are not exciting at present.  Troops are moving both up & down the river.  Our corps has begun to move down to Natchez.  We, probably, shall not go for some time yet.  Not much to do here now.  The rebels are making a doleful cry over their late defeats.  They are in trouble all round & hardly know what General has whipped them worst.  They were emphatic in their assertions that in contending against Grant’s army [Ulysses S. Grant] that they had been fighting the best army of the U. States.  Now they insist Rosecrans [William S. Rosecrans] is the “right bower of the War Department & blame somebody, they don’t know whom, for their defeat, & they are getting sick & disgusted.  N. Carolina is on the eve of revolution & revolt against the Confederacy & ere long will wheel into the Union ranks.  Other States will soon follow, then.  They are taken by surprise in all quarters & their haughty leaders are much crest-fallen.

Have you got that $40 sent you about the 1^st July — the draft on the N.Y. sent to Prescott Bank?  Also the last $40 expressed to same place?  I see that in the Ed of the Reporter R. F. has a man who can talk to Horace & Lute Taylor.⁴  Good.  Our health is “bully.”  Well there is nothing to write & I’ll stop.  Write all the news — home matters, &c.

Your affc s

Edwin

1.  The Kinnickinnic River, called the Kinni for short, is a 41-mile river that rises from springs in St. Croix County and flows in a southwesterly direction, through the city of River Falls, before emptying into the Saint Croix River a few miles above Prescott. The city of River Falls got its name for a waterfall on the Kinnickinnic.
2.  Gordon Allen, who is listed as being from Sundersfield, Massachusetts in the roster, enlisted October 30, 1861, was promoted to sergeant, 1st sergeant, and received his commission as 2nd lieutenant on April 7, 1863. He died August 4, 1863.
3.  Wallace Kelsey, Samuel C. Roberts, and Wilber P. Dale, all members of Company A of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry.
4. Lute Taylor, you probably remember, is the editor and publisher of The Prescott Journal.  The “Reporter” is a River Falls newspaper called the Citizens’ Reporter and unfortunately only a handful of issues are still in existence so we do not know exactly what Ed is referring to.

Edwin Levings letter of August 8, 1863, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls