Camp at Sharpsburg, Md.

Sharpsburg Md –
Aug 6

    Dear Frank – The last time I wrote was from Hagarstown last Friday – wrote you two letters from there which I hope you received – about sunset of that day were on the march towards Harpers Ferry the roads were bad for Marching in the night but arrived at Boonesboro about 12 ock – Stoped on a large hilly piece of ground and the men lay in the open Air in thier blankets our Band have nothing but overcoats as the Knapsacks and blankets are behind somewhere we were well up to the Blue Ridge and it was quite chilly – took off my Shoes & Stockings and bathed my feet with water from my Canteen – we had Marched

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    10 Miles – put my bare feet in the open air to let them cool off and drawing the Coat Cape over my head I lay on the ground and was sound asleep at once – Sat Aug 3d  was roused up this morning by daylight to for Drum Call I had Slept Sound and on getting up felt rather Stiff at first – the field was covered with red Blankets – the men soon turned out and we were soon on the march again – as the sun came up over the Ridge it grew intensely hot – the men began to give out – the Ambulances were soon filled of which there are 10 or 12 and then all the Teams still the men continued to fall behind – we were halted a few minutes occasionally

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    for rest – encamped about noon in  a beautiful Grove in pleasant Valley through which we have been coming for the last 5 or 6 miles between the Blue Ridge and Elk Mountains – have marched to day 15 miles – not over 300 of the Reg’t came in at first – they came stragling in till next day – I was very tired but every one of the Band kept his place at the had of the column – next day (Sunday) a detachment of Webster’s Reg’t came over from the Potomac 3 miles distant to escort the Reg’t Tents were struck – Companies fell in and all was ready in time to march – when the order was countermanded – Tents were pitched and we were once more in camp – Monday Aug 5 This morning we were on the march back towards Boonsboro

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    before we Started I went to a House and got a good breakfast and found it Just the thing to march on – came back the Valley 6 or 8 miles to a favorable place in the Elk Range and crossed over to the other side – the men held out much better to day but a few were exhausted in crossing the Mountain – turned Southward and marched to this place (Sharpsburgh) and are encamped in a Splendid Grove on the Potomac good Spring water for drinking and bathing in the River or Canal which is on this side – since leaving Hagarstown Have marched 40 miles Strong – to day 16 miles were in center of Column to day and find it more dusty  marching   I have kept my place all the way – my feet are in good condition – feel toughened and hearty and have fairly astonished myself – I want you to write as soon as you

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    receive this as I would want to hear from all of you very much – have written to Ayers telling him I would send him the first money I rec’d – the Waltham Boys are all well – I find many in Reg’t that I know – we may be here here for some time  but it’s uncertain – you must direct your letter in this way

John Viles
13th Reg’t Band
Mass Volunteers
Gen’ Banks Div

 

Aug. 5^th 1861
Direct -  Oliver H. Walker Co. C. Capt Kurtz 13^th Reg’t
Mass Vol. Col Leonard Gen. Banks’ Division
Harper’s Ferry Va

                         In Camp  Hagerstown Md Aug 2nd 

Dear Father and Mother

                         I take an early moment after our arrival in Camp to write to you, as I told you that I would lose no time in letting you know of my whereabouts.  We made our first stop at Worcester, and took a  good march through the streets and there partook of a collation in the City Hall.  We started again at 9 oclock and reached Allyson’s Point and took the steamboat in good time, it was quite a foggy night and we made slow progress and arrived in New York at 11 A.M.  Tuesday, we marched directly to the Park and after a rest we partook of a collation in the Barracks and then were at liberty to stroll round as we pleased.  I at once called on Cousin Frances and Frank, Jr.  they were much surprised to see me but gave me their best wishes, we soon left the city by Camden & Amboy R.R., Steamer to Phila. Where we arrived at about 2 A.M. Here we went to a large building where most bountiful refreshments were spread before us by a committee of ladies and gentlemen who are always  ready whenever any of the volunteers pass through the City and furnish them with hot coffee and all sorts of  solid food, we voted the Philadelphians to be the best people we had met on all the routs.  It was about 3 ½ ‘oclock when we started for our march across the city, and we marched for about 2 hours, and then halted at the Harrisburgh depot in West Phila. Here we dumped our knapsacks and equipments, in a large field and proceeded to wash up.  Some of us went over to the city and obtained a good breakfast, and about 11 oclock we started for Harrisburg, on the road one of our teamsters was knocked off the train and severely injured but the surgeons hope for recovery.  We proceeded after a short stop at Harrisburg to this place and reached the depot at about 2 in the morning in an awful thunder storm. 

    We stayed in the cars till daylight and after several delays came to our Camping ground where we speedily pitched our tents and became as comfortable as you please.  We have very good water and a splendid place for bathing -

    In camp near Sharpsburg Md AugSt 6^th

    A sudden call to strike tents compelled me to suspend my writing on Friday last, and since then up to this moment I have had no time to resume.  We commenced our march toward Harper’s Ferry at sunset on Friday, and marched 10 miles over a horrible road to Boonesboro’ where the Government and rebel troops had a conflict not long since.  We turned into an open field and bunked on the bare ground without blanket or covering, at daylight we we(re) roused again. Weary and sore enough.  I went to a water course and bathed my feet and soaked my head and was so much refreshed that when the order came to move, I started much fresher than on the previous day.  The sun grew very hot and after marching about 13 miles we halted in a beautiful grove near some very fine water.  Our commissary department has been somewhat disordered and our meals were not served regularly but we managed to get along very well, we lay in Camp in Pleasant Valley over Sunday P.M. we were ordered to march to Genl. Bank’s Camp some 1 ½ or 2 miles off.  Two companies of Col Webster’s Reg’t came down to escort us, our tents were struck the wagons were sent on  ahead, and the regimental line was formed and just as we were ready to march an order came from Head-quarters to march on special service.  So arms were stacked, and we lay down on the grass, waiting to move, as we had our rations to eat? some? of? the boys were up all night cooking and at daylight we were waked, ate our breakfast and at 7 oclock were on the road.  We marched with long rests, some 20 miles, and at sunset halted at this spot a few rods from the Potomac, in a most charming country with abundance of splendid water, and now our life of danger is to commence; our pickets and scouts are out along the river and this morning a rebel prisoner was brought in by two of the guards. We are to be divided off by company to morrow and sent to nine?? points on the river, for picket duty.  Our Captain says? that our Co. will have a fine situation. I like the? life thus? far very much, it agrees with me and I am very tough and hearty, have sometimes been to tired  to eat with much appetite, but have been very well, not even an attack of diarrhea has troubled me.  You shall hear from me as often as I can find time to write.  I forgot to tell you that a friend of mine in Boston sent me 10 dollars rec’d it to day with delight.

    With much love as ever Oliver

MD
Sharpsburg – Sat 11th AUG

    Dear Frank – We are Still in Camp here and from present appearances are likely to be so for Some time – each day goes on very much alike.  The rations - which for some time were all out of Joint are now regular and we are dong very well.  I was rather tired for 2 or 3 days after we come to this place but am now entirely over it – we have marched over 40 Miles since leaving Hagarstown – only 4 Co’s are here in Camp – the other 6 are up and down the River Skirmishing –

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    I have nothing to write this time as every thing goes on so so each day – we are where we hear very little news and get a Paper very seldom  I hope I shall get a letter from you in a few days – I want to hear from you all very much it is the only thing I feel anxious about.  I want to know how you are getting along and want you to write me all the particulars – I saw in a Baltimore paper the other day – that the 14th & 15th Mass were to start Tuesday or Wed of this week – so I presume the 16th has not left yet.  I am afraid the 3 dollars pr week which you

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    are entitled to on my account will be insufficient to get along with and I hope you will be able to get something on Ned  the Chaplain – who has charge of the Mail department tells me that it takes 3 or 4 days for a letter to go through     I wrote you last Tuesday so you ought to have it by this time.  I believe this is the 5th time I have written since I started – I told you in the  last about the address – direct

13th Reg’t Band – M.V.
Gen Banks Div

no need of naming town or State

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    If you can send me a paper I should like it.  no one can get outside the lines without a pass and time goes off rather heavy Sometimes – there are but very few sick here – the water we have to drink is excellent – the Camp is on high ground with a large Spring at the foot of the hill of Splendid cold water but as it comes from Limestone Soil we sometimes put a little vinegar with it to prevent it being injurious – it is quite a Steep ascent from the road to the Camping ground and the Horses could not draw up some of the heavy teams – they were taken off a long rope procured and filled with men and the waggons brought up in double quick regular drill and dress parade commenced yesterday which makes me think we are to be here some time   Yours very Truly  J.V.

Sharpsburg Th’ Aug 15
1861

    Dear Frank – Your letter was rec’d last night and I never was more glad of any thing in my life – I have had so much fears that some of you might be sick – I beg you will not have any anxiety for me in regard to clothing – the rest of our baggage came along here last week – I have taken a change of Drawers & Shirts Pants – 2 prs of Stockings – Shoes – Woolen & Rubber Blankets – Towels – in Short every thing I want. the Shoes the Stockings are quite heavy and Shoes very wide and easy for my feet and if I’d had them in that long march I Should have don it much easier.

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    I writing to me hereafter you’d better not name any Town or State in the address – it would be all right to direct Letters to Sharpsburgh so long as I am here – but in case the Reg’t Should move to another place it might cause much delay and possibly I might not receive it at all.  All Letters which are directed to any Reg’t are first sent to Washington then dispatched to headquarters of Whatever Div and then afterwards to the Reg’t to which it is addressed – by your letter being directed to Sharpsburgh it was received a day soon on account of not being detained at head-quarters – but if we had moved before it reached here – it

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    would at best have been 2 or 3 days later   For the last 3 or 4 days it has been quite cool here – my thick Clothing came Just in time – before the weather changed – it was the most comfortable to sleep in the open air but we have had a few quite chilly nights and we occupy the Tents – we have the ground well covered with straw – also the Beds well filled and Tents being double it makes so warm that we sometimes have to leave the front part open – The Pigs and Hogs run at large all over the woods here of which there are great numbers in the camping ground – tell Franky that the old Hog with a whole lot of little pigs come and look into the Tent in the

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    night when we are asleep – they are quite tame and are prowling around all night – I suppose the Beans must be grown by this time – there is one kind I mean the farthest off front the House that are for String and are not fit to gather till they turn yellow and look as if they had gone to Seed.  tell Gene to dig the Potatoes next to Cloughs Fence first As you want them to eat – I hope the Tomatoes are doing something but I fear they wont if you have not had rain – About getting the relief mony from Ned’s enlistment – I think you ought to have it a dollar a week each for Fanny & Gene at least – we depended on his labor for Support of

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    of the Family as well as my own – all his earnings went for that purpose except a trifle now and then and he was out of School a whole year and almost the whole of what he earned went for that purpose.  The Family have been deprived of the labor of both persons on which it depends for support – I don’t see how you can get along through the winter – using economy – with less than $5. pr week – in Summer perhaps you could do with a little less – whenever we are paid off I shall send forward the Money for House rent – and for paying Kate?  I think it was $8 – we owed her.  I set down in my Book at the date she left – it is impossible to tell when or

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    how often we Shall be paid Congress – I believe - has passed a Law to pay the Troops Monthly – but I don’t think it will amount to much – and when I find out where Ned is - I Shall write him to send on a part of his – About the Baby’s name I never thought of it coming away in so much hurry – perhaps the name of Lilla Frances would do – and Franky’s name might be Frank Thornton – but you can do Just as you like about it.  I don’t know how long we shall be here Some say we are going down the River 3 or 4 Miles to Shepardstown but probably it is all talk – give my respects to Mrs Farwell

Yours Very Truly J.V.

Roxbury City Gazette; August 15, 1861;
pg. 2, col. 7.

Camp Leonard.
August 10, 1861.

Opposite Shepardstown, Va.,

              In my last I mentioned we had orders to go to Shepardstown, and to stop all contraband trade, between Maryland and Virginia.  On our second day here, which was Wednesday, we took a prize, consisting of a wagon, two horses and a load of groceries.  The boys are in great glee on account of their prize, but Major Gould disappointed them by ordering them to let the man go, he being a Union man – what right had he to be trading with the rebels?  Our present location is one of much importance, and lies on the Potomac river.  Opposite us the rebels were recently encamped, and we can see their forts, and the bridge which they burned when they left is close by us.  This is the only place where the river can be crossed, and the most of their provisions must go across this way.  We expect to have some fighting before we get away from here.  Our camp is situated on a high hill, overlooking the river and the surrounding country for miles, the town is a smart looking place, but there are any quantity of rebels in it, including a number of their leaders, some of whom we are trying to catch.  We do not care about going across the river at present.  We expect to stay here a fortnight.  It is almost impossible to write much now, as we are in confusion, and have not yet got fairly settled.  Our food continues bad, and I hope to be able to report a favorable change in my next.

            All friends of the soldiers had better direct to 13th Reg’t. Mass. Vol., Gen. Bank’s division, naming no place, and they will be full as likely to come straight here.  There is but very little sickness in the regiment; the young man who got knocked off the cars is doing well and will ultimately recover.

Your friend,

Rifles.

Roxbury City Gazette; August 22, 1861
pg. 2, col. 5.

Our Army Correspondence.

Camp Leonard, on the Potomac,
August 13, 1861

            Dear H. – You know I told you in my last letter that we were going to catch some of the secession rebels.  Well, last night Captain Pratt received orders to take thirty men from his company and as many more from Captain Clarke’s company, and go to Shepardstown, on the other side of the river in Virginia, and capture some of the prominent rebels, among whom was the Hon. Alex. Boteler.  We started about one o’clock, and went down to the canal, and paddled ourselves across to a small bank, then we had to wade through the water, which was three feet deep, the rest of the way.  After we had reached the shore we loaded our rifles and then started on the road which runs parallel with the river.  We had not gone but a short distance, when our column halted, and word came to our Captain that two men on horseback wished to see him, and he went forward.  It was thought to be an advance guard of some cavalry company, as it was very dark at the time.  We could hear the Captain’s voice cry “Who comes here?”  The reply was; “a doctor going to visit a patient, with his messenger.”  They were examined to see if they were armed, and asked if they were Union men.  They did not like this, and a guard of six men, under Serg. Scott, was detailed to keep them where they were, and then our column started on its way, going over hills and through cornfields, for about four miles, when we arrived at the house of Boteler.  Our men were placed quietly around the building, and then we went up to the door and knocked. [Alexander Boteler, pictured].

            “Who comes there?” inquired a female voice at the window.

            “Some gentlemen wish to see Mr. Boteler.” was the reply.

            “No man in the house.” was the answer from the woman, “and you ought not to come here to disturb unprotected females.” she continued sobbing aloud.

            “You must come down and open the door, or we shall be under the necessity of forcing it open.” said our officer.

            All this time Boteler was looking for a place to get out an escape, but our guard were on every side, and he could not find a chance, and came to the window and asked what we wanted.  We said to him “Thou art the man.” and he asked “on what authority?”

            “On the authority of the United States.” was the answer.

            “Can you show it to me?” inquired Boteler.

            “Yes; come down to the door.”

            He came down, and we gently whispered in his ear “thou art now our prisoner.”

            He was dreadful mad, and said “only our superior force would make him surrender.”

            Our officers then went into the house and told him to get ready to depart with us, which he did, and in about one hours’ time, after bidding his family adieu, we started for our camp, calculating to capture a few more rebels on our way, but our time was so short, and we so far in the rebel’s country, and besides it was almost morning and we thought it best to go directly towards our quarters; so we come right through the town, released the prisoners left in charge of Serg. Scott on our way, and got home at five o’clock in the morning.  Major Gould and Capt. Pratt took horses and a file of men, and carried the prisoner to Col. Leonard.  The Col. did not say much, but after waiting all day for him to decide what to do with him, he concluded he would have to let him go, because the orders from Gen. Banks were to the effect that no person should be arrested without orders from headquarters, or in extreme cases, unless the person was armed.  This was a hard blow for us, and all kinds of threats have been made in regard to the shooting of Boteler, who is called one of the smartest men in this part of country; he was a strong Union man until the late election in Virginia, when he joined the secessionists, since which time he has been bitterly opposed to the Unionists here.  He has been a member of Congress, and is now one of the most violent opposers of the Union in the South, and I fear it will turn out that it was a great mistake in letting him go.

Pony.

[Digital Transcription by James Burton]

Banks of the Potomac Wed. Aug 15th 1861

    Dear Mother I am very well I should have written before but I have not felt much like writing something has made me feel as though I was coming home soon.  When we had taken Alexander Boetler and had exposed our lives doing so and then to see him set at liberty the men all felt like going home two of them have gone already.  He is the biggest rebel leader in Virginia.  When the people heard that our company had captured him they were all glad of it.  In Sharpsburg the people raised the stars and stripes.  Everybody said we had got the right man.  He had ordered the bridge across the Potomac river at Sheppardstown to be burnt.  All of the people in the vicinity dislike the Col. for giving him his liberty.  Our company all hate him.  About 30 of our men and 30 of company H forded the river and traveled about 6 miles across the country to Boetlers house.  When they took him he asked them who they were and when he was told they belonged to the 13th Mass Regt. he said Massachusetts men “come here to take me.”  When they came back to the camp with him they passed through Sheppardstown where they’re was a hundred armed men. Yesterday after dinner there was a guerrilla band of rebels opposite us on the bluffs they fired three shots at us but did not do any damage to us, we sent for reinforcements and they arrived last evening. Last night they doubeled the guard at the ford and along the river, they also sent out pickets in all directions.  I was sent out twords (sic) the west with three other men we went about one mile two of us would watch while the others would sleep.  There is some excitement just now we expect an attack from the rebels but I gess they will get the worst of it.  The folks around here think the war will not last long.  I should like to be back now but I am willing to stay.  I thought of asking the Col. [for] my discharge but I do not believe he would give it to me so I will have to be contented here I suppose I am homesick but I will have to get used to it some time  I might as well get used to it now as never.  I have not seen Joe Halstrick for some time he is about 8 miles further up the river at another ford.

  Give my
love to all.

Kiss Hugh for me

P.S.  Send some papers I should like to read the news.  Direct your letters and papers to
Jas. F. Ramsey.
Company E  13th Regt Mass Vol.
Banks Division.

P.S.  I read your gift about every day.

Bridgeport, Md. Aug 18th 1861.

Dear Mother.

 I am well I received your letter this afternoon and was glad to hear from home   I have been expecting a letter some time   I received a letter from Nellie the other day.  She said that she got that letter I wrote to her too late to see me she said she little thought when she saw the steamboat with the 13th Regt that I was with them.  If you write to her you can direct your letters to the care of Mrs Johnston 687 3d Avenue New York city N.Y.  I have written to her she said she had heard that you were all well by Jerry.  She said her father was trying to get a Quarter Masters berth in Lesley’s guard. I am sorry to hear that you are unwell. There is nothing you can send me except papers.  I would [like] a herald every day and perhaps some weekly paper once and a while.  There is nothing I can write about now except the rebels I told you about in my last letter have all disappeard  last night one of our Ostlers was fired upon while coming from head quarters on horse back one of the balls passed through the visor of his cap. Most of our company went in swimming in the Potomac river this morning  when we go in the river we have a body guard with loaded rifles  there are rifle pits dug on this side of the river to pick off the rebels with   I have got a piece of the burnt bridge at Sheppardstown.  I will send you a piece of it with a flower I got this morning.  Sundays the slaves have a holiday in Va, they come down to the river and watch the proceedings in our camp.  I was on guard. We have to go on guard every other day and it comes very hard.  They say it is only a report it may be true that we are to be sworn in again at Washington and that the President had no authority by congres to swear us in if it is true I will not be sworn in for I do not think the U.S. government comes up to its agreements  we do not have half our rations and the men grumble.  When they have got the 13th Regiment to deal with they have not got the ruff scuff of the city that most regiments have got but they have got men that have got good education and are gentlemen so they had better look out for them selves.  I cannot think of any thing more to write about except the boys are all well.  I must bid you good bye

    From your son.
                   James.

Boston Daily Evening Transcript, Thursday, August 22, 1861.

Camp Independence
Anteitam [sic] Creek, near the Potomac,
August, 1861.

    The Thirteenth Regiment.  To the Editor of the Transcript:   After all the letters that have been written home by the “boys” of the 13th, and the very full details given therein of our journey thus far, it seems hardly possible for me to write anything which will in any way interest your readers.  But knowing very well that the regiment, - more especially the 4th battalion, - have very many friends in Boston and its vicinity, who would be happy to see a letter from it every day; and with this impression on my mind, I will send you a few lines.

    As you are aware, our regiment has been detailed for special duty.  Four companies are at the headquarters, near Sharpsburg, where the Colonel and his staff are; the other six companies are thrown along the Potomac, extending over a distance of twelve miles, at intervals of two and four miles, for the purpose of guarding the fords and watching roads.  Co. A, Capt. Fox, and B, Capt. Cary, are here – the former officer in command of the post.  Our tents are pitched upon a side hill, about half a mile from the river – the position commanding a good view of the river and of the camps of Cos. E and H, who are further up.  We are about 70 miles from Washington.  While speaking of the latter companies, I am reminded that they made an important arrest the other day, in the person of Ex-Congressman Boteler of Va.   A detachment of about sixty men from the two companies went over upon the “sacred soil,” and finding out the residence of Mr. B., invited him to accompany them to the other side, - which he did, but rather reluctantly, and not without remarking, the he “would rather be shot than to be taken.”  To which Capt. Pratt (co. E) replied, that “it made but little difference to him which he preferred, and would just as soon do the one as the other.”  But I am sorry to say the boys could not keep him.  Boteler was taken to headquarters, kept one day and a night, and then discharged.  This vexed us exceedingly; for in this arrest we thought we had a “big thing;” but orders are orders; and it appears that such were had from Gen. Scott, or somebody else, to discharge him.  Poor, deluded soldiers, in making this arrest!

    The outpost guard of A and B is stationed on the bank of the Potomac, to guard the ford at this point.  On Wednesday afternoon last the men on this guard, while off duty, and while engaged in reading, writing, sleeping, &c., beneath the shades of some walnuts here growing – what do you think?  perhaps you have heard? a volley of musketry suddenly aroused them!  Bang! bang! About a dozen times, in quicker time than I can write it, brought every one to his feet, and into position for the enemy.  Your humble servant was asleep, (having been on guard the night before,) and it did not take many shots to awake him and get his left eye in working order, I can assure you.  As soon as the first shots were heard at the camp, down ran everybody – cook, wagoners, and sick men – accompanied by Capt. Fox and Lieuts. Hoag and Bush, (Lieut. Sampson was officer of the guard, and was on the ground; Capt. Cary and Lieut. Neat had gone to visit Cos. F. and H with fifty men.)  Capt. Fox had a rifle on his shoulder when I saw him, and was “as cool as a cucumber” – (you had probably heard that he is cool.)  [Captain James A. Fox, Company A, pictured].  Upon hearing the first reports, the sentinels all ran in, and with those at the guard tent, took position behind trees, while the others lay themselves down on the banks of the canal and made a cover of bushes, to await the second note from “Mr. Secesh.”  Again deluded soldier!  “Mr. S.” came no more!

    The first of our men up saw several individuals on the island, opposite our camp, which covers the Virginia shore at this point, and “let drive” at them.  We sent about thirty leaden messengers into the tall corn where they were seen; but whether they did their duty or not, I am unable to say.  At any rate, we (the senders) did ours.  Our boys behaved well from the first shot – no bustle, no noise, nor anything of the sort; but every man, as if by previous knowledge, grasped his rifle, and was ready.  We waited for an hour or so, to hear from “secesh” again, but he came not, nor even did he inform us that he was going to leave, that we might resume our little devotions.  One round musket ball struck the bank about twenty feet tot the left of where your correspondent was asleep, which ball was afterwards dug out, and is now in the possession of a member of Company B, and no doubt highly prized as a relic.  Another ball struck near it.  The first ball came within three feet of one of our men, and was considered a narrow escape.  Most of the shots went over our heads.  While awaiting a second volley, some of our boys took out their pipes and had a smoke, while two men, under cover of a walnut tree, positively exchanged pants with each other, having struck up a trade while standing there.  I have given this little affair in detail, knowing that the wives, mothers, sisters, lovers, brothers and fathers of all would like to have the particulars.  We now have rifle pits dug on the top of the bank, and are better ready to receive them the next time they see proper to come.  We have since learned that the party who fired upon us were the “Jackson Avengers,” of Ellsworth notoriety.

    Charles Hale, Esq., has just passed our camp for headquarters; I should like to have seen him, but being on guard, cannot.

    Our “boys” are in good health, generally, although this is a bad season for us (hot days and cold nights).  The duty is heavy now, but we expect another company soon to reinforce us.  We are willing and ready to serve the country, and do not wish to be forgotten by the State we represent.  If our commander calls for volunteers for extra hazardous duty, more always offer than are wanted.  Our camp is called “Camp Independence,” in memory of the many happy hours we have spent at Fort Independence, Boston Harbor.”  I have written this letter with a piece of board for a desk, and as the sun has gone down over the hills in “Ole Virginny,” I will bid you good evening.

Monday, Aug. 19.

    After closing the previous letter to you, on Sunday morning, our scouts, sent out the night previous, returned.  They went nearly to Sandy Hook, but report having seen no rebels.  At the close of inspection yesterday morning, the men were all dismissed until 2 ½ o’clock, when the line was formed for divine service.  In the absence of our regular chaplain, Brevet Major Fox officiated.  The services consisted of reading a chapter from the New Testament, selections form the Psalms; singing the first verse of “America” by the two companies; reading a portion of the Episcopal church service; and closed by the whole repeating the Lord’s Prayer.  Simple as this service may seem, it was the most impressive to me that I have witnessed since we have been organized.

    At the conclusion of our religious ceremonies Major Fox commenced the reading of the Article of War, but before he had time to go through them, Colonel Leonard arrived, with Chaplain Gaylord and Hon. Mr. Ritchie, the latter having with him what some of us have so long needed – money.  Since then we have been paid off, and a richer battalion you have never seen than ours appears to be.  It was wonderful to behold how joyful it made us all.

    Our Chaplain acts as postmaster for the regiment, and we all feel much indebted to him for many acts of kindness in this line.  He is the “right man in the right place,” and “right glad” are we to have him with us.  A subscription is on foot in the e regiment to purchase for him a horse with equipments, and I doubt not before I write to you again he willl be a mounted Chaplain and Postmaster.

    Recently, on the Virginia shore, opposite to the camp of companies E and H, a number of horse-men have been seen, apparently reconnoitering – and making their rendezvous in an old mill hard by, where they shelter themselves.  In this mill they may have been erecting a masked battery for aught we knew; and, to stop their sport, last night, a detachment from the above camp set fire to and destroyed it, - the smoke from which I now see as I write.  The fire made a splendid show, lighting up the hills for miles around. Not a breath of air was stirring, and in one grand column ascended flames, sparks and smoke for hundreds of feet.

    A foraging party, sent out last night, have just returned to camp, brining with them four beef “critters,” one of which, before I can mail this letter, will be served up for dinner.  They belonged to one of the “F.F. V.,” who had them pastured on this side of the Potomac.

C.

Sharpsburg, August 20th, 1861

Dear Christian & Amelia and Child

Your letters

of the 16th July to Sevilla & Jacobs to me came duly to hand.  I would have wrote sooner but for this confused warfare which absorbs the minds of almost everybody and mine with the rest.  You are all dear to me in my old age Some of which I have not yet seen but I would be glad to see you all once more if it could so happen.  I always calculated on getting out to Iowa and Illenouse and I think I would have been out before this had I not got into those difficulties in money matters, but now I have my doubts whether it will ever happen.  although my helth and strength at this time would be good anough to make the journey.  but this black republean warefare has thrown everything into confusion but I cannot complain of being much molested by the troops although they encampt in one of my fields twice but only for a night at a time (these ware the northeren troops) the Southern troops ware encamped at Shepherdstown for severeal months during which time our dis union party ware verry uneasy they feared them berry much I did not fear either party but I dreded some of our rowdies in town the[y] called us ceessionists and so reported us to the notheren troops and expected to see us all arrested when the northeren troops came on

(page 2)

but they ware disapointed the officsers said they did not intend to molest any one on account of theer politicle opinon after they ware hear a while they ware better pleased with the democrats than with the Union or dis Union party

as we call them and prove them to be such by being in favour of the war which is disunion it Self  there can be no union between two parties when war exists between them. - There was rather a novelty occured hear sometime since when the first Regiment came into are neighbourhood.  they had thought of incamping in my field but the first days march from Hagerstown brought them to Snivelys three miles from hear where they struck their tents a fiew days after the General & his aides five or Six in number came on to town rode down [the] street to the square and inquired for me and where I lived my house was pointed out to them when they all started off in a gallup back to my house.  this was late on friday evening when the square of the town was full of these disunion boys with their ears cocked up expecting to see me arrested when about twenty or thirty came running up but to their sad disappointment the General handed me a letter of introduction and then said he would be glad to see me up at his camp tomorrow when I thanked him and said I would try and get up when they roda-off but stil left these disunionists in the dark not knowing what the letter contained. - the next morning I went up to the Camp Helen went with me she took

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a large bocade of flours along for the General with which he appeared to be much pleased we staid in his Markee about an hour talking with the General and Mager when we took leave of them took  aview of the encampment then came of[f] home - there has been a Masichusets Regiment encampt on Captn D. Smiths farm in the woods above Grove's Spring for the last two weaks a part of which ware encamped oposit the big Mill on Billy Blackfords land.  but Sunday night the big Mill was burned down it is generally thought the northeren troops fiered it, but the[y] deny it.  The Southern troops burned the Harpersferry & Shepherdstown bridges before they left for Martinsburg & Winchester

(the letter continues on for another 1 1/2 pages).

                        On Picket duty, outposts Camp Taylor
                         Co. C 13^th Regt Mercerville Md A

Letter of James Ramsey

ug 20^th

Dear Father and Mother

            My last letter to you has brought no response, and yet I cannot let another week go by without letting you have a line from me.  My last was written at Camp Sharpsburg, where the whole Reg’t lay.  On the day after I wrote, all but four of our Companies were sent out along the river to guard several fords where the rebels were in the habit of crossing.  Our Company made a further march of seven miles to this camp, and pitched our tents at first on the banks of the Potomac, between that river and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal; this was Camp Berbe.  As we were in danger of being attacked from the Virginia shore on the next Sunday we moved about ¼ of a mile off on the other side of the Canal in a more defensible position, and our pickets are now sent out daily to guard the ford at the old site of our Camp.  We live a pretty busy Life here, no fighting at present but plenty of work to do.  Our Company is divided into five messes and each mess performs guard duty in succession.  And as we have two guards posted, one at the Camp, and one at the picket, our mess does guard duty twice in five days, performs fatigue duty once and rests two days, so we cant be very lazy.  We mount guard at 9 A.M the guard is divided into three reliefs, each relief standing guard for two hours in succession and resting four so that we each get 8 hours guard duty in 24, we of course get little sleep, and the following day of rest is very welcome. We mounted guard to day as usual, but at 11 ‘oclock a courier  came in from Head quarters with an order for us to join the main body of he Regt at once; so the pickets were called in and the baggage trucked down a most awful hill to the canal and loaded on a boat, and the Company line was being formed, when a few of us who were left finishing the stowing of the goods saw another courier in the person of the assistant Surgeon dash up and deliver an order and ride off to Capt Schriber’s camp,* a mile beyond us, we were not long in placing the order in the hands of the Capt. who at once ordered our arms stacked our equipments off, and the baggage brought up again, as soon as  this was done our picket guard was sent out again, and all is as before, but we shall be here but a day or two at most, as we are to be relieved by the 1^st Maryland Reg’t. and our Regiment will then join Gen Bank’s column.  We shall be very  sorry to leave this place as it is very pleasant, the water is good, we can bathe to our hearts content, and more than all the people are very kind and supply us with many delicacies at a low rate, we buy splendid butter for 11 cts a pound, and other things in proportions.  We should not buy much if our rations were furnished us regularly But we have not been able to get our full rations for one day since we left Boston, and as we must eat, and we can’t go hungry for much and do duty we must, and so we draw on our own resources; but for a week our living has much improved, and we hope to deep no more of short allowance.  My health is still very good, and I have taken no cold since I left, though I have sustained all manner of exposure one half of which in New England would have made me sick, we have had rain every day for 9 days and though the rain poured into my tent and I have frequently been very wet, I have escaped all illness.  I am very thankful, for I feared that I should fare the same as others. And be laid up with Rheumatism, or slow fever, but I hope to weather it all.  Please write me as often as you can for letters from home are so much prized.  With love to all I am as ever your son

                                      Oliver-

*Capt. Schiber's Company I, was posted at Dam No. 4 of the C&O Canal a mile beyond, Company C.

Sharpsburg Md Friday Aug. 23d /61

Dear Parents
                I know you are anxious to hear from me often, so I will write a few lines this afternoon.  I have received but one letter from home and that was from you, but I expect there is a letter for me from you, with the regiment,  which has gone on.  My company is now alone in Sharpsburg.  I will tell you how this is, we were at our camp ground at Shepards ford on the Canal.  Tuesday morning we had orders to strike tents and get ready to march, we cleared the ground and got every thing down the hill to the canal and loaded on board a flat boat, or scow, we had fallen in and were ready to start, when the order was countermanded and we had to carry every thing back and pitch tents

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    again.  The Captain did not explain this but we learned that we had got to stay until our post was relieved, a company from Baltimore was to relieve us. The next morning as soon as light we were again ordered to strike tents as the relief was expected every moment, we had every thing loaded and ready to start before dinner – we had to wait until about five P.M. before the relief came – they were a rough dirty looking set, we got aboard a mud scow and started down the canal about eight miles to this place to join our regiment which is moving on towards Washington and we expect will go there before long when we got here we found the regiment gone and that we were detailed to stay behind for a few days and guard a provision train,  we expect orders every day to move on, we are encamped right on the edge of the town in a small field, when we got here that night we had a small piece of dry

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    bread, and a bit of salt junk it was then dark and we looked about for a place to sleep, our baggage had not got onto the field, as we had some ways to walk from the canal to this place and it had to be taken from the boat and loaded on our team which took some time.  There are two big straw stacks on the field and around this most of us bunked, lying on our rubber blankets and sleeping in our overcoats with our red blankets over us, about midnight, I woke up with the rain beating into my face.  I woke Bosworth (one of the H.B. and he moved over onto my blankets and put his over us, and then we went to sleep again with the rain pouring down onto us but not wetting us.  I woke up before four, and not feeling very comfortable in such close quarters, I got up, took my knapsack and equipments and put them in the tent which some of the boys had pitched any way to get under cover from the rain

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    I did not turn in again.  In the morning we pitched our tents over again in proper shape, we put a lot of the straw inside and we are now as comfortable as soldier can be.  As near as we can find out there are about eleven or twelve hundred inhabitants in this place, they take the census here by Counties.  The union people in town are very clever and have done all they could to accommodate the boys, and felt quite bad to have the regiment leave.  There is a lot of sesesh in town but they keep quiet four of our companies have been at this post since we first came here,  and six of us have been off on special duty,  our regt has got the name here as well as at all other places where we have been,  that of being a very orderly and gentlemanly set,  our neighbors at Shepards ford felt quite bad to have us leave there.  We mean to behave ourselves and get a good name where ever we go.  We got news here last night that two Battallions of rebels were on this side of the

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    river,  we expected they were going to attack us.  we were expected ordered to be ready for instant action.  I slept with my equipments on with my rifle by my side as did most of the boys. we always sleep with all our clothes on.  I slept sound all night, there was no alarm.  I am inclined to think it was a false report – we very often get such reports it always puts the boys in good sprites to hear such news.  The regt. has been paid off all but our company – it is the pay for the time we were at the fort,  it amounts to $6.60. aint that big.  we know the worth of money out here and will freeze to it. Mother must not think

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    nor worry about my drinking liquor.  I have not and do not mean to drink a drop while away from home, we have nothing to smoke but a pipe, Father need not worry  about my smoking for I smoke but very little.  I don’t enjoy it at all it didn’t taste good, a great many of the boys say the same.  I suppose it is owing to our living which is so poor, but I think this life agrees with me  I have not had a chance to weigh me but I imagine I have grown fleshy[?]

    I have got to go on guard tomorrow  the serg came in our mess in sick and 5 expect, I have got to  go act as Corporal.  I have to post the  and relieve the guard and if there is a call from any post I have to run and see what it is.  The boys are all well.  O W Walker is well, Bill Stoddard Is in the mess with me, he is well and gets along tip top.  Please remember me to in particular to all my friends.  I suppose you know Gen Banks has left Harpers Ferry direct my letters there

A.M. Liscom
Co C. Thirteenth Regt. Mass Vol
Gen Banks Division

I will close this letter now hoping to hear from you often
With much love I am ever your son
            Albert

MS Am 2332 (8a).  By permission of the Houghton Library, Harvard University.

Knoxville, or Sandy Hook opposite
   Harpers Ferry Md. Aug 26th 1861

Dear Father

    I have received no letters from home since Aug 17th when Wm Allen’s package arrived, although I have been looking anxiously for them.  Perhaps you have been away visiting and have not yet had time to reply to them.  On Tuesday the 20th Aug. I left, Knapsack on back, I thought for good, Antietam, or Flea eat-em or Flea town, or Flea bite-em, as you please. Of all the disagreeable holes I was ever in this was the worst.  Till our skirmish with the enemy our tents were surrounded on 3 sides by water within a few rods of us.  As if the dampness arising from the position itself were not enough it must needs rain for 4 or 5 days in succession so as to render it impossible to wash and dry our clothes.  After the removal of the camp we were obliged to descend a steep hill to obtain water, an inconvenience which was felt more by the cook and his assistants than the men generally.  To add to the general disagreableness of the place the fleas in the straw bit intolerably & soon covered the bodies of the men with itching blotches which for a long time they could not satisfactorily account for.  Many there thought the blotches were “the Hives,” others laid them to bathing while hot, unwilling or unable to learn the true causes.  The only redeeming feature of the place was the breakfasts & suppers at the Miller’s for  a “ levy” that is two “fips” which in N.E. currency makes up  a ninepence. The miller underbid the other house keepers who charged 25 cents.

    On the 20th I say, I left Flea-town with the hope of never seeing it again.  But when we had reached Sharpsburgh, we were obliged after a few hours rest to march back again and stand guard during the night till 12 % M of the 21st.  At that time two companies from the first Va. & a Md. Regiment which had come during the night relieved us.  The men who formed these Regiments were rough specimens of the genus homo, and the miller trembled in his shoes for his ripening corn, and the miller’s wife prudently determined to stop keeping a boarding house.  “We are very sorry to have you leave; those fellows are not such men as you be I reckon” said the men and women about town who sold gingerbread.

    Being relieved we marched back to Sharpsburgh only to take up our Knapsacks to march to Boonsborough distant six or seven miles.  This is the best looking town we have yet seen, the houses mostly made of brick & not presenting that ruinous look which almost every wooden house has in this country. We reached B. at about 10 P.M. and camped out for the night.  Rain pouring down I got under a wagon with my head between two spokes of a wheel for a pillow, and feet between two other spokes, passed a very comfortable night.  Next morning we continued on our march til 2 ½ P.m. covering 10 or 12 miles.  As luck would have it on this march – to Frederick City our orders were countermanded and we were directed to proceed to Sandy Hook.  The only difference to us was that our march was 15 to 20 miles longer thereby.  We encamped over night and set out again in the morning for a 13 mile march, which was needlessly prolonged two or three miles, by our marching past the place we were to encamp upon. The march on the last day was without Knapsacks but the sun was hot & water was scarce.

    I am now here at Pleasant Valley, within 2 miles of our former encampment in the same valley, this place being neither Knoxville which is below, nor Sandy Hook which is above us.  Our field was that on which Banks had his Division , or a large part of it.  It is a fine place, dry & near plenty of good drinking water.  Bread and pies are brought here in abundance. 

    And now about prices.  At Antietam we got eggs at from 12 to 18 p. a dozen already boiled.  Chickens roasted are 18 ¢ a piece, pies 10 or 12 ¢ and other small matters about us at home. Milk was 5 or 6 ¢ a quart.  Here milk is sold at from 8 to 10 ¢ though if we can get the milk we do not scruple to give merely its actual value.  Chickens are 20 cents.  Biscuits & ginger cakes are not as large as they were at Antietam. Water-melons are from 15 ¢ to 20 ¢ a piece but these are brought from Baltimore.  We forage our corn.  A provision dealer charged a 1.00 a bushel for potatoes.  I want you to buy me a map of the seat of war in Maryland & Va. & send it.  It will probably go as a newspaper.  George Francis and E.P. Dutton will have one.  I wrote to have my NY World sent from Aug 1st  or earlier and a paper occasionally.

     There is a letter from our Regt in the Traveller of the 19th which I send & one in the Transcript of about the same date.  The last I have not seen but it is said to be very good.  Have Martha make me an oil silk bag about 3 ½ inches square and send it in a letter.  Send also 3 or 4 new postage stamps.

            Your Aff. Son
                John B. Noyes