Civil War Blog

Archives for August 2013

August 20, 1863

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Dear Sir,

I have the pleasure to acknowledged the receipt of the monthly return of the 16th Me Vols. for the month of July 1863. About 200 conscripts have left the date for your command which detachment has I presume matched the regiment to this. I hope more will soon follow which with the exchange of the gallant officers and men now in the hands of the enemy may restore the brave 16th to the former standard of strength.

Maine Adjutant General to A.B. Farnham [Augustus Bowman Farnham Papers]

August 19, 1863

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Camp 20th Maine Vols., Beverly Ford

Dear Brother:

I am going to write just at bit even if it is late. I have been very busy today making reports, inspecting guard pickets etc. but now that the business of the day is past I will just employ the writing of the pen to transfer me to Topsham a moment. I would much rather be there in person. Without the aid of the pen, wouldn’t I appreciate it a little!! “I recall” … the social in the sitting room. Mother at her usual work – Father looking up from his paper – so pleasantly – to enter into the conversation. – and uncle in his accustomed place ready to add to the entertainment of the evening either by listening or joining in the conversation.

Holman Melcher to his brother, Nathaniel Melcher [Holman Melcher Papers]

August 17, 1863

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Bank of Baltimore

My Dear Sir,

I was one of the few who helped to refresh your first regiment during its passage thro’ our city, since which time I have watching your cause with no small degree of interest – if your cause as a soldier grew beloved which has not failed to challenge my love and admiration you may be sure that your career as a soldier of the Cross has bound me to you and to prosper you in the great work to which in his providence he has called you.

I daily realize the fact that our country needs Christian patriots both in the field and in the cabinet. […]

A.M. Carter to Oliver Otis Howard [Oliver Otis Howard Papers]

August 15, 1863

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The 44th Regiment Dramatic Club repeated last evening their pleasant entertainment of Tuesday night.  The performance proceeded more smoothly than on Tuesday night, and the actors showed a considerable amount of dramatic talent, and we hope to see them again before the public.  The “Olio” was very good, and the whole performance admirably considered its purpose—to illustrate the amusements which the Regiment enjoyed while in camp at Newbern.  The Club should feel satisfied with the success that has attended their efforts as it was perhaps more than was to be expected at this season.  The managers deserve great credit for their arduous labors.

Buckley’s Minstrels offer an excellent bill this evening, and lovers of the black art should not fail to be present.  Songs, dances, comic acts, and the burlesque on the opera of Cinderella form altogether a very attractive entertainment.

Professor Harrington performs his wonders of magic and ventriloquism both afternoon and evening at the Museum, and the simple announcement is enough to ensure him good houses.

“Dramatic and Musical,” Boston Daily Advertiser, August 15, 1863, front page [Historic Newspaper Collection]  

August 14, 1863

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Buttermill Falls

Dear General Howard,

I hasten to copy a letter I received this morning from J. F. Hadley written Saturday – and please answer as soon as possible as I would not send him one word that you had not seen. He need not know that I wrote to you – but I want is well authenticated

“Dear Jeanie

Can’t you furnish me some facts about Gen. Howard which will help me making up a biographical sketch of him. 1st was he a professing Christian when he came to West Point or become one while there. 2nd was he a teacher in the Sabbath school, and what he did in it. – the part he took in meetings etc. 3rd any anecdotes or facts in relation to his religious life at West Point – his companions etc – recall some of the things he has said to you. Now if you will [illegible] your noddle a little and give me a few scraps right away, I shall feel much reliefed.

Yours Truly

Anything about his family – their position occupation etc – Didn’t you tell me he prayed with his regiment the first time he met it. Tell me all the anecdotes you ever heard of him.

J.F. Hadley”

Now I humbly opine that this is the one to do you justice, dear General Howard and as I have had so few opportunities of seeing papers and have never corresponded with anyone near you and am most anxious to see you done justice to, as our much loved friend I write at once, and by your will promptly send me some thing of your life that you would most like to come from the historians’ front.

Ours best and kindest love, Jeannie H. Grey

Jeannie H. Grey to Oliver Otis Howard [Oliver Otis Howard Papers] 

August 13, 1863

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8-13Rappohannock Station Va.

Charge and Specification against Private Richard Dignan Co. B. 39th Mass. Vols.

Charge.  Sleeping on Picket when posted as a Sentinel.

Specification.  In this that Private Richard Dignan Co. B. Thirty-ninth Mass. Vols. When on picket near Rappohannock Station Va. and while posted as a Sentinel was found Sleeping on his post with his equipments off …  A. B. Farnham, Lt. Col. 16th Me. Vols.

[Augustus Bowman Farnham Papers]