Civil War Blog

Archives for September 2013

September 29, 1863

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Augusta

Dear Sir

Having received intelligence that my son was wounded, Orlando Staples, I though it best to write to you thinking perhaps you would know all about it, as there is not any one of the privates that I know in his company.

I want you to write all that you know about him for I shall feel very anxious indeed. Tell me all, let it be good and bad for I want to know the worst, nothing but the whole truth will satisfy me. Please write as soon as possible and oblige your friend.

Sophia Staples to William McArthur [McArthur Family Papers]

September 28, 1863

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Passed the night well last night, doing duty.  Nothing to do, except for myself.  Have been writing today.  At two o’clock ordered out for inspection.  Thought we had got to march.  Many reports are afloat but we know not what to believe.  Letter tonight from Ellen & Prescott.  Papers from Butler.  Fine day.  Our days are delightful for Sept. but our nights are cold, and heavy dews fall.  A walk with the Dr. after supper.  He has promised to look out for me if sick or wounded.  It is a consolation to know there is someone to look out for me.  Felt a little blue this afternoon when I saw men shooting cattle, and thought that we had got to be led out to face muskets.  Letters, papers and the Dr. cheered me.

Diary of Edwin Emery [Edwin Emery Diaries and Memoir]

September 27, 1863

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Camp near Culpepper Va

Dear Miss Lizzie,

I suppose you consider that I owe you a letter, as yours of July 4th was the last regular letter to pass between us. That letter, by the way, came to me in a very round-about way. It went first to the army, then to Gettysburg, then to [illegible], where I found it after returning from your house. I have it before me now […]

Charles O. Hunt to his mother [Charles O. Hunt letters and personal recollections]

September 24, 1863

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Conscripts allotted to the several companies.  I had my choice and took  Co. F, Capt. Perry.  Morrell of the 20th came over to see me.  Had a nice time for half an hour or so.  Pitched tent with Auguste and Leavitt, both conscripts from Aroostook.  Received eight days’ rations.  It made me feel blue to receive them, especially the pork.

Two letters from Louise and a talk with Dick made me feel better.  Dr. Manson, and Lieut. Stevens of the 5th were over here today.  All have been surprised to see me here, but glad.  Commenced to perform duty today.  And now I am fairly in the Army, I pray God to watch over and protect me.  I hope to be kept from temptation.  Many say I must learn to smoke, steal, swear and drink, but I would never have entered this army if I had thought I had got to do any such thing.  May God aid me in my endeavor to do right.  We have warm days here, but cold nights.  There is considerable dew.  No rain yet.  We have slept pretty comfortably, but some time have been a little cold.

Diary of Edwin Emery [Edwin Emery Diaries and Memoir]

September 23, 1863

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Hd qrs. 11th Corps

My dear sister Lizzie,

Otis just came in and said as he had now Officers Gen. Schurg and Col Burchbeck in his tent he feared he would not be able to write you and wished I could do so – said that he was very anxious still about Jamie that he had rec’d nothing later than the telegram and your note in pencil of the same date. Mrs. Stinson’s was of the same date. Says that he is well – I never knew him to have so much anxiety as he has about dear little Jamie and I do trust we will get more cheering news from you soon. […]

Charles Henry Howard to his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Anne Waite [Oliver Otis Howard Papers]

September 22, 1863

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Camp near Culpepper Va

Dear Mother,

I suppose you will be expecting a letter from me before this reaches you. I would have written you last night, but was rather tired and went to bet instead. I arrived here Sunday evening. I should have preferred to come another day, but could not very well keep it as I will explain. I had the unluckiest time in Washington I ever had. […] [Read more…] about September 22, 1863

September 21, 1863

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Camp 20th Maine Vols, near Culpepper, Va.

Dear Brother:

I will improve a few moments this afternoon in writing you. We still remain in the camp that we had when we first came here but I learn that the Cavalry crossed the Rapidan today and perhaps the Infantry may have that privilege soon. This is a very pretty country when we all encamp. Although it is in almost its natural state — man has done nothing to improve it for two years — and have been burning up fences all this time. The city is large and much [illegible] than I expected to see.

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