by mvanders
Headquarters Eleventh Corps, Va
Dearest,
I wonder how you are and where you are this morning. I felt quite homesick for a day or two, but begin to get accustomed to the old life.
Oliver Otis Howard to his wife, Elizabeth Anne Waite [Oliver Otis Howard Papers]
by mvanders
The Richmond Whig of the 29th has the following sign Samuel Jones, Major-General, and dated at White Sulphur Springs, Va., 27th:–
“We met the enemy this morning about a mile and a half from this place on the road leading to the Warm Springs. We fought him from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
“Every attack made by the enemy was repulsed. At night each side occupied the same as they had n the morning.
“The enemy made thwo other attacks and were handsomely repulsed, when he abandoned his position and retreated towards Warm Springs, pursued by cavalry and artillery.
“The enemy were about 3000 strong with six pieces of artillery, under Brig-Gen Averill. Our loss is about 200 killed and wounded. The enemy’s loss is not known. We have taken about 150 prisoners nd one piece of artillery.”
by mvanders
Headquarters Eleventh Corps, Near Brooke’s Sta., Va
Dearest,
I received a good letter from you in which you compare the unsettled condition of your house to my reputation. I hope you have not worked out that business by yourself. […]
Oliver Otis Howard to his wife, Elizabeth Ann Waite [Oliver Otis Howard Collection]
by mvanders
Headquarters Eleventh Corps, Va.
Dear Sister Lizzie,
Otis has gone out to inspect the camps of one of his Divns and said to me as he was leaving that he had intended to write you this morning and asked me to do so. […]
Gen. [illegible] has been next up river with a Brigade of Infantry and some Artillery in conjunction with a Cavalry force and this moment I hear very distant firing.
Charles Henry Howard to his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ann Waite [Oliver Otis Howard Papers]
by mvanders
Headquarters Eleventh Corps
Near Brooks Station Va.,
My dear Mother,
It is a bright warm afternoon and now the moon has changed we anticipate fair weather for some time.
We had our Religious services this morning, conducted by Rev. Mr. Johnson Congregationalist of Bangor. Maj. Whittlesey had known him before. He is simply on a visit to the army. I have written to Rowland today. Got a letter from him & Ella yesterday. We were rejoiced to hear of Everett Bridgham’s [a first cousin] conversion. Poor Aunt Aurelia [the sister of Charles’ father Rowland and the mother of Everett] is very sick he writes. And Jane Bates has passed away from earth. We can hardly realize that Jane will not meet us with her cheerful face whenever we go home again to our good old neighborhood.
But the future life was very real to Jane. Her friends left behind are the only sufferers. God grant them the consolations of His infinite word – and that they all may be ready to go & join Jane when the summons comes. I desire to be ready. I know not as we are in the midst of any more uncertainty than you but it often seems so.
We search tomorrow morning for the upper Rappahannock – not so much as this has been revealed but I judge from indications unmistaken to me. The 12th Corps is also expected to march. How much more I do not know.
The Fast-day is nearing & I do hope for if not resulting from the united cry of many hearts. We will carry the works with the faith & prayers and perhaps God will this time bless us. At any rate in his own good time his Kingdom shall triumph & I cannot be too bitterly disappointed with this pure hope ever present.
Otis & I are perfectly well. The promotions (it is announced by telegraph) have been made. So I will have to exchange the title of Captain which I have held less than a month for that of Major. But this is of very little moment to me. Pray that I may always have a willing mind and grace needed for every duty.
Your Very Affectionate Son
C. H. Howard
P.S. Remember me kindly to Isabella & brother if you see them.
Charles Henry Howard to his mother, Eliza Gilmore [Charles Henry Howard Collection]
by mvanders
Hdqrs. 2nd. Divn.
Near Falmouth Va
Mar. 27 1863
My dear Mother,
The last I heard from you was by letter from Rowland which you were at his house for one night.
It is a beautiful day – warm as any day in May. I hear a bird merrily singing. All the staff are away at Gen. Birney’s Divn. attending a hurdle race &c to which we were all invited. Otis is here & as I am Acting Adjutant General I remained behind. Besides I did not care much to go since I did not enjoy the similar celebration of St. Patrick’s day in the Irish Brigade. Too many got drunk and there were some accidents. I would like, however, to take a lively ride in this pure air. I sit at my desk with the door of the tent open –
just returned from dinner. Gen. Hancock was over this forenoon & called on Otis. He says that Gen. Hooker told him that Gen. Howard was to have the 11th Corps (Siegels) but Otis learned at Hd Qrs. yesterday that Gen. Hooker had sent a paper to Washington asking either that Gen. Siegel be ordered back (he is away on leave) or that there be a vacancy declared to which he could appoint the General he wished. He will undoubtedly appoint Otis if Siegel does not come back.
No leaves extend over April 1st now – so I suppose we will move soon after that date. Did you enjoy Otis’ visit? […]
Your affectionate Son,
C.H. Howard
P.S. Major Whittlesey has just this moment arrived – well!!
Charles Henry Howard to his mother, Eliza Gilmore [Charles Henry Howard Collection]
by mvanders
Camp near Falmouth, Va. 8 A.M. Start for the picket line. Snowing. 12 mi. reach the picket line, six miles from Camp. Snow four inches deep. 2 P.M., raining.
by mvanders
Headquarters 2nd Divn
Near Falmouth, Va.
My dearest children
I want to tell you about a little boy about the age of Grace. The other night just at evening I was sitting before the fire a knock at my tent door: “come in;” when in bounced a little black eyed boy. He looked something like this little fellow, with his pants rolled up near the tops of his little boots. A large man followed him. “Well where did you come from!” No answer, only eyes sparkle. Then, “What’s your name.” Willie. Willie’s uncle had been traveling around with Willie trying to find his father in the 98 Tenn. Regiment all that afternoon. It was in Gen. Sedgwick’s Corps people had sent him to Gen. Sedgwick’s old Division. I was delighted. He looked at my tongs, handled my shovel called for my poker and insisted that that was not a poker but a cane. He got hold of the black end of the tongs and I had to wash his hands. He next had my photographs and in an instant was out begging for a ride on a horse. Uncle Charlie gave him one – it was near night – and the boy and uncle had as much as five miles to go. I kissed the little boy and sent him off in an ambulance. I asked him while here where his mother was – he said in her grave. His uncle said he was an only son – and his father was a Lieutenant in the army.
Oliver Otis Howard to his children [Oliver Otis Howard Papers]
by mvanders
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.
Last night was bitter cold, but we had big fires which kept us comfortable. We have seventeen men stand guard alternately one hour each. Weather clear but cold.
by mvanders
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.
Snowed, still falling.
11 A.M. leave camp for the Picket line, which we reach[at] half past two P.M. The storm has been the worst we have experienced in the Army, blinding snow, with a strong cold wind. Our post is six miles from camp & in sight of the residence of Samuel Wallace. Snow eight inches deep.
