Letter from William Smith 1810

 

Letter from William Smith in Washington, 19 January 1810

Virginia Civil War Letter 1869 Edward Collins

 Farmville (Virginia) Civil War Letter dated June 13, 1869 from Edward Collins

Civil War Memoir: Simeon H. Talbot 23rd New York Independent Battery

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Simeon H. Talbot
Born Brooklyn, New York
23rd New York Independent Battery

…The first battle in which I was engaged was New Berne N.C. Also participated in engagements at Kingston, White Hall, Mt. Olive and Goldsborough …Pollocksville …Trenton and White Oak Run …Fort Anderson …Siege of Washington North Carolina, Blount Creek …Siege and Evacuation of Washington North Carolina.

To me, one of the important events in my service aside from the engagements above write, was an attempt to blow up recruits and getting blown up myself.

Civil War Memoir: Christian Rheinlander, 18th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Christian Rheinlander
Born, Denmark
Company “K”, 18th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was at Rappahannock Station, Va.… Was taken prisoner by Rebel Infantry, October 1st 1864 between Weldon and South side Railroads. Was confined in Salisbury Prison, N.C., April 12, 1865. A few of my most intimate comrades were Capt. Murray, Sergeant (now) Capt. Beck.

The most important event connected with my service was my escape from Rebel Prison. On the 12th of December, 1864, the prisoners in Salisbury Prison made a break for liberty, but failed. Got a good thrashing. Killed and wounded about sixty-five of us, but on April 12, 1865, together with thirty-nine others,

I succeeded in making my escape by jumping form a train of cars on which we were being removed from one Prison to another. Just as it was starting out from Salisbury on account of United States Cavalry making a Raid on the City on their way from West Virginia into North Carolina. Will add that when I was discharged, I received form the U.S. Gov’t, 3 months’ pay as an escaped prisoner. In making our escape, five of us were killed.

Civil War Memoir: Chauncey J. Weatherwax 151st New York Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Chauncey J. Weatherwax
Born Niagara, New York
Company “G” and “B”, 151st New York Volunteer Infantry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was Locust Grove Va., Nov. 17, 1862 and afterward, the battle of the Wilderness…Spottsylvania…Hanover…Cold Harbor...Ream’s Station…Monocacy….Snicker’s Gap….Strasburg…Charlestown…Winchester….Fisher’s Hill…Cedar Creek…Petersburg…Rice’s Station….

I was wounded May 11, 1864 at Spottsylvania in chin and left breast and September 19, 1864 at Winchester Va., in right ear… Was never taken prisoner.

The most important event of my military life was General Sheridan’s ride, October 19, 1865.

Civil War Memoir: Isaac E. Conklin 105th New York Volunteers

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Isaac E. Conklin
born Niagara, New York
Company “B”, 105th New York Volunteers

The first battle in which I was engaged was Cedar Mountain—afterward at Rappahannock Station. Thoroughfare Gap, Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, cold Harbor and Petersburg.

Was never wounded, but was taken prisoner, August 19, 1864, at the battle of the Weldon Railroad by Lee’s Army. Was confined in the following named prisons: Libby, Belle Island, Salisbury and Florence. Recaptured February 22, 1865. My intimate comrades were William Harry, John St. Clair, William Mesler, and William Clark.

The most important event in my military life was when I was recaptured by General Terry.

Civil War Memoir: Lyman Chatfield Harwood 129th New York Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Lyman Chatfield Harwood
Born Windsor, Vermont
Company “B”, 129th New York Volunteer Infantry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was Spottsylvania Va. Then followed North Anna…Tolopotomy…Cold Harbor…Siege of Petersburg…and final assault and capture of the Rebel Fortifications there; and thence on to Appomattox. I received a gunshot wound in right leg, June 3rd 1864 at Cold Harbor Va….

The surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox was the most important event in my military experience.

Civil War Memoir: Albert I. Knowles 15th New York Cavalry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Albert I. Knowles
Born Ontario, New York
Company “C”, 15th New York Cavalry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was Upperville Va., Feb. 20th 1864 and was afterward in the battle of Lost River Gap …New Market …Front Royal …Newtown…Mount Jackson …Piedmont …Waynesboro …Lynchburg …Salem…Martinsburg …Snicker’s Gap …Island Ford …Ashley’s Gap …Winchester …Martinsburg …Charlestown …Green Spring Run …Lacy Springs …Waynesboro …Ashland …Dinwiddie Court Hous e…Five Forks …Rappahannock Creek …Namozine Court House …Appomattox Court House.

I deem the great Cavalry Charge of April 1st 1865 led by General G. A. Custer, turning the right flank of Lee’s Army and following up in pursuit of the confederates, and their final surrender, April 9, 1865, as the most important event in my military life. On the p.m. of April 8, 1865, General Custer charged on Lee’s Army, and captured three trains of cars, 33 pieces of artillery, 165 Battle Flags, and a large amount of Confederate Scrip, and many prisoners, including several Generals. Our Lieutenant Colonel Root was killed by the side of Major Bigelow while leading my Regiment in this charge.

Civil War Memoir: Peter J. Rabb 23rd Battery Light Artillery, New York State Volunteers

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Peter J. Rabb
Born Erie, New York
23rd Battery Light Artillery, New York State Volunteers

…I served as Blacksmith for two years, and was discharged as Private at Washington, N.C…. I was in the battle of Beaver Creek, and afterward in the engagements at Kingston, Whitehall, Mount Olive, Goldsboro, Bachelor’s Creek, Washington, Raleigh, Greensboro, New Bern.

I was wounded November 24th 1863, in the capturing of White’s Camp of Guerrillas, receiving a bayonet thrust through the hand and was confined in Hospital at New Berne….

An important event in my military life was at the capturing of White’s Camp, Nov. 24th 1863. I went around behind a Rebel Picket and caught him by the back of the neck, before he knew it, and with the point of a pistol held to his head and demanded his surrender. He laid down his gun and became my prisoner.

In March 1864 in riding a balky horse that we got from the 3rd N.Y. Cavalry, I was bucked off into a cellar way, and across the street and over a picket fence, sustaining a breach which has troubled, more or less, ever since.

Civil War Memoir, William Henry Empson 124th Ohio Volunteers.

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic~Department of New York~Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

William Henry Empson
Born Norfolk, England
Company “A”, 124th Ohio Volunteers

My first experience in battle was at Spring Hill Tennessee and afterward at Triune and Chickamauga (which in Indian language signifies ‘River of Blood’). I was taken prisoner September 20, 1863 at Chickamauga by the Rebel General Longstreet’s men and confined in Scott and Pemberton Prisons. Richmond Va…. Danville Va., and Andersonville, Ga. from September 29, 1863 to April 29, 1865….

My most intimate comrades were John W. Gould, Seymour E. Hill, William D. Stover, and Barnea Collegan, fellow Prisoners.

The most important event in my military life was my release from prison, where I experienced such terrible suffering while a prisoner, from scurvy, feet and legs badly swollen, and cords on left leg contracting, drawing the leg into a kneeling position, and turning [the flesh] black. Hair came out, mouth swelled and teeth very loose. The affection extending over my whole body until I became helpless. Weight when captured — 145 pounds — when released 65 pounds.

Civil War Memoir: J. Byron Lovell 28th New York Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

J. Byron Lovell
Born Tompkins, New York
Company “C”, 28th New York Volunteer Infantry

…My first experience in battle was the 1st Winchester engagement, then followed 2nd Winchester, Point of Rocks, Ball’s Bluff, Chantilly, Rappahannock, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, and 2nd Bull Run….

The most important event in my military experience was the battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., where the Regiment was almost annihilated. Colonel Dudley Donnelly and Adjutant Charles P. Sprout were killed, and Lieut. Colonel Brown lost an arm, and Major Warren rec’d 5 wounds and was left upon the field 36 hours, and was finally brought off and eventually recovered.

Civil War Memoir Seth Lovell Company A, 140th New York Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic~Department of New York~Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Seth M. Lovell
Born Tompkins, New York
Company “A”, 140th New York Infantry

…Rappahannock Station was the first battle in which I was engaged. I was afterward at Mine Run, Centerville and the Wilderness. I was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness…. Was never in hospital, except as a prisoner at Lynchburg…having been captured by the Rebel Army, May 5, 1864.

The day after I was wounded and left on the field in hands of the enemy. Was taken about three miles from battlefield to a place in [the] Woods near Robinson’s Tavern on the Pike, where we lay for one month, thence taken to Orange Court House—Gordonsville, Danville, thence to Macon, August, and Andersonville, Ga., where I remained until November 1864, then taken to Florence S.C. Left Andersonville on account of Sherman’s Army coming near. Was paroled from Florence S.C. with 12,000 sick and convalescents in December 1864, too sick to know date….

Most important events in my experience—Battle of Wilderness and incarceration as a Prisoner of War in the different Earthly hells where we were left to die like sheep with the rot. The most fearful record was that of my prison life in Andersonville, where the average death rate reached 125 per day, through the hot season. The life here of a wounded prisoner begs a description, and no person who participated in the horrors of Andersonville can ever forget, neither can he describe adequately to those not having shared the same fate.

Civil War Memoir: Charles S. Schad 1st New York Light Artillery

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Charles S. Schad
Born Niagara, New York
1st New York Light Artillery

The first battle I took part in was at Winchester. Va., on May 25, 1862. Was engaged at the battle of Chancellorsville…and the following skirmishes, Cedar Creed Va…Edenburg…New Jackson…Strasburg to Winchester…Dumphries, Va…and Ely’s Ford….

I was wounded at Chancellorsville May 1st, 1863. Struck by butt end of 12 lb. Shell just above right knee, and was in hospital at Winchester Va from May 28, 1862 to June 23, 1862….

I was captured at Winchester Va, May 25, 1862 by the Confederate troops under Stonewall Jackson, just after the battle, and was confined at Court House Square and Jail at Winchester, Va from May 26, 1862 to May 28, 1862 and at Union Hotel Hospital until June 4, 1862 when the town was occupied by our troops. Was taken from prison on a stretcher to the Union Hotel Hospital Winchester Va.

It is a matter of pride that I was permitted to contribute my services to preserve our common country in her time of need.

Civil War Memoir: Michael Finnigan 28th New York Volunteers

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Michael Finnigan
Born New York
Company “B”, 28th New York Volunteers

…The first engagement I witnessed was the battle of Fallingwaters, and was afterward in the battles of Point of Rocks, Md., Cedar Mountain, Winchester, South Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Second Bull Run.

The most important event in my military service was the Battle of Cedar Mountain, where we lost our colonel Dudley Donnelly. The Lieutenant Colonel was wounded, and Adjutant Charles P. Sprout was killed.

Civil War Memoir: Charles Lureman 28th New York Volunteers & 2nd New York Mounted Rifles

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Charles Lureman
Born Germany
Company “A”, 28th New York Volunteers
Company “A”, 2nd New York Mounted Rifles

…The first battle I was engaged in was Martinsburg Va., July 11, 1861, and afterward at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862, New Town Va., May 24, 1862, Winchester Va., May 25, 1862, Chancellorsville Va., Wilderness, Petersburg Va. Pegram’s Farm Va., where I was wounded on the 6th day of September 1864…. I was captured at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862, by the 3rd Virginia Confederates and confided in Libby Prison and Belle Island Prison from the 10th of August 1862 till October 1862. We were exchanged sometime in October 1862, in a half-starved condition and very ragged.

My most intimate comrades of the old 28th New York are now dead. Those of the 2nd Mounted rifles are Eli Kahler and P. Kinlin. Two of the 28th residing at Lockport, N.Y., are J. W. Little and W. H. Langdon.

I was wounded the second time through the calf of my right leg and had my horse killed under me, April 3rd, 1864 while crossing the Appomattox River near Farmville. Was in hospital thereafter at City Point Va., Baltimore Md., and Buffalo NY at the General Hospital from which I was finally discharged August 4, 1865.

Civil War Memoir: John Gilbert Murray 8th Iowa Cavalry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

John Gilbert Murray
Born Niagara, New York
Company “G”, 8th Iowa Cavalry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was Nashville Tenn., opposed to Hood,I think about the middle of December 1864, after which I was in minor engagements during Hood’s retreat and in various skirmishes with Guerrillas and Bushwhacking forces during Winter of 1863 and 1864 in Western Tenn.

Others during Autumn of 1864 on the route between Franklin, Tenn., and Muscle Shoals, Alabama and vicinity of Florence Ala. Some skirmishes and light engagement during Spring of 1865, on a raiding expedition, starting from Waterloo, Ala., about the 1st of April and ending at Macon Ga., about the final close of the hostilities.

The most important events in my military experience were Enlistment and Discharge. ‘Reveille’ and ‘Taps’, “Boots & Saddles’

Civil War Memoir: Warren Ives 151st New York Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Warren Ives
Born Albany, New York
Company “H” & “E”, 151st New York Infantry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was at Locust Grove Va., Nov. 27th, 1863. Was afterward in the battles of Perryville or 2nd Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, Opeguan, Bristow Station, Wilderness, Cold Harbor and many skirmishes….

One of the most important events in my military service was being put on detached service at the Front—21 months out of 34 months altogether which among other services, was carrying confidential communications, from Division Headquarters, to various officers at the front, and from the front to Washington, three times—carrying mail from White House Landing to the front—acting as Scout by detail from Division Headquarters in the Shenandoah Valley for about six weeks in the Fall of 1864. Winter service….

Civil War Memoir: John Reando 13th New York Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

John Reando
Born St Lawrence, New York
Company “F”, 13th New York Volunteer Infantry

…My first experience in battle was at Blackburn’s Ford, Va., for about five weeks. After the 1st Bull Run battle, where I was captured by the 5th Virginia Volunteers. Was confined as a prisoner of war in Richmond, Va., from July 21, 1861 ‘til November 25, 1861. Was then transferred to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where I remained a prisoner till March 1, 1862. Was taken thence to Salisbury N.C.

The most important event in my military service was being discharged from prison and getting a square meal and getting grid of grey-backs.

Civil war Memoir: Charles V. Mesler Company K, No. 50

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Charles V. Mesler
Born Barre, New York
Company “K”, No. 50, 3 Months Infantry

…My first engagement was a the 1st Bull Run Battle…. Afterwards at Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, 2nd Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksville, 1st & 2nd Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Petersburg.

….Was confined at Libby prison. The most important event was getting through alive and the Battle of Gettysburg, the most important battle in which I was engaged. More credit should be given the enlisted men for their patriotic and heroic services, which finally crowned us with success.

Civil War Memoir: John Swick 23rd Independent New York Battery

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

John Swick
Born Tompkins, New York
23rd Independent New York Battery

…The first battle in which I was engaged was at New Berne, N.C. Afterwards Pollocksville, Trenton, White Oak River. Captured Rebs’ Guerilla Camp pickets. Officers and men, the whole thing, 62 in round numbers near Pollocksville. This was done by a surprise without the firing of a gun….

One of the important events connected with my service was going out one nigh in the winter of 1863-4 and capturing a Picket Post of the enemy without firing a gun. The [Rebel] Post was completely surprised, and while they had a gun in position to fire, they had no time to discharge it…it was captured by our men. This, as well as all the above named events seem of much importance to me as connected with our position and Department of the service