Compiled from correspondence during the war. Principally, through the year 1864.
In our cottage home.
Lincoln, Mich.1
Ellen to Samuel2
Sept 24th 1863 [Thursday].
My Dear Husband:
You will be far away, perhaps in a strange land, when your eye first rests upon these lines; And I, where shall I be. Thinking of you, with an intense yearning to see your dear face, to hear your loving voice & to breathe words of council & admonition into your ear that my heart prompts me to do now, but when I fain would speak, grief chokes my utterance, & the words are smothered in sobs & tears, & remain unspoken.
But if I have no control over my feelings, I can still guide my pen, while it traces, in feeble language, a few, of the many things I would say to you if I could. First let me thank you for the sacred promise you made me, last night that you would be firm in your principles, and never be led to do aught that would cast a shadow on your good name as a citizen, or Soldier: And above all, would strictly regard the Sabbath as a day of rest, contemplation, & meditation; so far as the fortunes of war will permit; and never indulge in wicked and idle games, on that sacred day. O, Samuel my heart thanks you for those blessed words; and they will cheer me in many a dark & lonely hour; & cause me to look forward with pride & joy, when I can claim again my noble soldier husband: and I will nightly pray God to watch over you, & shield you from all harm, & teach our little ones to do the same. And O, may you so live, that should it become necessary that your life should be sacrificed for your country, you would be ready to meet the stern summons, & enter into the presence of your Maker: O my Husband, do this & you will soon see many of your Comrades imitating your noble example and then the sweet assurance will be yours that you have done your duty to yourself, your Country & to your God. I will, for your sake, try to be more cheerful in our seperation, & will aim to live for you, & our precious children, & make them as comfortable as possible; Ever praying that kind heaven will guard you from every ill, & bring you safely to the loving embrace of your devoted family.
God bless thee, & with pleasure rife,
Grant thee a long & happy life:
But think of me in joys blest hour
Remember too, if dark clouds lower
That she in days of youth, thy friend
Will be the same till time shall end.
Ellen
Samuel to Ellen
Detroit. Oct. 2nd 1863 [Friday].
Dear Friends & Home,
Here I am in camp,3 not knowing yet whether I shall be accepted,4 or not: I have been examined once, but have got to be again to day by two Surgeons: Those that came with me have passed, all but C[aswell].5 I have had a pleasant time, so far—& am feeling well: and hope these few lines will find you the same. I cannot tell you where to direct, as we shall soon leave here. Should not have written to-day—only you would not have got it till next week; will write again soon.
Love to all—Truly Yours
Samuel
Samuel to Ellen
Louisville, Ky.6 Oct 9th 1863 [Friday].
Dear Ellen
As I have a few moments to write I will drop a line to let you know how, & where I am. We left Detroit Wednesday night & arrived here this morning; have had good luck, & no accidents. was kept rather too close to suit me, but feel well. I sent a letter by B[rickley]7 with my likeness, some money, & directions. You may think strange that I did not send more; but I see so many poor fellows that do not get any thing, but bread & meat, to eat—that I do not mean to be without money. I hope to hear from you soon; and to hear that you are well; I cannot write much with 300 men around me; Good bye for this time.
Samuel
Ellen to Samuel
In our little Home—
Oct 12th 1863 [Monday].
My Dear Husband.
It is two weeks to day, since I parted from you, but it seems like two, long, month[s]. I have held up bravely so far; hoping that you would not go8—& I should soon see you again: but to-day that hope is torn from me, & the bitter hour has come that tells me you are far away—hundreds of miles from your home—your wife, & little ones. O, My God, how can I have it so? Yet I must bow to the inevitable, for you have gone, & cannot be recalled—
You will say where is your patriotism? O I fear I have none—we are left so lonely—so entirely unprotected: I hope you may never know such loneliness—or weep such bitter tears as now scald my cheeks, while I gaze upon your picture. And yet you are a noble looking soldier! just such an one, as I am proud to call my husband and when I know that you are well, & not in danger, I will not murmur—but look to the bright future, when we shall once more be united in our own little home;
Mr. B[rickley] brought your letter containing the money; I will do as you direct, with it: I cannot tell when I shall go to New York State9; Mr. B[rickley] said he would carry us to Johns,10 as he was going out to get some salt—Your Citizens clothes are in Midland;11 Can we ever bear to have them come home—just as you wore them away—and shall we ever see you again? These are questions that are continually in my mind. Who can answer them for me? I wrote you a letter last week & sent by Mr. C[aswell]. I told you, in it, that Hattie E[stee] was very sick with Diphtheria.12 She has since died, & will be buried tomorrow at 10 clock. I am very careful of our children; so you must not worry about them. Little D[allas] asks for papa, very often & wishes he would come, sometime. He is well, & so is V[esper]. They are all the comfort I have left now. May kind Heaven spare them to me, & ever watch over & care for the absent one, & bring him safely home again, is my constant prayer. I will now bid you good night & seek my pillow, where my precious children are sweetly sleeping. What a blessing is sleep, if it had no bitter awakening: I hope I may not always write so sorrowful a letter, but “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”13 Let me once more beg you to take good care of your health, & if any thing befalls you, let me know at once. Write me every week, if possible, & then it seems a long while till mail day—to wait seven long days, without hearing from you. Accept my best wishes, & blessing, & believe me, your ever devoted,
Ellen
Samuel to Ellen
Elk-River Tenn.14 Oct 19th 1863 [Monday].15
My Dear E[llen] & Children;
I have not heard one word from you since I left you at the Indian Mills, you were feeling badly, & as our raft floated down the river,16 and round the bend, out of sight of my little family, standing there upon the bridge, you may be sure I felt the parting—keenly.17 We had a pleasant voyage & if it were not for being so far away—I should enjoy myself pretty well. And when I hear from you that you are all well, I will be quite contented.
The weather is very pleasant here now; we have a nice camping ground: It is on Elk River, about 85 miles from Nashville.18 We have good water, enough to eat—& a pretty good place to sleep: There are about 3000 soldiers camped here—one New York regiment, one Wisconsin, & the remainder are Michigan troops.19 There has been no fighting very near here: Some of the Engineers & Mech[anics] left here thursday to repair the road about 40 miles south of here:20 They were taken prisoners & the train burned.21 They were a part of Co. E. I will try & take good care of myself—I have good warm clothes, & you must not worry about me. I must close & go to drill. Take good care of our children & yourself—Good bye
Yours as Ever.
Samuel
1st Mich Eng, & Mech.
Ellen to Samuel
Lincoln, Oct 20th 1863 [Tuesday].
(Cottage Home.)
My Dear Husband,
I wrote you one week ago, but wrote such a gloomy letter, I am going to try & write a more cheerful one; I certainly do not want you to feel badly about us,—now that you are there—by any means—and if I could only know that you were well, & comfortable & free from danger, then I would be content. We are all well now, although I have been sick three days with sore-throat,—am about well now. I dont think it was diphtheria, although the neighbors think it would have been, if I had not broken it up at the beginning.22 You may believe I wanted you here to care for me—but the neighbors were very kind & came in to see me, & did what they could. Yesterday Mrs McL[ane] & Mrs H[ollan]d, were here; to day Mrs I[ve]s, Mrs D[unha]m, Mrs H[oa]g & Mrs K[ro]ll23 have been here, so you see I have some company yet, as usual.
Our friend[s] from Wisconsin have not arrived yet, but shall expect them this week: I have sold the cook stove for 16 dollars—cash—& have it to use while I remain here. This morning I sold the old cow for 23 dollars—have paid some little debts, so that we are square with the world & have $75.00 to go home with: The children are both well, & are good boys. Vesper does all he can to help me, & we get along very well: I shall have some maple sugar to dispose of—also fodder—I think with a little experience I shall prove quite a succesful manager. If it were not for the loneliness, we should be very comfortable—I hope you wont get homesick,—for you could not come home, if you did, unless you came without permission—and that would be a crime. I would rather never see you than to have you dessert. Do your duty as a true Soldier in the sight of man, & the fear of God; and when peace once more smiles upon us (which I hope may be soon) then you will return with bright honor, to be welcomed to the glad hearts & happy home of your wife & children who will ever pray God to watch over you & keep you from every harm, & guard you from temptation, and crown your labors with success. O my Dear Samuel how happy shall we all be, if a kind Providence bring[s] this war to a speedy close, & each dear Soldier returns to home & fireside—no more to be disturbed by the fearful cry of war. I am exceedingly anxious to hear that you are landed in safety—and to know how you like your occupation; also what kind of fare you have in your new quarters. You know I am very particular so write all the little events of your journey; just how you were treated, & how you bore it. I received a letter from your brother J[ohn]24 last week:—they were all well, & much surprised that you had enlisted. Your Mother wants you to be a good boy, & write to her.25 Our town has been organized, & named Lincoln: but my P.O. address will be Wiota26 until you hear from me in [New] York State. The children are playing hide-&-seek, & make so much noise I can hardly write. Remember and write often, very often, & mention all you think I might wish to hear—I wish I could send you a nice ball of home made butter, & a mince pie for your dinner. We think of you every time we eat & wonder what papa has to eat, & where he sleeps.
Good bye—Affectionately
Ellen & the Children.
Samuel to Ellen
Elk-River Oct 27th 1863 [Tuesday]
My Dear Wife & children; I received yours of the 12th ult, & was very glad to hear from you, but sorry to have you feel so badly: I wish you would not worry about me; for I am having an easy time, & feel well. I stay with the Officers, & get a good many extras that the other boys dont have. I do not feel in any more danger than I would at home. I have not seen but 35 armed rebels, & they were running from us. There were about 100 of us; we were on the cars27 & had our guns pointing out of the windows. They came back night before last & tore up the track; and the cars ran off & Capt. Sly had his legs broken.28 There was a negro caught last night tearing up the track about half a mile from here: he is to be shot tomorrow.29 One of the boys fell off the bridge last Friday—fell 60 feet & struck on the stone;30 I was the first to get to him; I thought he was dead, as he was black in the face & did not revive until we reached the hospital. I wish you could have been here last night & listened to the Band playing: it was grand music, & a splendid evening—
C[aswell] brought me the letter you sent; Try & enjoy self with the children & do not fret about me. Rest assured I shall take as good care of myself as possible; I have no doubt, but that I shall see you all again within one year: I have just heard that Grant has issued orders to burn every house within five miles of the road.31 The day I left Nashville there was a fellow killed himself—He had been taken for a deserter; he went to the window on the third story & jumped to the pavement; killing himself on the spot.32 I have a Testament & hymn book that was given me. I have not played a game of any kind; nor shall not.33 I think I have done well—for me, in writing—this time. I want Vesper to write to papa—& I should like to hear from little master Dallas. Write often & a little more cheerful—I will close & go to drill. Good bye
From your Absent Husband.
Samuel
Vesper to Samuel34
Letter from Vesper 9 years old.—to his Papa.
My Dear Papa. I want to see you very much. It seems a long time since you went away—I havn’t got my new boots yet, & I dont know whether Mr Bentl[e]y35 has got them done, yet; but I hope he has. Mama & I are very lonesome; we have staid all alone ever since you went away, but 3 or 4 nights, & Mama cries every day. Mama got the money & your likeness—It looks like you, but not as well as you do. Please write to me next time,
So good bye; from Vesper to Papa.
Ellen to Samuel
Lincoln. Oct 27th 1863 [Tuesday].
Dear Samuel I dont know but I write oftener than you will care to hear from me, but it seems that I cannot let more than one week pass without writing; as that is the only means left me now of conversing with you.
I received your letter last week that you sent from Louisville, Ky. I was so glad to hear that you were well: We are all well & not alone now. Our friends from Wis, came last Thursday. Came with their own team around the Lake [Michigan]—visited in Buchanan,36 & were 17 days on the road. I wrote you last week that I had made arrangements to go to [New] York State & stay this winter; but I got a letter since, that our folks have sold there & are coming here in Feb. & brother W[allace]37 is on the way now—A[lbert]38 started for St Johns39 yesterday morning to bring him & his goods, & I expect them next Saturday. He & wife40 will stay with me this winter, so I shall not go East.
They all feel disappointed to not have you here. The children are well—I wrote you last week that I had a sore throat, but it is entirely well now. F[ancher]41 has been fixing up the house to day—putting in chinking between the logs & plastering on the out side with clay—as the nights are getting cold—This makes 4 letters that I have written you; I hope you have received them all, or some of them, at least, by this time: It is most ten o clock, & I must close for tonight—All are sleeping quietly, in happy unconciousness—but me. If I could know to night that you were safe & well—I too, would be happy—Tomorrow is mail day—& I shall go to the [Post] Office, & will finish my letter there—Good night, & Heaven protect thee from all harm:—Oct 28th (at the [Post] Office), Wednesday morning. I have walked to the office (two miles)—& am doomed to disappointment. “No letter,” the postman said, in answer to my anxious inquiry. Why did you not write? O I fear you are sick: another whole week of suspense before I can know.
I have not received your clothes yet—expect Mr. B[rickley] will bring them soon.—The draft came off here42—last monday—have not learned the result. One thing sure—I have not had to worry about your being drafted. Do write often. Tell me how you like soldiering: & take good care of yourself—Yours as Ever—Lovingly
Ellen
Samuel to Ellen
Nov 1st 1863 [Sunday]. Camp—Elk River.
My Dear Wife, & Children.
It is a beautiful day to day, & altho it is the Sabbath—we have had inspection of arms this morning: How I would like to see you all but as I cannot, I will devote a part of this lovely day to writing: Do not worry for fear that I shall acquire the bad habits, so common in Camp life. I have sworn off & quit playing Cards entirely—& even checkers. There is so much of it, going on, it sickened me; & I am resolved never to play another game, nor utter an oath while I am in the Army:43 I received your letter of Oct the 21st last Friday night. I was glad to hear that you were doing so well—but surprised that you had not received my letter that I wrote at Nashville. I have written two before this since I came here. Was sorry to hear you had sore-throat—it made me tremble for fear you might have a second attack, or the children would get it. I am well at present, & so are the boys that came with me. There was a boy died this morning; he has been sick ever since he came here; he was a poor little fellow, never made any complaint, & only went to the hospital yesterday.—The fellow that fell through the bridge is getting better—You wanted to know what I have to eat—? We have a plenty, if it was only cooked properly—have biscuit, fried cakes, salt pork—bacon, coffee, sugar, molasses, hardtack & sometimes tea.44 I sleep in a tent: have a lounge with some straw on it. I have a rubber blanket—one heavy woolen blanket, an over coat, woolen drawers & shirt; We have a fire-place at one end of the tent & can keep warm the coldest nights. Tell Mother that I will be a good boy, & do my duty, if I know it, & will write to her soon.
I hope you will have a good time to go home in; dont travel when you, or the children are tired, or hungry—or when it storms—for the sake of saving a few dollars—but take good care of your selves—I am glad to hear that Vesper & my little Dallas are such good boys to their Mama. Good bye for this time, they are calling me to dinner—
Ever Yours,
Samuel
Ellen to Samuel
Lincoln, Nov 1st 1863 [Sunday].
Dear Samuel I shall write you this week to let you know that we are well & also of the changes that have taken place, since you went away. I wrote you last week that F[ancher] & family were here, & that W[allace] & wife were coming—well they are here also: got here Friday safe & well. A[lbert] went out to St Johns & brought them in; their goods are not all here yet—Your Sister45 likes the place well, but makes her homesick to have you gone:
Tuesday evening [Nov. 3]: The clock is just striking 9. & the children are in bed & asleep;—but I must write my letter so as to have it ready to send to the [Post] Office in the morning. I began it Sunday but did not write much—W[allace] has been up to the County Seat to day & is much taken with the place;46 he thinks he shall buy a couple of lots & put up a grocery store. So, I fear I shall be alone this winter, after all; for he is anxious to be at work for himself, & there is no farm that he can get now, that suits him.
F[ancher’]s folks moved up a load of goods this morning & will commence housekeeping to-morrow.
W[allace] & wife will stay with us a few days longer, & will then go up & stay to F[ancher’]s while he, W[allace], puts up his house. It makes me feel doubly lonely to see them so happy in each others society, & I alone—& you so far away—But I shall stay here this winter & try & make myself & children as comfortable as possible—but should have made different calculations, had I known sooner how things were shaping—should certainly have kept my stove.—As it is, will have to send out to St Johns, when they go for goods, and buy me a new one. Every thing is dear now. Flour is 18 dollars a barrel—wheat 14 shilling per bushell.47
I sent up to day & got Vesper[’]s boots. They cost 2,50. He feels very proud of them. It is quite comfortable weather here yet—have no snow, but considerable rain. Vesper wants me to remind his papa that next monday will be his 9th birthday. & wishes he was here to have a piece of his birthday cake. Little Dallas grows stout every day—he is a little stave-about. He often asks me if Tennessee is farther away than Chippewa48? & wonders why Papa dont come home to see him. I hear that you are going into active battle? O I hope not, but tell me the truth about it when you write Wednesday morning; I am at the [Post] Office now—& have the happiness of hearing from you: have got your letter dated Oct 22nd & am glad to hear that you are well, but sorry to hear some have been taken prisoners; What should I do, if you had been one of the number? Be vigilant, & keep out of danger if possible. I had a houseful to day—but came & left them all I was so anxious to get your letter—F[ancher] & wife came down this morning—W[allace] & wife are still there, & sister C[elia].49 She sends her love to you—and is a dear good girl. The Children are well—Be a good boy & write often to
Your ever true & loving
Ellen
Samuel to Ellen
Elk River Nov 7th 1863 [Saturday].
Dear Friends—One, & All. I received your letter of the 28th ult, to day: Am glad to hear that you are well, & that F[ancher] had got there, & C[elia]. Would much like to see her & the rest. I feel well & am growing fleshy every day. The troops have been leaving here lately, & we had to do picket duty. I have just come in to Camp; have been out since early yesterday morning; I though [sic] of you, & home as I was pacing backwards & forward, in the middle of the night; we expect to leave here tomorrow & go about 100 miles north, to work on the northwestern road.50 You will direct your letters, the same that you have. I have written every week, & don’t see why you dont get them. I hope W[allace] wont get homesick: Tell them that when I get home we will have good times: I hope your Father will buy a farm near you—wish he would buy the Ives farm—I should like to hear from all of you there—I think I have done well for me, at letter writing—must close as it is getting dark & I am some what sleepy—It was most sun down when I got back to Camp—I have written this in a hurry—& will try to write more news next time—Take good care of yourself—& my dear little boys—O you better believe I would like to see you all tonight—Good bye.—Love to all—
Samuel
Ellen to Samuel
Lincoln. Nov 10th 1863 [Tuesday].
My Dear Husband—This evening finds me seated with pen in hand & paper before me—thinking of you far away in the dreadful land of war. How much we would like to see you to night.—We are all well & sincerely hope you are enjoying the same blessing. W[allace] & wife are here with us to night. F[ancher] & family have moved into their new home, & like very well. W[allace] is going up in the morning to stay awhile, working on his—F[ancher’]s building (a barn)—but sister C[elia] is with us, so we will not be left alone. W[allace] has bought the Calkins farm—paid $350,00 & has possession in 4 weeks. Levi was drafted, & they sold the farm to pay $300 for a substitute.51 Among the drafted men are Charley Youngs,52 Mr Kunkler,53 David Drake54 & others to the number of 15 in the township of Coe.
The children are both well, & I have made them some warm winter clothes, & Vesper has got a good pair of boots. I have knit him mittens & am knitting them both woolen stockings from yarn that our folks sent me from [New] York State, so we shall all be comfortably clothed. I have got a 12 lighted window put in the west end of the house. We have got all the turnips gathered, & buried. Had 76 bushel.55
I am now at the [post] office writing; have just received your letter of Oct 30th. I feel very thankful that you are well, & enjoy yourself so well. I hope you will read your books that you spoke of, that had been given you; for your sake, & mine. I feel to trust you that you will strive to ever be morally & religiously strict in keeping an unblemished character; which you will ever maintain if you heed the admonitions of your pure & noble heart. May kind Heaven ever watch over you, & safely keep you from all harm. Vesper will write again next week. He is a good boy & does well. Little Dallas often speaks of papa, & says when you get home he is going to help you work. He grows fast, & is a chubby boy. Vesper was 9 years old last monday. I presume you thought of it: write often—Be a good & true soldier, & when peace is restored, I hope to welcome once more
my brave & noble husband.
Ever Yours,
Ellen
Samuel to Ellen
Poplar Springs,56 Nov 15th 1863 [Sunday].
Dear Ones at Home. I thought I would write you this pleasant Sabbath morning, but had hardly made a beginning, when the order came for inspection of arms. I received a letter from you last night, & was glad to hear that you were well.
The past-week has been a busy one with us. We started from Elk River last Sunday morning & went to Nashville, & Tuesday took the cars & came out 40 miles, & went to work getting out railroad ties.57—we do not have to work very hard; If you could see the effects of war, as I do—in this place, you would realize what it is to suffer: There is not an able-bodied man to be found here, & their families are fearfully destitute. Last Thursday we heard that a rebel captain had come home to get some negroes; so at night six of us got on to the horses & went about 7 miles through the woods, to his house to capture him: we arrived about 8 o clock, & when near his house, two big ferocious dogs came at us on double quick; but they met a dose of cold lead which soon quieted them: we went into the house, & found five women, & 8 children: & a more scared set of beings I never saw. They were all crying, & thought their last hour had come. One little girl came near having spasms. The women told a pitiful story, said they had not heard from their husbands since last Spring: were destitute of provisions; but were as afraid of us, as you would be of a band of wild Indians: I saw 15 deserters from Braggs Army,58 & you may believe they were a hard looking set. The talk is here that by the 1st of March we shall be sent home. I hope it may be so; still there are some things that I like in soldiering, & some that I dont. I have not felt the Asthma since coming here. The boys are well & send their best respects to you, & C[elia]. Tell Vesper that his papa thought of him many times [on] his birthday & would have like to been with you all & had a piece of his birthday cake.—You may be sure that I think of home, many times a day: and hope to come back a wiser & a better man—Keep up good courage, & let me hear often from you—The weather is getting pretty cool to night & I must close,
Good night, & good bye—
To my Wife, & children.
Samuel
Ellen to Samuel
Lincoln—Nov 16th 1863 [Monday].
My Dear Husband,
Another week has nearly passed & I am again indulging in the blessed privilege of writing to you: We are all usually well, & trying to get every thing ready for winter—as you would if you were here—We have got the fall vegetables all secured—have 100 bushel of baga’s59 & turnips—or Michigan apples, as we call them. I have just purchased 200 weight of flour of Charley Y[oung]s had to pay $5,00 per hundred.60 Provisions are growing dearer:—Wheat is 2,00 per bushel: & other things in proportion. Mr. Brickley has just got in to the woods with W[allace’]s goods: he brings the Telegraphic news from St Johns that there are two Iron clads (rebel gun-boats) on Lake Erie: Came by the Welland Canal through Canada, & had liberated some 2000 rebel prisoners that were in our possession. I do not credit it myself—but the rumor is circulating through the settlements here, & many believe it.61 Charley Y[oungs] feels bad about being drafted & will try & hire a substitute & Charley D____ talks of going for him—Mr. Kunkler has gone out of the woods to get money to pay his62, & Harvey Wardwell63 will go in place of his brother Warren,64 who is drafted—I have just received your clothes—to day—your Coat & pants are all that came: Little Dallas went through your pockets & found a nut;—said he guessed you sent it to him, so he cracked, & ate it. Your cousin Jack F____ was here to see us last Friday—from Lansing65—came out to sell his oxen: he felt sorry not to see you at home.—His sympathies are not with republicans in this war—he sends kindest regards to you;—thought the children looked as you did at their age.—He wishes you to come & see him, when you get home; but I imagine if you ever get home, you will be contented to stay here.
When you write again tell me what you have to eat, how much you are allowed to have—what you eat on, &c. You say you have given up playing games: I am truly glad to hear it.—I am looking to see you yet aspire to my ideal of morality, & religion. & trust & believe if your life is spared you will not disappoint me—when once more you are permitted to assume the responsibility of guiding the youthful minds of your dear children—& setting those examples which we may all be proud to follow. O my dear Samuel Ever trust & believe in the love & ruling power of an All-wise Creator, & be guided in all things by His will: Be true to Him, to your-self, & your Country; and God will bless you. Good night.
Ever yours, E. L. W.
Samuel to Ellen
Alabama. Nov 28th 1863 [Saturday].
Dear Ellen. I take my pen in hand to let you know how, & where I am. I am now at Bridgeport—125 miles south of Nashville; on the Tennessee river; 25 miles from Chatanooga—at work building a large store house.66 I am well at present; but we left Alonzo [Holland],67 & Joe A[tkins]68 (also [Joseph] Miser)69 at the Hospital at Nashville: they were not very sick. I was sorry to leave them, & shall expect them here in a few days. I wrote to you a week ago that we were going to leave, but did not expect to come here. I like this place, the best, of any I have been in. The battle has been fought at Chatanooga,70 & our men whipped them badly. We took about Ten thousand prisoners.71 Our loss was not very heavy. I received a letter from you last Saturday & it done me much good; for it looked as though you were trying to be more cheerful. It is very hard for me to be so far away from all that I love, but if we can all be well I can stand it a short time; for this war must come to a close before long. I hope to hear from you to day, but dont know as I shall, I have to keep very busy now; If it had not rained this morning, I could not have written.
I tell you there are a great number of rebs here now, besides all the prisoners, there are some 2000 deserters, & more negroes than we know what to do with.72 The weather is fine just like spring at home. The news has just reached us, that we have captured 15000 rebels, 60 pieces of canon, & small arms without number & Hooker73 is after Bragg yet. I guess his army is gone to pieces. The sun is shining & they are calling me to duty. Tell Veppy & Dallie to be good Boys.
Ever yours,
S.
Ellen to Samuel
Lincoln. Nov 30th 1863 [Monday].
My Dear Husband. This cold, dreary, wintry day—finds me as usual, thinking of you: so I draw my chair nearer the stove, & with pen & ink try to pass away time as comfortably as possible—by writing to you; as I omitted writing you last week, by Arsenath writing in my stead. We are left alone to day for the first time in several weeks. Wallace has gone to take a load of Hay up to Fancher, & Celia went with him, to stay awhile, & A[rsenath] has gone down to Alberts. Vesper & Dallas sit by the stove with each a book in their hands & it seems quite a relief to be with them alone once more—after having company so long: Only my heart yearns for the presence of one, far-far away. Can you imagine how glad I am to receive a letter every week, telling me you are well & comfortable; & also what is so gratifying to my feelings, to know from your own pen that you have given up entirely the habit of using profane language. Now indeed have I cause for great thankfulness as such a course will ever influence your comrades for good, & your example will do much toward purifying the morals of others. I believe the prayer of my heart is being answered, & if you are spared to return I shall deem myself one of the happiest of women.
We are all usually well. I went up to make my first visit to Fanchers last week; stayed two days & had a good visit. They have got a pleasant little home & I almost wish I had a house up there, to live in, & rent our place here, while you are away; it would be so much better for the children to attend school, & pleasanter for us all. I went to Chippewa & traded five dollars; but it did not buy much. Only a print dress for me—Vesper a cap & comforter, a few groceries—a broom, & some little notions for Christmas.74 The children are counting every day, & wonder if Papa will get any presents from Santa Claus, this year.
Wallace went to Lansing to deed his land (the Calkins place), took one of Fanchers horses & went horse back: was gone just 4 days. Pa sent him 100,00 Dollars, this week—Albert 50,00, Celia 2,00 & me 1,00 so you see we are all provided for (?). Oscar, Cyrus, & George Nichols75 came up to work in the lumber woods—got here Friday noon. They have hired out for $26,00 per month apiece, in Arnolds Camp, one mile from the County Seat.
It is very cold to day & snows some; Fancher has not taken the cow away yet; he paid me $85,00 for her & what fodder there was. I will have to buy me another stove when W[allace] & A[rsenath] move away they have been with me five weeks—They like this place very much. How I dread this long cold winter—alone with my little boys—with no one to go ahead & smooth the way for us. Perhaps it will teach me self reliance—though I have never known what it was to battle with a cold unfeeling, world, & bravely meet every contingency—alone. And when the happy day dawns that our little family are reunited in our little home—though ever so humble, will it not be a joyous household. Celia—& all our friends send love, & best wishes. Take good care of your self & when on picket-duty be doubly vigilant.
Write often; & remember kindly, yours ever—
E L. W.
Samuel to Vesper
Bridgeport, Ala. Dec 7th 1863 [Monday].
My Dear Vesper—As I have received your, & your Aunt Arsene’s letter I will take this first opportunity to answer it. I am well, & hope this may find you all the same. I rec’d a nice letter from your Mama a week ago yesterday; but I hav’nt time to write much, we are so busy. For nearly four weeks it has been fine weather, except a couple of hours & we have worked all the time, Sunday’s & all. To day I am loading timber, & catch a few moments to write while the teams are unloading.76 I think you would like to be here awhile & see the men & horses. There are some 40 000 Soldiers here, most of them were engaged in the great battle at Chatanooga77 & are now going down the river to Stevenson, & on out into Georgia. They have whipped the Reb’s hard, this time. I saw 6000 prisoners that they were taking through this place & talked with some of them: they say they are whipped & don’t want to fight any more. There were 165 Officers among them. Breckenridge’s son78 was one of them: he is a nice looking boy, about 18 years of age, I should judge—but I never want you or Dallie to ever be soldiers; Tell Mama to keep up good courage. I shall come home, some time: be a good boy & help her all you can. The team has come & I must close; shall write a long letter soon. We had 50 large Canon brought in to day, that our men captured. Bragg has resigned & left for—no one knows where79—write soon & often.
Love to all—from Papa.
Samuel to Ellen
Bridgeport Ala. Dec. 15th 1863 [Tuesday].
Dear Ellen, It seems a long time since I heard from you; have not received a letter from you since two weeks ago last Sunday. I have written every week. Looked for one from you yesterday, but was disappointed. There has much happened that would interest you. This last battle at Chatanooga was a great victory; I saw 6000 Reb’s myself as they were marched through this place, including 165 Officers: Some of them came down on boats, other were compelled to march; when they were crossing the river, the pontoon bridge gave way & let several into the water—6 of them & one union soldier were drownded. It looked sad to see the poor fellows struggling for their lives. This is the first day, but what I have been able to work; I had an attack of cholera morbus80 last night, & to day I feel rather weak, but hope to be all right in the morning: You asked me what we have to eat? I think I have told you, but will tell you again, as you may not have received that letter. We have light bread, biscuit, fried cakes, pork & beans, bacon, hard crackers—rice, fresh beef & sometimes coffee & sugar—have had tea once a week: have had potatoes & onions once. We have plenty of material but it is not cooked much, as you would cook it; & you may imagine I would give something to be at home to day with my family. But I feel that I shall sometime: I am rather lonesome since the boys left us—They are still in Hospital at Louisville K.Y. Our Captain has not come yet, & we cannot draw pay until he brings our discriptive lists.81 I have money enough to last me this winter, the way I use it: but many have none. From my rations, I have sold over a dollars worth of sugar, & I bought me a rubber blanket for a dollar, & in ten minutes I was offered 4,00 for it, so I took it. The Sutler gets nearly all of the soldiers money.82 I will tell you his prices for some things. Butter 75 cts per pound. Cheese 60. Tea $5,00. Maple Sugar one dollar a pound. Dried Apples & peaches 40 cts & upwards, & green apples 10 cts apiece. I bought 6 for 40 cts & sold 3 of them for 30 cts. I have not slept on a bed since the first night that we staid in Detroit, nor sat on a chair. I would enjoy myself in our rocking chair,—to day. You said I did not look well in my likeness I sent from Detroit? I did not feel well. I would liked to have sent you some presents from Detroit but did not receive my pay in time. McLane is well & a good soldier.83 I dont know how long we shall stay at this place. I think some time yet, as we are building a large ware-house: it is 900 feet long, & is built along the river. There are a great many of the wounded, brought here from Chatanooga: there, is where one can see some of the horrors of war. I would rather bury my sons, than ever see them in the army. I will send 50 cts for their Christmas presents, as it is close at hand. Give my love to all my friends there, & especially, to my own little family—
Write Often to
Your Absent Husband—
Ellen to Samuel
Dec 22ond 1863 [Tuesday] Lincoln, Mich.
My Dear Husband. This evening finds me again writing to you, & it is my greatest pleasure—in your absence. We are all well, except Vesper had a hard cold. You will see that Wallace has moved, & we are at his place now. He is at the County Seat helping Fancher. The children sit by the table looking at a picture book, & keep such a chattering, I hardly know what I am writing.
We have not had much sleighing yet; but it is snowing to night, which may give us a plenty for Christmas. O how I wish you were here to spend the holidays with us. I dreamed of seeing you last night, & you looked well & happy. Where are you to night my dear Samuel? May God watch over you where ever you are, & never permit you to be led astray by evil companions. Be true to the promise you gave me, & He will bless, & reward you; & when this cruel war is over, may we welcome home a noble, & gallant christian Soldier. Do not worry about us, & be of good courage. I am going up to Fanchers84 & will stay until Albert goes to St Johns after the pork that our folks are going to send—& he will get me a stove, so I can go to house keeping again. For it is not pleasant for me, or others, living around with my children: I have made Vesper a black velvet blouse & Dallie a waist, braided with blue—which looks very pretty. I made them from my velvet cape. They feel proud of them & wish Papa was here to see them. Wallace has come & brought my shoes from Bentleys. He measured my foot 4 weeks ago & has just finished them. They are not very fine, & cost $2,00. I expect our folks will be here in Feb & move to the County Seat. Write me all the news, & how you fare, in Alabama. Are you in constant danger? I shall send this to Blunt P.O. in the morning by David Caswell. W[allace] & A[rsenath] send love to you. Please write often, & accept the same, from your ever devoted
Ellen
Samuel to Ellen
Bridgeport Ala. Dec 23d 1863 [Wednesday].
Dear Wife & Children—I have received two letters from you, & have had all the reading that I needed for a week. You out-done yourself, almost this time, & I will not try to compete with you in writing: The day I wrote you last, I was not feeling well, & have not yet got so that I feel exactly right; but hope to soon.
I should like to be with you Christmas week, & help devour some of the nice things that I am sure you will prepare: but a Soldiers hopes & wishes, for home & loved ones, are in vain; & he only prays more earnestly for victory, to bring this cruel war to a speedy end. But you must excuse a short letter this time; my head feels badly & I cannot write, will do better next time.
God bless you all—
From your Absent Husband,
and Father—S.W.
Samuel to Ellen
Bridgeport, Ala. Dec 28th 1863 [Monday].
Dear Ellen—I take my pen again to inform you of my health, which I am sorry to say is not much improved. I have been quite sick, but expect to be better soon. I worked to hard, & exposed myself which is unavoidable in a soldiers life. For five weeks I worked every day & slept on the ground every night. The last day it rained all day, & it was too much for me. I took a severe cold. I dont want you to worry, for it wont do any good; I shall try & not get sick again, if it is possible to keep from it. Keep up a brave heart, & good courage—my time is passing along—slowly, but surely, & by fall I expect we will all be sent home. I fear you will have a hard time this winter; get a good stove, & keep as comfortable as possible. The weather is not cold here, & except for the rain, it is very comfortable. I dont expect to have to fight—or go into great danger, so dont worry. I have received 3 letters from you in the past 2 weeks. Direct as before. Love to your self—& my little boys.
Good bye from
S. to E.
Ellen to Samuel
Mt. Pleasant. Mich. Dec. 30th 1863. [Wednesday]
My Dear Samuel
You will see by the date of this, that we are up to Fanchers. We came up last Friday to spend Christmas with them, & are still here. We are all as well as usual, & I sincerely hope this may find you much better than when you last wrote.
I expect to go home to house keeping, as soon as the sleighing gets a little better, so that Albert can go out to St Johns. He is going out to get him some provisions & me a stove; as I have none yet. O why cannot this dreadful war be ended, & you come home, to go to living with us when we get ready to go back? It is very lonely there without you,—yet if we can all be well I will not murmur: so that you may be spared to return, ere long.
The children enjoyed the Christmas Tree wonderfully. Vesper got a nice comforter, an apple, a china toy & candy pitcher filled with candy drops: Dallie got some new calico for a waist,85 an apple, bunch of raisins, a toy that he calls John Brown,86 a little pitcher of candies & a nice little hand-sled. The other children had presents accordingly. I had a collar, a lead pencil & case, & a “housewife” (if you know what that is),87 made of morrocco & silk, for keeping thread & needles. The day passed pleasantly, only for the thoughts of him absent, while all the others were united.
Last night I attended Singing School at the Court House. Mr Fancher is teacher & Althea88 & I took the children & went over[.] Celia is down at Alberts & Wallaces visiting. They are all well & very much contented. Vesper was pleased to receive the letter you sent him last week. I hope to get one to day. Fancher is going to Chippewa to the [Post] Office & I must hasten so as to send this. The weather is quite cold, but not much snow. I suppose it is warm & pleasant where you are, & when the weather gets warm here, I shall look for you home: be careful of your health. I dreamed again last night of seeing you here, but Fancher laughed when I told my dream, & said that was a sure sign that you wouldn’t come, & called me an old widow; but I dont care for his teasing. I shall cling to the hope of seeing you soon.
I expect our folks will move here next month; Tell me if you are well clothed, & where, & how you sleep. I think of you every time I lay my head on a pillow, thinking that your dear head rests upon the damp-hard ground. Heaven pity the poor Soldier, & guard him while he sleeps. The children send much love to papa, & Fancher & Allie send kindest wishes. Be a good boy, & remember ever with hope, your affectionate
Wife, & Children.
Notes
1. Originally, in the Township of Coe, Isabella County.
2. Ellen prefaced this entry with the following: “First, a letter written to S.—by his wife with the request to not open, until he was on his way to the seat of war.”
3. At the military installation named Fort Wayne along the Detroit River on the near west side of that city. As evidenced by his next letter, Samuel had his photograph taken here and sent it home.
4. I.e., mustered into service, which did occur on October 7. Descriptive Roll, 170.
5. David Caswell, age forty-six, enlisted in the regiment at Adrian, Michigan, on October 3, 1863, for a three-year term, and was mustered in on October 14, evidently finding a less strict examiner. He survived the war and mustered out on September 22, 1865. Record of Service, vol. 43, 32.
6. A staging location where the Union Army of the Cumberland was posted to organize new recruits for the front. See Daniel, Days of Glory. The short time since Samuel’s first letter indicates sparse instruction or training in camp.
7. Likely Daniel Brickley, one of the early landowners who served as coroner of Isabella County. Portrait and Biographical Album, 542–543.
8. Ellen apparently held out hope that Samuel would either not actually take the oath and thus might return home after declining to be mustered in or not passing the physical. From the letter of November 15, 1863, it appears he had suffered chronically from a respiratory condition, referring to it as asthma.
9. It appears that Ellen considered moving back East. See her letter of October 20, 1863.
10. St. Johns, Michigan, south in adjacent Clinton County.
11. Located approximately thirty miles to the east.
12. Hattie Estee Dana, born January 26, 1854, died October 12, 1863, age nine. “Hattie Estee Dana,” Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171758264/hattie-dana. Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection typically accompanied by fever that affects the ability to breathe.
13. A quote from the Bible, King James Version, Matthew 12:34 (hereafter “KJV” with book, chapter, and verse).
14. Near Estill Springs, Tenn., on the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, the key supply line for Union forces operating in southeastern Tennessee and northwestern Georgia. Atlas to Accompany the Official Records, plate 34, map 4; The War of the Rebellion, Series 1 [hereafter “OR”], vol. 30, pt. IV, 399–400 (includes a sketch of Union fortifications); Hoffman, My Brave Mechanics, 157.
15. Unbeknown to those of Samuel’s rank, on this day Major-General William S. Rosecrans was relieved of duty as commander of the Army of the Cumberland and replaced by Major-General George H. Thomas. The change came by order of Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, who, two days earlier, had traveled to Louisville for a meeting with Secretary of War Edwin V. Stanton, where he was informed of his elevation to command the Military Division of the Mississippi. Rosecrans had allowed his army to be besieged in Chattanooga. See Daniel, Days of Glory. Grant’s mission was to lift the siege and initiate offensive operations.
16. The “faster-running” Chippewa River carried traffic east to the Tittabawassee and Saginaw Rivers. Lewis, West to Far Michigan, 263. Indian Mills was the site of the government-sponsored mill required in the 1855 treaty, and a Council House built in 1857 to transact business; it soon became the platted town of Isabella City with hotel, tavern, store, and post office. A plaque affixed to a boulder at the intersection of Mission Road and Craig Hill Road commemorates the location.
17. See the appendix for more detail on the leave-taking.
18. This location served as the regiment’s headquarters as of October 31. Robertson, Michigan in the War, 498; History of the Michigan Organizations, 156.
19. Likely the 107th or 150th New York Volunteers and the 3rd Wisconsin Volunteers of the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Division, Brigadier-General Alpheus S. Williams commanding, of the XII Corps of the Army of the Cumberland, Major-General George H. Thomas commanding. OR, vol. 31, pt. 1, 801, 805; Quaife, From the Cannon’s Mouth, 267.
20. The road referenced is the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad.
21. Stationed on this supply line in the rear, Union troops were subjected to raids by Confederate cavalry units and by guerillas (“bushwhackers”). Working parties were ambushed, track was torn up, and bridges were destroyed. Hoffman, Among the Enemy, 48.
22. Ellen’s self-care treatment apparently caused her fever to “break” as her body fought off the infection and returned to a more normal temperature.
23. Female relatives of enlistees from the community, specifically, Alonzo and Lou Holland, Leonard Ives, Charles Dunham, and James Hoag. Fancher, Past and Present, 314.
24. Perhaps John W. Woodworth (1835–1910). Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24313440/john-whitney-woodworth. He appears in the Eighth United States Decennial Census for Java, Wyoming County, N.Y., 855.
25. Samuel’s stepmother, Julia M. Woodworth; his biological mother died in 1842.
26. In the northwest corner of Coe Township, the most southeastern portion of Isabella County. Romig, Michigan Place Names, 609. It appears Ellen had ideas of relocating to live with family back in New York during her husband’s absence.
27. I.e., aboard railroad cars.
28. James W. Sligh of Grand Rapids, Michigan, native of Scotland, joined Company F of the regiment at its organization, age thirty-nine, and was commissioned captain on September 12, 1861. He died at Tallahoma, Tennessee, from injuries he sustained in the crash. Record of Service, vol. 43, 185; Hoffman, My Brave Mechanics, 173.
29. The first mention of an African American in the correspondence; all references employed contemporary usage showing respect rather than slurs, in contrast to others in the regiment. See Hoffman, Among the Enemy, 98.
30. Fred Smith, Company B, “while crossing the [rail] bridge missed his footing and fell 53 feet” into the Elk River. Hoffman, Among the Enemy, 106.
31. Samuel mistakenly believed Grant issued the order. On October 13, Major-General William T. Sherman issued the order to deal with Confederate raids on the Union rail supply line. He directed the “cavalry to take all horses and mules between the railroad and the Tallahatchie, burn all mills and corn-fields, and let them feel that to attack our road will be surely followed by vengeance.” OR, vol. 30, pt. 4, 304. See Marszalek, Sherman.
32. See generally Lonn, Desertion during the Civil War; Fantina, Desertion and the American Soldier; Dean, Shook Over Hell.
33. Playing cards was held to be sinful by mainline Christian denominations. Woodworth, While God Is Marching On, 71–72, 84, 219.
34. Undated.
35. Most likely Langdon Bentley, who “came to the county in 1855” and was elected county supervisor in 1861 and county treasurer in 1864. He was also “a good shoemaker.” Fancher, Past and Present, 323, 328–329; Portrait and Biographical Album, 551.
36. A town in southwest lower Michigan.
37. Wallace Worth Preston, Ellen’s younger brother, born October 9, 1837. He married Samuel Woodworth’s younger sister Arsenath. Died September 8, 1916. Gravestone, Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. He served as county clerk, register of deeds, and treasurer, as well as treasurer and supervisor of Union Township. Portrait and Biographical Album, 228–229.
38. Albert A. Preston, Ellen’s older brother, born in 1828 and died July 22, 1885, age fifty-seven. Gravestone, Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant; Fancher, Past and Present, 325. He came to Isabella County in March 1863 and brought his family there in May. Ibid., 467.
39. The town of St. Johns was approximately fifty miles south of Mount Pleasant.
40. Martha A. (Nichols) Preston (1833–1900). They were married in 1851. Fancher, Past and Present, 325, 467; Portrait and Biographical Album, 497; “Martha A Nichols Preston,” Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/61060919/martha-a-preston.
41. Isaac Alger Fancher, husband of Althea Preston. Born September 30, 1833; died March 19, 1934. https://mdoe.state.mi.us/legislators/Legislator/LegislatorDetail/5121Lawyer; surveyor; postmaster; Isabella County prosecuting attorney; Circuit Court commissioner; member, Michigan House of Representatives, Michigan Senate; aided in founding of Central Michigan University; author. Fancher, Past and Present, 528–533; Cumming, This Place Mount Pleasant, 21, 28.
42. Ellen refers to the local implementation of conscription under the Enrollment Act, which passed Congress in March 1863.
43. Swearing was seen as a practice to be avoided. Woodworth, While God Is Marching On, 88.
44. Hardtack is a “plain flour-and-water biscuit.” Billings, Hardtack and Coffee, 113–118.
45. Arsenath Woodworth Preston, Samuel’s younger sister. Born June 21, 1841, Java, Wyoming County, New York. Married Wallace Worth Preston, Ellen’s younger brother. Died February 17, 1916. Gravestone, Riverside Cemetery, Mount Pleasant.
46. The site of Mount Pleasant became the county seat in 1860. Fancher, Past and Present, 87.
47. Both a barrel and a bushel constituted a measure of weight; one bushel of wheat equaled thirty-two pounds. Traditionally, a “shilling” equaled twelve pennies. On November 16, Ellen wrote that a bushel of wheat cost two dollars. Hale, Good Housekeeper, viii, 13.
48. Likely a community and post office within Lincoln Township, also known as Crawford P.O. The township bearing that name was off the customary traveling routes. Romig, Michigan Place Names, 138.
49. Celia E. Preston, born June 26, 1846, was Ellen’s younger sister. She married Emory Bradley (1843–1901), “the minister’s son, in October, 1864, which was the first wedding in the village” of Mount Pleasant. Portrait and Biographical Album, 568. She died March 25, 1867, age twenty. Gravestone, Riverside Cemetery, Mount Pleasant.
50. The Nashville and Northwestern Railroad, a line originally from Nashville to Kingston Springs but completed by the Union army to the Tennessee River. OR, series 3, vol. 5, 943–944.
51. Levi Jerome Calkins (1844–1914), son of Elias Burton Calkins (1818–1898) and Lemira Fairchild Calkins (1822–1902), who by 1861 “had settled in the woods five miles south of Mt. Pleasant” with their family. Isabella County, Michigan, 97; various entries in the findagrave.com database.
52. Charles H. Young, mustered December 31, 1863, age twenty-one. Record of Service, vol. 43, 231.
53. Although drafted, this individual appears to have secured a substitute; his name does not appear in any records of Michigan Civil War soldiers; see the letter of November 16.
54. Similar to Kunkler, this individual apparently procured a substitute by payment of money or securing an individual to serve in his place.
55. See the appendix.
56. Approximately one mile west of White Bluff, Tennessee.
57. Repairing and replacing wooden rail ties, especially if damaged or burned by the enemy, was key to “the maintenance of a reliable supply line.” Also important was “getting out ties and timbers for duplicate bridges.” Hoffman, My Brave Mechanics, 56, 172, 175.
58. The Confederate Army of Tennessee, commanded by Major-General Braxton Bragg. Hess, Braxton Bragg.
59. Rutabaga.
60. Since flour sold at eight or nine dollars a barrel in 1863 in upper Michigan, Ellen appears to have purchased one barrel’s worth.
61. The report was false.
62. “The woods” referred to the largely forested and uncleared areas of antebellum Michigan. See, e.g., Fancher, Past and Present, 43-44.
63. Harvey D. Wardwell was drafted from Caledonia in Shiawasee County, age twenty-four. Mustered October 30, 1863, and assigned to company M, Second [Michigan] Cavalry, he was discharged June 3, 1865. Record of Service, vol. 32, 165.
64. Blacksmith Warren Wardwell was born in 1832 in New York and died April 3, 1887, age fifty-four. Eighth United States Decennial Census, Homer, Calhoun County, Mich., 29; gravestone, Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.
65. The editor has not been able to identify “Jack F.” Lansing was the State’s capital city some seventy miles south.
66. From Elk River, the Union rail supply line ran through Stevenson, Alabama, to Bridgeport, Alabama, on the Tennessee River. On taking command, Grant put in place new arrangements for supplies to be carried up river from here, restoring full rations and supplies to his troops around Chattanooga. Grant, Personal Memoirs, vol. II, 24–38.
67. Alonzo D. Holland enlisted in Company M at Coe, Michigan, on September 22, 1863, for a three-year term, age twenty-one. He survived the war and mustered out as corporal on September 22, 1865. Record of Service, vol. 43, 101.
68. Joseph Atkins enlisted in Company M at Coe, Michigan, on September 23, 1863, for a three-year term, age seventeen. He survived the war and mustered out on September 22, 1865. Record of Service, vol. 43, 5.
69. Joseph Miser (or Mixer) enlisted in Company M at Union, Michigan, on September 26, 1863, for a three-year term, age thirty-two. He was listed as “absent, sick” on November 22, 1863, with “no further record.” Ibid., 141. Census of the State of Michigan 1894, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, vol. III, 122, shows a Joseph Miser living in Coe Township, Isabella County, Michigan.
70. On November 25, 1863, Union forces under Grant achieved a major victory over Bragg’s army, driving it from its strong position overlooking Chattanooga into northern Georgia. See Cozzens, Shipwreck of Their Hopes.
71. The Confederate army indeed “had met great disaster,” and “some six thousand troops, mostly prisoners, had been left behind at Chattanooga.” Connelly, Autumn of Glory, 276–277.
72. An encampment of “contrabands”—terminology for escapees from slavery—existed at Bridgeport. Cooper, “Interactive Map of Contraband Camps,” History Digital Projects (2014), 1, http://repository.upenn.edu/hist_digital/1. See also Manning, Troubled Refuge; and Taylor, Embattled Freedom.
73. Major-General Joseph Hooker, commanding the Union XI and XII Corps.
74. A “notion” was a small item sold by a shop, sometimes referred to as “sundries.”
75. Brothers of Martha Nichols Preston, wife of Ellen’s older brother Albert.
76. Likely, harvesting of felled trees in surrounding woods to be milled into planks for bridge building and other construction projects. Hoffman, My Brave Mechanics, 46.
77. See n. 75.
78. Confederate major general John C. Breckinridge, former vice president of the United States and unsuccessful candidate of the Democratic Party for the presidency in 1860. His eldest son, Joseph Cabell Breckenridge, born in 1844, held a commission in the Confederate army. James C. Klotter, Breckinridges of Kentucky, xvii, 122–123.
79. Bragg resigned from command of the Army of Tennessee on November 29. Woodworth, Jefferson Davis and His Generals, 252–253.
80. Cholera morbus is a historical term referring to gastroenteritis, a painful inflammation or irritation of the intestinal tract, and cholera, a bacterial infection. Welsh, Medical Histories of Union Generals, 400.
81. Commissioned on October 5, 1863, Edson P. Clifford of Grand Rapids joined Company M in the field in March 1864. Hoffman, My Brave Mechanics, 137.
82. A sutler was a civilian merchant who traveled with an army and sold them food, clothing, and other various provisions.
83. Walter McLain enlisted in Company M, Samuel’s regiment, on September 25, 1863, for three years, age forty-two. He mustered out on September 22, 1865. Record of Service, vol. 43, 132.
84. In Mount Pleasant, the county seat established in 1860 to replace one found too remote. Fancher, Past and Present, 87.
85. Calico refers to a cotton fabric, typically inexpensive, from which clothes were sewn. “Waist” likely means “waistcoat,” a garment in the shape of a vest or short jacket. Fee, Cloth That Changed the World.
86. John Brown’s attack on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in October 1859 was one of the critical events leading up to the Civil War. See Oates, To Purge This Land and Reynolds, John Brown, Abolitionist.
87. A sewing kit. See Billings, Hardtack and Coffee, 85-86.
88. Althea M. Preston, younger sister of Ellen Woodworth. Born 1841, died September 30, 1900. Gravestone, Riverside Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.