Letters Written By Brothers In The 8th NH Vols And The 13th Michigan Infantry
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Three Letters Written By Brothers in the 8th NH Vols and the 13th Michigan Infantry. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS First Class Package.
Written by Amasa B. and Johnson Wells who grew up in GraftonCounty, NH with Johnson moving to Kalamazoo, Mi. before the War.Johnson Wells, Co. H, 13th Michigan Infantry, Enlisted Nov.14, 1861, Died of Wounds, Oct. 9, 1863, Received at Battle of Chickamauga.Wrote Letters 1 & 2.Letter 1 Four Page Written July 7th, 1862 atMooresville, Alaba...maAfter the occupation of Corinth, Ms., General Buell’s army moved east on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad headingtowards Stevenson, Al. in the north east corner of the state. This letter was written right after JohnsonWells intercepts and rejoins his regiment at Mooresville, Alabama afterrecovering from illness. After reachingStevenson, the 13th Mi participated in strengthening the defensesand in August repulsing a Confederate attack The depot at Stevenson contained a sizeable amount of stores.Johnson Wells writes of hardships but has an optimistic viewof the future and states, “Whatever may be the immediate results of ouroperations, I have full faith in the ultimate triumph of our cause. The contest through which we are passing is afearful one.” Letter in ink and in good condition. Campnear Moorville [Mooresville] Al. July 7th 1862 Dear Sisters & Brothers, Oncemore I date from camp. I left Kalamazoolast Wednesday, arrived here last night. My health is first rate now. Iwas very glad to receive a letter from you while at Kalamazoo, it being thefirst in nearly three months. I was alsoglad to hear from Amasa and that he is well. I spent some three weeks in K. Idid not know before that I had so warm friends there, as they provedthemselves. When they learned that I wassick they, several, sent me some little articles of medicen [medicine] anddelicacies, none of whichP2.I received however, as I was notwith the Reg and they were sent there. Ifound the people a[t] K all well and matters progressing in the usualmanner. I find our Reg in a verypleasant location—in a nice grove. The weatheris pretty warm, but the nights are cool and so we can sleep well, which addsmuch to our comfort. It is supposed thatwe are to move towards East Tenn, when we move. I wish you could be here to pick some of the blackberries, of which thereare hundreds of bushels. Well it seemsthat the aspect of the war at present is not very encouraging, for its speedytermination. We do not know yet the truestate of affairs at Richmond, but fear it is not so flattering as we should beglad to hear. Whatever may be the im-P3.mediate results of ouroperations, I have full faith in the ultimate triumph of our cause. The contest through which we are passing is afearful one. It is costing vast sums of money, and tens of thousands of lives, one of which the value cannot be computed. Our government never has had its strength tested until this time, and Ithink the impression prevailed abroad that we really had no government of strength. The same opinion was fast taking hold of theminds of our own people. The vacillatingand truculent policy it had pursued for many years past had led people to loseconfidence in it, but thus far in the contest it has proven itself efficientand powerful, and so may it continue.P4.So it seemsthat Amasa had some idea that he was about to see me, but was not so. Let me be sure and hear from him and writeoften. Do not wait to get letter fromme. And by all means be sure and write Amasaoften. You have no idea of how much goodit does soldiers to get letters from their friends. I think it has more influence in keeping themfrom losing all self respect than all other influences that can be brought tobair [bare]. Direct your letters, 13 Mich. In. Co. H, Woods Division, Garfield’s Brigade:via Louisville, Ky. Yours, Johnson Wells
Letter 2 with Cover Two Page Written September 15, 1863 at GordonMills, Ga.Johnson lists the organizational position of his regiment inCrittenden’s XXI Corps down to GeorgeBuell’s Brigade 1st Brigade in Wood’s 1st Division. The XXI Corps holds the southernmost positionalong LaFayette Road as both armies start to establish their positions forbattle.He goes on to describe some of the different terrainfeatures after coming “out of the mountain region.” Some contact with the enemy has been made asJohnson states, “What skirmishing we have is not enough to rouse the men, butthey take it as coolly as if there was not a rebel within a thousand miles ofthem.” The veterans of several hardbattles know how to gauge the danger. However, on the 19th and 20th on the Chickamaugabattlefield, the fire from the Confederates is enormous, and Johnson receives amortal wound on the 20th, likely in the Brotherton Cabin vicinityduring Longstreet’s attack.Letter in ink and in good condition.
Gordon’s Mill, Ga. Sept 15, 1863 My Dear Sister: Last evening Iwas made exceeding[ly] glad at receiving a letter from you and glad to have youtell me so much of the old acquaintances, and if you had told me more ofyourself I should liked it still more. You said nothing of Ada in this letter. I am always anxious to hear from her as her health is not goo thissummer. Tell her she must get so she canwrite me a letter as soon as she can. Now while I think of it I will write our position in the army, Army of the Cumberland – Gen.Rosecrans, commander, 21st A. Corps – Gen. Crittenden, commanding, 1stDivision – Gen. Wood, commanding, 1st Brigade – Col. Buel[l]commanding. The Regiments in our Brigadeare 58th Ind, 26th Ohio, 100th Ill. and 13thMich. I am glad to be able to tell you that your fears as to my health are notyet verified, but on the contrary, never has been so good since I have been inthe army, as it is now. I endure all themarching well, sometimes the heat overcomes me considerably, but as a generalthing we have not have to march very hard in the heat of the day. The weather has been very dry and hot for thelast month. The nights have been quitecool some of the time; so much so that we have been quite uncomfortable withour blankets over us before morning. Atpresent the nightsP2.are very comfortable. Crops in this vicinity are said to be good, especially the wheat crop, but taking the wheat that is in the mill at this, Ishould not call it very good. Corn lookswell generally but I think not so well on average as in the valley of the Tenn.River. We are now out of the mountainregion & the country is quite different from anything we have seen for along time. I am not prepared to say Ithink it any improvement. I see from thepapers they have been having considerable hard frosts in many places in theNorth and I am glad to learn you have had none with you to injureanything. I do not say much in myletters about war matters for I am not so well posted in such things, evenabout what is going on in this army, as you are at home. You hear of all the movements of the armylong before a letter could go from me to you. I might tell some little incidents sometimes if anything of interestshould occur, but at present life is rather monotonous. What skirmishing we have is not enough torouse the men, but they take it as coolly as if there was not a rebel within athousand miles of them. Let me hear fromyou often. Yours, Johnson Wells
Amasa B Wells, Co. H, 8th NH VolunteersLetter 3 WrittenFebruary 2, 1862 at Fort Independence, Boston Harbor, Ma.Starting in October 1861, companies were raised for the 8thNew Hampshire and then forwarded to Camp Currier at Manchester. Amasa enlisted on Nov. 19th intoCompany H. The regiment was full on Dec.9, and then transferred to Fort Independence on January 25, 1862. In mid-February , the regiment wastransported to Ship Island in the Mississippi Sound to take part in the “ButlerExpedition.”The Regiment became part of the occupying force in the NewOrleans vicinity, and participated in short expeditions probing for theenemy. In October, the 8th NHRegiment then was made part of Gen. Weitzel’s Brigade. During these operations, Amasa became ill and died ofdisease on Nov. 22, 1862.During the short interval at Fort Independence, Amasa Wells, in this letter, writes to his brother and sister back in Grafton County, NHabout arrival at the Fort and the hustle & bustle involved fixing andsetting up. He reports a death, already, within the Regiment.The importance to Amasa in family and faith is emphasized inthe letter.
FortIndependence Feb 2, 1862 DearBrother and Sister Yours of the 1stwas received with gladness. Was veryglad to hear that your health and prosperity was good. The same providential blessing continues toaccompany one while there is quite a number of us are sick with measles. One of the Cor. of B died this morning withthe scarlet fever, who was taken with the mea—and was sent out too soon which resultedin a sudden death. All the boys that come from Fran—and the vicinity are very well exceptsome with cold. Eri & Ira Oaksattend to their business and are called good soldiers. TheyP2.[are] toughand healthy. We are having a very fine day, one that lengthens out more of the samesort. It seems to me like Sunday today. A week ago which was the first appearance ofthe Reg. keeping us jumping and fixing for the night but has got straightened [a]roundin good shape giving us leisure for reading, writing, and reflections, which Iconsider a great blessing that we may not only reflect back to our friends, andthink of the hearts there and send them a few lines of conversations. Not only this is pleasant to contemplate butto know there is one knows one wants whether we are alone or amidconfusion. A friend that sticketh closerthan a brother though oftenP3.esteemedlightly, but our Savior is always ready to forgive our sins when repented ofand may we also be ready to have that charity and forgiving Spirit which cantake no denial, always searches and keep in mind the impart and theme theEternal Life to gain or lose. Rememberand pray for me. You said that Adel[e] talked about me a gooddeal. Well am glad of that for to knowthat I am remembered by the little ones affords as much pleasure as older onestell her, that nampy would like to see her and there is a kiss for her. Those miniatures that I sent was Capt. Estabrook and our ChaplainCilley, the latter having no mustache.P4. If Adleade wanted my—am very sorry that shecould not have it, it being a very uncommon case, that there should be a girlwanting such a looking. Tell her if Ihad a chance to get one for her I would but cannot, there. Youmay let her have the one that I sent in the case if you don’t want more thanone. PleaseDirect Co.H, 8 Reg. N.H.V. FortIndependence, Boston Harbor Mass. A.B.Wells
Written by Amasa B. and Johnson Wells who grew up in GraftonCounty, NH with Johnson moving to Kalamazoo, Mi. before the War.Johnson Wells, Co. H, 13th Michigan Infantry, Enlisted Nov.14, 1861, Died of Wounds, Oct. 9, 1863, Received at Battle of Chickamauga.Wrote Letters 1 & 2.Letter 1 Four Page Written July 7th, 1862 atMooresville, Alaba...maAfter the occupation of Corinth, Ms., General Buell’s army moved east on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad headingtowards Stevenson, Al. in the north east corner of the state. This letter was written right after JohnsonWells intercepts and rejoins his regiment at Mooresville, Alabama afterrecovering from illness. After reachingStevenson, the 13th Mi participated in strengthening the defensesand in August repulsing a Confederate attack The depot at Stevenson contained a sizeable amount of stores.Johnson Wells writes of hardships but has an optimistic viewof the future and states, “Whatever may be the immediate results of ouroperations, I have full faith in the ultimate triumph of our cause. The contest through which we are passing is afearful one.” Letter in ink and in good condition. Campnear Moorville [Mooresville] Al. July 7th 1862 Dear Sisters & Brothers, Oncemore I date from camp. I left Kalamazoolast Wednesday, arrived here last night. My health is first rate now. Iwas very glad to receive a letter from you while at Kalamazoo, it being thefirst in nearly three months. I was alsoglad to hear from Amasa and that he is well. I spent some three weeks in K. Idid not know before that I had so warm friends there, as they provedthemselves. When they learned that I wassick they, several, sent me some little articles of medicen [medicine] anddelicacies, none of whichP2.I received however, as I was notwith the Reg and they were sent there. Ifound the people a[t] K all well and matters progressing in the usualmanner. I find our Reg in a verypleasant location—in a nice grove. The weatheris pretty warm, but the nights are cool and so we can sleep well, which addsmuch to our comfort. It is supposed thatwe are to move towards East Tenn, when we move. I wish you could be here to pick some of the blackberries, of which thereare hundreds of bushels. Well it seemsthat the aspect of the war at present is not very encouraging, for its speedytermination. We do not know yet the truestate of affairs at Richmond, but fear it is not so flattering as we should beglad to hear. Whatever may be the im-P3.mediate results of ouroperations, I have full faith in the ultimate triumph of our cause. The contest through which we are passing is afearful one. It is costing vast sums of money, and tens of thousands of lives, one of which the value cannot be computed. Our government never has had its strength tested until this time, and Ithink the impression prevailed abroad that we really had no government of strength. The same opinion was fast taking hold of theminds of our own people. The vacillatingand truculent policy it had pursued for many years past had led people to loseconfidence in it, but thus far in the contest it has proven itself efficientand powerful, and so may it continue.P4.So it seemsthat Amasa had some idea that he was about to see me, but was not so. Let me be sure and hear from him and writeoften. Do not wait to get letter fromme. And by all means be sure and write Amasaoften. You have no idea of how much goodit does soldiers to get letters from their friends. I think it has more influence in keeping themfrom losing all self respect than all other influences that can be brought tobair [bare]. Direct your letters, 13 Mich. In. Co. H, Woods Division, Garfield’s Brigade:via Louisville, Ky. Yours, Johnson Wells
Letter 2 with Cover Two Page Written September 15, 1863 at GordonMills, Ga.Johnson lists the organizational position of his regiment inCrittenden’s XXI Corps down to GeorgeBuell’s Brigade 1st Brigade in Wood’s 1st Division. The XXI Corps holds the southernmost positionalong LaFayette Road as both armies start to establish their positions forbattle.He goes on to describe some of the different terrainfeatures after coming “out of the mountain region.” Some contact with the enemy has been made asJohnson states, “What skirmishing we have is not enough to rouse the men, butthey take it as coolly as if there was not a rebel within a thousand miles ofthem.” The veterans of several hardbattles know how to gauge the danger. However, on the 19th and 20th on the Chickamaugabattlefield, the fire from the Confederates is enormous, and Johnson receives amortal wound on the 20th, likely in the Brotherton Cabin vicinityduring Longstreet’s attack.Letter in ink and in good condition.
Gordon’s Mill, Ga. Sept 15, 1863 My Dear Sister: Last evening Iwas made exceeding[ly] glad at receiving a letter from you and glad to have youtell me so much of the old acquaintances, and if you had told me more ofyourself I should liked it still more. You said nothing of Ada in this letter. I am always anxious to hear from her as her health is not goo thissummer. Tell her she must get so she canwrite me a letter as soon as she can. Now while I think of it I will write our position in the army, Army of the Cumberland – Gen.Rosecrans, commander, 21st A. Corps – Gen. Crittenden, commanding, 1stDivision – Gen. Wood, commanding, 1st Brigade – Col. Buel[l]commanding. The Regiments in our Brigadeare 58th Ind, 26th Ohio, 100th Ill. and 13thMich. I am glad to be able to tell you that your fears as to my health are notyet verified, but on the contrary, never has been so good since I have been inthe army, as it is now. I endure all themarching well, sometimes the heat overcomes me considerably, but as a generalthing we have not have to march very hard in the heat of the day. The weather has been very dry and hot for thelast month. The nights have been quitecool some of the time; so much so that we have been quite uncomfortable withour blankets over us before morning. Atpresent the nightsP2.are very comfortable. Crops in this vicinity are said to be good, especially the wheat crop, but taking the wheat that is in the mill at this, Ishould not call it very good. Corn lookswell generally but I think not so well on average as in the valley of the Tenn.River. We are now out of the mountainregion & the country is quite different from anything we have seen for along time. I am not prepared to say Ithink it any improvement. I see from thepapers they have been having considerable hard frosts in many places in theNorth and I am glad to learn you have had none with you to injureanything. I do not say much in myletters about war matters for I am not so well posted in such things, evenabout what is going on in this army, as you are at home. You hear of all the movements of the armylong before a letter could go from me to you. I might tell some little incidents sometimes if anything of interestshould occur, but at present life is rather monotonous. What skirmishing we have is not enough torouse the men, but they take it as coolly as if there was not a rebel within athousand miles of them. Let me hear fromyou often. Yours, Johnson Wells
Amasa B Wells, Co. H, 8th NH VolunteersLetter 3 WrittenFebruary 2, 1862 at Fort Independence, Boston Harbor, Ma.Starting in October 1861, companies were raised for the 8thNew Hampshire and then forwarded to Camp Currier at Manchester. Amasa enlisted on Nov. 19th intoCompany H. The regiment was full on Dec.9, and then transferred to Fort Independence on January 25, 1862. In mid-February , the regiment wastransported to Ship Island in the Mississippi Sound to take part in the “ButlerExpedition.”The Regiment became part of the occupying force in the NewOrleans vicinity, and participated in short expeditions probing for theenemy. In October, the 8th NHRegiment then was made part of Gen. Weitzel’s Brigade. During these operations, Amasa became ill and died ofdisease on Nov. 22, 1862.During the short interval at Fort Independence, Amasa Wells, in this letter, writes to his brother and sister back in Grafton County, NHabout arrival at the Fort and the hustle & bustle involved fixing andsetting up. He reports a death, already, within the Regiment.The importance to Amasa in family and faith is emphasized inthe letter.
FortIndependence Feb 2, 1862 DearBrother and Sister Yours of the 1stwas received with gladness. Was veryglad to hear that your health and prosperity was good. The same providential blessing continues toaccompany one while there is quite a number of us are sick with measles. One of the Cor. of B died this morning withthe scarlet fever, who was taken with the mea—and was sent out too soon which resultedin a sudden death. All the boys that come from Fran—and the vicinity are very well exceptsome with cold. Eri & Ira Oaksattend to their business and are called good soldiers. TheyP2.[are] toughand healthy. We are having a very fine day, one that lengthens out more of the samesort. It seems to me like Sunday today. A week ago which was the first appearance ofthe Reg. keeping us jumping and fixing for the night but has got straightened [a]roundin good shape giving us leisure for reading, writing, and reflections, which Iconsider a great blessing that we may not only reflect back to our friends, andthink of the hearts there and send them a few lines of conversations. Not only this is pleasant to contemplate butto know there is one knows one wants whether we are alone or amidconfusion. A friend that sticketh closerthan a brother though oftenP3.esteemedlightly, but our Savior is always ready to forgive our sins when repented ofand may we also be ready to have that charity and forgiving Spirit which cantake no denial, always searches and keep in mind the impart and theme theEternal Life to gain or lose. Rememberand pray for me. You said that Adel[e] talked about me a gooddeal. Well am glad of that for to knowthat I am remembered by the little ones affords as much pleasure as older onestell her, that nampy would like to see her and there is a kiss for her. Those miniatures that I sent was Capt. Estabrook and our ChaplainCilley, the latter having no mustache.P4. If Adleade wanted my—am very sorry that shecould not have it, it being a very uncommon case, that there should be a girlwanting such a looking. Tell her if Ihad a chance to get one for her I would but cannot, there. Youmay let her have the one that I sent in the case if you don’t want more thanone. PleaseDirect Co.H, 8 Reg. N.H.V. FortIndependence, Boston Harbor Mass. A.B.Wells
