When I first arrived in Oregon I remember being puzzled by the conspicuous lack of graveyards. In Connecticut they are omnipresent. The dead outnumber the living. The weight of the past is heavier and it seems like every memorial is a tribute to the sacrifices made during either the Revolutionary or the Civil War. School history lessons concentrated on these formative periods and hastily covered any “modern” events that occurred after Lincoln’s assassination.

My family connection to Connecticut starts at its founding; my ancestors were on the Mayflower, served in the Revolutionary War, and I grew up in the house bequeathed to my paternal grandmother by her second cousin (once removed) whose grandfather was a celebrated Civil War veteran. [1] New Englander’s are frugal and rarely throw away even the most mundane journals. Most record the weather and market prices, but some of them are historically significant and much of the correspondence between Frederick Lucas, his mother and his future wife were preserved and came with the house. My father sorted and transcribed Frederick Lucas’s correspondence and self-published it in two volumes – Fred and Jennie was the first, and this post contains the second, which focuses on correspondence with his mother.

The photo is of my father posing as Fred and holding his Mason sword, which I have in my collection. My father gave lectures as Fred and what follows is a short biography that served as an introduction:

___________________

MY DEAR MOTHER: I RECEIVED YOUR KIND LETTER THIS AFTERNOON. IT FOUND ME IN A RATHER HARD FIX FOR ONE WHO NEVER KNEW BY EXPERIENCE THE SUFFERING OF WOUNDED MEN.

Thus writes Frederick Allen Lucas to his mother Marilla on October 20, 1864 shortly after the battle at Cedar Creek, VA.

BUT YOU MUST NOT WORRY CONCERNING ME, DEAR MOTHER. THUS FAR  I AM DOING QUITE WELL, I THINK. I HAVE A SERIOUS WOUND BUT MY SURGEON TELLS ME IT IS NOT FATAL NOR WILL I LOSE MY LEG IF IT DOES WELL….

IT IS TERRIBLE SORE AND LAME AND I AM TIRED OF LYING HERE WITH IT BUT I AM DETERMINED TO KEEP UP GOOD SPIRITS AND MAKE THE BEST OF EVERYTHING.

I quote these lines from one of his many letters home to convey an image of the gentleman we are paying tribute to today.

I don’t doubt that there were many such men from this time period that served in the Civil War, and those wars before and those after, but there are few so close to home and so well-documented as were Fred’s service years and his life following the war, as he settled back into Goshen, went into business, married his lady friend of five years, and become one of Goshen’s leading businessman and citizen.

His mother, Marilla Price, one of twelve daughters of Benjamin Price of Goshen, can trace her line back to a British soldier of the Revolution, captured and confined in Litchfield, who when paroled, married and settled in Goshen. 

On Fred’s paternal side the line goes back to James Lucas, a landowner and Trial Justice near Manchester, England.

Frederick Allyn Lucas was born in Goshen September 9, 1841. He was educated in the local school on the east side and attended the Academy. He spent his summers working with his father on the family farm and after the Academy taught school for four winters.

On August 8, 1862, about a month before reaching his majority age, he enlisted as a private in Company C of the Nineteenth Ct. Infantry being raised by his former instructor and head-master James Q. Rice. >more<

Lucas was made a Corporal September 11, 1862, promoted to Sergeant in February 1864 and Sergeant-Major in April, 1864.

Fred served on the staff of Colonel Kellogg until the Colonel died at Cold Harbor, VA, June 1 1864, and then with Col. Mackenzie.

Fred was wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek, VA during the Shenandoah Campaign with Sheridan, on October 19, 1864. Before his wound was fully healed he rejoined his regiment at Petersburg.  He received another wound at Sailor’s Creek that confined him to camp hospital a few days.

He never missed a battle with his regiment and held a prominent position in every engagement. Fred was offered a promotion to First Lieutenant, which he declined (the official record indicates he mustered out as a Lieutenant). In March 1865, now General Mackenzie in the cavalry under Sheridan, urged Fred to join his staff as Aide-de-Camp with rank of Captain but Fred declined this offer also. In both cases he cited his troubling leg wound and the continued exposure and stress of army action bothering that leg. Fred mustered out on August 18, 1865.

He returned to Goshen and engaged as a clerk with Hart Brothers & Company in West Goshen. Here he worked for four years; the last year being the “Cheese-man” of the company. In 1869 Fred partnered with a dry-goods firm in Bridgeport forming Giddings & Lucas but returned to Goshen in 1870, buying into Hart Brothers forming Lucas, Hurlbut & Allyn.

On March 5, 1877, Wilbert Allyn withdrew and the firm became Lucas & Hurlbut. In April of 1879 Hurlbut sold his share to Eugene Allyn and the company was Lucas and Allyn. Four years later, on November 1, 1883, Fred, being in rather poor health, sold his interest to Eugene Allyn and retired.

He worked as a guardian, a trustee and an executor for many Goshen citizens. Acquired nearly a thousand acres and 150 head of livestock.

He served in many town-office positions also as Representative in the Legislature in 1869 and 1886; as Senator from the 18th district in 1887 and 88. Alternating with his Father-in-Law, John H. Wadhams.

Fred died April 16, 1902, age 61, no doubt from complications incurred from his war wounds. From his writings he frequently tells of customers finding him wrapped in blankets; reclining on the service counter at the store; suffering from unexplained chills. This was probably the result of blood poisoning, that he carried all his life, from a bullet hit that fracture in his thigh bone. Frederick Lucas risked his life to preserve the Union and to free the slaves. He believed in the righteousness of the cause.

________________

_____________________________

MY DEAR MOTHER,

From

YOUR DUTIFUL SON, FRED

Civil War Letters from Frederick A. Lucas to His Mother

Edited by Ernest B. Barker

Author’s statemen

How they came to be

As with so many old New England families nothing of any value or of the slightest interest was ever discarded, but rather stored in the attic. Here family treasures and mementoes would remain, possibly never to be seen again by family members. All too frequently the homestead would be sold after the last family member died and the estate cleaned out in the most expedient way possible. Happily the grandson of Frederick Allen Lucas saw some “interest value” in his grandfather’s Civil War period letters to his mother and donated them to the Goshen Historical Society.

I became an interested partner in the Lucas letters and family history after buying the estate, with household contents, of the last surviving Lucas. Among the items was a collection of letters from Sarah Jane “Jennie” Wadhams, my grandmother’s aunt, to Frederick Allen Lucas. I had previously gathered a collection of letters from Frederick A. to Sarah Jane that had been stored in her, and later my, family home for many generations. These, being “love letters,” may have been thought too personal by the relatives to pass into the public realm. Irreverently, I decided to collect and edit these letters in my book, Fred and Jennie: A Civil War Love Story, and passed the originals on to the Goshen Historical Society.

I have been working with the Historical Society transcribing the collection from Frederick A. to his mother for two years. Adding these to the Fred and Jennie transcriptions will round out the Historical Society’s Lucas collection, making a fairly complete Civil War period history of that Goshen family.

I have been very careful to maintain the character, spellings, and punctuations that Fred used, changing or adapting to today’s idiom only what was unclear or nearly unreadable due to penmanship or ink and paper conditions. Hopefully there are very few errors and Fred will forgive those.

~ Ernest Barker

Prologue

When Fred Lucas mustered with the 19th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry on the Litchfield green in August of 1862, Sarah Jane Wadhams handed him a small “testament” and wished him well. Fred and Sarah had grown up in the town of Goshen but were “strangers” in that they were nothing more then nodding acquaintances from church and other town functions. This act of passing him a bible, as many young ladies were doing that day, started a correspondence lasting more then four years.

As in every war there seems to be a lot of “down time” between the thrilling excitements of engagements. Fred used his down time to write letters. Several times a week he penned one to his sweetheart Jennie and one to his Mother or “Friends at Home”. Interestingly he seldom if ever mentions Jennie in his letters home to mother and family.

After a year and a half they were still “feeling their way” through the mails:

“O.R.I.A”

S. Goshen Feb. 23rd, 1864

Tuesday Morning, 11 o’clock

My Dear Friend Fred,

I have delayed answering your letter till now for several reasons. I don’t know but you will be provoked when I tell you that I read a portion of your letter to my Father and advised with him—if you are displeased I can’t help it. I have always been very free to talk with Father on almost all subjects and felt it would be wrong for me to answer you without first consulting him—he tells me to write as I please but at the same time advises me to be very cautious.

Fred, I must confess that I like you and that I should regret to lose your friendship. Now Fred, I have written as you desired, plainly and honestly.

I am young yet to think much about these matters. Father expects to send me to school for a long time yet, and he tells me he thinks I had better be careful and not commit myself by writing anything I could be sorry for hereafter. I respect you very highly and I trust I have in you a firm christian friend. I have for a long time placed great confidence in you & I hope that I shall never have reason to be sorry for having done so. You may call me “Dear Jennie” if you really care enough about me…

My Father told me some time ago that he imagined I was getting a little fascinated with your letters—I assured him I was not, but I think myself he was right in his belief. I could say many things were I to see you that I would rather not write. I do not like to put upon paper anything that could ever bring me into a mess. I can see far enough into matters of this kind to be careful to keep clear myself, if I were to write as my fancy now dictates- and at some future time write to some one else I liked better than I do you, you could (& would be quite likely to) bring forward some of my old letters— you are well aware that in some such way you could bother me very much if you chose to do so; although I have great confidence in you, I mean to look over matters thoroughly before saying anything that I might regret at some time. Mother says almost all girls have “17 year old fancies.” I tell her it is “easier to preach than practice”…

Fred was able to obtain a furlough at the end of March 1864. This was the first opportunity he and “Jennie” were able to sit and converse in a more intimate way.

As Fred had many friends and relatives to visit and Jennie was attending school in New Britain, they did not spend very much time together. Fred would not get another chance to visit her until after getting wounded in the Cedar Creek battle of October 1864 and a month in the hospital at Patterson Park, Maryland. He would be granted a month long furlough though his leg was still sore and inflamed due to the mini-ball wound in his thigh. He would return to the hospital before Christmas because his wounded leg created problems that he felt the hospital better able to care for.

Goshen, Conn. Dec. 22, 1864

My Dear Jennie

            Yours of the 19th came in due time and I am much pleased with its contents. In regard to your suggestions I will say that after leaving you at N. B. I concluded to see your father at his house and have a long, plain talk with him. Yesterday was the time I intended to see him, but it stormed hard before I could get away from home and my wounds having now broken out again I dared not risk so long a ride in such a storm. Jennie I shall write your father a plain, candid letter before many days, telling him everything and asking a frank reply from him. He must be well aware of the feeling existing between us Jennie, for our long continued correspondence, my visits to you, and the terms of the letter you read to him about a year ago—all must have been seen and noticed by him. It is right and proper that I should see him and tell him all: but as circumstances prevent this I will write him plainly at an early date. You can talk with him on the subject when you get home if you wish …

The few months now before me are full of dangers and uncertainties yet I am prepared for whatever is before me and shall ever strive to meet my duty cheerfully and manfully wherever it may come.

I dread the Good Bye tomorrow and wish I were well away already. Jennie, I must be brief with this letter and close soon. Father is going to the center and I must send this by him that you may get it this week.

I regret very much that I cannot see you again Jennie. But as you say “never mind” —we will be patient and abide the time of my return. With my best wishes for your welfare and future happiness I bid you a Good Bye for the present.

A kiss and God Bless you. Your true friend,

Frederic A. Lucas

Sergt. Maj. 2nd Conn. Artillery

            On this furlough, the author believes, Fred proposed to Jennie. There was mentioned in another letter a ring Jennie wished to get inscribed. This may have been an engagement ring. The war years would continue. Fred would serve with great gusto and valor, and receive another wound at Hatcher’s Run. He, along with the remaining Connecticut 2nd Heavy Artillery (formerly the 19th Conn. Infantry), would muster out in 1865.

Upon returning home to Goshen, Fred would take a sales clerk position with a local dry goods store, eventually buying the store in a partnership.

            It is the author’s position that Fred may never have “faced” Jennie’s father, John M. Wadhams to ask for her hand, even after returning home a “war hero”, but rather, as the following letter indicates, the whole thing may have gone through the mails.

West Goshen, July 15th 1867

Mr. J. M. Wadhams:

Dear Sir:

In full compliance with your expressed wishes I have waited till this day for the fulfillment of my long cherished plans regarding my claim to your daughters hand & heart. I would be clear of all charge, like disrespect towards you, or indifference to your feelings, I would be perfectly honorable in this matter. Jane is now old enough & our constancy to each other for three years is ample proof of our love. If I ever want a wife it is now, if I ever marry Jane I ought to do it now, if we either of us ever marry at all it should be to each other. I am able now to have a wife if ever I shall be. I have ($3,300) thirty three Hundred Dollars at interest beside my salary since April 1st. I am getting this year a salary equal to ($900.) Nine Hundred Dollars probably, & have become acquainted with business so as to “know enough to get a living”. I offer these statements to show you where I stand today, pecuniarily [sic].

It is our intention to be married next month probably. Certain rumors have reached my ears which have given me much pain & anxiety— to the effect that you would not countenance our union. I hope this is not true & that the event of my marriage may not be clouded with your displeasure. I wish to be gentlemanly & honorable in this matter. I am conscious that I have been in the past.

Will you grant me your consent to marry your daughter? Had I not plead this suit before my request might have been couched in different language & with less of a business air. I cannot feel fully satisfied & shall never be equally happy without your hearty endorsement & plainly expressed consent to our marraige [sic] union.

            As a young man commencing in life: as a man who considers the effect of such a step & the opinions of the world: as a man who would be faithful to duty & the responsibilities connected with married life: as one who is sensitive to the future happiness of the woman he loves, I ask you now, after years of waiting and a patient submission to your requirements & wishes, for a full frank consent to a marraige between your daughter Jane & myself? Circumstances render it desirable that I take this method of communicating with you in this matter, if desirable I will at any other time meet with you & talk of it.

            I am Sir,

Very Respectfully

Your Obt. Serv’t

Fred’c A. Lucas

Goshen July 17 1867

Mr. Frederick A. Lucas

Dear Sir: Yours of the 15 Inst is received, and to allay any doubt you may have I will say, that I shall not put any obstacle in the way of Jane’s fulfillment of her promise to you of marriage, at any time that you and herself is convenient.

She left home today for Hartford with my wife to procure dress goods etc.

With regard to intimations that trouble you, they are not based on any assertions of mine, but inferences drawn I think by your Aunt Polly Ann, from my failure to answer a direct enquiry of hers relating to the circumstances of Jane’s marriage with you.

Respectfully Your

J. M. Wadhams

Frederick Allen Lucas

(September 9 1841- April 16, 1902)

History

Frederick Allen Lucas was the eldest son of Daniel Norton and Marilla L. Lucas. He was born in Goshen, Connecticut, on September 9, 1841. He lived at home, worked on his father’s farm during the summers, attended the common school, and at the age of twelve entered the Goshen Academy under the tutorship of James Q. Rice. At seventeen, he taught school in Cornwall Hollow, and continued to teach each winter, helping his father summers, until July 1862.

When the Civil War broke out Fred was anxious to enlist at the first offered opportunity, but his father argued that he could not spare him. Fred being a dutiful son was prevented from shouldering a musket until 1862. In July, his old teacher, now Captain Rice, helped raise Company C, 19^th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry (afterward the 2^nd Ct Heavy Artillery). Fred enlisted as a private with his old teacher.

The 19th mustered on the Litchfield green on August 21, 1862, and from there went into Camp Dutton, in Litchfield, for two months training. While in Litchfield, Fred was elected Corporal. Shortly, the regiment was moved to the forts around Washington D.C., and here he was advanced to Sergeant.

While serving as Sergeant of the Guard at Fort Ellsworth, VA., an order came from Colonel Kellogg commanding every non-commissioned officer in the regiment to present a specimen of their handwriting within twenty-four hours. Fred placed his first thoughts on paper, the question “Artillery tactics; what is understood by the term artillery?” He proceeded to answer that question briefly. Signing his name, he rushed it to his Captain’s tent. Two days afterward Fred was much astonished to find he had “jumped” fifty other Sergeants to the command of the Head Quarters Guard, brass band, drum corps, and others, in all about eighty-five men. Whether his penmanship had anything to do with this Lucas never knew. It might have been due to his skill as a drillmaster in both infantry and artillery tactics, for he had been detailed almost constantly for many previous weeks on this duty. He served well in this capacity and was granted a furlough during a period when none were being given. He returned early and was greeted by Colonel Kellogg with, “You want a new set of chevrons, sir.” Fred did not know what he meant by the last remark until that evening at dress parade he heard the special order read making him Sergeant Major.

While the 19th served in the forts about Washington D.C. they became the 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery. Grant, needing more foot soldiers after the Wilderness Campaign, pulled them in to active duty as “marching artillery”.

Fred served as Sergeant Major during the march from the forts to eventual duty at Cold Harbor and that continuous “12 days of fire”. Here Colonel Kellogg was killed, and Lucas selected four men to go with him between the lines to bring back the body of their beloved commander.

After Cold Harbor, Fred served with the 6^th Corps at Petersburg; under Sheridan in Maryland and the Shenandoah Valley; in the battles of Opequon, Winchester, and Fisher’s Hill; Harrisonburg; and in battle at Cedar Creek. At Cedar Creek he was severely wounded by a mini-ball through his left thigh, sending him to the rear and a hospital in Baltimore for three months. While recuperating he was promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant and assigned to Company B, 2^nd Ct. Heavy Artillery.

Colonel Mackenzie, in writing Connecticut Governor Buckingham, said he “wanted Lucas commissioned for gallantry and soldierly conduct in the battles of Winchester and Fisher’s Hill”. Further the Colonel is quoted in Theodore F. Vaill’s History of the Second Connecticut Heavy Artillery (1868), referring to Fred:

“Sergt.-Maj. (afterwards second lieutenant) Frederick A. Lucas received a wound in the left thigh at Cedar Creek which disabled him for several months. He returned to the regiment just in time to receive another wound-a slight one- in the affair at Hatcher’s Run. He was promoted for gallantry at Winchester and Fisher’ Hill, and Col. Mackenzie told the writer, just after those battles, that he never saw a braver man then Sergt.-Maj. Lucas” (p.210).

Fred rejoined his regiment at Petersburg, just in time to go into the fight at Hatcher’s Run, where he was again wounded, a slight one in the hand confining him to his quarters for about a week.

Lieutenant Lucas was present with, and participated in, every engagement with the enemy by the 2^nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery. He was honorably “mustered out” August 18, 1865. He was in the grand review of the 6^th Corps and Sheridan’s Cavalry at Washington, June 8, 1865.

Upon his return to Goshen he found employment in the store of Hart Bros. & Company in West Goshen, as an under clerk. Here he was successively promoted until he received a salary of $1200 per year. Later he had the opportunity to purchase the store, forming the firm of Lucas, Hurlbut & Allyn.

Frederick A. Lucas married Sarah Jane Wadhams, the eldest daughter of John M. Wadhams, of Goshen, August 7, 1867. They had two children, Frederick Wadhams, born Nov. 11, 1868 and John Marsh, born Dec. 14, 1870.

In the spring of 1869 Fred was elected a representative to the General Assembly. He would hold this elective office repeatedly, frequently alternating with his father-in-law. During this period he spoke before many civic organizations keeping the Civil War fresh in the minds of the public.

Frederick A., having been bothered most of his life by the negative health effects of the war, died April 16, 1902, at 61 years of age. Sarah Jane died March 30, 1909, their sons, John in 1938 and Fred W. in 1942.

A speech by Fred Lucas:

“And now, old comrades, I have a sentiment to offer which all good soldiers will indorse: it is that tribute should be paid to-day to the patriotic women of Goshen,- no less a tribute than which we pay the other sex.

It is not for woman to shoulder the musket, wear the sword, or carry the lance. Her sphere was at home, working, waiting, hoping, praying: to work for the absent soldier; to wait for glad tidings of his success, or, it may be (and, oh, how often for Goshen women!), news of his suffering and death; to hope for his return and the close of the contest; to pray for his safety and the success of his arms. Her sphere to encourage by her love, strengthen by her faithfulness to duty, and cheer by her abiding faith in the future. As Goshen soldiers, we pay tribute to Goshen women, and each of us who had a loving mother, trusting sister, a devoted wife, or cherished sweetheart, either, are glad to-day in the memory of her patriotism, and proud of her love, her faith, her sympathy, and her prayers during the dark days of our absence.

To the mother and daughter, to the wife and sweetheart, of the late war belong a large share of the victories won and laurels gained by son, brother, husband, and lover, as, while we waited around our picket- fires and watched with anxious thoughts our time at the vidette-post, while we faced death in the noise and smoke of battle, or struggled with disease and loath some wounds in the hospital wards, we ever knew and remembered that she thought of us, that she prayed for us; and whether we came home upright in stature, as when we left, or feet foremost, whether mangled and broken, with loss of limb and crippled for life, we never failed to believe that she kept a “light in the window” burning brightly always for us; and while we give honor to the strong arms and stout hearts of our heroes, the dead and living, we divide the praise due to loyalty and devotion, and render brave women her share, who by her very weakness, through love, faith, prayer, and patriotism, made the strong stronger, the brave braver, the cause more righteous, the end more glorious, the triumph more honorable.”

History of Litchfield County, CT.

With Illustrations & Biographical Sketches of It’s

Prominent Men and Pioneers; J.W. Lewis & Co.

Phil. Pa.; 1881, pages 367-370.

THE LETTERS:

Headquarters 19th Regt. Connecticut Vols,

Col Wessels, Company C

Alexandria, Va. Sept. 22 1862

Dear Mother

            How are you and all the folks getting along at home? I wish I could look in and see you for a few minutes and come back to Virginia again. Not that I am homesick at all. We are all getting along very well, though not one of my squad are drilling this afternoon. Those who were on guard last night in the city are excused while Williard has something of a cold & as for myself I am very sore under my right arm, just as I was in haying time, and I am lying off to get recruited. But I am Corporal of the Water Guard today and am busy part of the time. The regiment are having a good drill today and I am sorry I can not be with them. They are having a mock fight—loading and firing at a halt & on the march. Our regiment are getting pretty thoroughly drilled, with all our guard duty etc. Albert is here has been here two days. He was sent here with the other paroled prisoners. Their camp is only a few rods from ours. There has been I believe about 15,000 sent here from Richmond and other places. They all look miserable enough the most of them were barefooted, without shirts or blankets, with scarcely rags enough to cover their nakedness. Albert looks better then he did when I saw him in Baltimore. But he is very poor and awfully round shouldered. I don’t wish to have you tell his mother what I may tell you concerning him, except that I saw him. He does not take care of himself in my opinion or has not I should say, but is careless. Henry Huxley has been somewhat unwell for a day or two but he is getting better and probably will do duty tomorrow. There has been a fire in the city today; it did not amount to much however. No damage to the world if it had swepted down several blocks. Prisoners are being brought in every day. They are sent to Washington and farther north from here. We hear curious stories from home concerning us here. How we are sickly & dying; how one Lieut. is shortly to be discharged and sent home & others to numerous to mention. How you continue to hear so much is more than I can tell. We have something to keep up the excitement all the time. I have had several clinches with prisoners which I have been detailed to arrest; but I have not as yet received a scratch. I got hold of a hard customer yesterday. But I soon convinced him that he was in error by a peculiar process of stopping his breath. I have not allowed myself to strike a person yet, and will not if I can possibly help it. Some who are arrested are drunk and saucy and we have to use means to prevent their injuring us; they are often armed with bowie knifes and revolvers and do not hesitate to use them sometimes.

I wish I could hear very often from home. I have written considerable since I came here and wish I might be remembered. Tell all the friends to write and tell me all the news; all that is going on. In fact write anything news, fun or love and It will be most acceptable.

Love to all the folks, this from your

Loving and Dutiful Son,

F. A. Lucas

My Dear Mother your letter is this moment arrived and I hasten to reply to enclose in Mary’s letter. I am pained to hear of Sam’ death, but glad to know that he died so nobly. How very, very many such noble men are sacrificed in this war. It must be a sad blow to his wife and parents. But it is some consolation to his friends to know how bravely he fell and how like a christian soldier he died. If I am ever placed in positions of danger like an assault or charge, I trust I shall be able to do my duty, if I fall I hope to fall as did Sam, bravely fighting in front of the enemy. And to die a calm peaceful death as did he with such perfect faith and trust in God. You write me that you are discouraged Mother. Why feel thus? We are having splendid success in every quarter. Can we expect greater things? But I think I know something how you feel about it. When bad news comes to you of the death or suffering of known and tried friends your thoughts will turn to me and you naturall picture me in their condition and imagine me the subject of suffering and death. Now I fear friends at home do not realize that we really enjoy a great many comforts and are pleasantly situated. While we remain here we are comfortably and in every respect well cared for. Thank God that we have such friends at home. My Mother is an expression which moves the heart of the hardest soldier. Yes, and a loving letter from Mother will serve to cheer us in our dark and trying hours, for we have them. Do you ever have these feelings in your christian experience Mother? Times when you almost distrust God’s goodness to you and the truth of his word? When you feel that you are weak and coming far short of what you ought to be as a faithful servant of Christ? I have many such hours in, my experience. Hours when everything looked dark and doubtful and a christian life one of the greatest trials if not impossible. But these hours are always followed by days of bright and joyous trust in the love of God and a perfect dependence on his mercy and power to save all who come to him. Army life is indeed one of the greatest trials to a christian. He must put on the whole armor of faith and keep on the alert continually, to ward of[f] the attacks of foes within and without. If through the grace of God I am able to go through this war with faith in God & a hope in Christ I trust my life will be one of love to Him and devoted to His cause and service. Remember me in your prayers daily Dear Mother that I may be enabled thus to serve my Lord and Master.

I am glad to hear of Amos Geers’ release from the rebels. He will have much that is interesting & instructive to narrate when he returns. Although he has undoubtedly suffered much in his term of service, yet if he returns sound in health and limb, he will never regret the term he was a soldier. If I was to leave the service now I would not take a farm for my experiences in army life. As regards the drafted men from Goshen I am very sorry they are to be exempted, I cannot see the propriety of thus letting them off. Because my name is on the list of those who have gone out from Goshen to the war, I can see no fair play in the fact that another man is relieved from coming also, by that act of mine. Certainly that is the only way to equalize the draft through the state, but it is provoking to us soldiers to hear how easily the “home patriots” slip their necks from the halter and slink the responsibilities of the times. Many of those who worked eagerly to persuade others to enlist and promised much on their own endeavors for the salvation of the nation are now sneaking from their plain duty and evading the responsibilities of true and loyal citizens. We feel such to be the case and that fact if nothing else serves to make many discouraged. We have good times now and as for my being sick I think I am enjoying the best of health. Although the weather is extremely hot yet it affects me very little. We take a good swim in the Potomac almost daily and except when on duty we take things easy. I suppose you are doing haying rapidly and working hard now. Wish I could help you. Well, this is the second long letter I have written to Goshen today and I am tired of wielding the pen. The other long letter was addressed to—ahem— no matter; you asked me once. So Good Bye, write soon, Fred

Camp near Alexandria, Va.

Wednesday, Oct 8th 1862

Dear Mother,

Yours came to hand last night and right glad I was to get it. You cannot imagine how much good a letter does us soldiers, especially those which come from home and near and dear friends. When the mail comes, we rush like mad near to the Captain’s quarters eager to see if there is anything for us & if there should be a letter, then how the long faces brighten and you might sometimes observe a soldier boy hiding behind a tent to read his letter and you might see the tears running down his cheeks as he reads for then thoughts are turned back to his home and the pleasant things he left behind him. The roughest men we have are often seen in tears as they read from those they love. We have some fine times here though we have to work pretty hard and a great deal of our work is night work. I have slept on the pavement and on counters, bare floors and such easy beds for the last few days, what little sleep I have had which is little. I have got used to sleeping anywhere can lie down on the bare rocks and sleep soundly. If you were to pass the Provost Marshall’s office any night you would see about fifty soldiers standing, lounging and sleeping all around & ready to obey any summons from the officers to go to any part of the city to break up disturbances, to quell riots, shut up liquor shops, arrest prisoners, or do any duty necessary to keep good order in the city. We often have to perform unpleasant and disagreeable duties, often to arrest and imprison those whom we feel to be upright and honest citizens. Every one so arrested are marched to the slave pen, a dirty miserable hole. Often it is that respectable persons are thrown in here, on mere supposition, and compelled to lie with the vilest of the vile. Men, women, and children are thrown together, black and white, of all grades and conditions. I often feel sorry for some that are sent there. For myself I should about——- be shot as imprisoned in the Alexandria slave pen. The paroled prisoners are all exchanged and are being sent to their regiments. There are about seven thousand within a few rods of our camp; they are going daily. Albert is among them and expects to go daily. Three hundred of the sick and wounded were discharged from the convalescent camp yesterday; they were a happy set of men I can assure you. Although they were nearly all as it were more dead then alive, yet they could appreciate the blessings of a discharge from service. I cannot imagine what excuse this government can have for keeping these men. Many of them are crippled for life and the greater part of them are forever rendered unfit for active service. I visited the military hospitals yesterday and such a sight I never before witnessed. Several there have lost their limbs, one or more; one man lies with the sore stumps of both legs and one arm. One has lost both eyes, a ball struck him in the right eye cutting it from his head, passing through his nose cutting out his left eye, thus forever destroying his eyesight. I conversed with him soon time; he was glad to see me. I asked him how he felt in regard to the rebels. He said if he had one eye left, he would show his disposition by shouldering his musket again and fight to the end of the war. I could but wish it were so. I admire his pluck. When I left he wrung my hand & begged me to visit him often. I promised him to do so if possible. He is the son of wealthy parents. He has not permitted his friends to know his condition. And he will not until he is well & allowed to go home. How will his friends fell as they receive him? But I might go on and tell you what I have seen & fill many pages but I cannot, the picture would be dark and to you it would appear startling and horrible, but to us who see so much it is only an expected accident which moves us only momentarily. I will say one thing in regards to these hospitals, they are kept in the greatest degree of cleanliness, not a room in any private house in Goshen is cleaner or neater than these buildings. They are as still as can be; in a room containing hundreds of sick & wounded not a word is spoken above a whisper. Men lie suffering from the severest wounds and see their comrades die by their sides, see them born away to their graves, and this occurs almost daily. Our Reg. have to bury these soldiers, they are buried with military honors, and have each a stone placed over their graves with their name, Reg,, Co., & state on it. The soldiers’ grave yard is very pleasantly situated, the graves are placed in good order, the stones all of a size, and everything neatly arranged.

We had another start up in camp last night as out picket returned after dark the Captain in charge ordered the men to discharge their pieces. Now this is contrary to all military law, to fire after sun down or in fact to discharge a piece unnecessarily after nine o’clock in the morning. Well, no sooner than the order was obeyed than we heard the long roll beating in every direction in the camps around u the officers crying “fall out men, fall out quick” etc. and in the clear moon light we could see the different Reg’s. forming in double quick time. Ready I presume for any emergency. Lieut. Col. Kellogg immediately dispatched his orderly in great haste to the Captain ordering him to appear at his quarters. From what I have already written you concerning Col. Kellogg you will imagine what the ignorant officer caught.

In regard to our remaining here I cannot say. Everybody in the city talk as though they expect us to stay. They treat us first-rate although there are many secesh here, who cloak their malice with smiles and but rejoice at every mishap to our troops. I love to catch and arrest such men. I can tell pretty well what a man’s principles are when I get hold of him as a prisoner. We are very gentle and careful of those we arrest if they conduct themselves properly but if not we sometimes have to use harsh remedies.

The boys are all well. Will is on picket duty today. I shall probably go on picket again to night and sleep on the soft side of a brick near the Provost House. Such is soldier’s life. In good health I like it. We are drilled when not on duty and are getting prepared to fight if called upon. Gen. Sloug told us that he never saw a Reg. appear as well with the same experience as ours. Col Kellogg wants to go to the front and fight. Col Wessels says he don’t want his men to be all cut up this winter. He says there are well drilled troops enough lying still that should take the lead.

 I would like to go a blackberrying on the mountain about this time, pick apples and drink a little of your cider. We talk about these things everyday and we think considerable that we do not divulge to each other. I have written as much as time will permit if you appreciate the good a long letter does a soldier boy you will give me a good one as soon as possible. Give my respects to all. Kiss Emma for me & I was going to say one other girl, but I forbear.

Write soon, Your Son, Fred

Camp near Alexandria Va.

Dec 16/62

Dear Mother,

Yours of the 12th is received. Was not surprised to hear of snow banks & cold weather up north. We have had splendid weather for a few days past such as you never enjoy at this season. But we had a heavy rain for several hours last night. How the wounded below us must have suffered. The reports in camp this morning is that Burnsides is whipped & his army cut to pieces. The 133 N.Y. who have relieved us of the city picket duty are ordered to Fredericksburgh and the report is that we are also under marching orders, but we are kept in constant fever (those who are foolish enough to beleive everything they hear). I credit none of these stories in regard to our Reg. For myself I would like to strike a blow myself in a pitched battle with the rebels. Our boys are eager to be called to the front. If we go God grant that each may do his duty trusting in Him who is able to sheild them from the shafts of death.

We had a very busy day in the city yesterday. More than 40 rebel prisoners passed through on their way to Washington. Scores of our wounded from the fight passed by. One squad were new recruits. Nearly every man had some trophy of the battlefield. One with his left arm broken had 3 muskets on his back. He took them from the hands of dead rebels on the field. Another with his scalp nearly torn from his head, himself streched in an ambulance, and still clung with the greatest tenacity to an officers broken sword. Nearly all had some traitors weapon as a memento of the “Battle of Fredericksburg”.

 Many of the citizens & visitors here have been down there & returned and from them we glean much that is interesting and instructive. If I may be permitted to give my opinion of permitting persons to visit the battlefield just now, I should say that it is nothing less than a license to spies. The city is full of those who would gladly avail themselves of such an opportunity to transport news to the enemy. We arrested, last night, a man dressed in ladies clothes and a woman in mans attire, they were spies and citizens of this city. Also three men employed in the same business. What the penalty is I do not know, but the greatest thing aiding the rebs is this class of traitors.

We have received our back pay up to the 1st Nov. I have had some photographs taken. They are not very good ones, I look too cross. I will send you one. The boys in my squad will all exchange with each other & I will send you a picture of each brother. Please keep all neat and clear untill my return. One I have already sent you. He is in a hospital in the city now and I think it doubtful if he ever returns to the Reg. His lungs appear to be badly affected. He has recovered from the measles but is left very low. Harlan Benedict, a nephew of Aunt Caroline Price, died last night in the hospital, has been sick several weeks. Was better, went on duty and taken down with the brain fever.

His friends here telegraphed to his friends at home. Whether he will be sent home I have not learned. His father is Sam Benedict. He, Harlan, was a fine fellow & an old acquaintance of mine. Thus they leave us, the best men we have apparently are the first to fall thus far.

In a former letter you inquired if it were neccessary to write “care of Cap. Rice” on your letters to me. Yes untill further orders as soldiers say. The Cap. is anxious to return to his Co. But is not permitted to do so. As far as the Reg. is concerned he can benefit us more in his present condition. He is just the man for the place. If we are ordered away from the city he will lead his Co. Henry Huxley is fast improving, sits up nearly all day, but has not left the house yet I beleive. I spent part of the day last Sunday with him. I attended church morning & afternoon in the city. The church I attended is on Washington Street. A methodist church, a fine building. We has a splendid sermon. There were a great many soldiers present. You inquire concerning Fred Cook. He is on his pegs again. As the old saying goes “If we can say nothing good of a man say nothing.” If I report none of his indiscretions, I shall be held liable for nothing, stories lose nothing travelling to Conn. & back.

We are all obliged to purchase two pairs of white gloves. They are to be worn on parade & reviews & inspection. Col. Kellogg declares we are ahead of anything in this division. Not a man is permitted to show himself in the ranks on parade or inspection without his leather nicely blacked, his arms in good order, and not a dirty spot on his clothes. Last Sunday one man was put in the guard house because his knapsack was not regularly packed.

As my time is limited I must close this. There are those potatoes, onions & meal to be bought for the Co. And a lot of nice logwood, coffee, mule, beef etc. to be sold to raise the funds. Don’t let the boy ride my colt. They will spoil his shape. If the war ends previous to May 1st as you predict I shall be on hand (if nothing happens to prevent) to drive the Arab myself. The vest you sent is a splendid fit. I am under many obligations to you for it. I never had as good a garment before.

Dec. 17th

I had no opportunity to finish this last night as I expected. All the non-commissioned officers in our Reg. are obliged hereafter to meet twice a week in the Captains quarters to recite lessons in Military Tactics. They met last night for the first time. Not a man knew his lessons in our Co. We had considerable sport during the recitation. All the Field & Staff officers recite to Col. Kellogg twice a week. The boys are in better spirits today.

News from Burnside is more favorable and the junction of three large divisions below to make a descent on Richmond. It is hoped that our troops may be successful at both points. If so, the traitors are whipped.

Col. Wessells is improving slowly. He has taken rooms in a house close to the camp where he can overlook the grounds and witness all the movements of the Reg.

No more at this date as duties are imperative. Please write soon as possible and tell me all the news.

Respects to inquiring friends.

From your son, Fred A. Lucas

Fort Ellsworth, VA. Jan. 1st, 1864

My Dear Mother!

I wish you a Happy New Year! Now have I not got the start of you!

It is a rainy, foggy, disagreeable morning, anything but a pleasant anniversary to us soldiers. It rains almost continually now, and we get tired of doing nothing but lie in our quarters and stay dry. Our reading is scarce and monotonous, guard duty comes only once a week, and under such circumstances soldiering is irksome. Our pleasant old squad of boys has at last been broken into by the advent of new recruits, three of whom are assigned to our tent. They are three brothers, sons of Dr. Calkins of Wolcottville. I think they will be good soldiers and fair tent-mates. Company C received nine more men yesterday—all of them good stout fellows and promising soldiers. You have no idea what a striking contrast there is between new recruits and old soldiers. The former appear stooping, lounging, careless, and gaping. The latter straight, firm, quick, and manly. I had no conception of the change wrought in men by fifteen months of military service. About seventy-five recruits arrived yesterday which were distributed among the different companies according to their own choice. One man who was a first Lieutenant in a nine- month regiment entered company H as a private. I think he possesses a good share of Patriotism. He is sure of rapid promotion if he can secure the good will of his commanding officer. We were mustered for pay again yesterday. Shall probably get our greenbacks in about a fortnight.

 Although a very stormy night yet in spite of the rain the citizens of Alexandria kept up a roar and tremoult in honor of the birth of the New Year. From midnight until morning there was a constant snapping of fire- crackers and small arms, muskets etc. I awoke from a dream of Home and imagined a Connecticut Fourth of July was dawning. I was very soon aware of my mistake by the entrée of Liut. Rice and a posse of soldiers. Squad No. 4 were taken by surprise, and at short notice all found themselves in an incongruous heap on the floor. Not a word was spoken until some of our boys piteously inquired the cause of the unexpected assault upon us. No reply was granted except a gruff “I wish you a Happy New Year”. We soon discovered who our leading persecutor was, and then knowing the affair was only a Joke, we went in to them, and although they had the advantage of us, we being in our night cloths- a-la-dishabilles- yet we soon rendered our quarters too hot for them and they beat a hasty retreat in disorder, amid a shower of old boots, shoes, and fire wood. No serious accidents resulted from the contest except a few bad rents in the little clothing we happened to have on. Lieutenant had made his Grand Rounds and thought to have some sport with us; whether his anticipations were realized or not I cannot say, but we are resolved to pay him up in his own coin at some future day.

Whitney returned on Tuesday from his furlough. He had a good time; found his family much better than he had expected and left them in good circumstances. Whiting’s young lady friends have been here again and staid several days. They occupied Lieutenant Sanford’s tent and had a gay time. They were in our quarters several times daily. I was sorry to see them depart for Washington this morning. Mrs. Lyons will return once more before going to Connecticut. Lucien has a thirty six hours pass to the Capital to visit with them. Pretty ladies secured the favor for him which all…

(rest of letter being lost.)

Fort Ellsworth, VA. Jan. 2nd, 1864

Dear Friends at Home,

With the deepest regret and great pain I now take my pen to inform you of the sudden death of our mutually be loved friend Doctor Huxley. He died suddenly and without warning while quietly eating dinner with Edw. at the latter’s quarters in Col. Smith’s house just east of the fort. He was in his usual health and jolly and social as ever, up to the moment of his death which was instantaneous. Everything possible was done to resuscitate him but all means failed. Doctors Plumb and Hazard were immediately called, both of whom hastened to him too late to aid in saving his life. Their decision is that he died of Apoplexies Fit. This will be a sad and I fear a fatal blow to Henry. Surgeon Plumb says he will not allow him to know of it at present but it is almost impossible to keep such a thing from him. Henry is so low and so serious that I fear for the result if he does hear of it. Edward is almost crazy over his father’s death. It is in deed a sad blow for family, friends, and the community at large. Colonel Kellogg, the Chaplin, and several officers are now at Col. Smith’s called there by news of the affair. I saw the doctor only an hour previous to his death and had a talk with him. He had just returned from a visit to Henry and appeared well and jovial as of old. He said he considered H a little better. You have doubtless heard of this affair before this reaches you therefore I forbear writing further particulars at this time. His body will be embalmed and forwarded home tomorrow. Edward will doubtless get a furlough if Henry’s situation will permit.

We have had snowstorms; six inches fall of snow. It is fast disappearing and will not last long. A portion of Meade’s army are coming in. The Eleventh regulars are encamped under our fort and others expected. Willard tells me that you are looking for me up home on furlough. Don’t look any longer at present. I have no idea of coming home just now, if at all before my term of service expires.

Excuse me as I write in the greatest haste.

Write soon, Your Son & Brother,

Fred A. Lucas

Fort Ellsworth, VA., Jan. 9th, 1864

My Dear Mother

On guard again and a cold night but still, cloudless and beautiful. The ground is covered with a mantle of snow some four inches deep and the noise it makes when tread upon tells us it is cold. For two days past we have had the coldest time since we first landed in “Dixie”. Soldiers are reported as having frozen to death at their posts while on duty at the front. We suffer nothing compared to this however. The Potomac is frozen over clear across it and steam tugs fitted for the purpose are kept running to cut open a channel for other craft. Navigation is obstructed and little or none is being done. About a hundred men designed for our regiment are frozen in on board a transport and there they lie awaiting warmer weather. They are down toward the bay somewhere. One hundred and twenty came today, eleven to our company, most of them good soldiers. One arrived in a peculiar condition. He had been enjoying the Delirium Tremors for some days and tonight he is making the air hideous with his unearthly noises. A new thing for our company.

Yesterday I drilled a squad of twenty all day. The non-commissioned officers have their hand full at present and will have for weeks to come. I have five new recruits in our squad now all fine boys and good soldiers. In my family I have one Machinist, two Shoe-makers, two hatters, two Photographers, 1 Shirt Maker, 1 Surveyor, 1 Oyster dealer, 3 Farmers, 1 Medical Student. Quite a variety of callings duly represented, all of us now become soldiers and engaged in the same cause.

Mrs. Lyon paid us another visit this week, staying one night in camp. She leaves Washington for home on Monday. I have just learned who those relatives of Lucien’s are: Mrs. Woodruff is Darwin Writing’s sister. I was astonished to hear of it. They brought it out themselves and were desirous of claiming relationship to me. The young ladies of whom I have previously written you, and whose charm I have already portrayed to you wish to call me- something- I really do not apprehend what myself- on the score that their “uncle married my cousin.” I don’t know whether to feel happy or disappointed at their claim and exposures. They are pretty and agreeable and an acquaintance formed there gives me a convenient resting place when on a visit to the Capital, besides a capital dinner and a social chat away from the blunt ceremonies- or rather the lack of ceremonies- of camp life. Mrs. W. is a splendid looking woman and a perfect lady. A younger lass came with Louise the last time. She is about fourteen and a perfect little witch. She enjoyed being in camp and we had a pleasant visit with them. I suppose Doctor’s remains have arrived and perhaps the funeral is over. You will see Edward no doubt and get all the particulars. Please write me all about the funeral, how the family are etc. Henry is about the same. His prospects of recovery are a little brighter but everything almost is yet against him. I think he has got the Quick Consumption if he recovers I doubt if he ever does a soldiers duty again. He has been informed of his father’s death and stood the shock much better than expected. He seemed to be expecting something of like nature to happen. He remarked when told of it “I expected it. The climate would kill him.” His mind is very weak and of course he does not comprehend fully the true state of affairs. How does Mrs. Huxley stand the shock of Doctor’s death? How are the pecuniary affairs of the estate? Are the family worth anything? Should Henry die the expenses would all be defrayed by his brother Masons, and a Masonic Funeral at his burial. I hope he will eventually recover, and I have not yet given him up, although Surgeons and nurses are discouraged. Corporal Eldridge is on duty once more and looks quite tough again. We are happy to see his round face in the ranks at the accustomed place. New Additions to our company have extended the line so that we can hardly recognize it. Soon there will be a great change in our officers. Another Major when we number twelve hundred men, some thirty new commissioned officers, and a host of promotions in the ranks. Artillery companies when full have eight sergeants and twelve corporals whereas we have now only five of the former and eight of the latter. One captain will be made Major, and the best sergeants made Lieutenants. As to the promotions among the lower grades time will determine who the lucky or more efficient ones are, as the promotions will doubtless b made according to merit.

Captain Rice stands a good sight to be Major as he is the ranking Captain. I hope he will get the position although I should be very sorry to lose him from our company. Well, Mother, write me often and excuse me if now and then I give you, as I do this time, a poor dry letter. It is two o’clock in the morning and my eyes are heavy and I am getting nervous, so Good Night

From Your Aff. Son, Fred

One word concerning Cook’s Darkey scrape. The boys all agree with McCabe that if they were Congressmen they would vote him a Gold Metal and a Pension for life.

“Bully for the General”.

Fort Ellsworth, VA. Jan. 17, 1864

Dear Mother

I received a letter from you a day or two since and a package last night by way of L. Hart. Those Ginger Snaps were “bully” and the paper and stamps very acceptable. In regard to shirts I am not immediately in need of them but if you have time at present to make them, I would like to have you and send them when you have opportunity. If Father has any offer for my colt which is all he is worth, why let him go for all me. From your description of him I conclude he is a fine animal, but I have a long time yet to soldier it before I can drive him. If you can get a big price let him go though I am sorry to lose him.

L. Hart and Wm. Griswold arrived just before night and are now soldiering in camp. Griswold slept with us last night and declares he loves such a life. We have just returned from a regimental inspection. All the recruits were out, some in blouses, some in uniform with out arms etc. Our regiment now makes a long line and when filled up and armed and drilled will be fine. Company “C” now numbers one hundred and thirty four men besides officers. I have been kept so busy for the last week that I have not had time to write a word to you. I am drilling, drilling, drilling, green recruits all the time from morning till night; and besides am in charge of drawing the clothing for them as they arrive. I also take my turn on guard duty. You can perhaps imagine how much spare time I have.

Monday, Jan. 18th, 1864

A rainy day in camp. How it patters on our cotton roof, making merry and ceaseless music for us. Such a lounging sleepy set as can be seen in our quarters. We are crowded thick as a Saratoga Hotel in the height of the Watering Season. “No room for any thing, no chance to stir, not even to write hardly. I am bunked away on the backside of the house, and trying to collect my scattered thoughts so as to bring them to focus of my pen, to write but do as I will, not a stray item of news can be found. Boys are all well: Milo is back to his company again and is ordered to the cooking department on duty. Huxley is about the same. He will go home on furlough or discharge when able to bear the journey. Willard has just received a consignment of Butter from home and is selling out to the boys. It is very nice but costs us thirty-seven and a half cents per pound. I expressed sixteen dollars of my pay and my last state order to N.R. Hart who will doubtless receive it and deliver to you soon. It will cost you twenty-five cents to pay expressage. If you please will you tell me in your next the date and amount of each sum which you have received from me since I left home.

Has Mary left Uncle C’s yet? I received a letter from her lately but have not yet had time to answer her letter. You must excuse my remissions in writing for I am obliged to work every moment day and evening. Please write often and accept this from your son,

Fred

P.S. When we get these green horn soldiers learned how to Right Face we shall have easier times, I trust. Don’t look, at all, for me this winter. I shall not apply for furlough and expect none. Good Bye

Your Aff. Son

Fred

Fort Ellsworth, VA. Jan. 20/64

Dear Mother,

I am on guard again tonight and profiting by the opportunity given me, am trying to pay off my waiting correspondents. It has been a very pleasant day, but cool and the traveling muddy. We have just ha d a heavy rain and the ground is becoming very soft. “Sacred soil indeed”. Nothing can be so loving as southern mud. It does possess most tremendous adhesive qualities and such sticky properties as render it decidedly disagreeable. One of the worst features of a Virginia winter is the deep mud and long rains. Were it not for these they would be very delightful. And then just look into our quarters, a perfect Bedlam continually. Twenty men busily engaged- when off drill- at various duties, some scouring mess kits, some trading muskets, some blackening boots or polishing accoutrements and brasses, some arguing politics or discussing tactics: can you imagine how thick we are? And then consider my daily duties just now. I am in charge of drawing from the Quartermaster the clothing, arms, and accoutrements for the recruits as they arrive and then issuing it to them, keeping the books connected with the business etc. Besides I am in charge of a large squad drilling them in infantry and artillery. Also to learn long lessons in tactics, our recitations coming twice a week. Then comes my usual guard duty, and all things together render me about as busy as possible. I hope that the recruits will learn their duty soon, that we may be relieved somewhat of our arduous work. Drilling recruits is in many ways similar to school teaching. We have the same duty of controlling and governing as in school except with more strictness and greater severity. Among the recruits we get, now and then, a hard case to deal with. Occasionally you might notice in front of our parade ground a soldier with a long rail on his back and from the steady march and measured beat you would soon conclude the duty was compulsory: and again another man is seen in rather a disagreeable predicament, with his back to a wheel of a big gun, his hands and feet stretched out- a “Spread Eagle Crime”- snowballing in the ranks or is saucy to an officer, impertinence to superiors, or similar offence You doubtless think this cruel treatment to “brave volunteers”. If a man conducts himself properly he will never be served thus: it is only the class who persist in disobedience, and who try to evade orders while on drill. Good soldiers are seldom punished. Of our original company only one man was ever punished and he but slightly. The new arrivals are not quite as good soldiers generally though many of ours are fine fellows. I am inclined to think that people at home little know how much we have done as a “Fancy Regiment”. The recruits have received new muskets from Washington Arsenal just like ours when we drew them. The old soldiers are trading their muskets with them and getting from ten to fifteen dollars “boot” money. This shows what our scouring has done for us. I am proud of my musket and fifteen dollars is necessary to trade with me. There is the same difference between our other traps which constitute a soldier’s “paraphernalia”. But I have often written of these things, and will talk of other matters.

I have wrote nearly all day, answering Uncle Charlie’s letter a week old, and another from a fair correspondent nearer home. I am thinking you are depending on my coming home this winter. I think it very doubtful if I ever come on Furlough, unless some stern necessity calls me. I have no plausible excuse to offer in an application for Furlough and probably shall not apply. Then don’t look for me until my term of service expires, or this “cruel war” be over, for I mean to see it out, which event I hope will occur at an early period. Our army will be well reinforced the coming spring and the campaign will be shape and decisive. It is thought we shall get a siege train, and go to the front, if so, action preparations will soon commence and the “leaves of absence” will cease to all.

(no signature, possibly another page missing)

Fort Ellsworth, VA.

January 26th, 1864

Dear Mother, yours of the 22nd came this afternoon. Also a letter to Willard saying you were wondering why I did not write you oftener. Now Mother the reason is simply a lack of time and a dearth of news. I could simply repeat my last letters, if time permitted even this, but the trouble is I cannot find the time. I came off guard this morning and immediately went drilling recruits all day. I am kept at it continually, from which it is natural to infer that I am a fair drillmaster. I conclude that you are doing well pecuniarally. Won’t Father be trying to buy another quarter section soon?

 You ask me if I am to be promoted to Captain? I hope not at present. When I am I promise to inform you of the good luck. It is possible that I may get a trifle higher than at present ere I leave the service. Time will tell. Willard was promoted to Corporal yesterday. Manson and Newcomb to sergeants. My turn comes next but I must not prophecy in my own case you know. We were called out today to exhibit ourselves to some “sprigs of aristocracy” who condescended to visit us. Among these were a daughter of Gov. Curtin, she that was Kate Chase and others. The ladies expressed themselves greatly pleased and left us with many assurances of their regard and often repeated “God Bless you all”.

Tonight the barracks at Fort Williams are dedicated by a dance. Shoulder Straps are expected to attend with their ladies. Ours are thus honored tomorrow night. After wards the rank and file take the building for a place to shake the foot in and right merry times we expect to have too.

Company “C” is now full to one hundred fifty men. Two more are added to my tent. One is a fine young fellow who has been clerk for seven years in the Merchants Bank, New York, but whose patriotism drove him out here a private soldier. The other a young Vermonter, wild, saucy, and full of fun but a good soldier and tent mate. You see we are much like riders in omnibus, always liable to make room for one more. But we go into more tents this week and will then get better accommodations.

George Bentley is promoted to Wagon Master of the regiment. Has a horse to ride and is in command of the quadrupeds of the Quarter Masters Department. His rank is the same as sergeant. The Brass Band can now be plainly heard discoursing sweet music to the play of pretty slippers and the gratification of shoulder strapped dignitaries. The band plays well and of course the Virginia girls dance well. Officers are jubilant and the ladies happy, but I am tired and my hand refuses to write, as my brain to dictate. Indicting a letter under such circumstances is nearly an impossibility-therefore I close with an Affectionate Good Bye.

from Fred

Fort Ellsworth, VA. Jan. 30th, 64

My Dear Mother

Long ere this you have doubtless learned of the death of Sergeant Huxley.

Henry died on Thursday afternoon at one o’clock. He had been lying in a stupid stat for some days and his death was not unexpected. His body is being embalmed and will be expressed home in a nice coffin. The funeral expenses will all be paid by his brother Masons of the regiment. We have written a paper and circulated it procuring a contribution of about one hundred and ten dollars subscribed entirely by the members of the “Masonic Fraternity”. I trust the brothers at home will turn out and do the usual honors to the remains of their deceased worthy brother. I hope the fair illustration of the principles which govern the “Order” are thus exhibited in the case of Henry will do much to remove the harsh prejudice and much of the ill feeling which exists at home towards the institution.

Another good boy is gone: gone to his long home. Died for his country: not on the field of battle amid the noise of carnage and strife: not from the lead or steel of armed rebels: yet an honorable death at the hand of disease. Henry will be much missed by us all. He was a good soldier, a worthy friend, an exemplary Christian. I considered him one of my most intimate friends and shall long miss him from our camp and quarters. His death will be a sad blow to his Mother and friends at home. The family are indeed sorely afflicted. Ed has a heavy load on his shoulders and much of the care and support of the family must necessarily fall on him. Please write me all the particulars of the funeral and the circumstances of the affairs at home.

In my last I alluded to the expected “soiree” at our new barracks. The affair came off and we had a merry time. Night before last the officers at Fort Worth assembled at the barracks there for another “kick up”. They had about thirty ladies with them, and when at the full height of enjoyment, and the building shaking beneath the merry tread of light footed and lighthearted damsels with their shoulder strapped partners, suddenly their pleasure was dampened, and their laughter changed to the most intolerable sneezing accompanied by the most disagreeable itching sensation- for the night was warm and muggy- and cayenne pepper, when people are in a state of perspiration, will set them scratching tremendously. Colonel Kellogg was writhing, he boiled over with anger, caused the whole garrison to fall out armed and equipped and marched them back and forth for three hours, to find if possible who the guilty parties were. The midnight drill did not have the desired effect and the offenders still remain unpunished. The pleasure of this third evening of the officers’ dance was of course somewhat marred by this meanness on the part of someone. If the person or persons be ever discovered their punishment will not be light. The non-commissioned officers and privates had their time after the officers, no ladies invited.

 We have received another lot of recruits of about a hundred.  It is not yet decided how to dispose of them, but I think it quite probable that a new company will be formed of them. A train of cars was fired into by a squad of rebel guerillas, on the road below our fort, night before last. The train stopped at the water tank to water the engine. (Father knows where the tanks are) twelve shots passed through the cars. No one was killed. A squad of cavalry immediately went in pursuit and captured two men and their horses, wounding two others who escaped. Mosby and his band are prowling about us continually and now and then give some one a “surprise party”. I expect they will give us a call some night. If they do they will meet with a warm reception.

It is a foggy morning and no drill today for the first time in a long season. The boys are busy preparing for inspection tomorrow: cleaning, polishing, blacking, and scouring. Yesterday I drilled recruits all day, recitation last evening, I feel very much like a schoolboy when the holiday comes, but I must fix for tomorrow and adjourn my letter till time permits its conclusion.

Sunday Evening Jan. 31st, 1864

Dear Mother, I again resume my pen to write you. This morning I went on guard but am relieved tonight for the good and agreeable reason that another strip is added to my arm and the one on my pants trebled in width. I was promoted at Dress Parade to be Sergeant (vice (?) Huxley deceased. I have performed the duties of corporal for a long time. Captain Rice is and ever has been very tenacious in regard to the rank of his non commissioned officers, were it not for this I think my promotion would have come much sooner. But my turn came at last and now I am a sergeant. My pay is increased thereby four dollars per month and my duties rendered easier though the responsibilities are considerably increased. I have drawn a new coat and my promotion will cost me quite a trifle. Frederic O Wills was promoted to corporal to fill my place. Whitney will be promoted soon. Willard makes a fine corporal and supports his stripes commendable.

 I visit Alexandria tomorrow on a pass; wish it were old Goshen instead. I should like to surprise you about noon. I would like to tell you of a little time I had at one of the “F.F.V’s” a short time since. I was sent out in command of a squad of men. Patrolling in search of hidden muskets, other arms and ammunitions. In course of our search we came across a fine house surrounded by shrubbery and flowers (although in the winter) and everything appearing like thrift and good management. A middle aged women and three pretty daughters met and apparently welcomed us as we entered. I told them my business and stated farther that I should examine every nook and cranny of the house. They all volunteered to escort us, and looked so very innocent that I felt ashamed to suspect them. To make my story short I looked and re-looked assisted by my men until I fell in love with my fair escorts, when upon the point of bidding them a sad and affectionate “Good Bye” six rifles and a host of other things were found by accident in a crib of corn cunningly concealed by the golden ears from view. We returned to camp with our booty determined never again to allow ourselves to be outwitted by “Dixie Lasses”.

Sunday night in camp:

All is quiet for us considering the number gathered here. Several are writing home, some reading, others studying, a few playing games of different kinds. it seems much like Sabbath eve. I cannot help but wander in my thoughts to my old home and the loved ones gathered there. Tis a long time since I bid farewell to you and started for the field of war. Yet it seems but as a dream to me. I cannot realize that we have endured so much, that we have done so much, or been gone so long. Please write me often as possible and not blame my delinquency.

Yours in love, Your Affectionate Son Fred A. Lucas

Fort Ellsworth, Va. Feb 6th, 1864

My Dear Mother,

Your very brief favor of Thursday last came this afternoon. I hope Dan will enjoy his sojourn in the Metropolitan City and have a good time generally. Mother, it is utterly impossible for me to come home at present. I consider it useless for me to make applications for furlough. A dozen men are ahead of me, who have already applied, and who will be served first—all of them even cannot be accommodated as only one man is allowed to be gone at a time from our company. In case of urgent business like the death of friends or similar cases I might get the furlough, but the simple excuse “To visit friends” will not procure one. You will have to write often and feel content with writing untill opportunity is given me to come home and see you. I would give almost anything to be at home tonight, but duty will not permit, and I can only heed its mandates

Three years is a long time to serve as a soldier but “never mind” as –(Jennie)- says, everything will turn out right one day. You congratulate me on my promotion. Thank You! You of course do not understand why I was not promoted before. In military, rank is everything, and unless vacancies are made, promotion cannot occur to fill them. My duties are considerably lessened but my responsibilities are increased. When I do guard duty now, it is with a sword in place of musket and as commander of the whole post guard. I have a pass every time when coming off guard and next week intend to visit Washington. I wish to visit Congress when in session and also to call on my young lady friends there. I have been cordially invited to visit them and shall certainly accept if I go there. They claim relationship to me on the score that Darwin Whiting married my cousin. I shall go “cousining” to Washington, Wouldn’t you?

Today I have been busy issuing clothing to the men and preparing for inspection tomorrow. Member of Congress John H. Hubbard and wife are at Colonel Kellogg’s quarters visiting and the regiment will be paraded for their benefit. Governor Buckingham is coming to see us next week. I predict that our company will lose three of our old Sergeants by promotion soon. Hyde Tyler and McCabe will get shoulder straps I think, leaving Griswold First Sergeant of our company. Captain Rice will be Major unless he is jumped. If he is promoted, Leuit. Sanford will probably be our next Captain. We have done all we can to secure him to us as such. Our Company appointed Willard, Calvin, and myself a committee to draught a petition to Colonel Kellogg that he be our Captain in case Captain Rice be taken from us, and every man signed the petition. I was chosen as the one to present the document to the Colonel. I did so with a few remarkable remarks and a great show of military courtesy and parade. It was well received and I was assured that it would be “all right” (You will please say nothing of this untill the promotion is made). We are all very sorry to lose Captain Rice but if he must be succeeded by anybody we wish Sanford to be the man. Sanford is a fine officer an efficient instructor and a good man. He is very through and strict in discipline when on duty but when off duty is free to play and mix with the boys like one of their number. But woe to the man who seeks to evade or shirk his duty if Sanford is aware of it for he detests such a disposition and will punish the offender. Our Glee club are out again tonight singing for some pretty ladies near by. Leuit. Sanford is with them. I wish I could sing with them, I should enjoy going with the club now and then.

My promotion was the cause of sending me out of my old squad, as was Willard’s also. I am put in command of a new squad of men, all recruits but one- Corporal Smith. I have fourteen men; a jolly set of fellows, well disposed and agreeable, a nice tent and everything going our way. Being chief of the squad I am “Monarch of all I Survey” when at home. My squad is composed of men from all quarters; one from East India where he had served in the British service- the Sepoy war and other duty; another has just returned from his third cruise on a Whale ship and is chock full of his yarns and stories of the sea, another is a soldier lately discharged from the 13th Conn. and reenlisted again, two are workmen from Colts Pistol factory which I hear is now burned. Such a body of men will not allow each other to get lonesome. Although green recruits still I flatter myself my squad will not be badly beaten after a little time. I have the honor already of having the “quietest” squad and the best order in the company.

The Glee Club dedicated my quarters last evening by singing the Old Easter Anthem and many other good things. They can sign a little better than any other body of signer I know of. The other day I saw one hundred and sixty-four deserters from the rebel army who came into our lines and gave themselves up as prisoners of war. They are the remnants of a Kentucky regiment who recently attempted to desert in a body and leave the southern army but were prevented by a brigade of other troops who fought them and killed half or more of their number. At last they have succeeded in escaping. Others are coming daily in small squads. The great talk in camp is now, that we go the Chattanooga in the spring. I don’t believe the rumor and don’t wish you to yet a while. Mr. Eldridge is here. He came at noon today. Corporal Eldridge is poorly off yet. His disease has gone into his knees, either from medicine given while sick or other cause. We have several cases of Mumps among the new recruits. Some of them are very sick. Calvin is getting better I believe. Goshen boys are generally pretty well all around.  Do you know whether Ed Huxley is thinking of getting a discharge or not? I surmise he thinks of leaving the army.

It has been a warm pleasant day but shows signs of a storm tomorrow which I hope will come and give us soldiers a day of rest. Farmers have been busy ploughing all around us but of course have not sown anything. Our regiment is now filled to about sixteen hundred men. We expect to be eighteen hundred strong very soon. Our Colonel finds quite a job on his hands when attempting to drill us, so many recruits among us, green ones too.            Good Night

Sunday Morning, Feb. 7th, 1864

Dear mother it is a cloudy, damp morning. We have not yet received orders for inspection but are preparing for one. When you have an opportunity please send me those shirts you have for me. I shall need them pretty soon. How are Uncle Henry’s people, Aunt Lucretia and all the other folks. Who preaches in Goshen now? Are Howe and company any better off now, after their trouble and pains taking? Goshen voters ought to give David some prominent public office? Won’t they this coming spring?

Well, I must bid you Good Morning. Duty bids me close. Please write often, and tell me all the news. Remember me to all inquiring friends and believe me your Affectionate Son, Frederic A. Lucas

Fort Ellsworth, Virginia, Feb. 10th, 1864

Dear Mother

It is a cool, but very pleasant morning. I am in command of the “police” today and do not drill. Will “splurge” a line or two to you. Our regiment is kept moving now days. We are permitted little leisure. Drill one hour and a half before breakfast on Artillery. drill on Infantry from ten to twelve. Drill from two till half past three in the afternoon. Dress- Parade comes at sundown. Such are our duties when nothing else is assigned us. Saturdays and Sundays being excepted, the first day for the preparation, the latter for the execution of our weekly inspection. You perceive that we do something beside Guard duty. Police Study and recite. Colonel Kellogg is bound to bring up his new recruits to the standard of the old soldiers as soon as possible.

Calvin is returned to camp again looking very well. The general health of our company is quite good. Some cases of Mumps still exist, none of them just now very serious. Willard is well, goes on guard duty today. You may look for news of a lot of promotions of Goshen boys soon, we being entitled to twelve corporals and eight sergeants in Artillery. I will mention no names till the promotions are secured. Company C will do great things in these promotions.

I see by the papers that Sedgwick is temporarily in command of the Potomac Army. News of the last two days is interesting and we are impatient to learn the results of the next week. We expect a fight on the Rapidan ere long.

            Willard has returned. Says he saw Father while home. Lieut. Rice has returned from a furlough also. Please send me some stamps soon if you please. Good Morning. Write often, and accept this from Your Affectionate Son,

Fred

Fort Ellsworth, Va.  Feb. 9th, 1864

My Dear Mother,

I have just returned from a horseback ride of about five and twenty miles to Mount Vernon and surrounding country. Mr. Eldridge accompanied me. I came off guard this morning, received a pass till 1 o’clock tonight and I think I have well improved it. Mount Vernon looks bleak and dull at this season: the flowers are not in bloom, trees are leafless, with but a few exceptions of evergreens: yet the associations are the same at all times: the Mansion, the Tomb, the Gardens, all remain as their former owner planned and arranged them. The same beautiful walks: the same splendid views, the river with its sails and smoke stacks flitting along its rippling water: the grass plots and parks where He once walked and sported, and where his pet deers and favorite hounds played and fed: the stables, outhouses, and groves: the rooms where he received his friends and visitors, where he dined his family and company: and the one where he slept and finally died; the instruments for surveying which he used himself; his old knapsack, pistol holsters, chairs, and bedstead, all are of interest to the visitor and command his attention. The associations connected with this place render it one most desirable to behold by every American citizen.

We had each a good horse and equipments, and enjoyed our ride finely. Corporal Eldridge will probably receive a thirty days furlough soon and go home to regain his health and strength. He has recovered extremely slow lately and it is thought necessary to sent him home to get well. One of my squad has either deserted or been murdered in Alexandria I don’t know which to think about it. He is the soldier of which I before wrote as being just returned from India and who served through the Sepoy War. I had formed a high opinion of him and cannot believe that he would play the deserter. He had all his bounty money with him, and I fear has fallen a victim to some treachery at the hands of some villains of this vicinity. His name was Charlie Flannagan and he disappeared on Saturday evening last. Desertions are becoming quite common among the recruits. Company E has reported eleven deserters, Co. H three and tonight more are absent. We style these fellows as “Bounty Jumpers”. They are of a low class of men, enlisted from New York and other places with the express intention of pocketing the bounties and then running away. I think if a few of them could be caught and shot, it would prevent further trouble on that score. Shooting is but good enough for the scamps, they well deserve it, and if retaken I think some will get it.

A squad of recruits arrived for us on Monday numbering one hundred and one men. They are kept and guarded for the present in one of the new barracks. A new company will be formed of them. The old companies are now filled to their maximum and two new ones will be formed. Their letters will be M and L. They will have to be officered from the regiment unless Governor Buckingham chooses to interfere. The last men are fellows from every part of the known world, deserters from the rebel army etc. etc. but I think there are many fine men among them. Our regiment now numbers about seventeen hundred men. The other hundred men, which we are lacking to render us, a maximum regiment will arrive shortly. The 2nd C.V.A. will be the finest, largest, most imposing, and (as we soldiers say) the “bulliest” regiment south of the Potomac. Our number of detached duty men will not be increased, consequently our regiment, on drill, or inspections and reviews, will be about three or four times as large as formerly. Colonel Kellogg is proud of his boys. He is pleasant and agreeable now-a-days. He has realized the results which he so much desired. He has secured the “Eagle” on his own shoulders, brought up his regiment to become the finest, noblest, and best drilled, and most perfectly disciplined regiment in the army, securing to them the most honorable position possible that of Artillery in the Capital Defences, and lastly of filling up our ranks to the maximum number of eighteen hundred men, to the advancement of numbers of his old and tried friends who stood by him in his times of trouble and adversity, when others in office were trying with their might to accomplish his ruin and drive him in disgrace from the army.

Fort Ellsworth, Va. Feb. 11th, 1864

Dear Frank,

We have had a knapsack review today on the plain south of fort Ward. The whole Brigade was out together. Governor Buckingham and General De-Russey reviewed us. They were accompanied by several other officers and a few ladies. The marching was excellent considering so many were new soldiers, but the weather was somewhat cold and our fingers ached with nothing but white gloves on. The good old Governor looked us over and seemed greatly pleased to see us. If I have a chance I shall surely cast a vote for the old fellow for his reelection this spring. I believe he thinks a good deal of us “Connecticut Boys”; he confessed as much in his eyes as he passed me today. Long live Governor Buckingham. He made no speech to us this time, the weather was too cold and the square of soldiers too large to talk to. Our brigade makes a file of men now, numbering about four thousand men. We had the music of two drum corps and a brass band to march by. Traveling was excellent, the ground frozen, and very smooth. I am feeling pretty tired after the day’s duties. It is the hardest day we have seen in a long time.

What are you driving at now days? I hear little from you lately. The boys are busy writing home having a little leisure time before dress parade. I have a “Bully” squad of boys in my new quarters, good clean, honest, lively fellows, full of good humor and obedient and obliging to superiors. Flannagan has not yet been heard from. I fear he has been murdered in Alexandria, I do not believe, as yet’ that he is a deserter. Yesterday afternoon we received orders to fix up in our best style, boots blackened, brasses scoured, white gloves on, and everything in shape, for a visit from some notability or other, no one knew who. We fixed up, got up in our tallest shape; brushed, blacked, scoured, and polished from tip to toe; white gloved and well in agony. No one came and here we sat untill night, when we ungloved and resumed our usual clothes and serenity of mind and features, partook of our usual supper, and felt thankful for the not unusual false alarm which allowed us to remain in our quarters during the cold blustering afternoon.

I fear some of the fields of grain about here will suffer from frost if this weather continues. Farmers are ploughing all about in this vicinity and a few fields are already sown. I saw one lot this side of Mount Vernon containing, I judged, at least a hundred acres, quite green, with the spring rye. It was the same cornfield of which I believe I wrote you before. The corn stacks still remain, the grain being hucked, the stalks restacked, and the rye sown all around the stacks. This is the way the Virginia farmers do their work. Not quite as through as New England people are! How do you prosper at school? How does the teacher suit Goshen people? Has father got up his wood pile, done his threshing,, finished logging etc.? Has he disposed of my colt yet? How does the Arabian look this spring? I hope to receive a letter from home tomorrow. I was disappointed in getting none today. Several new visitors have appeared among us within two days past. Charlie Wheeler’s wife is back here again. Charlie cannot live without her.

Frank, our fort is overrun with monstrous large rats. Rats caper over us all night, hold council in the center of our quarters, dance cotillions on our bedclothes, hold dress parades and have reviews under our bunks, and go through battalion and skirmish drills about the tent. They bite our noses and ears, knaw holes in our blankets and clothes, squeal and squabble the dark hours through to our great inconvenience those who wish to sleep. Now and then a sentinel challenges, and not receiving the countersign, will impale on his bayonet a large long tailed fellow, and is dubbed the Lion of the night by his brother guards, he exhibiting afterwards the trophy he secured. Goshen boys are all well I believe. Everything is quite lovely, and the long necked fowl seems suspended at the tallest elevation. Frank, I have got the blues tonight; am homesick as a casset lamb, and sorry to write you the Good Bye for the present. Write soon,

Your Affectionate Brother, Fred

Fort Ellsworth, Va. Sunday, Feb. 12th, 64

My Dear Mother,

This morning dawned clear, calm, and beautiful, with every sign of a pleasant day before us. Orders came for regimental inspection at Colonel Kellogg’s Head Quarters at 11 o’clock, without knapsacks. We were there at the time appointed, the regiment was formed in line and the inspection commenced. But ere one half the companies were examined the wind arose and in twenty minutes blew a perfect hurricane and is not yet abated. Sand and gravel filled the air and render the atmosphere dark and almost blinding. A number of the tents are blown down and the boys are thinking this smacks of “life at the front”. Our chaplain depended upon preaching to us after inspection but the sudden change in the weather frustrated him and he is now distributing tracts and papers at our quarters with his hat tied down over his head and ears, a picture of “helplessness in a gale”.

Tomorrow we have our normal monthly inspection by Lient. Col. white- of the 1st Conn. Art. We expect a drill in Infantry and Artillery besides a knapsack inspection and any amount of questioning in the science of gunnery.

Captain Rice is jumped by Ellis. I am sorry Captain was not made Major. He was the ranking captain and well titled to it. But Colonel Kellogg’s recommendation was the prime cause of Ellis’ promotion. Ellis stood by the Colonel and remained his firm friend through all his troubles last year while Rice was a biter enemy and wished to crush him from the service. Now, the Colonel remembers who his friends were and has not forgotten his enemies. Captain Rice would make a fine Major and I hope soon to see him filling the position.

Seventy-five men are now detailed tonight from our regiment to go out to Vienner and work for the Engineer Corps cutting timber. The same number are to go from the 1st Conn. Who they are, or whether I am one or not, I do not know yet. If I go it will be in command of one of the parties. They will be gone ten days and will take their rations with them. Ed Huxley has got a Lieutenancy I hear. The officers have aided him to it. Company “C” has as fair a record thus far as any one could wish. Six of its enlisted men from the ranks have already secured commissions, and not a man has been court marshaled thus far, or hardly one punished. It speaks well for us, does it not? With less than half our term of service expired. Also one Lieut. promoted to Captain. I received a letter today from Hannah Drake also a paper from Ed Beach. When I received the paper I knew the address was familiar but I could not decide whose it was untill I opened it. How does Edward prosper? How do you like the marriage of Elisabeth Bunnell and Philo Miles? Hoe does Wolcott and family get along? I also received a letter from Elisabeth Gaylord. Where is she, and what kind of girl do you consider her to be?

I wish Father to go to Henry Beaches’ and engage him to make me a pair of new boots. I wish them to be of the same size and style and material of those I had of him when I enlisted. He has the size recorded on book. Now I want a good pair; well made and durable, and if they prove otherwise I shall consider myself privileged to have a pair proportion of the cost refunded. I wish them like Will Wadhams. Be sure you impress Mr. Beach with the fact that I desire a good pair or none and of the same size of the first. I wish them soon as possible; and get them cheap as you can. Please write me what you do about them. I hope to get the shirts and boots soon before we go to Chattanooga or with Burnside on his secret expedition.

No more for this time. Write often and believe me your Obedient Son,

Fred A Lucas

P.S. I depend on you getting me a nice and good pair of Boots.

            Fred

Fort Ellsworth, Va. Feb. 13th, 1864

My Dear Mother,

Yours dated the 10th arrived this afternoon. I am sorry not to be able to come home with Dan and Mary from New York. I presume they have had fine times and seen many new and interesting sights. I was gratified to hear of the good attendance of the “Fraternity” at Brother Huxley’s funeral. Do you not imagine that we Masons are evildoers, and the “craft”- but a craft crew of scrape-graces! I think the “unbelievers” of Goshen are somewhat weakened in their prejudices against the institution, yet this is but one instance of the many results of its governing principles. I am not at all surprised to hear that Sergeant Sperry has reenlisted. I think Albert will try a second term of service when his first is expired, if not before. Whitney, Waterhouse, and Calvin Davis were promoted to Corporals and Dayton the ex-clerk of Merchants Bank, N.Y., is promoted to Sergeant, Sergeant Hyde, McCabe and Tyler are promoted to Lieutenants. The companies to which they are assigned is not yet known. I will write you when I learn which they are. Company C still rules the day in the promotions. Sergeant Griswold will be our Orderly Sergeant now. Other promotions were read on dress parade tonight -in every company. The best soldiers of the old 19th are now going up. Our company is being turned upside down by these promotions. Captain Rice is really jumped by Ells. Ells is our second Major. I am sorry that Captain is not promoted; yet I am glad we are not to lose him from the company. We are going to purchase the sergeants their swords and belts when they don their shoulder straps. They are good boys and I am glad to see them go up. Their promotion carries me up a little further. I now rank as fourth sergeant of our company. Fifty new recruits arrived yesterday. I was on guard at the new barracks last night in charge of the new men, one hundred and fifty men; none are allowed outside the building with out a guard. They will be thus confined untill organized and officered. I passed a sleepless night and have good reason for giving you a poorly written letter. Governor Buckingham paid us a visit this afternoon. We were called out and drilled on the “big guns”, had our quarters inspected, and were highly complimented for everything. The Governor is a good old man and I believe thinks considerable of the Connecticut boys.

Good Night: Fred

Fort Ellsworth, Va. Feb. 21st, 64

My Dear Mother:

I once more endeavor to write a letter while on guard at our post. It has been a warm, pleasant day but with many signs of storming in a short time. Alexa. looks much like as if she were wading in a snow bank- with a large bright circle around her, plainly discernable through the hazy clouds, the air is very hollow and the noise and din of the bustling city comes distinctly to us, varied with shouts of the soldiers-veterans returning by squads and regiments-from home, and now going to the front-howling of multitudes of the courser species- a special nuisance to us continually, -shrinking of engines and the rumbling of trains, with the oft repeated challenge “Who comes there” of our sentinels,-who seem to have more than usual to attend to tonight. Did I feel disposed to sleep I fear circumstances would not permit me with such a tumult about me.

The boys had an inspection at two o’clock today followed by a regimental inspection at headquarters. Hyde is assigned as Lieutenant in Co. G, McCabe to Co. K, Kilbourne of Co. A is assigned to our company. He is a kind of “milk and water” officer and has been for a long time spoken of as “Buttermilk Kilbourne” by the men of the regiment. He received the name on account of his mustache which is white as milk on one side and dark on the other. Hubbard Tuttle of Co. E, a son of the Tuttle who was murdered in Torringford, is promoted to a commission. Six months since he was a private in the ranks. Influential friends and his good soldierly abilities secured him this success. Our regiment is now more then full, over nineteen hundred men, but this includes those who have deserted etc., since we were made artillery. Our recruiting officers will return I think this week. I might mention more promotions in the regiment by (sic) you will see them in the county papers.

Our fort was honored by a visit today from three couples of Vermonters, young people “seeing the sights”. I concluded I had a nice visit with them. Mrs. Rice is here I have had two good visits with her already. She appears much more agreeable and condescending then formerly. I rather like to chat with her (Burn this portion when you have read it).

A newspaper correspondent by the name of Goodrich is here with Col. Smith and we are “shown off” to him almost daily. Well anything to secure a fine name aboard!

I received yours speaking of my shirts. I wish my boots had been finished and forwarded with them Please see that I get a good pair and foot the bills and charge to my account with the other things ordered.

I cannot write with some many other things piercing my mind. All my guards are raw recruits and I am kept busy all the time instructing them. Has George Spring arrived home yet? Please write often and believe me your obedient son, Fred

Scott’s 900th and the 153 New York started for Texas on transports last night. I knew many fine boys in those regiments and I bid them Good Bye as parting with brothers almost. God Speed them on their journey and grant them success.

Chattanooga and the front are our sensation words just now. I will prophecy nothing. Time will determine what our fate will be.

Fred

Fort Ellsworth, Va., March 1st, 64

My Dear Mother

            March has indeed appeared in the Lions garb: with a severe storm of snow and sleet- freezing as it falls: but I think will turn to rain soon. I could not write you before on account of the duties which engrossed my time. Saturday I went on guard in the morning and such a tour of duty I never before experienced. I had a dozen prisoners in charge, returned deserters from our regiment, arrested at different points between here and home, by government detectives. They are ugly and desperate fellows, old sailors, state prison birds, and participators in the late New York riots. I ordered to confine them in the dark, bomb proof, and thinking to give me trouble they set fire to the place, and before I was aware of what they were doing the smoke was pouring from the ventilators in huge volumes. I felt mad, and at first thought would have stopped its egress and made them eat smoke awhile; but I remembered our magazine with its twenty tons of powder, and fixed ammunition and getting help I soon extinguished the fire. I then reported the conduct of my prisoners to the Officer of the Day. He commanded me to take out the entire party and tie them on the wheels of our large guns. It was a long job, but I tied them thoroughly and with a will. You can form some idea of their punishment when I describe it. The wheels are the size of cartwheels but heavier. The man is taken and placed with his back towards the wheel, and his arms and legs stretched straightly out and firmly tied. It is a hard punishment but when men insist on jeopardizing the lives of hundreds, in revenge for being arrested for desertion, they but deserve the trial. Some were in citizens’ clothes, and yesterday were compelled to disclose who were the parties that fitted them out. Citizens of Alexandria have thus worked for Secession and aided in the escape of scores of “Bounty Jumpers”. Arrests were made yesterday and I am sure the parties will be summarily dealt with. If the soldier is liable to punishment by death, why not the traitor who aids him to escape! Sunday brought a Brigade review and yesterday came an inspection and muster for pay. Sunday morning the three new lieutenants of our company were presented with their swords, sashes, and belts. Speeches were made and the occasion was an interesting one to all. The boys regret to leave the old company, but no more than we regret to part with them. They are fine looking officers and will all be popular fellows wherever they go. I think Quarter Master Lee will succeed Captain Rice in command of our company. Lieut. Sanford ranks too low (so Col. Kellogg thinks) to be made Captain now, Willard went to the hospital yesterday. He was attacked with symptoms of the mumps but has not yet got them. He is not seriously ill and I hope to see him back again in a few days and think he will be. He was taken about three days since. Aunt Ann must not worry concerning him, he will be taken care of if sick, but I think he will not be long. James Quinn went with Willard. Jimmy is not very sick but his symptoms are worse then Willard’s. The other boys are generally quite well I think.

            We have a prisoner here who belongs to Moseby’s Guerrilla band. He will be tried in a day or two. He was caught inside our fort when he came to spy out the conditions of things here. The Guerrillas have been burning up the Government wood, nicely seasoned for their bonfire, and lying about a dozen miles to the south and west of us. We have witnessed the effects of their mischief in the long huge lines of fire for three days past, and yet smoking. These marauders are busy with such doings and are prowling about our vicinity continually and I expect will yet do us some fine “sell” one of these days, when least we expect it and while feeling most secure.

It is thought that we are to move before long to “parts unknown”. Our destination seems to be about equally divided between Meade’s’ army, Texas, and Chattanooga. Anywhere but the former place. There seems to be little honor or glory to be attained with the Potomac army, little but defeat and disaster has as yet attended its efforts. I hope the Spring campaign will wipe out the stain which rests upon it. Nothing but an overwhelming victory over the rebels in Virginia can do it. There is great strife between our regiment and the 1st Conn. and N.Y. troops to secure the single train from Washington to leave this spring for service in the field. Which will get it?

Yesterday and today it has rained very hard and now there is little sign of good weather. Deserters still come in and are being picked up in all directions. What can be done with them I cannot imagine? Our regiment is materially changed from what it once was. The old 19th of 800 Litchfield County, sober, honest, country yankee boys, was quite a different body of men from the 2nd C.V.A. of 1900- a conglomeration of good fellows, mean men, scamps, scapegraces, state prison refugees, drunken seamen, and “Bounty Jumpers”- the last mentioned class being the vilest of all and deserving of the least sympathy. But I ought not to thus write concerning the petted 2nd Conn. I shall occur the curses of my entire regiment if I do and perhaps get my head shaved and be drummed out of camp just for a foolish scribble. But it is no wonder that I should feel a trifle grunty about it and say harsh things unmeaningly after dealing with such characters as I have been obliged to while on duty. Yet the 2nd is not an exception in this matter. Other regiments have suffered, and much worse then we, from the same cause, and I venture to say that the 2nd Conn., now stands higher than any other regiment in it general character.

            Colonel Kellogg is very kind and agreeable to us here and his lady is a splendid woman. She takes particular pains to converse with us soldiers and often talks with us as though she felt an interest in our welfare. She is the very contrast of the rough old Colonel, but she wears the unmentionables I think. You may think a man who would permit a woman to control him is not fit to be a Colonel over nineteen hundred soldiers, but I do if the lady be Mrs. Kellogg.

            Corporal Thorpe, Judd, and Sherry are promoted to Sergeants in our company. Who will fill their places as corporals is not yet known. Major Rice looks quite well in his double-breasted coat and gold leaf and is a fine rider, a good horseman and a good-looking field officer. Our boys are purchasing for him his saddle and bridle. We thought it best to show our appreciation of his services while with us, and we have thus displayed it in a valuable and substantial gift.

            I suppose you are thinking of again filling up the cheese racks and butter tubs, and instead of fife and drum, base horns, clarinets, and cymbals you have the sweeter music of young calves, tiny swine, and bleating lambkins, with the morning assurances of cackling pullets just becoming interested in the “Spring Campaign”, and the louder demonstrations of pompous Chanticleer from off the eminence in the cow yard.  Our Reveille is “some pumpkins” but the music connected with the large farmhouse “beats it all hollow”. Oh! for a good long look into the old kitchen one of these busy mornings! but paper is full, yes full of nonsense, but I had no news to write and my pen was unruly. Write soon and often. From

            Fred

Fort Ellsworth, Va., March 5th 1864

My Dear Mother,

            Yours of the 1st came two days ago, and I have neglected a reply untill now on account of a pressure of duties I have been engaged in, writing on government documents for the officers of the garrison and found no time to write you. It is raining and shinning alternately today, much like April Showers. It is cleaning for us soldiers and you could appreciate it if you were here to witness our scouring. Willard came back from hospital this morning looking quit fit and strong. He is apparently a sound man again and will be all right in two days more. My boots came by Pendleton and are all I wish them to be thus far. Major Rice is with us yet but I expect will leave soon. Mrs. Rice bears the extra honors of her husband’s position with much modesty and a magnanimity worthy of herself. I have had several pleasant chats with her since her arrival and I think her last sojourn with us is much pleasanter to all parties than her former visits were. Soldier’s wifes[sic] are coming daily and if not soon prohibited a young city of pine shanties and canvas homes will be erected here.

            The letter from N. R. Hart was one enquiring kindly after my welfare- spiritually and otherwise. I answered him in a gentlemanly and cordial manner for although I once wrote his name in a letter to you and coupled it with uncomplimentary epithets yet I still respect him very highly and shall ever hold him in much esteem. I should be exceedingly happy to aid in raising the new flag staff in old Goshen, but regret that I am obliged to decline accepting your kind invitation to be present. Be careful not to leave the pole inclining to the southward, lest it influence the principles of Goshen citizens, or be thought by visitors as indicative of the conditions of the political atmosphere of our native town. Let it stand upright and perpendicular, defiant to the storms of war and anarchy, and emblematic of the governing principles which prompt the sons of Goshen to take arms in a country’s defense.

            March 11:

            I enclose this which you perceive was in reply to your last and penned long since. Excuse this delay on my part and write often as possible. Your son, Fred

Headquarters, 2nd C. V. A

Near Fort Ellsworth, Va., March 11th, 1864

My Dear Mother

            You are looking for a letter from Fred I presume, and wondering why it does not come. You also wonder at the date of this sheet. In explanation of the first I plead part carelessness and part a lack of time and opportunity. I commenced a letter to you several days since but neglected to send it to you and duty prevented its completion.

I am now on detached duty away from my company, at Colonel Kellogg’s Headquarters, about a mile from the fort. I am in command of the Colonel’s guard at his quarters. My force consists of fifteen privates, and three corporals besides myself. I have a sort of superintendence of about fifty men, consisting of the drum corps and brass band. The latter are not exactly under my charge, yet I am in some measure responsible for their good conduct through night season. I have plenty of music as they are playing continually in practice. I am under the Colonel’s eye a great portion of the time and must be a soldier continually .My duties are not heavy and rather dull than severe, as there is much less bustle here then in camp. I have roll call of the soldiers here twice daily and report the results to the Adjutant. Guard mounting at nine A.M. when all are obliged to turn out in full dress and shining too, when the cleanest and “best got up” private has a pass given him to visit the “defenses south of the Potomac”. Corporals and myself have passes every three days if we wish. You see I am in good circumstances at present. I don’t know how long I may remain here, perhaps only a short time. Sondant started for home today. He will see you probably. Bill Wadhams went with him. Also Beuham of New Hartford. I felt just a little homesick when they went off and vainly wished I could go with them. A visit at home is very desirable and I hope I shall be able to see you one of these days if we remain here.

A rebel spy was captured on the highway below the fort recently and brought here to the Colonel. After a hearing of the case the Colonel sent him to Washington where he will be tried by a Court-Martial. He was a southerner, and had in his possession papers of drawings of all the forts south of the Potomac, and the names of the troops, and their force in garrison.

Kill Patrick’s cavalry are now here, what remains after the raid to Richmond. They came up the river and landed yesterday. Large numbers of the men are reenlisting and going home to show their bronzed faces and honorable cuts and scars received in many a severe fight with the rebels during the last three years. They look rough, ragged, and toil worn and show signs of the past hard work and fighting, but they feel excellent over their doings around the rebel capital and tell tall stories of their experience.

The Virginia Legislature now in session in Alexandria yesterday passed a bill freeing all the slaves in this state and prohibiting the holding in service of all negro minor children except as apprentices in the same manner as white children. The city bells were all rung, flags were displayed and a salute of a hundred guns was fired here in honor of the event. This is a great thing for a Virginia Legislature to accomplish yet it was done with only one dissenting vote. I conversed with a Virginian resident here today and I could easily detect the bitterness of feeling which filled his mind and which he tried in vain to suppress. It causes an immense elongation in the features of the secesh here and you could easily identify that class when you meet them in public. You see them in small groups at the street corners, or in a friends yard, and if you notice closely you will remark the angry gestures and fierce looks, the decidedly “done up” expression of them all, for now their property “in human chattels” is forever lost, while on Virginia soil. Three cheers for Virginia! It is at least encouraging that a Legislature can be made in this state, if men so unanimously in favor of the emancipation of her slaves. The day will come when even we soldiers, who now so heartily detest the soil, and hate the state, will willingly term the first “sacred”, and the latter as the “Mother of Presidents”.

Another soldier of our regiment has gone to his long home. His body was carried by this afternoon with the usual escort of soldiers and the band playing a funeral dirge. It was an attractive spectacle to many but sad and solemn to me, as it reminds me of friends and comrades who have gone the same way, forever gone from us, and I could not help thinking: Who will go next? The one who died today was a recruit and belonged to Co. I. I have not learned his name. Willard I hear is better, but I have not seen him in two days, as I am now away from the fort.

My box arrived some time ago, everything in nice order. Those shirts are just the things. I observed that the package was plainly marked “Paid”, but having no certificate to present at the express office I was obliged to pay the expressage on it. Did you prepay the charges on the box or not? and if you did, did you preserve the receipt given you by the agent at Wolcottville. If you have preserved it please sent it to me as soon as possible that I can produce it at the office in Alexandria and get the money refunded which I have paid here. I should have thought it all correct if the mark spoken of were not on it and evidently put there by the agent at Wolcottville.

            Four more deserters are just brought in. What can be done with so many I cannot imagine. Some must be punished I think by death for severe measures must be resorted to as a preventative of further examples of the kind.

            I must write Aunt Ann for Willard and duties compell [sic] me to work in haste. Please write often and don’t wait for me. I am exceedingly busy at present. The storm still rages, but is turning into rain. With many regards I remain,

                        Your Dutiful Son,

                        Fred A Lucas

P.S. Enclosed you find a photograph of one of my new squad. His name is Abbott and he is a sailor of three long whale voyages, having visited nearly every part of the known world. He is a good tent mate and a fine soldier.  Fred

Headquarters, 2nd Conn. Vol. Artillery

Near Fort Ellsworth, Va. March 17th, 1864

Dear Sister Mary,

I have a little leisure this afternoon and will improve the opportunity by again writing you. Have you forgotten me entirely: or have you discovered a correspondent somewhere else, who monopolizes all your spare time and thus prevents you from writing me?

If the former, I beg leave to inform you that I still exist, and think as much as ever of my elder sister: if the latter reason be true, I must say that if your sojourn in New York was the cause of it I am sorry you ever visited that metropolis, unless the chap who has thus “cut me out” of your letters, is worthy of you, in which case I should deny myself the pleasure of hearing from you- if not willingly- with all the graces possible under the circumstances.

            Well Mary how do you get along this spring? It seems an age since I saw you and a long time since I heard from you. By the way, I have just thought your birthday came recently. I beg pardon for forgetting it. I should have sent you something if I had known it in time. Will was here and reminded me of it. How fast the time passes. Weeks and months glide away and I do not realize their duration. I am now on the last half of my term of service and it does not seem possible. But when I look back to what we have done and where we have been, and compute the time which we spent at the several places where we have quartered, I find I am right. I looked for a letter from home today but was disappointed. I expect one tomorrow “anyhow”. Do you hear from Aunt Em lately? If so, what does she write? How does Corporal Eldridge do? Is he ever coming back again, or is he going to be discharged? He was “jumped” in the last promotions in our company. Thorpe, Judd, Sherry and Pendleton are promoted to sergeants, and Balcon, Vaill, Orson, Miner, and Charley Adams are corporals. Tomorrow our regiment commences the artillery practice again with balls and shells, canister and grape shot. The targets are being erected today- and are nearly a mile from the guns and about ten feet square. We had another “scare” Tuesday night. The garrison at Fort Worth lay at their big guns all night, and at the other forts were in readiness for action. Colonel Kellogg did not retire at all but was out all night preparing for emergencies. No “Moseby” came however. We wanted him to make a dash on us however, as a large force of Kill Patrick’s cavalry were lying near Alexandria and would have given him a warm reception. They were the men who made the raid on Richmond, and went to the front again yesterday. Last evening Col. K. and Lady gave a party here at their residence. Quite a large company of officers and ladies were present. The band was in requisition and played beautifully at intervals during the evening. I went to my quarters and retired at ten; when they broke up I don’t know, but the last sound I remember was the music of the band. How do you like the Proclamation for two hundred thousand men, issued yesterday? How do Goshen “Conservatives” like it? General Grant is where he can look after the Potomac Army now, and I think some thing will be effected if possible. We think Grant will put the troops in motion, and look for some severe fighting during the spring months. I am now situated in the easiest position which I have yet occupied since I became a soldier. My duties are very light, and quarters splendid, with good men under me and plenty of good rations and a good cook. My quarters are a square wall tent such as are used by officers, with a good stove, table and benches and good bunks. Three corporals and myself occupy this tent and we live “cosily” enough. I think it a model “Bachelors Hall”. Wish you could look in and see us some of these pleasant days. You would be convinced that my present soldiering is not very tedious or laborious. I can go where I please, when nothing special is demanding my presence here, it being only necessary to apply for a pass to the Adjutant. I can visit Washington or Alexandria frequently. Have you seen Sondant or Bill Wadhams since they went home? Are our folks still expecting that I shall come home? I wish I could go home and see you all this spring but I am confident no furlough will be allowed me. The way to secure one would be for some influential man at home to intercede with my company officers for one for me. It might procure one and might not. But don’t do any such thing. I choose to do my own engineering in all matters pertaining to my advancement in soldiering

Headquarters 2nd Conn. Vol. Art.

Near Fort Ellsworth, Va., Sunday Mar. 20th, 64

Dear Sister Anna

            Now for a letter to you. It has been a very pleasant Sunday here, sunny, warm and breezy. An inspection was ordered at headquarters at two o’clock, but orders coming to Colonel Kellogg to the effect that he was in temporary command of this brigade, he saw fit to countermand the inspection, and there was none. Colonel Abbotte is relieved from the command in order that he may act on a committee appointed to consider certain measures pertaining to the United States Coast Survey. Another “scare” was felt along the line of the “Defences” last night. “Moseby’s Guerrillas”, “Stewart’s Cavalry” etc. was the theme of all conversation during the evening up to the time when the drum beats the signal for cessation of all talking, putting out the lights etc. Every soldier not residing in Alexandria on garrison duty was removed from the city & ordered to their respective regiments forthwith. All the theatres and places of business were closed up: brass-cannon (6 and 12 pounders) were stationed at the entrance on King, Duke and Washington streets with troops to work them: detachments of soldiers were posted at short intervals all along the principal turnpikes leading to it: pickets were thrown out from our fort and others and the sentinels on guard duty were instructed to use utmost caution: the men all slept with clothes on ready for any alarm. Thus passed another night but no Moseby, no Stewart came to trouble us. Various rumors are afloat in camp contradictory of course; if there is danger of attack no one knows it beside a few, if no danger no one is certain but a few, and in either case that few will keep their own secrets while all of us are kept prepared for the worst. Guerrillas are prowling about us continually. While two men of the 1st Conn. were returning from their duty at Vienna lately (I told you of a large squad of men from the 1st & 2nd Conn. sent out there) they were caught by a band of Guerrillas. They were put in the charge of two of the band armed with shotguns. After the others were well away our two boys of the 1st thought the chance of escape worth trying for and “pitched in”. The result was that they killed their captors and then made “tracks” for home with the guns for trophies.

            I received a nice little letter today from Eddie Wadhams. Eddie thinks Seymour will be Governor of Conn. this year, but declares “Old Abe” will be President again. Well, Anna, I am going to the Seminary Chapel to attend service this evening and it is nearly time to be ready. I enclose you a photograph of one of my new acquaintances, his name is Wheeler and was formerly a clerk in New Haven I believe. His picture was taken when he was a citizen. He is now with me here at Headquarters. What are you and all the folks doing now a days?

            The band is out and playing for the Colonel and his Staff. It plays finely. Yesterday some new instruments were added to it. Those last purchased cost $230. The officers of the regiment pay for them. They are now playing the beautiful and touching tune “Who will care for Mother now!” It is beautiful. Did you ever hear it played by a band? I am hurried as time flies rapidly just now. Please excuse the shortness and the penmanship of this letter.

            Write soon as you receive it and believe me your loving Brother, Fred

            P.S. There is considerable talk of men being sent home to vote, but I do not depend on it much.

Willard is on duty again and looks tough and rugged ever more.

            Write soon, Fred

Headquarters, 2nd C.V.A.

Near Fort Ellsworth, Va. Apr. 6, 1864

My Dear Mother

I am at my post of duty again all right. I am agreeably surprised to be the recipient of further promotion; I am now Sergeant Major of the 2nd C.V.A. and occupy the prettiest position in the regiment. I am now on the Colonel’s Non-commissioned staff and my duty is here at his office. I bid Good Bye to musket and straps and buckle on a sword instead. I also bid guard duty, picket, police, fatigue etc. the same compliment. My pay is now $21 per month and a “sight” for a commission some day. But I must tell you of my ride to Dixie. I reached N.Y. at 8 p.m. and in company with three fellow soldiers who were also returning from home, I perambulated the city for three hours visiting several places of interest among them the Sanitary fair and Taylor’s’ Saloon on Broadway. At 12 we again moved on towards our destination. When we reached Philadelphia it was snowing and at Baltimore raining which continued without abating untill this morning. I reached here at 2 p.m. yesterday. The “boys” met me with noisy demonstrations and overwhelmed me with questions. They were feeling disappointed over their furlough arrangement. The papers came for them to go but were immediately followed by orders countermanding them; caused by the removal of the 13th N.Y.A. I found Goshen Boys all well as usual. Lieut. Fenn is Captain of C Company. Cal Davis will probably be Sergeant to fill my place, who the corporal will be to succeed Calvin I don’t know.

I am in great haste and con write little this time. In future you may direct my letters as follows:

            Sergeant Major Fred A. Lucas

            Headquarters 2nd C.V.A

            Near Ft. Ellsworth, Va.

With love to all and the hope you will write often, I close,

Yours in great haste,

Your Aff. Son Fred

Headquarters, 2nd C.V.A

Near Fort Ellsworth, Va., Apr. 10, 64

My Dear Mother

At the close of another Sunday afternoon I resume my pen to write you. It has been a warm, sunny spring day since ten this morning, but is muddy after yesterday’s heavy rain. This last storm was severe and the streams were raised unusually high. But everything looks beautiful tonight, the grass is getting quite green all about us, the robins are becoming plenty and enliven us with their presence in our grove. This is a pleasant place and I think I now have the pleasantest situation in the regiment. My duties are light and easy. I have a large officers tent with good stove, table, bed etc. Carrel North lives with me. He is Adjutants clerk. My duties are to receive and keep the daily morning reports of all the companies in the regiment which I consolidate in a blank book for the purpose. All changes by death, desertion, transfer, or promotion are to be noted etc. Every ten days I make out a report of this and forward to brigade headquarters. When in camp together my duty would also include the detailing of the number of guard required of the companies. While in garrison I escape this. I am to be present on all drills of the regiment and assist the Adjutant in his duties there. I think my position as Sergeant Major preferable to a Lieutenancy aside from the honors and chances of being higher. I now rank next to a commission and above all other non-commissioned officers. My dress is changed a little; six stripes on my arm in place of three-in the shape of an arch. I tell you this because I thought you interested to know. I have heard firing out front this afternoon but what is going on we cannot learn. I visited the company- I call it my company and always shall but I no longer belong to it- found the boys all well. Company inspection has been order of the day. I have no more knapsack now and no more musket-a sword is my weapon. Cal Davis is promoted to Sergeant to fill my place. Col. Kellogg is in command of the brigade, temporarily. Col. Smith has applied for a discharge. Two men from C company have died since I returned; Cone of Torrington & Butler of Waterbury.

What is the news at home? How do you all do? Wish I could look into the old kitchen for a little. How is Emma? Does she remember me? The band are playing for the Colonel. Tis a beautiful evening and the music is sweet and stirring. Please write me all the news concerning all those in whom I am particularly interested. Remember me to all who inquire and excuse what may be thought arise in this.

From Your Aff. Son

Fred A. Lucas

Sergt. Maj. 2nd C.V.A

Headquarters, 2nd C.V.A., near Fort Ellsworth, Va.

Thursday Evening, April 14th, 1864

Dear Friends at Home

I would write you all if possible which appears easiest done by thus addressing you collectively. I am alone in my bachelor quarters; my mate (Correl) is engaged in his duties in the Adjutants office. My fire burns cheerily and all my surroundings are as pleasant as any soldier could wish for; yet I am feeling a trifle lonesome and that will mar the pleasures of any soul- while the fit is on, you know. I have been busy today writing on Regimental Documents. The regimental monthly inspection came off today. Inspected by Lieut. Col. White-of the 1st Conn. My books were examined by him and I was the happy recipient of many compliments for the neatness and correctness of my work and general appearance of my accounts. in these monthly inspections everything is thoroughly examined even the private books pertaining to the affairs of the troops; and written statements of their condition forwarded by the inspecting officer to the War Department at Washington. It has been a cloudy day and a little chilly but the grass is growing finely here and the ground is quite green. I saw Peach trees in blossom yesterday and some shrubbery about the house here is already in leaf. A little more is said about our leaving but I know nothing definite and really care little about it. I think however we shall not leave. I sent my Carpet-Bag home today by Milo Barber who will leave it for you at the center. Milo is discharged and I think will secure a pension as he is working for ????. Mary may “set her cap” for him now, He has been a faithful soldier and earned laurels in the cause of Freedom- a worthy prize for some fair one.(?) I brought in a deserter yesterday. I was out walking for a little exercise and entered an oyster shop to see what might be seen when I discovered a man there who left us nearly a month ago. I recognized him by a deep scar on his face although well disguised otherwise. I took him by the collar and led him about a mile home without letting go of him. He knew I was in earnest and dared not fight. My looks told him better. I am promised the reward for his arrest. He is a rough fellow, an old sailor, but stout and able bodied and cost government seven hundred dollars; therefore I thought best to “nap” him. I enclose this with my two first non-commissioned warrants which I wish you to carefully preserve unsoiled for me. I think much of those documents-they are valuable mementoes of my soldier days and I wish to keep them to look at after I doff the blue and don the citizens suit. My grandchildren will one day look upon those in wonder and think Grand Pa a big man-years ago. (How are you Grand Babies) Burn up this letter.

The boys are still doing picket-duty and also fatigue at Fort Ward. Battalion drills are not often now. We had a little time in the office tonight. Colonel was absent an Adjutant Vaill feeling quite lively we had a dance. Music was furnished us and we shook our feet” tripped the fantastic extremely” for an hour very pleasantly. It done me good after the days duties. The band are out again playing for the Colonel. They have some new pieces tonight; one a funeral dirge is beautiful sad and sweet. I have just finished an interesting book entitled “Cudjoes Cave” which I have read during leisure hours for a week past. It is a good story, laid in Eastern Tennessee at the outbreak of the rebellion. Goshen boys are all well I believe. I have little news to write. Everything moves on in the same monotonous way with little change. Nothing is heard from the front lately. Sutters are coming in which is a good sign of warm work soon. Several veteran regiments are now lying near us awaiting arms and orders; among them the 10th Conn. I believe. I heard from the Goshen boys in the 1st Conn. yesterday; they were all well. They will be home soon I suppose but I think Goshen will not long hold them. I looked for letters from home today and yesterday but was disappointed. Now don’t neglect me but write often if but six lines at a time. Let me know all about the affairs all about everywhere.

Excuse this hastily written sheet and don’t let it wait long for an answer.

Your Aff. Son & Brother

F.A. Lucas

Sergt. Maj. 2nd C.V.A

Headquarters, 2nd Conn. Vol. Heavy Artillery

Oak Grove House near Fort Ellsworth, Va.

April 23 rd, 1864

My Dear Mother

Your letter of Sunday evening last arrived yesterday. I was glad to hear all were well at home, but sorry to learn of the deaths you mentioned. I think you will reckon considerable on your new neighbors of Bruce Hollow!

It being Saturday, we are having easy times today. A party of ladies having made a descent upon Headquarters this morning and carried off all the “shoulder strapped” on a pleasure trip to Mount Vernon, we who are left are lying off on our “oars” and “school don’t keep at all”. Tomorrow we have a huge Brigade Review and Inspection at Fort Ward. It will be an all day job I think.          Sunday Evening, April 24th, 1864

Dear Mother, I left my letter yesterday and was not permitted to finish as I expected untill now. Brigade review came and passed pleasantly with the usual drill and accompanying exercises. General De Russey reviewed us, accompanied by his staff. A rich joke was prepared for our Colonel & officers in which they were intended to figure as “prominent ignoramuses”, by Col. Abbott. A new battalion move has of late been practiced in the reviews of the army, but the troops of the “Defenses” have never before practiced it and Col. A. thought it a nice thing to fit his own regiment for the occasion, and then order(ed) the 2nd C.V. out and give them a surprise, by commanding maneuvers which none of our officers could execute. But a friend kindly informed Col. K. of the trap laid for him and his troops, and accordingly this morning early, our boys were called out and put through the new drill for an hour. When the brigade was formed before the reviewing officers, what was Col. A’s astonishment to find the 2nd not only prepared for him but much superior to the 1st in everything. He could only hang his head and wonder. Col. K is feeling good tonight over his success. The officers of the 1st are envious and jealous of us and the same time afraid of our success, and practice the most contemptible measures in their intercourse with our regiment.

The day has been quite warm and pleasant untill near sundown when it clouded over, and now commences a light rain. The grove about the house is leaving out and in a few days will be almost green.

Did you receive my letter containing my non-commissioned warrants?

I saw Willard this afternoon. He was here at my quarters. He is now one of the color corporals and belongs to the “Color Guard”. Calvin is now become tough and is well again and is at present on duty as “boss” the Ellsworth Fatigue party in the repairs on the Fort there. I like my new position better than any I have ever before held in the service and think it the pleasantest situation in the entire regiment. I am confident Col. K likes me, and he compliments me often for the manner in which I conduct myself here. I tell you this that you may feel assured I am doing well, but this boast is intended only for you and no one outside the “home circle”. Lieut. Sanford informs me that he is the “happy possessor of another heir to bear his honored name” and thinks of calling the boy “Redoubt-a rebel Virginian”, for reasons proper. His wife was with him while our company was quartered at “Redoubt C., Virginia”- therefore the appropriateness of the name for the baby.

A new regiment just organized has arrived and are now lying near us, under cover of shelter tents. They are the 31st Maine and are a fine looking set of men. Troops are being hurried past us to the front daily but we are still kept quiet in the defenses. What a trial it is to be thus considered too good for the field and sufficiently reliable to protect the capital from the enemy! Col. K has thus far tried in vain to get us away and indications of leaving are as few as ever.

How is Seymour Eldridge getting along now? I hear nothing from him lately. Write me what the august “association” are doing in regard to the “amusement question”.

I can write you but a poor letter at best for news is scarce and simply a monotonous repetition of the usual daily routine of duty. I am gaining in flesh lately and am now much heavier then when home. Good living, comfortable quarters, and light duties with no night work or loss of sleep are affecting this for me. Henry Wing has visited us. He is a reporter of a New York paper I believe. Wonder if he will give a favorable account of our regiment. Please write often and tell me all the Goshen and home news.

From Your Aff. Son

fred A Lucas

Sergt. Maj. 2nd C.V.A

Headquarters, 2nd Conn. Vol. Artillery

near Fort Ellsworth, Va., May 10th, 1864

My Dear Friends at Home,

            The ever welcome “home letter” came some days since, but I have again been a victim to procrastination: and am still your debter. We are having the warmest weather I ever experienced at this season. I hear upon good authority that the thermometer has stood at over one hundred degrees above zero for several days past. Everything in the vegetable kingdom is growing most amazingly fast down here. Trees are in full leaf and throw a nice refreshing shade about our quarters; the grass is ankle high where the soil is good, and spring flowers fill the air with their pleasant fragrance. News from the army is good today, but we have been on tiptoe for a week past as the very air seemed to breed conflicting reports and while one hour presented the Potomac Army as whipped and routed the next sent them on the triumphant march after the fleeing rebels, toward Richmond. The 1st Conn. are preparing to go out and I presume ere this reaches you will be on route. Orders came to them this morning. They will probably go on a siege train. I was at Fort Richardson yesterday and saw Charley Porter. His time expires in about ten days. I don’t know whether those whose terms is so near closed will be sent out or not. Eli Perkins was here with him. He has now gone to the Seminary & Hospital. Parsons Spencer of New Hartford (the silver pitcher man of Bingham notoriety) and Dana of Winsted were here on Sunday and both addressed the regiment. The speeches were good. I hear that Mr. Perrin is coming to see us. I should like to see him, Hope he will come and preach to us. Albert has had an attack of fever & ague and I don’t think will go [to the] front if the regiment does. I heard from him by way of Charley yesterday. It will be hard for those boys whose time is so near out to go into the field now. Citizens living in this neighborhood are planting corn now and better weather I never saw. The season for bathing parties in the old Potomac, nice naps under the grateful shade of the old oaks, and those fine sings in the cooler breezy evenings is now with us. while the fighting and killing is going on in the distance, and we are all eager to learn the results, lying off at our ease in the quiet of the defences, we ought to feel thankful that we are thus favored. And still I can but wish I was there. Every carload of brave and enthusiastic soldiers which goes by tells me I ought to bear a hand in the fray. I cannot help feeling thus yet I suppose we are doing our duty where we are. Government tells us that the most reliable troops are wanted in the Defences, and that none are more reliable or in better condition than ours, therefore we cannot be spared unless in time of greatest emergency. Col. Kellogg has endeavored by every means in his power to get us put in charge of artillery train and put into the field but the War Department will not listen to his wishes. Doubters you at home are jubilant over this. But we old soldiers are not. The general feeling is in favor of going out and bearing a hand in this campaign.

We are not to be paid off this time as usual and I am in want of money if we do not. Please send me ten dollars by return mail in your letter. My wages now are twenty-six dollars per month beside bounties but in the station where I am I use considerable change. If we were paid as usual, I could get along but with no chance of pay at present I am in want of the “Ten”. Goshen boys are all well as usual I believe. Willard is very well. I am getting along nicely. Col. likes me & I like my position first rate. It is very pleasant in every way. Lieut. Col. Smith has resigned and left the service. Major Hubbard will probably be our next Lieut. Col. I suppose the Connecticut Legislation is now in session. I hope they won’t forget to give us authority to vote for Uncle Abe Lincoln this fall. He must be reelected some way and we want to bear a hand in it.

Please write often with all the news.

Your Fred

Excuse this sheet, I have written in the greatest haste. How is Eldridge?

Will he come back again?

Headquarters 2nd Conn. Vol. Artillery

near Fort Ellsworth, Va., May 13th, 1864

My Dear Mother,

Your letter dated the 8th of May came today at noon. You need have no fears of our leaving at present if I am any judge of the “signs”. Nothing looks much like our moving now, and yet we are liable to receiver orders at any hour. The 1st Conn. Arty. are now lying in camp under shelter tents near Alexandria, the soldiers whose term of service is just expiring are with the rest and I think will be taken along if the regiment moves this week. They are now awaiting the loading of the seige[sic] train on board the transports. Their destination is not known, some think to work in the attack on Richmond, others that a point farther south will be the landing place. Their place is supplied by the 9th New York Artillery which is a large regiment numbering about 2,500 men, but far from being well drilled or under good discipline. The 1st and 2nd Conn. are superior to all the troops I ever yet saw. Our Colonel has repeatedly applied to the War Department for orders to take the field but as yet with poor success. We are told that we are “too good to leave the Defences and cannot be spared”. A flattering excuse truly, but one which causes us to wish to leave all the more strongly. If we are thus capable why not permit us to display our capabilities by facing the live foe. All the old soldiers of the regiment are eager to go front and this has become a common subject for grumbling and complaint. News from the fight now in progress comes in hourly and is generally encouraging, although thus far nothing decisive seems to be accomplished, and one losses are terrible. Thousands of our bravest and best troops are rendered “hors-du-combat” or slain outright and many of our most efficient and competent leaders are already sacrificed. But everything looks like a continuance of the struggle untill Victory does crown our army. Grant is determined and his troops equally decided and I trust a complete defeat of Lee and Longstreet will soon be accomplished and the rebel hordes driven from this state forever. In the death of General Sedgwick our army and nation has sustained a most severe and irreparable loss. This disaster has thrown a shadow of gloom over all the troops. His body has been forwarded to his friends for burial. I wish you would write me of the ceremonies at the funeral. For two days past we have had alternate sunshine and heavy showers with an occasional clap of thunder and flashes of lightning. I never saw trees and grass grow so rapidly in my life. I measured the new growth on an oak which hangs over my tent this morning, and found it was nearly eighteen inches on some branches. Grass is waving high and the farmers are planting corn here and have been for a week. You speak well of the East Street School Ma-am. I predict that Dan or Frank will be smitten with her before the school term expires. Write me if they are, will you? If she is much like Correl’s wife she is a fine young lady. Correl asks me to inquire after her, so if you have anything interesting please let me know in good time. I should think Libbie would take the South End school on any terms. If she intends to teach much it would be policy for her to accept the school. Will Charley Patrol “double files” and take him a wife before returning to his regiment? I am glad to hear of Eldridge’s improvement and to hear of his expected return to us. I had feared he would not be able to return. Goshen Boys are all well as far as heard from although I have not seen them for some days. I have been exceedingly busy writing and arranging official regimental documents for a week past and write this in great haste. I have a busy time just now on account of finishing up the business connected with our recruits and deserters. The Colonel and his staff have now gone to pay a complimentary visit to the new regiment in our brigade. The band are playing some stirring music and my hand will keep time to their strains in spite of me. I have just heard a shouting in the yard and wondered what was “in the wind”. Now I guess the cause for I hear a newsboy crying “Another Union Victory”. “The rebel Stewart captured”, Twenty thousand prisoners taken”, Lee sues for a cessations of hostilities”, etc. etc. Good news for our side if true. I shall sleep well tonight for I am beginning to think something will be accomplished here in Virginia. The secesh faces are mightily elongated here abouts now a days for things wear a dubious look and Grant is reputed so skillful and courageous that they fear for the results of his battle now progressing. One thing I must mention to you. A pair of little wrens have commenced building a pretty nest inside my tent and directly over my writing table. I shall not disturb them but move my table. They have become so tame that I can feed them like hens with crumbs thrown down at my feet. I shall be able to catch them soon. I already think much of them and my pet wrens are quite a curiosity to all who visit me. Please write often and excuse my seeming delays.

With Love to all and a kiss to little Emma,

I close, Good Night, Yours in great haste

Fred A Lucas

Sergt. Maj. 2nd C.V.A

Hdqters. 2nd C.V.A, Fort Corcoran, Va.

May 17th, 1864

Dear Mother, we are now packing up for the front or elsewhere I know not where. We came here day before yesterday since which time Col. K has been acting Brig. Gen. Last night at twelve we received Marching orders again & now we are off to the field. Active service is before us and I trust our boys will all do their whole duty. They are all in high spirits and ready for work. Where we land no one can predict not even our Col. We march as far as Fort Albany tonight and leave very soon. The bugle call is now blowing for to fall in. I am in fine health and ready for action. Good will be with us where ever we may go and I rely on his protecting power to shield me. If we go into the field of battle I trust we may all acquit ourselves as becomes brave and honorable soldiers. I mean to do my duty and my whole duty and may I be aided by God thus to conduct myself ever and in all circumstances. I am tired after writing all day very rapidly, finishing up regimental business papers. We are all tired after our late move here. We are now lying N.W. of Georgetown and about ten miles from our late Hdqtrs. I must bid you Good Bye as I have much to attend to yet and little time to prepare the same. Write me very often but direct to Washington D.C. and I shall get the letters as they will be forwarded wherever we are. Orders are issued prohibiting the army in front from corresponding with those at home and possibly I may not be allowed to write you. But I shall ever think you are remembering me and such thoughts will support me in my dark hours. In greatest haste I bid you,

Good Bye,

Fred

P.S. I have expressed a box of things to you today. You can keep them untill I call for them. If we should return here and go into Garrison I should want all again. N.B. Preserve all I sent in that box.         Fred

White Oak Church, Va. 9 o’clock a.m., May 19’ 64

Dear Mother, we are now about six miles from the city of Fredericksburg. We are now halted for a rest of one hour. The boys stand the march finely and the way Pork and army biscuits are now being demolished is a caution to hungry souls. Water which is drinkable is hard to be found and we miss this more than all the rest. Many of the troops have thrown away all but rations, ammunition, arms, and one woolen and one rubber blanket. This is truly a desolate country. War has stripped every vistage of civilization from the land even the trees and bushes in the vicinity of the route we have travelled. We have passed several old rebel encampments and have seen the marks of skirmishes and fights. Trains of wounded men are continually coming in from the front and those who die are buried on the way. But I am foolish to tell you this: but you know we are coming towards the seat of war.

12 (?) noon, 19th May:

We have just halted for a rest on the bank of the River opposite Fredericksburg. We are on a high table land overlooking the city which lies close to the river and less than one quarter mile from us. We left Aquia Creek at daylight this morning instead of last evening as we expected. Our boys have marched finely; only 2 or 3 having fallen out yet. You will have to pay postage as I am out of stamps. It is thought that we are to go on to Spotsylvania Court House. Col. is gone for orders now. I cannot realize that we are now lying on the ground over which the armies of the contesting parties in this war have fought in combat. Grass is knee high and this field luxuriant. Mother I wish you to preserve what you receive in the box I sent you and in regard to the other packages marked Private and directed to S.J.W in case I never live to return home to take care of them you will do my wishes and give them to her unopened. I do this because I think it proper and honorable for me. If I return I wish to find those articles kept for me and not trifled with. I trust my wishes will be wholly complied with in this matter and believe they will. Mr. Chaplain offers to see my letter sent home and so I have written these lines. Goshen boys are all right and several have told me to remember their names to you, Bill Wadhams, Willard, Ed Huxley, Cyrus B., Cal J, etc.

With Love to all, Good Bye  Fred A Lucas

                        (across the face of an express company receipt)

I hear that the Army are to be prohibited from writing home while at the front so you will not hear from me very often but know that I am in splendid trim and ready for what ever may come. I like this chance which I think is now given us of taking part in field service. We are bound to do something if the chance be given us. Look for something which is worth recording from the 2nd Conn. Good Bye for the present and remember us soldiers as I know you will, Love to all

                        (A note from Willard Wadhams to his mother added to the tail of Fred’s)

My Dear Mother, We are now at Fredericksburg, expect to march onward in a few moments. Am well & happy but rather sore after marching continually for two days. Have only time for a word.

Your Aff. Son                       

Willard Wadhams

Aquia Creek- Belle Plain

Sundown May 18th, 1864

Dear Mother

We arrived here this afternoon and are to march onto Fredericksburg, are to leave here in one hour. Such are our orders now. It is raining & we are given six days rations of Hard Tack & pork, extra ammunition and have thrown away our clothes, prepared for a fight. Grant needs us doubtless and we are ready & eager to aid him. Boys are in high spirits and when next you hear from us Glory may be mixed with the name of the 2nd Conn. Art.

Good Bye, Don’t worry for me Mother I am going to do my duty. Love to all

2 Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Corps, Army of the Potomac,

near Spotsylvania, Va. 9 a.m., May 21st, 1864

Dear Mother

We arrived here about 4 p.m. yesterday and are now lying on the battlefield of Spotsylvania, south of the rebel entrenchments and near Grants and Meade’s hdqtrs. only a few rods from them. These Generals are living just as we are in shelter tents on the ground. This is action service & real soldiering with no boys play about it. At dark last night a party of 300 men from our regiment was sent out digging intrenchments all night while the rest of us lay in line of battle with arms loaded for their protection. We are assigned to Gen. Sedgwick’s old corps now commanded by Gen. Wright and shall see fighting soon.

            I am writing with my paper lying on the butt of a rebel musket found lying on the field. This is a busy place and a great many folks here. Picket firing is kept up continually and the lines are close by us. We are beyond Spotsylvania about half a mile. Firing is kept up daily and I hear with good success to our side but the 1st Mass who came on two days before us have been whipped once and the 15 N.Y. also. I am feeling “bully” this morning but my eyes are heavy for lack of sleep and I am somewhat tired. Goshen boys are all right and the regiment in fine spirits.

D. Munson is by me & sends respects. Will also and Ed Huxley. I don’t know that this will ever reach you but if it does you will know that we are where soldiers work and bleed & die for the cause & nation. We are in a Corps which is now renowned in many a battle and under a Gen. competent to lead. Firing is becoming general along the picket line & I must close on account of my duties. Write me as my letter is directed with name, reg., etc. in full.

Your Dutiful Son

F.A. Lucas Sergt. Maj.

2nd Conn. Vol. Art.

I write in great haste and you will excuse a poor letter won’t you

Evening, June 2nd 1864

On the Battlefield in Reserve force, at Gains Hill or Cold Harbor, VA.

My Dear Friends at Home

I am just informed of an opportunity to send letters home tomorrow morning & will write you for I know many an anxious heart is asking for tidings from us. We are now resting from a very severe battle one of the hottest fights I think considering the troops engaged of this campaign. It commenced yesterday at about

three o’clock. Artillery fire on both sides opened this action. We were formed as sort of a reserve force and lay for about one hour on the ground directly between the fire of two sides the balls & shells flying thick and fast over our heads- meanwhile & occasionally wounding some of our men. Our front line composed of old veterans of many a hard fought field, succeeded in carrying the first line of rebel works but were unable to hold them & broke in great confusion & retreated. Then came our time & throwing off everything but weapons and ammunition we charged on the enemy. Our brave & gallant Colonel led us like a perfect hero as he was wounded by a ball just as we charged on the rife pit. His leg is shattered & I fear will be amputated. Cap. Dean is shot three times but still alive. Cap Wadhams is shot through the hips & I think must die. You will probably see a correct list of our killed & wounded soon & time will not permit me to mention many of them. Reinforcements have arrived today and the fighting still continues.

We must go in again tonight and this rest is but temporary for us. Enough that we have now tasted of the Bloody battlefield & done our duty nobly, won a name of honor, done all we were asked to, drove the enemy from his entrenchments & lying under a galling fire the entire night, held what we gained until relieved at nine this morning. Our commanding General gives us greatest praise. But, Dear Friends this is the bright side of the picture. The romance of war is never realized: its reality is far a different thing. The description of brave & impetuous charges, valiant deeds of heroism & personal exhibitions of daring & courage look well on paper and please the public taste but the real battlefield with it’s (?) & carnage & bloodshed, pain & misery, groans & cries, curses & prayers of the wounded & dying is indeed a scene which my pen cannot describe. But we have already (?) ourselves to (?) such things as matters of course & we soldiers are not affected by them as we once might have been. But today, as we brought in our dead & wounded and found who they were I witnessed many a sad meeting. Brothers have found brothers among the dead, fathers their sons & sons their fathers & old and familiar friends the same trial. I was in charge of Col. K’s [Kellogg] body for several hours & it was a sorrowful study for me to note the sad feelings of our boys as they passed by and took the last fond look of our beloved Colonel. Col. was rash& impetuous & doubtless sold himself by his daring. We lose in him a most efficient & brave officer, a man who has made us as a noted regiment and one to whom we owe much gratitude. Five out of nine of our color guard were hit but none mortally. Willard was slightly scratched on the left knee. Just enough to draw blood I believe. Our colors suffered some being considerably riddled & the staff broken, the spearhead shot off. I am safe and sound with only three holes in my clothing and good for action at any moment. The pits which we took were lined with dead rebels & I think their lose was much worse then ours. Fighting still goes on & we are anticipating much worse fighting soon. We have a very large force & have Beau regard’s army to contend with. I am writing on a rebel cartridge box and on paper taken from a rebel knapsack. My breakfast this morning was a hoecake from a rebs haversack.

I can but feel it almost a miracle from God that I am alive and unhurt. I lay for hours during the fight & one charges subjected to a fire like a heavy storm of hail. Thousands of balls whistled by within a reaching distance I think. Shells exploded in close proximity to me, their fragments flying all about me & I escaped. I wondered we were not all killed for the ground where we (?) was thick pinewood & they had all the advantages of position. We lose many men from rebel sharpshooters who post themselves in the tops of thick pines and pick of our men at leisure, (?) from our right.

My Dear Friends at Home, don’t worry about me. I know you will, but it will not protect me in battle and will afford you little satisfaction. I put my trust in God and leave my life wholly in his care, willing to submit to his righteous will & judgment. If I fall in this campaign it will be at the post of duty and in a good cause. Do with my property as you please if I am killed. I have no further directions on that score. If you failed to receive my letters from Belle Plain & Spotsylvania you will please know my wishes in regard to some packages contained in an Express box I forwarded before leaving the Defenses & you will execute my wishes by doing with them as is directed on the outside of the package, of course not until you are sure of my death.

Give my love to all the friends & tell them I am anxious to hear from all of them & if they will write I shall get them soon in someway. Write often and all the news.

Killed, wounded & missing in our Regiment tonight amount in all to about three hundred.

Of course many will come in as they are scattered among other troops in the fight. I judge the killed will not reach seventy.

Good-bye for this time. Artillery is flying over us again.

Love to all.

From your loving son & brother

F.A. Lucas

Sergt. Maj 2nd CVA

Battlefield of Cold Arbor

near Chickahominy Swamp Va. Sunday Morning June 5-64

My Dear Mother, I was most happily surprised yesterday to see an enormous mail come on the field for our regiment & to receive the nice package of several letters from my dear friends back in Connecticut. 2 were from you, 2 from another “particular” friend, 1 from Aunt Sylvia, 1 from Sarah Gaylord & 1 from Torrington. It does me more good then you can appreciate to receive these tokens of remembrances. It was a curious sight to see our whole regiment lying here on the ground, flat down to avoid the constantly passing shot, shell and grape from the enemy, which were hissing, screeching, and exploding over and among us. Since the terrible & gallant charges in which we were engaged during the first of the fight & in which the 2nd lost so heavily & fought so nobly we have been favored with a sort of respite until last night when half our regiment was sent to the front picket line & is now there.

The fighting early this day is very light near us. Only brisk fire between the skirmishers & an occasional shot from the batteries. Sharper work is looked for before night & active preparations are going on. It is & has been for twenty hours foggy & raining. The enemy seems resolute and determined to break our lines. Desperate bayonet charges are made daily on both sides but thus far have resulted most favorably for us & disastrous to the rebels. This fight has now been in progress four days. We have gained considerable ground & taken a large number of prisoners. But our losses are heavy and we have not yet gained a victory. But we are not to be whipped and feel bound to thrash them anyhow. There is a very large force here and our line of battle must be many miles in length and from three to five lines deep. Artillery is planted all along the line & arranged for crossfire on the enemy where needed. Grant’s headquarters are said to be near us, but I have not seen him for three or four days.

Yesterday our regiment was ordered for another bayonet charge but Gen. Upton who commands our brigade refused to allow us to attempt it as the ground was directly across the wet runny Chickahominy Swamp where the foe could bear upon us his cross fires from artillery & annihilate us. We were ready to try it but our Brigade Commander would not do it. He said we had shown our mettle already & he would not have us sacrificed. And he was not put under arrest neither for when he explained the grounds of his refusal and showed the Division General the impossibility of the thing being a success his views were allowed to be correct and no charge was attempted.

Last night while I was snoozing on the bare ground rendered soft and easy by the rain & with a thick fog and inky blackness of the night air for my blanket I was awakened by what I thought was a tremendous volley of musketry. I thought the enemy right among us. I sprang to my feet and clutched my arms ready for action. All was apparently quiet in our regiment, nothing unusual going on, for the constant whistle of flying balls is more matter of course with us. I soon found the cause of my alarm. A battery was to be planted and it must needs be done at night when the rebel sharpshooters could not pick of(f) the men at work. Some three hundred axes were whacking with lively strokes into the thick pine trees near us & sounded much like an attack of musketry. The trees fell rapidly and when daybreak came this morning a large cleared lot was seen where at dusk last evening was thick woods: & yonder is planted behind thick works four large guns which bellow in thunder tones their address to Johnny Reb & from whose mouths fly out the iron hail of grape canister & solid shot dealing death & destruction to the foe beyond the swamp. And this is the Sabbath Day! How differently from the quiet days at home.

An hour may see us in hand-to-hand struggle with our foe or stretched in death upon the works where we now crouch from the missiles of the enemy. I was again brought to realize the death of our old comrades when the large mail of yesterday came in & brought piles of letters for them. Oh the sad news that must go to so many homes, that terrible bayonet charge has clad many a home circle in the garb of mourning. I sympathize with all these friends for some of the finest, noblest boys I ever knew are among the number of slain. Sergeants Payne of Cornwall, McGrane, McBurny, Capt. Wadhams & a score of other brave and gentlemanly soldiers, beloved by all who knew them; we must ever feel their loss. Our Chaplain is doing a good work for us since we left the Defenses. He works continually for our comfort, attends to the sick and wounded, takes care of our mails, sends home the mementoes of the boys who die to their friends & in a thousand ways serves us continually. Those who used to find fault with him up in the Defenses are now his admirers.

Goshen boys are generally well. Cyrus B is wounded slightly & Jim Quinn also. It is curious that none of the Goshen boys were killed in the charge. Lieut. McCabe was sick in hospital and not engaged in the fight.  I have not heard from him in two days, then he was quite sick. Ed Huxley was not with us in the fight. He was back attending to his duties as Quarter Master. Please assure his friends of his safety if they have not already heard which I think they must.

You inquire about my duties in battle and if I carry a knapsack & sword, sleep on the ground, have a tub, ride a horse etc. Now I will reply to these inquiries. My duty in the field & on the marches is to receive the reports of several companies, keep the list and strength of the regiment, make out the reports and forward them: assist the adjutant in forming of the regiment in line of battle and its moves on the field, besides many other duties which I cannot give full details of. In regards to knap-sack all our officers & soldiers in the field are compelled to carry all they have on their backs either in knapsacks or otherwise. Only the Col., Lieut. Col., Majors & adjutant are allowed a horse. The majority of us have nothing but what we wear on our backs. I have not a rag but my poor suit, which was good when we started but lying on the ground for three weeks has changed, has badly soiled them. All fair alike from the Gen. down to the private soldier, sleep on the ground and eat the same rations. It is a common sight for us to see our General ride past galloping on his horse with one hand guiding his steed and the other holding the hard tack on which he was knawing.

My weapons are a sword and “seven shooter” but in the charge the other night I lost my sword and took a dead mans musket & accoutrements & went through with them. I afterwards got hold of a rebel Major’s sword which he surrendered when he was made a prisoner but I had no scabbard & in a shape “scrimmage” afterwards was forced to drop it as my time was occupied wholly by my musket. I am praised for using my musket and called a “bully Boy” but I am lacking a sword & want one badly. You may send one in your next letter if you please, one of good ring and mettle four feet long, with steel scabbard. My right arm is good yet & I feel like swinging a heavy weapon.

Willard is well and sends respects to all the friends. The fog is rising and the day grows brighter, balls are getting thicker and shells visit us more often. I must close this dirty sheet and hope you will be able to interrupt most of it. It is written under difficulties if I know what my situation is & you will excuse of course. With the hope that this will soon reach you and meet a quick response and that this campaign will make us victorious over secession, & end the Rebellion, return those of us who remain to friends & home to enjoy the blessing of peace & quietness. I will close leaving you & all of you with myself also in Gods hands.

Good Bye, Fred

Monday, June 6- 1864,

Battle Field of Cold Arbor, Va. 12 n.

My Dear Mother, I have just received a letter from you dated May 30th & have just ten minutes to write you before our mail goes out. I wrote you yesterday. We are just where we then were & the bullets and shells are flying just the same old way. Now & then a man gets struck, one was killed close by me this morning. The missiles come a long distance, as there is a bad swamp between us & the rebs. They keep up constant fire on us which we return at intervals. Last evening they made a charge on our works but were nicely repulsed with lose to them & none to us. The dead rebs are now seen lying outside our works where they fell.

Batteries are being planted here and our position is being strengthened continually. I think we have a very large force to fight against here. Several of the other Conn. regiments are here also & charges are made daily at different points.

I have just been to a shallow muddy stream and washed out my cloths & put them on to dry. Many of us have taken on boarders and skirmishing for Graybacks in our under clothes is a daily necessity.

Our Regiment is divided into two battalions; one half at a time being on the extreme front and relieved at every evening. We are becoming used to this life and flying balls are scarcely winced at now however close their proximity to us.

Goshen boys are all doing well I believe. I sent on ten dollars as I do not want it here at present. We (?????) at Belle Plain.

I am a thus far in fine health even-though ragged & dirty& Willard is ditto. I write in extreme haste & must say Good Bye.

From your Aff. son

Fred

Cold Arbor Va. June 9th 1864

My Dear Mother, An agent of the U.S. Christian Commission has kindly given each man in our reg. one sheet of paper and one envelope. Mine will go to you directly. I am still alive and in good health with a fine appetite & fair prospects considering the circumstances.

The 2nd C.V.A. now lies one mile in rear of the extreme front line of battle & has thus enjoyed a temporary rest of two days but tonight we commence duty in the extreme front again.

Where we now are we are comparatively free from the annoyances of shot & shell but still visited by them. (???) suffer some from them. Everything has been more quiet along our lines for two days, but last evening a smart artillery fire blasted a short time & continued at intervals during the night.

The pickets on our front & the rebel pickets met yesterday at several points & by mutual agreement had a friendly talk, made exchanges of food etc and visited together. The officers of either party could not prevent them & many are the interesting stories to be told now of this meeting. Our men wear badges of red or white or blue to designate the division & Corps to which they belong & this mark was a puzzle to the rebs. One old rebel, after being informed what these emblems meant seemed much affected & with tearful eyes exclaimed: “Red, White & Blue, I have lived happily for half a century under that dear old flag & now here I am in a war against it.”& after a moments thought he threw down his rife & rushed into our lines.

There appears at present to be active preparations going on here for a long siege. Lee will of course holdout as long as possible & he has a very large force here & Grant will stick to him until he affects something decisive. Batteries are being planted by our troops continually & our works are being strengthened also. We seem to gain a trifle nearly everyday as a new breastworks is taken somewhere.

The 8th Conn. lies near us & I see Ben Page often. He is very well. His regiment is much reduced in numbers & his company numbers only 25 with officers. Ben is the only Corporal left. Goshen Boys are doing well. All in fine spirits & good health generally. Capt. Fenn is much liked by all his men. He is a very plucky boy & during the fight of June 1st & our terrible charge he proved himself a cool, brave & efficient officer. It is much with Fenn as with our regiment in the sight of veteran troops of our Corps.  They thought because they had been through so many fights & gained such a reputation as the “Fighting Sixth” enjoys, that we could do nothing & whenever they met us, greeted us with “Horary Heavies, How are the Washington Pets?”- “White gloves & shiny brasses” etc., but since June 1st not a word has been heard like this. They now admire the 2nd & are proud to tell that we belong to their Corps. It was the 2nd Heavy Conn. “who drove back the advancing foe and dispossessed him of his works, caused him to fall back across the swamp & then held the advantage gained for seven days under a galling fire. And they did this with the demoralizing influence of thousands of “skedaddling” veterans beaten back in confusion & retreating through our lines breaking us & hindering & confusing our men. Our Gen. kept near us during our charge & the praise he gives us is tending to raise us in the estimation of all the troops. We are to have a new Colonel soon a Captain McKinsley of the Regular Army. He was recommended by Gen. Upton & a petition has been sent to Gov. Buckingham that he be made our Colonel.

We are so near the rebels now that when our bands play in the evening the rebel bands will strike up & return the music across the swamp.

Our rations are more varied now. We have Pork one day in four, Beef all the time, Hard Tack all the time, salt, pepper, & vinegar, coffee & sugar. We have seen no vegetables since we left the Defenses.

Well Mother, you have by this time learned all the sad tidings of our fight and seen the misery of those who have suffered the loss of their dear friends. How grateful we all should be that Goshen was so much favored & that so few were lost. You are worrying for us, I know you are, but you know that He who looks after the sparrows will take care of us as well. We will trust to his care &leave ourselves in his hands.

With love to all inquiring friends and more especially to Father, Sisters, & brothers I close with the hope you may receive this & reply soon.

From Your Dutiful Son

F.A. Lucas, Serg. Maj.

2nd C.V.A.

If you will send me some stamps I would like it. I wrote you last time so hurriedly that I sealed up the stamp sent me before I knew it.

June 12th 1864, Cold Arbor, VA.

Dear Mother, you are wishing for news from us & are continually anxious to hear from me. I will write you again to inform you that I am yet well & in good health. We still remain where we were when I last wrote you but think we shall march again soon. I cannot comprehend the position of things here nor understand what is going on. Yesterday we thought we were in for a long siege on the rebels, but this afternoon the 18th Corps has left & report says we are to follow.

Time will tell & we wait with patience. Shells continue to explode among us quite often & casualties occur daily. Today a man was shot through the head in Co, D. He was acting as a sharpshooter & yesterday killed a reb sharpshooter who was posted in a tall tree. Today he himself was shoot.

Our new Colonel is with us & in command of the Regiment. He is an inferior looking officer but I think knows enough after all. He has commanded very strict & I think will equal Col. K. as a disciplinarian. He is quite a young man scarcely 25 years of age I judge. He was attached to Gen. Meads’ staff & was Captain of the Engineer Department. Gen. Mead objected to his leaving but Gen. Warren urged his promotion & the War Department complied. Doctor Hazard is soon to leave us. Heavy charges are preferred against him for Cowardice during our fight. Neglect of Duty & of the men under his care etc. He chooses to resign rather then risk a Court Martial & will go soon. He is a coward of the first water & we are generally glad to lose him, though he was a fair surgeon when whiskey was scarce. Dr. Plumb is appointed Brigade Surgeon & is reputed as the most skillful man in this division. He has charge of all the amputations. Goshen boys are all doing well.

We get no mail lately. It will come all right, I think in a day or two when I hope to hear from you once more. Write very often.

There is a little fighting going on here now. Every few hours the Artillery will open & the rebels will reply & for a little time a lively game of shot & shell play will be kept up between them. This amounts to nothing more than to ascertain the locality of each other’s batteries with now & then a few lives sacrificed on both sides. Since I last wrote you I have drawn six good potatoes and a tablespoonful of “Sour Krut” so that I can say I have eaten once more of vegetables.

The tall portly sergeant who visited you the first of April is reduced to a slim specimen of a Serg. Maj., in length of course the same, but in circumference- most wonderfully collapsed. My shadow as well as my self grows beautifully less & surplus flesh troubles me little. I am in good fighting trim and can stand many a hard knock still. I would like to have you look at me just now. I have washed my shirt & hung it up on a stick over my shelter & am seated on the ground under my tent writing. Pantaloons & boots on alternately engaged driving off the pesky flies who will bite my back & writing you this letter. Willard sits by my side & is snoring sweetly as if at home & no rebels existed. There, Will has rolled over & declares he has not been asleep at all-. Well, Mother, I want you & all the folks at home to write me. The letters will come through- thanks to the Christian Commission and will be a source of great comfort to me here. Give my respects to all who might inquire & excuse the careless ness & hastiness of this as well as any dirty sheet.

With the hope this “Cruel War” may “soon be over” and that we “may meet again” after Rebellion is crushed and the Union restored.

I close with a Good Bye

From your dutiful  Fred

P.S. No letter for me today & no letters permitted to be sent out. I will lay this by & mail when opportunity is given.

Litchfield Enquirers have come & very curious accounts of our loses. You have not yet seen the correct list but I hope will soon have one. The Editorial is a good one but hardly does us justice after all.

June 15th 1864. 10 o-clock a.m.

1 mile from James River; 2 miles east from Charles City Court House, VA.

Dear Mother, since I wrote you the other sheet enclosed we have march many a long mile. We left Cold Arbor that afternoon & marched with little rest for twenty-four hours, slept one night & marched all day & now are here encamped in a ripe wheat field in sight of James River. We are probably to proceed up the river towards Fort Darling & may move any hour. It is a beautiful day but was a cold damp night. The climate here is bad, the days hot and dry, the nights very cold & heavy dews. The water is scarce & poor & usually effects all alike bring on a Dysentery which weakens the troops.

I am pretty well yet & endure the fatigues of the campaign as well as the average of the boys. Goshen Boys are generally well. We like our new Colonel very much.

Whiting, Bill Wadhams & E. Cleveland of C Company are promoted to Corporals. Eldridge is reduced to a private again.

We have no stamps & all our letters go without prepayment of postage but folks at home will not grumble I hope. You are all glad to hear from us. This war costs us in the field something more valuable then dollars & cents & which you at home can know anything of. We look for a reward for this in the capture of Richmond & the Defeat of Lee & trust both will be effected err long. With Love to all I remain your

Dutiful Son

Fred

June 19th 1864

One mile east of Petersburg VA.

In the works just taken from the rebs. came here three hours ago. I am all right & Goshen boys ditto. No time to write at all Mail goes in two minutes. Your letter of the 10 just came. Glad to hear from you. The 1st Conn are near us. Expect to fight tonight & hope if we do to take the city before us.

Our boys are tired from long marches & loss of sleep & rest but in good spirits generally.

Will is quite well & has had a chance to write a good letter home. Wish I had time

Hope to hear often from you all write me your letters will come through

Love to all the Folks.

Fred

In the Field near Petersburg VA.

June 21st, 1864. 3 o-clock P.M.

My Dear Mother

Once again, while lying under the music of screaming shot & hissing shell, whizzing balls & exploding missiles I take pencil and paper in hand & in the (?) quiet of a horizontal position, behind a comparatively safe earthen work I propose to give you a brief description of our position. We are lying in the second line of works from the enemy and less than half a mile from the rebels.

Yesterday we lay in the first line about forty rods from the Johnnies and were relieved last night. We go back again tonight. We are constantly under fire from pickets & sharpshooters who are posted behind the houses & buildings of the city, in chimneys & upper windows, tall tress etc. Our boys reply when a good chance is given them. We have thrown up high works of dirt and are quite safe. Now & then a man gets hit but our losses are very slight.

The artillery of both sides are playing upon each other with shot and shell. Ours are sent into the city, while those of the enemy are thrown at our batteries. We can plainly hear the town clocks of Petersburg as they tell the passing hours & the whistle of the engines on the Railroads. A whistle from one of these iron horses always draws a piece of cold iron from our field guns & then back will come the “thank you” from the Johnnie Rebel Batteries.

Petersburg appears from where we are to be quite a city. I should think about the size of Alexandria. I can see seven churches or public buildings looking much like them. there are several beautiful residences about us, splendid houses with rough, jagged holes torn through them, chimneys knocked off & windows shattered, the effects of war on the premises. Now & then our boys find provisions, meat, salt, & tobacco etc. The rebel gardens here are being made good use of. “C” company had a nice dinner today of Beets, Squash, New Potatoes, & Greens. There is the best land here which I have seen since I left Conn. Large fields of wheat & Rye ripe for harvest & very heavy crops. Corn as high as my head, & the oat field between us & the enemy of equal height & very heavy.

Last night I saw some of our boys sleeping on the feather beds taken from the deserted mansion near by. Nice beds these are for tired soldiers & a good use to which rebel property can be put. I have become so accustomed to the  (?) ring of cannon & the cracking of rifles that I can lay down anywhere on the ground and sleep sound and sweetly. Water here is very good. much better then any we have before seen. the sharpshooters have good range on the watering places & keep the canteen fillers dodging & the water riled. I am in with the “color Guard” a squad of ten. Color Sergeant Soule(?) & nine color Corporals. We have dug a hole about six feet deep and over this raised our shelter tents. It makes quite a nice cool place and we lay here on the ground like ten pigs in a dry goods box.

This morning I felt a terrible itching sensation in the region of my spinal vertebrae & judging as well as my military knowledge assisted me concluded that a force of “gray backs” had made a desperate stand there and were about to attack my rear. I hastened to prepare for battle, pulled of(f) my clothing, threw out my line of skirmishers, mustered my forces and with greatest caution advanced on my skulking foe. The charge was gallant & desperate and continued for an hour. The enemy were forced to beat a retreat and I followed close upon them, but owing to the tangles thicket of the rough surface of woolen garments was successful in catching only one of the assailants who very soon paid the death penalty for their crimes. Similar attacks have been made in several places lately & go where you will, you will see a battle in progress & blood being spilled. When the season becomes advanced and the Virginia Mosquitoes are hatched they with the present tormentors will keep us busy and leave little spare time or extra blood. We have plenty to eat and of fair quality, but sleeping accommodations are poor and a citizen’s bed would be a luxury. You have of course read the sounding titles of these Virginia cities, county seats & villages. Cold Arbor is a fair specimen of the majority. this noted place consists of one old brick house with a log barn attached & riddled with shot & shell.  Gaines Mill has three buildings about as fine in architecture as your hog house or a good horse shed. But here everything has a better look & houses & lands present a fine appearance. Virginia is reduced to a great degree & the soil of the state is in many places almost barren. The fields are still laid out with the old corn & tobacco rows but there is not vitality enough in the soil to sustain or generate a crop of weeds. All along our line of march from the swamp of Chicahominy to Petersburg were strewn the dead bodies of mules & horses “mustered out” by the excessive toils of the campaign. Small squads of hero slabs are seen at short intervals marking the last resting place where lie the bodies of those soldiers who have fallen there. And there they lie unknown & far from kindred or friend. Over whose graves, ere a few short months be past will pass the plow & spade & be grown the crops of the resident farmers. Tis sad thus to moralize but I often think such things and wonder to myself if it be my lot thus to be left beneath the soil of this desolate land.

One man in Co. E has just been killed, was shot through the body, His name was Everetts. He was a recruit. One man was just wounded in a Maine regiment near us. He will die, was shot in the side. I think Grant is continuing his flank movement around Petersburg as the cannonading tonight sounds farther off in the distance & our cavalry has moved that way.

We like our new Colonel very well. He is very strict- but in a far different manner from Col. Kellogg. He uses no superfluous language or extravagant expressions and I never heard him use any profane words. He is a man of little style and no dignity- of appearance but is a man well informed, self-possessed, of few words, and very decided & I think of good judgment. He has been with the army ever since the war broke out and always in the field where he has had opportunity of learning all the “arts” of warfare.

The only thing I fear of him is that he will keep us in the field longer then some men might. We met the 1st Conn. at their guns back near Paumekey. They are having very easy times, nothing to do but go through their daily drill of target practice at rebels, at their safe distance & eat their soft bread and lay at their ease. Keep their brasses scoured and cloths clean. We are quite a contrast to theirs and the difference between infantry and Artillery is plain to be seen. It is thought by some that we may get some big guns and possibly be brigaded with the 1st Conn.

Early morning June 22 1864

We are about ten miles distant from where I laid by my writing yesterday. We took up our line of march at dark & with no rest landed here & slept till daylight. Where we are I cannot tell, I only know that we marched toward the rising moon nearly all the way. I think we are near our left flank and are to approach the Railroad below Petersburg & cut it if possible. The accounts of our fight at Cold Arbor in the county papers are about as correct the prognostications of an ice bound weather- cock. Curious it is that we have no one here who can inform the Litchfield & Winsted Editors something of a correct manner of the conduct of that battle. You ask me how badly Maj. Rice was wounded. He was but little hurt & kept from his saddle only about ten days. The ball only grazed his thigh & groin. J. Quinn is not dead & not badly wounded. I hear J Palmer is not wounded nor Wm. Beach of Goshen. Goshen boys are doing well. Serg. Newcombe is sick but not very seriously. Doctor Calkins of Wolcottville came into our camp a few minutes ago. His looks plainly showed his surprise at our change in external appearance. He laughed & cried both at the same time. One of his boys was wounded at Cold Arbor. Willard is well. He received two letters from home yesterday. I wish I could get letters oftener. Well I suppose Albert & Charley are chuckling over their escape from this campaign. Well they may for I should chuckle some if honorably rid of it myself, but under present circumstances I am satisfied where I am. This is pretty rough living and is a trifle too barbarous to suit even my tastes and habits, but if it will accomplish the object intended I shall be perfectly satisfied. But I cannot see how the taking of Richmond will crush the Rebellion if we fail to catch Lee’s army also.

We steadily pursue our weary way of fighting & digging & marching asking no questions and doubting not the good reasons with perfect confidence in our leader. Grant is at present the man of the Potomac and has the confidence of all his troops. Rations are issued this morning and I close with love to all folks.

Write often and accept from your dutiful son

Fred

In the Field near Petersburg Va. June 25th/64

My dear Mother, Your letter dated the 22nd came this morning. I was glad to hear that all was well at home. We are doing no fighting now. Yesterday & day before all was quiet in our front although hard battles were fought on either side of us. We are now lying in the extreme front and doing picket duty by two companies at a time, the rest of the regiment remaining in the works.

During the day of the 22nd, our regiment became engaged with the enemy- or rather the advanced line of skirmishers belonging to our regiment. They were thrown out to feel the way to the Rail Road from Petersburg to N.C. & skirmishing through the thick woods were surprised & nearly surrounded by a force of rebels. The enemy charged on them killing several & wounding about a score & securing about as many more as prisoners. This estimate is too large I think but the exact figures I have not yet received. Corp. Orson W. Winn of “C” company was killed, shot through the breast & shoulder & died almost instantly. His body was found just today & buried in the woods near where he fell. Orson was a fine, noble, soldier and one soldier we shall all miss very much. He was ever ready to do his duty & ever done it faithfully. But with him as with our laminated Col. Kellogg, he had a dark foreboding of evil before him & during our time in the field was often heard to remark that he feared he would never survive the campaign. Seelye Richmond was wounded by a run away horse, had his arm badly broken. Wm. Wadhams had his two/ first fingers of his right hand shot through with a ball. Will not lose them but is laid up a while. Col. McKinsley had two fingers shot off his right hand & his horse shot under him. Lieut. Knight was badly wounded in the head. Lieut. Hempstead shot through the lungs. Many other casualties, too many for me to give in detail. But our boys inflicted some injuries on the rebels as several dead bodies were found next day when we advanced on the ground and found the enemy had fallen back. The R.R was taken & track torn up, & we heard no Engine whistling mockingly at us now. The note Rebel Gen. A.P. Hill’s Corps is lying the other side the R.R. & we expect a dash with his boys anytime.

This is a perfect “Howling Wilderness”, nothing but thick tangled pine trees filled with under brush, rendering it necessary to cut roads in all directions- for the wagon trains with supplies & the batteries of guns & the ammunition. On the 23rd the wind blew up quite strong & favoring the enemy; they set fire to the woods in front of them & down upon our lines came the scorching devouring flames. They rolled up sky high, hot & seething & with a cloud of cinder ashes & smoke to suffocate an army. It was by great effort we succeeded in checking it’s purpose & now everywhere we go all is black and grimy with the ashes & filth of the conflagration. No cozy, grassy nock to lie down on, no soft evergreen shrubs to make a bed of when comes in but all is crisp, Black & sooty. Besides there is no water here except as we dig deep in the swampy marshes and wait for it to soak in. And then it is so poor you would not really wash your feet in it while at home. Horses are suffering terribly for want of drink & many are dying. It is now nearly a month since rain has fallen here. The weather is terrible, warm & yesterday 3 of C company were sun struck.

I am with Co. C for the present & acting as file closer or Lieut. if you please. But this is only a temporary think (sic) & as for a commission I have no thoughts of one & if this is to be the life for three years I want none.

Will is well & sends respects. We drew some beautiful bacon yesterday lately captured of the rebels. I will give “Our Dear Southern Brethren” credit for one thing. They can put up the best of “smoked broad-side”. I enclose a token taken from the pocket of a dead rebel. The letter was never opened till I tore the envelope. It was given me by the man who took it off the body. How do you admire the style of it. The sentiment is good but the chirography! Numbers of our boys have such things as knives, inkstands, pencils, pictures etc. etc. taken from the rebel dead but I have little taste for such things.

(A quarter page remains missing; this unidentified loose page may fit here)

There is considerable sickness in the regiment as will of course result from the severe duties we are performing and poor water. Serg. Newcombe is sent to the rear quite sick I believe. Co. “C” endures the hardship quite as well as the majority of them. N. Bissell is gone as waiter for Cap. Fenn who is on Gen. Upton’s Staff. He now gets clear of all fighting & has easier times. Last night our whole regiment marched two miles and worked till midnight throwing up entrenchments. To show you whether our duties are trifling or not I give you the estimate of our force now & when we left the defenses. My figures are reliable for you know I keep the books & ought to know. About 1550 effective men started from the Defences. Today’s Report puts up 1163 including present sick. One months labor from Belle Plain to Petersburg has told heavily upon us. We have seen harder times than the usual tenor of my letters would doubtlessly imply. I have always felt cheerful & wrote the brighter side of matters. You at home can never know a thousanth (sic) part of what this war is costing & yet I will not grumble, on the contrary I think I am candid in declaring that I am glad to be here. Yes, from the bottom of my heart I am satisfied to endure all this only that we may finally be successful. I have been longing for months to see this part of the service & I cannot yet repent that we are sent to the front. Thus far our record is fair & bright and I trust those who survive the campaign will never know any disgrace from acts of his regiment. The Battle of Cold Harbor was not without its good results even to us if we indeed did suffer from the loss of so many brave & good men. The terrible hours of that contest with the multitude of agonizing pictures & death scenes & sufferings brought many men to the “thinking point” and to inquire within himself if he was ready for such things. Among many whom I am certain are now serious if not reclaimed entirely are Bill Rice & Lieut. Sanford, both of whom were professors of Religion when we came out, but who had become backsliders & careless while in the Defences- are now once more on “praying ground”. Both have talked with me & I am happy to tell you both are once more “fully persuaded to live with faith in God & as serving his righteous cause”. I wish some members of the Y.M.C. association would immediately write to Bill.

Well Mother you at home are wielding the weapons of peace, we here the implements of war. May the time soon come when the “sword will be beaten into plowshares & the spear into pruning hooks, when instead of this trade of shedding another man’s blood can be substituted the tilling of the soil or working in the various trades and sciences of civilized civil life.

With love to all the folks I am your Aff.        Fred

Sunday Morning, June 26th 1864.

My Dear Mother, Another Sabbath day has dawned on the forces of our large army and a clear, cloudless beautiful morn it is. All is quiet in our immediate front & aside from the ever-present bustle & confusion of a large army; it is very quiet with us. There is a fight in progress far to the right & has been kept up lively all night. This morning the musketry & cannonading is continuous & quite plain. I don’t know where it is precisely but think it farther to the right & between our men & Petersburg.

We now hold the ground as far as the R.R. but cannot yet control that as the enemy have posted heavy batteries & defend it. Our troops sent out to demolish the track were attack & a large number taken prisoners. They had stacked their arms near the R.R. & were busy at work when surprised and routed; the stacks of arms are so located that they remain where they were left by the captured troops, neither we nor the rebels will permit the other party to approach them. An engagement will yet occur over the muskets & perhaps a sever battle will be the result of it.

An accidental shot from some careless or cowardly fellow will often throw the pickets into a smart skirmish with each other. Last night our regiment was ordered to pitch their camp and were flattered with the prospect of a little rest, but this morning an additional detail of two companies was ordered for a reconnaissance toward the enemy which looks anything but a rest for us. It is most oppressively hot this morning & here is these low pines without a breeze stirring & not water enough to “wet our whistles” with is anything but pleasant.

Oh! Mother! We are to have soft bread tonight if nothing prevents. It is on the way to us. Will be only two days old they say & Oh! what a luxury for us. And a whole log for each man. (?) we fat though. We draw rations of whiskey often now. But it is fiery and burns one’s stomach like a live coal. I think it of little benefit to the men except in cases of sickness. We have no cause for complaint in regards to rations. Government serves us most liberally & with good quality considering the distance and the impediments of the transportation.

How I should like to sit in an easy chair in the middle room this morning or “take it easy” on the lounge and have a visit with you all: then to ride to church and once more see something of civil life and the attendant blessings. Why Mother, I have hardly seen a respectable citizen since I left Ft. Corcoran & I know I have not seen a respectable women since we left Fredericks burg. Nothing here but bronzed faces of tired and duty worn soldiers, rough & ragged & dirty, one moment in preparation for a battle, the rest quietly squatting in the dirt “munching” hard tack & pork or bacon & sipping their hastily prepared coffee: the next moment on the march with the clouds of stifling dust annoying their breathing organs and filling every nook & crevice in their accouterments forming a thick coating over all: or perhaps the next moment you see them resting & right where they stood at the word of command Halt rest! there they lie with arms in hand, rations and ammunition, everything they posses still strapped to them and watch them one minute only & you will count by scores the sleeping soldiers. Does this not look like a tired lot of boys. You don’t know what it is to be tired. Boys at home who never endured this campaign never knew what it was to be actually fatigued. One thing more. Our Corps is & has been always the foremost in almost everything. Gen. Sedgwick was always a hard working man & it followed that his Corps must work hard too. “The Flying 6th Corps” was one of the epithets given to his command. Now that Gen. Wright has succeeded him, we still keep the reputation good.

A joke does us good sometimes. I give you one of our latest. While on our last march we overtook and passed a regiment of cavalry which were compelled to give up their horses & shoulder muskets & ad. as infantry. Well, they don’t like the idea any better than we Heavy Artillery boys do & it plagues them to laugh at them about it. I ran across a lively, jovial looking Serg. among the men & sang out to him & inquired why they went a foot. He looked daggers at me but being a sensible man concluded it best to choke his anger & feel good over our mutual misfortunes. He hesitated a moment and I saw that he was loading for a practical shot at me. He looked at our long regiment flying by his own & laughingly bawled out, so our boys all heard him too. “You see when we started on this trip you had the lead & we were mounted but you march so like the Devil our horses soon played out & now we are compelled to take muskets and act as dismounted cavalry.”

Mother you will have to pay postage on this letter too as I want my stamp for another place. Postage stamps are as dear & scarce as good water. There are none to be for any recompense. Now please write me a good long letter when you get this. You will excuse the looks of this for I have described the “lay of the land” where we are to you. If you ever get hold of Leslie’s Illustrated New Paper of a late date you will see a picture of Steven’s Battery at Cold Harbor, VA during the fight. We lay on the ground directly in front of the guns and their shot & shell passed over us towards the enemy this was at the commencement of the fight & previous to the charge. The rifle pits taken by us were a mile from the battery. Brass Bands are now playing finely and old solemn tunes which we used to hear in church at home. It sounds sweetly and is appropriate for the Sabbath even here in the army and in face of the enemy. Last night I heard some fine signing in camp. We are not all used up yet you see but have some fine feeling left yet.

Yours in Love & accept from your Dutiful ,Fred

Friday P.M.

Mrs. Lucas

I received a letter from Fred last night and he enclosed some memorandum notes for me to read, and wished me to give them to you together with a letter. Enclosed find all.

Sarah Jane Wadhams

Camp in the Woods near Petersburg, Va.       July 3rd, 1864

7 o’clock a.m.

My Dear Mother,

This is one of the most beautiful mornings I ever saw, cool, breezy & balmy. a morning which compels one to feel happy in spite of himself-in spite of all the noise, bustle & confusion of a large army in force before thee-in spite of the liability at any moment of pitched battle with the enemy with all the dreadful results of such an event sure to follow-in spite of the watching, waiting, weary marching, and hard fighting- Yes in spite of all this one must feel good on such a morning as this. All is very quiet along our lines just now though some heavy firing was done about midnight near the right of the line. Yesterday was one of the most quiet days I ever saw for the 4th of July. The anniversary opened with a salute- National or otherwise-of a few big guns on the Rebels, throwing their missiles far over into the Confederate Door Yards, but no reply being given the firing soon ceased and nothing of the kind was heard during the afternoon. During the afternoon our boys had a lot of fun over a coon. a large one was discovered posted on a limb of a high tree in the center of the camp. It being the “Glorious 4th” the boys thought it not improper to have a little noise & sport over the animal. Soon a nibble fellow, whose former occupation as sailor had rendered him skillful as a climber, was up the tree with an ax on his back & soon brought down the coon on the head of the crowd below. I hardly know which was ore scared, the coon or the boys. Now for a catch game through the woods & a lively time there was of it. Officers participated in the race & soon the coon is caught. Now for some fun. It is proposed to raise a purse and give it to anyone smart enough to capture the coon after being sent up a certain tall, slim, smooth tree in the camp. The reward is offered & Mr. Coon quickly climbs the tree. Now the sport is renewed again & many a loud hearty shout goes ringing out through the woods as the discomfited fellows are after another attempt-the experiment & fail. Not one could bring down the coon & axes are resorted to & the tree cut. Now for another race & a noisy scrap through the woods: but it is of no use. The frightened animal is again captured & again let loose for another chase until the sport is ended by a dog who interferes and as is common with our canine friends tastes the coon & ends his career. Don’t you think this a curious play spell while lying in force in the front line before the enemy? Your letter of the 28th came to me yesterday. I was very glad to hear from you. I would like to be up home & attend the “Tableaux” of the 4th. I hope you all had a pleasant time of it. My health I think is daily improving. My sore throat is nearly well & appetite much better. Willard is very well & sends respects to all. Goshen boys are all generally quite well and endure the duties of our life extremely well. We have had a very easy time of it for three days past but are liable any hour to be engaged or sent into a battle. I think Grant does not wish to fight Lee but to simply surround & hold him inside the entrenchments of Petersburg & Richmond. If he can cut off all supplies from Lee he will then have the rope around his neck and all that is necessary is to slowly tighten the cord & choke him down. This will take him but it is preferable to charging their works & losing so many lives.

Can you send me a handkerchief or two by mail? If you can tie them up safe and leave one end of the envelope open so that the postmaster can see what they are and no extra postage will be charged. Also send me in your next letter a little money; five dollars I think will do it at a time. Give respects to all friends and write often as you can.

From Your Affectionate Son, Frederick A. Lucas,

Serg. Maj., 2nd C.V.A.

Pooleville, Maryland, July 13th, 1864

My Dear Mother

While lying in waiting for orders to take up our line of march I again, I will drop you a line to let you know where I am. I am now feeling quite strong and well again. We had a hard march yesterday. We were surprised at leaving the trenches below Petersburg & had a beautiful voyage down the James & up the Potomac to Washington & found Washington folks frightened all most to death, but a dash from the Petersburg boys upon the rebels outside the forts soon reassure the citizens of our Capital & they now breath fine again. Our Corps had a brisk fight with the rebels before they beat a retreat & the enemy were never so much astounded as when they saw the old 6th Corps after them. They thought us down at Petersburg. The enemy were completely routed & large numbers killed. Some two hundred were taken prisoners. We have since been following close on their track and capturing prisoners constantly. They have done little damage here but to cut the telegraph lines & rob citizens of food & cattle. Where we are now lying was the scene yesterday afternoon of a sharp fight about two hours before we reached here, the rebels left in a hurry.

Where we go now I don’t know. Whether on after the rebels or some other place. This is a beautiful country and in a flourishing & prosperous condition. I would very much like to give you a long detailed account of our route from Petersburg to Washington but I cannot now. Write me as usual and my letters will direct. Goshen boys generally are doing well, although the severe marching of the last two days has been trying for all.

Willard is back at Georgetown sick I think. I found him unwell just after the column had started & could not stop to look after him. He will be taken care of all right & may join us today.

Your Aff. Son, Fred

Sunday Morning, July 30, 1864

In the field south of Petersburg, Va.

My Dear Mother,

            I have not written a letter for many days but being at a little leisure this morning I must write you a short one. I would gladly write a long letter today but the heat is so very sultry & sweltering that I cannot do it without great exertion. I have been down sick for a week but never intended you should know of it untill Will told me that he had mentioned it to you in a letter& so I will tell you I have had one of the worst sore mouths & throat I ever had. A kind of canker I think. I was also suffering severely from Diarrhea & have been a used up man lately. I was threatened with being sent to Washington for treatment but have kept with my regiment thus far & by the aid of Serg. Munson, who acted for me have kept up with my official duties. We returned here yesterday from a successful raid on the P. & N.C.O. R.R. having torn up & destroyed many miles of it & burned the building at the Reams Station. We found the place deserted almost entirely & houses well filled with choice provisions. Upon digging in the garden & lots adjoining we found wines, Liquors & meats hid in the ground. The force which went further on to destroy the Danville road, I hear was captured by the rebels. Among them were a body of our first Conn. Cavalry. I hear our men lost several pieces of artillery there.

            Tomorrow is the “4th”. Glorious place this is to enjoy the Anniversary. Quite a picnic we will have, lunch on hard tack, toast over coffee. Speechify with powder & ball and “Sing the song of Marches hard & Many”.

Mother I am certainly better & I think improving. Don’t worry about me if W. had not told stories of me I should not told you I was sick untill quite well again. Would that be right Mother? Well, give my respects to all who inquire, you must excuse a short letter this time. I hope to hear from you today if I don’t I shall be disappointed. Write often as possible. Willard is very well & endures the duties of this campaign first rate. Goshen Boys are generally well I believe.          From Fred

2 miles west of Harpers Ferry, Va.

Shanandoah Valley, Aug. 9th, 12 a.m., 1864

My Dear Mother; Two days ago I rec’d a letter from you  & was very glad to hear from you. You say you have heard nothing from me in a long time. Just as I feared-my letters have been intercepted on the route by Guerrillas & the mail all destroyed. I hope you will get this one & think you will without doubt. I would have replied to you immediately if possible but the Adjutant is sick & all the regimental clerks sick leaving the work all in my hands and keeping me busy every moment when not on the march. I am in good health and all right thus far. You have of course learned of Will’s death. I am sorry that I am not better acquainted with the circumstances of his sickness and last hours. I know nothing al all of him after his last attack. The letter he wrote was from the day after I left him at Washington. He was then very cheerful & thought himself in good quarters & well taken care of & not very sick & wished me not to write anything home to frighten his mother. The next news I had was a notice of his death from the Surgeon of the hospital where he died. I have now lost one of my best friends. I shall long miss him and his death will leave a void which will require a long time to fill. I fear Aunt Ann will mourn his loss too deeply. Will had not been well for a long time but kept on duty & lingered with the regiment long after the time when he ought to have gone to the hospital. But like many others of his disposition he chose to suffer much & do a soldier’s duty than to leave his post in a time of danger & hardship like our duties at Petersburg. The long and hard marches in Va. I think was the cause of his death. They killed more men than the Cold Harbor Campaign. We left Monacacy at midnight Friday night and marched here with little rest, arriving about sundown Saturday. The 6th, 8th, and 19th army Corps are all here in a body & lying in position. It is reported that Lee is approaching up the valley with a large force to meet us. Gen. Grant is reported here & sharp fighting is anticipated. The 13th Conn. lies near us. Fred Wadhams has been twice to see me & sends this word to Mrs. Oviatt: “Tell her that Fred thinks of her as often as ever & letters from her would be just as gladly rec’d.” Perhaps it would be well to direct his letter to Co. G, 12th C.V. as he is in that regiment now. The weather is extremely warm & we suffer much from the heat. I rec’d the money you sent me but want 5 dollars more now. We get no pay here in the field yet, and I need something to keep up life sometimes when rations are scarce or unfit to eat. Please send it in your next letter. Water is plenty where we now are & very good.

Evening after sundown:

 Dear Mother, we probably march before daylight tomorrow morning- on a raid down the valley. I think our troops, if they do not meet with the enemy in large force to oppose will repay the Chambersburg fire & lay in ashes some of the rebel towns below. Charlestown is but a few miles below and is one of the worst rebel places in Va. here it was that “Old John Brown” was hung & kicked & ill treated in every manner. I would like to light a torch & put the houses of some of those old traitors there in flames

6 o’clock A.M. Aug. 10, 1864:

We are now all packed up for a march but which way none of us can tell. We are much like oxen when yoked for the day- we have little idea what is before us. Our Corps Commander, Gen. Wright, keeps all to himself. Yesterday a Rhode Island regiment here with us reenlisted for 3 yrs or the war. Do you think they are wholly demoralized? or do you imagine them all natural fools! last night we received a good lot of new potatoes; 6 number to each man and assure you my breakfast this morning tasted the best of any meal in three months. I had good beefsteak; potatoes, hard tack, coffee & sugar. We get a good supply of rations nearly all the time; pork & hams with the above quite often. Wm. Beach wishes me to say that he is all right; says he has not heard from home in a long time. It is quite cool this morning but signs are favorable for a hot day after a few hours. The nights are quite cool & the days very warm yet we have few cases of the fever & ague among us. The troops here were all called up at 3 ½ o’clock at which time a beating of sheepskin &  blearing of bugles & brass horns I never heard of. The mailman is coming so good bye.

Write soon & often, your dutiful Son,

            Fred A. Lucas; Love to Aunt Ann, her letter is received I will answer when time permits.

Opposite Ashby’s Gap; 7 miles west & 7 from Winchester

6 o’clock a.m., Aug. 12th, 1864

The “pack up” call is sounding & I hasten to note a word of our whereabouts ere we take that “line of march”. We have enjoyed a fine rest here since sundown last evening, beside a fine stream of water where we have washed, bathed, & rinsed our sweaty clothes. Nearly all of us have had mutton steak for breakfast. A large drove of sheep was shot last night for us & afforded us a rich treat for our morning meal. A cavalry fight occurred on this ground just prior to our arrival here in which the rebels were badly whipped & have left for parts unknown. A dead rebel is now lying near me-also his dead horse & his trappings. The rebel will be buried before we leave. His name- learned from the papers found on his person is Sergeant Samuel R. Strann, 3rd Va. Cavalry. He was shot through the head with a carbine ball. In my notes of yesterday I spoke of heavy cannonading towards Winchester. Here was a position of the fight. When we left the place where I wrote last we changed our course to a southerly direction & proceeded on a parallel line with the Blue Ridge, passed Snickers Gap as far as we now are. The boys of the 12th N.Y. are having a play spell just now. One half the regiment lies on either side of the creek& the boys while waiting to “fall in” are having a mock battle. The weapons used are mutton bones, ears of corn, green apples, chips, etc. Now & then a man gets struck & slightly bruised which only adds zest to their spirit & the rest all laugh at his misfortune.

            Camp near Strasburg Va., Daylight A.M.  Aug. 13/64

“The Bugle blast is sounding” Tis time to pack up & [????] our morning meal and while my portions fry & boil I will pen a memorandum line or two. Here we are near the north fork of the Shenandoah River & not far from the junction of the two main branches. We are nearly opposite Manassas Gap & about 2 miles from Strasburg. Yesterday we followed close upon the track of [of] the retreating rebels, took 14 prisoners & some horses & wagons. At dark when we halted for the night they were about five miles ahead of us. They have quite a large force if infantry; some cavalry & a large wagon train. Our cavalry continues to harass their rear & bring in their stragglers. It is thought they will make a stand somewhere below & that we have to fight them.

 xxx  4 hours later. We are now lying at rest in a large grove below Strasburg. The rebel wagon trains have just disappeared from view around the distant mountains, but their picket line is thrown out to protect their rear & we are halted to decide upon something. Strasburg is thoroughly secesh & its citizens have aided the rebel cause as much as possible. Tis a well known fact that its people are at present generally engaged as scouts, spies, & guerrillas for the enemy. When we halted here & a chance for a rest was given the troops, the soldiers went to forging on quite an extensive scale. Every man secured his haversack of prime green corn, new potatoes, apples & plums. And then the luxuries which the boys found in town. Scores of hives of honey, jars of pickles, preserves, cream, & milk, sides of bacon, smoked beef and ham, eggs, chickens, turkeys, geese etc., butter & cheese, flour & bread, everything is taken which the rich, slave holding aristocrats of this rebel town have saved up for future use or for market. Our Commanding General finally placed safety guards at this several places where such property was found, but too late to “save the bacon”. I was surprised this morning to meet Wm. Keenan among the soldiers of the 8th N.Y.A. He was a member of my school in Torrington & lived at Geo. Whiting’s. I meet some old familiar faces nearly every day. A squad of rebel prisoners have just been brought in. They were out visiting with their friends in this vicinity & were captured by our men.

            Sundown same day: Two hundred men of our regiment are now gone on picket. The rebels are about two miles from us in force. Our cavalry has gone around to attack their rear. Breastworks are to be thrown up tonight. Our artillery is in formation. We await the results.

            7: o’clock, A.M. Aug.14th, 1864: This morning finds our whole Corps back again on the same ground where we lay night before last. We returned here during the night & have drawn 4 days rations of pork, hardtack, coffee, Sugar & soap & one days ration of fresh beef. Our picket is still out but no demonstration has yet been made. A quiet Sunday morning in camp again. Oh for a Goshen Sabbath once more!

            10 o’clock A.M.: I have just received a letter from My Dear Mother. Have read & reread it. I am no more astonished at the report that we are in Washington than at the stories of Corbin’s & others death. Corbin is missing & probably a prisoner. Abbot was taken by Guerillas but allowed to escape after being robbed of everything he had. Wm. Wadhams is in Washington. At the time you mentioned when so many fell out on the march, we had a hard time of it but they nearly all came up soon after we encamped. Our marches are often long & hurried & have killed many men. Whether necessary & unavoidable or not, is not for me to say. I endure them very well but often feel as if it might be my last march perhaps. I will give you as you request the names of the Goshen boys & where they are at present. I write what I have learned here & may be mistaken in regard to some of them.

Serg. Pendleton: Present with Co. & well

Serg. Griswold: Present with Co. & well

“          Davis: “          “          ‘           ‘

“          Sherry: “          “          ‘           ‘

“          Newcombe: last heard from at New York-doing well

                        Absent sick in hospital

Corp. Adams:  “          “          ‘           ‘-home on furlough

“          Vaill:  “           “          “          “convalescent camp

“          Wm. Wadhams: “        “          “armory square hospital, Washington

“”         Lucien Whiting:  present & well

G. Bentley: absent, sick in hospital; Washington

Soudant”         “          “          “          “

Wm. Adams: present & well

A. Allyn:         “          ‘

Bartholomew: absent, wounded; Philadelphia

W. Beach: present

Z. Beach; absent—unknown

D.C. “’: present

Dan Curtis: “

G. M. “”:    “

Hobart Griswold: “

S. Hunter:        “; Driving team on forge train

H. Ives:           present

A. F. Miner: absent     unknown

H. D. Priece: present

J. Quinn:          “

J.    “’:              absent. Washington

Royal Stone: present- stretcher bearer

G. Stewart:    “

C. Wheeler:    “

Milo Young:    absent; sick at City Point, Va.

Major Rice: present & well. Lieut. Rice: sick in Washington; Lieut. Huxley & McCabe: present & well; Lucas all right. The above is a list of the Goshen boys & their whereabouts as far as known to me. This campaign is using up a great many men but Goshen suffers less than many towns & loses fewer men comparatively.

            I wrote you about the time we marched from Harper Ferry. My letters previous to that were stolen by Guerrillas. We have seen pretty rough times & often find it difficult to write even a line home. I feared the news of W’s death would seriously affect Aunt Ann. I hope she will not grieve to deeply. Willard was her idol & I know she must mourn long & heavy.

Evening after sundown:

Picket firing has been lively along our lines all the afternoon. I have as yet learned of no casualties to our boys. Another rebel spy was hung by us this noon. He was taken at dark last night, tried by drum head court martial & found guilty& hung today, the second instance I have seen since we came on these raids; the first was at Poolsville, Md. I am quite well now & think most of the boys are doing well. I hope there will be no fighting here as I dread the results to our boys. We have suffered so heavily already. If it comes I am ready for it & shall do my duty like a brave man. I am ready for anything & shall not evade my duty. I hope we may be victorious & defeat the enemy. Mail goes out tomorrow early & I must get this ready tonight. Tis dark & I close. I am going to prayer meeting tonight out on the field. Good Night.

Your dutiful son: Frederick A. Lucas

11 o’clock A.M., August 11th, 1864:

 Our Corps is now resting upon the summit of a high bluff near the pike from Harpers Ferry to Winchester and about one mile from the town of Berryville. There is a sharp fight in progress not far in advance of us. The cannonading sounds very plain. Our Chief officers are out with reconnoitering parties & we anticipate a brush with the enemy before many hours. We have marched about six miles this morning. It was very warm but we were fortunate enough to find woods most all the way. Yesterday we marched about a dozen miles. We passed through the city of Charlestown where “Old John Brown” was hung and through the very field where the tree upon which he suffered stood. I saw the jail where he is said to have been confined. Charlestown is now almost entirely deserted; the streets overgrown with weeds & grass, the public buildings-churches, factories, shops, stores, & schoolhouses all are hard in ruins & utterly demolished. Some of the finest houses I have seen in this region are located here & now lie masses of brick & stone, bored through & through with shot & shell & crumbling to the ground. Only a few citizens remain in the place & they keep clear of the passing troops The darkies always turn out, all shades, ages & sexes & with uncovered heads wide open grinning mouths & starry eyes, they line the streets of the larger villages through which we pass. Every village & city where ever we go has apparently more or less union people living there. The stars & strips are seen sometimes a tiny flag no more than four inches square & sticking in the upper windows of the house, perhaps a young lade or little child will be out at the gate or standing in the doorway waving the “emblem of our liberators” & complimenting us as we march by. Now and then a large broad flag is seen at the residence of some daring citizen who fears not the vengeance of rebel Guerrillas or his rebel neighbors & thus frankly shows his colors regardless of all consequences. Such people are “respected and encouraged” by our army for it requires some courage & great daring to thus boldly raise the stars & strips even when a large union army is passing for tomorrow the federals will be gone & possibly the same village be occupied with rebel Guerrillas. This valley of the Shenandoah is rich & fertile & abounding with choice crops of all kinds of grains & fruits; the former besides corn is now harvested & the large trim pretty yellow stacks are seen in almost every field. All the grain is stacked here & now & then we see the threshing machine busy at work turning out the crop into bags & piling the straw. Corn is just getting in prime order for roasting & I dare say some of the Va. farmers will think “the crows have been in theirs” for green corn is good & we are all agreed upon it & there is about 10,000 of us. Apples are very plenty& getting ripe. We have all we can eat of them. On the plain below where I am writing I can see quite a ludicrous scene. Some half dozen soldiers are chasing down a couple of hens. Clubs & stones are freely used but bushes are plenty & hay stacks good protection& the hens long-winded & plucky & the boys pretty tired. But perseverance will accomplish great things & the hens are caught. Now for a squad of shoats lying in the dirty pool beyond. Wallow on you gay pigs. Enjoy your cool bed of sticky mud & the nice shade of those bushy willows. Enjoy it while you may for soon the “boys” will be in your track and you will fill many a soldier’s haversack. Pork steak is indeed a temptation & a slippery muddy pig affords good game for those who delight to secure such luxuries. There they go, piggy squeals like as piggies only can; soldier throws stones, clubs, & shoots his musket! Pig gets hit in the leg or ear, raises his voice a key note or two, takes another short turn in his course & poor pig runs into a trap again, for he is met by another boy who plants his bayonet through piggies’ body & thus puts an end to piggies’ life. I have often laughed, when all alone, as it were, by myself, as such scenes as these appeared in my mind. Often have I seen the men & women of some of these large farms chasing the same fowls & pursuing the same pigs with the soldiers. This is fun & the boys laugh & run while the wenches & farmers scold & swear & run after. Such are some of the scenes of soldiering in rebeldom.

Tuesday Morning, Aug. 16th, 1864

My Dear Mother: the mail did not leave yesterday as I anticipated & I write another line or two that you may get the news as late a date as possible. We moved camp again yesterday about a mile to the rear. The men sent out on picket have not been relieved yet but probably will tonight. They are having good times they say-all the corn, apples, fresh pig, mutton, fowls, honey etc. they care for. The rebels levied one tenth of everything on the people here, it being there own country. We are not as merciful for we take the remaining nine tenths & call for more. Yesterday afternoon there was a skirmish on the line with considerable cannonading the precise results of which I have not learned. The enemy have prepared a very nice & ingenious trap for our troops in the narrow passage between the mountains, having planted several large cannons so as to sweep the road & rendering it certain destruction to our forces when arriving at a certain point. But our cunning Gen. Sheridan, who is in command of this department, divined their plans & ordered a halt in time to save the catastrophe to his men. Now we lie in position here this side of Strasburg & the rebel the other side& in the mountain pass beyond.

It is a beautiful morning but quite warm. We have very hot weather now continually, but as we are lying in camp & have easy times, we do not suffer much. Yet we may move in one hour so uncertain is our stay. The 19th Corps left at midnight last night, where they have gone we do not know. We have fine spring water here & a large creek to wash ourselves & clothing in. This is a fine country here & well cultivated. There are many fine large houses & pleasant residences. But the war has deluged the country & almost ruined the appearance of everything, fences & outbuildings having suffered badly. Fremont, Banks, Pope, Sigel, Hooker have each had their turn through this region. Also a portion of Rosecrans’ army & now Sheridan takes his turn. Do you wonder the people are almost discouraged & wish the war to end? You at home think you suffer the calamities of war & growl at taxes, drafts, etc but have you lived for three years where the armies have marched & fought, burned your fences & building, killed your stock, & robbed you of all your household supplies & worst of all- conscripted your husband & sons & taken them forcibly from you?  Don’t complain then, of your losses or the heavy burdens you have to bear in consequence of this rebellion. Connecticut knows nothing compared to the states of Maryland & Virginia, has suffered nothing at all; Virginia having been guilty of casting the vote which made her a rebel state, she must now reap the harvest of the seed she has sown. Goshen boys, present with us are all doing well. Our numbers are getting reduced & we miss the face of many an old & dear friend. Will is missed very much & often spoken of by the boys, he was a favorite among the company. I shall long feel his death & mourn his loss. It has made me homesick & sad many hours during the last three weeks. But it is the will of Him who overrules in all things and we should submit to all His decrees.

From Your Aff. Son, F.A. Lucas

8 O’clock A.M., Aug. 17th, 1864. At breakfast in field near Winchester Va.

We had marching orders at 10 o’clock last evening & packed up and moved off. We have marched all night & now halted for an hour to cook coffee & eat our breakfast. Our cavalry burned several buildings & destroyed considerable other property on the route. What our destination is or why we have left Strasburg I don’t know. Perhaps the enemy has gone around the mountains & is making attempts on our rear, or else they are to be allowed the privilege of quietly retreating home with their booty, or following us & thus leaving their strong position on the mountains. The march has been somewhat hurried & the boys are tired & sleepy. It is a warm morning but cloudy & not close, a brisk breeze blowing renders it comfortable.

Twilight Evening Same day:

Well, here we are, supper eaten, chores done, & sitting, lying, lounging, or foraging, about 7 miles from Winchester on the way to Harpers Ferry again. But it is possible we may “About Face” yet for Cannonading is distinctly heard now in rear of us, probably upon our rear guard. Our Cavalry have burned all the flouring mills & public buildings the stacks of hay & grain barns etc. private residences were unmolested & household supplies undisturbed, but everything which could be of use to the enemy on this raid was destroyed or taken. All the cows & calves, horses, sheep, & swine were taken & a bleating, whinnying, noisy drove they made. We marched through Winchester this afternoon. This is a very pretty city & was previous to the war a beautiful & prosperous place. Something of its former beauty still remains & one thing I will confess is I saw many very beautiful ladies there & the prettiest faces I have seen for a long time. The people were much troubled for fear we would burn the place but nothing there was molested. Our rations are used up & we have no supplies & forge for them. A continual string of stressed sheep, swine, calves, & fowls are now coming into camp. It is dark & I must stop. Besides I am very tired & must lie down to rest.     8 A.M., Aug. 19th, 1864: In camp near Charlestown, Va.: Yesterday we marched all day. It was a dismal rainy day and the roads were muddy & slippery. We halted one hour at noon & during that time mutton was killed more than could be brought away. Last evening we drew rations again- four days. We are now waiting for the “pack up” call & expect to go on to Harpers Ferry, but do not know. I am quite well & have lived better during our raid up the Shenandoah Valley than ever before since we entered the field. I expect the mail will leave during the day. I hope so for we have had none go out since we left H.F. I sent you my memorandum notes during the last week & call them a better letter. Write soon & write often. Love to all the friends. Remember me to Aunt Ann especially.

Kiss Emma for me & all the rest, Your Son, Fred

Charlestown, Va., Aug. 20th, 1864, Saturday Eve.

My Dear Mother: Your kind letter has just come to hand with Five Dollars enclosed thank you for it. I can say no more. It is now 8 P.M. & lights must be out directly. I am quite well & never fared as well before since we entered the fields as for three weeks past. We forge for all we wish- have a whole sheep on hand now just killed for my squad of five good fellows, who mess with me. Ed Huxley is here & quite well. We are finely situated just now but move camp early tomorrow morning- but only a short distance. I suppose you wonder at this short letter but the Adjutant is very sick & his duties are [?] on me & keep me very busy while in camp. I wrote J.W. (Sarah Jane Wadhams EBB)& enclosed a lot of dirty “Memorandum notes” written while on the march during the last ten days. She will give them to you after reading them I think. Mail leaves early in the morning. I hear & if so I cannot write any more this time. I hope to be able to write oftenner hereafter. Goshen Boys resent are all doing well. Don’t wonder that they do not write often as you will not when you read of our doings in my “notes”.

We have had some severe trials but on the whole have fared very well. Don’t worry unnecessarily about me Dear Mother, I am thus far doing well & trust to weather all the storms of this campaign. I am not at all discouraged but look for streaks of bright daylight through the dark clouds of the present moment. Write me very often & give me all the news. I think of you all often & sometimes wish I were with you but duty tells one I am in my right place already. I pity some of the poor fellows in Goshen & some I don’t pity at all. I will add more in the morning if time permits. Meanwhile Good Bye & a Kiss for the girls.

From Your Aff. Son,

Fred A. Lucas

Monday Morning, Aug 22nd, 1864.

Camp near Harpers Ferry, Va.

Dear Mother: we are again back to the same identical place we occupied before we went out on the last trip to Strasburg. Yesterday morning about 9 o’clock while we were quietly enjoying a Sunday morning service in camp, the pickets were suddenly heard to open a brisk fire & in one minute the tune went around the whole line & the attack became general. It was as sudden as a whirlwind. The long roll was beaten the bugles sounded the call “To arms” & such a commotion. How the tents came down & the knapsacks tied up in five minutes all the troops of our Corps were in fighting order. Lines of battle were immediately formed; the pickets & skirmishers strengthened with reinforcements & the fight went on. The rebels were obstinate & worked with a will but our men held their ground firing & drove back their skirmishers as far as their support, when we were compelled to fall back again. Thus the fight continued all day each side gaining ground & losing again alternately. The enemy opened on us several times with their batteries but ours did not reply on account of not having good & accurate range & a desire to save our ammunition until an opportunity presented when some good would result to the use of it. Then guns were well ranged but done little damage to our troops. 2 horses were killed close by me & the Colonel of the 1st Vermont was killed. Our regiment did not have a very active part in the engagement but were occupied in building breastworks nearly all day & supporting a battery of Field Guns. None of our men were injured by the firing but a few were captured & taken prisoners. They were out forging and were taken by the rebels on their first advance. At night the firing nearly ceased as is usual & we lay in the works until about One o’clock this a.m., when we were all brought quietly away and rapidly marched to this point arriving here at sunrise. The troops being put in position for battle & the enemy are now pounding at our rear keeping up a brisk fire with some cannonading. I hardly think we shall have a fight here. My idea is that the enemy are trying to attract attention here while they make a strike at some other point thus keeping our forces here & leaving the way clear for their operations elsewhere. It is a beautiful morning, clear & cool. The mail is leaving & I must close.

Love to all at home.

Write soon, Your loving Son,

Fred A Lucas

Mail did not go yesterday.

Monday Evening, Aug. 22nd, 1864

Camp near Harpers Ferry, Va. Twilight

My Dear Mother: since I wrote you the hasty note of this morning we have moved our position about one mile to the left of our line. We came here about noon & our brigade were put in preparation for a bayonet charge through the thick woods in front of us- but a very heavy thunder shower coming up just at the time & rendering a necessary delay; the order was afterward countermanded & we now have orders remain all night. Constant skirmishing has been kept up all day on the picket line & is not yet ceased. Some artillery has been used on both sides. Our reg’t. has not been put into the active portion of the works yet, & consequently have suffered no losses.

            I wish I but possessed the art of pencil drawing I would give you a sketch of the scene before me. Ten minutes ago all was calm & quiet in our immediate vicinity- the soldiers awaiting patiently for orders- wet & dirty from the heavy showers-when the command came to prepare for a nights “rest”, then came the commotion. “Bedlam let lose” in such a scattering to & fro & how the fences flew & vanished & yonder about forty rods from camp were several large wheat stacks of fine ripe grain. Did you ever watch an ants nest; a large ants nest when disturbed at their labors? If so imagine those same ants as so many soldiers & each one laden with about four sheaves of wheat & hurrying with his burden to the place where he intends to lie down for the night. I would give Five dollars for a correct picture of the scene I have described. Not less than five hundred bushels of ripe wheat are now lying on the ground & furnish beds for the soldiers of the 6th Corps. A rebel signal station can be plainly seen from where we now are. It is situated on the summit of one of the highest peaks of the range of mountains to our left & gives the enemy every opportunity desired to notice our movements.

Tuesday Morning, 7 o’clock: We are now packed up- ready for a move somewhere. The picket firing has commenced pretty lively this morning. Each side occupies about the same position as did last night. News comes to us this morning that our cavalry made a charge on the rebels yesterday during the heavy thunderstorm & surprised them while under the shelter of rubber blankets, screening themselves from the severe rain, captured about five hundred prisoners without firing a single shot. The troops of the 18th Corps also made a charge on the enemies’ lines & drove them back some distance but I think gaining no considerable advantage except in position. Several of our sick & wounded who have recovered, fit for duty, came on to us yesterday. They report that several artillery regiments have returned to duty in the defences. We are hoping that the 2nd Conn. may be ordered back soon. Our Col. is a Regular Army man & chances for promotion being far greater while in the field service he doubtless chooses to remain with the 6th Corps chasing rebels through Virginia. I sometimes think that the great objective of this rebellion is to make Brigadier Generals- but often at what a cost! It is a beautiful morning, clear, cool, delightful- although slightly damp under foot but we have plenty of wheat straw, clean & sweet, to lie upon & the boys are generally improving it. Breakfast is cooked & eaten & crockery washed & put away- canteens filled & accouterments slung. But behind me sits a group of men scarcely prepared for a sudden move. They are the commissioned officers of the company near where I am sitting. Their occupation at this moment is a peculiar one but one which has now become most fashionable throughout this army. Brigadiers & Colonels, Surgeons & Chaplains, Majors & Captains, & soldiers of all grade & rank down to the private, all without exception take their turn at the self same duty. You ask what it may be? It is catching lice. Watch the operation of that afore mentioned group in my rear. Mark how eager their looks, how close their watch, how careful their examination, as they follow the winding of each seam & gusset & wrinkle. Do you notice that particular movement of the hands now & then whereby the two thumbnails are brought flatly together with considerable force & a slight snapping noise results from the motion? Well now, every such movement of the hands & every such meeting of those two thumbnails is but the death blow to another Louse. Who can estimate the number who thus fall a sacrifice to the dislike of the human beings on whose person they delight to dwell? But do not think that we soldiers- although we are dirty, ragged & lousy- shall become so habituated to such a condition as to accept it from choice. Do not fear that we may form any lasting attachment for sweaty faces, grimy hands or filthy clothing or that we shall here after be requiring that ventilators be left in the knees or seats of pants or elbows of shirts & coats or even in the toes of our shoes. Although we are now in the garb & condition of soldiers in active service, men prepared to fight & whip the foe if possible- daily witnesses of scenes of horror, blood shed & suffering, ourselves often the subject of marches & trials terrible to undergo; knowing the want of everyday comfort from constant experiences often feeling the effects of hunger, thirst, heat, & fatigue- yet after all, we have not lost our manhood or fallen victims to the demoralizing influences of our condition. We are the same men in reality we were two years ago- yes, we are as yet “human & Goshen Boys” especially were they to return today would reappear to old friends at home none the less good, noble, or honorable, rather the more so from the lessons they have lately learned.

Goshen Boys all well. Love to all at Home.

Your Aff. Son, Fred

Headquarters, 2nd Conn. Artillery

Camp near Harpers Ferry, Va., Aug. 26th, 1864.

7 O’clock P.M.

My dear Mother

Your letter of the 13th arrived this afternoon & being at leisure this evening & having the Adjutants quarters “all to myself”, will hasten to reply. I was much rejoiced to get your kind letter & to learn that all at Home were well. You say you have not heard from me by letter since the 10th Inst. I have written you once- at least- since that date—probably you had not time to receive my last when you wrote. I acknowledge that I write but seldom & their very poorly but my time of late has been wholly occupied when not on the march with the business connected with the Adjutants & my own office: the former officer being quite sick having thrown considerable extra duty upon me. Mr. Vaill went to hospital again this morning & Lieut. Sanford is now acting Adjutant. We have been very busy for two days past. We have drilled & cleaned up- and prepared for Inspection & today said inspection came off. It was our usual monthly Brigade Inspection & we were Inspected & examined by Captain Milue, Aid-De-Camp to Gen. Wright. The contrast between the general appearance of our regiment today & what it was five months since cannot be described. From 1700 men it has dwindled down to about 700 present for duty & the bright, blue, clean & new clothing highly polished boots, cartridge boxes & belts & the burnished, shining muskets with glittering bayonets & bright brasses & better than all the noble, healthy, stalwart, soldierly look & bearing of all the men is materially changed. Clothing is far from clean- boots & blacking have given way to coarse, rough army shoes- bright muskets are well covered with the marks of the field & of their exposure-& their the severe duties of our present campaign & the experiences we have had during three months past, with the absence of all drill in arms or nice maneuvers have tended to make the men careless & awkward & have taken from us greatly the attraction we once possessed when in the line of battle. But this is but the natural consequence of life in the field & all troops are like affected. We can still “skunk” anything about us, at anything call for drilling or fighting.

I will give you a brief history of our doings since we left Winchester. We lay a day or two at Charlestown where I last wrote you. The rebels getting the better of us there in their position & signs being evinced of danger from their flank movement on our right, we fell back to where we now are, just in time to save Harpers Ferry-& ourselves (I think). Since we arrived here constant skirmishing has been kept up & a brisk picket fire also. Bayonet charges have been made every day thus far at different points on the line. There was one at 4 o’clock his P.M. on the left probably by the troops of the 8th Corps- the result I have not learned. One made yesterday by a division of the same Corps resulted in gaining considerable ground & taking about 60 prisoners besides killed & wounded. Our loss being about 30 killed & wounded. Our Corps thus far has been lying a little in the rear as a reserve force & consequently has lost none. The “Fighting 6th” have for once been “excused” from the extreme front. The Battlefields of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor & Petersburg told heavily upon this gallant Corps- and it is not too late perhaps for Harpers Ferry to be added to the memorable list. You were slightly misinformed in regards to our forces losing 200 baggage teams. We lost only about Forty I believe. We have suffered very little in the loss. Goshen Boys are doing well. Geo. Curtiss- Colby’s son in Law went to hospital today quite sick. Wm. Adams is sick but not seriously. Bill Beach is a Corporal to fill Willard’s place. I am glad of his promotion. Bill is a good boy as are most of our Goshen youths. I am glad you are doing good to our sick boys by picking berries etc. but be sure these “goodies” are sent to reliable persons for distribution. Glad you are getting high prices for produce etc. but we pay here when we buy anything extra. The Five dollars came all right. My candle is out & roll call is beating. With love to all the friends & all who inquire, I remain as ever

Your Dutiful Son,

Fred A Lucas

Serg. Maj. 2nd C.V.A.

P.S. I now feel as well as ever in my life & am actually growing flesh daily.

Don’t worry unnecessarily but do write very often.

Excuse mistakes, I fold without reading.

Redoubt C, Fort Lyons, Va.

Friday Morning, Sept. 4th 1863

Dear Brother Dan

Having a few minutes leisure this morning before mail goes out I will write you once more. It is quite a cold and damp morning for this season and for Virginia. The prospect bids fair for a rainstorm soon. A detail of five men is made this morning to go out to Warrenton to guard a train on the Railroad, to return tonight. It is thought we shall be called on regularly hereafter to do this duty. Each company furnishes the same detail. The rebels often cross the track and now and then make a descent on the passing train. There will be just excitement enough to make these rides interesting. The ride will take us through the track of Lee’s army on his grand raid up and back again to Pennsylvania. Yesterday afternoon we had a great skirmish drill under Col. Kellogg. These drills are hard work and keep us stirring lively, but it is sport for us after all. The forward march upon a concealed enemy, the retreat, and the rallying, the loading and firing while on the run, or falling flat on the ground, loading while lying on his back in the deep dirt, grass, brush, or briars, and then jumping up firing on the enemy, retreating and falling again, etc. This drill is full of excitement but hard work for us. We have a squad detailed daily now for fatigue duty repairing the intrenchments about the redoubts. The Accotink Home Guards shot a rebel spy day before yesterday. He was prowling about their vicinity and they arrested him, putting him under guard. He attempted to escape and was shot by a negro boy about a dozen years old. Upon examination, papers etc. found on his person proved him to have been a rebel spy. Doubtless he well deserved the punishment received. The little darkie is quite a Lion among the Accotink Guards I assure you and feels quite smart over his deed. These Guards are not enlisted men in the service, but are bound by their own oaths and byelaws. They are citizens and work their own farms, but keep their arms constantly with them and when the signal of “danger or help wanted” is sounded they are ready for action and can instantly repair to their rendezvous. They have caught several spies, guerillas, rebel runaways and such characters and are doing good service to government and the cause. Another spy was caught and brought in by the German pickets on our line yesterday. he was searched and his papers and $20 dollars taken from him. He asked to leave his quarters for a moment and a guard was sent to take care of him. When outside the fort he bid the guard good bye and left for parts unknown. The sentinel endeavored to stop him but failed and the rebel succeeded in getting away. Those Dutchmen are careless soldiers and are getting noted for such foolish accidents.

I should like to hear when you or Father will arrive in Alexandria. Hope you will one or both come soon. How does the watch I sent you suit you? Does it keep good time? What are you doing now? Busy of course. Farming always brings work at all times. Will sends respects. We are all right, in good health and spirits, plenty to eat and drink, and to wear and enough to do.

Excuse a short and dry letter. Write soon, From, Fred

Camp in the Field, Clifton (near Berryville) Va.

Sept. 7th, 1864

My Dear Mother,

Mail came to us yesterday but brought me no letter and neither did it take one from me to you- pardon my delinquency as I intended it should. But now I will strike out for a good long one & endeavor to make it at the very first opportunity. It is a cool, breezy day but sunny and comfortable, and quite a contrast to the heavy storm of cold driving rain which we have for two days past experienced. It was a disagreeable time to us and some must have suffered I think. The mud became quite deep in moist places and with nothing but rubber blankets for flooring and our canvas tents for a shelter clothes damp and perhaps wet through, you can perhaps imagine how we passed the time for 60 hours: yet we were a jolly set some of the time and a merry crowd might often be found during the most inclement part of the rain. We are here before the rebel lines again, having followed after the enemy on his retreat from near Harpers Ferry. We were suddenly brought to a “stand still” on our advance, and halting soon heard the rumbling of artillery and rattling of musketry ahead. We were formed in line of battle prepared for a contest with Johnnie Rebs. Our brigade was placed in support and had a fine view of the battle without being engaged in it. The 19th Corps bore he brunt of the fight and must have lost heavily- about 300 in killed, wounded, & missing. The 13th Conn. was in support & not engaged. The enemy drove our troops back at first and seemed about to give us a sound whipping when our men rallied with vigor and charging upon the foe soon drove him back to his old ground again. The fight was a grand & magnificent scene if one could but forget the accompaniment of the misery & suffering results from such contests between armed & determined enemies. The bayonet charges & counter-charges were bravely done on both sides & the war of artillery & sharp crackling of the Rifled muskets gave a coloring to the picture which would at once excite the admiration of the beholder. At first the artillery commenced with a single grunt only at long intervals gave the enemy its “feeling” salute, and then the thin reports of smaller arms denoted that the battle was opening: soon comes the increased roaring of the big guns & the multiplied volleys of the smaller ones: now rising high, loud & tempestuous, as the troops grow more excited and determined, or as either party gains an advantage; now dying away for a time & succeeded by furious yells & stirring cheers, as the bayonet becomes the main weapon offense & defense and the conflict is hand to hand between man & man. Such is the picture of battle at a little distance, if I but add an accurate description of the lurid clouds of sulphurous smoke which envelope the combatants; & give the “personalities” of the leading characters who fill the scene- the Generals & their staff officers as they ride to & fro with hurried orders; the countances of brave soldiers as well as timid subjects of cowardly fear; the individual instances of moral and physical courage displayed; and finally the deepest and more most important point of the picture, the many causalities. If you would know the whole, you should visit the field, when the fight is over, assist in bearing off the dead & wounded, listen to their groans & dying agonies- follow them to the hospitals & observe their treatment there- their lack of kind care and nursing, good food or comfortable covering-: and then the life long suffering entailed on many by the loss of limbs & severe wounds- all this is but the dark side- yet it is true of every painting of the kind, and the most lasting impressions are gained from it. You may think that I am writing elaborately on this one thing but I am putting in pencil my thoughts as they come to me, while meditating on the battle of Saturday Evening last. I thought at first when the contest was raging “How Grand” but afterwards when the large party of stretcher bearers passed by to the field of battle & the long line of covered ambulances filled with the wounded came rolling along to the rear, my feelings changed somewhat, and tender chords were touched that had not moved before: the passions only were excited at first, but the latter half of the lesson was an appeal to my hearts tenderest feelings for I saw at a glance not only the poor fellows themselves but their homes & the ones who must also suffer there. We are encamped on a pleasant slope facing the south & close by several large springs of beautiful water, extensive cornfields whose only failing is that it is getting pretty hard to eat, large orchards & droves of fat sheep and swine, poultry, honey etc. all of which, except for that in private houses under care of safe guards is given to our army for our use and foraging parties keep the camp well supplied. A fine quarter of mutton is now hanging at my shelter post. Don’t you wish you could eat supper with me, Mother? We have become so skilled in the preparation of nice dishes that we think we can make a little better soups & stews with the same material than any mistress of the culinary department in the first class Restaurants at home. If you don’t believe it I will convince you one day when the war is over. You will be surprised at the palatable dishes which I can easily make up of meat & hard tack with pepper & salt. We have various ways of mixing corn, apples, hard tack & meats with seasoning and making first rate dishes such as you or anyone else would pronounce excellent. Geo. Sperry paid me a visit on Sunday. He is looking finely for him. I was very glad to see him, as were all the Goshen Boys. His regiment is lying near us & those who were temporarily assigned to the 12th Conn. have gone back with the “veterans”. I have not see Fred Wadhams in several days but Geo. reports him well. The Rebels are thought to have left their works as little sign is seen of them today. There has been no firing for two days past. Goshen Boys are all well & like myself getting fat & corpulent on the foraged rations of the Shenandoah Valley.

Sep. 8th, 1864. 12 O’clock; noon.

It is curious weather with us today. This morning was perfectly clear & beautiful. The sun rose bright & warm without a cloud on the sky or horizon. Now it is foggy and raining steadily. Here we are all cooped up under our little “shelters” some singing, some telling stories, joking & laughing, others writing & many sleeping while now & then you can find some uneasy, faultfinding churl who insists upon troubling all about him with his whining complaints on his suffering as a soldier. But as a general thing I must candidly declare that of all classes of men, I believe none are so cheerful, so merry or light hearted under suffering or misfortune as are the soldiers. One good reason being, I suppose, because they enlisted for such experiences & somehow expect them as a portion of their dues. Sergt. Griswold, Sergt. Morrison, Sergt. Pendleton; a young scamp by the name of Geo. Warring, & a wide awake boy he is, hailing from the Shaker Village near Pittsfield, Mass., & Virgil Bissell & my self, are now quartered together in one long house made by buttoning our canvases together & forming one long low tent. Our “Irish Girl” (Theodore Pendleton) is just now busily engaged out in the rain near by over a fence rail fire, frying our dinner of Pork & apples, & such dishes of fried apples I never eat, even while receiving the Pedagogue honors at the best table at home. Would you like the receipt? Here it is: Take your pork and fry it right for eating; leaving the pork grease in the frying pan. Slice up your large sour apples in thick slices without paring or coring, but be careful to take your dish off the fire before the apple gets too soft. Season with pepper & sugar to suit the taste. Try it for breakfast tomorrow Mother. The enemy has evidently vanished for no signs can be seen of his presence today. The 19th Corps are now passing by on their way to the rear, probably towards Harpers Ferry again. Really this campaign in the Valley is like a game of chicken; when the players have two men each; a continual play back and forth across the board & no real advantage gained by either party. First we chase the rebels up to Strasburg capturing a few prisoners and giving them trouble besides, then we take the back track again & are just as closely followed by the rebels; pound at each other for at week at Harpers Ferry & then off the Johnnies go up the valley again & we after them until here they make a stand & both sides go to pounding again. Now this has ceased & some thing is in store for us erelong. We are quite anxious to learn the result of the draft in Goshen. Rumor says it has been postponed but we do not know if the report be true. Agents have visited the army for the purpose of procuring substitutes but I think have met poor success. The old soldiers who have born the burdens of the war thus far think but ill of those “broadcloth veterans” of the “Stay at Home Corps”, who have all the time been fattening on the profits occasioned by this very war & who now dare to offer their shinplasters as a temptation for further sacrifice by others that they may luxuriate in fat things at home unexposed to the many casualties and sufferings of a soldiers’ life. I think most of these substitute agents have learned severe lessons in their experiments among our Corps. They have gone home with the impression firmly fixed in their minds that this has been poor business for them & that all the patriotism in the world is not measured by Greenbacks. We hear that MacClellan is the nominee for president at the Chicago Convention. Just what we expected. Wonder if his friends depend on a large soldier vote for him, if so they will be disappointed I think, though many are yet MacClellan men.

10 O’clock A.M., Sept. 9th, 1864

My Dear Mother

“All quiet along the lines” is the report again this morning- repeated & reiterated for the ten-thousandth time since this war began, yet it is still acceptable to the soldier, however full of fight he may feel. Company “C” has gone on picket duty today & will probably remain for two or three days if we do not march. Company Drill is the order for the morning & our camp is sounding to the tread of the maneuvering troops and the many commands of the several officers. It is a pleasant morning, the storm having cleared away during the night. Our quarters are seeming much pleasanter than yesterday. Fred Wadhams is here and looking finely, reports Geo. Sperry as well & sends his regards to all the Goshen friends. What are you all doing at home now? You write nothing about the girls lately. How are they; what are they about now a days? I suppose Father & the boys are driving the farm work as of old & if I remember rightly not allowing the farm work to drive them. A waggon [sic] train has just come in from Harpers Ferry and reports Guerrilla as numerous in our rear. The train lost four waggons [sic] by being captured by them. Now how these Guerillas get there seems a mystery to many but to me it is quite clear. Here we are in the enemy’s country where nearly every citizen is strongly rebel. Well we pass over the country & are obliged to fall back to Harpers Ferry again. The enemy follows us on our retreat & have ample time to make all arrangements. In a week or so the rebels fall back and (in my opinion) leave a force behind in the villages & towns and scattered all over the country, disguised as citizens. Well, when we have passed by, they arm themselves & procuring horses, are at once the Guerillas which infest this whole border & make us so much trouble. I hope to get a letter from you today. I hear that a mail is to come to us & one will leave us today, if so I shall send this letter if possible. I hear far to seldom from home & wish the boys & girls would write. Business calls me now & I must close this rambling letter. Give my respects to all inquiring friends and write often as convenient.

I am very well & so are all the Goshen Boys at this date. Corp. Beach sends regards & Sergt. Morrison ditto.

From Your Affectionate Son

Fred

P.S. Write me all the Goshen news. The results of the draft etc. Fred

Hdqrs. 2nd Conn. Artillery, Sep. 11th, 64

Camp near Clifton (Berryville) Va.

My Dear Mother

Having a little leisure just now- thanks to the thunderstorm which is preventing a regimental inspection- I will employ myself in writing you a short letter. We have had alternate sunshine & showers for the past three days- and I think our rainy term has commenced. I have received no letter from home in a long time & am getting anxious to hear from you. I am sure you cannot all have forgotten me or all too busy to write me. I am quite well but kept very busy with the duties which involve upon me now. Our regiment is lying in camp where it was when I last wrote you & where we have been for a week. We are disturbed by no fighting lately and all is very quiet in our vicinity. But still we keep up the same degree of vigilance, as when rebels are near us & picket duty is the same as then. But our boys soon learn that the enemy is gone from our immediate front and venture out beyond the former limits. Thus they manage to replenish their haversacks, & today “C” company procured a large fine hive of new honey. “C” company are now all on picket duty on our front lines and no enemy being near they are having good times. They are lying in a large orchard laden with beautiful apples, and bake, fry, & stew- and beside have found a new hand cider mill and are grinding out the apple juice by the pailful. I have had my canteen filled two or three times today & with my friends have had several drinks of new cider. Some of the boys are boiling it down to keep with them. Geo. Sperry is here this afternoon. His regiment is lying only a mile from ours. He is well & sends regards to you & the other friends. I enclose you my bounty check of Ten Dollars which you can dispose of for the face of it I suppose. If we get paid soon I shall not need the money, if we don’t I shall- but cannot sell the check for what it is worth here. Gen. Cook would find plenty of such papers to purchase now if he were here. What are the Goshen people about this fall? How do the MacClellanites like his letter of acceptance of the nomination at Chicago & his repudiation of the platform built for him to run upon? Do they think it a very consistent policy for them to trust him on such conditions; or do they think his policy a consistent or honorable one thus to accept a nomination based on principles & then to repudiate & condemn those very principles. How is the popular feeling in Connecticut this fall? Has the last draft made many McClellan men? Cyrus Bartholomew has just returned to duty again. He is quite a stranger having been absent since the terrible night of June 1st when he was wounded. He is looking very well but not so tough and hardened as we who have been exposed of late to all weather & the sun & night air. I heard from the Adjutant Vaill yesterday. He is in Washington & quite sick in the Officers Hospital. His complaint is Chronic Diarrhea. Lieut. Wheeler is with him & sick with the same complaint. Capt, Gold has resigned his commission & it has been accepted by Gen. Wright. He is now in Washington engaged in settling his accounts with the government. Lieut. Sanford will probably succeed him as Captain of Co. G. Goshen Boys are all well.

Sept. 12, 1864

It is a cold chilly day here & the boys are shivering in camp. I am very busy today with copying sick reports of the regiment. You will excuse me for not writing a better letter. Mail is coming but whether I receive anything today or not I have not learned. Ed Huxley is here & is very well.

Good Bye, Write often:

Your Aff. Son Fred A. Lucas

P.S. Please write me if you receive this & the State Check enclosed. Fred

I write in greatest haste, please excuse; Love to Aunt Ann.

Clifton, Va. Sept. 18th 1864

My Dear Mother,

Your letter dated my “birthday” has just arrived. The mail leaves directly & I hasten to write a word to you. I am well as usual but kept hard at work on regimental business & have no time even to cook my rations. We have had a Brigade review today by Gen. Upton, which was a success. Gen. U.S. Grant is reported here with us but I have not yet seen him. Probably he will find work for us soon. All our Cavalry has gone out today on a reconnoitering expedition & we can hear firing in the distance, probably a fight is going on. We have just drawn four days rations & are now under “marching orders” again. It is thought we move tonight. Goshen Boys all well. Avery Miner is here & fat as a bear, never looked better. Avery Allyn is with the company & better.

No news of importance besides the mail never waits.

Your Son,        Fred

Strasburg, Va. Sept. 21st 1864

My Dear Friends at Home

Have you heard the news! We have whipped Gen. Early & all his rebel troops in the Shenandoah Valley. Such a glorious victory has not been achieved by our troops in months. President Lincoln has already officially thanked Gen. Sheridan for his success & the paper was read to us five minutes ago. It is now going the rounds of the troops & read by the Colonel of each regiment & the cheering is deafening to hear. One hundred guns are to be fired in Washington today in honor of it. I would that I were able to describe what I have passed through during the last two days. I can give you a volume if time permitted & stationary was plenty, but a brief detail must suffice. We broke camp at 3 o’clock on Monday morning & marched probably about 10 miles, the advance troops engaged the enemy before our arrival. We were soon formed for fight & advanced in line of battle on the enemy. At this moment the time was a critical one for our side, the foe was driving our men & advancing rapidly. The 2nd Brigade (our brigade) was ordered to charge on the enemy. And a gallant charge it was too, and nobly did the 2nd Conn. conduct themselves, the tide of the battle was quickly turned and in half an hour afterwards the “gray backs” were retreating before us like frightened sheep. Our Commanding General rode to us & told us we had “saved the Day”. The fight lasted until night, when the enemy was completely routed with great loss. Oh! it was a brilliant victory .Our regiment was engaged al the afternoon and now comes the worst part of my letter. I must chronicle the casualties. Major Rice was killed by a shell which struck (h)im in the bowels & exploded horridly mutilating his body. He fell about 4 P.M. Lieuts. Hubbard & Candee also killed & 10 others wounded. Co. C lost 3 killed & 9 wounded. The killed are Corp. Wm. Beach, Jeremiah McCarthy, & Peter Burke. Wounded; Sergs. Cal Davis& Sherry, Corp. L. Whiting & others. I am ordered to make out a list for publication & time doesn’t allow me write you. I am sorry, very sorry. You will get all in the Winsted Harold. I make it now for Adjutant Sanford. I am all right.

Fred

Woodstock, Va. 8 a.m., Sep. 23rd 1864

My dear Friends at Home,

It is with the greatest pleasure that I tell you of my own safty thus far & the brilliant victory of yesterday. Yesterday we again whipped the rebels terribly, captured 18 large pieces of artillery & hundreds of prisoners besides numbers of waggons (sic) etc. We drove the enemy from the works in the mountains of Strasburg & have followed him on thus far- about fifteen miles. We have now halted for breakfast & to draw rations- shall go out again in an hour. No Goshen men were injured yesterday & only one man from “C” company- Barnes of Torrington. Serg. David Wouster of Plymouth was shot dead; the ball passed through his heart. Only about a dozen others were wounded. The color sergeant was again struck down wounded in the wrist- same place when Cal was hit on the 19th. Our regiment has again covered itself with glory. Never was better fighting done, or braver men to do it than our 2nd Conn. Boys. Our Col. is a perfect bulldog in a charge. After the fight was over last night & when we were having a temporary respite Col. Mackenzie called me out & complimented me most highly for my conduct & bravery through the engagement. I give you his own words to me: “Serg. Major, I am pleased with your conduct this day. You are a cool, brave, worthy soldier. You have proved yourself such today. I noticed you & I admire you. I shall commission you as soon as circumstances will permit me, your commission will date from this days work. Go & do your duty.” It is needless for me to say that I was pleased with his compliments & promises. I am satisfied thus to gain a promotion by my own merits. I hope success may  go with us as we continue but  think more fighting is before us with love to all who inquire for me, I remain as ever Your Aff. Son & brother    Fred

P.S. It is my wish that you keep the matter concerning my promised promotion a “Secret” until it be fully consummated. Good reasons of my own are why I require this of you. I tell you it now because I thought it would please you to know that I had done my duty well. Don’t say anything about it at present.           Fred            write often

Hdqrs. 2nd Conn. Artillery

Camp at Harrisonburg, Va. Sept. 27th 1864

My Dear Friends at Home,

After a week of severe labor & intense excitement it is with little spirit that I now commence a letter to you. I feel it my duty however to write a brief one that you may know of my whereabouts and that I am alive and well. Our army is now halted and encamped on the grounds outside of the city of Harrisonburg Va. During the week past we have fought two terrible but very successful battles: having given the enemy an unparalelled(sic) whipping & routing him thoroughly from this valley. The battle at Winchester was a most splendid victory & the one at Strasburg none the less brilliant for our side. Since the latter occurred we have been chasing the rebels up, on their retreat towards Richmond. We fought them all one day- last Saturday_ being close on their rear & near their train. They marched in heavy line of battle extending across the valley from one ridge of mountains to the other & kept back a skirmish Line to protect them & we marched as fast as we could walk fighting them all the way. The high, rough, & precipitous mountains on either side of the narrow valley saved them from being flanked & captured, as our troops could do nothing but follow after them & fight their rear. Many prisoners were taken & some supplies. Their Artillery was reduced to three guns- we having captured all the rest at Winchester & Strasburg. These they used during the retreat but with little effect as we gave them no time to get good positions for them. It was a sight worth viewing to witness the retreating enemy before our rapid advance. We were hurried on until all our troops were exhausted & night coming on we halted & the rebs made good their escape. Our cavalry are after them now & I can hear cannon in the distance & know a fight is progressing. We found five rebel hospitals in this city with eight hundred rebel soldiers in them: also a large number of union soldiers left here since Hunter’s fighting last May. We are now 110 miles from Harpers Ferry, up the valley, and somewhere near Thoroughfare Gap, I think. The people here are all “good rebels” and have full faith in the success of the Southern Confederacy. They put a pleasant face on these present reverses for their cause and tell us blandly that “all will come out right in the end”. A citizen here paid our Colonel a visit this morning. He said that he came from Richmond last week, that Flour was worth $375.00 per barrel there- confederate scrip of course- It is worth $150.00 here in Scrip. Calico dresses cost $150 a piece, other articles in proportion. The farmers here have silver & gold but it cannot be got hold of with paper money. Coffee & sugar will bring the specie & a good price. This is proof I think, that they do not quite like to give up all for the Confederacy. The 2nd Conn. Artillery are now the talk of these troops. Sheridan’s whole army call us the “Fighting Regiment”. We occupied the front line of battle & led the many charges made by our brigade during the week past, & with gallant style & so successfully as to gain the respect & admiration of all who were engaged with us. The 2nd Conn. Artillery has now obtained one of the finest reputations and fairest records of any regiment in the service. We have suffered severely & lost many of our best men. You will find all the casualties in the home papers as I have myself prepared the lists & know they are forwarded for publication. Major Rice was struck by an exploding shell & mangled badly: he was instantly killed & buried on the field. His grave is marked & the place can be found easily by any who wish to visit it. Wm. Beach was hit in the breast by a minnie ball. He died the same night. He told those who were with him that he knew he must die & that he was at ease & felt no fear of death. He died nobly- a brave, faithful soldier. Give my respects to his parents & friends & assure them of my sincere sympathy with them in their loss.

The boys are all in fine spirits and although worn out with the duties just passed through yet are willing to cope with Early at his pleasure.

We get no mail & have had none since we broke camp at Berryville. We shall get one soon I think. Write soon & often I know you are anxious to hear from me & hope this will reach you. I send it back to Harpers Ferry by way of a man going back & not by any mail. Give my love & regards to all who inquire & especially to my particular friends.

Your obedient Son etc.

Fred A. Lucas, Serg. Maj. 2nd C.V.A.

Camp at Harrisonburg, Va.

9 P.M. Oct. 1st 1864

Dear Mother

The train with rations has just come in & will return immediately. In great haste I pen you a line that you may know of my existence & still good health. Our Corps returned yesterday from a turn up the valley near Staunton. Had a good time, no fighting, plenty to eat & found no rebels except a few hidden prisoners. Where we go from here or when we leave is but a matter of conjecture with us. Some think towards the defenses again, others say the other way. Good news came to us tonight of the late victory at Deep Bottom. Verily we are giving the enemy a rough time this fall. The mail is not yet distributed but I hope to hear from you tonight. We are all in fine spirits and hope our present success will continue. We have destroyed all the forage as far as Staunton, burned all the mills & public property & I think crippled the sources for supplying the rebel army here in future. Goshen boys are doing well- those who remain-By accident I saw today our Col’s report of the part taken by his command in the late battles & was most agreeably surprised to see my name written in full as one of the men who particularly distinguished himself by coolness, bravery, and gallantry. Mother, I scarcely ever expected to see my name prominently used on the roll of honor like this & am proud to feel that I have done well in the sight of my commanders & met the enemy like a brave soldier. I do not tell you this to boast but to let you know I am doing my duty. I know it will please you to hear of it even from my own pen.

I am now very well & want for little beside a pair of shoes which I hope to pick up some way for I am nearly barefooted. We are a great distance from any supplies & of course cannot expect to get any clothing so far away.

Excuse my haste but this is the busy time with me. My monthly papers being made out today. I have worked very hard since daylight.

Love to all. Write often

From Your Dutiful Son

Fred A. Lucas

Serg. Maj. 2nd C.V.A.

P.S. Tell J— I will write her a long letter as soon as time & circumstances will permit. She will excuse I am sure my apparent neglect. Fred

Camp at Strasburg, Va. Oct. 8, 64

Dear Mother

I have but one minute to write you. I am well and just received your letter of the 29th. Cook & Brach are heard from but we were a hundred miles or less from them. Goshen boys are well. I have no time to write more.

Love to all, Your Fred

Hdqrs. 2nd Con. Artillery

Camp at Front Royal, Va. Oct. 12th 1864

My Dear Sister Anna

            I received your kind and welcome letter sometime since but have had no time to reply before & cannot now as well as I would wish to. Our Corps is now lying in camp here. A large force has gone out today “C” company with them on a foraging & reconnorting expedition. A large drove of cattle has just come in- picked up by them. The Alexa. & Front Royal Railroad is being put in repair I hear & if so a direct line of communication will be established as far as here. Guerillas are thick here and trouble us some. I am quite well as are all the Goshen boys who are with us. I have a good pair of shoes again & am ever more a happy man. Write soon & believe me

Your Affect. brother, Fred

Headquarters 2nd Conn. Vol. Artillery

Camp at Cedar Creek (near Strasburg) Va. Oct 15th 1864

My Dear Mother

I received your letter containing the sad news & particulars of Lieut. McCabe’s death & burial on the evening of the 13th while we were in camp at Millwood. I was much surprised when I first learned of his death for I had great hopes of his rapid recovery, although I well knew his wound was a severe one. I am glad to learn that he found a “friend indeed” in Washington, who tendered him a “brothers service” in his time of need. I feel sorry for his family for they must feel their loss heavily. They are poor but will not suffer, for McCabe was a worthy man and his “brethren of the craft” will see them cared for. I dropped Anna a line from Front Royal. We left there the next morning early, under orders to report at Petersburg: marched all day untill near night & when about to cross the river & mountains at Ashby Gap the order was countermanded & we halted for the night at Millwood. While here we heard cannonading in the direction of Strasburg and at 2 a.m. next morning broke camp again & resumed the march. We came rapidly on until we reached our preset post at Cedar Creek, a distance of about 20 miles. We found that the rebels were in force again at Fishers Hill & had attacked the 19th Corps during our absence and driven it back some distance. We prepared for a battle & felt that we were called upon to reenact the scenes of Fisher Hill over again. But no fight came off & today the enemy is gone again, retreated up the valley with our cavalry and a force of infantry in pursuit. I think we shall have no fight here this time. The rebels declare that they like no better sport than to whip the 19th Corps, but when the “Cross” of the fighting 6th comes in sight then they look for a place to run away on. We were a happy set of men when we heard that “Petersburg orders” were countermanded. We had much rather fight here than go back to dark Petersburg again. You inquire after Fred Wadhams. He is a prisoner among the rebels. His regiment retreated from a charge made by the rebels at Winchester & about forty men taken prisoners. George & Fred were among them, but when we charged on the rebels & drove them back, in the confusion George escaped but Fred did not. The 13th were not well handled at either fight if I am any judge of such things. You speak of sending me money. I am in want of some & have been but have not written for any, in hopes we would be paid off before this. I wish you would send me some next mail. Five or ten dollars if you please. We are all tired out with our hard marches of late & none feel much like writing. Goshen boys here are doing well.

Sergt. Griswold is quite well & his wife need borrow no trouble concerning him. Trouble comes soon enough & is severe enough without borrowing in advance.

We had a cold spell of weather of late, so cold as to be quite uncomfortable, especially during the night season. A portion of the regiment are going out on a foraging excursion this afternoon. We are cleaning out this valley most effectually. This morning a long train of waggons(sic) passed by loaded with the white-citizens going north. Hundreds of them are leaving for Maryland & Pennsylvania. They are compelled to go either north or south or starve as our army has laid the country desolate of everything. Go south very few will & go north is the only alternative left them. I wish you to write me all about Major Rice’s & Corp. Beaches funeral etc.

Tis a chilly cold day & will rain tomorrow without doubt. I am tired & must rest when I can do so. Would gladly write you more but am not in a mood for it today. Write soon & often with all the news. From your dutiful Son,

 Fred A Lucas

            Serg. Maj. 2nd C.V.A.

P.S. I send a kiss to Emma. Hers was a sweet one. Tell her so for me. Yours in haste-Fred

If you hear from any of our boys at home or elsewhere please write me for I can not hear often from them when on the move as we are now. Cal Davis will doubtless get home before long.  Fred

7 P.M. Oct. 16

            We draw 4 days rations tonight. Tis thought we march or fight tomorrow. We have been under arms since morning prepared for action. No mail came tonight with train no time to write more. I am well haste compels me to close here. If we fight I trust it is to gain more victories. God is with us and our trust is in him.

Good Bye, Fred; Write soon & often. Send me the money I spoke of. Fred

Newton, Va. 4 P.M. Oct 20th 1864

My Dear Mother

I received your kind letter this afternoon. It found me in rather a hard fix for one who never knew by experience the suffering of wounded men. But you must not worry concerning me, Dear Mother. Thus far I am doing quite well, I think. I have a serious wound but my surgeon tells me it is not fatal nor will I lose my leg if it does well. It is a hole about the size of a man’s finger through my thigh about 3 inches below the groin. The missile went clean through coming out behind. It struck the bone but just far enough one side of the center to cause it to glance around and not shatter my leg. It is terrible sore & lame and I am tired of lying here with it but I am determined to keep up good spirits and make the best of everything. I will give you a brief description of the battle. We have been lying here at Cedar Creek for some days & expecting an attack. Yesterday morning the 8 Corps were not out watching as usual & at daylight they made an attack on the 8th. It was a complete surprise. Our left flank was turned and the 8th & 19th Corps sent skedaddling for dear life- a perfect panic having come on them all. The 6th Corps was brought up to support them & had the brunt of the battle at last to encounter. Sheridan was absent in the morning but came up at 10 o’clock formed the scattered masses & opened a new the contest. Today the rebels are flying for life towards Richmond again & our army has gained a splendid victory. God be thanked for our final success. I can well afford to suffer much if our cause but succeeds. Our regiment is well nigh annihilated if accounts be true but do not credit all I hear yet. You will see the list of sufferers in the papers. It will be incorrect of course all such reports are but you will get it far better there then I can give you. I am in a hospital tent on the ground, stowed thick with others. Men are dying around me & having limbs taken off continually. I hope to be sent north in a short time & think I shall be. I was hit about an hour after sunrise, we had no breakfast before fighting. I was carried to the rear & to an ambulance by some of my comrades. Sergt. Munson was one of them. He is unhurt I hear. Our army was in full retreat when I was hit all but our brigade which was fighting with valor & desperation. We were kept there by our Col. untill the enemy were within six rods of us before he gave the order to fall back. They out numbered us many times at that point. I expected to be a prisoner all the time after I was hit until I was in the ambulance Corp. Vaill was wounded & fell into their hands but was rescued in the latter part of the day. I am writing this lying on my back on the ground, my paper on my tin plate. I am tired, lame, & sore & you will excuse more this time. Write often & direct as before, my mail will be sent me. A letter from J–. cheered me this afternoon. Love to all the friends, tell them I am all right thus far. My turn came and I must bear the torture. Tis only the rough side of soldiering & to be expected. God grant that this bloody war may cease soon & the rebels be whipped effectually & peace restored.

Confidential : (I suppose my commission came today but I shall not accept it just now)     Your dutiful & Aff. Son, Fred A. Lucas

Martinburg, Va. 9 a.m. Oct. 24 1864

My Dear Mother

Thinking the folks at home might be glad to hear direct from Fred I will drop you a few lines myself. I am now sitting up on the front bench next (to) the alter of a large brick catholic church & enjoying the first good seat I have known for a week. My wound is doing well but has not been dressed more than twice yet. It is utterly impossible to give proper care to any when so many are suffering. This church is filled, one half nearly are rebels, one a rebel officer of high rank, I am not sure what his title is. We arrived here about four o’clock yesterday afternoon. Were transported in the government supply waggons. It was a terrible ride for all of us, every moment one of pain to me. I was much better when I arrived than I expected however & this morning am feeling very good. The distance traveled was about 30 miles the first 8 were made night before last and then the train halted in the city of Winchester, right in the heart of the city and stopped till morning.            

I must bid you good bye the order comes to move & we take the cars for a northern hospital somewhere, Phil. I hope.

Your Son, Fred

Patterson Park Gen. Hospital

Ward Lincoln, Baltimore, Md.

Oct 26th 1864

My Dear Mother

With greatest pleasure I again commence a letter home. I arrived here yesterday morning at 4 o’clock. It was a very hard ride for us all & we suffered much from pain. My wounds were dressed only twice from the time I was hit, just after sunrise on the 19th, till I came here: they are doing well now & pain me very little, discharge very freely but will be dressed twice daily here & not allowed to get dirty- or to smell bad. I am placed in rather a disagreeable predicament for me, having been habituated so long to very active life. Here I am flat on my back the greatest part of the time, with a hole through the thick of my thigh, a running festering wound. But I am getting my ration of the “bitter” now, others have had theirs & I will take mine. This is all right and I am satisfied. I shall be a well man after a little time again & then I will once more be fine. I tell you what I want you to do Mother if you will. Write me by return mail and send me some money (by return mail for I may be moved). Be careful to put on the full directions very plainly. Send me ten dollars. I have lost everything but just the clothes I had on me & my sword & canteen. My pants & drawers were cut off me & thrown away when I got here; they were soaked with blood & smelt dreadfully. One more thing for you to do Mother. Make a Thanksgiving supper this year with the expectation that Fred’s chair will be filled by himself. You know it has been vacant for two years past. This is a very pleasant hospital on very high grounds directly east of the main city. We have good diet, good nurses, good surgeons, easy spring beds, nice clean white sheets & pillows, everything in good order. Only one of my regiment is here in the ward with me. Corp. Fred Hills, Co C from Wolcottville. He is badly wounded with a ball through the right shoulder. A few others from the 2nd Conn. are in the other wards I believe, who I have not yet learned. xxxxx I put by my pencil to have my wounds dressed. The nurse & surgeon tell me they look very nicely and are promising a rapid recovery now. This is a beautiful day, warm sunny and comfortable. Why was I not hit earlier in the season that I might enjoy this Indian summer time on my furlough home? Well, Mother, now I don’t want you to worry concerning Fred for I think him in good hands & well cared for. It is probable that I shall be sent to Philadelphia as soon as I can get about with the help of crutches, which will not be many days I think. Send my love to all the friends who inquire. A letter from any or all would be a relief to me during the tedium of hospital life & would be responded to soon as circumstances permitted.

Hoping this will tend to satisfy your anxiety for me and find all at home in health& prosperity. I close with a Good Bye to all for this time.

From Your Aff. Son,

(address) Frederic A. Lucas

            Sergt. Major, 2nd Conn. H. Artillery

            Ward Lincoln

            Patterson Park Gen. Hospital

            Baltimore, Maryland

Patterson Park Gen. Hospital

Ward Lincoln, Baltimore, Md.

My Dear Mother

Your kind note of the 27th came this morning with $10 enclosed. I am obliged to you for it. I am doing nicely but cannot sit up yet as my leg is quite lame and will not admit of moving much. My wounds are become clean and commenced healing. They are very ugly looking holes, the one in front as large as an old fashion cent. I am well taken care of nothing lacking but plenty to eat. We are kept on very small rations now. We have to buy extra food, apples etc. My Friend Corp. Hills is doing very well, his wounds have troubled by bleeding some but he is doing very well generally. He expects his friends down to see him in a little while. You need not expect me home next week for cannot come as soon as that. I was offered a furlough last night but declined for I think I had rather wait than risk injury to my wounds. Besides you do not want me now as much as by & by when I am better able to care for myself. Write often & give me all the news. I want the particulars of Major Rice & Corp. Beach’s funerals & the list of casualties at Cedar Creek. The mail leaves soon at 3 o’clock & I close with an Aff. Good Bye to all at home.

From Your Aff. Son, Fred A. Lucas

Patterson Park Gen. Hospital

Ward Lincoln, Baltimore, Md.

My Dear Mother

I was disappointed yesterday in getting no letter from you and will write you this morning to let you know how I am getting along. I am doing finely. My wounds are gaining very rapidly. I am doing better than any other patient in this ward according to my nurses account of me. My wounds are healing very fast & my limb is entirely free from swelling and but little sore. Yesterday I sat up by the stove for some hours & today I have my pants on and am enjoying a rocking chair by the fire again. I shall try to get home pretty soon if possible. You may send me fifteen dollars by the return mail. I may not need it all but I intend to purchase some articles here which I will need when I rejoin my regiment as an Officer. Hills is doing very well but does not sit up yet. It is a rainy dreary morning. I hope to hear from you today. With Love to all at home & regards to all who inquire after me. I remain as ever

Your Dutiful Son

Frederic A Lucas

Sergt. Maj. 2nd Conn. Arty.

Patterson Park Gen. Hosiptal

Ward Lincoln, Baltimore, Md.

My Dear Mother,

I thought I would write you a line today to inform you of my condition. I am doing nicely, my wounds are commenced healing & now give me no pain, the swelling has nearly left my limb & I am improving rapidly. My bodily health is very good, appetite good. I can use my leg none as yet but flatter myself I shall be able to in a week more. My nurse tells me I will walk in 3 weeks. I hope so for I am already tired of this confounded “horizontal”. I want to get out in the air again. This coal heated atmosphere tends to make me homesick. Nearly all who are able to move are being sent home to attend the election. I was offered a chance but declined. I voted for Uncle Abe the last thing I done on the evening preceding the morning on which I was wounded. I am glad I did not allow my feelings to get the better of my judgement for I might now be at home & possibly lose a leg for my foolishness. Mother, I am coming home just as soon as I can & think there is no damage to my wounds. My friend Hills is doing nicely & improving daily. All the patients in hospital were mustered today according to law for pay but none get any without their description lists are obtained from their regiments. I shall get no pay then. Government now owes me $155. for my back pay. 5 months pay & my wages as Sergt. Major. are $26 per month. I wish I could get it. I shall want more money to get home with if I get no pay but you need not send until I ask for it. I hope to hear from you tomorrow, a long letter full of good things. Please write very often and accept this brief apology for a letter from Your Aff. Son, Fred A. Lucas

Nov. 5th 1864

Patterson Park Gen. Hospital

Ward Lincoln, Baltimore Md.

My Dear Mother

            Your letter of Nov. 1st came to me today noon. I have looked for it for two days past and was rejoiced to hear from you. Mother, I can walk across the room now without the aid of staff or crutch and my wounds are doing beautifully. All swelling has gone & my limb is comparatively little sore now. I sit up all day in a rocking chair or lounge on my bunk or walk about the room to exercise my leg. I am really getting along most remarkably fast. Surgeons & nurses all tell me so. I have learned nothing yet from the regiment, where they are or who is left uninjured. When I can go home I cannot tell but I hope pretty soon for I am now in a condition to enjoy a furlough. I know nothing about George at all & have no means of hearing. I have received no letter from Anna. It probably went to the regiment. I have written them to have my mail forwarded but may never get it. You may make me some woolen shirts if you please. Get some good dark cloth, fast color, and make very narrow collars (or rather no collars at all). & narrow wristbands. Make them large. You need not send them until I know whether I am to come home soon or not.

Friend Hills is doing well, sat up today & wrote a left-handed letter to his mother. She will be surprised to get it. I have written all his letters heretofore.

Please write often & all the news from the boys which you may hear. I am doing all right now and everything promises a quick recovery for me. I hope so for I am getting anxious to rejoin my command again & take part in the Valley service under gallant Sheridan.

Good Bye for this time

Your Dutiful Son

Fred A. Lucas, Sergt. Maj. 2nd Conn. Artillery

Patterson Park Gen. Hospital

Ward Lincoln, Baltimore, Md.

Nov. 7th 1864

My Dear Mother,

My thoughts are homeward turned again this morning & I take my pencil to write you a few lines informing you of my rapid recovery & prosperous condition. I am now sitting up by the fire cross legged with my writing on my lame leg, and the picture of a lazy, nothing to do soldier I certainly am. I can now walk all about the ward & take care of myself almost, but am quite lame yet, In one week more I think I shall be able to walk out doors and limp but little, but it will require a long time yet to heal my wounds. One is nearly closed now & little sore but the other is quite large although doing very nicely. I am getting bleached up with close confinement indoors and I think am growing quite thin in flesh, but my bodily health is very good and my physical strength little impaired. Hills is doing well, sitting up in bed this morning.

            Tis raining very hard here this morning but is quite warm for November. Tomorrow is elections & we soldiers are anxiously waiting to learn the results. Uncle Abe is our man & we hopefully trust that he will be reelected. I have learned nothing from my regiment yet & wish I could hear from the boys some way. I am anxious to see the listing of causalities for I do not know yet who is injured even in “Co. C”

Write soon & often,

Love to all at home

From your Son, Fred

Patterson Park Gen. Hospital

Ward Lincoln, Baltimore Md.

Nov. 10th 1864

Dear Mother

 I made written application for furlough yesterday. I think I will get one in the course of a week. I am doing as well as ever, improving very rapidly. I shall probably reach home next week if my papers are successful. Write me immediately & give me the residence of Uncle Charlie Barber. I have forgotten the street & number. Write by return mail as I may not get it before I receive my furlough. I think no patient ever recovered as rapidly as I have. It is all owing to my perfect health when wounded I think. Hills continues to get along well. I wish he were able to go home with me. I have no news to write. Election returns thus far are cheering for Uncle Abe. Bully for that. Good morning.

From Your Dutiful Son, Fred

U.S.A. Gen. Hospital

Patterson Park, Baltimore, Md.

Monday Morning, Nov. 14th 1864

My Dear Mother,

            I have been looking for a letter from you for several days past but have received none. I hope you have written me & that todays mail may bring the looked for missive. You are probably looking for me home about these days, but I am sorry to tell you that I have not yet got my application approved as the “Surgeon in Charge” under whose eye it must come for approval has been engaged on important business in the city and not yet able to attend to such matters. But I am encouraged by my Surgeon that I will get the furlough & hope to be home in time for thanksgiving. I am still getting along very well & can now walk out doors on the park grounds and about the hospital. On Saturday I walked about half a mile but yesterday I was sore & lame & kept to the house, but this morning I am all right again. We are having alternate rain & sunshine here. Tis quite cold this morning. Hills is doing well.

            Mail leaves at 9 o’clock & I must close. Hope to see home this week yet & don’t give up the idea.

            Write me when you get this.

            from Your Dutiful Son,

Fred

U.S.A. Gen. Hospital

Patterson Park, Baltimore, Md.

Nov. 16th 1864

Dear Mother

It is with pleasure that I write to inform you that my furlough has been approved “by the Surgeon in Charge” and is now gone to Gen. Wallace for his signature. I shall probably get the document in time to leave Baltimore by the 9 o’clock P.M. train tomorrow or next day. I cannot tell you with any certainty. Fathers wish to meet me at the depot is mine certainly if we can make it practicable, but I am really unable to say when I shall be there, nor can I guess within twenty-four hours, so uncertain are all things a-la-militaire. I am now pretty sure of my furlough for a disapproval of any approved paper from a Chief Surgeon is a rare occurrence anywhere. Yet the War Department has just issued very strict orders in regard to furloughing soldiers and the hospitals are about to be thoroughly inspected & all who will do sent to their regiments forthwith. I am certainly unfit for the field & will be a long time & feel sure of my furlough, still it is yet uncertain even with me. I am still doing nicely & my wounds are improving rapidly. Hills shoulder is shattered; the bones are now coming out the wounds. We had hoped it was not but the case is settled now by the pieces of broken bone coming out. He is doing well however but will not see service in the field again I fear. In great haste I am as ever your dutiful Son.

Fred A. Lucas

Sergt. Maj. 2nd Conn. Artillery

U.S.A. Gen. Hospital

Ward Lincoln, Patterson Park, Balt. Md.

Nov. 18th 1864

Dear Mother

I am sorry to be compelled to inform you that for some unaccountable reason my furlough is to be delayed. The fault in my opinion is chargeable to my ward surgeon whom I fear has been acting the part of anything but an honorable man with me. Others have been suffering from the same course of underhanded conduct on his part. When I do get my furlough now is very uncertain; and I am not even sure of any at all now. But I..(am).. determined to use one more plan…(?)… a piece of strategy of my own to ..(?).. & beat him at his own ..(?).. to put my plans at work tonight and will report progress to you early next week.[spaces reflect torn corner] I cannot possibly be at home now at Thanksgiving as I had fondly hoped, unless my plans are remarkably successful. If I find I am unable to get home I shall soon apply to go to the field & join my regiment.

I regret very much that I am not able to be at home next week and I think that sneak of a citizen doctor who has prevented me deserves some thing placed to his credit by me and he has it too and when I do leave his ward either on furlough or to rejoin my command he will hear something to his disadvantage.

I am doing finely as regards my wounds and am all right but my feelings which just now are completely riled.

From Your dutiful Son,

Fred A. Lucas Sergt. Maj. 2nd Conn.

To the friends at Home, I wish you all a Merry Christmas

U.S. Army General Hospital

Ward Lincoln Patterson Park

Baltimore, Md. Dec 25th 1864

Dear Mother

I have written a long letter already this afternoon and I will now write you. I arrived here about nine o’clock yesterday after a pleasant journey, but was very tired, sleepy, and lame. I found the hospital filled full again and nearly all the old faces gone home. Crabtree is gone on furlough and my new nurse is a young dutchman- a fine fellow well educated and kind but knows little english yet. Hill is not as well as I hoped to find him, is quite poor and weak. He will never do more service in the army. Today we had a fine dinner of everything good & desirable. Bill of fare- beef, mutton, chicken, turkeys, oysters and vegetables etc. etc. Everything passed off pleasantly and satisfactorily to all. Every man who was able to walk was called out and sent to the tables. About five hundred were at table. Baltimore is very lively and the people here are celebrating Christmas with great éclat. The streets are full of noisy boys yelling and blowing unearthly toot horns, street fights are common and the police little hindrance. It is not to be wondered at that riots are frequent here. Last week the young boys of the city formed themselves into two parties for a sham fight, and the result was one in earnest with clubs, stones, pistols etc. Four were severely wounded & one killed. Where the boys are thus brought up to fight and carry deadly weapons for self defense is it strange they often defy civil authority and raise riots on all holidays & extra occasions?

Baltimore is full of iniquity to the brim but martial law has kept much better order here than existed previously. My wounds are both open again but now they will rapidly heal & before many days are past you will hear from me at Petersburg. I dislike this hospital life and feel like once more entering upon active duties of the field. If it were the warm season I would go tomorrow if my surgeon would permit me to but I am yet afraid of my wounds. Write me very often all of you. I will write again soon. There is little interesting here to tell you, beside I am nervous today and my hand trembles badly. I will mail Anna a paper which I have read today. Please send me the Enquires each week & the Herald too both together. Excuse my short visit to Aunt Anne’s I regret that I could not see her more and others I wished to call upon. I wish Father to settle with Henry Beach for my boots right away. I ought to have done so before leaving home but was not able.

Now Mother, remember I am just a little lonely & have symptoms of homesickness after my furlough and a cure exists in your letters. Excuse this poorly written letter and accept from Your Aff. Son

Fred

U.S. Army Gen. Hospital

Ward Lincoln, Patterson Park, Baltimore, Md.

3 o’clock P.M. Friday Dec. 30th 1864

Dear Sister Anna

I am seriously ill this afternoon Sis and am driven to the remedy of pen and ink as a temporary relief. You are curious to know the nature of my malady? I cannot describe it, nor would I if I could. The truth is I am just a little ashamed to have the feelings. Furlough on the Heart is what ails me and nothing can be more disagreeable.

I am homesick Anna, that’s what’s the matter. The bay with its beauties of varied sail and steamers, the forts around it, with their bright guns glistening in the sunshine, and whitewashed quarters of the garrison, the cleanly uniformed sentries pacing their weary beats, bright and shining in their army blue, noble and soldierly: the city of Baltimore with its long streets all alive with hurrying crowds of all ages, sizes, and sexes: business men with care in every feature, clerks as plainly stamped “Official Business”, pretty women promenading for pleasure or the exhibition of costly attire and personal charms-as often displaying the follies of taste and fashion as the skill of the artist and milliner or the weight of “Papa’s” purse, while in the same motley group pictures of want, famine and poverty are plainly and quickly seen. Here is room ad opportunity for the study of nature but today the scene has no charm for me. My thoughts are roaming homeward and I must again talk through the medium of pen and paper with the dear friends there.

How have you all been since I bid you Good Bye just one week ago? What is the news at home and in old Goshen? Has Dan gone to Bristol yet, and what will be his address there?

This is a sunny day, quite pleasant but chilly outdoors. Travelling is quite good in the city and people are out enjoying the weather and walking. I was out in the city all day yesterday and walked so much that I am lame and stiff today. My wounds are steadily improving but discharging slightly yet. It is dull and monotonous here most of the time. We have music in the ward from fife and violin, plenty of reading matter, beside a Lyceum which meets every week for debate. I am principal disputant on the next question which is: “Resolved that absence from home and friends has a greater tendency to develope the firm feelings of man than his presence with them.” I speak on the negative side and lead the debate before an audience of two hundred probably. It is a trying place for me but I shall make a bold attempt to gain the decision. My new nurse is a splendid fellow, kind and agreeable. He is an educated man and a son of very wealthy parents. He is an exile in this country from the German Medical College at Heidelberg. He became engaged in a student duel there and seriously wounded his antagonist, was obliged to flee from the country. He has passed an examination and will probably get an appointment in the army soon. He often entertains me with his interesting stories of german life and customs, his colledge scrapes etc. I have been copying some manuscript papers written by a lady at this hospital for publication in the Baltimore papers, so I think I can say I have been writing for the press. Our diet here is poor enough now, much worse than the fieldfare I think. Do you hear anything from our regiment? I am anxious to learn their location & what they are doing. The hospital is filled now- a crowd of paroled prisoners are here and many are suffering from loathsome diseases contracted in southern prisons. Some have the scurvy and their teeth are so loose they almost fall out of themselves. You need to see those poor fellows to know the sufferings they have undergone. Hills is not gaining much and is quite thin, weak, and pale. He has no use of his arm & I fear never will have. He is plucky and keeps up good courage and being possessed of strong & vigorous constitution will be likely to recover in time. Supper bugle is sounding and I go to the tables. It will be dark when I return and I shall be compelled to defer my letter till tomorrow.

8 o’clock A.M. Dec. 31st 1864

Good Morning Anna,

This is the last day of 1864 and although ahead of time I bid you a Happy New Year. It is snowing hard this morning but there is not the slightest wind stirring, and the cedars in the park are bending beneath their heavy loads of the feathery burden. It is early now and all is quiet in the city- if we except the yells of newsboys with morning dailies and the milkmen’s bells. Two hours later and Baltimore will be all alive with a heterogeneous mass of moving humanity. Bells will be jingling and fast nags and gay turnouts in great demand. Gay robes and rich furs will be seen in ample profusion and while the snow lasts all who can afford the luxury will vie with each other in the display and dashing appearance of “My trotter & jumper”. Mother’s letter came last evening and was gladly received. /she is apparently anxious for me, fearing I will go front before fully recovered. I shall endeavor to take good care of myself and prevent taking cold if possible. But I shall probably rejoin my regiment soon if my wounds will anyways permit. My Doctor is very kind and attentive to me since my return. I think the course I adapted to secure my furlough tended to raise me in his estimation and I know he admires my daring impudence in applying to the department headquarters contrary to all rules and regulations. I play some jokes on him occasionally and he takes all very civilly and coolly. Were he not a citizen I should not presume to take such liberties, as it is not military at all.

Now Anna, I have written you a long scribble this time and shall expect a long one in reply. Tell me all that is going on if you please. I am to write for the surgeon today and it is now time to commence. He offers me a clerkship here but the position is not permanent and it would be dishonorable for me to accept it after fit for field duty. I will rejoin my comrades and share their duties and dangers. This is the only course which will satisfy myself for by so doing I can feel I am performing my duty. We are getting splendid news from our armies lately. I think our cause looks brighter every day, and although it will require time and sacrifice to secure ultimate victory and conquer the rebellion yet I am sure this will be accomplished.

With love to all at home and many good wishes for your welfare & happiness,

I remain your Aff. Brother

Fred

P.S. I close in haste.

Camp 2nd C.V.A. 2nd Bgde 1st Div, 6 Corps near Strasburgh, Va.

Nov 6th 1864

Friend Frederick

Your letter of Oct 27th reached me by way of R. Frink the next morning after the last return train had left or I should have been able to have given you a more immediate reply. We are on the same ground that the Johnies hustled us off from on the 19th but Fred they crossed it quicker than we did, on their retreat, and left as many evidences, hard looking ones too, as we, in the morning of being badly, very badly whipped. We were glad to hear from you & that you were doing well, also F.O Hills from whom we could hear nothing of or learn whether he was in our hospital or carried off by the Rebs & hope you will both do well & soon be able to join us again. I presume you have learned of all casualties on the 19th, we are lonesome Fred, but they call us the Bully Heavies. Lt. McKinney is in Com’d of C & G; Morrison is acting 1 serg of I; Stone of A fills or tries to fill yours; Griswold is all right & the other Sergts of C as to myself I got into a warm place that morning before I was aware of it, but it did not worry one much, came out all right. Dinner Pail & all its contents we had for supper at ten that night, on the ground that we cooked it on in the morning. I have been working at the Muster Rolls of C & G since the 9th am all alone in my glory & have but one more days writing to do to complete them for both companies. It has been quite cold for the week past & our camp life in the Field grows more (?) everyday still keeps up our hopes of wintering in the forts, time will tell. Warren is going home on a furlough his mother is quite sick. Your knapsack was saved by some one & some of its contents given to Morrison. A sash which he proposes to give to the Adjt., a Bible & Memorial which I will mail to you with this & a Photograph of your piece of Silk which I enclose with the bible of course. You will want it to show to the Doctor- to convince him you have something to live for an interest here in this vile world below. I have made inquiries for your letters & fin only one which I send with this. Morrison has sent one to Hills, is letter to his father. I will see that your mail if any comes is sent to you as soon as I hear from you again. All join in sending love & resps. to you both.

yours, Theire

Camp 2nd C.V.A.

front of Petersburg, Va. Feb. 9th, “1864” (ought to be 1865)

Dear Mother:

Do you wish to see another scrawl from Fred’s pen. Well a scrawl it shall be for I will be in great haste & go to bed immediately upon its conclusion- a go to bed offense truly!  I have not slept five hours yet since I wrote you last Sunday. I told you of the boys being packed up for a move. Well, at 8 P.M. we men have been moving & fighting ever since I have been outdoors since I came but I hope to sleep under cover tonight. We have made two long & sever marches & fought one battle. The fight came off Monday night at Hatchers Run on the extreme left of our lines& resulted in lengthening our lines & driving in the rebels some miles. The 5th Corps lost considerably, the 6th little.

The 2nd C.V.A. charged on the enemy but were thrown into an ambush & surrounded on three sides but owing to favorable circumstances were rescued & suffered a slight loss. 1 killed, 1 mortally wounded & about a dozen wounded. Charles Wheeler received 4 ball holes in arm & breast, all flesh wounds however. I am suffering from Quinzy (sic), the result of long exposure & my leg is lame from a hurt in the late battle. I am tired & sick today & can write no more. I will write you again soon. We moved camp this morning and are now several miles nearer the  (?)  of our lines & about five from Petersburg.

Write often & believe me your Aff. Fred

I saw Gen. Mackenzie today & had a talk with him, he has just returned from furlough.

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Epilogue

Why reflect on the Civil War? As Edmund Burke warned, “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” And repeating it we are. In 1849, well in advance of the Civil War, Thoreau published Civil Disobedience. The essay codified his argument against both slavery and the Mexican-American War – a premonition of 1861.

Civil Disobedience deserves a more prominent place in political discourse. Along with Frédéric Bastiat, Thoreau was a man of principle and their arguments should inform the current discourse. But who reads seriously the works of authors written more than 150 years ago? Doomed we are.

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[1] I need to investigate why my paternal grandmother was the closest living relative – to inherit from a second cousin once removed is unusual. In addition, there is a probable, but not thoroughly-researched or documented distant connection to John Brown the abolitionist. [See also Fred’s entry of Aug 11, 1864.]

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