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 LETTERS OF 
 RICHARD TYLDEN AUCHMUTY 
 
 FIFTH CORPS 
 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 
 
 EDITED BY E. 8. A. 
 
 PRIVATELY FEINTED
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 WASHINGTON, October 8, 1861. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I found my commission all 
 correct when I arrived last night. To-day I have 
 been looking for a horse, but have not found one 
 to suit. There was a review near the Capitol, but 
 I did not go to it, but saw most of the performance 
 on the avenue. 
 
 The weather has been showery and cool, so I 
 suppose the hot spell is over. 
 
 I do not expect to get settled at Hall's Hill till 
 Thursday, but shall try to ride over to-morrow. I 
 met Siebert in the street this morning ; he is a 
 lieutenant in Blenker's brigade. I will write as 
 soon as I get there and give you my address. 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 HEADQUARTERS 2o BRIGADE, PORTER'S DIVISION, 
 
 HALL'S HILL, VA., October llth. 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I left Washington yesterday 
 afternoon in a drizzle, and arrived here in a pouring 
 rain. I came out dry, however, and was very com- 
 fortable. We have enormous fires and plenty to eat. 
 
 550159
 
 4 LETTERS. 
 
 To-day it does not rain, but is not much better. 
 Generals Porter, Martindale, Butterfield, and Mor- 
 rell are all here in a small pine-wood, and so many 
 people together make it very gay. Kobert Living- 
 ston is a volunteer aid with Butterfield. 
 
 This afternoon General Morrell, with 3,600 men 
 and the Rhode Island battery, occupy Minor's farm, 
 near Falls Church. A Pennsylvania regiment slept 
 there last night, and no " Secesh " are in sight. 
 There is a large farmhouse there, I hear, for us to 
 live in. 
 
 I bought a beautiful, well-behaved mare at the 
 corral yesterday for $125, but find she is worthless 
 and must take her back. If you do not hear for 
 some time, it is because there are no mail facilities. 
 My address is : 
 
 "Captain R. T. Auchmuty, Assist.-Adj.-Gen. 
 Second Brigade, Gen. F. J. Porter's Division, 
 Washington, D. C." 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S HOUSE, VA., 
 October 20, 1861. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHEE, I have as yet had no letters 
 from home. Two days ago I got one from Willy 
 Redmond, saying he had seen you, and Sallie W. 
 also told me that she had a letter. I have not 
 been very busy this week, and have had a great deal 
 of pleasure. On Wednesday Mrs. and Miss Wads- 
 worth and Miss Katie Heckscher came over to see
 
 LETTERS. 5 
 
 me, and I gave them lunch. On Thursday, I went 
 to a review of General Smith's batteries. The tar- 
 get was a small wooden house, but it did not seem 
 to be much hurt ; afterwards, we were invited to 
 a splendid spread, presided over by Mrs. Smith, in 
 the house of a man named Smoot a large brick 
 house, and the only gentleman's house that I have 
 seen. Three bands played, and the company 
 danced in the hall. McClellan and his staff were 
 there. I telegraphed to the Wads worth party to 
 come, but they did not do so. The review was 
 to have been on our hill, to which they promised to 
 come. I should have liked to have the princes see 
 them. Mrs. and the Misses Barry and Mrs. Ben- 
 ton were the ladies present. 
 
 Robert Livingston has gone to New York to get 
 his uniform, and will now be in our division. 
 
 The weather has been rainy, but warm ; the 
 leaves are just turning ; the bee-line roads are be- 
 ginning to show what they will be in the way of 
 mud. 
 
 Since the rebels fell back, there have been no 
 more disturbances at night, and telegrams, blue 
 lights, and rockets are in the past. 
 
 Last night, however, a great telegraphing set in, 
 and I was up all night. It related to our move- 
 ments, which appear to be perfectly safe and for 
 the better, viz., to Smoot's house. I rode over 
 to Hall's Hill at 1 A.M. after a man, and not find- 
 ing him there, went to a house about four miles 
 off, near the pickets, and then to Falls Church, 
 getting back at three o'clock. It was the first time
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 1 had seen the pickets at night. They consist of 
 men every few yards, who stick a bayonet in your 
 face, till you give the countersign. As the Secesh 
 are far away, I thought the most danger came from 
 our own men. I had to rout out the captain at 
 Falls Church before I could enter the village. 
 
 The other day, I went to Lewinsville, then just 
 occupied. It consists of about twenty rather good 
 houses, abandoned by their owners, and ransacked 
 by two armies. As all the really fine trees had been 
 cut down that morning, to afford a clear space for 
 some neighboring batteries, it looked pretty forlorn. 
 
 Our parlor is still constantly filled with great 
 people. We have just completed a tower, and 
 now there is nothing to see. General Morrell's 
 staff consists of Lieutenant Williams, of Rochester, 
 A.D.C., Dr. Waters of Pennsylvania, a very nice 
 man, as surgeon, and a sporting man, named 
 McElroy, as commissary. 
 
 Address as an experiment, " Care of Col. James 
 McQuade, Fourteenth United States Volunteers ; " 
 their things all come straight. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 MIHOK'S HOUSE, 
 
 October 23, 1861. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHEE, We are still here, although 
 we have had several false alarms of being moved. 
 
 To-day it has cleared, after two days' rain, and 
 the wind makes the house shake. I went to Wash-
 
 LETTERS. 7 
 
 ington on Monday, and after running about all day, 
 found my saddle and uniform, and put them at 
 G Street, and told the quartermaster of the Penn- 
 sylvania regiment to bring them here to-day. 
 Sallie "W. was very polite, and seemed glad to see 
 me. She wanted me to dine there, but as I could 
 not promise to be ready, I declined, and as it was, 
 did not get home till nine o'clock. That night, 
 just as I got asleep, came the news of the fight at 
 Edwards Ferry, and an order for us to be ready 
 to start at daybreak. Daybreak and a countermand 
 came, but I was up all night. I wish we could go 
 to Leesburgh, as it would be more comfortable. 
 
 It is so cold to-night that the officers of the Car- 
 lisle battery have just come in to get warm. 
 
 This afternoon I took a very long ride, first on 
 the Fairfax and then on the Leesburgh road. I 
 stopped at a great many houses, some of them quite 
 venerable, but mostly deserted. One house was 
 occupied by our pickets, under the command of a 
 Lieutenant Martindale. It looked so clean that I 
 asked the woman where she learned to use water, 
 and she replied that she was from Dutchess County. 
 She gave me some hot rolls, fresh butter, and milk. 
 Mrs. Childs, whose house was bombarded, was 
 living there. She was quite a nice woman, from 
 New York State, and it seemed a pretty hard case. 
 The soldiers, women, children, and two prisoners 
 made a curious household. Coming home I met 
 General Wadsworth at the head of 1,200 men. I 
 was quite alarmed lest our brigade had also moved, 
 but he told me he was only taking a little exercise.
 
 8 LETTERS. 
 
 None of the very great people have called on us 
 lately, but we have a succession of smaller fry. 
 
 I have not yet been able to get a man, which 
 makes it very uncomfortable ; most of the niggers 
 are afraid to come out so far. The few natives 
 prowl about, looking completely cowed and accus- 
 ing their neighbors of being "Secesh." They are 
 constantly here for passes from one house to 
 another, and the other day I gave a man a pass to 
 pick what was left of his own corn. 
 
 I wish you would send me a sketch-book, such 
 as Madgie has, by mail, if possible ; the express 
 takes from a week to ten days. 
 
 Your letter of the 16th arrived on the 22d. 
 
 With love to all, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 K. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S HILL, 
 
 October 30, 1861. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have been expecting 
 another letter from you, the only one I have being 
 that of the 16th. I got one from Carroll ten days 
 old, and one from Johnny of the 24th. 
 
 We are still here, and do not even hear of an 
 advance. I have cleaned up the house and moved 
 into a tent. We have good servants, and Sallie W. 
 sent over a man who was scullion to the Spanish 
 Minister, and is a very good cook. 
 
 On Saturday we had a review of our division, 
 which consists of 11,000 men, three batteries and
 
 LETTERS. 9 
 
 some cavalry. McClellan reviewed us. Afterward 
 we had a collation at Hall's Hill, and a Penn- 
 sylvania colonel in our brigade had a splendid sup- 
 per in the evening. The Comte de Paris told me 
 he was always so glad to have a talk with me. 
 Sunday I dined at the Wadsworths', and I have 
 quite a circle of people to take meals with. Our 
 pickets have been drawn in, which somewhat cur- 
 tails my rides, but I believe 1 know this part of the 
 country about as well as any one ; still, I rather 
 miss looking for " Secesh " across the valley. The 
 weather is splendid and the leaves just beginning 
 to turn. 
 
 There is considerable sickness in the brigade, but 
 I never was better. 
 
 Eobert has come back and is with Butterfield. 
 "Union" men are turning up quite thickly. 
 
 I am afraid I shall not see much of Aunt Jo, as 
 I cannot go to Washington, and it costs five 
 dollars to come here. 
 
 Try "Second Brigade, F. J. Porters Division, 
 Washington, D. C." 
 
 With love to all, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 P. S. I received to-day your letter of the 28th, 
 two from Madgie and one from Carroll ; the letters 
 between are not forthcoming, so you'd better ad- 
 dress care of Colonel McQuade. 
 
 I have ridden seven hours to-day, have a pile of 
 papers to draw up, and cannot write any more. No
 
 10 LETTERS. 
 
 orders to move. The sketch-book came. I am 
 sorry about the house. I can give you $100 at 
 Christmas as my share of the expenses ; still, do as 
 you please. It must be very lonely by yourselves. 
 
 MINOR'S HOUSE, 
 November 3d. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, If Aunt Jo has not gone 
 yet, I wish you would get her to bring on my over- 
 coat. It can be put in an old carpet-bag. If she 
 has left, please send it by express. It is in my 
 cedar box, probably at the bottom. If the house 
 should be let, I hope you will be careful to lock up 
 all my things. Perhaps it would be best if you 
 could get $1,200 and be sure of the rent. 
 
 The tremendous storm has blown itself out. 
 Every one here is uneasy about the fleet, which is 
 probably dispersed, if not worse. 
 
 I took a ride on Friday, within three miles of 
 Vienna, with the lieutenant-colonel of the Four- 
 teenth New York. We came at one time upon a 
 mounted man. I saw him first, and stopped, and 
 he called six more out of the woods. We consulted 
 whether to run, but knew they would fire, and as 
 we could not take to the bushes without leaving 
 our horses, we decided to trot on and trust to luck. 
 They came galloping down on us, and when they 
 saw the IT. S. on my cap, the captain began to 
 "damn" it, as he thought he had two rebels. 
 It was a scouting party from Smith's brigade. I 
 do not think I shall try such an expedition again.
 
 LETTERS. 11 
 
 We were to have had a review yesterday, but the 
 rain prevented it, for which I was glad, as I was 
 tired and not very well. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S HOUSE, 
 
 November 14, 1861. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I received your letter of 
 the 12th this afternoon. When I wrote for my 
 overcoat I had not been able to draw one from the 
 arsenal. To-day I got a very warm soldier's over- 
 coat for eight dollars, so I will not want the one in 
 the cedar box. 
 
 On Monday we had a dinner-party, which was 
 quite successful. Tuesday was our picket day, and 
 I was there most of the day. I saw Mrs. J. W. 
 De Peyster and Louis Livingston at Hall's Hill. 
 We intended giving them a dinner, but they left 
 suddenly. 
 
 Last night I started to spend the evening with 
 a family near Falls Church, but General Morrell 
 called me back and said I was very foolish to travel 
 about, as I might get shot by some one who would 
 like a horse and a pass. To-day we all went to see 
 a review of Franklin's division, near Alexandria. 
 It was followed by the usual feasting and drinking. 
 Moses H. Grrinnell and his son and Willy Cutting 
 were there. It wound up in the usual rain. We 
 came home with three generals and seventeen 
 "aides," across country, breaking down fences
 
 12 LETTERS. 
 
 when we could not get over them, arriving here at 
 6.30. and had an unusually good dinner. Willy 
 Cutting is coming, on Monday, to spend a few days 
 at Minor's Hill. Mrs. General Smith invited me to 
 a party at Smoot's house to-morrow, but I have 
 arranged to go to Washington with Lieutenant 
 Sackett. 
 
 On Saturday we partly expect General Porter and 
 General and Mrs. Martindale to dine. 
 
 I hope you lock up the house and look out for 
 fire. I often feel uneasy about it. 
 
 I shall be glad to see Aunt Jo, and suppose she 
 will make an excursion to Minor's. 
 
 With love to Madgie and Tiny, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S HOUSE, 
 Sunday. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHEE, ... I hear nothing of 
 an advance, and do not see much object in one, 
 although it is hardly probable that this immense 
 army, along which I rode twelve miles to-day, will 
 be kept idle all winter. We had a review yester- 
 day. It has been postponed three times on account 
 of the weather, and yesterday, as we got on the 
 ground, it began to pour, and did not stop during 
 the five hours we were out. I got very wet, in spite 
 of my India-rubber. We did not go to the feast at 
 Hall's Hill, but came directly home. 
 
 The Carlisle battery went yesterday to the reserve
 
 LETTERS. 13 
 
 at Washington, and were succeeded by Griffin's 
 (U. S.). The Carlisle is a loss, as I spent my first 
 day with them when I came on to Washington, 
 and know them now very well. The Griffin people 
 took refuge with us last night, their wagons getting 
 stuck in the mud somewhere between here and 
 Chain Bridge. 
 
 Last Wednesday was our picket day. The usual 
 number for one mile and a half is 300. That day 
 General Morrell ordered 200, and two officers instead 
 of nine, as a review was ordered, which was after- 
 ward postponed. I took them down, the rough- 
 scuff of the brigade, and after getting them posted, 
 I found I only had 130, and they were so stupid 
 that I went back to say that I would stay all day, 
 but found the review put off and the relief getting 
 ready. I put two men to examine passes on the 
 Leesburgh road, and found that they could not 
 read ! I put one Massachusetts boy all alone ; he 
 asked me how far it was to the outer pickets, and 
 he was horrified to hear there was nothing but the 
 woods between him and the Secesh. I spent part 
 of the day with a Mrs. Haycock, an old woman 
 about eighty. She and her daughters were grum- 
 bling because the soldiers put her lights out at 
 seven the evening before. I told her the house 
 had a bad reputation, and she replied that they 
 were ''Virginians." 
 
 To-day I went with Sackett, of Weeden's battery, 
 to Ellsworth. It is the prettiest thing I have seen. 
 I then went to see General Kearny, who was out. 
 I rode twenty-four miles in all. My horse tumbled
 
 14 LETTERS. 
 
 in the mud, but I clung on to him, and only got 
 splashed. 
 
 This afternoon, the General and I dined with the 
 Colonel of the Fourteenth New York Volunteers. 
 We like our cook very much ; my bill for three 
 weeks was $10.25, and lately we have lived very 
 well. For instance, on Thursday we had soup, 
 filet-de-bc&uf, and a bread pudding that I had made 
 at a farm-house. Robert comes here quite often. 
 I do not go to see him, as I do not much like Hall's 
 Hill and the camp of brigadiers there. 
 
 I made a great bargain in potatoes. An old man 
 told me that if I would bring some soldiers I might 
 have a third for digging them, as his niggers had 
 run. 
 
 I was sick for a day or two, but took a dose of 
 castor-oil, which cured me. The weather is very 
 bad, one day fine, the next cold, raw, or rainy. 
 
 I have been living in the house for a week, 
 but have bought a stove, and will go back to my 
 tent. 
 
 Tell Fanning I like my revolver very much. I 
 only got it the other day. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S HOUSE, 
 November 23d. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, Everything goes on so 
 quietly here that there is little to write about, ex- 
 cept the weather, which is bad. Two good days,
 
 LETTERS. in 
 
 then a hurricane from the east, then pouring rain, 
 followed by a hurricane from the west, and pierc- 
 ingly cold. I arn comfortable, however, as, after 
 trying two patent beds, I got a litter and mattress 
 from the hospital. My stove warms me while 
 dressing, and, unless the wind is unusually violent, 
 I can sleep well. When it is, I put my clothes on 
 and keep a knife in my hand, in case of a grand 
 collapse, as once happened. 
 
 The big review read better than it appeared to 
 the actors, and the idea of 60,000 men is greater 
 than the sight. I got on horseback at 7.30 and 
 got off at 5. I got a chunk of bread during 
 the day for refreshments. As I know every road 
 for ten miles around, I was sent ahead and rode at 
 the head of 4,070 men, composing our brigade. 
 
 Yesterday General Smith had a sort of sham 
 fight, which was beautiful. 12,000 men were drawn 
 up on the Lewinsville road ; they fired ; a battery 
 on a hill near us banged away, and three bat- 
 teries at Lewinsville. Then a regiment of cav- 
 alry charged the retreating foe, and we retired to 
 Smoot's house for oysters and champagne. It 
 was the first time I had seen a cavahy charge. 
 It was very pretty. 
 
 Our staff was increased, two days ago, by a bal- 
 loon. I went up the first morning with Professor 
 Lowe, but it was too foggy. He saw wonderful 
 things, some of which I proved to him were hum- 
 bugs. It blew a hurricane till this afternoon, and 
 just enough gas was left for one, so I had the ropes 
 explained and went up alone, emptying the sand-
 
 16 LETTERS. 
 
 bags, to 950 feet, and after looking well about was 
 pulled down. 
 
 General Porter telegraphed for me to go to Bar- 
 rett's Hill, with a guard of 300 men, to see what I 
 could and make a drawing of it, but the weather 
 has not allowed. 
 
 . . . I like the Griffin battery better than the 
 Carlisle, and am glad of the change. 
 
 I suppose you will not be able to rent the house. 
 Renwick writes that I will not get the $600 I 
 counted on from the Commissioners of Charities. 
 Pleasant news ! 
 
 I have made my horse as good a saddle-horse as 
 there is on the staff, by practising him on the R. I. 
 battery grounds. 
 
 Please send two of my cartes de visite in uniform 
 and the overcoat in cedar box. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S HOUSE, 
 
 December 8, 1861. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHEB, ... I am to go through 
 a round of festivities next week. I am to be 
 groomsman to Captain Griffin, United States Artil- 
 lery. He is to marry Miss Sallie Carroll on Tues- 
 day. Miss Bessie Fish and the French princes are 
 to be on the " staff." On Monday, I am to make 
 the acquaintance of the party. Tuesday night, the 
 wedding ; Thursday, a ball ; and, I suppose, inci- 
 dental entertainments. I want to ask the Fish's to 
 Minor's on Wednesday.
 
 LETTERS. 17 
 
 You need not be alarmed about me. I do not 
 care to get hurt, and generally know where I go. 
 
 The event of the week took place on Friday. 
 General Hancock, with a large force, marched out 
 to the right of Vienna. It was supposed the rebel 
 cavalry would come down the cross-road to cut off 
 whatever they could, so General Morrell, with the 
 Fourth Michigan and Sixty-second Pennsylvania, 
 started at daylight, and marched to a place two 
 miles from Fairfax Court-House, where we left the 
 Sixty-second in a wood, and we went with the Fourth 
 about a mile away to another road. Both regi- 
 ments concealed themselves in the bushes, and did 
 it so quietly that people in a house close by had 
 no idea that 11,000 men were there. Those who 
 saw us were, of course, carried off as prisoners. We 
 waited all day, but nothing came. If they had, 
 very few would have gone away again, as they 
 would have caught a volley nearly a quarter of a 
 mile long. It was what they did to the Third 
 Pennsylvania Cavalry. 
 
 I went with a party to surround a house, into 
 which two mounted men were reported to have 
 gone. We were at every door and window without 
 their observing us, and found the " mounted men" 
 were only two negroes. 
 
 The weather, which has been horrible, has taken 
 a new turn, and is now like June in New York. 
 The Secesh had torn up the railroad track where 
 we were, and heated the rails, and bent them around 
 trees. General Morrell does not invite reporters to 
 dine, which accounts for his name not appearing
 
 18 LETTERS. 
 
 in the papers. The principle is good, but it is a 
 little like the king who quarrelled with the his- 
 torians. . . . With love to Madgie and Tiny. 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S HOUSE, 
 
 December 14, 1861. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, This week has seemed more 
 like Newport than Virginia. On Monday the re- 
 hearsal of the wedding took place at the Carrolls'. 
 On Tuesday the wedding, on Wednesday our party, 
 and on Thursday the ball. The wedding was very 
 handsome; there were fourteen bridesmaids, in 
 veils, and the groomsmen in full uniform, with red 
 sashes across the breast. The bride stood at the 
 head, splendidly gotten up, and Dr. Pyne, in his 
 gown, in the middle. This occupied one room ; 
 there were three others, all filled with uniforms, 
 and an enclosed piazza with an excellent supper. 
 The ball was very much the same, with the addi- 
 tion of dancing. My bridesmaid was a daughter of 
 General Marcy. Miss Bessie Fish was by far the 
 best looking of the party. The bridal party, with 
 the addition of Mrs. Senator Thompson and the 
 Comte de Paris, came out on Wednesday to Minor's. 
 The only drawback was a Virginia hurricane, other- 
 wise it was a complete success, and, certainly, an 
 original party. They arrived at 2.30, drove past 
 our house into the Griffin camp, which was gotten 
 up with evergreens, triumphal arches, and G. and 
 C., etc. There they had champagne and cake.
 
 LETTERS. 19 
 
 Then they walked about, and carae over to our 
 house, which was pretty well filled ; we had roar- 
 ing fires, and two bands of music, and a spread of 
 stewed oysters and roast turkeys, to which they 
 did full justice, besides emptying a large tub full 
 of champagne punch. At five our two nearest regi- 
 ments were drawn up ; the Griffin men cheered, and 
 the party drove off. We had the guns drawn up 
 in picturesque positions, and it must have been a 
 novel sort of party to most of them. 
 
 Mrs. Griffin is quite handsome ; the other Miss 
 Carrolls (three) are pretty, and the whole family 
 as polite as possible, and profuse in thanks for our 
 entertainment. The President kissed the bride 
 after the ceremony. 
 
 I met Phil Lydig in Washington, and brought 
 him out yesterday morning. He saw all the sights 
 and went back this afternoon. He seemed to have 
 rather a horror of the accommodations at night, or 
 he would have stayed longer. I showed him every- 
 thing inside the lines and took him up the railroad, 
 with fifteen men, a little way to show him how the 
 Confederate States look. 
 
 Next week the Griffin people propose to give an 
 entertainment to the President on a grand scale. 
 I do not want a buffalo robe at present. Aunt Jo 
 made me a dressing-gown, which is the most com- 
 fortable thing I have had yet. I intend, on Mon- 
 day, to enclose my tent for the winter. The 
 Wain wrights propose giving a dinner for Trol- 
 lope. . . . Your affectionate son, 
 
 2 R. T. A.
 
 20 LETTERS. 
 
 MINOR'S HOUSE, 
 
 December 22, 1861. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have not heard from 
 New York for ten days, and hope nothing has 
 gone wrong, either there or in Brooklyn. There 
 is nothing new here. The warm, beautiful weather 
 has changed, and it is now rainy and cold. 
 
 McClellan has been here twice lately ; once while 
 I was in Washington, when he and his staff and 
 Morrell and his were photographed. He was also 
 here during the fight at Drainesville. We could 
 hear the firing and see the troops moving out from 
 our hill. 
 
 My contraband went to Washington to get 
 clothes, got drunk and was sent to the work- 
 house for sixty days. I must go to the Mayor to 
 get him discharged. 
 
 The Griffins had a very pretty party on the 19th, 
 and there was dancing in the open air till nine 
 o'clock, it was so warm. Last night Colonel Black 
 (Sixty-second Pennsylvania) had a dance and sup- 
 per, and to-day we dine at Colonel McQuade's. 
 All the colonels have their wives here, and have 
 built log houses. While out drilling on Tuesday I 
 heard a roar of laughter from the Fourth Michi- 
 gan, and a man on horseback appeared asking for 
 me, who proved to be Anthony Trollope. I invited 
 him to come to Minor's this week to stay, and he 
 said he would. 
 
 The camps are dressed quite gorgeously for 
 Christmas, with bushes, wreaths, and little gar-
 
 LETTER*. 21 
 
 dens. The Ninth Massachusetts are to open their 
 $1,000 chapel tent on Christmas and have a blow- 
 out in the evening. 
 
 Enclosed are three $20 treasury notes for a Christ- 
 mas present. I am asked to be groomsman to 
 Johnny Heckscher. I believe he is to be married 
 in February. I wish you would look out for some 
 pretty -looking silver thing. If possible, I will get 
 three days' leave and come on. 
 
 With love to all, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S HOUSE, 
 
 January 3, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I cannot remember whether 
 I have written to you since Christmas. The buf- 
 falo is a great thing. Last night I slept in Captain 
 Griffin's tent, which, as he lives in Washington, is 
 equivalent to the open air, and was as warm as pos- 
 sible. Tell Madgie I could not have had a better 
 present, although I think it is almost too good a 
 one for rough usage. 
 
 General Morrell went to Mrs. Thompson's ball 
 on New Year's eve. He wanted me to go, but I 
 preferred the camp. At 11.30 we had an alarm, 
 and General Porter telegraphed me to have the 
 batteries ready by daylight and to send word to the 
 pickets. I went out to them myself, and saw 
 the old year out on Barrett's Hill. 
 
 Trollope came on New Year's morning and stayed
 
 22 LETTElls. 
 
 till this afternoon. He is a regular J. B., and 
 seemed to like his visit. He does not say anything 
 amusing, nor does he always see a joke when made 
 by others. 
 
 I do not remember whether I told you that I 
 picked up the Herald correspondent and gave him 
 some dinner. Since then he has stayed here con- 
 stantly, and sends frequent mention of the Hill and 
 its inhabitants to the Herald. He is an amusing 
 man, especially from his " brass." 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S HILL, 
 
 January 14, 1802. 
 
 MY DEAR MADQIE, I received your letter ou 
 Sunday, and two from Ma. I am very glad to hear 
 that May is improving, and hope she will stay well. 
 On Saturday, while you were having a snow-storm, 
 we had a warm fog, and on Sunday I had breakfast 
 in the open air, and it was really hot riding in the 
 sun. The buffalo is very much envied ; it is very 
 comfortable, and as a tent, when the fire goes out, 
 is like the open air, it is very useful. 
 
 Trollope asked me to a splendid dinner on Thurs- 
 day, as handsome as any I ever saw in New York. 
 The guests were three from the British Legation 
 Captain Hancock, who came to carry off Lord 
 Lyons, and Major Anson. The Americans were 
 Captain Wise and I. 
 
 On Sunday some of the Legation paid me a visit.
 
 LETTERS. 23 
 
 They wanted to visit the outposts, but Porter would 
 not let them, so I took them over to Wadsworth, 
 who said they might go as often as they pleased. 
 
 The Heckschers, Helen Eussell, and Mrs. Lewis 
 Jones arrived on Saturday. I have not seen them 
 yet, but am to dine with them to-morrow at Butter- 
 field's. . . . 
 
 Porter telegraphed to know why our pickets did 
 not see 500 rebel cavalry who came within 300 yards 
 of them on Saturday. As I was out all day,, and 
 up the railroad, it is curious that I should not have 
 seen them. Butterfield, who relieved our pickets 
 on Monday, and always sees a thing when it is ex- 
 pected, immediately discovered some in the woods. 
 I told him I saw those, too, but they were chopping 
 wood. 
 
 Remember me to Mr. Tucker, and believe me, 
 Your affectionate brother, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S. 
 January 19, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, All New York seems to be 
 at Willard's, but there is such a sea of mud between 
 here and the river it is almost impossible to get 
 there. I was in Washington on Thursday night, 
 but did not feel well, and had to go to bed. The 
 Heckschers, Mrs. Lewis Jones, Harveys, Wilkes, 
 Schermerhorns, Cuttings, etc., are at Wi Hard's. I 
 meant to go to see them to-day, but the rain is 
 coming down in sheets ; the frost is coming out of
 
 24 LETTERS. 
 
 the ground, and the mud is really terrific. The 
 lleckschers were dressed for a party, and it looked 
 quite strange to see people gotten up so gorgeously 
 again. 
 
 Mrs. Golden, Pen. Hosack, the Harveys, and 
 Wilkes were here on Friday. They seemed de- 
 lighted with the sights, though everything looked 
 splashed and dirty. They had lunched at Wads- 
 worth's, so we gave them cake and champagne. 
 Mrs. Schermerhorn sent word she wanted to see me. 
 She arrived on Friday night, but I hope it will dry 
 up before any one else comes over. . . . 
 
 The Heckschers do not know when Johnny is to 
 be married. I hope it will be soon, as I could get 
 away now. 
 
 It looks very comfortable at the Wainwrights', 
 though there is a falling off in the fires, coal 
 being $10 a ton. G Street is filled with long trains 
 of wagons, it being the road to one of the ferries. 
 Has Tiny had any more tea-parties, or 
 been to any ? The Wilkes' said she looked so well 
 at the Ogdens'. 
 
 Do you see the Herald? The correspondent 
 sponges on us and gives us frequent puffs. 
 
 Your affectionate sou, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 MINOB'S HOUSE, 
 
 January 26. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have been in Washington 
 a good deal lately. I went in on Monday, and
 
 LETTERS. 2o 
 
 stayed till Wednesday, to see the New Yorkers. 
 Besides Mrs. Jones's party, the Beekmans and As- 
 pinwalls are there ; the Schermerhorns left on 
 Friday. Mrs. Schermerhorn braved the mud and 
 came to see me on Thursday. I took them through 
 the Fourth Michigan camp, gave them a good 
 lunch, and went with them to Falls Church, to 
 see the old church and the graves of friends and 
 foes. They were much pleased, and it really looked 
 quite war-like. The picket guard were coming over 
 the hill, splashed with mud, and Griffin's battery 
 was booming away. 
 
 The Heckscher party are in a whirl of excite- 
 ment. They have a parlor which is filled every 
 night with officers, diplomats, and princes. They 
 have been over the river twice, once to Arling- 
 ton, and Eobert Livingston gave them a dinner on 
 Friday at Hall's Hill, and to-morrow I have a party 
 in conjunction with Mrs. W. F. Smith. The Lewis 
 Jones party, with the Aspinwalls, Carrolls, and 
 Due de Chartres, and lesser lights by the dozen, are 
 to be here at noon, be serenaded and saluted by 
 Griffin's battery, and then go to Mrs. Smith's, and 
 have dancing in her big house. When I asked the 
 Due de Chartres, he said he would have come with- 
 out an invitation, as he had been here so often 
 when no fun was going on. 
 
 To-day I went with the Heckschers and Helen 
 Eussell to St. John's. We sat in Aunt Jo's pew, 
 and afterwards they went with me to see her. 
 
 We do not hear anything of a start, although it 
 was supposed we would make a feint of attacking
 
 26 LETTERS. 
 
 Manassas to help Burnside, but it would be almost 
 impossible to feed the men. The roads, after one 
 warm day, are simply impassable. 
 
 I was at a house near the picket line on Friday, 
 and was looking at the view, when three men on 
 horseback started out from a neighboring house and 
 made for the woods. They looked very like Secesh. 
 I sent out a party, but they could not find them. 
 The same day I found a man trying to cross the 
 lines ; he refused to come with me until I drew a 
 revolver upon him, which brought him about. He 
 did not seem to be of much account. I hope you 
 see the Herald. The reporter keeps us constantly 
 before the public. I dare say Philadelphia will do 
 Madgie and the baby good. I wish they could 
 come to Washington, but it is mighty expensive. 
 Carriages to cross the river cost $15 instead of $5. 
 I will write an account of the party. With love to 
 Tiny, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S, 
 February 3, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, In my last I told you of 
 a party we were to have. Mrs. Jones rode on 
 horseback with the Due de Chartres, and Anderson 
 and Ware of the British Legation. The mud was 
 terrific, and they were two hours getting here. 
 We had the room dressed with flags, and the 
 Fourth Michigan band, threw shells with Griffin's 
 guns, gave them lunch, and started for General
 
 LETTERS. 27 
 
 Smith's. Did you see the piece in the Herald 
 about the frightened Spanklins ? Griffin's shells 
 fell near their house. Weeden said the ancient 
 warriors kept a minstrel to sing their deeds, and 
 we kept llendricks ; so you may take any wonder- 
 ful adventures you see in the Herald with a little 
 salt. I make him show his items to me now before 
 he sends them. 
 
 On Thursday I received a telegram from the 
 Heckschers, to come in for a farewell supper. I 
 was two hours and a half getting there. We sat 
 down at ten and did not get up till two. It was 
 given to those who had been polite to them, and 
 included Comte de Paris, Due de Chartres, and 
 several others of the aristocracy. 
 
 Aunt Jo is always extremely polite, and makes 
 everything as comfortable as possible. She has an 
 inflamed eye, which prevents her writing. 
 
 The men, having nothing to do, have been get- 
 ting up several rows. The Fourth Michigan and 
 Ninth Massachusetts got in a row to-day, and the 
 Ninth and the Sixty-second yesterday. Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Peard, of the Ninth, died suddenly on 
 Monday. He was a very good man, and I have 
 been on one or two excursions with him. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S, 
 Febmary 10, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAH MOTHEE, I have had no letters this 
 week. The weather has improved. Every other
 
 28 LETTERS. 
 
 day is clear. The mud is partly frozen, and the 
 roads are passable. 
 
 The quiet of our life was broken by the "long- 
 roll," as the Fourteenth New York were tele- 
 graphed to go to the assistance of the Cameron 
 Dragoons, in case the Secesh pursued them. I 
 could not go, as Williams has broken his arm and 
 is in Washington, and Seymour and I had to stay 
 in case orders were to be sent. 
 
 Four negro girls belonging to Jeremiah Moore, 
 whose house I visited the day we went near the 
 Court-House, came into the lines, and were sent on 
 to Washington. 
 
 To-day we went to the Fourth Michigan Episco- 
 pal Chapel, and afterwards General and Mrs. Smith, 
 General Porter, Joe Peabody, and two others, 
 dined here. As Williams, the Doctor, and Hen- 
 d ricks were away, General Morrell invited the peo- 
 ple. I told him he was crazy, as there was nothing 
 in the house ; but I went through the brigade and 
 borrowed a pretty good dinner. 
 
 Yesterday corduroy roads were commenced from 
 Falls Church to Washington. We draw all our 
 provisions via the Alexandria and Leesburgh Rail- 
 road, but those in the rear have hard work. There 
 has been a very bad feeling between the Fourth 
 Michigan and the Ninth Massachusetts, which has 
 given us a great deal of trouble to keep down. The 
 Twenty-second Massachusetts distinguished them- 
 selves by cutting down a holly tree near Minor's 
 house. It was two feet in diameter, and one mass 
 of green. Holly grows all over the country
 
 LETTERS. 29 
 
 luxuriantly as in England. Do you see our doings 
 in the Herald ? The brigade gets a puff every day. 
 The Butterfield people are jealous. Mrs. McQuade 
 and the Generals were here the day the Fourteenth 
 were out. She gave me a pair of mittens, and 
 Butterfield asked if I should put it in the Herald. 
 I told him he had a puff in the Times, and Hen- 
 dricks was small game compared to Russell. Does 
 
 Tiny go to see Mrs. Carroll L ? She must be 
 
 pretty lonely now. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S, 
 February 15th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHEE, I received your letter of the 
 5th on the 12th. It takes three days to get a let- 
 ter from G Street to Minor's. I suppose you saw in 
 the Herald the account of our reconnoissance. We 
 started at seven and returned at five, resting about 
 twenty minutes at Vienna. The day was raw and 
 cold, and I was not very well, and had, of course, a 
 very disagreeable day. The Fourth Michigan and 
 the Ninth Massachusetts went up the railroad, re- 
 laying the track for about two miles, and occupied 
 Vienna, while we, with the Ellsworth regiment and 
 about six hundred cavalry, went on the Leesburgh 
 turnpike, made a circuit of twenty-seven miles, and 
 came home through Vienna. It had been reported 
 that a regiment was stationed near Hunter's Mills. 
 
 General Morrell went to New York to-day, and 
 will not be back till Wednesday, which gives me a
 
 30 LETTERS, 
 
 great deal to do, particularly as our pickets go out 
 to-morrow. 
 
 Last week, Seymour, the Lieutenant-Colonel of 
 the Fourteenth, and I were invited to a Secesh dinner 
 just outside the lines. We took plenty of revolvers 
 and put a man to watch. They gave us an excel- 
 lent dinner, and the host, Mr. Klock, brought out 
 a " star-spangled banner " to show his Union senti- 
 ments. 
 
 An old negro woman was abandoned at a house 
 on our picket line. The men pulled the house 
 down, except her room, and then she got the mea- 
 sles. Seymour and I went all over the country to 
 get some one to take her away, and at last found 
 an old woman, named Scott, to do so. I asked her 
 if she were any relation to the Scott girls who 
 entrapped the Connecticut officers, and she said 
 she was one of them ! 
 
 To-day we are having a heavy snow-storm, which 
 will destroy all the roads again. I have not been 
 to Washington for three weeks, and there is not 
 much chance of doing so. ... 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S, 
 February 21, 1S62. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I received your letter of 
 the 13th on the 19th, and one from Heckscher, 
 same date, to-day. General Morrell has returned.
 
 LETTERS. si 
 
 I am glad of it, as there is a very great deal to do 
 when he is away. I was just counting General 
 Porter's telegrams; there have been, since Sunday, 
 eighteen to me and about as many more to Colo- 
 nels McQuade andWoodbury, who commanded the 
 brigade on different days. The pickets were out ; 
 two parties of 300 men were sent outside the lines, 
 besides the daily business of the brigade, all of 
 which I had to see to. The day Fort Donelson 
 was taken, a crowd of men from the Fourteenth 
 and Fourth came over to see General Morrell. As 
 he was away, they gave three cheers for Captain 
 Auchmuty. I told them I had not much to say, 
 but had three gallons of whiskey, which would 
 probably answer as well. 
 
 It has not rained for two days, but it looks very 
 black to-night. This constant wet does not agree 
 over-well with me, and I packed up my things and 
 rode over to see Porter about staying four or five 
 days with Aunt Jo. He said I might be of use 
 to-morrow, so I had to come back. 
 
 There is a report that the rebels will celebrate 
 Washington's birthday by attacking us. I hope 
 the war is coming to an end. Things look as if 
 they were getting settled. 
 
 Johnny is to be married on the 4th of March. I 
 cannot tell whether I can come on or not ; it 
 depends on the mud. Enclosed is a check ; use 
 your own judgment. I like something of classical 
 shape, and not the American scroll style. Flower 
 vases don't sound like much. I would rather have 
 something useful, but not a slop-bowl. The card-
 
 32 LETTERS. 
 
 plate sounds pretty well. Should it be given to 
 him or to Miss W. ? . . 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 MINOR'S HILL, 
 
 February 27, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHER, I applied for six days' 
 leave, and intended starting for New York this 
 morning ; but yesterday afternoon orders came to 
 the entire army to be ready to advance at daylight 
 this morning, which settled my trip, it poured in 
 torrents all night, which may have changed some 
 of the plans. What they are, of course, I do not 
 know, and the whole thing may be one of the 
 many false alarms we have had during the winter ; 
 still, the Second Dragoons moved up to Bauks's 
 division this morning, at Frederick, which looks as 
 if Leesburgh were to be attacked. Banks has 20,000 
 men, and if more were needed, Smith and McCall 
 would go and each has 12,000 men which would 
 make as large a force as could easily be employed. 
 I rather think the rest of the army will merely 
 make an advance to prevent the rebels sending 
 troops to Leesburgh. 
 
 This morning we are having a hurricane from the 
 northwest, and as there is no frost in the ground, 
 the roads are drying rapidly. 
 
 I have read all the papers with a good deal of 
 anxiety, to see if the house suffered in the hurri- 
 cane. Here, it carried everything before it. I
 
 LETTERS. 33 
 
 came out from Washington, and the horse could 
 hardly get along. My tent was damaged, but did 
 not go down. The observatory and one of the big 
 trees were upset. 
 
 It is a great disappointment not being able to 
 go to New York, as the last two months have 
 been dreary and uncomfortable beyond description. 
 They say New Yorkers think the war is about 
 over. I am sure I hope it is. If Tennessee should 
 come in the Union, it would probably stop any fur- 
 ther fighting in Virginia. 
 
 You need not be alarmed about me ; there is no 
 chance of our getting in a fight, and very few are 
 hurt even then. 
 
 "With love to Madgie and Tiny, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 [He went to New York, 2d of March, for a few 
 days. E. S. A.] 
 
 MINOR'S, 
 March 10, 1862, 4 A. M. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, The Fourth Michigan oc- 
 cupied Vienna to-day. I was passing the night 
 there. At one, got order to return. We start for 
 Centreville at daybreak. The rebels are reported 
 away. Do not be afraid for me. All in confusion. 
 Love to all. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A.
 
 34 LETTERS. 
 
 FAIRFAX COTJKT-HOUSE, 
 March 10, Evening. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I wrote you a few lines 
 at 4 A. M., about the advance of the army. We 
 left Minor's Hill in the rain at six this morn- 
 ing, and arrived here at ten o'clock. The roads 
 were muddy, and very hard for the men to march 
 over. 
 
 Fairfax is quite a large village, with a picturesque 
 brick court-house in the centre. All the houses 
 but three were abandoned, and the few natives 
 looked unutterable things at us as we entered. We 
 took a partly finished, unfurnished house, with 
 eight or ten rooms in it, and made roaring fires in 
 every grate. The village is crammed with soldiers, 
 and 30,000 men are encamped around it ; and to- 
 night, as the men sleep in small "shelter tents" 
 around the camp-fires, the scene is beautiful. 
 McDowell occupied Centreville, and we are waiting 
 to hear the result of a scouting party to Manas- 
 sas. . . . 
 
 I am pretty well now, and had a good two days' 
 work. I went to Vienna, seven miles out, at 10 
 A. M. yesterday, and returned at four, rode out again 
 at eight, and started back at 1.30 A. M., and then 
 started at six this morning for Fairfax. 
 
 McClellan and his suite are living here, and as 
 we will most probably remain a week, it will be 
 quite an addition. I do not see where the rebels 
 mean to go if they leave Manassas; it certainly 
 seems strange to leave such fortifications. Fairfax
 
 LETTERS. 85 
 
 is surrounded by earthworks, and there are the 
 remains of numerous camps. 
 
 TheTRegulars have crossed the river and are held 
 in reserve near Fort Corcoran. It is an agreeable 
 change to come to a new country and see new 
 people. I do not believe we will get in a battle at 
 all. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 NEAR ALEXANDRIA, 
 March 16, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHER, We left Fairfax Court- 
 House at six yesterday morning and encamped about 
 three miles from Alexandria ; started at six and ar- 
 rived at three, only ten miles. The rain came down 
 in sheets, and every one was pretty well drenched. 
 I kept tolerably dry, but even india-rubber fails in 
 a nine-hours' drench. 
 
 We took possession of the camps of Sumner's 
 division, which has gone out to Manassas, and 
 they were a godsend. To-morrow or Tuesday we 
 expect to start, by water, I do not know where to ; 
 not very far, probably, for the Potomac at Alexan- 
 dria is crowded with old North River and Sound 
 steamboats. I believe we are to be in Heintzel- 
 mann's corps d'armee. The Regulars go with us, 
 4,000 in number, which, with our division, will 
 make 20,000 men. But this morning we hear that 
 Sumner and McDowell are returning, which would 
 swell it to 50,000. 
 3
 
 36 LETTERS. 
 
 The stay at Fairfax was pleasant. We had a 
 beautiful house and good fare. Here, we are in 
 old tents, and are in dread lest Snmner may come 
 and turn us out of them. One blessing is, that 100 
 miles will bring us into spring. 
 
 I went to Centreville and Bull Run. The fortifi- 
 cations at the former are not so tremendous, but 
 there is an open, sloping plain, about two miles 
 wide, all around it. The Secesh have destroyed 
 the country as much as we have, and from Alexan- 
 dria to Manassas is one scene of ruin and desolation 
 thirty-five miles. The houses are torn down, no 
 fields cultivated, and but here and there an inhab- 
 ited house. At Bull Run the bodies of our men 
 are lying under the fences, their white ribs and 
 shrivelled arms sticking through their clothes. 
 This was allowed, with 100,000 men encamped 
 around them. Our men revenged it by setting fire 
 to the few remaining houses. 
 
 I fear it will be a long time before I hear from 
 you, and you must not expect to hear much from 
 me. I will, of course, write whenever I can. I 
 have just been told that the steamboats reach from 
 Washington to Alexandria. I hope the expedition 
 will about wind up the war. You need not be 
 alarmed about me. The rebels will, most likely, 
 run. I will try to write when we start, but may 
 not have a chance. Johnny Heckscher and Stephen 
 Van Rensselaer are with us. 
 
 With love to Madgie and Tiny, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A.
 
 LETTERS. 37 
 
 ALEXANDRIA. 
 Thursday, March 20. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHEK, We are still here, and it 
 looks as if we would not get off this week. 
 
 Hamilton's division started on Monday. The 
 boats have been coming back to-day, and it is said 
 that King starts to-morrow, which would delay us 
 several days. I do not know where we are going, 
 but presume to Fortress Monroe. The boats are not 
 fit to go to sea. 
 
 We are living in what was once a very comfort- 
 able brick house, but now dismantled and almost in 
 ruins, belonging to Mrs. Fairfax, about two miles 
 from Alexandria. The men are encamped in shel- 
 ter tents, which comes hard on them. I was in 
 Washington on Monday. Wo are in Heintzel- 
 mann's corps d'armee, consisting of the divisions 
 of F. J. Porter, Hooker and Hamilton. Johnny 
 Heckscher is in camp a short distance from this 
 house. 
 
 Last night Post's regiment of sharp-shooters ar- 
 rived in front of our house, about 2 A. M., having 
 lost their way. They had not even rubber blan- 
 kets, and had to stay out in the pouring rain all 
 night. Post came to my room at daylight, and I set 
 him straight. How he ever got here I don't know, 
 for we are far away from the road, in what was once 
 a dense wood, and now a wilderness of stumps. 
 
 The contrabands came in groups of twenty at a 
 time. They all make for Washington. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R T. A.
 
 38 LETTERS. 
 
 STEAMER " STATE OF MAINE," 
 March 22nd. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, Just after I sent off my 
 letter on Thursday evening we received orders to 
 move next morning. We marched into Alexandria 
 at one o'clock, and got the men on the boats about 
 seven. We then hauled out in the stream, and 
 started at eleven o'clock this morning. We are 
 now (8 P. M.) near the mouth, of the Potomac, 
 where, I believe, we are to anchor for the night. 
 Our destination is supposed to be Fortress Monroe. 
 I have a comfortable state-room, but the boat is 
 overcrowded with the Ninth Massachusetts, a pretty 
 dirty lot. The other regiments are as neat and 
 well-behaved as Newport passengers would be, and 
 I was sorry to find we were to go with the Ninth 
 Massachusetts. 
 
 We came off in such a hurry, and Morrell is so 
 slow, that we have nothing to eat but bread and 
 butter and pickings here and there. 
 
 We are on sixteen steamboats, and, after passing 
 Fort Washington, the gunboat flotilla escorted us 
 past the rebel batteries, although they seemed 
 deserted. It shows how accustomed a person gets 
 to roughing it, that I rather like living on the boat, 
 and only object to the slim fare. A steamboat of 
 Washington people, Carrolls, etc., came to see us 
 off and weep over our imaginary dangers. The 
 Alexandrians did not condescend to look at us.
 
 LETTERS. 39 
 
 FORTRESS MONROE, 
 Sunday, 5 P.M. 
 
 We are landing here now, and are to march to 
 Hampton, where we will stay till the rest of the 
 men arrive. The officers say there are very bad 
 mail arrangements, so I send this by the steamer, 
 and you may not hear from me for a long time. 
 With love to all, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E, T. A. 
 
 NEWMARKET BRIDGE, 
 
 Thursday, March 27th. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHER, I sent you a letter on Sun- 
 clay by the clerk of the State of Maine, telling of 
 our arrival at Fortress Monroe. The change is 
 truly delightful from the dreary, ruined country 
 around Washington. Here, the grass is quite green, 
 the peach-trees are in blossom, and the weather is 
 perfectly splendid. The country is quite level, the 
 trees are huge pines and live oaks, and the swamps 
 are full of English holly. The fortress is on an 
 immense scale, but the Monitor, which is the cen- 
 tre of attraction, looks ridiculously small. 
 
 The first night we went about two miles beyond 
 Hampton, arriving at the camp about 9 P.M., and 
 spending the night under a tree. Hampton was a 
 large village built of brick ; only two houses now 
 remain. On Tuesday we moved to this place, 
 three miles further out, on the bank of what is 
 called Back River. Beyond is Secesh, and the
 
 40 LETTERS. 
 
 pickets are told to fire at all they see stirring. We 
 are in tents, but very comfortable. About 30,000 
 men are now here, and the fleet goes and comes 
 every day bringing more. 
 
 To-day, for the first time, I came in close quar- 
 ters with the enemy. We went on a reconnoissance, 
 with Morrell's, Butterfield's, and Hancock's bri- 
 gades, in all about 12,000 men. Each brigade took 
 a different road, and we met Butterfield at Big 
 Bethel. The rebels abandoned the place as we 
 approached, the sharp-shooters firing upon them. 
 General Porter then sent our brigade, with a bat- 
 tery and two companies of cavalry, ahead. We 
 went about three miles toward Yorktown. At a 
 little village, was stationed a small party of rebel 
 cavalry. I had just given an order to a colonel, 
 when we saw them ; he gave the order to charge, 
 when they all scattered, except three. These ran 
 along the road, we after them as hard as we could 
 tear, not more than 200 feet behind them. They 
 threw away their swords, and at every turn our 
 men blazed away at them, until one fell over on his 
 saddle ; the other two held him up, and they dis- 
 appeared in a wood. Fortunately my man had 
 come to see the fight, and I had another horse, as 
 mine, after the long march and three-mile chase, 
 was pretty well knocked up. We then went on 
 towards Yorktown, till we came on a battery across 
 the road, mounted with brass guns, and defended 
 by quite a large force. The sharp-shooters crept 
 U P> g ave them a volley, and then we returned to 
 Big Bethel, and came back with the other brigades,
 
 LETTERS. 41 
 
 having been on horseback twelve hours, and ridden 
 thirty miles. They did not fire on ns at any time. 
 
 My horse got sick at Fairfax, and at Alexandria 
 I changed him for a government horse in the Fourth 
 Michigan. I also have the use of a Secesh horse cap- 
 tured on picket last fall, and one of the team horses. 
 
 We expect to remain here some time, as the army 
 has to be provisioned. 
 
 With love to Madgie and Tiny, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 NEWMAKKET BRIDGE, 
 
 April 1, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, We have made no move 
 since I wrote last. The whole Army of the Poto- 
 mac seems to be assembling here. Each morning 
 brings a fresh supply, and the little point of land 
 we occupy already contains 90,000 men. . . . 
 
 I am sitting by the fire, in one of the three in- 
 habited houses left within our lines, occupied by 
 Isaac Jones, and in front of our tents. The farms 
 here are splendid. Three or four hundred acres 
 each, of rich soil, and now without a fence. 
 
 The regulars are encamped near us, and yester- 
 day Mrs. Heckscher, Paulina, Johnny and his wife, 
 and Miss Smallwood came to Newmarket Bridge. 
 I went back with them to Fortress Monroe ; they 
 had three casemates nicely furnished, and big coal 
 fires, looking quite civilized. 
 
 A party of cavalry went to Big Bethel yesterday,
 
 42 LETTERS. 
 
 and found that the rebels had broken down the 
 bridge. I wish they would put us there, as it is 
 altogether too crowded here, and it will most likely 
 take some time to get the provisions ready for an 
 advance. . 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 K. T. A. 
 
 COCKLESTOWN, 
 Sunday, April 6th. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHER, The army started on Friday 
 morning. At Howard's Bridge the Secesh opened 
 on us with two brass field pieces. We fired back 
 and they ran. I entered this place first, with Sey- 
 mour, Colonel Ski lien, and three sharp-shooters. 
 We had a little skirmish with some rebels at the 
 other end of the town. 
 
 On Saturday morning all started for Yorktown, 
 except myself. I was taken with violent fever and 
 dysentery. This afternoon I feel better, and have 
 sent for a wagon to go on in. 
 
 It was terrible lying here all alone, with the 
 house shaking from the guns. Some large guns, 
 drawn by thirty-six horses, passed by here this 
 morning. The gunboats are up, and to-morrow 
 will finish the fight. 
 
 The people here are very kind to me, and do all 
 they can ; but I feel perfectly miserable, being 
 away. 
 
 With love to Madgie and Tiny, 
 
 Your affectionate son. 
 
 E. T. A.
 
 LETTERS. 43 
 
 BEFORE YORKTOWN, 
 
 Wednesday, April 9th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I wrote you a few lines in 
 pencil, from Cocklestown, telling you I was sick 
 there, on Sunday. I left there next morning, and 
 on arriving here found the enemy were preparing to 
 defend the place, and we were preparing for a siege. 
 
 "We left Xewmarkefc on Friday at daylight, and 
 met with no trouble, except a few torn-down bridges, 
 until we reached Howard's Bridge. Our brigade, 
 Allen's battery, and Berdan's sharp-shooters were 
 ahead, the other brigades some distance behind. 
 At Howard's there are earthworks on both sides of 
 the creek. They fired at us from two brass field 
 pieces, doing no harm. Allen's battery threw 
 about twenty shells into the place. The Four- 
 teenth then crossed a small creek and got directly 
 opposite the earthworks. We saw a good many 
 men, and thought we would have a fight ; but 
 they retreated through the woods. 
 
 From there to Cocklestown, four miles, a party 
 of cavalry kept ahead of us, blazing away at every 
 good opportunity, but doing no harm. 
 
 I stayed Saturday and Sunday at Cocklestown ; 
 two old women, shaking with ague, were as kind as 
 possible. Our troops, too, as they kept pouring 
 through the town, killed their cow, pig, and chick- 
 ens. The bed was dirty, and every now and then 
 a stray bug wandered around, but I was too miser- 
 able to care. 
 
 On Monday I came here, a cold storm began, and
 
 44 LETTERS. 
 
 it has been cold and rainy since. The next day my 
 dysentery was very bad, although I had no fever, 
 and I came to the hospital, where I am now. 
 
 We have, or will have, about 50,000 men here ; 
 the rebels are supposed to have 30,000 inside the 
 walls. The fortifications go around the town in a 
 semicircle for about two miles. At present we 
 have nothing but field artillery ; they have very 
 heavy guns. The fleet is anchored below the town, 
 and we are waiting for heavy guns. Thus far there 
 have been three killed and twelve wounded in our 
 division. The Berdan sharp-shooters have done the 
 most work, running up in front of the works and 
 hitting the gunners. 
 
 Everything looks dreary in this weather. The 
 pleasures of war are now probably over, and its 
 horrors and discomforts are to be seen, and the lit- 
 tle I have seen of the two latter leads me to think 
 that imagination cannot exaggerate them much. 
 
 We understand that McDowell is to take Rich- 
 mond, which will confine McClellan to these 
 swamps. This job will most likely take a fort- 
 night. As you see how few are hurt, you need not 
 be worried about me, and when well, although 
 rough, the life is exciting. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 P. S. Thursday. I feel better to-day. It is 
 freezing cold, and has been snowing.
 
 LETTERS. 45 
 
 CAMP WIXFIKLD SCOTT, 
 
 NEAR YOKKTOWN, 
 
 April 13, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I suppose the papers keep 
 you informed of the progress of the siege, which 
 seems here to be slow. The delay is caused by the 
 difficulty of getting up the big guns. It is first 
 necessary to build a dock to land them, and then a 
 corduroy road to drag them over. 
 
 I left the hospital this morning, having been well 
 three days. I am very weak, but endeavor to keep 
 quiet and warm, and hope to get on well again. 
 The brigade is encamped in a large peach orchard, 
 just coming into bloom. Our tents are on the edge 
 of a small bay setting up from York Kiver, and, to 
 the joy of the men, filled with oysters. We are 
 about a mile and a quarter from the earthworks. 
 A little steamboat, loaded with hay, yesterday com- 
 ing up the bay was fired at, the shell passing over 
 our heads, so we are within range. 
 
 The rebels sent up a balloon yesterday, but seemed 
 to see enough very quickly, as down it went in about 
 five minutes. It is likely they have not much 
 powder to waste, or they would stir us up a little. 
 Our pickets form a line around the town, about 800 
 yards from the walls ; behind them are large bodies 
 of men, with sections of artillery here and there, 
 and about a mile back is the bulk of the army. On 
 the dock are lying some 100-pound Parrott guns, 
 which ought to make things shake. 
 
 The last two days have been pleasant. To-day is 
 cold, and getting ready for a storm.
 
 46 LETTERS. 
 
 If I am not well after Yorktown is taken, I shall 
 go to Washington for a week. Perhaps this will 
 end the war, as there does not seem much for the 
 rebels to do. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R T. A. 
 
 BEFORE YORKTOWN, 
 
 Thursday, April 17th. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHER, The attack on Yorktown 
 has not yet begun, and as none of the guns are yet 
 in position, I doubt if it will be this week. Still, 
 although they say the firing has not begun, from 
 morning till night and at intervals during the 
 night, there is a constant banging of the guns, fol- 
 lowed by a whir as the shell goes through the air. 
 The batteries which guard the picket- line keep up 
 a constant fire I suppose to let the rebels know 
 that we are here. On Gloucester Point the rebels 
 have a 120-pounder, which keeps up a firing with 
 the gunboats peculiarly interesting to us, as many 
 of the shells pass over our heads. 
 
 They say it will not take more than forty-eight 
 hours to destroy every living thing within the 
 earthworks when the firing once begins. The num- 
 ber of guns being brought up is certainly very 
 large. 
 
 General Smith yesterday attacked a fort which, 
 as far as I can learn, resulted most disastrously, he 
 being driven back when endeavoring to carry it by 
 storm, losing 150 men. It is difficult, however, to 
 get at the truth, even when so near.
 
 LETTERS. 47 
 
 I have been perfectly well since I left the hos- 
 pital, better than I have been for three months 
 past, and, as I take great care, hope to remain so. 
 
 The weather for the last week has been lovely. 
 The trees are coming into leaf very fast ; the grass, 
 however, is brown, and is not destined to grow 
 much just yet. 
 
 Johnny Heckscher spent yesterday in our camp ; 
 he was quite sick, and I took him to the doctor of 
 the Sixty-second Pennsylvania, who cured me. 
 
 We all hope here that this will wind up the war, 
 and no one hopes so more than I do ; although, as 
 far as I have seen, the horrors of a siege do not 
 amount to much. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 CAMP WIXFIELD SCOTT, 
 April 25th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, . . . Last night, the 
 numberless roads and bridges being nearly com- 
 pleted, the trenches were opened, and the attack 
 has now fairly begun. General Mori-ell was the 
 first " general of the trenches." I went to the 
 front at seven last evening, and returned to camp at 
 six this morning. Strange to say, although there 
 was scarcely anything to do, and for fear of getting 
 sick I rarely sat down and did not once sleep, the 
 night did not seem long, and it did not make me 
 sick, as I expected it would. 
 
 During the night the men ran to the trench,
 
 48 LETTERS. 
 
 across a field, about half a mile, and about 600 
 yards from the rebel rifle-pits. Some immense 
 guns were also mounted during the night. They 
 did not fire at us, and, of course, we kept quiet. 
 The only noise was the usual roar of the shells that 
 the gunboats throw into Yorktown at one o'clock 
 every night. Our turn to go out comes, I am told, 
 once a week ; the next time we shall take our light 
 covered wagon, which will serve as a tent, staying 
 oat of shelter all night being decidedly rough. 
 
 At daylight I went into a deserted house, near 
 the rifle-pits, with a good glass. It was almost like 
 a play. The men came out on the ramparts and 
 looked at our trench ; a field battery came out ; 
 some ran down and jumped into the rifle-pits, 
 concealed in groves of holly ; a regiment could be 
 seen in one place, and innumerable camps behind 
 the earthworks. These latter stretch as far as can 
 be seen, and are mounted with a great many guns. 
 The map in the Herald is absurd ; it shows a line 
 of rebel earthworks, starting on the right, where 
 our camp is, and running through McClellan's tent 
 and the hospital. 
 
 General Barry told me the Galena was to come 
 here, which is equal to an army. . . . 
 
 There was a report last night that a New York 
 colonel and lieutenant-colonel had deserted ; the 
 countersign was changed, and the pickets were 
 ordered to arrest any one who approached. Not 
 a shot has been fired, thus far, to-day. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A.
 
 LETTERS. 49 
 
 CAMP WINFIELD SCOTT, 
 April 27th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I write often just to let 
 you know that I am not hurt. The first parallel 
 of trenches is now completed at this end of the line. 
 The batteries, however, are not yet ready to open 
 fire, and, with the exception of the stirring up at 
 night by the gunboats, we do nothing in that line. 
 
 For the last two days the rebels have fired pretty 
 steadily at the men in the trenches, but doing little 
 damage. The trench is about as far from the 
 Yorktown earthworks as Madison Square is from 
 Sixth Avenue, and both parties have rifle-pits be- 
 tween these two points. They get the range, and 
 fire four or five guns as rapidly as possible. The 
 men, at the first flash, fall down on their faces. 
 We had a large party from the Fourteenth in an 
 exposed place last night, and about two o'clock the 
 rebels set up a tremendous banging, which woke us 
 all. I was afraid a great many would get hurt, 
 but, strange to say, only one man was wounded. 
 They kept it up till daylight, and are at it again 
 now. A great many of their shells do not explode, 
 but they generally send them pretty close to the 
 mark. 
 
 In the trenches we are very near them. I have 
 been near enough to talk had I wanted to. People 
 seem to get accustomed to everything; while the 
 firing is going on half a mile away, the Fourteenth 
 New York and the Fourth Michigan are playing 
 baseball in front of our tents, and it is as peaceful
 
 50 LETTERS. 
 
 here as in New York. No one, excepting Captain 
 Wood and the men on the first Saturday, have been 
 killed, as yet, in our brigade. 
 
 The officers who deserted were Colonel Crocker 
 and Major Cassidy, of the Ninety-third New York. 
 Their regiment was on picket ; they told their 
 men they were going to take a look, and as they 
 approached the rebel pickets they waved their white 
 handkerchiefs. They had the impertinence to send 
 a flag of truce for their clothes, saying they had 
 been taken prisoners. 
 
 Old Vanderbilt is on board his steamer, they say, 
 at Fortress Monroe. He has had an iron prow put 
 on, and built her up solidly for twelve feet, has a 
 captain, he says, who is afraid of nothing, and he 
 means to run into the Merrimac when she comes 
 again. He says he is an old man, and would like 
 to serve the country before he dies. 
 
 I am perfectly well now, and as the weather is 
 warm and pleasant, hope to remain so. Eobert is 
 still sick. 
 
 We miss the bands very much ; all music or noise 
 which might indicate our position is forbidden. 
 
 The firing yesterday injured one man of the 
 Fourth Michigan in the hand. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 YORK-TOWN, 
 Sunday, May 4th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I suppose when you came 
 out of Trinity Chapel to-day the news reached
 
 LETTERS. 51 
 
 New York, that the " siege of York town " was at 
 an end. We heard it in camp at seven o'clock, a 
 portion of the Fourteenth having been on picket, 
 and entered the works. I am, of course, glad the 
 anxiety is over, but feel rather out of spirits that 
 the war is just where it was a month ago, when we 
 arrived before the town. If they could have been 
 beaten or bagged here, it would probably have set- 
 tled the rebellion. I do not see where they will 
 stop now. Williamsburgh can be surrounded, 
 which Yorktown could not, and Eichmond will 
 have Fremont, Banks, and McDowell upon it. 
 
 All Heintzelmann's corps, except Porter's divis- 
 ion, have gone in pursuit. The gunboats are also 
 out of sight, but have left traces in the shape of 
 some burning houses near the river. 
 
 I went over the fortifications, and found them 
 even stronger than Centreville. I do not think we 
 made any too much preparation to take them. 
 They left all their big guns, their tents, and piles 
 upon piles of shell, grape, canister, and every spe- 
 cies of shot. They also left, as you have seen by 
 the papers, infernal machines by the hundred. 
 Some eight or ten of our men were blown to pieces 
 before they were discovered. In one place I 
 counted eleven. They consist of a bombshell with 
 a little knob projecting, which explodes the shell 
 if a person steps upon it. They are covered with a 
 piece of india-rubber blanket, and put about an 
 inch under ground. 
 
 The papers will probably pitch into McClellan. 
 
 It would have been impossible to have taken it 
 4
 
 52 LETTERS. 
 
 anyhow without an immense loss, and I do not be- 
 lieve it could have been taken by assault. 
 
 Three of their largest guns had burst, tearing 
 everything near them to atoms. They were of 
 Kichmond make. 
 
 The filth of the place is disgusting old clothes, 
 bones, and stagnant pools in the midst of their 
 tents. The smell is enough to breed a fever. 
 
 Yorktown consists of one handsome brick house 
 and six wooden ones. It is to be garrisoned by the 
 Forty-fourth New York (Ellsworth Avengers). 
 
 Last night it got rather unpleasant in our peach 
 orchard, as the shell came whizzing about in all 
 directions, one bursting in front of our tent. The 
 rebels stopped about midnight, when battery No. 1 
 opened on them, making everything shake the rest 
 of the night. 
 
 The bands and fires, which had been suppressed, 
 are all going again to-night. I am very well. 
 Weather pleasant. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 YORKTOWN, 
 Wednesday, May 7, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, We start, or expect to start, 
 this evening by steamboat for West Point, the head 
 of navigation on York River. Franklin's and Sedg- 
 wick's divisions are already there. West Point is 
 twenty-one miles from here and forty from Rich- 
 mond. I hardly think there will be any fight. If
 
 LETTERS. 53 
 
 they could not hold Yorktown against McClellan's 
 army,, they can scarcely defend Eichmond against 
 McClellan, McDowell, Fremont, and Banks. 
 
 At present Porter's division is in reserve with the 
 Regulars, there being considerable feeling against 
 Porter's division (McClellan's pets, as they call us) 
 going first and getting all the credit. 
 
 We know nothing about the battle on Monday 
 and Tuesday five miles from here. We heard the 
 noise, and McClellan telegraphed that we had won. 
 What or how, nobody knows. I will write when- 
 ever I can. 
 
 With love to all, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R T. A. 
 
 WEST POINT, VA., 
 May llth. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have received a letter 
 from Madgie of 1st of May, which is the latest I 
 have heard from home. I hear a mail has arrived, 
 and I shall probably have something. 
 
 We left Yorktown on Thursday evening, and 
 anchored off this place during the night. We 
 came up on the C. VanderMU, with the Fourteenth 
 New York and Fourth Michigan, who are pleas- 
 anter travelling companions than the Ninth Massa- 
 chusetts. To show you how things are managed, 
 there is a telegraph from Porter's headquarters to 
 the dock at Yorktown, so he could know exactly 
 what was going on. He started us off at midnight
 
 54 LETTERS. 
 
 on Wednesday; we arrived before the gates of 
 Yorktown at 2 A.M. I went to the dock, found 
 everything crammed with soldiers and wagons, and 
 our steamers anchored in the stream, and it was 
 one o'clock next day before the first of our steamers 
 got up to the dock ; thus every one was tired, to 
 no purpose. We had to land in scows, which took 
 all day, and at night pitched our tents in a very 
 dusty, ugly place, which I hope we will quit as soon 
 as possible. Yesterday McClellan's army arrived 
 and opened communication with us. 
 
 We hear no news that can be relied on till we 
 get the New York or Philadelphia papers. The 
 weather is splendid, and I am well ; but this being 
 in reserve is very dull. 
 
 McClellan has just ridden past; the whole bri- 
 gade rushed out and cheered most tremendously. 
 
 It seems to be a pity that Eussell is not here, and 
 that no good account can be written ; one half of 
 the letters are perfect trash. 
 
 I got a cow and a calf yesterday. The former we 
 will keep and have fresh milk. 
 
 The York River is very wide, with banks like the 
 Hudson. The country is very pretty, and very thin- 
 ly settled with "Union" women, all the men being 
 in the rebel army. Yorktown, after a little clean- 
 ing up, looked very picturesque. The houses look 
 a hundred years old, and the walls, gates, etc., give 
 it a very foreign air. 
 
 McClellan is very anxious to patch up a corps for 
 Porter, probably with this division and the regu- 
 lars ; but thus far nothing has been done. I should
 
 LETTEHB. 55 
 
 be sorry, as I prefer to stay with the brigade. I 
 saw Harmon Patterson, but had no time to go to his 
 ship. McOlellan has brought the news from Xor- 
 folk ; if true, the war must be coming to an end. 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 COLONEL LEE'S PLANTATION, 
 May 16th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I wrote you on Sunday 
 from West Point. On Tuesday, at 4.30 A. M., we 
 started for Cumberland on the Pamunkey, twelve 
 miles from West Point, where we arrived at six in 
 the evening. Porter went ahead, leaving no one to 
 show the road; and, as a matter of course,, we went 
 straight ahead and got mixed up with Franklin's 
 division. The country was beautiful and the 
 weather hot. 
 
 At Cumberland I lost Morrell in the darkness, 
 and slept on board a steamboat, getting a good snp- 
 per and breakfast. The next day Avas cold and 
 rainy. McClellan and Seward inspected the army, 
 in a heavy shower, which seemed to be an uncalled- 
 for nuisance. 
 
 Yesterday we were ordered to march nine miles 
 to this place, and as I had a slight fever, I came up 
 in one of the steamers. The division got stuck in 
 the mud, and our brigade did not start. This 
 morning it is clear, but the roads are very heavy, 
 and I doubt if they get here to-day. I am living on 
 the steamboats ; when one goes, I move to another.
 
 56 LETTERS. 
 
 The Pamunkey Kiver is navigable for steamboats, 
 about thirty-five miles from West Point, where it 
 empties into the York. It is narrow, with high 
 banks covered with white oak and cottonwood 
 trees, and, crowded as it now is with gunboats, 
 steamers, and schooners, it presents a beautiful 
 appearance. Lee's plantation extends for ten miles 
 along the river. He has a neat wooden house, 
 which McClellan is to occupy. The land just here 
 is perfectly level, with rows of huge trees. He has 
 left about one hundred negroes, who are preparing 
 to emancipate themselves. They say he treated 
 them very cruelly, and their quarters look like 
 a village of pigsties. 
 
 We are twenty-one miles from Eichmond. Yes- 
 terday when we arrived, the telegraph was working 
 between here and Eichmond, and if the machine 
 had been here, a message could have been sent. 
 There seems to be an impression that we will re- 
 main here at least a week, perhaps until McDowell, 
 Banks, and Fremont do something to help us. I 
 do not believe there will be any fight between here 
 and Eichmond. When they abandoned Norfolk 
 they opened the James Eiver to the gunboats. 
 
 I shall try to persuade Morrell to apply to be 
 made Governor of Eichmond ! Going South is not 
 a pleasant idea in summer. As it is, after every 
 storm half of the men have a low fever. 
 
 It seems to be understood that we are to be in the 
 reserve with the Eegulars. I am not so very anxious 
 to be in a fight, but this arrangement takes away 
 all the excitement. Porter will probably command
 
 LETTERS. 57 
 
 both. Morrell is very busy endeavoring to get the 
 division. 
 
 I have had no letters from home since Madgie's 
 of May 1st. I suppose the best address is: " Mor- 
 rell's Brigade, F. J. Porter's Division, Third Array 
 Corps, Washington, D.C." 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 BARKER'S MILLS, 
 
 (THIRTEEN MILES PROM RICHMOND), 
 Wednesday, May 22, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I received your letter of the 
 17th in three days. On Sunday at White House 
 (Colonel Lee's), some changes were made in our 
 military arrangements. The regulars, under Gen- 
 eral Sykes, Porter's division, and the artillery were 
 put together, under General Porter, with title of 
 "Fifth Army Corps Provisional." Morrell took 
 command of the division, and Colonel McQuade 
 succeeds to the brigade. At first I thought I 
 would stay with the brigade, and told Morrell and 
 Porter so, but various objections were made, and 
 I concluded to try the division. I rather regret 
 that I did not stick to my first notion, as 1 miss 
 the brigade very much. McQuade is a pleasant 
 man to get along with, agrees with me about carry- 
 ing on affairs in style, etc., which is more than 
 Morrell does. The work here is tremendous. I 
 have three clerks, two of whom know more about 
 it than I do ; yet as everything orders, requisi-
 
 58 LETTERS. 
 
 tions, squabbles, and the wants of 14,480 men pass 
 through rny hands, and I am supposed to know all 
 about them, it makes a great deal to do. The only 
 part of the duties that I like being with the sol- 
 diers at drills and on picket, etc. I do not now 
 have. So, on the whole, the importance of the 
 position does not pay. 
 
 . . . We left Colonel Lee's on Monday, and 
 came to Tunstall's Station. On Wednesday we 
 marched to Mount Airy, and to-day we came here. 
 The country is beautiful ; immense fields of wheat 
 and corn, thick woods and huge white oak and cot- 
 tonwood trees, the roads hard, neither muddy nor 
 dusty. The weather is warm, but not uncomfort- 
 able. We have managed to get good water at each 
 camp. 
 
 We are, at present, in the reserve. Heintzelmann 
 is at Bottom's Bridge, Smith and Franklin are at 
 New Bridge, and we are near the railroad bridge 
 over the Chickahominy, ready to help either; not 
 jthat I have the slightest idea that they will require 
 help. 
 
 Every few minutes the heavy boom of the Moni- 
 tor's guns comes echoing through the woods, and, 
 although they keep pickets blazing at us, I expect 
 to hear of another '' strategic" scamper to-morrow. 
 
 I am well, which makes camp life very different. 
 The fare is slim, but perhaps that is healthier. . . . 
 I went over to the brigade to-day, and felt even 
 more put out to see the improvements that McQuade 
 is introducing just what I have been trying to get 
 Morrell up to for seven months.
 
 LETTERS. 59 
 
 At White House I dined with Harmon Patterson. 
 He has a beautiful new gunboat, with one huge 
 Dahlgren gun and two brass ones, a pretty cabin 
 with chintz furniture, pictures on the walls and 
 books lying about, comfortable state-rooms, gerani- 
 ums from Lee's greenhouse, etc. He had an excel- 
 lent dinner; china and glass with his initials. The 
 gunboat service seems to combine fighting and com- 
 fort. . . . 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 HANOVER COURT-HOUSE, 
 May 28th. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHEB, The correspondent of the 
 World promises to forward this. The battle lasted 
 from one o'clock until dark, and I am happy to say 
 that I am unhurt. For a small fight, it was a long 
 
 and bloody one. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 [A letter of May 30 seems to be missing. 
 E. S. A.] 
 
 CAMP NEAR NEW BRIDGE, 
 June 14th. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHEE, I received your letter of 
 June 5th, and also one of an earlier date. We are, 
 as you see, in the same place, waiting, I suppose, 
 for some grand combination. Burnside stopped at 
 our camp on his way to see McClellan. He is the 
 most military-looking of the generals. McCall,
 
 60 LETTERS. 
 
 with 15,000 men, is at White House. As McDowell 
 has done nothing, I hope McCall, who has one of 
 his divisions, will do some of the fighting. 
 
 General Prim was here; he and his staff were 
 gotten up in picturesque and splendid array. 
 
 Yesterday a party of rebels did the pluckiest 
 thing of the war. They started at Hanover Court- 
 House and went completely around us, burning 
 Garlick's Landing (our forage depot), killing three 
 men there, crossing the railroad at Tnnstall's Sta- 
 tion, firing into and burning a train. They took 
 twenty-two wagons belonging to Butterfield's bri- 
 gade, and came around us to Kichmond. It may 
 seem strange that our rear is left so unprotected ; 
 it does to us here. Somebody is certainly to blame, 
 and it is a great disgrace to the army. There is 
 nothing to prevent General Lee sending one of his 
 aides into camp. Morrell has a reception every 
 day of rebels who come to complain that a chicken 
 has run away, or a bunch of leeks been stolen, all 
 refusing to take the oath of allegiance. ... If 
 possible, I shall resign after Richmond is taken, or 
 else try to go with Griffin, just appointed a briga- 
 dier. I do not like this place. 
 
 I went up in the balloon yesterday, but the wind 
 rolled it about, and I sung out to them to pull me 
 down. 
 
 The pickets, as I wrote before, are so close that 
 the men can talk. As I never believed the talking 
 stories, I put on a soldier's coat and cap and went 
 out to see. A Georgia regiment was on guard, and 
 at one point the pickets sat looking in each other's
 
 LETTERS. 01 
 
 faces. The men on either side had agreed not to 
 fire. I must say I was rather startled at being so 
 close. The Fourth Michigan were on guard, and 
 as this was the scene of their exploit, they man- 
 aged to find the bodies of four more Secesh. 
 
 The weather was tolerably hot to-day, 104 in the 
 shade. It is better than the cold storms which 
 always bring fever and dysentery. The sickness is 
 getting to be frightful. In Butterfield's brigade 
 nearly one-fourth are on their backs. I am per- 
 fectly well. 
 
 I begin to think I never appreciated Mr. Tucker's 
 place, the Livingstons' and the Masons'. I should 
 like to make the tour again ! 
 
 Since the excursion of the rebels, the roads are 
 unsafe and the mail has stopped, but I presume it 
 will go through again to-day. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 NEW BRIDGE, 
 
 June 18, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHER, There has been nothing of 
 interest here since I wrote. General Porter got it 
 in his head that there was a skedaddle going on 
 this afternoon. It blew too hard for the balloon 
 to go up, and the enemy suddenly commenced 
 shelling our pickets and appeared in consider- 
 able force on the hills, so I fear they are not off 
 yet. To-night they have a splendid band play- 
 ing, which sounds well. Our bands are not allowed
 
 62 LETTERS. 
 
 to play. It shows how close the armies are, when I 
 can sit in my tent and listen to the rebel bands. 
 
 Yesterday I went over the river to see John 
 Astor, and then to Fair Oaks Station. John Astor 
 is anxious to get home, and will take the first boat 
 from Eichmond. 
 
 I thought our camp very nasty until I saw how 
 the troops were over the river. They are encamped 
 on the battle-field, which is a partially drained 
 swamp, cheerless beyond description. They have 
 thrown up earthworks and small forts. The 
 ground is covered with the usual remains of a battle. 
 
 A great many negroes have come in lately. They 
 say Jeff Davis is called a villain, and the soldiers 
 say they will hang him if he attempts to leave ; that 
 we are sure to take Kichmond, and there is no use 
 in fighting. 
 
 Porter's and McCalPs are the only troops this 
 side of the river, and I doubt if we will see much 
 of the fight, even if one should come off. 
 
 Tell Madgie the buffalo is as useful in summer 
 as in winter. It is such a good one, there is no 
 smell, and the rainy nights are so cold it is ex- 
 tremely comfortable. 
 
 Great boxes of lemons have been brought here 
 lately, and lemonade is the common drink. The 
 water here is unusually good. Dig a well three 
 feet deep, and it comes out clear, without any bad 
 taste. We also get ice. 
 
 With love to all, believe me, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A.
 
 LETTERS. 63 
 
 CAMP NEAR NEW BRIDGE, 
 June 22d. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHER, I suppose you are now at 
 Cornwall. We are still digging, and so are the 
 rebels. Each army is now enclosed by lines of 
 earthworks, broken here and there by pretty large 
 forts. None of the big guns are here yet, and I do 
 not hear that any are to come, although, the 120- 
 pound Parrotts would throw shell into Richmond 
 from some parts of our lines. 
 
 We have planted a row of cedars around our 
 camp to keep off sun and dust. The troops have 
 been scattered in new fields, on account of their 
 health. 
 
 I went up in the balloon on Friday afternoon. 
 Just as I got up, a battery which has never hit any- 
 thing began to fire. I suppose the rebels thought 
 it pretty rough to have a battery firing and a bal- 
 loon to look where the shell went, so they opened 
 on the balloon. Of course they could not hit it, 
 but they made the little hollow the balloon is kept 
 in rather warm for the men who held the ropes. 
 
 On Saturday they threw shell from morning till 
 night ; they struck in the road, tearing a wagon to 
 pieces, and one fell in the camp, killing a man. 
 
 During the intervals the balloon men built a 
 bomb-proof to sit in, and this morning, at sunrise, 
 I tried it again. First the balloon was sent up with 
 a stuffed man in it ; they did not fire. Then I got 
 in, and just as I came within range (while the bal- 
 loon is from fifty to three hundred feet high), a
 
 64 LETTERS. 
 
 puff of smoke came from a new quarter, with the 
 usual whiz. The balloon was let up 1.000 feet, and 
 I sat there an hour, having a magnificent view of 
 Kichmond and its surroundings. Coming down 
 they gave me another shot. The stuffed man was 
 again sent up, and got one shot. The balloon is not 
 in range more than two minutes. Their chance of 
 hitting it is almost none, or of doing much harm if 
 they did. Once up, it is the safest place about. A 
 deserter, who came in, said he fired at me on Fri- 
 day with a gun captured at Bull Run. 
 
 I have just seen a Richmond Despatch of yester- 
 day saying Beauregard was at Montgomery. We 
 will probably stay here a month and starve them 
 out. Negroes and deserters tell the same story, viz., 
 nothing to eat, and plenty of discontent. . . . 
 Wiuthrop, who is in Berdan's sharp-shooters, went 
 home to-day on two weeks' sick leave. I told him 
 to tell Mr. Livingston, as I had not cost him any- 
 thing this year, to send me two bottles of his old 
 brandy. 
 
 The weather is very hot. I am better than usual, 
 but anxious to get home. . . . 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 CAMP LINCOLN, 
 June 28, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, A day of horrors has passed, 
 such as I pray God I may never undergo again. To 
 see our splendid division crushed down, to say noth-
 
 LETTERS. 65 
 
 ing of the more selfish fear of death, for six hours, 
 was an awful thing to undergo. In addition to 
 that, I had been under fire, at the battle of Me- 
 chanicsville, for three hours the afternoon before, 
 had ridden backwards and forwards all night, and 
 was just settling down for a nap when the rebels 
 came pouring down like an avalanche. At 11.45 
 they opened on our division, drawn up in a single 
 line on the crest of a hill for a mile and a half. 
 They came up three times, with fresh troops in 
 solid masses. Three times we drove them back, 
 being reenforeed by McCall and Slocum, until at 
 the fourth attack of over half an hour of shot, shell, 
 and musketry, our line gave way, partly rallied, 
 and then rushed pell-mell to a position in front of 
 the lower bridge. We left there during the night, 
 crossing the Chickahominy and destroying the 
 bridges. 
 
 I sincerely thank God for my escape. I have 
 had experience in shelling and volleys of musketry, 
 but never, until now, of a continuous sheet of fire 
 for six hours. My horse was shot and ran away 
 with me (my new horse), nearly dashing my brains 
 out against the peach trees. When I got back 
 under fire, which was in about five minutes, the 
 Fourth Michigan rushed past me. I knew then 
 that all was over, and resting a short time behind a 
 shanty I ran, too. It was a terrible sight, but we 
 might as well have stood up against an avalanche 
 as against their forces. 
 
 Colonel Black fell dead at the head of his regi- 
 ment, the lieutenant-colonel, Sweetzer, was left
 
 66 LETTERS. 
 
 wounded, and the major is missing. As for the 
 men, I tried to collect the Second Brigade, and 
 could not get more than 150 of the Sixty-second 
 Pennsylvania out of 980. More, of course, have 
 come in, but the loss in our division is about 3,000 
 out of 10,000, and between Mechanicsville and 
 Games' Mills, I fear the poor Second will lose a 
 third. Lieutenant-Colonel Skillen of the Four- 
 teenth New York was shot, and died last night. 
 He stood where there was no hope, as calmly as if 
 at home. One man with his jaw shattered came 
 up to me dragging his musket: "Captain/' said 
 he, "where is the Fourteenth ? 1 am not dead yet." 
 I took his musket, and advised him to go to the 
 hospital and gave his name to General Griffin. I 
 suppose he was left behind with other wounded 
 ones. 
 
 The Prince de Joinville came up to us in the 
 hottest fire, as cool and polite as possible. The two 
 princes rode about looking as sad as if their own 
 countrymen were being defeated. 
 
 Griffin took command two hours before the bat- 
 tle of Mechanicsville. 
 
 We are now here, I suppose, for an indefinite 
 time. Our position is good, and we have an im- 
 mense army and should be safe. I telegraphed 
 Mr. Tucker last night. Heckscher was compli- 
 mented by General Sykes. Both of his other com- 
 pany officers were shot. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A
 
 LETTERS. 67 
 
 CITY POINT, 
 
 July 2, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, Tired and worried, I have 
 just arrived here. I telegraphed you I was safe 
 after the battles of Mechanicsville and Games' 
 Mills, a sad and desperate day. 
 
 I have to thank God for two more battles passed 
 through safely. On Sunday night the army made 
 a hurried retreat to the James Eiver. That after- 
 noon the rebels attacked us, and yesterday morn- 
 ing they renewed the battle. Porter's division, as 
 at Games' Mills, bore the brunt. Our men were 
 abandoned, dead and dying, on the field. 
 
 I have lain down exactly two hours in three 
 nights. I am too nervous and dispirited to write. 
 
 In the Second Brigade, McQuade is the only 
 colonel alive. 
 
 Thank God for the awful days I have gone 
 through safely. Send word that I saw Heckscher 
 yesterday at 6 P.M. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 HARRISON'S LANDING, JAMES RIVER, 
 Saturday, July 5, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have sent you several 
 notes and one telegram, telling you of my safety. 
 From what I hear, however, of the stoppage of 
 mails, I doubt if they arrive under a week. The 
 telegram which went over the wires the night of 
 the 27th, I see by your letter of the 29th, you had 
 
 not then received. 
 5
 
 68 LETTERS. 
 
 I sincerely thank God that I have passed unhurt 
 through the horrors of the last ten days. I am, of 
 course, worn out with fatigue, but am otherwise 
 well. 
 
 I see by the Times of the 4th, that you are still 
 but slightly informed of what has been going on 
 here. The correspondents mostly wrote from the 
 steamboats on the Pamunkey. 
 
 The army is too immense for one person to have 
 a clear idea of what is going on all along the line. 
 I will confine myself to the right wing, which was 
 supposed to be sufficient to protect the rear. 
 
 McClellan undoubtedly meant to swing the army 
 around until it rested on the James ; but the fate 
 of war had, in the end, more to do with it than he. 
 On Thursday, about five o'clock, while enjoying a 
 dinner of lamb and green peas, an order came to 
 send a brigade to assist McCall near Median icsvi lie. 
 Butterfield's brigade was on an expedition to the 
 rear, Martindale's somewhere else, and Griffin's (he 
 had taken command that day of the Second) alone 
 remained. We went with them about four miles, 
 and got in a very heavy cannonading, the rebels hav- 
 ing crossed the Chickahominy at that point. This 
 lasted until about 9 P. M. The cannonading was 
 the loudest I have heard, batteries being planted for 
 nearly a mile ; and after dark it became more terri- 
 ble than by day. The Fourth Michigan came to 
 close quarters with the Fourteenth Louisiana and 
 Sixty-sixth Virginia, losing fifty men. The rest of 
 our division suffered but slightly. At eight o'clock 
 Morrell left me with Weedon and went to look after
 
 LETTERS. 69 
 
 Marti ndale. I lay on one of the gun-carriages and 
 got a nap of two hours. 
 
 At 2 A. M., an order came to fall back to our old 
 camp near Games' Mills (Camp New Bridge) ; I 
 went after Griffin, and by daylight we were on our 
 way back, the rebels shelling the road. At Games' 
 Mills we had breakfast, and heard that our camp 
 was to be abandoned for a better position. Most of 
 the supplies had been sent over the Chickahominy 
 during the night ; those remaining were burned. 
 
 At 9 A. M., on Friday, the 27th, we crossed the 
 mill-dam and broke down the bridge, the rebel 
 scouts coming in sight. The men were posted in 
 order of battle, and lay down to rest. The sun was 
 extremely hot. Morrell's division was posted along 
 a wooded ravine, with an open field rising behind 
 them. In the ravine ran a creek, draining the mill- 
 dam. I did not see the position of the right of the 
 line. Behind us, in reserve, was McCall's division. 
 
 About twelve, the artillery commenced, and the 
 skirmishers, who were in a field beyond the ravine, 
 returned. Musketry began on the right, and grad- 
 ually worked down to us. About one o'clock hell 
 itself seemed to break loose on our division. First 
 Martindale's, then Griffin's, and then Butterfield's 
 brigades, caught a storm of shot, shell, and mus- 
 ketry, which made the trees wave like a hurricane. 
 The enemy would bring a large number of guns to 
 bear on one point, and then advance a whole bri- 
 gade on one of our regiments. Three times they 
 did this, each attack lasting about half an hour. 
 After each attack, reinforcements went in, but our
 
 70 LETTERS. 
 
 men still formed the front line. At six came the 
 fourth attack, more fearful than any. The right 
 wing had gradually fallen back, until our line was 
 thus : ~~\ 
 
 Suddenly a rush of men, horses, and guns passed 
 over the field, the line was broken, the battle was 
 lost. A line was attempted further back, but it 
 broke at once and all moved towards the bridge. A 
 line of fresh troops being formed near the bridge, 
 the men halted, and the officers tried to collect the 
 regiments, or even the brigades, together. Dark- 
 ness coming on, the firing ceased, and the men 
 were sent over the bridge in good order. The 
 last passed about 6 A. M., destroying it after 
 them. 
 
 I got a cup of coffee, and slept on the ground for 
 two or three hours at daylight. At one o'clock we 
 were told to move to Savage Station, about three 
 miles, but marched eight miles to White Oak 
 Swamp. There we had a beautiful camp and a 
 good night's rest. We were around the house of a 
 Mr. Brilton. The next morning McClellan and 
 his staff took breakfast with us. Everything 
 looked so pretty and peaceful there, that I left my 
 horse that had been shot at Gaines' Mills with 
 him, but the next day the whole army swept over 
 his place and destroyed everything. The rear 
 guard was attacked, a fight took place, and his 
 house was burned to the ground. 
 
 That day (Sunday) we were posted ready for an 
 attack, and at night commenced to make for the 
 James Kiver. The night was an awful one, as
 
 LETTERS. 71 
 
 dark as pitch, with constant alarms that the cav- 
 alry were upon us, when all would be confusion. 
 To add to our troubles, it was found that our corps 
 had gone by the wrong road, which made it 10 
 A. M. before we reached the James. 
 
 We lay down in a wheat field till one o'clock (on 
 Monday), when heavy firing began, and we were 
 sent to the front. The enemy shelled us from the 
 woods without doing much harm. In the mean- 
 time McCall and Heintzelman suffered terribly 
 and fell back to our line. 
 
 We were encamped at a lovely place an old 
 picturesque brick house, surrounded by splendid 
 white oak trees, on a terrace as fine as Hyde Park, 
 overlooking the river. This terrace, instead of 
 following the river, came abruptly around at right 
 angles to it, overlooking the fields and woods, 
 which were humming and crashing under the 
 shells from the gunboats. Towards the enemy 
 the ground sloped gradually down, rising again in 
 wooded hills, first occupied by Heintzelmann and 
 now by the enemy. 
 
 The men slept that night in order of battle. I 
 got about an hour, on the floor of the old house. 
 At daybreak things were gotten ready, and at 8 
 A. M. the enemy opened. The day was clear and 
 cool. The Second Brigade was posted around two 
 sides of the front. At 5 P. M. the enemy ad- 
 vanced in great force on the Fourteenth New York 
 and Sixty-second Pennsylvania, and much the same 
 scene as at Games' Mills was gone through, except- 
 ing that the men stood like heroes.
 
 72 LETTERS. 
 
 At 6.30 things looked very black. Then up 
 came Porter, who took command in person, with 
 Meagher's Irish brigade. As they passed to the 
 front, Colonel Cass, of the Ninth Massachusetts, 
 was being brought back, his jaw shattered by a 
 ball. As they recognized a fellow-countryman, 
 they gave a yell that drowned the noise of the guns. 
 They moved to the front, and Porter sent for a bat- 
 tery of thirty-two-pounders, something very unusual 
 in a field fight. This turned the enemy back. They 
 said they lay down trembling with fright as the 
 immense shells roared through the woods. At nine 
 the firing ceased on our side, the rebels having 
 stopped about an hour before. 
 
 We had repulsed their attack, and remained 
 masters of the field, but, great God ! what a 
 field it was. To the surprise of all came the 
 order to retreat. The troops could not stand 
 another such attack, no reinforcements having 
 come. 
 
 I took part of the Second Brigade with me, and 
 after showing them the way, went back for our 
 light wagon, which I got in a battery, and rushed 
 through, riding in it myself. This retreat was a 
 regular stampede, each man going off on his own 
 hook, guns in the road at full gallop, teams on one 
 side in the fields, infantry on the other in the 
 woods. At daybreak came rain in torrents, and the 
 ground was ankle deep in mud. This was Wednes- 
 day. I found shelter in a quartermaster's tent, 
 and lay down to rest. 
 
 The next day, Thursday, we were prepared for
 
 LETTERS. 78 
 
 battle. A battery opened on us, and things looked 
 badly, the troops weary and ankle deep in mud. 
 The battery was soon shut up. Then fresh troops, 
 10,000 strong, came up, and our men went into 
 camp, and I on a steamboat. 
 
 Yesterday and to-day all have been quiet. I can 
 scarcely stand. This letter is all I have done in 
 two days. Our loss has been, I fear, enormous. 
 The Second Brigade lost over a third, nearer a half, 
 of those in the field. 
 
 Colonel Black was killed at Games' Mills ; Lieu- 
 tenant-Colonel Sweetzer, of the Sixty-second, was 
 left wounded on the field ; Colonel Woodbury was 
 shot on Tuesday ; Lieutenant-Colonel Skillen at 
 G-aines'. 
 
 It seemed horrible to abandon our dead and 
 wounded to a savage enemy. Several doctors re- 
 mained in each hospital to look after the sick. 
 War is a horrible thing. I never want to hear any 
 one talk of military glory ; it only reminds me of 
 scenes of horror and anguish. 
 
 What is to be done now I do not know. Eng- 
 land and France will, I suppose, recognize the rebels, 
 if nothing more. I think the Army of the Potomac 
 has been seriously injured by the way the pro- 
 slavery geiierals associate with and pamper the 
 rebels ; in every case sacrificing the health and 
 comfort of the men, rather than inconvenience an 
 insolent rebel who insults the guard that protects 
 his house. 
 
 Eobert Livingston and Seymour have gone home 
 sick. The term of the French princes expired on
 
 74 LETTERS. 
 
 the 1st of July. John Astor, also, goes home 
 shortly. 
 
 With love to Madgie and Tiny. 
 
 Your affect onate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 HAKRISON'S LANDING, 
 July 11, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAK MOTHER, We have settled down into 
 a most profound state of quiet. The enemy have 
 fallen further back, and we are nearest the river, in 
 the rear of the whole army. 
 
 The accounts in the papers of a fight on the 4th, 
 and of an advance of seven miles, are pure inven- 
 tions. The troops are not fit either to fight or 
 advance, and will not be for two weeks, both artil- 
 lery and infantry being disorganized by their losses. 
 I saw a piece in the Tribune from the Eichmond 
 Examiner, by which it appears that Magruder 
 made the attack on us at Malvern, and it describes 
 his loss as most severe. They seem to have a holy 
 horror of the gunboat shells, which is not surpris- 
 ing, for they make me nervous merely passing over 
 our heads. 
 
 Johnny Heckscher is going home on sick leave. 
 He looks miserably. 
 
 I am well, but almost worked to death. I have 
 always had my hands full in life, but never have 
 been where there is such incessant drudgery, and so 
 little thanks, as in my present position. After all 
 I have gone through, I hate to come away, but have
 
 LETTERS. 75 
 
 neither strength nor inclination for a Fall campaign. 
 I also think that unless the war is made one of 
 extermination it will be impossible to conquer the 
 Gulf States, or to keep them if conquered. 
 
 There is one improvement the sick and wounded 
 are put into the really handsome brick houses of the 
 planters and not left broiling on the ground. The 
 heat of last week has been followed by a heavy rain 
 which, at any other time, would be a relief, but 
 just now two-thirds of the troops have no shelter 
 but the bushes. 
 
 Porter has received his appointment as major- 
 general, Martindale has gone home sick, and But- 
 terfield expects to go somewhere else ; so a general 
 change is being made. . . . 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 HAKKISON'S LANDING, 
 July 18th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, There is nothing new here. 
 All the generals seem to be going home, thinking 
 themselves ill, or something of the sort. Butter- 
 field really looked so ; he has gone to Hyde Park. 
 
 We have had no reinforcements worth speaking 
 of ; everything looks like a long stay, which, as the 
 place seems to be healthy, will do the troops good. 
 
 I have almost made up my mind to resign. I 
 have written my resignation, and unless I change 
 my mind will send it in to-morrow. I hate to go, 
 and yet I do not want to stay. I suppose I shall miss
 
 76 LETTERS. 
 
 the constant excitement, but am almost worn out 
 by it here. We have had, lately, very hot days, 
 with thunder showers every evening. 
 
 We miss having no back country to buy fresh 
 things in ; everything we eat must come by 
 water. 
 
 Near here is the only very handsome gentleman's 
 place I have seen. It stands on a high bank on the 
 James, with a beautiful lawn and Virginia trees, 
 which are always superb. The house is of brick, 
 about ninety feet front, built in 1740 by a man 
 named Byrd. It is two stories high, high ceilings, 
 and a French roof. Behind is a courtyard, with a 
 brick wall and fancy iron gates with birds worked 
 in. It is a place that a person might really be 
 attached to. Porter has pitched his tents on the 
 lawn. Part of the family, instead of our sick, 
 occupy the house, the story being that McClellan 
 went to school with the owner. You may think it 
 hard that the owners should be disturbed, but my 
 sympathies are with the ghastly crowd known as 
 "the sick." 
 
 The Tribune had a pretty good piece describing 
 the splendid soldiers that landed at Fortress Mon- 
 roe, and the wretched crowd that were left to shovel 
 at Fair Oaks, taking up a cupful of earth on their 
 spades and gazing exhausted around. If the writer 
 could have seen the earthworks 150 men of the 
 Forty-fourth New York threw up one rainy 
 night at New Bridge when they expected to be 
 shelled in the morning, it would have spoiled his 
 storv.
 
 LETTERS. 77 
 
 I see Pope does not mean to have any " strategic 
 movements" or "change of base." 
 
 The only amusement the rebels indulge in is 
 firing at the pilots on the steamboats ; they now 
 incase themselves in iron. 
 
 With love to Aunt Jo and Madgie, believe me, 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 HARRISON'S LANDING, 
 July 22d. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I sent in my resignation 
 yesterday, and presume that it will be accepted. 
 Now that it is done, I cannot say that I look for- 
 ward to a return home with any great pleasure, 
 glad as I shall be to see you all, for I hate the idea 
 of turning my back on the war. I have waited 
 nearly three weeks to see how I should feel, and 
 really cannot do the work. I have been in four 
 bloody battles, two skirmishes, and the siege of 
 Yorktown, to say nothing of sitting in the balloon 
 while the rebels were firing their cursed shell at me 
 a piece of work I noticed that very few staff 
 officers did. 
 
 General Morrell indorsed on my resignation: 
 " Captain Auchmuty has labored faithfully in the 
 office and fearlessly in the field wherever my com- 
 mand has been engaged, at Howard's Bridge, 
 Yorktown, Hanover Court-House, Mechanicsville, 
 Games' Mills, Malvern, etc." I never got any credit 
 for capturing Cocklestown with poor Skillen,
 
 78 LETTERS. 
 
 Seymour, and two men of the Fourteenth New 
 York. 
 
 My resignation should return from Washington 
 by the 5th of August. I shall have to stay three 
 days in Washington, which would bring me in 
 New York about the 10th. 
 
 If there should be any signs of advancing again, 
 I would, of course, stay, but of that there seems 
 no probability whatever.. 
 
 There is a regular stampede among the generals 
 on sick, or homesick, leave. Colonel McQuade, the 
 only colonel left in the Second Brigade, has gone 
 home to recruit and get, if possible, a brigadiership. 
 The colonels and brigadiers are the most discon- 
 tented set I ever saw; the colonels because they 
 are not brigadiers, and the latter because they have 
 not divisions. 
 
 Kearny wrote to Willy Cutting, offering him the 
 place of assistant adjutant general. His brother 
 told me he had written him to explain how un- 
 healthy the position is, Kearny having killed off 
 his staff once. He rides about on a white horse, 
 like a perfect lunatic. At Malvern he went right 
 into the enemy's skirmishers ; an officer asked for 
 
 orders. " Orders," he said, " d it, do as you 
 
 have been told. How dare you. come here without 
 orders ! " and flew off. 
 
 He rode up to our house at Malvern, and sung 
 out for me. I was sitting on the ground to keep 
 clear of the sharp-shooters. I went to the fence, 
 and he sat there talking, a perfect target, with the 
 bullets hitting the fence every instant.
 
 LETTERS. 79 
 
 There is literally no army news ; it is even more 
 quiet here than at Minor's Hill. 
 With love to all, believe me, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 HARRISON'S LANDING, 
 August 7th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have not written to you 
 for some time, as I have expected every day to hear 
 from Washington. To-day is the eighteenth day, 
 which should have given time enough. 
 
 The weather is oppressively hot, and the flies and 
 mosquitoes are very troublesome. 
 
 A brigade from Porter's corps is kept over the 
 river, and there is talk of sending the whole corps 
 there, about which the rebels will probably have 
 something to say. About 20,000 men went to Mal- 
 vern yesterday. I saw our quartermaster, who had 
 gone after Colonel Woodbury's body at daylight 
 this morning, and he met them all coming back, 
 the rebels being reported as coming down in great 
 force. 
 
 I have been tolerably well the last few days. 
 
 With love to Aunt Jo and Tiny, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 HARRISON'S LANDING, 
 August llth. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I am still expecting an 
 answer to my resignation. On Saturday I wrote
 
 80 LETTERS. 
 
 to Townsend asking him to see if it had been 
 mislaid, and on Sunday, to the War Department, 
 asking for an answer. 
 
 Something is on foot here ; I do not know what, 
 but I think the army will fall back on Yorktown, 
 or at least a large portion of it. I believe that 
 Williamsburgh is thirty miles from here, and could 
 be reached in two days. What the rebels will have 
 to say about this second " change of base," a few 
 days will show. The army is under marching or- 
 ders, and, except backwards, it would be impossible 
 to move. 
 
 Griffin and Martindale are away, which is a seri- 
 ous loss to the division. 
 
 I see that Fanning has gone to the Kappahan- 
 nock. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 HARRISON'S LANDING, 
 August 12th. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHER, We did not make a move 
 yesterday, owing to the enemy being in the wrong 
 place. I told you what I supposed was to be done, 
 thinking it would be accomplished before you got 
 the letter. I believe I have guessed rightly, but, as 
 the affair is delayed, hope you have not mentioned 
 it ; for, if it once gets circulated, the rebels will 
 know it in a very short time. 
 
 I consider my resignation lost, and have no idea 
 when I shall get home. The doctor offered me a
 
 LETTERS. 81 
 
 certificate as being unfit for a march, but I did not 
 take it. 
 
 Your affectionate sou, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 CONTINENTAL HOTEL, PHILADELPHIA, 
 Sunday, August 20th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I received a leave of ab- 
 sence of twenty days on Thursday. 
 
 The army started at 9.30 that night, and I went 
 aboard one of the steamers and arrived at Fortress 
 Monroe at 4 p. M. next day. There I took a boat 
 for Baltimore, and reached Washington at noon on 
 Saturday. I got part of niy money, and my clothes, 
 saw Townsend and the Carrolls, and started for 
 New York at five that afternoon. 
 
 On reaching Philadelphia I was pretty well used 
 up, and concluded to lie over till to-morrow. I am 
 in hopes this may reach you by Monday morning. 
 If you get it in time, I hope you will come to 
 town on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. 
 
 I felt very badly at leaving the army, but I could 
 have been of no use ; and the doctor told me that 
 another attack of fever would send me under. I 
 feel well enough, but can scarcely stand up. 
 
 For the last few days every man in the army has 
 known that we were to retreat, and the Eichmond 
 papers announced that we were going. 
 
 On Sunday afternoon the order was given to 
 send away all baggage, etc., but it was Thursday 
 night before the move was made. Our corps, for-
 
 82 LETTERS. 
 
 tunately, started first, and, I hope, got through 
 safely. The rear will, I fear, have to fight. 
 
 It was not known exactly which road was to be 
 taken, but I rather think through Williamsburgh 
 to Yorktown, which could be made in three days. 
 
 I see the rascally Times, as usual, gave all the 
 particulars. 
 
 It seems very strange to be in a civilized place, 
 with sheets and good water. 
 
 I hope you will receive this early to-morrow, and 
 that I shall see you and Aunt Jo in the afternoon. 
 I am sure Aunt Jo does not like the Hudson as well 
 as Broadway. 
 
 I suppose the Tuckers are very uneasy about Fan- 
 ning. There were all sorts of wild stories in Wash- 
 ington yesterday, but that is usual there. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 K. T. A. 
 
 [The resignation was accepted on August 18, 
 1862. The two following letters were written when 
 on a visit to the Army of the Potomac, under 
 command of General Burnside, while out of the 
 service. E. S. A.] 
 
 OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBTTRG, 
 
 December 15, 1862, 9 P.M. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I arrived at Falraouth this 
 afternoon, and, as night was coming on, concluded 
 to make for Burnside's headquarters, and am stay- 
 ing with Phil Lydig.
 
 LETTERS. 83 
 
 It is sad to have to write that another disaster 
 has happened to our arms ; 13,000 dead and 
 wounded are here, and nothing is gained as yet. 
 It seems too hard. There was no fighting to-day, 
 although the big guns boom every now and then, 
 as at Yorktown and at the camp at Gaines' Mills. 
 
 You will know before this reaches you what 
 the fate of to-morrow may be. May God help our 
 soldiers. 
 
 I will keep out of danger. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 OPPOSITE FREDERICKSBURG, 
 December 17, 1862. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHEE, When I wrote on Monday 
 it was still in contemplation, I believe, to storm 
 the fortifications opposite. At 2 A. M., Burnside 
 sent for Lydig, and when he returned he told me 
 he had been to recall the troops, and the army was 
 to fall back to its old position. 
 
 I was certainly delighted, as I had been arguing 
 the folly of such an undertaking. The soldiers of 
 Butterfield's corps had lain flat on their faces on a 
 side hill some fifty yards from the rifle-pits since 
 Saturday, being constantly picked off. In many 
 places it was death to raise a head. At night they 
 were fed, and the wounded removed. 
 
 Of course I did not get in the town ; it is com- 
 pletely ruined, and was sacked by the soldiers.
 
 84 LETTERS. 
 
 Griffin said he saw men smashing pianos with axes, 
 and sitting in the street on pictures cut from their 
 frames. A considerable amount of valuables was 
 also found. 
 
 I hear but little criticism on the disaster. At 
 Burnside's they lay the blame on Halleck. 
 
 I stayed at Butterfield's last night, and am now 
 at Griffin's. There does not seem to be an idea in 
 contemplation of another attack, but rather how 
 best to get out of this place. A man was paroled 
 by a party of rebels last night, just beyond our 
 camp, inside the picket lines. 
 
 The weather is pleasant. 
 
 The soldiers are building huts, and look better 
 than usual. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 [He was reappointed assistant adjutant general 
 in March, 1863, and assigned to staff of General 
 S. W. Crawford, commanding the Pennsylvania 
 Eeserves stationed in the "defences of Washing- 
 ton." 
 
 There is a letter from General Griffin, dated the 
 7th of March, asking that he be assigned to him, 
 he being in command of MorrelPs old division. 
 
 He volunteered on General Griffin's staff for the 
 battle of Chancellorsville, which is described in 
 the following letters. E. S. A.]
 
 LETTERS. 85 
 
 UNITED STATES TRANSPORT, 
 April 30, 1863, 10 A. M. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, A lady, going to Falmouth 
 for her son, has just told me that she saw Mrs. 
 Hendricks, wife of the Herald reporter, yesterday, 
 who said that on Tuesday she rode to Griffin's 
 headquarters, which were then at Hartwood 
 Church. Hartwood is ten miles up the river from 
 Falmouth, near the United States Ford. United 
 States Ford is between Kelly's Ford and Fredericks- 
 burg. I also hear that a bridge is being built at 
 United States Ford. 
 
 We are now passing through a fleet of schooners 
 loaded with forage, etc., which the captain says 
 were at Acquia last night. This looks as if the 
 army were to go south via Gordonsville and Han- 
 over Court-House, for in that case the supplies 
 would be sent by rail from Alexandria. 
 
 The mud is said not to be very bad. 
 
 If I telegraph you that Van Eensselaer is safe, I 
 wish you would send word to the Heckschers, 63 
 Fifth Avenue. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 FALMOUTH, 
 April 30th, Afternoon. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have just arrived at Grif- 
 fin's old headquarters. Bliss and Batcheldor are 
 still here, but have gone to General Hooker's head- 
 quarters. I am waiting for them and some dinner,
 
 86 LETTERS. 
 
 and shall then go on to Kelly's Ford, across which 
 I hear the division is. Kelly's is seven miles from 
 here. 
 
 General Hooker, I am told, is in the highest 
 spirits, and has issued an address saying the rebels 
 are just where he wants them and must run or 
 surrender. 
 
 I can learn of nothing but some artillery fight- 
 ing. I think to-morrow will show that the rebs 
 are on the Eapidan. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 FRIDAY, 8 A. M. 
 
 P. S. It was impossible to cross last night. I 
 am just starting now. There has been no firing 
 during the night. R. T. A. 
 
 NEAR CHANCELLOR'S HOUSE, 
 Saturday, May 3d, 10 A. M. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I crossed the Rappahannock 
 in a roar of cannon, and got to the front at 3 p. M. 
 yesterday. I was only under fire a few minutes 
 with Sykes, while looking for Griffin. Griffin's 
 division lost none. 
 
 To-day, at 3 A. 3f., we were put in line of battle, 
 in a splendid position. The rebels are cornered, or 
 supposed to be, but an attack would fall on the 
 other corps. Our position is equal to Malvern 
 Hill. Meade says we will not be attacked. Sykes 
 lost heavily. Young Temple, a great friend of 
 mine, was shot dead, and was buried last night.
 
 LETTERS. 87 
 
 I have just given a drink to Stephen Van 
 Eensselaer. Please send word to the Heckschers 
 that he is safe. Sykes will not be attacked either. 
 
 Hendricks says he will get this through. 
 
 The troops are hungry and exhausted ; it will be 
 necessary to rest a week after this. I think myself 
 that Fredericksburg will be evacuated to-day, and 
 that we will occupy it. The houses here are filled 
 with refugees who now do not know which way to 
 run. 
 
 With love to all, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 BATTLEFIELD AT CHANCELLOIJSVILLE, 
 Saturday, May 3d, 5 P. M. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHEE, I sent you a letter by Hen- 
 dricks this morning, saying that I was safe and 
 sound, and that we were in line of battle. There 
 has been fighting at different times, both artillery 
 and musketry, on our right, near the Chancellor 
 House, where we were last night. 
 
 Our position here is so splendid, that much as I 
 like to have a battle postponed, I wish the rebs 
 would come on. Even the Fourteenth New York, 
 which goes out of service in a \veek, and is, there- 
 fore, not anxious for another fight, is quite enthu- 
 siastic. 
 
 I don't like to go into any particulars as to what 
 we are about, as the mail goes through a hostile 
 country.
 
 88 LETTERS. 
 
 I am more and more convinced that the rebels 
 will quit. Not a shot has been fired near us to-day. 
 
 The weather is heavenly; the nights as light and 
 as warm as day. 
 
 Last night, when the troops fell back to our pres- 
 ent position, the pickets were left out, and men 
 kept chopping wood, to deceive the Secesh pickets. 
 I asked Griffin to let me take charge of the front, 
 and had some 500 men under my orders. I went 
 to each officer along the mile and a half and told 
 them what to do, and at three o'clock, as day 
 broke, I gave the signal, and back they all fell, 
 formed in a road, and marched to the new line, 
 without a sound. 
 
 I have been interrupted once or twice ; it is now 
 near sundown ; the men are cooking their suppers 
 and becoming more desirous for the rebels to attack 
 as the chances vanish. Our loss in the division 
 yesterday was one killed and four wounded. 
 
 10 P.M. A terrible battle has taken place; our 
 division not engaged. Sykes sent to re-enforce. 
 Van Rensselaer (tell the Heckschers) unhurt. 
 
 Griffin is sure the rebels have gone. 
 
 I write by moonlight ; I cannot see. All is quiet. 
 
 Love to all. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 K. T. A. 
 
 CHANCELLORSVILLE, 
 
 Monday, May 4th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I wrote you on Saturday, 
 10 P.M. I then went to sleep in a wagon, but in
 
 LETTERS. 89 
 
 a short time, by the bright moonlight, another 
 battle began, and lasted until nearly two o'clock. 
 Then we were ordered out of our beautiful fortifi- 
 cations that we had worked at so hard all day, and 
 Howard's corps, which had just been beaten, was 
 put there, and we were put in an open field. 
 
 At 5.30 a really tremendous battle commenced. 
 Three lines were formed, we, with Sykes, being the 
 third. Towards eight o'clock the two outer lines 
 were gone, and we stood face to face with Stonewall 
 Jackson ; but in the two hours we had thrown up 
 earthworks, and, except with artillery, no attack 
 was made. 
 
 Just as the battle began, a bullet struck and 
 killed Griffin's horse. Our loss in the division was 
 about eighty. 
 
 Both armies suffered heavily. The result was, 
 we "contracted our lines." 
 
 The Southerners fought more furiously than ever 
 before ; we held their line of retreat, and they re- 
 took it. To add to the other horrors, the woods, 
 filled with wounded, caught fire. 
 
 As soon as this campaign is over (and I suppose 
 it will soon succeed or fail) I shall come home. I 
 have had no rest, and have not undressed since 
 Thursday night. The weather has been hot, but 
 splendid. 
 
 All day yesterday, all last night, and until now 
 to-day, we expected an attack. Now it is believed 
 they are in full retreat. Their lines, however, 
 are close to ours ; the trees are filled with sharp- 
 shooters, making it as much as life is worth to
 
 90 LETTERS. 
 
 walk along our line. The men lie behind breast- 
 works. 
 
 Hooker was always under fire. I saw a horse 
 blown to pieces within twenty feet of him, and he 
 himself was blown from his horse by a shell. Barry 
 was killed, and also General Whipple just now, be- 
 hind one of Griffin's brigades. 
 
 Major Boyd, whose regiment is mustered out, 
 takes this on. 
 
 Yesterday we heard a heavy cannonading near 
 Fredericksburg. We know nothing of what is 
 going on, having seen no papers since Friday. I 
 suppose you are in a state of suspense about us. 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 K. T. A. 
 
 [He was in New York a short time after this. 
 E. S. A.] 
 
 UPTON'S HILL, VA., 
 June 6, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHEE, I came out here this after- 
 noon and established our headquarters. General 
 Crawford will be out to-morrow. This is much 
 superior to Fairfax Station, being nearer Washing- 
 ton, and prettier country. One brigade is at Fair- 
 fax Station, three and a half miles from the Court- 
 House and twelve miles from here ; one at Alexan- 
 dria, under General Slough's command, and one 
 regiment at Vienna, eight miles from here ; so there 
 will be plenty of riding to do. 
 
 To-night I am staying with Mr. and Mrs. Upton.
 
 LETTERS. 91 
 
 Mr. Upton has just been defeated as member of 
 Congress from Fairfax and London. They have 
 one married and one unmarried daughter, both 
 handsome. They live very well, and have a large 
 wooden house. Before their front door is a fort, 
 and our tents are in their garden. They had a 
 very nice tea, and ice-cream and strawberries after- 
 wards. I have a large room on the first floor. 
 
 Meade's corps is only sixteen miles from Fairfax 
 Station (thirteen by rail), having been moved up 
 the Rappahannock. Alexandria is being stockaded, 
 a plot to burn the Government stores having been 
 discovered. The river part of the town is now 
 shut off from the other half by a stockade, loop- 
 holed for rifles, with gates at the principal streets, 
 and the inhabitants are to quit the enclosure after 
 sundown. 
 
 Officers have a way of sending communications 
 " across lots," as it is called, writing to Stanton, 
 Halleck, or the President. I have received a paper 
 from the War Department, sent by a captain who 
 states that his lieutenant-colonel objects to the 
 emancipation of the slaves, and called Halleck an 
 "old ass." It is sent to us for investigation, but 
 whether we are to investigate the fact or the truth 
 of his statement is not mentioned. 
 
 A company of the First United States colored 
 infantry marched through Washington yesterday, 
 and looked very well. 
 
 The Copperheads seem to be going it strong. I 
 wish the President would send Butler to New York- 
 I shall go on his staff if he does.
 
 92 LETTERS. 
 
 My address is : " Assistant Adjutant-General, 
 Pennsylvania Eeserve Corps, Upton's Hill, Defences 
 of Washington." 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 K. T. A. 
 
 FREDERICK, MD., 
 Sunday, June 28, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHEK, I have not seen a paper, 
 except some Baltimore ones, since Wednesday, so I 
 do not know whether you have found out that the 
 insatiable Army of the Potomac has swallowed up 
 the Pennsylvania Keserves. Such is the case, and at 
 noon to-day we joined Sykes's Fifth Army Corps at 
 this place, two miles south of Frederick City. 
 
 On Wednesday morning an order arrived from 
 Butterfield to move the entire division to Edwards 
 Ferry, near Ball's Bluff, and to send the batteries 
 to Fairfax Court-House. Not being under Hook- 
 er's orders (Butterfield is his chief of staff), the 
 order was referred to Heintzelmann ; but, knowing 
 that Butterfield must have authority, we prepared to 
 move. Heintzelmann was very angry, and referred 
 the order to Halleck, and the latter indorsed on it 
 "The order must be obeyed," and on Tuesday 
 evening we started, the men having, in thirty-six 
 hours, obtained wagons, 400 horses, provisions for 
 ten days, etc. 
 
 Just before leaving, Heintzelmann got the bat- 
 teries and the Alexandria brigade back again, leav- 
 ing us the other two brigades.
 
 LETTERS. 93 
 
 We spent Thursday night at Upton's Hill, the 
 troops having gone, and although within sight of 
 Washington, had quite a scare, as the guerillas 
 swarmed over the country as the troops moved off, 
 and the Union inhabitants came, bag and baggage, 
 inside the fortifications. We stopped a battery and 
 put some men in the fort. 
 
 On Friday night we stopped at Dranesville, hav- 
 ing made a march of twenty-five miles in thirty 
 hours. 
 
 On Saturday we crossed the Potomac, near Lees- 
 burgh, and went to the Monocacy viaduct, and 
 to-day reached here. 
 
 The country in Maryland seems like a land of 
 plenty. Every field yellow with wheat, and every 
 house full of eatables. The army, however, sweeps 
 down fences and grain, eats up every mouthful and 
 steals most of the horses. The people never insult 
 us, and often refuse to take pay for their things, and 
 sometimes express pleasure at seeing us. After the 
 desolation of Virginia, the contrast is striking. 
 
 This morning, on the road, we heard that Hooker 
 was removed. I am sorry Meade is to leave the 
 corps, although Sykes is an excellent officer. 
 
 I did not mean to write to you until the battle 
 that I supposed would take place in a day or two 
 was over ; but that important event is postponed, 
 as it is believed that the rebels have escaped into 
 Pennsylvania. As it is easier to go ahead than for us 
 to catch up, they will probably postpone the affair. 
 
 This is the anniversary of the "seven days," and 
 as I got through that, I need not feel scared now.
 
 94 LETTERS. 
 
 My address is : " Care of General Crawford, 
 Sykes' Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, 
 Washington, D. C." 
 
 With love to Tiny and Aunt Jo, believe me, 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R T. A. 
 
 UNIONTOWN, MD., 
 June 30th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, We have marched inces- 
 santly since we left Upton's Hill, and are now on 
 the border of Pennsylvania. The rebels passed 
 through some of the villages on the road this morn- 
 ing, and are supposed to be on the Susquehanna, 
 near York, 90,000 strong. The weather is show- 
 ery and cool, the country beautiful, the people 
 polite, and for the first time in my army experi- 
 ence I have heard the people cheer and have seen 
 them wave flags and throw flowers at the troops. 
 
 I think that Lee is either humbugging or will try 
 to break our lines, divide the army, and retire to 
 Virginia. 
 
 With love to Aunt Jo and Tiny, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R T. A. 
 
 NEAR GETTYSBURG, 
 July 3, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, A merciful Providence has 
 preserved me through another battle, and for the 
 second time out of seven I have seen a battle-field 
 when the fight was over.
 
 LETTERS. 95 
 
 We arrived on the field yesterday afternoon, a 
 few minutes after the Regulars broke and came run- 
 ning back. Crawford formed one of our brigades, 
 and taking the colors, charged the advancing rebels. 
 We cleared them off and reoccupied the ground. 
 The battle closed at 8 P. M. It is going on still, 
 but is principally on our right. 
 
 I doubt if they will again try our position on 
 high, rocky bluffs, fortified. I will write more 
 another time. 
 
 Van Eensselaer was wounded slightly. The Sec- 
 ond Brigade has suffered terribly ; only thirty-six 
 of the Fourth Michigan, once 1,100 men, reported 
 this morning. The rebels have not gained the 
 least advantage yet. 
 
 With love to all, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 GETTYSBURG, 
 July 5, 1863, Noon. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have not had time yet 
 to write any account of what I have seen. Last 
 night I expected to get some rest, but it rained in 
 torrents, and having nothing but a bit of canvas, 
 open at both ends, my rest was somewhat disturbed. 
 
 Since leaving Upton's Hill, I have not had an 
 hour to myself. 
 
 Yesterday" morning one of our brigades drove in 
 the enemy's pickets, and the bullets flew around 
 pretty thickly. Last night all was quiet, and our
 
 96 LETTERS. 
 
 men, who have been out two miles, report them all 
 gone. 
 
 One of our brigades did all the fighting in our 
 division. It numbered 1,300 men, and lost 209. 
 They took 120 prisoners, 3,647 rifles, one flag, one 
 brass gun, and three caissons. 
 
 The Regulars feel pretty sore at our occupying 
 the ground that they were driven from. 
 
 On one of the houses the rebels have written : 
 
 " Cheer, boys, cheer, and raise a joyful shout ; 
 We've made a raid in Pennsylvania, and now we're going 
 out." 
 
 The rebels have left a scene of ruin behind them, 
 pretty well matched by what we have done. 
 
 The people here are all "Pennsylvania Dutch," 
 and being mostly Copperheads, the soldiers help 
 themselves in spite of orders to the contrary. 
 
 Sykes hears the rebels are in line of battle. Our 
 men say they have all gone. Prisoners say ditto. 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 NEAR EMMITTSBDRG, MD., 
 July 6, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have sent sundry de- 
 spatches telling of my whereabouts and of my safety, 
 but have not had a moment's time to write until 
 now. 
 
 The division is halted along the road, and I have 
 a comfortable chair at a farm-house. The rebels 
 are in full retreat, and, according to all accounts, a
 
 LETTERS. 97 
 
 most disorderly one. They are alarmed by the de- 
 struction of the pontoons, the assembling of the 
 militia, and the thrashing that we gave them. 
 
 We are on the road to Frederick, the short line 
 to Antietam, which has been partly fortified by 
 their rear-guard. 
 
 The battle of Gettysburg was the greatest engage- 
 ment this continent has ever seen. Although the 
 army was small, every man was engaged, and every 
 gun was fired. The Reserves marched all night 
 before the battle, excepting two hours rest. We 
 arrived on the battle-field at 11 A.M., lay in a 
 wheat field in the rear until four, when the battle 
 commenced to make the hills roar. 
 
 Then we marched to the front, and our line was 
 extended along a line of rocky hills, some bare and 
 some covered with woods. Just where we were, a 
 hill covered with dense woods rose up, occupied by 
 the enemy's sharp-shooters. One of Griffin's regi- 
 ments and two of ours cleared them out and held 
 it. Our other brigade (McCandless') was formed 
 in line of battle about a quarter of a mile to the 
 right ; between it and the wooded hill, was a pin- 
 nacle of rocks piled up about 150 feet high ; on 
 this stood Griffin's old battery, now Hazlitt's. Be- 
 hind McCandless' were two brass guns. Some dis- 
 tance in our front were the Regulars and one of 
 Hancock's divisions, kneeling behind a stone wall, 
 a swamp being between our hill and their line. 
 The guns from the hills, riflemen behind every 
 rock, and a long line of musketry from behind the 
 wall, fired from our side. The rebels replied with
 
 98 LETTERS. 
 
 sheets of musketry from the woods, with sharp- 
 shooters from the trees, and some (not much) artil- 
 lery. 
 
 The sun was setting, shining straight into the 
 eyes of our men. This, of course, was only one part 
 of the fight ; for two miles or more down the line 
 came the rattle of musketry and the thunder of 
 guns. 
 
 Suddenly a sheet of fire swept the Eegulars in 
 the rear and flank. The rebels had flanked them. 
 Up they rose, fell back a little way in good order, 
 then broke and came in a disorderly mob back to 
 our line, followed by the rebels, yelling like mad. 
 
 Crawford and I and McCandless called to our 
 men to stand steady as the men came pouring 
 through our ranks. In a few moments we were in 
 front, and the rebels behind the wall that the Eegu- 
 lars had left. We advanced a little and fired a 
 volley, and then Crawford took a flag, and, followed 
 by us all, rode out into the swamp. The brigade, 
 only 1,400 strong, followed, cheering. Not a shot 
 was fired until we were half way over the swamp, 
 when the men began indiscriminately, and I ex- 
 pected every moment to be shot in the back. I 
 could not see much ahead for the smoke. 
 
 Suddenly a cheer came from the hills behind us, 
 now crowded on every rock and tree by the run- 
 aways, as spectators, and the troops in position. I 
 then saw that the rebels were running, and in a few 
 minutes we held the wall. 
 
 It was getting dark, and but little firing was done 
 after that, except from our guns, which kept throw-
 
 LETTERS. 99 
 
 ing shells over the country far and near. Looking 
 back, our line of wood and rocks looked tremendous, 
 and I cannot understand how the rebels dared to 
 attack it. 
 
 After dark I went with Crawford to the line of 
 skirmishers, lying on their faces in a wheat field 
 beyond the wall and keeping up a foolish fire with 
 the rebels in a dark wood just in front. As I 
 walked down the line a man called me by name, it 
 being moonlight, and there I found a boy belong- 
 ing to the Sixty-second Pennsylvania, one of Mor- 
 rell's brigade, with his leg shot. I went back and 
 got a stretcher and had him taken in. This was, 
 however, but one of many, for that sickening moan 
 that follows a battle was heard all around, and dead 
 men lay by dozens. 
 
 I should have said that the colonel of the regi- 
 ment that went with us in the charge (the Buck- 
 tails) was shot in the head and killed Colonel 
 Taylor, a brother of Bayard Taylor. 
 
 At one o'clock we went to the rear, had some 
 coffee made, and went to sleep. At daybreak re- 
 peated volleys of musketry and the booming of the 
 guns awoke us. We got breakfast, and started to 
 look after the brigades. 
 
 It became quiet till ten o'clock, when the rebels 
 shelled the entire line, and then an attack was be- 
 gun on our right, about a quarter of a mile away. 
 We wandered about until one o'clock, when a tre- 
 mendous artillery fire was concentrated on our two 
 hills, lasting for two hours. 
 
 We went on the rocky hill, where Hazlitt's
 
 100 LETTERS. 
 
 battery stood, and found some two hundred officers 
 and a regiment of infantry crouching behind the 
 rocks, looking at the grandest sight ever seen. For 
 two miles, over an open plain spread out like a map 
 before us, ran the rebel lines. The batteries blazed 
 away, and here and there a burning house sent up 
 a column of smoke. 
 
 Our men behind the rocks kept up a duel with 
 the sharp-shooters in the trees, and every now and 
 then some incautious head would fall back dead, or 
 a cheer would announce that a rebel had fallen 
 from a tree. 
 
 Hazlitt, who commanded the battery, was killed 
 while bending over General Weed as he was 
 dying. 
 
 At five o'clock Sykes told Crawford that he could 
 see that the rebels had left the woods, and, unless 
 we were convinced to the contrary, to occupy it. 
 We went down, and found the woods still full of 
 soldiers. I rode back to Sykes ; he said it was all 
 nonsense, and he wished he could be obeyed. Mc- 
 Candless' brigade then advanced about a hundred 
 yards in the woods and over a wheat field, the 
 rebels opening a fire of musketry and canister from 
 a battery. 
 
 I said to McCandless, " For God's sake, go quickly, 
 or there will be no hope for us." The rebels fell 
 back and ran off their guns, thinking a general ad- 
 vance was being made, especially as the troops on 
 the rocks began to cheer. 
 
 On getting to the edge of the woods we changed 
 front, and moved parallel to and some distance from
 
 LETTERS. 101 
 
 the hills, under a pretty heavy fire. Suddenly we 
 found ourselves in the rear of the Fifteenth Georgia. 
 They threw down their arms and ran, we capturing 
 their lieutenant-colonel, their colors, and 110 men. 
 This finished the fight ; but the field was awful, the 
 dead and wounded lay in straight lines, some hav- 
 ing been wounded and uncared-for for twenty-four 
 hours. The next morning we picked up 3,647 rifles, 
 a brass gun, and three caissons. 
 
 On Saturday the brigade was brought into camp, 
 and the Regulars took their place. McCandless' 
 brigade lost 209, and Fishers 20, a small loss in 
 numbers but large in proportion to their size. 
 
 Saturday morning there was a good deal of firing, 
 but since then I have not heard a bullet whiz ; but 
 I have been able to get little rest, as rain is con- 
 stantly falling. 
 
 Last night (Sunday) we started at seven and 
 marched until midnight, started again at ten this 
 morning, but were immediately stopped, why I do 
 not know. 
 
 Meade has just published a proclamation, this 
 time after a victory. 
 
 I did not get a chance to go to Gettysburg. The 
 " Pennsylvania Dutch " came by dozens to see the 
 field, and unless they brought supplies for the 
 wounded I sent them back, as I do not think a 
 battle-field is a proper show. I also told them that 
 in Virginia there was not an able-bodied man to be 
 found. 
 
 I am glad to be in Maryland, as the Pennsylvania 
 Dutch are a hard set. The Marylanders are Ameri-
 
 102 LETTERS. 
 
 cans, live in a land of plenty, and are either friendly 
 or subdued. 
 
 I believe I have told you all. Van Rensselaers 
 wound was in the leg, and slight. Vincent, who 
 commanded Butterfield's old brigade, was killed. 
 The major of the Sixty-second Pennsylvania and 
 the colonel of the Fourth Michigan were bayonetted 
 to death. 
 
 Griffin is here again, and looks well. Crawford 
 does extremely well. 
 
 Our mail carrier, with horses and wagon, was 
 captured by the rebels, with, I suppose, one of your 
 letters, as I have not had any since Upton's Hill. 
 
 One of our men, after being two years in the 
 service, was killed on his father's farm. 
 
 With love to all, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 SOUTH MOUNTAIN, NEAR BOONSBORO, MD., 
 July 9, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I wrote you a long account 
 of the battle, and sent it via Frederick City. I 
 received your letter of June 26th, and one from 
 Miss Heckscher of July 1st. I think some of your 
 letters must have been captured in our mail wagon, 
 that Stuart took near "Washington. 
 
 The army is still on the tramp. Men are shoe- 
 less, and horses lame and sore-backed. This is the 
 second afternoon's rest since I left Upton's Hill. 
 The rebels are supposed to be fortified near Hagers-
 
 LETTERS. 103 
 
 town. I do not think Meade wishes to attack them, 
 as last night he published a circular containing a 
 letter from Halleck, urging him to go ahead, as he 
 (Halleck) had reliable information that the enemy 
 are not recrossing. 
 
 The army marches from 4 or 5 A. M. till sun- 
 down, making about seventeen miles a day. No 
 baggage is carried, the trains being left behind. I 
 got a small soldier's tent yesterday. Till then we 
 have had nothing but a fly-tent or bushes, though 
 we often get a house. 
 
 It rains incessantly, but that is perhaps better 
 than heat and dust. I feel tired, as I seldom get to 
 bed before eleven, and am up by four ; but I am per- 
 fectly well. We are in a healthy country, and it is 
 a perfect garden. Such farms I never saw outside 
 of England. Twice the Army of the Potomac and 
 once Lee's army have passed through here in two 
 weeks, and yet there is plenty to eat in every house. 
 To-day, for dinner, we had soup, lamb, young 
 chickens, vegetables, and cherries. Griffin and 
 Willy Jay dined with me. The farms are full' of 
 cherry trees, which the troops strip bare. 
 
 You say nothing of the Langdons. I wish Wal- 
 ter had come when I asked him. Such a battle as 
 Gettysburg will never be seen again. It is the 
 only time that a battle has been fought on an open 
 plain commanded by one point of view. 
 
 I suppose, if Lee crosses, we will scamper back to 
 Washington, and have a month's rest. 
 
 I meant that Crawford only went once to see 
 Stanton about me ; and then he was out. If I
 
 104 LETTERS. 
 
 cannot be promoted, I would rather go to a corps' 
 headquarters. I wish Meade would take me. I 
 hear that he always praises me. 
 
 The Keserves have gone up, in my opinion, since 
 the battle. Our loss was 230 killed and wounded. 
 The present number of men is 2,687 rather 
 small. There is nothing now to be seen of the 
 battle that took place here. . . . Sykes was 
 very obstinate when I told him the rebels were in 
 front of McCandless' brigade ; and, sure enough, 
 Hood's whole division was there, and only luck 
 saved us. Not one man out of a hundred can 
 stand his " Stars." Griffin is an exception. 
 
 Our cavalry have possession of Antietam, and 
 had a fight in that direction yesterday. The prison- 
 ers say that when the Kegulars ran, they supposed 
 they were fighting militia ; but when we went in, 
 they knew they had struck the Army of the Poto- 
 mac. The Regulars were murdered, however ; they 
 were between two lines of rebel fire. 
 
 Marquis Livingston works hard, but is nearly 
 dead. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 JULY 10th, 8 P. M. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, The army crossed the An- 
 tietam this morning without opposition. There 
 are squads of cavalry about, with whom our pickets 
 are fighting ; and every little while we shell the 
 country. I think, as we have been allowed to cross
 
 LETTERS. 105 
 
 the river without opposition, that the campaign is 
 over, and the rebels are crossing the Potomac. 
 
 We are at Boon's Mills, a picturesque place, with 
 a moss-grown stone bridge. It is said that the 
 Tribune reports a great battle at Williamsport. 
 None has taken place. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 NEAR HAGERSTOWN, PA., 
 July 13, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I suppose you are wonder- 
 ing what the army is doing. I see the papers talk 
 of tremendous battles about to take place, and call 
 the Army of Northern Virginia a demoralized crowd 
 of runaways. I am inclined to think the former 
 statement will prove a humbug, and I know the 
 latter is. 
 
 Lee's army has fortified itself in a semicircle, 
 both ends resting on the Potomac, one at Williams- 
 port, and the other just east of Hancock. It is a 
 strong position, strongly fortified. Behind them is 
 the overflowed river, across which they have sent 
 their wounded and prisoners, and some baggage ; 
 and across it they will, at the first opportunity, take 
 their whole army. Just now they cannot do so, as 
 the bridges were burned, and the river is too high. 
 
 Around them is the Army of the Potomac., on all 
 sides and very close. What it is about, I will keep 
 to myself, except that to prevent their breaking our 
 line, we also are building fortifications. 
 
 The rebels, during their retreat, had nothing to
 
 106 LETTERS. 
 
 eat except what they picked up along the road. 
 Now, however, I suppose they are supplied. They 
 are very careful of their powder. 
 
 I do not think we can injure them much with- 
 out a siege, which, of course, they will avoid by 
 crossing the river. 
 
 We have had two fine days, and now it rains 
 again in torrents. I am wet night and day, but the 
 country is so healthy that it seems to do no harm. 
 
 The other afternoon part of the army advanced 
 about a mile and a half in line of battle. The 
 fields were one sheet of ripe grain and young corn, 
 which were trampled smooth. The Marylanders 
 seemed stunned by the destruction of their prop- 
 erty, and came in crowds to know what to do. 
 The Pennsylvanians were accused of being Copper- 
 heads and told to clear out; but the people here 
 are loyal, and have to be treated more politely, 
 which is about all they get. 
 
 I have had no letter from you since June 26th. 
 The mail carrier says that two letters, addressed to 
 me, were opened by the rebel cavalry. 
 
 I suppose, if Meade finds that the rebels are 
 partly across the river, he will make an attack ; but 
 it is difficult to discover such things. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 K. T. A. 
 
 FALLING WATERS, MD., 
 July 14th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I wrote you yesterday, tell- 
 ing you the positions of the two armies and what I
 
 LETTERS. 107 
 
 supposed would take place. My ideas were cor- 
 rect. Last night we received orders to make a 
 recormoissance of the enemy's line of battle, in con- 
 cert with two other divisions. We started at day- 
 break and marched to this point, seven miles beyond 
 Williamsport, meeting nothing more formidable 
 than abandoned earthworks, broken wagons, a thou- 
 sand prisoners, and seas of mud. 
 
 At Falling Waters the cavalry made a charge on 
 their rear-guard, which in any other country would 
 be talked of for a year. I saw nothing of the fight, 
 excepting our dead men. 
 
 The campaign is now over, and the army thor- 
 oughly worn out, requiring at least six weeks to 
 refit. I am glad Meade paid no attention to the 
 howls of the Copperheads and the newspapers, and 
 refused to run his army against such a place as the 
 rebels held. 
 
 I suppose the army will now cross at Harper's 
 Ferry, and move down the Leesburgh pike to the 
 fortifications. 
 
 There is no harm in saying now that the Army 
 of the Potomac numbered only 60,000 men, one- 
 third less than in Lee's command. 
 
 We have taken refuge in a farm-house. It rains 
 hard, and everything is rnud and dirt. I was on 
 horseback from 5 A.M. till 6.30 P.M., and am used up. 
 
 Marquis L. intends to retire from military life. 
 
 I should like to hear from home, it being three 
 weeks since I had a letter. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 K. T. A.
 
 108 LETTERS. 
 
 NEAR HILLSBOKO, VA., 
 July 18, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAR MADGIE, I am getting quite uneasy 
 that I do not hear from home, nothing having 
 reached me since Ma's letter of 2Gth of June* 
 though I have letters from New York up to 10th 
 of July. I hope nothing has happened. 
 
 The army is once more tramping through Vir- 
 ginia, hut this part is a continuation of the Fred- 
 erick and Middletown valleys, long ranges of blue 
 hills and splendid farms. 
 
 The corps crossed at Berlin yesterday, and we are 
 now twelve miles from the Potomac. To-day I 
 took a holiday, rode up to Harper's Ferry, and then 
 made a cut across the country, eighteen miles, to 
 the division. The Ferry is beautiful something 
 like West Point, with a steep rocky hill covered 
 with ruins, worthy of Italy in picturesqueness and 
 filth. Steps go from one street to another, and 
 guns stick out of all corners. 
 
 I have just read to-day's Baltimore Clipper, and 
 am delighted to see that to Gettysburg, Vicksburg, 
 and Port Hudson can be added New York. I was 
 afraid the President might get scared, but Stanton's 
 order settles that. 
 
 Three days ago I stood by General Fitzpatrick at 
 Falling Waters ; I see that he is now in New York. 
 He is a most excellent man, and understands shoot- 
 ing. I cannot understand how the mob drove back 
 Colonel Winslow with his men and a field-piece. 
 He belongs to this corps, and the Army of the 
 Potomac ought to have shot better.
 
 LETTERS. 109 
 
 . . . This incessant tramping is hard on the 
 horses. I have two of my own, and a government 
 one ; two are lame, and one has a sore back. 
 
 If we keep on, this road leads to Manassas, a 
 dreary, horrible place. I wish we could catch Lee 
 and finish the war, but the Army of Northern Vir- 
 ginia is not easy either to catch or to beat. 
 
 I hope all at home are well. I hear from the 
 Heckschers that Van Eensselaer's wound is a bad 
 one. In the hospitals they call everything " slight " 
 that is less than a leg or the side of a head. 
 
 I am lying on the grass, eating blackberries, and 
 looking at mountains almost equal to the Catskills. 
 
 Please remember me to Mr. Tucker and Sarah, 
 and believe me, 
 
 Your affectionate brother, 
 
 K. T. A. 
 
 NEAR WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, VA., 
 August 2, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHEE, The army has at last come 
 to a standstill, for which I am thankful. "We first 
 encamped at Fayette, a poor place, inhabited by a 
 Mrs. Newhouse and two girls. We then moved to 
 a delightful camp, with good ground and plenty 
 of water. Our tents were in the courtyard of a 
 Mr. Bussy, where we had cold water, milk, and 
 vegetables. The family, consisting of Mr. B., his 
 wife, two white and two black daughters, were very 
 accommodating. 
 
 After remaining there four days, Sykes got an
 
 110 LETTERS. 
 
 idea that we were too far from the other divisions, 
 and brought us where we now are a miserable 
 place, although susceptible of being fixed up with 
 bushes. We are near a house, a filthy establish- 
 ment, occupied by a white man and his black wife, 
 and an old man who says he is 160 years old and 
 claims to be a prophet. He has a long white beard, 
 and wears only a shift made of sacking, full of 
 holes and patches. He has sandals on his feet and 
 a staff in his hand, the whole outfit being covered 
 with filth. I am going to see Sykes this morning, 
 to ask him if we can move. 
 
 Two days ago, with sixteen sharp-shooters and 
 eighty teamsters, I crossed the Rappahannock and 
 brought back a large amount of forage and plunder. 
 Nothing was seen of the rebs. An old black woman 
 called me into her hut to warn me against going 
 further, which I did not do, as we were three miles 
 from the river. I put the sharp-shooters on horse- 
 back, thus converting them into cavalry. 
 
 Coming back, I passed a ford guarded by our 
 cavalry. An officer with a squad of men crossed 
 to see what we were, and said they were about to 
 fire on us, not having been told that we were out. 
 I told him it would have made no difference, 
 as there was not much likelihood of their hitting 
 us. 
 
 We are now engaged in a feud with the Regulars. 
 They seem to feel aggrieved at our taking the place 
 they lost at Gettysburg. A Lieutenant Sayles 
 knocks down one of our men, because he does not 
 leave a pump where Sayles's nigger wishes to fill a
 
 LETTERS. Ill 
 
 tub. This case is too complicated to write about, 
 but ends in Sayles getting a black eye. 
 
 Then a Lieutenant Swan knocks another man 
 into the mud. This being a clear case, the man's 
 colonel sends a communication to Crawford on the 
 subject ; Crawford sends it to the Secretary of War, 
 requesting that the lieutenant be dismissed the ser- 
 vice. Sykes takes Swan's part and writes to Meade 
 on the subject, and does not forward the papers to 
 the War Department. Meade orders a court-mar- 
 tial. 
 
 To get the subject before the Secretary of War, 
 I composed a harrowing letter to Governor Curtin, 
 which the man copied and signed, asking for pro- 
 tection against ' ' such cruel indignities. " This let- 
 ter, in the due course of things, will be sent by the 
 governor to the War Department, and from there, 
 through army headquarters, to General Crawford 
 for information. 
 
 Another row is also brewing, but has not yet 
 come to anything. 
 
 We hear constant rumors about being ordered 
 back to the defences. 
 
 Since the train was fired into near Warrenton, 
 and the lieutenant murdered, Halleck has ordered 
 more rigorous treatment of the citizens, giving 
 directions very much like Pope's, as common sense 
 would dictate. 
 
 I went last evening with Jay to the springs. 
 There are the ruins of a large brick hotel and a 
 circle of brick cottages ; the grounds are pretty, 
 with beautiful trees, payed walks, fountains, etc.
 
 112 LETTERS. 
 
 A band was playing, and soldiers were drinking 
 the waters. The hotel was burned by Sigel. 
 
 The weather is burning-hot, but there is no sick- 
 ness ; the place is healthy. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 CAMP NEAR FAUQUIER, 
 August 7th. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, We are, to our comfort, 
 again at Bussy's. Since I last wrote, we have made 
 two moves, and have now been here three days. 
 
 General Sykes went to Washington on Tuesday, 
 leaving Griffin in command during his absence. 
 General Humphreys telegraphed Griffin to mass his 
 corps near Beverley Ford, and be prepared to move 
 in either direction. Griffin, naturally enough, sup- 
 posed we were to have a fight, and started off, and 
 we marched all night. 
 
 In the morning we were told that Humphreys 
 only meant us to change camp. I think Butter- 
 field would make a better chief of staff than that. 
 The move, however, brought us back to our old 
 camp, which is worth the trouble. 
 
 The natives here will not take money ; they say 
 there has been nothing to buy for two years, so we 
 exchange sugar, coffee, and salt for chickens, but- 
 ter, and vegetables. They sometimes value their 
 things pretty highly, but as we consider brown 
 sugar worth a dollar a pound, we do not lose much. 
 
 The weather is very hot, and the mosquitoes are
 
 LETTERS. 113 
 
 lively ; but the constant showers temper the one, 
 and a netting mitigates the other. 
 
 We have breakfast at 7.30, milk-punch at ten, 
 lunch at one, and dinner at seven. I take a ride 
 every afternoon to see the country or visit the 
 natives. I always take an orderly with me. A 
 very clever young fellow. He asked me to take 
 him, and when I said I had no horse, he stole a 
 very good one from a farmer. 
 
 To-day one of the fashionables sent General 
 Crawford some tomatoes, and some corn to me. 
 The natives in our vicinity come to me for guards ; 
 I always make them feed the men and sell us their 
 butter, etc. 
 
 I see by the "Washington Star that we are all 
 across the river on the war-path, and by the Herald 
 that Lee is about to gobble us. " Something," as 
 they say, is now being done ; but both of these 
 statements are wrong. 
 
 There is a horrible picture in Harper's of the 
 charge at Gettysburg. I wish I had sent Harper 
 my sketch of the most picturesque battle-field of 
 the war. The brigade talks of having a picture 
 painted, and have raised $1,000. I advised that 
 the artist that painted the storming of Chepulte- 
 pec, on the staircase of the Capitol, be employed. 
 
 Louis Livingston has gone to Washington. Craw- 
 ford wants to go when Sykes gets back. I would 
 rather be at Bussy's than at Willard's. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 E. T. A.
 
 114 LETTERS. 
 
 SUNDAY, August 9th. 
 
 P. S. We moved yesterday to Kappahannock 
 Station. 
 
 RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, 
 August 12, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAR MADGIE, I received your Lenox let- 
 ter, enclosing a very pretty pincushion, which is 
 also very useful, as I was just out of pins. 
 
 We have now been left in peace for four days, 
 which is very pleasant. Our camps are badly off 
 for water, but are otherwise good, on dry ground 
 near the river. The men have thick bowers over 
 every row of shelter tents. Our tents are in the 
 courtyard of a large brick house, with the usual 
 splendid Virginia trees. 
 
 The country from here to Fredericksburg, about 
 twenty-five miles, having been fought over four or 
 five times, is completely devastated and to a great 
 extent abandoned by the inhabitants ; but, as the 
 trees are standing and the grass is green, that is 
 rather an advantage than otherwise. 
 
 The house we occupy is about seventy-five feet 
 long, with the usual out-buildings. It has been 
 sacked and shelled, the owners have fled, and a 
 most miserable family has squatted in the second 
 story. When we came they were literally starving, 
 living on scraps picked up from the soldiers. The 
 family consists of two women and their babies, a 
 deformed boy and one girl, and the husband of one 
 of the women. They sold their farm for Secesh 
 money, intending to buy one in Prince William.
 
 LETTERS. 115 
 
 Since the fall of Vicksburg, Confederate money 
 will not buy anything, and so they are stuck. 
 They had cows and a pig in the cellar, a mare 
 and colt in one of the parlors, some chick- 
 ens upstairs, and filth beyond description every- 
 where. 
 
 The day after we got here they washed their 
 faces and put on clean dresses, evidently thinking 
 that was enough. To their horror I told them 
 I was about to have the house cleaned. They 
 immediately retired to one corner, with their 
 necessary dirt, and I put twenty prisoners at work 
 for two days, and am making a good-looking place 
 of it. 
 
 They showed, hidden away, about six bushels 
 of wheat, on which they expected to live during 
 the winter. These people are respectable, and 
 were rich farmers before the war. The cattle 
 were kept in the house to prevent tlreir being 
 stolen. 
 
 A most wonderful change has come over the 
 inhabitants of late; they seem to have resigned 
 themselves to despair, as they sincerely believe that 
 they are to lose their property and be ruled over by 
 their niggers. . . . 
 
 There are a great variety of bugs here, not known 
 at home, which crawl and bite at different hours of 
 the day and night. 
 
 Louis Livingston was in Washington three days, 
 and seemed delighted to get back, as the heat was 
 intense thermometer 104 at Willard's, he says. 
 
 The train, coming back, was fired into. To-day
 
 116 LETTERS. 
 
 is as cool as October. No one seems to be sick ; 
 the country ought to be healthy. . . . 
 
 Your affectionate brother, 
 
 K. T. A. 
 
 RATVPAHANNOCK STATION, VA., 
 August 15, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, We have now been over a 
 week at this place, which is as pleasant as could be 
 desired. The house is now clean, the inhabitants 
 having retired to the second story. "We cleaned out 
 the well and have good water, and have made the 
 grounds look beautifully, sweeping the grass and 
 planting cedar bushes where required. Our tents 
 (by dint of fighting I have always kept one to my- 
 self) are shaded by big beech and white-oak trees, 
 and, although I read in the papers of the tremen- 
 dous heat, have felt none to complain of here. 
 
 I do not go out much until afternoon, when I 
 ride until dark. 
 
 We are making preparations for our great enter- 
 tainment a week from Monday, which, if it comes 
 off, is intended to be the greatest thing of the kind 
 ever given in the Army of the Potomac. I believe 
 I told you that when Meade had the division, the 
 officers bought him a sword for $1,300, and we 
 have raised as much more for the presentation cere- 
 monies. I have taken charge of the decorations, 
 and, as labor is unlimited, shall make a show. We 
 will build a triumphal arch, a place to present the 
 sword, and a refreshment room 100 feet long. The
 
 LETTERS. 117 
 
 house is to be illuminated with candles, and the 
 grounds with colored lanterns. 
 
 In the meantime, I am convinced a march to 
 Manassas will knock it all, and the trees and grass 
 will be exchanged for a dreary plain. 
 
 I told you something was being done ; yesterday, 
 as part of it, the Regulars left for Alexandria. Lee 
 is said to be collecting an enormous army, which, 
 if true, would make it advisable to quit this 
 place. 
 
 As the Pennsylvania papers are still filled with 
 how the Reserves took the stone wall that the Reg- 
 ulars left, the latter were constantly excited, and 
 from talk the two divisions were coming to blows ; 
 so I am glad they are off, although I fear it may 
 break up the corps, and I should be very sorry to 
 be separated from Griffin's division. 
 
 The business of swapping with the inhabitants is 
 carried to such an extent that Meade has published 
 an order forbidding it ; but as the inhabitants will 
 sell as much for a cupful of sugar or salt, as for a 
 greenback, it will most likely continue. 
 
 One of our orderlies was in Fal mouth yesterday, 
 and the rebels have infantry on the heights of 
 Fredericksburg. 
 
 It is not more than seventeen miles from here to 
 Chancellorsville ; I should like to see that again. 
 
 Crawford and the rest of the staff have been 
 away all day, which leaves me alone, but it is so 
 quiet and pretty that I am glad to have them away 
 and nothing to bother me. 
 
 Livingston has written his resignation. I shall
 
 118 LETTERS. 
 
 be sorry if he goes, as he is the only New Yorker 
 here. . . . 
 
 Tiny's picture is more admired by the natives 
 than any in my book. 
 
 "With love to her, believe me 
 
 Your affectionate f on, 
 
 E. T. A. 
 
 RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, 
 August 22, 18C3. 
 
 MY DEAE MOTHER, I received your letter yes- 
 terday. There is but little doing here. We do 
 not expect to move for some time, and, except that 
 I think it a dangerous place to keep the army, I 
 hope we will not, as we are remarkably comfort- 
 able. 
 
 The sickly season is beginning, and the troops 
 are suffering somewhat from fever and dysentery. 
 The days are warm, the nights often very cold. 
 
 Our Meade entertainment is postponed until Fri- 
 day, as Governor Curtin could not come before 
 that. 
 
 I send you an account I wrote of Gettysburg. 
 I wrote it in lead-pencil on my knees, in the rain, 
 which accounts for a number of mistakes made by 
 the printer, which I have corrected in the copy I 
 send. 
 
 About a thousand conscripts have arrived in the 
 army, six of whom are ordered to be shot next 
 week, by way of example. 
 
 I could have gone to Philadelphia after Meade's
 
 LETTERS. 119 
 
 sword, but I am very comfortable here and want, 
 later, to get a week to go to New York. 
 
 I do not see the slightest chance of our attempt- 
 ing a fight, for a long time, although it is not too 
 late for the annual Bull Run. 
 With love to Tiny, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 RAPPAHANNOCK STATION, 
 September 1st. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have not heard from you 
 for some time. I received a letter from Madgie, ten 
 days ago, from Saratoga. 
 
 I send you a Chronicle with the account of the 
 Pennsylvania Reserves' blow-out. I could not get a 
 Herald, as we see the New York papers very irreg- 
 ularly ; if you have one, I wish you would send it 
 to me. 
 
 The decorations looked well. At the entrance 
 I built an arch twenty-five feet wide and forty-five 
 feet high. 
 
 The road ran for about thirty yards through a 
 locust avenue, and at the end was another smaller 
 arch, built very heavy to look like an old-fashioned 
 doorway ; this was the entrance to the grounds, 
 which are shaded by fine trees, with the old brick 
 house in the centre ; just beyond the second arch 
 were the tents of Livingston and myself. In front 
 was an arbor, and by my tent a bed of flowers 
 svrrounded by basket-work. Near by was General
 
 120 LETTERS. 
 
 Crawford's tent with an arbor in front and a square 
 room behind, made, roof and all, of evergreens so 
 smoothly clipped that it looked like a wall. 
 
 Beside this was Governor Curtin's house, which 
 was the prettiest of all. It had a room in front, 
 entered by an arch, and two tents opening into it 
 at the corners. The windows were oval and looked 
 like pictures on the wall. The floors were matted, 
 and the main room was furnished with a mahogany 
 sofa, marble table, glass lantern, etc., taken out of 
 the neighboring houses. 
 
 We also built a refreshment room of evergreens, 
 with a canvas roof, thirty by sixty, and thirteen 
 feet high, and a platform with canopy, for the pres- 
 entation ceremonies. 
 
 At dark, 200 colored lanterns were hung in the 
 trees, and every pane of glass in the house had a 
 candle behind it. The refreshments were liberal, 
 $1,500 of wine, whiskey, ice-cream, and meats hav- 
 ing been ordered in Philadelphia for 450 persons. 
 
 The committee, in spite of my constant string of 
 telegrams to the contrary, would bring them on 
 with the company. They were dumped on the 
 ground, and the waiters, not understanding camp 
 customs, were unable to keep order, and the things 
 were wasted in the confusion. Still it was the 
 finest thing of the kind ever given in the Army of 
 the Potomac. We pulled down a barn seventy-five 
 feet long, to get boards and nails. 
 
 I did not go to the execution of the Copper- 
 heads, as my three horses had been stolen and I 
 was looking for them. It went off verv well ; only
 
 LETTERS. 121 
 
 one gave a kick afterwards. All were shot in the 
 heart, except one, who was hit hi the face. 
 
 The Reserves were late ; Sykes wanted Griffin to 
 wait. Griffin said that after four o'clock the men 
 were free and he would not have them shot, so the 
 Eeserves were ordered up at double-quick. Another 
 dispute arose ; there were a Roman Catholic priest, 
 a Methodist parson, and a Jewish rabbi. Each 
 claimed precedence, and it was decided that the 
 oldest religion should go first, so the rabbi led the 
 procession. 
 
 I found my horses at Bealton Station, in a wagon 
 train. 
 
 Crawford went to Washington on Friday night, 
 with the great people, and McCandless now has the 
 division. Crawford has applied for ten days' leave. 
 
 The weather here is very cold. I pile on all my 
 blankets, and then freeze. Livingston and I have 
 moved into the house built for Governor Curtin, 
 and have sent for stoves to put in our tents. I have 
 had two successful pictures taken at last. I am on 
 horseback. 
 
 Yesterday afternoon I went out to see the cavalry 
 pickets in front of the First Corps. Two companies 
 of Rebel cavalry came down and drove us all back 
 toward the river. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R. T. A.
 
 122 LETTERS. 
 
 KAPPAHANNOCK STATION, VA., 
 Sunday, September 13, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, I have just got my leave 
 for fifteen days, and will start to-morrow for Alex- 
 andria. I will stay in Washington Monday night 
 and will be in New York on Tuesday afternoon, 
 unless I am too tired and have to stop in Phila- 
 delphia and reach New York on Wednesday. 
 
 This letter can only reach you by good luck on 
 Tuesday, and probably will not do so till Wednes- 
 day. I hope you will come down and stay in 
 Twenty-fifth Street. I would not stay at Corn- 
 wall for $10 a day : it is so disagreeable to answer 
 questions all day. I believe Crawford is at West 
 Point. 
 
 It was discovered yesterday that Lee's Army had 
 disappeared, and as the whereabouts of two Rebel 
 enemies are now unknown, I suppose something 
 will soon be done. 
 
 This morning the cavalry started for Culpepper 
 Court-House, we being in readiness to assist, and 
 from the roar of the -guns, I suppose they have 
 found something. 
 
 I am not very sick, but I know, from last year's 
 experience, that I shall not get well without a 
 change. 
 
 I received your letter of the eighth and am glad 
 you went to Saratoga. I hope you will be able to 
 come to town on Wednesday. 
 
 With love to Madgie and Tiny, 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 R T. A.
 
 LETTERS. 123 
 
 SUNDAY EVENING. 
 
 P.S. I have a letter from Mr. Tucker dated the 
 eleventh. As Madgie is at home, I shall try to get 
 through on Tuesday and go there and wait for you. 
 I trust you can get down on Wednesday, and then 
 we can go to Twenty-fifth Street. I want certainly 
 to be at home, even if I do the cooking myself. 
 
 From the infernal racket all day, I suppose we 
 have been "shelling the country." It is over now, 
 and the happy Virginians can come out of their 
 
 cellars. 
 
 R. T. A. 
 
 [At the end of his leave, he returned to the army 
 and was at the battle of Bristoe Station in October. 
 On October 15th he received another sick leave and 
 came home, and October 31st Dr. Markoe wrote 
 that he was too ill to travel. On November 24th 
 he was appointed to ''temporary duty" in Wash- 
 ington, D. C. E. S. A.] 
 
 BEAUFORT, S. C., 
 
 December 4, 1863. 
 
 MY DEAR MOTHER, The Fulton left her dock 
 at eleven o'clock on Saturday, but remained in the 
 harbor till twelve on Sunday, on account of a fog. 
 AVe had it rather rough till off Hatteras, where we 
 pitched badly ; then the sea became like glass and 
 the air like summer, until we reached Port Royal 
 on Thursday, at 9 A.M.
 
 124 LETTERS. 
 
 We lay some time off Charleston, and saw the city 
 and the bombardment plainly. I was not in the 
 least sea-sick. 
 
 At Hilton Head I took a steamboat for Beau- 
 fort, twelve miles. On arriving I went to General 
 Saxton's, who was as kind as possible ; gave me a 
 comfortable room, and a horse to ride. He lives 
 with his wife and two aides (Captain Hooper, of 
 Boston, and his brother) in the Heywards' house, 
 a big establishment, with fine large rooms, directly 
 on the water, and surrounded by a grove of orange 
 trees. 
 
 The town contains about a hundred big brick- 
 houses, much the finest I have seen in the South, 
 surrounded by groves of live oak and clumps of 
 orange and oleander trees. About twenty are used 
 for government purposes, the rest for hospitals. 
 
 The troops are both white and black, and seem to 
 be on the most harmonious terms. 
 
 To-day I rode over some of the abandoned estates 
 and also saw the troops drilled. The weather is 
 perfectly heavenly, and I should like to stay a 
 month. 
 
 General Saxton and the other officers here are 
 doing a great deal of good. Farms are given to 
 the negroes, who appear to be doing mighty well. 
 The children are taught by women, and all are 
 preached to by the missionaries. 
 
 The furniture from the houses was sold the other 
 day at high prices, and on the 2d of January the 
 entire town is to be sold at auction to the highest 
 bidder.
 
 LETTERS. 125 
 
 I shall go to Charleston ou Sunday, and shall 
 probably be ready to leave by the Arago, which 
 sails about the 15th. If any letters come for me, 
 keep them until I return, also the papers. We are 
 entirely out of the world, and I worry a good deal 
 about the Army of the Potomac. 
 
 Your affectionate son, 
 
 K. T. A. 
 
 [He was in New York after this, hoping to get 
 stronger, but in March, 1864, decided that he never 
 could stand field work again, and sent in his resig- 
 nation. 
 
 He was asked to withdraw it, and was placed in 
 the War Department on the staff of Gen. James 
 A. Hardie, Inspector-General. His duties were to 
 travel and inspect forts, camps, and military prisons, 
 and report on their condition. 
 
 In July, 1864, when General Early attacked 
 Washington, he was assigned as assistant adjutant- 
 general to General McCook, who had charge of the 
 defence. In December, 1864, he again offered his 
 resignation, but Secretary Stanton declined to re- 
 ceive it, and he remained with General Hardie till 
 the end of the war. 
 
 On his appointment in the Inspector-General's 
 office he received the rank of Major, and on Jan- 
 uary 1, 1865, General Crawford wrote the following 
 letter :
 
 12(J LETTERS. 
 
 HEADQUARTERS FIFTH CORPS 
 January 1, 1865. 
 
 BRIGADIER-GENERAL THOMAS, 
 
 Adjutant- General V. 8. A. : 
 
 GENERAL, I have the honor to recommend that 
 the brevet of lieutenant-colonel be conferred upon 
 Major Eichard Tylden Auchmuty, assistant adju- 
 tant-general, "for conspicuous gallantry during 
 the battle of Gettysburg, and highly meritorious 
 conduct during the campaign. " 
 
 This officer was a member of my staff, and by 
 his untiring energy and earnest devotion to the 
 service, not only in his own department, but in 
 other departments of the staff, contributed in no 
 small degree to the success obtained. 
 
 He accompanied me in person in the movement 
 on our left, on the afternoon of Thursday, July 
 2d, and for his conduct in that affair was recom- 
 mended highly in my official report of the battle. 
 I now earnestly recommend the recognition by the 
 Government of the services of this officer for this 
 especial occasion. 
 
 Very respectfully, 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 S. W. CRAWFORD, 
 Brevet Major- General, 
 Commanding Fifth Corps.
 
 LETTERS. 121 
 
 INDORSEMENT ON BACK OF LETTER. 
 
 HEADQUARTERS AHMY OP THE POTOMAC, 
 January 16, 1865. 
 
 Respectfully forwarded and approved. Had Ma- 
 jor Auchmuty been serving with this army at the 
 time the list of brevets was made out, his name 
 would undoubtedly have been included. 
 
 GEORGE G. MEADE, 
 
 Ma jo r- Gen e ral. 
 
 The brevet was issued immediately and was dated 
 July 6, 1864. On 7th June, 1865, his services 
 being no longer needed, he was honorably dis- 
 charged and mustered out. E. S. A. ]
 
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