Surely the war has caused more trouble than anything that has happened in our beloved country since the Revolution. #cw150

Hed Qtrs. Pettigrew Brigade

Camp near Hookerton, NC

April 26^th 1863

My dearest Friend

We came to this place last Sunday from Washington via Greenville in two days and you may guess that we were somewhat fatigued. Remained here until Tuesday morning when we got marching orders. Fell in and marched back the road 9 miles towards Greenville – pitched camp and the next morning received marching orders for Kinston to report there that night but to our gratification the orders were countermanded when we reached here or before and here we have been ever since. We were all disappointed at leaving Washington in the hands of the enemy, when we went there we were confident that Washington would be ours with all its contents but not so from some cause or other the siege was abandoned, supposed to be from the fact that our battery at Fort Hill below the town could not successfully blockade the river the enemies boats would pass of very dark nights without being discovered bringing in supplies and reinforcements. Some think that it was not Hills intention to take the place but to draw forces from Suffolk to weaken that point so as Longstreet could work out his plans successfully; my notion is that the former was Hills plan – to take the place We busted six of our best guns at fort Hill and Rodmans farm, a few miles above the former.

I received two days since the sad intelligence of my sister, so was I sad to hear it but God’s will be done. It’s a debt we all owe and have some day or other to pay, our family has been distressed greatly for the last four years for in that time I have lost a mother, brother and two sisters. I do hope that there will not be another death in the family while the war continues as that gives sorrow and sadness enough to be borne; but we know not the day or the hour we have to bid adieus to this world. There may be more of the same family distant this life before the expiration of this horrible war. Surely the war has caused more trouble than anything that has happened in our beloved country since the Revolution. Alas! and when will it end?

Yesterday there was a detail of 50 men from the brigade sent to Randolph and Chatham to hunt up deserts. Reuben Branch was detailed from our company. They are offered fifty dollars and a furlough for every one they catch.

I am getting tired of this country because we have not drawn but one days rations of flour since we came to Greenville, corn bread all the time except on a march. Then sometimes hard bread which is but little better. I want wheat to get ripe soon and lots of it. But then we will get but little of it as there is but little raised in this part of the country and they want us to eat up the corn that is made here and ship the flour to other parts. I would give considerable now for some nice biskets and butter. And wouldn’t object to having a little honey sprinkled over it such as they have at “Pleasant Hill.”

Phifer Erwin has not left yet, he did not accept the appointment of Lt. in the 7rh NC – is looking for a better one – Quarter Master of the 60^th – hasn’t got the appointment yet, but has been written to know if he would accept it. David Moody has been discharged.

I understand a few days since that Reuben Hawks a member of our company died lately at the hospital – don’t know the certainty of it.

Our tents have been sent to Wilson together with all heavy baggage, don’t suppose we will get our tents any more. I must quit as I have to report at the guard house immediately for guard duty. Direct to this place

Ever affectionately

Lewis.

 

 

Sources: Mike and Carol Lawing, eds., My Dearest Friend: The Civil War Correspondence of Cornelia McGimsey and Lewis Warlick (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2000). Original collections of the papers are in the Laura Cornelia McGimsey Papers and the George Phifer Erwin Papers in the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.

 

Read Full Post »

If Washington is taken the troops on the other side will have to do it. We can do nothing except keep off gunboats and reinforcements #cw150

Camp near Blount’s mill

12 or 15 miles below Washington

April 20, 1863

My dear Father,

We left Greenville last Monday morning and came down to the opposite side of the river from Washington. Several Regiments and a dozen or two pieces of Artillery under the command of Gen. D.H. Hill. On the other side, several Regiments under the command of Gen. Garnett came and sat down in front of Washington. Literally sat and are still sitting for they haven’t done anything yet.

On this side, we are guarding the roads leading out of the town and preventing gunboats and reinforcements from going up. Three gunboats are at Washington, one of them disabled by our batteries the day before yesterday. Those gunboats and six or eight transports with troops are lying off Fort Hill (5 or 6 miles below town) afraid to pass. Fort Hill was built while our troops held Washington before. No use has been made of it since and now we have it manned by our guns again.

The Yankees were bombing it all day yesterday and today but have done no damage yet. It is reported that one gunboat was disabled yesterday at that place. A great part of the time we have been in from two to four miles from the Fort and could hear distinctly.  The batteries on this side which are playing on the gunboats at town, are at Rodman’s point on Rodman’s farm a mile or two below town. I know very little about the distances down here as well as the direction of the different places. Mr. Burbanks can tell you the situation of the places I have mentioned. I know nothing of the movements on the other side of the river. If Washington is taken the troops on the other side will have to do it. We can do nothing here except keep off gunboats and reinforcements. Since Monday night, firing has been going on all the time except at night, and a while ago the gunboats were just opposite us on the river shelling the woods some three or four miles off. They did not come near us.

I can form no ideas as to whether there will be a big battle here. It looks more like a feint than anything else. If Washington was to have been taken there was no need of delay Tuesday morning or Wednesday at farthest would have been the time for attack. Nothing in the world could be gained by delay. More gunboats and Yankees were of course to be expected if we waited. It seems as if Genl Hill wanted to draw troops away from Newbern. I understand that Gen. Longstreet’s division is in front of the latter place, though I can’t vouch for it.

Do as you think best. I got a letter from Capt. McAuley offering me the 2^nd Lt. in the company of his. I intend to accept it conditionally, that is in accordance with the answer you sent to Wash. If that is accepted of course I will have to decline Capt. McAulay’s offer and will write him a statement of the case. Love to all. I left Ed in Greenville to care for our baggage.

Your devoted son,

George P. Erwin.

Sources: Mike and Carol Lawing, eds., My Dearest Friend: The Civil War Correspondence of Cornelia McGimsey and Lewis Warlick (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2000). Original collections of the papers are in the Laura Cornelia McGimsey Papers and the George Phifer Erwin Papers in the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.

Read Full Post »

Lewis to Cornelia: did she tell you that you would marry soon? #civilwar150

Camp near Magnolia, Duplin Co. NC

Sunday Jan 25^th 1863

My dearest Friend

I received a letter from you last evening the first I have got from you for some time.

We left our camp last Monday and arrived here the following morning gatigued hungry and sleepy, Ever since then we have been expecting marching orders but luckily have not received any as yet – have made preparations for that purpose by storing up all surplus baggage that we could not carry. There is now in this vicinity a large force composed principally of Gens. Ransoms and French’s divisions and at Wilmington and Goldsboro there are also large forces. Should the enemy made an advance either on Wilmington or Goldsboro we are in striking distance being about half way between the two points mentions. The enemy were a few days sine at Jacksonville in Onslow Co. but the impression is that he has retraced his steps towards Newberne  doubtless it was a mere faint to draw our troops in order to make a strike at some other point   my opinion is that Weldon will be the first place attacked as it would be more important to them than south to Richmond would be cut off, there our forces in Virginia would suffer much as there would be no way to get supplies from the South.  There was a rumor afloat yesterday that we would go to Weldon or Wilmington in a few days, may be so but I don’t believe everything I hear in camp for there is always something going to rounds in camp for men to talk about. Today is the first time I have seen the sun since here we have been – has been cloudy and raining all the time. We are encamped near a Baptist church and yesterday and today was their regular monthly meeting and of course our regiment made a good time out, if for nothing else to see the ladies who came to church; upon the whole I think they were a common looking assemblage, they will not compare with our mountain fair ones as to looks. We had only three cases of smallpox in our regiment when we left which is partially a preventative for taking it, and should one take it who has been vaccinated it will not hurt them much.

Our regiment is in very good health at present. Phillip Anthony was left at Weldon in the hospital with Pneumonia. I heard from him day before yesterday he was improving very fast and spoke of joining us in a few days.

Tomorrow our brigade (Pettigrew’s) will be ordered out to witness the execution by shooting of a member of the 26^th NC for desertion. I understand there has been about fifty desertions in that regiment, perhaps by shooting one now and then it will put a stop to their leaving. Say to cousin J. I was very well pleased with the cheese   I could hardly keep them  when I got to camp every body was wanting them – could have sold them for one dollar per lb. I wish I had some more of them.  We are the worst set of smoked men or rather a set of the worst smoked men I ever saw.  We get nothing to burn but pine and the black smoke soon covers us. The reason why there is so much pine is that the turpentine makers skin the pines for fifteen feet up the tree which dies in a few years and all that part of the tree that is skinned is as rich as it can be and that is what we burn   oak wood or any other kind cant be had.

You say that Miss Rack told your fortune and that it was very good. I want you to write me all she told you; did she tell you that you would marry soon?  There is great excitement in camps now about furloughs, arose from the fact that there was an order for each company to furlough one man out of every twenty five for duty. I’ll not get any until all those who have not been at home have that privilege.

Monday morning, there is heavy firing in the direction of Wilmington supposed to be at that place. We amuse ourselves now-a-days by playing ball.  There was quite a large turn out of ladies at dress parade on last evening, some very hard looking ones. We have the praise of being the best drilled regiment in the service, which make us feel proud that we belong to the old “Bethel”

Write soon and often to your devoted

L.

 

Margin Note: Tuesday morning: The Brigade was called out yesterday to witness the execution of private Wyat of Co. B 26^th NCT but to the satisfaction of the assembly he was reprieved by the commanding general. Thos. Parks, Port, myself and two or three others went last night to Mr. Swinson’s to hear his daughter Miss Mollie perform on the piano   she is a very nice young lady and gave us some good music.  That was my first time of calling on any lady since I’ve been out. Don’t be surprised if I fall in love with her. If I do I will write you.

Again I will quit and go on drill as the company is now called out for skirmish drill. As ever your devoted friend.

 

Margin note: I am not as fortunate as Will Avery – have not made the acquaintance of any lady since – been in the service

 

Margin note: One of Perkins’ cavalry was here a few days since – said that the Yanks had taken Puss’ beau a prisoner and the last they heard from him he was tied to a wagon and doublequicking to keep up.

 

Sources: Mike and Carol Lawing, eds., My Dearest Friend: The Civil War Correspondence of Cornelia McGimsey and Lewis Warlick (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2000). Original collections of the papers are in the Laura Cornelia McGimsey Papers and the George Phifer Erwin Papers in the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.

Read Full Post »

I am out two blankets…one I put the remains…on and carried them out from the battlefield…buried with his body #cw150

Camp near Weldon, NC

Jan. 5^th 1863

My dearest Friend,

 

I received a letter from you a few days since, the first I have got in some time. I don’t see how it is that the letters are so long in getting through, sometimes I get them eight or ten days old. On Saturday night, or rather in the evening, we got marching orders whereupon we struck tents and hauled them to the railroad for transportation, got them there after dark and we expecting every minute to be called into line as everything was in readiness for a march   but when bedtime came on   we took our blankets from our knapsacks and lay down – morning found us in camps yet   to our great delight as we had, some of us, just completed our chimneys the day before and did not want to leave them so soon.  A courier cam in before day with a dispatch countermanding the order   so we are here still but rumored that soon we will go to Rocky Mount on the Wilmington road not far from Tarboro as the Yankees are advancing in that directions; but we pay but little to rumors as there are always some kind of a one in camps.  If we had gone Saturday our destination would have been to Goldsboro, several thousand have gone down the road within the last two days – anticipating an attack on Goldsboro. I haven’t had rheumatism since I came back now haven’t had but one chill which as a few days before I wrote last, my cold is much better but not entirely rid of it. I lost none of my clothing while I was gone to Goldsboro but am out two blankets, one I lost and the other I put the remains of Walter Duckworth on and carried them out from the battle field and left it which him which was buried with his body, so now I have but one but my bed fellow has several which makes up the deficiency. I haven’t the same bedfellow I had when I saw you – changed him off and now have John Michaux. Sid Wakefield has taken my old one.

Mr. E.J. Erwin and Mr. Michaux are both on a visit. Have you seen Capt. C.S. Brown’s account of the fight – very correct one, you can see it in the Standard.

Tuesday

Well I don’t know what else I can add, yes I had like to have forgotten, by Mr. Michaux I will send you a quire of paper and a bunch of envelopes, they are wraped up with some that Port is going to send to Harriet. I have written to her to send them to you. If I had any stamps I would send also. Two cases of smallpox were reported in company H this morning – have been sent to the hospital.

All is quiet in camps at present except some excitement about the smallpox I have been vaccinated recently. Those two men who have been sent off were neither vaccinated.

I am sure you will have no excuse soon for not writing often if you get the paper I sent.

As ever your most loving friend,

Lewis

 

Sources: Mike and Carol Lawing, eds., My Dearest Friend: The Civil War Correspondence of Cornelia McGimsey and Lewis Warlick (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2000). Original collections of the papers are in the Laura Cornelia McGimsey Papers and the George Phifer Erwin Papers in the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.

 

 

Read Full Post »

30 December 1862: We had no Christmas. Did you have any? #civilwar150

Camp near Weldon No. Ca

December 30^th 1862

My Dearest Friend

As I haven’t written to you since I left Goldsboro, I concluded I would take this opportunity of dropping you a few lines to inform you that I am still in the land of the living.

We left camp below Goldsboro on the night of the 22^nd on board the train but before we got up to town we met with an accident and had to lie over till the next day. There was an empty train ahead of us which was ordered by the Colonel to run up to town and get on the turnout so as we could pass   on her way up she run into a train, another empty one that was backing down to get troops, and broke her engines badly   so there they were on the track and couldn’t get away and we right after the one that had preceded upon a few minutes and crash went our engine into her lifting the rear car on top of the engine carrying away the smoke stack and running back nearly as far as the tinder before we stopped, so there were three trains on the track neither one able to get away. There was two men sitting on the cow catcher up to within a few feet of the collision and they seeing their danger jumped off and saved themselves.

The accident was entirely through carelessness, the train backing down ought have had a light in front knowing that we were down there, and there would have been no accident. There was a detail made from the regiment, went to work and rolled the car off our engine, got all the rest of the trains out of the way by morning and another engine with ten more cars came down and attached to ours, we having thirteen backed down to camps took on the 52^nd Reg. and started for this place where we arrived that night. I forgot to say there was no body hurt in the accident. John Patton came to us the morning we left Goldsboro, is with us yet. Port wrote to Mr. Patton that he was here and if he consented for him to stay he would be received into the company.

We had no Christmas.  did you have any.    There is some talk of Leventhorpe getting promoted to Brigadier General, he is well qualified for the position but we would regret very much to loose as fine an officer as he from our regiment. He said after the battle of White Hall he had the best regiment in the service and that we never would be exposed to such another fire during the war.

There has been bigger battles than that by a great deal but I don’t think there has been any regiment since the war commenced under a heavier fire than ours was, from the fact that we took the whole fire of the enemy ten thousand strong with eighteen pieces of artillery we being the only troops engaged. The others held in reserve except the 31^st it was ordered down but never got in to action. Cos. B & F who were sent on picket at the bridge early into the morning fought the enemy two hours and half before the remaining part of the reg was ordered down. The only think that saved us from all being killed was the heaps of logs on the river bank and the only thing that saved Gen Robinson’s command there was the river, on an open field the enemy would have overpowered us.

At one time during the engagement I was behind a big stump on my knees looking over an a cannon ball went into the root of it, which made the dirt and chips fly like everything and which made me get low. A man from Co I was severely wounded by my right side in the shoulder. I tell you it made me feel bad to see the poor fellow bleed the way he did. When Walter Duckworth was killed he fell over on Pinks leg and bled a considerable amount on his pants before he knew he was shot in the head and died instantly. I have lost one of my front teeth, it was filled on each side but under one of the fills it had decayed in to the nerve and hurt me so I had to have it extracted.

I’m not very well as I have been sueffering with a cold ever since we came to this place and yesterday I had a chill the first I have had since I’ve been in the service.

Devotedly yours

L

 

Margin notes:

 

I haven’t subscribed for that paper yet, reckon you think I’m a long time doing so. We have been expecting orders to Petersburg and I thought I would wait and see if we did go and if we did I could see someone that I knew going to Richmond and would send the money by him – don’t like to send by mail.

 

There is several cases of small pox in Weldon  there were two cases came down on the train from Petersburg on Christmas day, a young lady and little boy were examined and isolated sent to the hospital. I saw the boy and his face was broken out all over like one that had the measles.

 

We haven’t got our tents yet – don’t know when we will get them   they went to Goldsboro and are there yet. We have little huts made of split logs and dirt something like a potato house that we are living in now. A man don’t know what he can stand till he trys it. If we thought there was any probability of us staying here we would put up winter quarters.

Sources: Mike and Carol Lawing, eds., My Dearest Friend: The Civil War Correspondence of Cornelia McGimsey and Lewis Warlick (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2000). Original collections of the papers are in the Laura Cornelia McGimsey Papers and the George Phifer Erwin Papers in the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.

Read Full Post »

I must quit writing as it is so cold I cant write away from the fire #cw150

Segt. J.L. Warlick

Near Goldsboro, NC

Monday Dec 22^nd 1862

 

My dearest Friend

Yours of the 12 inst. came to hand yesterday, which was gladly received. I wrote to you last Wednesday and gave you a brief sketch of the fight we had the day previous. There I need not give you any of the particulars of that desperate fight you can learn more from the papers than I could write in a week.

We are near the bridge on the Wilmington and Weldon railroad where the fight occurred on Tuesday. The enemy burnt the bridge across the Neuse and destroyed the road for 4 or 5 miles but will not remain in that condition being as the authorities have a large force now at work repairing them. The enemy has fallen back in the direction of Newberne and it is thought they will make a raid on Wilmington and Weldon soon before we can complete the road so as we cant run troops from one point to an other. We have been brigaded with the following regiments 26^th 47^th 52^nd and a battery of artillery under the command of Gen. Pettigrew, he had us out on brigade review yesterday. There is five brigades in this section – don’t think they will all stay here long as there is not enemy here to watch.

There are many trains now at town waiting to take us at any time where the enemy may make an advance. We have seen hard times since we left Va., haven’t had a tent and but a day or two ago that we got any cooking utensils – got nothing but hard bread and raw bacon, was three nights without blankets and how cold – cant tell you. I will subscribe for the Illustrated New for you soon or soon after. Phifer Erwin has been promoted to Orderly and I to 3d Sergeant. Our boys are all well and all say they have got enough fighting if they could get an honorable piece without it, I must quit writing as it is so cold I cant write away from the fire and when I go to the fire it smokes me so I can and so it is all bad. We are all smoked as black almost as a negro. Direct to Goldsboro for the present. I will write a longer letter the next time. As ever your devoted

Lover

Lewis

 

Sources: Mike and Carol Lawing, eds., My Dearest Friend: The Civil War Correspondence of Cornelia McGimsey and Lewis Warlick (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2000). Original collections of the papers are in the Laura Cornelia McGimsey Papers and the George Phifer Erwin Papers in the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.

Read Full Post »

The old Bethel stood its ground and the Yanks had to skedaddle with a considerable loss

Goldsboro

Dec. 18^th 1862

My Dearest Friend

Perhaps before this you have heard that we are in NC we left Franklin on Sunday morning and before day light, Monday we were at camp Campbell a few miles about Kinston   there we remained a few hours & then marched to Whitehall Bridge on the Neuse river 18 miles from Kinston and 16 from this place   there we took a light shelling on Monday night. The next morning the enemy appeared on the opposite side of the river again and began to fire   we returning the fire as briskly as possible with our small force having only cos B & H who were on picket and they held the enemy in check for two hours or more before the remaining part of the regiment was ordered down. We finally repulsed them after seven hours of the severest fighting I ever experienced. The enemy was several thousand strong with nine pieces of artillery and some think that theirs was twelve or fifteen. Our regiment did nearly all of the fighting with the assistance of two pieces of artillery. I never heard it thunder before   if it had not have been for the protection of the timber and banks along the river we would have suffered a great loss but as it was we suffered but little. Our reg. had 40 or 50 killed and wounded  2 in our company killed … Orderly Bristol and Walt Duckworth killed instantly and had nine wounded 5 slightly, two from Upper Creek were pretty badly wounded. Anderson Lovin & Harvey Shuffler. Pink got a slight touch on the forehead with a ball. The old Bethel stood its ground and the Yanks had to skedaddle with a considerable loss as we could see them across the river we found them across the river  and by the bridge being burnt we could not get across the river to see what we did but I believe we hurt them badly.

We left there yesterday morning and got here last night.  We will be send to Wilmington or three miles below on the Wilmington and Weldon RR where there was a desperate fight yesterday don’t know what was done – could hear them all day. The Yankees destroyed the R Road there and if we go to Wilmington we have to go by Charlotte. We have suffered greatly since we left Va for sleep & from hard duty.

I remain your devoted lover

Lewis

 

Margin note: There was three other reg. at Whitehall but did but little fighting as we had the principal ground to fight on. Two were not ordered up they lost some men don’t know how many

 

We have had no blankets or tents for three or four days  got our blankets last night – hard bread and raw bacon.

Sources: Mike and Carol Lawing, eds., My Dearest Friend: The Civil War Correspondence of Cornelia McGimsey and Lewis Warlick (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2000). Original collections of the papers are in the Laura Cornelia McGimsey Papers and the George Phifer Erwin Papers in the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.

Read Full Post »

O how cold it was this morning—frost deep enough to track a rabbit. #cw150

Camp Wilson near Franklin Depot Va

Nov 23^rd 1862

Dearest Corrie

Yours of the 17^th came to hand day before  yesterday which was rather unexpected but gladly received.  I didn’t think I would hear from you until you got one from me after my return.  I’m glad you have come to the conclusion to write often, do not forget it.  I got my brandy safe to camps although I had a box broken open at Weldon by a train running against with brandy in it but fortunately the jug escaped injury; another box  John Michaux’s, a large one was also broken and the way the cakes and good things flew was a sight, the train rain over and spoiled some of the goodies and a good many we ate  the remainder we packed up and brought through.  The boxes were accidentally run over.  I packed them up near track and asked the conductor if there was room enough for the trains to pass  he replied there was, in a few minutes there was a freight train come along and one of the box cars caught the corner of John Michaux’s box, it being on top, and drew it under the train and tore it all to pieces also Bob Carlton’s and H.H. Galloway’s but nothing lost in theirs.  I would like to be at Zion as you spoke of being there today; if it is as cold there as here t’will be rather cold to be plunged.

Port says he don’t care if he is “kicked” as he has gotten use to it and that there are plenty more left.  I asked him about the type and he replied that you didn’t know she had his, he got a letter from her a few days since in which she said that I had told some one that she was conqueting with Port or rather said it was a member of our company and I judged it was me.  I told Port what I learned at home concerning her and another and advised him that I thought it would be well enough for him to drop the correspondence at once as I did not want anyone to impose upon him in such a way.  These things do not divulge.

I left your type at home under lock and key, do not be afraid about the letters, father will not see them.  I got your letter after I returned to camp, all sound.

I saw Frank Alexander on Friday  a part of their regiment is here the remainder is gone to South Quay 5 miles below.

We haven’t had any alarm since Tuesday.  Major Ross with a part of two companies went down to Chowan Country last Saturday week after some Union men, came back last night  haven’t heard what he did  nothing as usual I recon.  I will quit writing this evening as I was on picket last night and feel sleepy and bad—will finish tomorrow and then surely you will get it by Saturday.

Monday morning  O how cold it was this morning—frost deep enough to track a rabbit.  I wish you would send me a drink of brandy this morning it would give me a good relish for corn bread and stewed beef for that is all we have for breakfast.

I wouldn’t be surprised now if we stayed here this winter as we have been reinforced and I think it is the intention of the commander to hold the place at all hazards  at any rate that is what I heard him say on the day of the shelling.  To remain where we are we could live in our tents as well as in winter quarters, having chimneys to all of them and with a good fire, make them comfortable.

We have been for the last few days throwing up breastworks and covering it with railroad iron, putting it on double to protect the cannoniers when in action.  I understand there is to be two large guns set down here to place at that fortification.

The bridge across the Nottoway is nearly completed, the train will be running here this week.

Capt. Tate came over after me a while ago he wants me to accept of wagon master but I don’t think I will although the pay is a good deal better, but then I rather stay with the boys even in a shade lower position.

The position I spoke to you of brig.  Ordinance sergeant was filled while I was at home  that as I told you was an easy position and would like to have had it.  I must close as my fingers are so cold I cant write, I cant fill the sheet there is so much of it.

As ever your devoted lover,

Lewis

Sources: Mike and Carol Lawing, eds., My Dearest Friend: The Civil War Correspondence of Cornelia McGimsey and Lewis Warlick (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2000). Original collections of the papers are in the Laura Cornelia McGimsey Papers and the George Phifer Erwin Papers in the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.

Read Full Post »

there was a thundering for two hours almost equal to the Bethel fight—bang; crash, sing went the shells and pieces all around us #cw150

Camp Nelson near Franlkin Depot, VA

Nov. 19^th 1862

My Dearest Friend

For the first time since my arrival I have undertaken to drop you a few lines.  I would have written yesterday or day before but was prevented by what I will relate afterwards in this.  I arrived on last Thursday night tired and worn out as I had in charge twenty one boxes, and I can say that it will be the last lot of boxes of that number that I ever will undertake to bring through because it is so much trouble.  I was lucky to get through as soon as I did and would not have gotten here when I did if I had have had no help.   I found the boys generally well in camps but since I left there has been several men sent to Petersburg to the hospital  some very ill  among the members is John Duval—has Typhoid fever.

Yesterday we had quite a lively time but I will pen what occurred the day previous.  On Monday morning at 8 we were called up by the loud taps of the drum and ordered to get breakfast and be in readiness by 4 ½, at the time we were in line and at once marched to headquarters in town, Capt. Armfield, being in charge we halted, in a few minutes Col. Leventhorpe’s loud voice was heard distantly all along the lines—we took up our march across Blackwater accompanied by three pieces of artillery and Col. Ferrebee’s cavalry with a train of twenty three wagons the object was to go over in Isle of Wight County after forage—we marched on in the direction of Suffolk five miles when we were halted—batteries put in position and every company assigned his—The wagon to therein loading of corn, fodder & etc; here we remained til all the wagons or nearly so were loaded, all quietly.  I was standing near Col. Ferrebee and others listening at their chat when I cast my eyes down the road and saw a courier coming at full speed.  I will here state that there was two or three companies from the cavalry a mile and a half in advance at Carrsville, when the boy rode up he called out to Ferrebee to “bring your companies on they are fighting.”  I at once run for my rifle before the command “fall in” was given but before I got far all the officers were ordering “fall in” which was done quickly and off we went at a double quick right after the artillery; our gait was not slacked the whole distance but that did not seem to tire me as I thought there was some prospect of a fight but not so  the cavalry drove them off before we arrived so we had a chase all for nothing; there was two persons taken—about all that was done; if  there was any killed or wounded we did not find it out, after staying there awhile we commenced retracing our steps—reached our camps a little before night somewhat fatigued.

But yesterday was the time; before day the long roll called us again into line—marched to headquarters there the Col. assigned to each Captain his place—two companies beyond the river to act as skirmishers, A & G, the remaining ones on this side.  The report was the enemy was advancing in large force.  Pretty soon after we got our position we heard heavy firing of artillery up the river 6 or 7 miles off while that firing was going on our scouts brought in nine prisoners and reported the enemy to be in heavy force two miles off; the Col. told us that from all he could gather from the scouts and prisoners that they had a very heavy force the lowest estimate he could get was four brigades but he thought it was quite probable that was two small, but said he “I am determined to hold the place at all hazards and he hoped the Bethel regiment would still remain the reputation she had for valor” further said our force was small but he was calling for help with all his might & after he got through tree hasty cheers were given for our commander.  We remained in our positions til 12 or perhaps a little after then the Yanks commenced shelling our scouts rapidly which was a shade too hot for them and they came in with five men wounded  three very slightly the other two severely all from company A. As soon as they and the pickets were driven in our batteries opened fire, but then the enemy had been shelling us for nearly an hour, our pickets and skirmishers prevented us from firing.  When each side opened I tell you there was a thundering for two hours almost equal to the Bethel fight—bang; crash, sing went the shells and pieces all around us; you ought to have been there to have seen me dodge some time I would fall flat on the ground and then I would lie for some time and I would rise—here would come the shell down I would go again.  We were all ordered to lie down but occasionally I would get up to look about but in the position I did not remain long as the shell made to much of a ratling for a man in a standing position  when we could not defend himself there we had to lie and take it all and couldn’t get a shot.  There was no infantry firing at all.  After two hours their batteries were silenced and they skedaddled for Suffolk which relieved me of a good deal of dread.  Our cavalry followed them over some distance and along the road they learned from citizens, Gen. Peck was in command with two brigades and eight pieces of artillery.  We had none killed and none wounded only those I have spoken of.  The firing up the river was across the river at Col. Marshalls reg. at Joyners ford 6 miles above.  The Yanks crossed up there but were driven back.  I am thankful I came out unhurt also all the rest of our boys.  As ever your loving friend

Lewis

I saw a copy of the Southern Illustrated News in Weldon but hadn’t time to examine it the first copy I can get I will send it and if you like it I will send it to you.  If Bob Kerley is at Richmond yet write to him to send you a copy, for it may be some time before I see another  If he should send you one you can write to me if you would like to take it if so I will subscribe for it  I am on guard and must go to the guard house.  I haven’t got rid of my cold yet otherwise I am well.  I fear you will not get this Saturday.

We will get reinforced to-day by two regiments infantry 42 & 55 NC also a … From Petersburg.  I understand the 55^th camped in 7 miles of us last night.

Sources: Mike and Carol Lawing, eds., My Dearest Friend: The Civil War Correspondence of Cornelia McGimsey and Lewis Warlick (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2000). Original collections of the papers are in the Laura Cornelia McGimsey Papers and the George Phifer Erwin Papers in the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.

Read Full Post »

I have only 1 pair of socks and am saving them til I get a pair of shoes. #civilwar150

Franlin Va

October 12^th 1862

My dearest Friend

I have neglected writing to you since I came to this place in fact we have had so much to do that I haven’t had but little time to write to any one since arrived here on the 8^th inst. and since that time it has rained nearly all the time     have pitched our tents in three different encampments, been out on picket all night, and one day on a scout, as you can imagine there has been but little time to write to ones sweetheart; after taking these things into consideration I have no doubt you will freely forgive my silence.

On the day before we came here the Yankees shelled the town and woods for a half day from their gunboats and artillery beyond the river but with little injury to us, two or three wounded      it is said they lost a considerable number both on their gunboats and on land.

This place is on the Seaboard & Roanoke Rail Road 21 miles from Suffolk where the road crosses the Black Water river   it is entirely deserted by all the citizens.  The river here is narrow but very deep, enough so as to float any of the enemys vessels and not obstructions until they get right up to the town. There are two boats sunk there to prevent them from ascending any higher … now, a part of our Regt. is down on the river 5 miles below trying to blockade down there, don’t know whether they will make an efficient one on it or not.

We have had two “long rolls” since we came but not a Yankee have I seen yet. The first time we were ordered out there was a party of them yet in a mile of the town but a few shots from our artillery soon sent them skedaddle. Yesterday the cavalry went out on a scout they met up with a company of Pennsylvania cavalry, had a little brush put the enemy to flight and brought in tow Yanks both wounded and killed two horses, none hurt on our side. I forgot to say the enemy fled when our party was the pursuers for several miles, couldn’t overtake them.

We are not living so well here as we did at camp Davis. The only bread we get is cracklins which I don’t like as I got tired of them on board of ship and wouldn’t care if I never see another. Id rather have cornbread all the time. There is some talk of us being sent to Petersburg   wish we would although w e will have 60 miles to march rather do it than stay here.

It was quiet cold last night, I fear we will suffer this winter from cold as we cannot be provided for as we should be   haven’t got any overcoat and a good many of us are nearly barefooted and some entirely. I have only 1 pair of socks and am saving them til I get a pair of shoes. If you have a chance send me a pr of socks. As ever your devoted friend

L

In the margins:

We left two me at camp Davis, Pink Teem and Tom Shufler, the former very sick and the other to wait on him.

We haven’t any men here very sick, some having chills. I do hope I will escape them this fall. I understand there is a large force at Suffolk and the report was afoot the other day that Gen. Longstreet with his Division was coming here to attack Suffolk.

Gen. French was down here some time since with three brigades to attack Suffolk, but from some cause or other he did not make the attempt – Marched back to Petersburg

Our regiment is the only infantry that is here – one reg. of cavalry and one company of artillery. The 52^nd was here but left for Petersburg a few days before we arrived. Direct to his place and quickly.

** Lewis went home on furlough in late October and returned to his unit in Franklin in mid November.

Sources: Mike and Carol Lawing, eds., My Dearest Friend: The Civil War Correspondence of Cornelia McGimsey and Lewis Warlick (Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2000). Original collections of the papers are in the Laura Cornelia McGimsey Papers and the George Phifer Erwin Papers in the Southern Historical Collection, UNC Chapel Hill.

Read Full Post »