I am truly grateful too for the fine health of my little homeless family. #cw150

Camp 4^th Reg NC S Troops

9 o’clock Sunday night

Feb 15^th 1863

Dear Mother

The time since I left your roof seems very long & I assure you that I have passed through many dangers both seen & unseen since we met – yet through the interventions of Divine Providence in answer to the Prayers of devoted & Pious Parents I am still spared – amid friends & with the best of health. Blessings for which I owe the deepest gratitude of my heart – I am truly grateful too for the fine health of my little homeless family. I am under special obligations to you & Father – sister & all for your many kind offices in rendering them comfortable & happy whilst I am compelled to be absent serving my Country in the course of Liberty & Independence. I often think how very fortunate I am in having Kind Parents where I could seek shelter when driven by the Vandals from home – When I see the suffering & misfortunes of the people of this & other parts of Va – where it has been my lot to travel since I came to this Army.

I am still in Camp in the very spot where Father spend the night with me – we have been having abundance of Snowey and Rany weather & the roads are now in an almost impassable condition. Indeed so very muddy that the Forage masters cannot supply us with anything but a little musty corn for our horses. Though I trust they will soon be better when we can get some [long] food – Bill stands the service pretty well.  He is looking we as most of Army stock – we are getting tolerable plenty to eat – we get flour at 8 ½ c a bb – Bacon at 4 c a [illeg], port at 11 ¼,  Beef fresh and poor 13 ½ cts bb.  We get as much sugar as we want to use at 13 ½ cts bb. When we get anything else it is outside. Butter $2.0 bb – Eggs 1/25 Doz. Lard 5 bb Candles 1.0 bb etc. etc. Of course these later articles we rarely get. Quite a No. of our Offiers & men are absent on furlough: several are resigning on the plea of ill health. Great many of our men who were wounded at Seven Pines are returning many of them mamed for life. I am having quite a no. transferred to Hospital duty & discharged. I am still tenting with Lieut Hofflins our Commissary.  [illeg] Lawson who has been with me since the 20^th Jany is now absent on furlough – will return about 24^th inst.

His absence leaves me in charge both of the Regi & Brigade Hospital which keeps me very busy thought he health of the Reg is very good and the Brigade tolerable – Soon as Lawson returns I shall send in an application for leave of absence unless a fight is expected to come off very soon. If it gets through I shall hope to see you all early in March – I wrote to the Boys last week at Kinston. I’ve heard nothing from them since I saw Pa – I’ve heard from Lizzie only once since Christmas – Then sister was in Orange.  Is she still in Orange? I think they treat me very mean. I write them weekly. If you see Mrs. Alston you will remember my Regards to her and tell her I saw Joe a few days since. He is in the 12^th NC near my camp. He was very well – I’m going to see him soon. Like most of us he is getting tired of war.  I have no war news of Special interest. We are waiting for “Fighting Joe” to come over when we will take them in. Gen’l Ramseur has taken command – Col. Grimes is absent at home Remember me kindly to Mr Nettles & family & to E Fike & all Friends

From your affectionate son,

JMH

 

Tell Pa

Write soon

 

Source: Hadley Collection, Chatham County Historical Association.

 

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Christmas has been a dull week with us on account of sickness, suffering and death in the camp. #cw150

Camp Long, NC Dec. 31^st 1862

W.P. Hadley

Dear Father

Christmas has been a dull week with us on account of sickness, suffering and death in the camp.

On the 28^th inst. all the officers and the effective men started for Kinston and I was ordered to take command of the camp and [torn] men about 100 of which are sick and you may guess it was a dreary time with so much sickness.  Jas Sidney Henderson and some others from others co’s have died since they left. The remainder of the sick from our company are improving. But several belonging to the Regt. are bound to die soon.  I heard from John [torn] last [torn] day he was well and [torn] north side of Neuse. Lieut Ellington and 19 others [torn] said they were [torn] well for [torn]

It is rumored in camp this morning that the Yankee Gen Foster is leaving Newbern, his supposed destination being Weldon via Greenville and Tarboro. But the report is not creadeted here  My health is improving slowly. We are having very cold disagreeable weather here now. We don’t know whether we will move the entire camp to Kinston or [torn] the commander of our Regt [torn] did not know on the 28^th inst. there is a considerable amount of ordinance & commissary stored here now & it will be a great deal of trouble to move them. But if I learn the Yankees are coming in this direction I will do all that I can to get them out of their reach. Dr. Dunlap told me yesterday that Sid Henderson was held [torn] any case he ever [torn] him when he [torn] he lived until Tuesday [torn] I started his remains [torn]

I feel under many and [torn] obligations to you for all the kind favors shown my little family during my absence. You can dispose of my pork &c as you think proper. Please excuse this hastily written note [torn] answers immediately.

Your affectionate son

Wm. C. Hadley

Source: Hadley Collection, Chatham County Historical Association.

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I write to inform you that the fight is over and I am safe; I saw with my own eyes thousands of Yankees immediately in our front #cw150

Camp near Summit Station, Va

December 18^th 1862

Dear Father

I write to inform you that the fight is over and I am safe. The enemy camped at 2 or 3 miles below Fredericksburg Thursday night nor Friday night. Our Division marched all night from Port Royal and went into line of battle on the Fredericksburg Heights and Saturday at 6 o’clock were exposed to shot and shell –supporting batteries. All day during the fight we lay in line – from Saturday morning till Tuesday all the time within less than 1 mile of the enemy who were in full view all the time under cover of batteries planted on the opposite heights. For 48 hours after the repulse of the enemy two immense armies lay within cannon shot of each other and yet the enemy did not see fit to renew the fight. From our lines I saw with my own eyes thousands of Yankees immediately in our front. Tuesday night they recrossed the River & skedaddled. During the engagement we lost in our reg. 4 killed  and 20 wounded from shot and shell. We lost a gallant Capt J.H. Carter of Washington, NC whose head was entirely blown away by a shell. I sent his remains to Richmond to Mr. Palmer who had it decently interred. We succeeded in getting all our wounded and getting them off to Richmond in due time. Tuesday morning I rode over the battlefield – saw hundreds of Yankee dead yet unburied. Our troops were engaged in burying them. I saw many relicks some of which I saved and will bring when I come to NC. Jake made quite a haul got splendid pr. of shoes and 2 blankets. I visited a splendid mansion near the river used by the enemy for a hospital which they left in a ruined condition shooting or breaking everything. From the papers you can learn much of the battle that I haven’t time to write. I am writing on my knee by an open fire and we expect snow tonight. I’ll send my letter to the office in the morning with some sic. Tell Lizzie I rec’d an old letter of Oct. 26^th today. I’ll write soon again. Give my love to all the family and write soon.

Address Fredericksburg, Va.

Affectionately,

J.M.H.

Tell Lizzie I’ve heard nothing from Emil but will look after him.

J.M.H.

Source: Hadley Collection, Chatham County Historical Association.

 

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Mother I want you to make me a pare of large thicker pants just as soon as you can and send them by someone passing. #cw150

Camp Long neare Garysburg, NC

December 11, 1862

Dearest Mother,

I take my seat to drop you a few lines to inform you that I am very well. Except a bad cold I have enjoyed spended health since I left home I have not been on the sick list yeat but there is not onley two that can say it. They are Isac Womble & Van May. I have fatened up so much that all my clothes are guitting to tite expecelly my pants. The uniform pants that I brought from home are same to small and they are guitting pretty thin and the other pare that I brought from home are also to small but I can make tout to ware them. I am going to send the pare that Cis brought home for they are so tite on me that I cant ware them.

Mother I want you to make me a pare of large thicker pants just as soon as you can and send them by someone passing. Please make them larger than ever you made any before for if I keep fattening I don’t know what I shall doe for clothes. Cis is improving fast from the measles he has bought a trunk and it will hold his & my clothes and I am going to send Phebie’s valice home by Frate.

The health of our Company is very bad. The measles & mumps are still among our boys. Onley two has had the mumps but no doubt from what we will all have it. I am staying the Lieut tent with Cis and Liuet Elington. There is know news about this solitary spot of Christendom for there is nothing but a old nasty camp.

Give my love to all enquiring friends and keep a large portion for yourself. Tell Sallie & Lizzie to write to me soon and give me all the news. Please excuse this badly spelt and written note.

I remain your son until death

John W. Hadley to his Mother

Please make my pants soon

 

Source: Hadley Collection, Chatham County Historical Association.

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I have been called upon to pass through many scenes of hardship and privation #cw150

Camp: Near Port Royal Carolina

December 9^th 1862

Dear Mother,

More than two months have passed hurriedly away – since I parted with you and I have been called upon to pass through many scenes of hardship and privation. Yet through the protection of a kind Providence I have been spared with life & a reasonable state of health.

In camp even with the privilege of an officer our fare is very hard & our privations many. We are encamped 6 miles about Port Royal near the Rappahannock River in a country with but little wood & in fact little of anything but Snowy Ice & mud. We have had snow and sleet for 4 days and still there is with but little inclination to melt. We were compelled to move our camp Sunday into a big snowy woods in order to get Firewood. We had a very cold snowy time sleeping on the snowy ground. We made logs and fires & kept tolerable comfortable. We are still at the same Camp without any prospect of going into Winter quarters or of falling back for the present.

I’ve heard nothing from the boys since I left Strausburg I recvd a letter there and answered it at once – I have recvd no letter from home since Nov 17^th & have recd only 3 letters since I left. My servant Jake does pretty well. Has a cold & is getting nearly barefoot. I will get him some shoes soon. His sore leg still gives him some trouble though he is able for duty. Tell his Mamma that she must write to him & also that she must knit him two pairs of good woolen socks and send or keep these for him till I come or send for them. I have Jake washing today I may possibly come home about Christmas but I cannot tell as yet Will certainly come if I can get off  Take care of Lizzie & Willie till I come & you have my everlasting gratitude  Remember me kindly to Father & all the family & tell Father & sister & also Lizzie to write to me often at Guinea Station. From you affectionate son

JM Hadley

4^th Brigade

DH Hill’s Division

Care of Col. Grimes

To Hannah Hadley

Kimbolton NC

Source: Hadley Collection, Chatham County Historical Association.

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Col. Jordan says Burnside told him he expects to visit New Berne sometime #cw150

Rose Hill NC

Thursday morning, Feb the 24^th 1862

 Dear Father—

I embrace the present as the earliest opportunity of answering your communications of the 18^th inst. which came to hand some days since

This leaves us all in the enjoyment of good health & we trust may find that you have all entirely recovered from Measles and are again the vigorous health. When I last wrote I told you that I had joined a 12 mos. Volunteer Company for home defences. The Company are all in New Berne. It is Comp. A placed on the extreme right of 16^th Reg – I have not been with the Comp since it went into barracks  I have been detailed by the authorities for special duty as Physician to the families of Company & Community in which I reside Scarlatina – Measles – Mumps – though somewhat moderated in violence – I am at home and will remain unless New Berne is actually attacked – in that case I shall go down & take a hand in the defence.

Our defences around & about New Berne are pretty extensive and considered by military men to be very good. Since the taking of Roanoke Island Gen. Branch has called for 500 negroes to work on the Fort – which they are now attempting to Bomb Proof – If Burnside will give a few weeks time – we will give him one defeat in Eastern Carolina. Branch is also drawing all the troops from Hyde & that section of his division & concentrating these at New Berne. I received a letter from Hornaday several days since – He is at “Wood Brick Yard” 15 miles below New Berne on the R.R. where the Reg. is in Camp. He says they have nothing but pickled beef to eat & says a little Box – will be very acceptable to him. I will send him one soon – he says that he has written to you long since – but had received no answer last week.

I paid Bishop a month since – & Hornaday said he had paid Mr. Granger all right & would pay Dr. Perkins $8 on his bill, out of $10 I loaned him soon.

The Roanoke Island prisoners have all been Paroled – Col. Jordan of the 34^th is at home in New Berne  all the others will be home soon – Col. Jordan says Burnside told him he expects to visit New Berne sometime.

Mr. B.F. Biddle requested me to present to you his kind regards & tell you that you must come down again & spend a longer time & so we all think  Mr. Biddle said you would let him have 2 Barrels of Flour – during March and requested me to ask you to start it soon as convenient – said he did not have the money at present but would sell cotton & get it soon.  I too would like to have a Barrel – of course I have some yet but don’t like to get out & depend on the chance in Town – for since there are so many troops there Flour & c are hard to come at  it is worth $11 now.  If you will send me 5 8 or 10 Barrels including Biddle’s – directed just as you did before – I will send & get it sell it & forward you the amount of sales excepting Freight promptly. I’ve heard nothing from Pescud yet but got hard run for guessing & mustered $3700 & sent & got the Package & Bill Receipted. I am collecting a little money & will send some to Friend Henderson & others first opportunity. I will send to your Caree. Cous. Matt Crutchfield is on a visit to us at present – she will spend a little time with Lizzie –

Lizzie & Matt join me in much love to all the family &c

Affectionately

JM Hadley

 

Source: Hadley Collection, Chatham County Historical Association. 

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a sad heart bringing me the news of his Dear Brother’s departure #cw150

Dear Mother,

            I was so disappointed in sending my letter Friday I will write a few lines more.  The Dr. returned last evening with a sad heart bringing me the news of his Dear Brother’s departure.  Oh! it’s hard to part with one so near.

            I would close as the boy is ready to start.  I will write again soon.  Tell Sallie please write to me as soon as she gets this letter as I am very anxious to hear from her.

Lizzie

Source: Chatham County Historical Association collections, Pittsboro, NC

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I sent to Newbern today and had his coffin brought down to night #cw150

[Date illegible, about 23 November 1861]

 

I sent to Newbern today and had his coffin brought down to night.  We have put him away nicely as possible.  E. H. Hornaday & Oran Hanner are detailed to accompany His remains home.  I regret exceedingly that I cannot come but since I left several very sick ones about home & Lizzie & the Babe were both a little unwell I must return tomorrow.  For Brother I’ve done all that I could do—would to God I could have done more. 

            Hornaday will bring most of his things home—I keep a few little things as mementoes & give Hornaday His pistol.  Zeke [Ezekial Hornaday] has been his faithful friend. 

            As to opening the coffin when it gets home, I think there will be no impropriety in it at all.  Open in an open space & let it remain open a moment or so before approaching—I know Ma will want to see his face.  I sent to George Bishop for his coffin—will ascertain what he charges in the future.  The coffin is solid mahogany.

            I see the Chatham crowd in town tonight—got your letters to Br. The Edibles I send to Bro.’s mess.  The skins I’ll take to Lizzie.  I am obliged for the dispatch with which you started my things—you shall hear from me when they come to hand.

            I am anxious to see you all & would certain come now were it possible—I must serve the sick.  For the dead I can do nothing that others cannot.  Tell Ma and all the family to take note this Dispensation of Providence to Heart—He was kindly treated and is comfortable now in Paradise.

            Give my love to all the family & all friends

Your devoted Son

J M Hadley

Write soon

Source: Collections of the Chatham County Historical Association, Pittsboro, NC

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Coffee can’t be bought at any price #cw150

Rose Hill, NC

Nov. 22^nd/61

 

Dear Mother,

            I seat myself this morning to write you a few lines.  Willis and myself are quite well.  The Dr. left hear Wednesday the 19^th inst.  By the request of Mr. Hornady to see his sick Brother.  When the Dr. left him last week he thought he was improving.  The Dr. said he was with very nice people, a private family.  Dr. H. stated in his note that he only had a permit to stay with Newton that—but was determined to remain with him until the Dr. came.  I wish Newton was at home.  I know you would be much better satisfied.  If I was housekeeping I would have him brought to Rose Hill if he was able to be moved.  I would do all that I could for him.  The Dr. said he would be well taken care of where he is.

            Dear Mother—I sympathize with you.  No one knows a Mother’s love.  Oh! it is inexpressible.  I received the letter Father wrote to the Dr. after he left.  I learn you are all well except Minter.  I was very sorry to hear of his misfortune.  I am under ten thousand obligations to you for sending my fruit to the Depot as we will need it soon.  We can’t get anything down here at a reasonable price.  Salt is worth 15 dollars by the sack.  Coffee can’t be bought at any price.  Pa has not sent my furniture down yet.  I have written to him to send it immediately.  Mother, I am very anxious to get to housekeeping.  It tisn’t very pleasant boarding with a baby.  I am looking for the Dr. back tomorrow though it is very uncertain about his coming.  He said he would not leave Newton until he was better.  He has begun attending to Mrs. Biddle very closely for the last three months.  Dr. is getting a very good practice at this time.

            I must bring my letter to a close as Willis is fretting.  You must send Sallie down to spend some time with me.  I am so lonely.  The Dr. is gone all the time.  I get the blues as soon as he is gone.  You must write soon and let me hear from you all.  Nothing more but remain your affectionate daughter.

Lizzie

Please excuse all the mistakes as I am in great haste.

Source: Chatham County Historical Association, Pittsboro NC

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brother is very ill indeed—nearly past hope #cw150

Morehead City, N. Car.

Friday morning November 22^nd 1861

 

Dear Pa—

            This will inform you that brother is very ill indeed—nearly past hope.  I have been constantly with him since Wednesday night.  His mind has been incoherent & he hasn’t slept a wink since Monday.  I am doing all I possibly can.  He is well cared for—by Mr. Granger’s family & also by the Boys.

            I wrote to you twice last night but to be sure you come—I send this by Mr. C. C. Tally—without a change He cannot possibly live many days—I shall expect you to come immediately.

            You can come through in one day from Morrisville.  When you get to Morehead stop Macon Hotel & enquire for Mr. Granger.  He is there in an office—I shall remain with him until I see a decided change—I’ve been watching him closely for 36 hours and can [see] no improvement.  He takes [pills?] & some little nourishment—Hornaday is tolerable well & still with him.  I’ll write to Ma again soon.

Yours in haste

J M H

Come forthwith

Source: Chatham County Historical Association Collections, Pittsboro, NC

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