Marty's blog

Part 1 is here.

October 21

Dear Father,

While down in the city, I went to the top of the court house, which is 192 steps from the ground. There we have a splendid view of the city and prairies for miles around. From there I went to the engine houses of course and had an offer to work. I was offered $40 a month to fire a coal burner called the Lucifer, a splendid looking engine.

I had a pretty good view of the city yesterday, walking all around.

Yesterday our regiment, together with the 126th, had orders to drill, from 10 to 12 AM and from 1 to 3 PM. About two thirds of our regiment refused to turn out. Some of the companies did not turn out at all. The boys all say they have no right to drill, and will not.

They are going to take 100 men from this regiment every week to stand on guard. The boys protest against this also. The Garibaldi’s [regiment] when they put them on guard, they tore down the fence and lit a fire and burnt up the guns, and now they carry around barrels and some bayonets.

6 PM. We have drilled twice today but had no dress parade on account of the wind. Our ground is very sandy and when the wind blows, it is very unpleasant.

About 8 PM a fire broke out just back of our headquarters. You may be sure there was some excitement. We moved all the things out of the Major’s, Chaplain’s and Quartermaster’s, but fortunately the fire did not reach here. Some of the artillery boys swore every barracks on the ground should come down, so last night we had double guard on all around. You may be sure it is very pleasant laying here and thinking every noise is the cry of fire.

October 23

We are living a little more comfortable now. I have got a room off from the barracks with H. Warren. It is a great deal pleasanter and I can keep my things nicer. We still have to watch the barracks nights not knowing what time they may be fired.

October 24

Since I wrote the other letter, I have heard a great deal news. Yesterday afternoon, I carried the mail around to the boys on guard.

I got one for one of the boys in the hospital. Captain wanted me to take it to him and read it for him. His name was Jimmy Waddle. I read a part of the letter to him and showed him a photograph of his sisters. He got so excited that I could not finish it. The nurse and Chaplain Brown thought I had better keep it and if he died during the night, to send it back to his sister. So this morning, I wrote to his sister in Gates County and enclosed the letter and photograph. I wrote to her giving her all the particulars. He died at 11 minutes past 8. His last words, “Bill I want the Doctor”. He died about 20 minutes after I left the hospital. I had been up to see him two or three times during the day and had sat and talked with him.

So goes another of our boys through neglect and carelessness of doctors. The Doctor Hopkins had given him so much quinine that his mouth was coated and black with it. He was in great pain and I thought he would die while I was at the hospital. May I be spared from ever having to go to the hospital…I do not hesitate to say that with proper care he might now be alive. If I ever am taken very sick, I want you to take me home as I will die before I will go to the hospital and take that medicine. The boys all say that a man never comes out alive.

I got the trunk all right and opened it, without the key, the Captain having it and he being off on guard. He did not like it. He said the trunk was for him. I think a man ought to have the right to open is own trunk. The next time you send me anything, please send nothing for anyone else in it. The motto is “every one for himself” here, and that will be the only way to save trouble.

I divided the fruit with the Captain and gave him his fruit, and what more could he ask? It made me mad to think I could not open my own trunk. I shall send home the trunk but have not got much to send home in it.

I would give $10 if I knew what is to be done with us. In this morning’s paper, it is reported that we are to be under Siegel when exchanged. This would be good news, if so.

I will write you again in a day or two.  I am very much obliged to you for all those good things and you may be certain I shall enjoy them.

October 26

On Saturday last we had the first snow storm of the season. It snowed quite fast for a few minutes.

When Jimmy Waddle left here, we had six pall bearers march on each side of the Hearse. Also a guard of eight men marching to the rear with their guns reversed. We marched half way to the city and would have went all the way, if it had not been so late. But we found that they had got just time to get to the depot. There was three corpses taken from the ground when they took Waddle, two from our regiment.

You need not be alarmed about my being a nurse in the hospital where there is the small pox. How can they detail me when I am a non commissioned officer? At any rate I would not go there. I think there is no danger now of the small pox spreading, as we hear no more of it.

I saw a letter in last week’s Republican about our model doctor and hospital. This is all a lie, and I can prove it. Anyone can see it was an officer that wrote it. A man that will write such a letter as that ought to be shot. I think we boys ought to know.

October 28

Yesterday I got a pass and went down in the city in the morning, looked around a little, then went to Mrs. Stones about 2:30 PM. There I got a splendid lunch and had a tip top visit. I gave Althea Yager that Lyons paper that you sent me.  She thought that was a splendid letter. So did Mrs. Stone. When I got ready to leave, Mrs. Stone gave me a nice jar of pickled cucumbers, a basket of sweet potatoes and some nice fruit cake. And then to finish it, she brought me up to camp with my things. I never shall forget her kindness to me and all she has done for me. She is very anxious to have me come out and stay all day and night. If we do not leave here, I think I shall, for it would feel good to sleep in a good bed again, as I have not slept in a bed in three months. The only trouble with Mrs. Stone, she flatters me too much. She says she enjoys herself more in my company than in any of the other boys. I never have enjoyed myself better since enlisting than at her house. She gave me a pile of old magazines in the bargain.

You asked me whether the small pox was spreading or not. We do not hear anything about it now, so think there is no danger. You asked if there was anything the matter with me. There is nothing but a bad cough. I have felt quite well ever since I have been here, more so than any one else. Almost all of the boys have been troubled with something. Aleck has been quite sick for a week or two past and has run down a great deal. He looks very white and poor. Tom Hooker has not been very well, but is all right now.

October 29

Mother,

You must not think because I have not written to you that I did not want you to write. Far from it. But I supposed that the news I had written [to Father], you would all like to hear.

I am trying to carry myself about right, and think I can get along by behaving myself and carrying myself about right. I have attended some of the evening meetings at the post chapel, but can not attend regular on account of my being on guard.

I am very sorry, of course, that I could not come home. I would like a change, both of diet and lodging. Here we have no conveniences of lodging. Nothing but blankets to sleep on and under. So I cannot take off pants.

I do not know what I should think, to set down to a table, and sleep on a bed again. Do not think I am complaining. Far from it. I tell you what I want, next week when I take supper with you. That is wheat pancakes and syrup. I think I could relish this.

You should see the how excited the boys are at the prospect of coming home, and I, a little.

October 30

A daily scene here is men with barrels over them marching around the ground. A hole is cut in the head, just large enough to get the head through. Some are standing on the top of a barrel. These punishments are mostly for running away and for getting drunk.

October 31

This morning we were mustered in, preparatory to being paid. I think we will be paid about Monday next, but cannot tell. Things do not look as favorable for our going home now, as they did. I am afraid I shall be disappointed. It would be a disappointment, truly. Some say we are to leave next Monday, but cannot tell. The truth is, they dare not tell us a day before hand. If they did, the boys would burn and tear down all the buildings. I think if we do come home, it will be after we are paid off and not before.

November 5

Mr. Sharp arrived here this morning and found his boy pretty sick. He is looking very bad and I do not think he could be moved home, even if he got a furlough. I hardly think he will die, but I think he will be very sick.

Albert Hunt is quite sick to night with a fever. I think he will be a sick boy. He has been complaining for several days past. Today he went to the hospital, and tonight I have been to see him, and he wanted me to tell his father he was sick. I think he had ought to have a furlough, and I shall speak to the Captain in the morning.

November 8

Wm Sharp died at 4:20, Thursday afternoon. His parents arrived here on Wednesday morning about 10 AM. He was conscious until 2 AM, Friday, when he commenced dying, and lingered along until the afternoon. Eight of our boys escorted the corpse to the depot and did all in their power to help the parents. We escorted it to the depot and there guarded it until it was put on the train. It was a heavy blow for his folks as he did not look but little like dropping away so soon, when they arrived here. He weighed 210 lbs when he enlisted and served just three months almost to an hour. I do not think we could have lost a man, that will be more missed than him. He was quiet, steady and always doing his duty.

After his parents had left, we went to the Tremont House and heard General Freemont speak for a few moments. This was just what I had been wanting for a long time. He seems to think this war will be ended in three months. He is a short, good looking man, and I think he makes a splendid looking soldier.

I have just been to our breakfast, which is salt bacon, so salty that nobody can eat it, bread and coffee. I never could drink the coffee since I was sick at the Ferry. Now how do you think we could live like that? And we could not except we bought some butter to eat on our toasted bread, and this all costs money. I wish you would send me a little. I do not like to ask for money and am sorry to write for it, but we must live here, and if we come home, I could not live on the rations we would have.

November 9

I have been on guard today in the White Oak guard house. I have had 24 men on a relief to guard 40 men. It is rather a dull way to spend Sundays, but then we can’t help it. Today quite an amusing thing occurred. In the guard house, a woman came in, dressed in soldier’s uniform and was put in the guard house. I say amusing, but it was a sad sight.  She was so drunk that they had to carry her in.

Perhaps you may wonder how I spend so much money. It is just like this. Without butter we could do nothing with out it. It is impossible to live on this salt bacon and dry bread. You do not want me to when I can live better. And then there is milk to eat once in awhile, and a great many more such things.

You asked me if I got my washing done. I do, as we have no conveniences for washing here. It costs me 8 cents per pair for drawers, 5 cents for shirts and three for stockings.

William Waters felt very lonely here since Billy Sharp died. He was just like a brother to him. I have bunked with Bill Sharp about six weeks, and I liked him and miss him very much.

On Guard 1:30 AM. This is a singular time to write at this time in the morning, but I know I must write now or get too late for the mail. I have just come on my relief and will have to stay till 10 AM, just going and returning to my breakfast.

I do not know how the Colonel will succeed in the plea that this is the most unhealthy place. This I know, that the second time this regiment went on guard, we had 68 men in the hospital and 78 sick in their barracks. Twelve men have died in the hospital that I know of, and I do not know how many have died out. It is nothing to see here five or six 6 men in the dead house at a time.

I wish Charlie could be here just one night to kill rats. About 7 PM, you can see every night the boys with sticks routing them out of wood piles and killing them by the dozen. I have seen as high as 60 in one pile, killed in a little while. They perfectly infest this place. You can walk nowhere with out seeing them.

November 12

You need not be alarmed about me. I am perfectly well, never better. You may be sure I shall take as good care of myself as possible. I would have no trouble in going to Mrs. Stones, in case I was taken sick, as they have repeatedly asked me to come and stay a week. I received a letter from you last Sunday with a $2.00 bill, in which was just what I wanted.

I received another letter from home today. I think you were mistaken in my telling you not to write to me. I think I said, do not send me any things until I knew whether we were to stay here or not. Do not send me a cap until I know whether I shall stay here all winter or not. If we stay here I want one. I could wear it all times. Whether on duty or not, that would make no difference.

Tomorrow our regiment has got to go on guard again. This time I shall get sleepy, as I was on before. I think I shall go to Mrs. Stones tomorrow, if I do not go on.

It had been raining all day and was awful muddy. Things are moving along in camp, just the same, no excitement. One hour we think we are going home and then the next, we give it all up.

You say you hear so much worse reports about the camp than what I write. I do not know how that is, though. I will own, I have made it smooth as possible. The best you can make of it, it is tough. And is no place for men to camp, much less to stay here during the Winter.

November 18

For the past few days, we have heard a dozen different rumors. First, that we were to be paid off, next, that we were going home. And now the news in Camp is that all the Harper’s Ferry paroled prisoners are exchanged.

November 23

5 PM: Just come from dress parade. An order was read for the 111th to leave Camp Douglas, on the route to Washington, on Monday next. We are to have first class passengers cars all the way. If the other troops want these, we shall go, but if not, then we will not, that’s all. The regiment is to be divided up into squads of 48 men to a car.

The boys are feeling tip top about leaving here. There will be fun, today and tomorrow. I hope they will not do as the 115th did, burning their barracks up just as they left here.

The 125th left here about an hour ago. I think I shall go on provost guard tomorrow. If not, I shall go to the city to church. That is, if I can get a pass.

November 25

We are still in camp here, but expect to leave here tomorrow afternoon. On Sunday night at dress parade, the order for our moving from here was countermanded, until further orders.

The 126th left here yesterday at 2 PM. It is very singular that our regiment is always been, and always will be behind all the rest. We are now the only New York regiment here.

We have had perfect liberty for the past few days to go and come when we choose. I have seen a great deal of the city for the past few days. Most likely we shall spend our Thanksgiving on the road, with salt bacon and hard tack for our dinner. This will not seem like home. If we stay at Washington, I shall hope to have some things from home.

One of our boys died in the hospital last night. William Pierce of Sodus. He died with the diphtheria. Tom Hooker is better, but I do not think he or A. Hunt will go with us.

5 PM: Just read marching orders for Washington, tomorrow at 3 PM. We are to go by Cleveland, Harrisburg and Baltimore. When we get to Washington, we are to report to Major General Halleck for further orders.

I am now perfectly contented, and now we know what we are to do. Tell Mother not to worry about me, I shall take care of myself.

I hope we shall go where there will be mail communications so that I can write often.  I will write to you immediately on our arrival and as soon as we know what we are to do, as I know you will be anxious to hear. With love to all and sorry I could not have seen you.

I remain, Your Son
Manley

The boys are feeling tip top about leaving here. They little know what they have got to go through.

In these never before published letters, 20-year-old Union soldier, Manley Stacey described daily life at Camp Douglas.

After his Union regiment, the 111th New York Volunteers, and others surrendered to Confederates and were taken prisoner at the battle of Harper’s Ferry, in September 1862, they were paroled.  They ended up at Camp Douglas in Chicago, waiting to find out what would become of them.

The following excerpts are from letters home to Stacey’s family, during about a two month period:

September 23, 1862

Dear Father…

We arrived at Chicago about 10:30 last night, then marched up to our present camp, arriving here about 12 AM. This camp they say will accommodate 15,000 men. It is a splendid place, if it was clean. You can imagine how clean it would be 8,000 Rebel prisoners living here the last week.

It is the strangest thing in the world to me their sending us to this camp so far west. It has been reported in Camp for a week past that we were going to Minnesota to fight the Indians. I should much prefer that to remaining here. I think we will be exchanged before long. That is if they exchange any more, which I hope they will.

October 1

You say that it was reported the we were coming home on a furlough. We all expected that in camp, but there is no such thing in store for us. We will either be exchanged soon or we will be sent to the frontier. The dailies, for several days past, say that is our destination. For my part I do not want to stay here long. Our major told us last Sunday night at dress parade that he should do all in his power to have us soon exchanged.

You had ought to see us scrabble when the mail comes in, and in the morning when the Daily Papers come in to see what our Destination is and see what they say about us. There will be trouble if they undertake to make us drill before we are exchanged. I for one will not do it and break our Parole so.

The 9th Vermont had a row here yesterday and refused to take up arms, even to go on guard. Some of the militia have to be called out to compel them to. The other day we had a row on the ground. One of the Sutlers* called our boys “Harpers Ferry Cowards”. The boys took everything he had and broke everything to pieces. Served him right. I never saw boys so mad in my life.

We are quite comfortable here now, considering our quarters. The boys say that there is lice here, but I doubt it some. If you and Mrs. Williams send a box, a can or two or preserves would come very acceptable to eat on our bread, as any bread goes tough when sick.

Tomorrow I am going to have a pass and go down in the city, when I shall get a chance to see the place.

Who were Sutlers? They were civilian business men and women who sold a variety of goods and stock out of wagons. They set up shop mainly to sell to soldiers, and very often exploited them by charging exorbitant prices. It was an uneasy relationship between the soldiers and the Sutlers, and conflicts often occured.

October 6

I hardly know what to send home for, as if we are on a march, as we surely will be if we go out west, it will be only a trouble. But if we stay here, a can or two of preserves would go tip top to eat on bread. Also you may send me a pair of woolen stockings, as the army stockings are so large and coarse. I have not worn mine yet. Cotton socks would be too cool for the west. If we go west, a cap with a fur band around it to turn down. I should not want it if we do not go west. I do not think I should need any bandages.

I have thought of one other thing, a small bottle of pickles, they would come good. We have been having lovely times for the past week. The boys seeming to think that because they are paroled that they can do as they like. They have tore down sutlers’ stands. I do not blame them for that, as the sutlers called them “Harpers Ferry Cowards”. 2,100 boys from the Camp ran the guard on Friday. That is a thing I should despise myself if I did.

If I can not get out legally, I will not get out at all. I got a pass on Friday and went around the city. Chicago is a great deal cleaner city than I supposed. Some splendid buildings. We find sutlers things cheaper here than any where we have been before. At the Ferry, we had to pay 5 cents a slice for bread, 25 cents for a pres, 28 cents a pound for butter, 10 cents a quart for milk, 25 cents a pound for sugar. Here every thing is cheaper but fruit: Peaches 5 cents a piece, apples two for 5 cents, grapes 25 cents a pound, and everything else in proportion. You may be sure that we can enjoy but very few of these luxuries.

Last night, Sunday, the boys had another row on the ground and tore down over 60 rows of fence around the camp ground. This is very foolish of them as it only keeps us in closer confinement. The boys heard our major say yes today that we would not be exchanged this winter and that we would not stay here. So what will be done is hard telling. It troubles me but little, as I am contented anywhere. About furloughs, some of the boys from the other companies are getting them for 20 days. According to the Articles of war we are entitled to furloughs a year of 20 days each. We have hardly been in Service yet.

You spoke in a former letter about my not going on picket oftener than I can help it. Do you think that I shall stay in camp when I get such a good chance to get out? I like the duty, the more because it is so exciting.

October 8

I am getting anxious to get my back letters of which I am confident there must be several. On Tuesday morning were ordered to pack knapsacks, coats and blankets, and form a line at 10:45 for Inspection. We marched to the square to be Inspected by General Tyler, which lasted till 1A.M..

During the night, we heard the cry of fire. Such a scrabbling, the boys all taking out their things before they knew where the fire was. It turned out to be a pile of rubbish opposite Company A’s Barracks, which did not amount to much.

Yesterday one of our boys died in the hospital. His name was Austin Legg of Lock Berlin. He died of intermittent fever. Tom Hooker has been pretty sick for the past few days with a very bad diarrhea. Tom looks quite pale. There is but little danger in that however. Most likely you will see some of the Lyons boys home before long, as the major gave orders last night at dress parade for every man that was not fit to do military duty to be reported. And I know we have several.

One of the Palmyra Boys has got a substitute by paying $111 and is expecting to leave for home this morning. Good for him. I had a talk with the captain last night. He seems to think that we will not soon be exchanged. but that this will be our Winter Quarters.

We are living better now. We have regular meals, and sit down to a table and live some thing like it. And yet I miss home comforts. I am a little sorry that I brought your rubber coat. It is heavy to carry, but if we stay here all winter, I presume I shall need it

I will give you now the routine we have to deal with every day here in camp. Roll call at sunrise, breakfast at 7 A.M.. From then until noon, nothing to do but read and write. At 12, dinner. At PM for four days past we were to have the rules and articles of war read. At 5 P.M., supper. At 8:30, roll call. So you can see just about what we have to do. We were ordered to drill four hours a day when we came here, but the boys made so much fuss about it and swore they would not, that I think they will not do it.

The boys are having it pretty much their own way now. The night before last, they tore down over 50 rods of the line fence. And yesterday over 40 took French leave (deserted) and went down in the city, the guard not offering to stop them, A great many of the boys are deserting out of the regiment here. They are booking their passage on the boats in Buffalo and other ports.

I think I shall put up with a great deal before I leave, What good would it do to desert if you cold not go home and if you will surely be caught. The punishment of the boys that have left us is to be very light compared to what I thought. They are to be returned to the regiment and they pay all expenses. It will however cost them about $50.

We get mail here twice a day, at 1130 A.M., and at 5 P.M. I get the daily Chicago Papers by paying 5 cents a piece, which but few will do.

Yesterday we had a good time about rations. The quartermaster of the ground wanted us to take some stinking meat, and we refused to do it, so we had no dinner. He came to terms in the afternoon.

You asked me if we slept out of doors. We have about a third of the time, You have heard of the heavy dews here. They were so heavy that they wet our blankets completely through. In the morning they are just like a fog. I got used to it however and did not mind it.

October 10

I received your letter on Thursday and I was glad to hear that we was so soon to have a box from home. It was not so what Williams wrote home, about we having all that is needed.

You can judge for yourself. We have coffee and bread, and sometimes beef. And that is none to tender nor is any too fresh. Half the time it is not fit to eat. Coffee and bread is quite dry. I can not drink the coffee since I was sick at the Ferry. I am sure I shall be glad to get a few things.

9 A.M.: Billy Waters just arrived and brought our things all right except the honey. That ran all over the trunk. I am very much obliged for my things. I tell you they are just what we need, I do not care who says any thing to the contrary. I can tell you that it will taste good to me.

I guess William is sorry he did not send for anything, but he will not make anything out of me. Williams is noted for his tall lying, it is acknowledged to be the tallest liar in the company. When on the march he steals everything he can lay his hand on, or draw as they call it. On the road from Harrisburg to Pittsburg he, with a lot of others, got off at a station and went in to a poor widow’s and took over 30 cans of preserves and fruit from her cupboard, right before her eyes. He is a hard case, though a good natured boy.

Who sent the pears loose in the trunk? Williams claimed them. You asked me about my boots. They wear tip top and will last me two months yet with a little fixing yet. I am more determined than ever not to wear army shoes.

Yesterday morning Mrs. Stone and Althea Yager drove to the barracks to see me and to the 126th to see the Clifton boys. They both gave me a cordial invitation to come out and see them and spend the day, They live only about a mile from our camp. I shall most certainly do it as it will be quite a change.

It is very cold here to day so that we need our over coats. We are but a short distance west of the lake and the wind blows very cold. I think it will be lovely here in winter. I shall be glad to get the gloves and hat, even if we stay here, whether we will or not.

The boys organized a debating school on Wednesday night last. Subject of debate: Resolved, that the work’s of Nature attract man, more than the works of Art. Decision in favor of the affirmative. The meeting was postponed until last eve, but that got played out as one of the learning debates.

Thomas Hunter was in the guard house for getting drunk. Last night the boys had a dance in our barracks, and enjoyed themselves tip top. During the day, you can see the boys playing ball, running races and at all sorts of games in which some of the Officers join in.

The ladies of Chicago are very good to our sick boys, bringing them, in their Carriages, a great many delicacies. I will tell you how I got sold yesterday: When I was talking to Miss Yager, one of the soldiers stepped up and asked Mrs. Stone if she had any milk, supposing it was some of the ladies that brought in things. I felt mean.

Saturday, 7 A.M. We have just had the coldest night of the season. We have just got a stove up in the Barracks.

I am very much obliged to Rosa and Maggie, for the cakes and letter. I hardly know what to make of our life here. Yesterday it was reported that we were going to New York state to be held as reserves until exchanged. But of course we do not believe it unless we hear it positive.

Last night we had a fire on the ground.  Two barracks and a cook house was burned up, and we do not know what occasioned it.

I have got a very bad cold now, but will soon get over that. I see the advantage of being a corporal now. I have no duty to perform at all here, such as carrying water and cleaning up barracks.

Our camp lies about four miles west of the city, right between the Illinois Central and Lake Shore RR. The street cars run right past the camp, so it is but a few moments ride to the center of the city.

I tell you what I would like; that is a couple of flannel shirts. Something that would not show dirt very easy, and yet look nice. Something like what was sent to Barney in the box. I think we will need two shirts here, and have the army shirt underneath.

We have got several men in our company, that are playing up sick in order to get discharged. I despise such actions.

October 12

Monday, 6 A.M. I got a pass to go down in the city yesterday afternoon from 1 to 5, so of course could not go to meeting at that hour. We had inspection again yesterday morning from 10 to 12. We were inspected so as to see what clothes we lacked or what we needed. It seems to be the order of the day, to have something going on Sundays. I do not know why it is.

Last night some of the Company A and T’s men got up a row and tore down some of the outside fence. It don’t seem as if the boys could be contented unless in some mischief. I can’t see that they will make any thing by it.

It seems to be given up here, by officers and men, our going to Minnesota. They seem to think that we shall stay here until exchanged. I hope this is not so. If we are not to be exchanged this winter, that we will go into a little warmer Quarters. It is so perplexing here. We can not tell one day before another what we are going to do. But then this is a part of the trade.

We had a battle in our square the other night between the right and left wing of the regimen. It was fought with hard tack, or crackers. We compelled the enemy to retreat, but they rallied again and we were compelled to raise the white flag. It made a good deal of fun for us. Without some such thing, we would die of laziness.

Williams has been sick for the past few days, I think he has got the ague. I have got a very bad cold, just enough to make me feel miserable.

We are living a little better now you may be sure, with all those good things from home now. Look at our breakfast this morning. Hard tack and coffee, and that so poor, the kettles are all grease, not being washed clean. Six boys out of the company are detailed every day to wash dishes and carry Water. We have two boys that have cooked for us since Crowl left.

A great many of our boys are sick, generally 10 on the sick list every morning. I do not know what is the cause of it, unless it is the diet and poor water.

October 14

I think if all the reports are true, that our troubles have not commenced yet. It is reported that we have got the small pox in camp, Three men were taken from the 126th Regiment (and that lays right by us) to the hospital, that had got it. If this is so, I pity the boys. One thing is certain, I shall not be afraid of it. And if the boys in our company got it, I can nurse them. But you may be sure I do not like it well enough to nurse any one else.

I think we shall get one months pay this week. This I know. And the orderly told me that he thought we would go home then. Our adjutant told the boys yesterday that there was no use in the boys cleaning up the barracks, as we were going to New York. Things look now as if we were about the move somewhere. And the most likely place for us to go is to our own State.

One thing is certain, if the small pox break out in camp and spreads much, a great many of the boys would leave.

October 15

Yesterday at 11 A.M., I got a pass and went to Mrs. Stones to spend, coming back about 5 P.M.. I have not enjoyed myself so well in a long time. As soon as we got there, I felt perfectly at home. I enjoyed my dinner very much. Mr. Stone has a splendid place. Here in his house he has his billiard room, his picture gallery and such splendid drawing room and parlors. His place is about a mile and a half east of our camp. I have got a cordial invitation to spend the day with them, every day I can get out.

Mrs. Stone comes on the ground every day in her carriage with jellies and such things for the sick in the hospital. All she seems to talk about or think is the poor soldiers. Althea Yager, is with her and has been with her since April. I have not spent so pleasant a day since leaving home. Althea says I am the only one in the regiment that she has seen give the military salute when meeting Ladies.

Those things that I sent for at the Ferry I do not want now. It is truth, as I have since heard, that they got the small pox at the general hospital. If this prevails, I think the boys would be justified in leaving.

Everything is quieting off lately. If there is any such thing as our being paid off and discharged from the US Service I will telegraph. Yesterday morning the Chicago Tribune said the latest advices from Washington are that the paroled prisoners are to be soon exchanged or discharged into the state service.

October 17

Things begin to look brighter at the camp now. All seem to think that we are going home.  One of our sergeants asked the adjutant for a furlough, and he said he would get one soon enough.

The Boys are bound it seems to disobey orders in every way possible. At our dress parades, we are ordered to present arms, or give the military salute, to the commanding officer. The Boys obeyed to simply placing the back of the right hand against the front piece of their cap, until the order, shoulder arms. Not one third of the company will do it. Last night the boys turned out to dress parade at 4 P.M. and had to drill for an hour. A great many of the boys protest that they will not drill until exchanged. I think there will be trouble when they compel the 111th to drill. I can not see but what we are breaking our parole if we drill. For my part, I should prefer to drill an hour or two if it was right, but I can not care about getting into trouble, But of course we have got to obey every officer over us no matter who it is or whether right or wrong.

We see nothing of Chaplain Brown and do not know where he keeps himself. I hope Mr. Gavitt will come out here and succeed in getting me a furlough. I think it would be safer to come by second class by railroad than to come by the lake this season of the year. We can see a little of the lake here.

We had a fire on the ground last night. 12 company barracks and cook houses were burned to the ground, and men are reported to be killed. The boys lost almost everything. The Fire broke out among the new Illinois troops and burnt out two or three regiments. Of course it is laid to the Harper Ferry Cowards. The 659th , 83d Illinois are the toughest regiment that were paroled, and are always in to trouble. You should go over the ground after the fire as I did this morning at 5:30. There were bushels of dead rats laying all over the ground, and such large ones.

It is reported here this morning that we were to be paid off and discharged. If this is so, most likely we shall see New York again. The company’s sergeant offered to bet $20 that we spend but three Sundays more in this place. He is one that would be apt to know things look that ways now.

Our boys have great times here. There are a few who make a practice of going out and getting drunk and raising a row and disturbing us all. They seem to think they can do as they please, which is a great mistake.

We have got a very cold barracks here, but do not intend to fix them up until we know what is to be done. I got nearly a pound of splendid black tea the other day of Althea Yager, which tastes tip top, as the quartermaster furnishes us no tea now. He is trying to see how cheap he can board us. He has got down to 16 cents, therefore makes 30 cents clean on every man.

October 18

I wrote you on Friday last that the boys were raising an insurrection. I think it is positive that some of the paroled prisoners started the fire the night before.  On Friday night at supper, we were ordered to pack our knapsacks and get our things ready so that we could pick them up at a moments notice. We did not know but what our barracks would be burned up next. It is very pleasant to think that the roof over your head may be burned down during the night.

During the night the boys tore down some new line fence. I can not see what is in the boys, nor how it can benefit them.

There was the last, that I heard from the general hospital, seven cases of small pox. The boys all swear they will not stay here. I do not know what this will end in. I think the government will have to do something or other and that very soon. They seem to move so slow. I wish they would do something, and that right off.

About half of the guard fence is torn down and the boys go out and in when they choose, the guard turning their backs when they see the boys coming.

I went up to see Douglas’ grave yesterday afternoon. It was but a short distance from our camp and is in a pretty shady place, but a few rods from the lake. What seemed strange to me, there is no tombstone.

This morning I went along the lake shore and along the Illinois Central and inquired the wages of engineers and firemen. Fireman on coal burners get $40 a month and on wood burners, $35. So if I get discharged, do not look for me home. I shall get a job here, as I could have got one this morning.

Last night three of our men were detailed to guard our barracks against fire. It was reported here that some of the boys said they were going to burn every barracks on the ground. For my part I did not want to be burnt out.

Today at 9 A.M. we are going to have another inspection. To be sure it does not last long, but who wants to be on duty every Sunday? It is very necessary to have the inspection to see that the boys keep themselves clean and keep their clothes clean, but then there is no use in having them on Sunday.

How I would like to be home this morning and get on a citizen’s shirt and go to meeting, but I cannot.

Now I have a word to say about our Hospital and the doctors. It is a saying here that, as sure as a boy goes into the hospital, that is the end of him. Doctor Hopkins is no more fit for the place than I am. All the medicine he gives is a little quinine, opium and some other trash, which invariably brings the boys right down. Some of the boys have been in there ever since they have been here, and getting worse all the time. I have yet to hear of a case that he has benefited. There is 89 cases in the hospital from our regiment. Yesterday three died with the typhoid fever and we have got two or three men from our own Company that must die next. It is a perfect shame that our boys must be killed off at this rate.

Doctor Hopkins rides around the ground with his buckskin gloves on and his hair curled up, not caring whether the boys live of die. I never would believe before that more died in the hospital than on the battle field, but now I know it. If you would go through our hospital and see the boys dying off, through nothing else but the want of better care, you would not wonder that boys protest against it. This thing is getting played out.

With love to Mother, Maggie, Rosa and Charley

I am,

Manley

——————–

Part 2 is here

Camp Douglas, Chicago:
http://www.illinoiscivilwar.org/campdouglas.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Douglas_(Chicago)
http://www.prairieghosts.com/campd.html
http://www.graveyards.com/IL/Cook/oakwoods/confederate.html
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/civil-war/1862/april/camp-douglas.htm

Remembering Lincoln today:  I just finished  transcribing a letter from a soldier in the Civil War, Manley Stacey.  This letter was written during the days of the Battle of Gettysburg:

 
Camp near Gettysburg Pa
July 2nd 1 PM

Dear Father

Having a few leisure moments, I thought I would write a little.

We left Union Town, yesterday morning at 7 AM & our Regt was detailed to Guard the Ammunition & Baggage Train. We marched to Taney Town & halted a few moments, when we were Ordered to this Place. After a very hard March, we arrived within 2 miles of here, at 6 PM, last night & slept until 3 AM this morning, when we started for the Battle Ground.

When we Camped last, we could see the wounded, coming in, those that were able to walk, & the Cavalry Horses, coming in Riderless, this showed us that something was going on. Of course, we heard any quantity of Rumors, but believed but little.

This morning at 7 AM, we were Drawn up in Line of Battle, to support a Battery, & we now are laying in the Rear of it We are in the Centre of the Line, As yet there has been no heavy Fighting today, Skirmishing has been going on all the morning.

The Garibaldis were out this morning & have 41 Wounded & 1 killed, also 2 Officers. We have not been Ordered out yet to Skirmish though I am expecting it every moment.

There has been a lull, in the Fighting, since 11 AM, & now it has almost ceased, Either, the Rebs are Retreating, or they are trying to Flank us, they hold a Strong Position, about a mile from us, across a Valley, in a piece of woods & have been trying [Drive] us on, there they Strongly Intrenched [sic] & want to Fight us there,

It is reported that McClellan is coming up with 50,000 Militia, in the rear, if this is so, we may Bag them. If the Reports are all true, we have taken about 1000 Prisoners this morning.

I think this will be an awful battle, very soon & of course we are in for it. 300 Rebs gave themselves up yesterday & said they would fight no more, It is reported that they are Fighting on our left now, & are trying to Flank us. I think most of Hookers, Army is here now.

Barney, Aleck & [Al] are all well, our Boys are all right yet,

The Col, made us a Speech this morning, & told us he wanted us to wipe out the Harpers Ferry Disgrace & show Old [Troopers] how we could fight.

It is a sad sight to see the Wounded brought in on stretchers, the poor Boys all covered with Blood & as pale a Death.

I shall write to you as often as possible, until this is settled, one way or the other. If the Rebs do not make a Stand here & fall back into Maryland or Virginia, we shall follow them up, then the Marching will commence.

If you should see our Regt, to day you would think they looked, but little like Band Box Soldiers.

I am at present acting Sergt, my place is behind the Ranks to keep them closed up.

Yesterday we drew our Corps Badge, I will send you one home, for a sample & would like to have you make me one of Blue Velvet, & bind it with Red.

I have written you 3 letters the past week, I do not know whether you will get them all or not, we marched through a beautiful country yesterday, the best I have seen since I left home.

I am now Bunking with Charlie Cookingham, who I like better as a Comrade than the others. I am getting very anxious to hear from Home, as I have not heard in over a week.

I hope this thing will soon be settled & we Rest awhile for I am tired out.

July 3rd 10 AM. Now I have some sad news to write, Last night at 4 PM, we were ordered to March & form in Line of Battle on our left, After a great deal of Confusion, we got formed & when we Ordered to advance, right in the face of the Rebel Guns, who were firing their Grape and Canisters into us by wholesale,

after a great Deal of marching & Counter marching, we were ordered to charge on a Rebel Battery. we were now right in front of our Canons, advancing on their Guns, the Rebel sharpshooters, in our rear picking off our Officers. this was an awful time the shells taking the men down by Ranks, While we were marching, a man was shot, & the Blood was spalling [sic] all over my face, it perfectly Blinded me.

We were then Ordered, to fall back, as it was to hot for us, which we did in good Order We then laid in Line Battle all night, being Ordered up twice, besides this every thing passed off quietly.

The next morning at 6 AM We were Ordered to Skirmish, in front of the Batteries, We have had some pretty sharp Skirmishing, for a little whiles [sic] though none of us got hurt. The fight the night before, We had one man killed Michael [P…], Thomas Hooker was wounded, though he was left for Dead on the Field.  He is now quite smart & will soon be well again.

Altogether we had 10 men missing that Night, On the 4th at 1 PM we [were] shelled, by 100 Guns, all concentrated on the force supporting the Battery. There we laid behind a Stone Wall the Shells passing over us, & killing the men all around me, 3 men were killed & thrown across me, covering me with blood. While we were laying here, a shell struck a Stone in the wall, & killed a man throwing the man across my legs & the stone striking me in the back & doubling me up,

I got up & got down to the Hospital, so lame that I could hardly straighten up. I had been here but a few moments, when Capt Holmes came down. He was shot through the elbow, & was bleeding badly, I bandaged up his Arm the best I could. I then got him carried to a hospital, & have stayed with him until this morning.

the 5th 11 AM. Capt is now at the Private house & is doing well. Lieut Granger is Dead he was shot through the right breast & lived but a few hours. Aleck Williams, Barney Francisco, are all well Albert hunt has a wound in the wrist, which will not disable him long.

We have got about 18 men now in the Co fit for Duty & 150 in the Regt. We went in the fight with over 400, & have yet now 150.

I am now all right, Having been through the biggest Battle of the War. I will write soon again

Love to all

Manley

 

 

November 19, 1863

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. 

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

A. Lincoln