Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Manassas Gap Va
July 24th 10,30 AM

Dear Father

I know you will be anxious to hear from me by this time, for the past few days, I have been so busy & have had no chance to write. We arrived here yesterday, from Upperville. I think I have written you once since we left the Ferry, Come to think of it I wrote to you on Sunday Just as we had Orders to March. From there we marched, a few miles a Day until we came to Ashby Gap. We laid one Day & 3/4 [there] having a good rest.

Day before yesterday & yesterday we Guarded The Corps Train. This is awful work, first we March very slow & then we have to Double Quick it to catch up. It has been very warm for the past few days, awful for Marching, Talking about marching & Sweating I never knew what it was before. When we left Ashbys Gap, we had Orders, for Warrenton, but at Upperville they were changed to the Gap. Yesterday was a tough day for me, I had all I could do to keep up. If I had not thought, we were going into a Fight I never should have stood it. We Halted about 4 PM, & Pitched our Tents, expecting to stay all night, but at 5,30 PM, we were Ordered up the Gap.

We are now, laying on a the [sic] side of the Mountain, in the Gap, Last night, there was some Canonading, last night, out to our left, but this Morning all is quiet. Things look like having a Fight here, but I do not expect much of a one. I think old Lee will get out, of this.

Just as soon as we get to Warrenton or to some point on the RR, We start for Elmira. There is 3 Comissioned, one non-Comissioned Officer & 6 Privates out of our Regt [are] Detailed to go to Elmira for the Conscripts, to fill up our Regt. I happened to have the good luck, to be Detailed, for one. I do not know, whether I shall have the Good luck, to get Home, for a day or two, or not. I hope too however. If not, I shall Telegraph to you. I think I can, get Home, for a day or two, as our Drafted Men, will be from Wayne Co. It will be a nice rest for me.

This morning We Drew, the last Days Rations, from our Supply Train, something will have to be done Quickly. We will have to go, to Warrenton for our Supplies. If Lee does not make his stand here, I think we shall go to Warrenton today or tomorrow. It was reported here this morning, that we were going to [Front] Royal, I do not believe this However.

We have had no mail since we left the Ferry. I am in a hurry for some. The last letter I got from you was written, the 10th I shall hope to hear from you soon.

Give my love to all
The Boys are all well

Write soon
M T Stacey

Camp near White Plains Va
July 25th 7,30 PM

Dear Father

When I wrote you last, we were expecting to have a little Fight with the Rebels at the Gap, until Yesterday noon, when we marched back, to where we started from, the night before. It turned out from some Prisoners we took, that one Brigade, was all the Force, they had at the Gap. The rest of his Force, had been passing for 3 Days. We had, but few men Wounded in the Skirmish, when our Forces drove them from the Gap. This morning at 5 AM, we Broke Camp, & marched, here, arriving here, at 4 PM. We are now near Thorofare Gap,

Tomorrow we march to Warrenton, when I think if we go Home at all we shall go, from there. I very much Doubt, however, whether we go at all. It is 13 miles, from here to Warrenton, which we can easy march. We drew 3 Days Rations, tonight, which makes the Boys feel a great deal better.  If we do not go Home, & we lay at any Camp, I shall have to send for a few Days

Camp near Warrenton Junction.  July 27th 1863 5,30 AM. We left White Plains, yesterday morning, at 5,30, & marched 13 miles to Warrenton, arriving there at noon. Talk about marching, this was the Hardest we ever had, we rested once in that time, for 10 minutes. the rest of the time, we had to keep Marching as fast as we could walk. They told us, when we arrived at Warrenton, we should Camp there, But instead of that we only staid one hour (&) was then Ordered to the Junction, 9 miles.

This part of the marching the Roads were Bully, but oh, how hot it was. They marched us at most on a Run, every step almost, the Boys would fall down Sun Struck. we lost 6 men, from Warrenton here, out of the Brigade, & more will Die. I tell you it looked hard. Jefre Cooley, came very near being Sun Struck. I put some Water on his head & brought him too [sic]. For my part, I keep my Head wet all the time, this I know helps, on such marches.

We have now Camped one mile, from Warrenton Junction. I think we shall lay here today, Draw Rations &c. If we go Home at all, it will be from here, but I am afraid it is played out. We think here, that we shall march, to [Falmouth] then cross to Fredericksburg, where we will take Possession of the Hights. Then Lee must Fight or keep [away] from Richmond. We are a hard looking [set] here, this morning, all completely worn out. Warrenton is the prettyest little Place I have been in, since I left Home. It is a splendid little place. We are working now towards Centreville, I would not care, if they were there to stay.

We hope to get our Mail today, which will make us all feel good

I will write as soon & as often as possible

Love to all

Manley

Elmira Barracks No 1, Aug 8
7,30 AM

Dear Father

I suppose you read the letter, I wrote, last week & if you had not heard it before, were a little surprised, to find I was in the State. We are having very easy times here now, not much Duty to do, once in a while a little Guard & Patrol at night. Yesterday morning I attended the 1st M E Church, & last night the 2nd. Where Mr Herman Preaches. It seemed good to go to Church again.

If nothing happens now, I expect to be in Geneva Wednesday Noon, & would like to have Charlie meet me there. We expect the Boys back today, that went Home on Thursday. I shall try & get my pass tomorow afternoon, Dated on Wednesday, & run down to Watkins & stay over night, Then take the morning Boat for Geneva. I should like to go down on Capt [Deys] Boat, but can not arrange, so as to do it. You may be sure I am counting the Days, I have never seen longer ones. If Charlie will meet me at the Steamboat Landing, Wednesday morning, I can get Home much cheaper

Hoping to see you soon

Manley

Barracks. No 1. Elmira. N.Y
Aug 12th 8 AM

Dear Father

After a very warm ride, we arrived in Genoa at 2,45 PM, Just 30 minutes before the Boat left. That Time is 3,15 PM. Just before we got there, the Boys made up their minds, to put out the Horse, & get Passes up & down the Lake & so take a trip with me. Of course I had no objection, as it would cost them nothing. We had a very pleasant Trip up the Lake, though it rained pretty hard, Just before we landed. I called on Grandma, but did not get Supper, as I did not feel Hungry. I left W, at 9,58, & am here, at 10,58. It took but a short time to get to the Barraacks.

With Regard to the Conscripts, we have 11 here altogether, Just what we had when I left.  this morning Rice, the Young man, I thought, had left the Day after me, is going Home, Through, that Fellow, of ours that went Home, & got a Dr’s Certificate, on a Boil, only one of our Detachment, can be gone at a time. This will make my chances poorer for coming Home. at any rate, it will take longer. Capt Seeley Dont seem to take any interest in the Boys, he dont seem to care whether they go or not, other Detachments have got 3 men Home, but we can only have one.

It is reported here that the Major of the 98th NYV, is to take comand of our Barracks here, if so we may have different arrangements. Things are quiet in the Village, but little going on except, examining Conscripts. If I do not succeed in getting another Furlough, I shall to see You & Mother here. [sic] Mother said she did not expect to come up here, but there is no such thing as that. You have Friends enough, so you can come up & stay. I will write often, & keep you posted

My Love to all

Manley

Elmira Barracks No 1
Aug 13th 2 PM

Charles Henry Augustus

I hope you arrived home safe, & had as a pleasant Trip down the Lake, as we had up. I suppose you got Home about 2 PM, yesterday, & not have to Drive hard at that. I came through all right that night, had a pretty good sleep on the Cars, It was pretty Dark when we got in, but I managed to find my way to the Barracks.

I have done nothing since I have been here, but lay around. This morning I went to the City, but there is nothing going on here. We have a Col in Comand of our Barracks who is trying to put on Style. He Ordered yesterday the Detachments to Drill, only 2 Drilled out of 16, I could not see the Drill.

I think if they do not soon have Different Arrangments here before long, that my chances will be poor for coming home again. We have 2 Boys here that have not been home yet, & if they only let one go at a time it will be 20 Days before my time will come again. No one knows what will turn up in that time. I hope however we shall have Different Arrangements, next week, when the Major of the 98th takes Comand.

I shall expect you Saturday night, & will be at the Depot to meet you, Tell Mother to Bake me, a Cake, currant Cake. If you come you had better start in the morning, so the Horse can rest at Geneva, then who ever comes with you Drive him back when it is Cool. I think you will enjoy yourself here, We have got a few [Students], here, as the Boys call the Conscripts, they are a peacable set, dont offer to leave us.

Tell Mother the Pillow is Bully, I have to lay on it all the time to keep it.

Hoping to see you soon

Yours
M T Stacey

Elmira Barracks No 1
Aug 17th 1863
8 AM

Dear Father

I believe I wrote two letters last week, but read nary one. That is hardly right.

Charlie arrived safe on Saturday night at 11 PM. I was on Guard but, I took time to get to the Depot to meet him. I brought him to the Barracks, & after some persuasion got him to bed, though he wanted to stay up all night with me. I did not get relieved early enough to go to Church in the morning, but went last night to the 1st Church. Charlie says he will be Home on Saturday, of nothing happens.

Things look very promising, for our speedy return to the Regt, all the Conscripts we had here, were sent off, saturday night. The Officer of the Day, said this morning, that we should stay here two months yet & I am thinking a little of going to Walkers this week for a Day.

If nothing happens, I should get Home some time next week, that is if nothing happens. Two of our Boys go home this week, then I shall go. Tell Mother I want a Red Silk [Hakf], to take back with me. Charlie tells me, that mother, could not get me any Pants stuff in the City. I am sorry.

I am getting sick & tired of this Town. it is the Dullest place I ever was in. It is pleasanter however, than Warrenton Junction.

I shall hope to hear from you this week

Love to all

Manley

Elmira Barracks No 1
Aug 19th 5,30 PM

Dear Father

I have just read your letter of the 18th & will answer immediately.

In regard to Charlie he has behaved all right since he has been here, we have staid in the Barracks, most of the time he has been here, All the sights in Elmira, can be seen in 2 Hours, so I have [ran] but little. This morning Charlie, Rice & I went down to a little lake, about a mile & a half, from here. There we had a pretty good time. I think he has enjoyed himself since he has been here. Charlie says he made arrangements with George Francisco, to meet him at Geneva, on Saturday morning, he says he will be home on Saturday, with out fail. He has not spent much money, since he has been here, but a very little.

In regard to my next Furlough, if nothing happens, I shall get one Monday of Tuesday. I think now I can get off then. There was a little trouble today, the General refused to sign all the Furloughs, that was sent down, that I think will wear off, in a day or two, When I return, I shall come to Clifton & stay all night, & Charlie meet me there. I should like to go, to Auburn while Home this time, if possible. I do not think I should have any trouble in getting a pass for Pen Yan (Penn Yan), over Sunday, it will depend upon how busy we are.

We have not got a conscript here today all left. Our Lieut told me today, that we were back in the 22d Corps, I hope not, I prefer the 2nd by all means. It is reported here tonight that our Corps, has fallen back on Alexandria.

Nothing new in Camp
My love to all

Manley

Barracks No 3 Elmira
Aug 27th 1863
10 AM

Dear Father

I know you will be disappointed in not seeing me Home today. but I am not to blame. After this I will not write when I expect to come Home, then there will be no trouble.

Yesterday afternoon we were ordered to move over to No 3 Barracks, & take our Conscripts over. We got fixed up here last night. We are now about a mile & a half South west of the Depot, On Monday next we are to be Mustered, So no Furloughs will be granted, to run over that time, as all are to be here to Muster. I could get a Furlough, from now till saturday, but that will not do me. They will grant Furloughs again next tuesday, So I calculate now to get off on tuesday, if nothing happens. I am very sorry but of course can not help it.

I shall be at Home, the last Sunday, of Fathers time at Lyons, in time to hear that Farewell Sermon. I expect to go to New York, tonight or tomorrow night Which will be much better than Laying in this Camp. This Barracks is an awful Hole, Miserable Rations I cant eat them.

We have got now about 300 Conscripts here. I have had some liberal offers this week if I would let them go. We had Orders the other night on Guard, to take all Money that was offered to us, & then shoot them if they undertook to run. That I call willful Murder & wont do it. Money wont [hire] me, to let one of those Gentlemen go. A fellow came up to me the other night & showed me $150, & told me to take it & let him go, I could not see it.

If I go to New York I shall call on Barnum, & go through the Museum. I got a letter from [J..] Voak, yesterday, he wants me to come to Pen Yan, & he will meet me there

Hoping to hear from you soon, with love to all

Manley

Barracks
No 3 Elmira
Sep 2nd 63

Dear Father

I suppose you will be looking for me home by this time, & if we had, had, an Officer today, I should have sent my Furlough in today. As it is I do not know when I shall get there. Our Capt went to New York, last night, & will not be back in a day or two. until he gets back, I can not get it through.

I wrote you last Thursday, that I expected to go to New York, Thursday night I was Detailed. We left here on Saturday morning at 5 AM, on the Cincinnatti Exp one hour behind time. We had on board 73 men mostly Substitutes.

We had no trouble going down. Arrived in Jersy City at 5 PM, took the Ferry across, then, marched to the Park, Barracks, then halted a few minutes, then went to Castle Garden, & took the Goot Boat to the Island.

After we started from here, 2 of our men got away. They got Citizens Clothes, some way, went in the Privy, changed their Clothes, dropped down in the River, & swam ashore. This was rough on us, as we were feeling so nice, about not loosing [sic] any men.

We arrived at the Island about 7 PM, & laid on a pile of lumber, till midnight, then went on board the Boat, & I slept till morning. We got back to the City about 7 AM, Went to Courtland St Hotel, left our things & got Breakfast, After Breakfast we went up to the Central Park & walked around until 1 PM, came back to Dinner, then went up to Greenwood Cemetry [sic] in Afternoon, In eve had good sleep.

Monday morning we went to Barnums Museum & on Board the California Steamer Illinois, In afternoon to the Five Points. We left the City yesterday morning at 7 AM & arrived here, after a pleasant trip at 4,20 PM, It is now my turn to have the first Furlough, I shall try very hard, to get it through tomorrow but cant tell anything about when I shall get home

Hoping to see you soon love to all

Manley

Barracks No 3
Elmira Sep 23d

Dear Father

I have just returned from New York having left here, on Friday last. We left here friday night at 5 PM, & went as far as Susquahanah, where we had to lay, until Saturday afternoon at 2 PM, owing to the Track being washed away. We arrived at Jersy City, 10 PM, Sunday morning at 6, when we took the Ferry, for NY. We got back from the Island, at 1 PM & left the City, last night at 5 PM. We had 11 Guards & 92 men mostly Substitutes. We got through with, out losing but one man though we had a considerable trouble as they were Determined to break the Guard.

Now with regard to a book you said you found, that I left at home, I now [sic] nothing in regard to this book, I am no such a man, I have something better to do than go to anysuch places. I have never been guilty, of any such thing as you accuse me of. I can not imagine how I ever had such a book for I am sure, I have never seen it. Now I want this to settle it, I never have been guilty of any such thing, I think too much of myself.

It is reported here, today, that we are all ordered back to our Regts, & that we shall leave here, in a day or two, I do not know how true it is, but I am going to make sure of it, by sending to Francisco, for the things I am going to take back. If we do not go now I do not think I shall be able, to come Home again. Furloughs & 3 day passes are played out. I shall be glad to come, but am afraid I shall not be able. Things do not look now, like our staying here, I think we shall get back in time for, the next Fight, I do not think we shall get our pay here, I am afraid it is played out.

I shall hope to hear from you soon

Love to all

Manley