Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Barracks No 3
Elmira Sep 25th

Dear Father

Since I wrote you last, we have had several changes, all the old Detachments have been organized into 4 Co’s, & now have Roll Calls in the morning. Co Drills for 3 hours a Day. In fact, the Col has got the strictest kind of Dicipline [sic] in Camp.

It looks but very little now like, going back to the Regt, I have heard several of the Officers say, that we should stay here most of the winter. I hope not for it is a great deal worse here, than in the Regt, the Boys are all anxious to go back for they know they are better off, in the Regt.

I am in hopes this thing will play out, I can not see what would keep us here all winter, unless they have another Draft.

There is no signs of our getting our Pay. I do not know the reason, unless, it be through the neglijence [sic] of our Officers. If I do not get my pay, I shall have to send home for 2 under shirts the same as I wore on the RR, & pair of Boots. It is awful cold, in our Barracks today, Have to lay in bed to keep warm

I will write you as often as anything occurs

Love to all

Manley

Barracks No 3
Elmira Sep 28th
2 PM

Dear Father

I have just read your letter of the 25th, with $2,00 Enclosed which came good, The Paymaster comes tomorrow, but I can not tell whether we shall get out pay, or not, It is reported that we shall not get our pay, unless we have our Descriptive lists, & that I have not got. I can not tell however, but shall soon know.

Things are moving along about the same as usual, in Camp, only we have to Drill, 2 hours a day, All the Old Detachmants, are Organized into Companies with Officers in charge. I have got done Volunteering to go to the City, as I see you do not like it, I shall only go when I am Detailed.

Things look now like staying here, a long time, it looks but little like leaving. I shall try & get a 3 Day pass & come home the last of this week or the first of next. It will be quite a while before my turn will come again for a Furlough, but if we stay I shall get another.

I will write as often as possible. I can write no more, most Drill Time

Love to all

Manley

Barracks No 3
Elmira October 4th
3 PM

Dear Father

I received two letters from you, the past week, & should have written sooner, but to tell the truth, I had nothing to write about. There is actually nothing going on in Camp. Things are moving off, about the same as usual, We have recd nearly all the Conscripts that, we shall get under this Draft, but very few are coming in now. If we, do not have another Draft, I think we shall be through, & go back to our Regts, about the Middle of the Month. I do not think, there will be another Draft, though there may be. For some reasons I wish there would & for others, I would prefer them to raise, the men by Volunteering.  I do not want to stay here all winter, by any means, unless we have a change in Officers. Col Brown that has Command of our Barracks, is Tyrant & is hated by both Officers & Men.

I should like to have, both Mother & You come up here before I go back. We have nearly a Regt here now, Old Soldiers & Invalids. We make, quite a Show on Drills & Parades. We have a great many Visitors, both on Week Days & Sundays, at Dress Parade’s.

I hope to come home for a few Days this week, though it is Doubtful, we can only get 3 Days Passes & it will not pay, to come Home for that time, $5,00 for 2 Days at Home. I got my Pay last week, after some little trouble, I shall get me a Pr of Boots here, I can get a good pr for $6,00, Double Soles. If we stay here this Winter I shall certainly come home again on a Furlough if not it is Doubtful I will write often[er] this week, News or no News

My love to all
Kiss Maggie for me

Manley

I should like a letter from Charles, if he will Deign to write me one

Barracks No 3
Elmira Oct 8th
1 PM

Dear Father

I am afraid 3 Day Passes are played out, Col Brown has shut down on it.

We now have to Drill from 9 to 11 AM, from 2 to 4 PM, Dress Parade at 5 PM, This is a big thing. Yesterday it was reported in Camp, that 2 Comissioned Officers & 4 men, were to be sent back, out of each Detachment, and today the Report is, that the Men are to go Home for 30 Days, after this Draft before the next one, I think if there is another Draft, some such thing will be done. That is the Question now.

I do not think now that I can come Home, in less than 15 Days, we have got 2 Boys to go Home on a Furlough yet before my time come again. It is very hard now to get a Furlough. They grant but few.

There is nothing going on now, in Camp, It is raining too Day so we are not Drilling. There is a great deal of talk here about going back, but I dont see it.

I bought me a good pr of Boots, for $6,00. tip top Calf Skin. I also got me a Cap, & Shirt. I am now rigged out for Winter. I also got a pr of Gloves.

I shall hope to see you up here before long. The only way that I could get Home would be if any of you went Sick. I read a letter from A B Williams this morning from the Regt, they are all well & are 10 miles beyond Culpepper.

Hoping to hear from you soon

Love to all

Manley

(some notations on the back side)

Wood 50,00
Flour 25 [lb]
Meat 1 Doll a [ ]
Groceries 2 Doll
[ ]

50
50 4,32
100
32

Barracks No 3
Elmira Oct 14th

Dear Father

Since I wrote you last, there has been some changes here. Yesterday morning I got an Order from the General, stating that I was relieved from Duty at these Barracks, & would immediately report at my Regt, for Duty. The Order said, that I should go yesterday, with a Squad, that was going to Washington. As they did not go, I am still here. When I shall go I can not tell now. The General recd orders yesterday not to send any men to the Army of the Potomac, just at present as they are expecting a [muss]. This order was completely unexpected, to me, nor do I know any reason for it. I shall get a sepperate [sic] Transportation & go when I please. I shall come Home for a day or two, you can depend upon it. There are some things, that I must take back including those Watches. I shall get my Transportation, so can go when I choose on it.

This gives me but a very little, as I am quite ready to go. Two thirds of the men here are going back the last of this month any way, I shall take my time, going back, you may be sure, for no one knows, where I shall find the Regt.

There is nothing of importance going on in the Camp

Hoping to see you soon
Love to All
Manley

Oct 21st 63
2,30 PM
Elmira Depot

Dear Father

After a very pleasant ride, this morning we arrived at Gorham at 7,30 being just 2 hours on the Road. I arrived in Elmira at 10,30 AM, and found that [Kinnie] the Young Man that was going back with me, had gone, on monday. But he left word with the Boys, that He would meet me in Washington.

There is nothing new here. The 97th NY & 149th NY Detachments, go down to the Army tonight. I had no trouble in Getting my Transportation Tickets so shall leave here at 5,25 PM.

I must confess, that I have been Homesick all day. I am glad that I came to Gorham, it was much pleasanter.

Baltimore 7,30 AM. We have just arrived at the Provost Marshalls, & will get our Transportation, so as to leave on the 10 AM Train for Washington. I had a pretty rough night but little sleep. So this morning felt rather rough. the last of the Conscripts at Elmira, came down with us, so their work is played out, There is nothing going on, in Baltimore this morning, all quiet.

As soon as I get in W. I shall go to Mrs Millards, & leave my things, then go where I please.

I will write you as soon as I leave Washington, or in a day or two.

Hoping you are all well, [ ]
love to all

(the bottom of this page is torn off)

Camp near Warrenton
Oct 30th 1863

Dear Father

I have but little to write, today, but knowing you will be anxious to hear, I will write a few lines. there is nothing going on in Camp, the Officers are making out the Muster Rolls, We had Brigade Drill this morning, but as a general thing, the boys Drill but little now.

We now have to keep 8 Days Rations on hand, 5 of theses we have to carry in our Knapsacks. The Boys have got, a Pack Horse, now so they get all their things carried, such as Blankets &c.

I am to act as Sergt, right along, the same as usual, so the Lieut said this morning. The boys were all glad to see me back, and now it seems good to be with them. The Report has been in Camp, that, our Regt was to be sent to the Rear, to recruit up. I can’t see it. A Lieut told me, the other day in Alexandria, that in less than 3 months our Regt, would be consolidated, into 4 Co’s. I don’t believe this however, We shall get some men.

My clothing bill this year, is $60,00 this will take a good pile out of my Pay. It will be taken out this pay day.

Tell Mr Brown, that I delivered, the Boots to his boy all right. He is well & looking well, The Boots are just what he wanted. The boys are all feeling well, but looking hard. Just as I did when I came Home. We are about 4 miles from Bristoro Station & the Battle Ground.

I think Mother did do well, better than any time before. Our Regt has not got a man, nor is there any prospect, of any, this Winter. Just as soon as anything turns up I will write. I shall be very glad to get the Rochester Papers, anything to read.

Address No 1
Camp near Warrenton
Oct 31st 11 AM 63

Charles Henry Augustus

Well Charlie, here is the first, of a series of Letters, I shall address to you. Now my Son, be steady, take the place of your oldest Brother in all things at Home. Now what do you think of this order, we can not cook our Dinners until the Bugle sounds nor after such a time. no cooking between meals.

Lieut Green told me last night, that, Col Mac ordered me to act as Sergt, in the Co, & that I should have the first Promotion. He said I should be Promoted the first one. If the Co is filled up, I think I shall be Orderly, the way things look here, it will be nothing else. I think Capt Holmes will be in the Invalid Corps, Green will be Capt, Charlie Cook, 1st Lieut & Catlin, 2dn. At any rate, I do not expect to get anything now. Green says I shall draw pay from 25th of June, when I get my Promotion.

We have got 13 men for Duty, though we only turn out, 7 or 8, for Drills. I can not tell how long we shall lay here, I think however we shall soon go into Winter Quarters. the Rail Road, now is open, to Warrenton, so we shall soon Draw Soft Bread, & get our Mail regular.

I wish you would tell Father, to send me a leather Watch Guard my chain is broken, I broke my Crystal out, last night laying on it. I am afraid I shall not be able, to send you the V I owe you, this Pay Day, Nearly $30,00 will come out of my Pay, for Extra clothing. I wish you would send me a good Pocket knife, you know mine was stolen. Also send me, 2 lbs, of — you know what, it is worth $3,00 per pound here. Things are moving along all right in Camp, in our Dig Tents, I wish you could see us come out of our holes, It rained all night last night, I tell you it was fun,

I will try & get you a Revolver, in the next Fight, now Charlie I want you to write, me a great deal oftener, than you did before, tell me all the news, Send me a Waverly Magazine, once in a while. I will make it all right, when I get my $75,00 Bounty, at the close of the War, I wish I could send you some money, but I can not. Wait awhile. Wait I say.

6 PM. The report is now in the Regt, that we, are are soon to advance, to Richmond some say tomorrow, Some of the Officers think we shall yet go to Chatanooga Tennessee, I would rather go there than Fight in Virginia.

I will write, every day or two, until this is settled. Give my love to all

Manley

Camp near Warrenton
Nov 2nd 1863

Dear Father

I have written you a letter, about every other day, since I returned, which will partly make up, for what I lacked, while at Washington. Tonight there is a report that we soon move, but I do not see it. We have to keep 8 Days rations on hand, all the time, this will be nice to carry. Tonight, we Draw, Potatos Beans & Dried Apples, 1 Potatoe, 4 Beans, & 2 pieces of Dried Apples, a piece Heavy Rations. A great many of the boys, are Stockading their Tents, also the officers. I think we shall soon move, when I can not tell. Tonight I expect, to go on as Lieut of the Guard, the first time I have been on Duty since my return. We average one Drill in 2 Days so are not worked hard at present.

I am sorry Charlie, exposed me but then I am not as harmed, Officers & all have the same Complaint, you can not keep clear of them, while laying on the Ground. About the Overhauling, all I have to say is invite in the Neighbors. Do you think we can not, boil water here, That is a mistake. It turned out to be the best thing, I could do my not reporting, to the Provost Marshalls, for if I did, I should have been sent to the Convalescent Camp, as some did that went down with me. At any rate I was in no hurry, to report. We are living very well here, though we soon expect to Draw Soft Bread.

I do not cough but little now, have not since I left Home. I am feeling tip top, sleep well & take my rations as natural as ever. How often do you want me to write, will twice a week be often enough. There is but little to write now. I wish you would tell Charlie, to send me some Tobacco, in a newspaper, right off. He knows what I want. My clothing Bill amounts too 64,75, my allownace is 42,00 big thing. Lieut Green is fleshing right up, & is getting quite Stout.

Hoping to hear from you often, with love to all

Manley

Brandy Station
Nov 9th 7 AM

Dear Father

I suppose you have heard eve this, that the Army of the Potomac, is again, on the advance so of course that means us. We left our Camp, on saturday morning last, & marched too Warrenton Junction, from there to Bealton Station when we halted for Dinner, Genl Meads, Hd Qtrs, was near us. After a short rest, we marched, to the Rhapahanock, half way between, Kellys Ford & Banks Ford. The 3d Corps was in the Advance of us, There we laid all night, When we marched up here, the Artillery was Shelling then Johnies, & the 3 Corps was Skirmishing. Here they took 1300 Prisoners, The 5th & 6th Corps Crossed, at Rhapahanock Station, & took 4 Guns, & 100 Prisoners. That night the Pontoons, were laid in front of us & the 3 Corps Crossed.

Yesterday Morning, at 7 AM we Crossed the River, & laid in Since on top of a hill, While the 1st & 2nd Divisions, of our Corps, threw out Skirmishes, & advanced. Here I saw the most Splendid Sight I have seen during the War, Our Divisions advancing on a Double Quick, Here we found no Rebs So soon Advanced, to the Pike Road, leading to Orange Court House, When we laid a Couple of Hours, for Dinner. All this time the Cavalry were Driving the Johnies, & firing into their Rear.

After a good rest, we marched to Brandy Station, where we Halted for the night. This morning we are Drawing Rations of Pork. the 3d Corps took a few Prisoners, they say, that Lee, is going to make a stand at Culpeper, that is about 6 miles from here. We do not think he will Stand though, this Side of their Fortifications, on the Rapidan. That seems to be the General opinion. We can not tell where we are bound for, some say on to Richmond & others, that we are going to Fredericksburg, that Meads plan is to get possession of the Hights first, if possible. The Chaplain thinks this is his plan. At any rate we shall have a little brush today, between here & Culpepper.

Our Division has been in the Reserve, since, we started, which makes, it easier for us. This march is hard on us, Me especially my feet have troubled me some.

the 8 days Rations, we have to carry, [came] hard on us, we have awful loads to carry, The Boys stand it well however better than I expected. I think we have got fun ahead & some Work. the 1st, 2nd, 3d, 5th & 6th Corps, are here altogether. so [where] we make a strike it will tell. I think now we shall do something, that will tell.

Yesterday, I marched easier, than I did the day before but, felt, far Different, from what I did, 3 weeks from that day at Home. Mr Brown told me he had read a letter, from you & that you said, you had not heard from me, since we left Alexandria, While I laid in Camp, I wrote, nearly every other day, I do not see why you did not get them,

I will write just as often as possible, you know that. I shall try & keep you posted. but I do not want you to stop writing, because we are on the Move, I think more of a Letter now, then ever. Write often.

Tuesday Morning 7 AM. Laid still all day yesterday, going to advance today, towards Culpepper

Manley