Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Camp Douglas
Chicago Illinois

Dear Father

I do not think you used me just right in not writing before, but I suppose you have been expecting us home. We have about given it up, though we keep hearing rumors about it. I think there is no doubt our going home, but then we can not tell when our Colonel & the Colonels of the other NY Regts are trying to get us home on the plea that, this is a great deal more unhealthy place than our own State. I know it is as our Boys are dying off every day, you can see three or four corpses in the Dead House all the time.

Wm Sharp¹ 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 & lingered along until the Afternoon.  8 of our Boys escorted the corpse to the Depot & did all in their power to help the Parents.  We escorted it to the Depot & 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 & 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] & always doing his duty.

After his Parents had left we went to the Tremont House & heard Genl 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 & I think he makes a Splendid looking Soldier.

there is a great deal talk here of Foreign Intervention, here & having a war with England.  Do you think there is anything in it, It is the common Talk Down town.  I was very glad to get so good news from Wayne County & hope it [ ] just as good from New York State.  As soon as you get the returns please forward as soon as possible, as I am very anxious to hear.

I have just been to our breakfast, which is Salt Bacon, so Salt[y] that no body can eat it, Bread & Coffee, I never could drink the Coffee since I was sick at the Ferry.  Now how do you think we could live like that & we could not, except we bought some Butter, to eat on our Toast Bread & this all costs money.  I wish you would send me a [ ] I do not like to ask for Money & am sorry to write for it, but we must live here & if we come home, I could not live on the Rations we would have.

Last night the Ticket Agent on Michigan Southern RR told one of our Boys that we were going today or tomorrow, that the Cars were all ready.  When we go that is to be the Route & we are to have Passenger Cars to ride in.  I wish I knew when we were going, so as to tell you I shall most certainly let you know when we start.  But I do not want you to stop writing or sending the Papers, until You know, that we are on the way.  The Colonel seems to be determined to have us go home, but I do not know how he will succeed.

I have been promoted either to 4th or 5th Corporal I do not know which yet, as it has not been read yet, but will be this PM. I[t] does not go to the Sergeant. [Dwyer] a Dutchman.  the 6th Corporal takes Warrens place & he is reduced to 5th Sergeant.  He had ought to have been brought to the Ranks.  One of the Corporals over me, a Dutchman from Lodus is reduced to the Ranks, I am glad of this as he was no Officer. Tomorrow Sunday, our Regt goes on Guard again, & on Monday. I shall go to Mrs Stones again

Love to all
Manley

¹ Sharp, William W.–age,21 Enlisted 6 Aug 1862 at Lyons to serve three years. Died, 7 Nov 1862, at Chicago, IL

Camp Douglas
Chicago Illinois
Co D 111 Regt NYSV
Nov 9th 1862

Dear Father

I received your welcome letter today, while on Guard & now proceed to answer it

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 cant help it.  Today quite an amusing thing occurred to day, in the Guard House A Woman came in, dressed in Soldiers Uniform & was put in the Guard House, I say amusing it was a sad sight,  She was so Drunk, that they had to carry her in.

This is the first time that I have had to go on Guard.  It is all uncertainty about our coming home, Barney has just told me that, he has heard today that we are to leave here on Wednesday or Monday next.  There is no use in my writing all the rumors I hear.  there has been a great deal of excitement in Camp the past few days about our being exchanged, for my part, I wish were to be.

[Perhaps] you may wonder how I spend so much money, it is just like this.  With out Butter we could do nothing with out it.  It is impossible to live on this Salt Bacon & dry Bread, you do not want me to when I can live better & Then there is milk to eat once in awhile & a great many more such things.

You had better be careful who you read my letters to or what you tell, today Barney had a letter from home, & in that it said, that I had written home about his drawing the Poor Widows things,  That is a pretty thing to [get] around the Company.

You asked me if I got my washing done, I do as we have no conveniences for washing here.  It costs me 8cts per pair for Drawers 5 cts for Shirts & three for Stockings.

Wm Waters felt very lonely here since Billy Sharp Died, he was just like a Brother to him.  I have bunked with Bill Sharp, about 6 weeks & I liked him & miss him very much.

Don’t you believe all the reports you hear about Billy Waters, he has not been Drunk, that I know.  he may have drank a little but he has not been Drunk.I know who wrote it, it was C McCumber a regular Spy in this Company, not any of the boys like him, he can not be believed, no more than Williams.

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 to [sic] late for the Mail.  I have just come on my relief & will have to stay till 10 AM, Just going & returning to my Breakfast.

Two Illinois Regts left for Kentucky yesterday the 93, & the 127th.  If it had been us, it would have suited [better]. I am glad you have done so well in getting a [rig ] & suppose you will find use for it, or at least Charley will.

I do not know how the Colonel will succeed in the plea, that this is the most unhealthy place. This I know that the 2nd time Regt went on Guard, we had 68 men in the Hospital & 78 sick in their Barracks.  Twelve men have Died in the Hospital that I know of & I do not know how many have died out.  It is nothing to see here 5 0r 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 & 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 no where with out seeing them.

What kind of a Story was that to tell, of Williams, that our Regt was paid Off,  That is smart.  It is no wonder he was not used better, writing home that he did not want anything & then to live & be kept right up by others.

I wish you could come out here, Just see how we live & then see how we could live if we had a Quartermaster.  There is some talk here, of having our QM dismissed and that Lieut Moor take his place.  That is the talk, how true it is I do not know. You may be sure if this is done, Co D will fare well in the future.   I think a great deal of Lieut Moor. Our Capt is a great favorite with the Colonel, & I should not be surprised if, he should be promoted to some thing higher yet. The last time our Regt was on Guard, he acted as Major, & well he did it too.  He is the finest looking Officer on the Ground, that is acknowledged by all. You should see him at Dress Parade when he marches up to Salute the Colonel.

My Promotion has not been read yet, but I think it weill be tonight. I am disappointed in not getting up more than two pages, I had expected some thing more then that.

Hoping to hear from you soon again, & to be at home yet before spring

I remain
Your Son
Manley

——————–

Mother

I would have written you before, had, I not thought I should be home, but as we are not nor is there much chance of it now, I will write. I was very much suprised to find how things have raised. I had not the slightest Idea of the change. I only wish I was home & could get a few Apples to eat with out paying 2 & 1/2 cts a piece for them.

I wonder who in the world, sent that Dispatch from Buffalo, saying that we eat Breakfast last Sunday in Buffalo, I suppose of course it caused some excitement. I am glad you have got a Girl at last, , which you has ought to have had before. You said if I were not in the Army you would go to England. If I were not, I soon would be, because I never should have been satisfied, until I have seen what I have & then how would it look, to have me at home & all the rest of the boys gone, no Sir I could not stand that, too much Mothers Grit for that,

Do not get me any Shirts or Bosoms, as I have got some & as to a Vest, I will get along until I know for certain what is to be done with us, if we are Exchanged, I am sure I shall not need it. Father asked me if I kept any account of the Money he sent me, I do not but expect him to take it out of my pay, when he gets it. If such a thing should happen that you should need Money, use my Bounty by all Means. I never asked Father it he put my money in the Bank or if he did what one, I ought to know, having so much Money out to Interest,

Do not send my Pictures to any Girls as I have already done that. You can send them to whoever you choose of your Friends. I have sent two & given two [orig] to Mrs Stone & Althea Yager. If Father finds fault with your letter let me know it. I will have him Court Martialed for it, I think that will stop it. I do not want you to have the Blues on my account, I feel tip top. I am quite well, & getting as fat as a Bean, that is what they all say here. I can not see what I am getting fat on, unless it be for want of work.

I must stop as I want to write to the Children

Manley

——————–

Charles

You say you will not write to me unless I send the Revolver. Now be careful how you talk to an United States Officer, or I shall send a Squad of men & have you put in Irons. You did not know that you had a Brother that was an Officer in the 111th did you. So now be careful how you talk to me. This is lovely business sitting up here this time of night 2,30 writing to you. Take good care of that Horse for me as I may want to use him & keep him up in style. I want you to see to things in my absence & when I return I will have you promoted to Corporals [Waiter]. Do you see any of the RR Boys, tell Jimmy I am getting as fat as a Bean & am having tip top times here

Hoping to ride with you this winter, or to take a ride on the Potomac.

I am
Manley
Don’t you believe all he says
Stacey

Camp Douglas
Nov 10th
Monday night
6 PM

My letter did not get down to the PO in time to send in the morning, so I laid it over till tomorrow morning.

I came of [sic] Guard this morning at 9 AM & have been trying to sleep all day.  To night at 5 PM, we had Dress Parade & our Promotions were read.  [Harvey] Warren¹ was reduced to 5th Sergeant & a Dutchman by the name of Louis Dryer², was promoted from 6 Corporal to 3rd Sergeant.  It makes me so mad to think a Dutchman over me.  he can talk hardly plain yet.  I am promoted to 5th Corporal, a Big Thing.  One of the Corporals put in are C Catlin³ of Sodus, to 7th & L S Rogers⁴ of Lyons to 8th.

There is a great deal of talk here today, about our being Exchanged, the boys are [ ] of this & are giving up coming home.  We are waiting very anxious to hear any news. One thing makes it look like it is we are making a requisition for more Clothes,  That I think looks like going into service again

Hoping to hear from You soon

Manley Stacy

List of Promotions in Co D
Augustus W Green⁵ from 2nd Segt to first, Charles Cookingham⁶ from 3rd Segt to 2nd, Louis Dryer⁷ from 6 Corporal to 3d Segt, H Warren⁸ reduced from 4th Segt to 5th segt & Penoyar⁹ from 5th Regt to 4th Segt. Adrian Contant¹⁰ 4th Corp reduced to the ranks, Charles Pulver¹¹ 5th Corp to 4th Corp Manley T Stacey¹² from 7th Corp to 5th Corp, J P Fishback¹³ from 8th Corp to 6th Corp, Charles Catlin Private, promoted to 7th Corp, Luther S Rogers Private, promoted to 8th Corp

I wish you could get this Drawn up in order in time for this weeks Republican

Manley

^{1 ?}Warren, George H.–age,27 Enlisted 6 Aug 1862 at Lyons to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant, Co. D, 20 Aug 1862; killed in action, 5 May 1864, at The Wilderness, VA.

² Dryer, Lewis –age,27 Enlisted 6 Aug 1862 at Lyons to serve three years. Discharged for disability, 4 Jul 1863.

³ Catlin, Charles M.–age,20. Enlisted 9 Aug 1862 at Sodus.Captured in action 25 Aug 1864 at Reams Station, VA.; paroled, no date.

⁴ Rogers, Luther S.–age,19 Enlisted 6 Aug 1862 at Lyons to serve three years. Promoted corporal, no date; killed in action, 5 May 1864, at The Wilderness, VA.

⁵ Green, Augustus W.–age,22 Enrolled 7 Aug 1862 at Sodus to serve three years. Mustered in as sergeant Co. D, 20 Aug 1862; promoted first sergeant, no date; mustered in as first lieutenant, 28 Nov 1862; wounded in action, 5 May 1864, at The Wilderness, VA.; discharged to disability, 7 Sep 1864.

⁶ Cookingham, Charles L.–age,18. Enlisted 6 Aug 1862 at Galen. Wounded in action 3 Jul 1863, at Gettysburg,  PA.; killed in action 5 May 1864, at The Wilderness, VA.

⁷ Dryer, Lewis–age,27 Enlisted 6 Aug 1862 at Lyons to serve three years. Discharged for disability, 4 Jul 1863.

⁸ Warren, George H.–age,27 Enlisted 6 Aug 1862 at Lyons to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant, Co. D, 20 Aug 1862; killed in action, 5 May 1864, at The Wilderness, VA.

⁹ Penoyer, Ira–age,27 Enlisted 5 Aug 1862 at Sodus to serve three years. Wounded in action, 3 Jul 1863, at Gettysburg, PA.; died of his wounds, 9 Jul 1863.

¹⁰ Contant, Adrian–age,19. Enlisted 11 Aug 1862 at Marion. Captured while on picket 1 Dec 1863, at Mine Run, VA.; released 24 Feb 1865, at Aikins Landing, Va; mustered out, 2 Aug 1865, at Rochester, NY.

¹¹ Pulver, Charles A.–age,30 Enlisted 30 Jul 1862 at Sodus to serve three years. Promoted corporal, no date; discharged, 18 Dec 1863, at Chicago, IL.

¹² Stacey, Manley T.–age,20 Enlisted 6 Aug 1862 at Lyons to serve three years; mustered in as corporal, CO. D, 20 Aug 1862; killed, 26 Dec 1863, accidentally shot; borne as Manley L. Stacey.

¹³ Fishback, John P.–age,21 Enrolled 9 Aug 1862 at Lyons to serve three years. Mustered in as corporal, Co. D; promoted sergeant major, 1 Sep 1863; wounded in action, 6 May 1864, at The Wilderness, VA.; mustered in as first lieutenant, Co. H, 4 Dec 1864.

Camp Douglas
Chicago Illinois
Nov 12th /62

Dear Father

We were very much surprised yesterday to see Mr Hunt & to hear direct from home.  I do not think he will be successful in getting Albert home.  Though I do not think he is getting any better.  Albert is in almost as good a place, as he would be if at home.

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.

I thought Holmes had written to you before this, about the Trunk, I should have thought he would have done it before this.

Lieut Moor Resignation was read at Dress Parade tonight, It took us all by surprise.  I think there will be some more Promotion, in our Company before long & then I shall get [up] another step.

Tomorrow, our Regt 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.

I think Mr Hunt will give you a good description of Camp life, as he came in a good Time.

It had been raining all day & was awful muddy.  Things are moving along in Camp Just the Same, no Excitement.  One hour we think we are going home & then the next, we give it all up.

The rumor that Mc [Clennan] (McClellan) has been superseded by Burnside, has caused some excitement here, but few are sorry for it.

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, & is no place for Men to Camp much less to stay here during the Winter.

I very much doubt now whether we get our pay, now until we are exchanged, though I know the Officers want their pay.  I do not have any more news to write, but this[:]  One of our Men that, wrote home about Billy Waters being drunk, was on the list for Promotions, but was thrown out,  Wrote home that he asked the Capt to take his name off, that he should consider it an insult.  This is not so as he expected to be Corporal, until it was read.  This is one of the ways you get the Reports from here.

Hoping to hear from you soon

Manley Stacey

Love to all

Watkins March 19th 1863

My Dear Friend Manley

For months past I have been intending to write to you. not because I have had anything specially interesting to write, but I have thought that amid the weary monotony of camp life perhaps a few lines from any friend would be acceptable and help to while away the long hours which the soldier spends far from home and its loved ones.

Long as I have thought of and defered writing doubtless my letter takes you by surprise and is what you were least looking for. I hear from your Father occasionally and through him from you, I can imagine how much of a sacrifice you must have made when you chose a soldiers lot and became for the present a willing exile from the home and friends so dear to you, but thousands of the noblest bravest of America’s sons have made like sacrifices, and their memories shall be forever enshrined in the hearts of the loyal mothers and sisters of the North. Every soldier is dear to me, and a uniform bespeaks for any one a hearty welcome here, perhaps I had better qualify that sentence a little, there are those among the officers course tryanical brutal men, without one spark of tru patriotism, without regard for their men, or one virtuous principle, such men I scorn, and turn with loathing from, the contemplation of their acts of injustice. I hope you are blest with good officers who have the welfare of their men at heart, for there are hardships enough to be endured in a soldiers life at the best & judging from what I know of your career since you enlisted I presume you know already more of the sufferings of a life in camp than I am able to imagine.

My Brother who was among the first volunteers is now 8 miles below Acquia at Belle Plain the Brigade (Gen Patricks) are Provost Guards, their duty is hard as they come on guard every third day & night but their time of service expires the middle of May and they are full of anticipations of a return to home and friends, but death even in this short space of time may call for some of them, and while we hope we also fear,

Doubtless you miss very much the religious priveliges which you have always enjoyed, but the Presence of God is every where and I hope you hold fast your christian integrity and faithfully serve Him to whom in youth you gave your heart, remembering that His promise is “I will never have nor forsake you,” Now this is a poor attempt at a letter, but I would very much like to hear from you, about your mess mates officers, Chaplain and should read with very great interest your daily experience in camp life, I would like to keep track of your wanderings while you are in the army, Are you among the three years men? Now I must bid you Good night, hoping you will excuse the liberty I have taken and answer my scrawl. May God Bless & protect you is the prayer of Your true Friend

L. M. Stout

Camp Douglas
Chicago Illinois
Nov 14th
9 AM

Dear Father

Mr Hunt thinks of going home tonight, so I shall send this home by him.  We did think of sending the Trunk home by him, but as we have nothing particular to send, I do not think we will,  I shall send the Revolver home by Mr H, to Charlie, he must be careful of it.

I hardly know what to think of our coming home everything looks mixed up.

Major Baird of the 126th, has been [Cashiered] & Discharged from the Service, he has told a great many of his boys that, they have broken their Parole & that they are Fools if they ever go into service again.  He says he shall read the Parole to all the boys.

Things have looked for the past few days, that we were going home today or tomorrow, but I doubt it.  The 126th Boys say they are under Sealed Orders to March But we can place no confidence in anything until we hear it positive. The Orderly Sergeant’s of all the Cos in this Regt, have drawn up petitions to the War Department with all the Comp’s names Signed, praying that we may be immediately Exchanged, once Mustered out of the Service.  Of course it would take some time to hear from this, even should it succeed.

Hunt will inform You on our life here, better than I can write it,  He took Supper with us last night, but said he could not eat, where we had to.  He did not see the [worst] of our living, such as Salt Bacon & Bread.  He came just the night time to see, how we live.  He says we can not possibly live here this winter.

You should go through the Different Barracks at night & hear the Coughing now & what will it be in the winter.  Dont be alarmed about me,  My Cold is almost gone.  Hunt will tell you whether I look very sick or not.  They have got the Diptheria in the Hospital, I think I shall keep away from there, after this.

If you send me a Trunk again, please let no one know it & then there will be no trouble I will mention a few things if I stay here I would like, about a Peck of Fried Cakes & a Can or two of Preserves, some Apples, & if you could send me some Honey in a Tin Can, I would like it very much.  Do not send me any Bed Clothes as I have Blankets enough to keep warm, If I should find a pound or two of Butter I would not object.  By all means do not send anything for the Capt in the Trunk, He is played out on that.

I know this is not very accomodating, but then, You make no friends by being to [sic] liberal with your things.  That was the trouble with the other Trunk.  I was to [sic] liberal with my things altogether & now I can go without.  I tell you this place makes a man Selfish, the Motive is every man for himself & it is carried out here to perfection.

there is no use of my writing much about Camp life here now, Hunt will inform you, All the Cry here now is I want to go home.  But how it will end none of us can tell.

I have Just received your letter, But have no chance to answer it

Will write again soon

Manley

Camp Douglas
Chicago Illinois
Co D 111 Regt NYSV
Nov 16th /62
Sunday 3 PM

Dear Father

I received your letter, from home to day & was glad so good & long one.  I wrote a long letter expecting Mr Hunt to start for home on Friday night last.  I suppose you will get this as soon as you will that.

I suppose Charlie will be all right, when he gets the Revolver.  I am glad he got, so good a chance to Travel & hope he will enjoy himself.

There was a mistake in your letter, in my saying that Barney, said that I Drawed the things. He said that, I wrote home accusing Williams of Drawing the things.  The trouble was, in the folks hearing that I wrote home about him.  I did not want to have any trouble with Williams, Barney & I are good Friends & always have been.  He has been bunking with me & Billy Waters, ever since, Albert Hunt was sick.  I think a great Deal of Berry, he is a Gentleman every inch of him. I never want any trouble with him.  Be sure and make this all right, with Mr Francisco Explain it all to him.

No one can say that I ever Drawed a thing, not even in an Enemys [sic] country. Barney & all will say the same. It is very likely that I made the mistake in writing the letter, I wrote amid so much confusion & in a hurry.

I am writing now while there is so much noise that I can hardly think.  Some of the Boys, have heard a new Rumor about going home, all are betting on it.

There is to be a change in the Officers, in our Camp this week.  Orderly tells me that I am to be Sergeant.  Dont say anything about it until, it is read.  I shall feel a little better, coming home with three Stripes on my Arm, than two.  I think our Orderly will be either 1st or 2nd Lieut.

So I have written before, Hunt will tell you all the news about Camp.  Our 60 Days are up & we are not Exchanged.  There is a great many reports in the Daily Papers, about an Exchange of Prisoners.  But I have not seen the Papers.

Do not be at all alarmed about me, I am going every day, I am going to be weighed in a day or two, I know I have gained since leaving home.  I am cheerful & contented as much as a man can be expecting every day, to get the orders, My [Lads] fall in for New York.  It would be worth a Quarter, to be in this Camp when the Order was read I am anxious to get home in time for the Exhibition.

If you should write to Potter please send some of my cards & let John Distribute them since I have been away from home.  It seems as if they are acting very strange.  Tell mother to use my money, by all means, & I think you must be sick, in telling me, that I could have a note, or a mortgage on the House.  I wanted you to have the money at First.  I shall not have a note or anything else on the Kind.  Mother is welcome to it & then you can send me, money from, the 10, a month.  Mr Hunt will show you how the money goes, here or how we could live with out it.

You need not give me any advice about, being kind to my Comrads [sic], I think that is one of my Faults, though I am reforming, I have always divided everything.  I get along tip top with all.

If we stay here 6 or 8 of us are going to form a class & learn German. Lieut [Doyer], has promised to teach us.  This would be quite a Diversion, besides profit.

We did not see anything of the Apples, that Hunt was to bring up to the Boys, probably he forgot it.

I have just heard from the Orderly, another [rumor] The Colonel went up to Tyler to get some Bed Ticks, Tyler said what do you want, Ticks for, you are going home next week, meaning this[:]  It seems to be the General Opinion that we are going home soon, but when we can not tell.  Capt Seely of Co A, will not need them this winter.

Tomorrow our Regt goes on guard again I am afraid it will be unpleasant, as it is unpleasant now & writing at 8 PM Any thing but a Rainy Day for Guard Duty.

I think Tyler, does not want us to leave, as he would rather have a Command here, than to go into the Field.  I would not be under him in the Field for anything, he is too much of a Tyrant.

Mother

If everything works around Just as we want it too [sic], we shall be home before long. Things look a little brighter than it did.  it looks more like going home, then it ever did before. I have heard that the Governments only Exchange Men twice a year & that it will not Exchange again until next May.  It that is so, we shall most likely to to New York or at least we hope so. Tom Hooker went to the Hospital to day, I think he going to have the Fever & Ague, nothing worse,  Do not alarm his folks.  He is not very sick.

I will speak to Capt, about Peter Crowl.  I do not think he can do any thing about it.  I do not think he could get his pay, here, as he was not Mustered with us.

Hoping to hear from you all soon

With love to all

Manley Stacey

(Editor’s note: This portion below was separated and may belong here based on text)

Charlie

I have sent your long wishes for a Revolver by Mr Hunt & hope you will get it safe.

I shall send it loaded & you must be very careful of it, Do not frighten Mother with it, there is no danger, as long as you are careful. You can get Cartridges of [sic] Bennet I think to fit, if not he will tell you where you can. You will see a little spring on top to pull back & pull up the Slide to load it. Perhaps you had better take it to Bennet & get him to show you how to load it.

Now Be very careful of it & d not let it get rusted, keep it oiled. I also send the Belt & the US Buckle I have been expecting to come home & bring it to you but have almost given it up now

Hope to hear from you soon

Manley

Camp Douglas
Chicago Illinois
Co D 111 Regt NYSV
7 PM

Dear Father

I do not know whether I can fill a sheet full of news, but I will try.

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 & now the news in Camp is, that all the Harpers Ferry paroled Prisoners, are Exchanged.

This I hardly believe, though hope it is so. The evenings papers say, that we are Exchanged & ordered to report at Washington If it is so, Good Bye, to going home.

I hope we will be sent with Banks, to Texas. That would suit me, tip top. Everything here now is, well, I cant tell you how We are hoping every day, for something to turn up.

We had a Battillion Drill. Two Cos from our Regt & two from the 15, 126, 125 & two from the 89th N Y.

The General told the Capt that our Comp did the best of any on the Ground. After this we are not to have a Guard around the Ground, we can go & come when we please, provided we are here to Drill & Roll Calls. I shall like this a little better.

I wish you could send me, my Watch by Williams next week, as, it is not settled yet that we go home, & I need it every day. I think if we do not go home, I will send for those things, I spoke about in the Trunk. But be sure you do not let everybody know it.

Our German School is played out, until this, is settled, what is to be done with us.

Wednesday 3 PM. I could not find news enough to fill out this letter, this morning, but since then we have heard enough this AM. I went up to get the Papers, when the Ajutant [sic] told me, there was no papers, that we were all ordered to Washington. He said, that Tyler told him, there would not be a New York man on the Ground to night. It is a settled thing that we are going to leave here, they say we are ordered to Washington, by the way of Cleveland Ohio, if we were going to W, why would we go that way. It would be cheaper to go the way we came a great deal, I think now we are going to NY.

It has been all confusion, in Camp to day, Some think we are Exchanged & feel downhearted, & others think we are to be quartered there & still some others think we are going home. Lieut Moor, says he shall go home, when we leave here & will take the Trunk home.

I shall send, home a Blanket My Rubber Coat, my vest a little box, with some little things in it. All of the Regt draws a Rubber Blanket, so I will not need the coat. The moment we leave here, I shall Telegraph home, if possible 7 PM It is rumored that we are under, sealed orders, to be opened at Cleveland. To night the boys are singing we are going home [ ] no more. They are feeling tip top all glad to get out of this place. But still there [lingers] a little uncertainty as to whether we are Exchanged or not.

Thur morn 6,30. No more news, except they all expect to go home to day. if we do not I shall go to Mrs. Stones & stay to night

Love to all.

Do not write again till you hear from me

Manley

Camp Douglas
Chicago Illinois
Co D 111 Regt
2,30 PM Nov 23rd /62

Dear Father

I received your letter last night, & must say it gave me the Blues. You seem to think it is a settled thing that we are Exchanged and that we are to go into the Field again, right Off. The boys here can not see it in the light that we are Exchanged yet, What in the World are we Exchanged for, & if we are, why were we not Exchanged when the others were, and not to wait a week & then say we were Exchanged. If we were Exchanged at the same time with the others, why was not something said about it. For my part I can not see the point.

We heard here today that the 11th NYSV, taken with us, and that left here the day before yesterday, were encamped at Rochester or were in New York State some wheres, if this is so, I think most certainly we shall come home too.

This I know, that we have Sealed Orders, to be opened at Cleveland Ohio. When we get there, we shall know what is to be done, with us. I think we shall most certainly leave here, tomorrow or Monday. When we go, we are to have first Class Passenger Cars, that would be a Luxury to us.

I have been to Mrs Stones this AM & had a good visit and a Splendid Dinner.

Yesterday our Regt was on Guard, I was Corporal of the First Relief. Came off at 6 AM. I have a great many Laughable incidents to relate about Guard Duty when I see you, or write again. If we have Dress Parade to night, we may hear something about our moving.

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, thats all. The Regt is to be divideded 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, burn 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.

the question now is with us are we going to Washington or not. Thats whats the matter. Did Charlie get the Revolver all right, I think he will like it.

When I get to Cleveland I will Telegraph where we are bound for, Buffalo or Washington I suppose you will be very anxious to hear, all about it I have sent the trunk to Francisca by Freight, most likely you will get it next week. I shall be disappointed if I do not see NY next week

Love to all

Manley

Please post these letters for me, I am out of stamps

Camp Douglas
Chicago Ill
Nov 26th
8 PM

Dear Father

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 contramanded, until further orders.

The 126th left here yesterday at 2 PM. It is very singular that our Regt is always been & always will be behind, all the rest. We are now the only New York Regt here. We are to have Pass [cars] & are to be divided into Squads of 48 men to a car & are not allowed to leave the Cars on the Road.

We have now settled down to the belief that we are Exchanged & that we are to get our Arms at Washington & will then go into the Field. I should have liked, to have come home, before we were Exchanged, but of course we can not now.

I think the boys will not go into the Field with as good Courage as they did before, but they have good reason, for not [feeling] better, they have been so misused, I sincerely hope we will join [Banks] & go to Texas, then we should have a splendid chance to see the country. And I do not think we should have as long marches, as we would if we went to Virginia.

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 Wm Pierce¹ of Sodus, He died with the Diphtheria. Tom Hooker is better, but I do not think he or A Hunt will go with us.

My Promotion has not been read yet, nor will it be until we get settled again. I think it will be 4th Seargeant, pay $11 a month.

5 PM. Just read Marching Orders for Washington, tomorrow at 3 PM. We are to go by Cleveland Harrisburg & Baltimore. when we get to Washington we are to [report] to Maj Genl Halleck, for further orders.

They are going to be very strict with us [on] the Road for fear that we shall Desert. When I Desert it will be when I can not possibly live, in the service. If we remain in Washington long I hope to see you there.

Please send me a watch & some Paper & Envelopes. I wish you would [ ] some of them as it is hard to get Ink here.

I am now perfectly contented & 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 [   ] & as soon as we know what we are to do as I know you will be anxious to hear.  With love to all & sorry I could not have seen you

I remain Your Son
Manley

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

¹Pierce, William–age,18 Enlisted 29 Jul 1862 at Sodus to serve three years. died, 27 Nov 1862, at Chicago, IL. (ed’s note:  This letter corrects the offical death date as being Nov 25.)