Civil War Letters 1862

Note: These were copied from a carbon copy of the letters that were typed by Alison Kip, working from hand wrtten text that Robert Cruikshank wrote or dictated. I have not corrected all of the odd spelling, some of which appears to be an old version of words. My Dad had the carbons bound by Quinn & Boden in Rahway. I've been working with them for about 15 years, using a variety of programs. I hope you enjoy reading them! ~ BAC

The Civil War Letters of
Robert Cruikshank

These letters were not always written on the date of mailing but each day, whenever time and opportunity offered, thus giving incidents of the day. I will here say that I went into the service wholly from patriotism,- that I had a happy home, a dear wife and one child (Ella) who was then fifteen months old. I was by occupation a carpenter and joiner, and had a good and growing business as Contractor and Builder. But when President Lincoln called for three hundred thousand more men, I thought it my duty to go, and, August 5th, 1862 I enlisted. When Company H 123rd Regiment, New York Volunteers was organized I was appointed by Captain Crary 1st Sergeant of the Company, went into Camp Washington at Salem N. Y. where the Regiment were rendezvoused and was mustered into the United States Service September 4th, 1862. The next day, Friday, Sept. 5th, at 10 P.M. the regiment left Camp at Salem, N. Y. for Washington, D. C. Thousands collected to see us off, as it might before the last time, and but little duty was done in camp that day except to visit with friends and pack up and prepare to leave. Oh, it was sad to part with those dear friends as we fully realized for what purpose we were leaving home! As we left the depot cheer after cheer went up from those left behind and was responded to by the regiment again and again until we passed out of hearing, thus covering up our anguish of heart.

R. CRUIKSHANK

City Hall Park Barracks, New York City, Sept. 7th, 1862.

I can write but a few lines now as we are to leave here at eight o'clock tonight and it is now six. You know about what time we left Salem, Friday night at 10 p. m. We did not make a stop until we arrived at Kinderhook on the Hudson. We arrived there at two o'clock the next morning and stayed there until six-thirty. Then we started for New York where we arrived at one-thirty P. M. We expect to go direct to Washington, D. C. We are all in good spirits and are well. I slept very well last night and felt quite refreshed this morning. Tell our people that you have heard from us. I have had a hard time today with some of the boys and brother Will is looking after them now and has not time to write to Father and Mother. Tell them that you have heard from us and we will write when we reach our place of destination.

Yours affectionately,

R. Cruikshank

Camp Chase on Capitol Hill, Washington, D. C.

Sept. 11th, 1862.

We left New York as I wrote you that we should in my last letter. We took the steamer for Amboy. While marching to the steamer the Trinity Church chimes played. At Amboy we took the cars for Camden, crossed the river to Philadelphia, Pa., and had breakfast at the Cooper Shop Volunteer Refreshment Saloon. The whole regiment was seated at once. After breakfast we were marched to the Park where we rested a short time, then started for the Baltimore and Ohio depot. We had to go without dinner that day but arrived at Baltimore about six o'clock P. M., Monday, where there was a good supper awaiting us.

The next morning we had breakfast at Washington, D. C., and Oh, what a breakfast! Nothing but bread and coffee. The tables were wet with coffee and the bread was thrown into it. The coffee was brought in tin cups which I think were never washed. Coffee was running on the floor and most of the men threw what was brought to them there also. After breakfast we were marched to this Camp. One man of our company was left sick at New York and one at Philadelphia, Pa. Some of the men ate peaches and green fruit. That with change of food and air has made them sick and they are kept close in Camp now. Write to me at this place and I will get it.

With love to you and Ella, and all the friends,

Ever yours affectionately,

R. Cruikshank

Camp Chase on Capitol Hill, Washington, D. C.

Sept. 16th, 1862.

We are in Camp from where I last wrote you, and have commenced the real life of a soldier. We have shelter tents, each man half a one which is a piece of canvas about four feet wide and seven feet long. Two men will put them together and put them up wedge shape and crawl under them on their hands and knees. They shelter us from the sun by day and the dew by night. We dig a small trench around them to carry off the water when it rains. They are open at each end. The Camp is laid out into Company streets and a strong guard posted all around it, and no soldier is allowed outside of the Camp without a pass from Colonel McDougall, The men know little of discipline yet and a whole company ran the guard yesterday and went into the city and some were brought back under guard. We have our guns and accoutrements and have to drill every day.

We have army rations and it is pretty hard for us, but will get used to the. Lieut. Elliot got me a pass so that I can get outside of the camp and get a good meal whenever I wish. The men do not like their tents and they are pulled down almost every night. Brother Will and Henry J. Cleveland are well. I hope to hear from you soon. Address as above.

Yours affectionately,

R. Cruikshank

Camp on Arlington Heights, Va.

Sept. 21, 1862.

You will see by the heading of this letter that we have moved Camp and am now on Arlington Heights near the Arlington House on a rise of ground commanding a delightful view of the surrounding country and the Potomac River. It is Sabbath morning and all is quiet in Camp, but we do not feel that quiet that you feel in your home, but all have time this morning for thought, prayer and reading their Bibles. Although we are far from each other and such a great distance between us, yet we can enter into the same thought and look to God for His blessing and rely upon His protecting care, and let us realize the comfort derived by these thoughts. I am not at all homesick but if there is anything that borders onto it, it is caused by the wickedness I see and hear every day. Of course there is nothing of the kind in our tents, for the boys all seem to have taken a turn for the best. They read their Bibles every day, and have resolved with themselves that they will use no profane language . There shall be no whiskey used as a beverage, and no gambling of any sort in our tent, and whoever breaks over will have to leave the tent. I trust none will have to leave. I see some of the effects of war here. This once beautiful country that we can see from this ridge is all trodden down by armed men. Fencing has been burned. Hundreds of acres of beautiful woodland and also orchards and groves have been cut down so as to give a view from one fort to another, and to keep the enemy exposed so that they cannot shoot our pickets. This country is very sparsely populated, and homes are a great distance apart. Brother Will is talking as if he were at home. Jestingly he says, "It is time to catch the horses to drive to church." So you see he feels like himself. I saw a grand sight yesterday. We were called out for a review which took place on a level piece of ground near the long bridge on the right. There were about six thousand infantry in line besides the artillery. We were reviewed by General Casey who is a very old and gray-headed man.

General Rand was at our Divine Service today. We have preaching at 11 o'clock A. M. Mr. Gordon preaches well and tells us our duty and that we should not rely on man but on Him who is the Upholder of all nations. I received a letter from you last evening and was sorry to hear that Ella was sick. I had been looking for a letter a long time and was very glad to get one from you. Write as often as you can. Does Ella try to talk yet? Write me all the news. Excuse my change of subjects as I write at intervals.

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Camp on Arlington Heights, Va.

Sept. 23, 1862.

I received your letter of the 18th inst. and was pleased to hear that Ella had recovered and that all were well. I also received the "Salem Press" in the same mail. You cannot imagine what pleasure it gives me to hear from home. I enjoyed your first letter with Ella's scrawls, trying to write Papa. You ask what I sleep on and what we have to eat. I have given you a description of our tents in a former letter in which I said two occupied one tent. We spread one blanket on the ground, crawl under the tent and draw the other over us as each man has a blanket. We have plenty to eat. We have good fresh baker's bread, fresh and salt beef, pork, nice beans, coffee, sugar, salt and vinegar; desicated vegetables for soups, soap and candles. We don't have to eat the soap and candles yet. We have coffee for breakfast, water for dinner and tea for supper. I am gaining flesh on this fare and so are the men of the Company. Our drill master, A. Laughlin, has been very sick but is now improving. Your brother Alex. H. is well. Captain Crary has not been well, but is now better. Lieutenant Elliot is well. They are very kind to their men and are much respected by them. They have each received a beautiful sword presented by the citizens of Salem and I feel they are worthy to receive them, and that they will never be tarnished by any dishonorable act. Wives and mothers of Salem Company need not fear but that their husbands and sons will be well taken care of by such officers. Lieutenant Culver is young but a good officer. If any of the men are sick they are seen looking after them and trying to relieve them. I wish all our friends could know this. It would relieve their anxiety. Lieutenant Geo. R. Hall is a good officer. He is one of my associates here and I enjoy his company very much. We expect to relish our supper tonight as I have bought some good butter which is a luxury. I spend most of my spare time in writing to you. You must write as often as you can. Will is well and is writing to our parents. Remember me to friends and kiss Ella for her father.

Your loving husband,

R. Cruikshank

Footnote. We broke Camp on Capitol Hill Sept. 17th, marched through Pennsylvania Avenue, across the Potomac River over the Long Bridge and went into Camp on Arlington Heights at two o'clock P. M. We remained in this Camp until Sept. 29th.

Camp at Frederick City, Md.,

October 1st, 1862.

We have moved again Sept. 29th. We broke Camp on Arlington Heights about six o'clock and started under light marching orders. A man could take only an overcoat or blanket, one piece of tent, haversack, canteen, gun and forty rounds of cartridges. Knapsacks and everything else must be left behind. We marched back across the Long Bridge into the City of Washington to take the cars. The cars not being ready the men lay down on the sidewalk and went to sleep. I slept that night on the sidewalk by the side of the Capitol until nearly morning and I thought it a hard bed. Several of the men went into a saloon near by when the floor gave way and they found themselves in the cellar, but no one was hurt.

We left Washington about 10 o'clock A. M. Sept. 30th, and arrived here about 7 o'clock P. M. This is a beautiful city and a fine surrounding country. We came in open freight cars and had a good view of the country. We passed over the Monocacy Creek Bridge which has been rebuilt since Jackson burnt it three weeks ago. We pitched no tents last night but slept on the ground in the open air with no covering but the canopy of Heaven. Our officers did the same. We had a very good sleep and feel quite refreshed this morning. Since writing the last line we have moved about two miles out of the city on to ground where Stonewall Jackson camped a week ago. The country here is most beautiful with good water. The enemy destroyed a great deal of property here. They intended to go into Pennsylvania but had to turn back and McClellan is after them. The mail is going out and I must close.

With love,

R. Cruikshank.

Footnote. Michael Devine deserted the above date.

Camp at Pleasant Valley, Md.,

Near Harpers Ferry, Va.,

October 3rd, 1862.

We have been on the move again and nearer the enemy this time. We are about three miles from Harpers Ferry, the place where John Brown fortified himself while trying to free the slaves. We are within a mile of the battle ground on Maryland Heights where Colonel Miles surrendered. We were only two days in Camp at Frederick City when we went back to the depot, took the cars to Sandy Hook and then marched here. The cars stopped at the Point of Rocks which is an abrupt cliff extending a mile or more. Some of the rocks overhang the track. The country here is very mountainous and has narrow valleys. The Shenandoah River empties into the Potomac at the Ferry. Maryland Heights is on one side of the Shenandoah and Bolivar Heights on the other, and London Heights are on the other side of the Potomac. Bolivar Heights and London Heights are in Virginia. I forgot to write that your brother Alex H. Wells fell from a loft in a barn at Frederick City where he had gone to sleep and broke his wrist. It was the second night that we were there. It will be a long time before he will be fit for duty. I am very well but have hard fare now. The rations are very bad and we have cold nights and do not have clothing enough as our knapsacks were left at Washington with nearly all our clothing. We hope to get them soon. I must close now.

With love to you to you and Ella and friends.

Your affectionate husband,

R.Cruikshank
Camp at Pleasant Valley, Md.,

October 9, 1862.

We are encamped at the same place as when I last wrote you. I have not heard from home nor had a letter from you for some days and am very eager to get one. We are kept very busy all of the time. The regiment has been brigaded and is the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division and 12th Corps. General Kane commands the Brigade, General Williams the Division and General Slocum the Corps of the Army of the Potomac, General McClellan commanding. General Kane is a very small man with one wooden leg, has large full eyes and heavy black mustache. It is told here that he is a brother of the Arctic explorer. When the War broke out he went into the service in command of the Pennsylvania Buck-tails. Everyone of his men wore in his hat the tail of a deer and some of his orderlies wear them now, thus the derivation. Our men are improving in the drills and are complimented by commanding officers. Our regiment is one of the best in the field and I hope when they go (if they have to) into action they will prove the best. It will be a week tomorrow since we came here and are expecting to move every day as we have been here about as long as we stay at a place.

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank
Camp at Pleasant Valley, Md.,

Oct. 12, 1862.

I do not know as I will have time to write you much today as I feel we may have something to do today although it is the Sabbath. I do not like this Sabbath work. We do not have to drill but have to be inspected every Sabbath morning,-that is, every man's person, clothing, tent, gun and accoutrements must be looked to and kept clean. This is necessary for the health of the men and to keep everything in order. I think over the times that I have spent Sabbath mornings with you and Ella preparing for church and hope the time will soon come when I can enjoy them over again. This work must be done and I am as able to help perform it as any as I am well and can endure more fatigue than some that are stronger. While I am writing these lines there is a battle going on somewhere as I can hear heavy firing of cannon in the direction of Gen. McClellan's Headquarters. It commenced at daylight this morning. You requested me to write what I thought or how I felt about going into battle. This I cannot tell. If we should receive orders to go into battle, with God's help I am prepared to do my duty: I put my trust in Him and hope that peace will soon be restored. There is one thing that cheers a soldier when marching through a free country and that is the waving of handkerchiefs and the cheering from the lowest hut to the largest mansion; from the two-year-old to the old and gray headed; all are waving us on to protect those rights that are being trampled under foot. Am I penning too much patriotism? I feel it more and more every day. I have learned the cause of the firing I have spoken about. General Lee with his forces were trying to cross into Maryland at or near the Point of Rocks but McClellan drove them back. He was trying to get into Maryland to live on the country. We were not called on to take part in the fight this time.

Your loving husband,

R. Cruikshank.
Camp at Pleasant Valley, Md.,
Oct. 15, 1862.

We are in the old Camp yet. It is getting monotonous as we have the same work to do each day. Alex H. Wells is getting on well with his arm and having an easy time. I often see Geo. Wells. He keeps in good health. Henry J. Cleveland, Mitcher McFarland, Peter McNassor, Will and all keep well although some of the company are sick. Lieut. Will Reynolds of the 93rd Regiment called on me two days ago. He was looking well. I had a good visit with him, talking of friends at home. The 93rd Regiment are General McClellan's Headquarter Guard and had been left with his company to guard his ammunition wagons. They are within three miles of us. We have not worked as hard as we were two weeks ago. It has been very dry; we have had no rain since we left Salem until the 11th. It has been quite wet since. We have had no frost yet. Mr. John King left us for home on the 13th (last Monday). When you see him he will tell you all about us. Our officers continue very kind and are respected both in and out of our Company. I have not had a short word from any of them. Will is a good soldier, ever ready to do whatever he is called on to do. We have many fine fellows with us. I must close.

With love,

R. Cruikshank

Camp at Pleasant Valley, Md.,

Oct. 18, 1862.

I have received your letter of the 11th inst., also the papers and they gave me great pleasure. I am sorry that you give yourself so much uneasiness about me. It is wrong, as I am under God's protecting care the same as if I were at home. In health or sickness, in peace or war, at home or on the battlefield, He will take care of me. I feel that no harm can come to me unless He permits it. I feel perfectly safe here. There was a battle at Boonesville the 16th. We heard the roll of musketry and the boom of cannon very distinctly. The men doing duty on Maryland Heights saw it in the distance. It was about four miles away. The account of the battle which was in the paper you sent me, you will remember was one and one-half miles from our Camp. I saw General McClellan a few days ago. We were on duty in the road when he and his staff passed.

October 19th.

After writing the above yesterday I had the day to myself as the whole company went on duty on Maryland Heights and I was left in camp. I got a pass, went onto the Heights and from there to Harpers Ferry and back again to Camp. I walked about ten miles, was very tired but was well paid for my trouble. It was of these Heights that Jackson said if he could gain them he could defy the world and one would think so as they are all rocks, abrupt cliffs and precipices. I could see in every direction and they are of great advantage to the army holding them as it can telegraph by signal from one station to another. As far as the eye could see, there were tents in every direction,- thousands upon thousands, and it is wonderful to see how many can be provided for. When I got to the Ferry there I saw train after train coming and going continuously and the streets filled with wagons so that one could hardly pass. I crossed the Potomac on a Pontoon Bridge, the first I had seen. Pontoons are small boats anchored in the river about ten feet apart with timbers laid from one to the other and plank laid on these timbers and then another timber laid on these planks and lashed by ropes to the lower timbers holding all fast together from one side of the river to the other. These bridges are moved with the army. After I had satisfied my curiosity I returned to Camp.

Yours affectionately,

R.Cruikshank.
Camp at Pleasant Valley, Md.,

Oct. 23, 1862.

It is very monotonous in Camp and no news. The Company has gone on picket again today and I have little to do. You ask what my duties are. I get up at reveille,- that is, at 5:30 in the morning; call the roll; take the sick to the surgeon, then make my report of the same; then take my breakfast. Then I see that the streets are swept and in order. I see that the sergeants take their men out to drill. In the afternoon I drill three hours, so you see I do not have very hard work. We suffer for the want of clothing left with our knapsacks when we left Washington. In the evening when it begins to get cold the men will start the cry of "Knapsacks, knapsacks, knapsacks," and keep it up for an hour or more all through the Camp. General Kane has threatened to put a guard over our regiment to find the men who do it. I cannot really blame the men as they do really suffer for the want of them. Our rations are bad, the crackers are wormy,- the same kind of worms as we find in decayed wood. We break the crackers into small pieces and boil them so we cannot see the worms. We find worms in our bacon and our salt beef has soured in the brine. Were it not that we could buy some food we would go hungry. We had a good dinner yesterday,- boiled cabbage,- some that I think that was cabbaged somewhere. I bought some onions for dinner today. I paid eight cents per pound. Butter is 35 cts. per lb., cheese 25 cts., sugar 20 cts., bread 12 cts., preserves 50 cts. half pint, and potatoes $1.00 per bushel. One day John Allen, a man from Hartford, was on duty at Gen'l Kane's quarters where he saw a ham in his cook tent and some bottles of whiskey on a table. He stole into the tent and threw the ham and a bottle of whiskey into the bushes nearby. When he went off duty he went for his stolen goods. He got the ham but his bottle was broken, which saved him from a drunk. You see we have some very bad men with us. We have just received our knapsacks. My overcoat had been stolen, also a pair of gloves. We are having heavy frosts now and are glad to get our knapsacks. I carry the locket with me so I can see how you and Ella look every day. I presume Ella is changing some and getting to be quite a large baby. I would like to see your own dear self.

With love, and kiss to Ella,

R. Cruikshank.
Camp at Pleasant Valley, Md.,

Oct. 27, 1862.

Do not worry if you do not hear from me for a few days as we have orders to be in readiness to move. We do not know when or where. I write you this so if you do not get a letter you will know the cause. The Army is on the move and we think it is to go into winter quarters but cannot tell. I intended to write to Mother this time, but receiving orders to move and knowing that you would be anxious if you did not hear from me, I write to you and will write to Mother again. I must close for my work will not allow me any more time.

With love,

R. Cruikshank.
On London Heights, Va..

November 2nd, 1862.

We moved as I wrote you. We left the Camp at Pleasant Valley yesterday, leaving the sick behind, marched to Harpers Ferry, crossed the Pontoon Bridge, marched through the Ferry up London Mountain and camped on the Heights. We marched about five miles to the south from our old Camp. There was general movement of the army and we hear sharp firing going on at the south of us. We are within a mile of the enemies' picket. We are out on the same duty. Will was out yesterday on a scout and has gone again today. He is called one of our best men. We have been having our Indian Summer. Last night I lay down on the ground with no covering, but with my overcoat on slept warm enough. I like the climate here but do not like the inhabitants or their log houses. The inhabitants are indolent and look as if they were not more than half civilized. You will see by this date that it is the Sabbath. As I am on duty I cannot attend Service today. While I was at my post last night I thought of what your Uncle Leonard Wells said I would the last time we were to see him. He said I would think of you some night when the moon was shining brightly and think it was for you as well as for me. I thought of this and that we received light from the same moon and the same sun and were under the same protecting care of the same God and why should I feel so lonely although so far from home and loved ones. Will has just come is from his scout and reports that a company of rebel cavalry came across the river and tried to surround the house where his party were getting dinner, but they were too quick for them. I saw them half a mile distant. They caused quite an excitement in Camp. I do not think they will come very near, but will try to pick up scouting parties.

With love,

R. Cruikshank

Camp on London Heights,
Kays Cap, Va.,

November 6th, 1862.

Think of it, we have had a snow storm, and in the Sunny South. Snow fell about six inches so that we had to scrape it away to put up our tents and spread our blankets the night of the 3rd. We suffered with the cold and I got my feet very wet and have taken cold. I hope it will be warm again soon. The men have been living partly in the country and have taken some sheep, pigs and fowl, which gives us very good eating, and one company got a good beef. The 4th Will went on picket and Capt. Warren was Brigade Officer of the Day. In the evening he gave Will the word to pass any one in or out through the line who gave the word, which was "Sheep." In a short time he and several men came to Will's post and gave the pass "Sheep," and went out. In about two hours they returned and the men were loaded with sheep. Capt. Warren gave the pass "Sheep," and passed in but left a good quarter of mutton at his post. The next noon we had cooked some of the mutton and had just sat down to eat our dinner with some friends that we had asked to eat mutton with us when Capt. Warren came along and looked at our mutton that we had cooked in pork, saying that several sheep had been killed outside the lines the night before and he had received orders to inspect the Camp to see if he could find mutton. He said he saw we had pork, and passed on to the next tent. Colonel McDougall, who ordered the inspection, had a quarter of mutton on his table for dinner. Capt. Crary had mutton for his dinner and all enjoyed it. Some of the men made a raid on a bee house and carried away two hives of honey. When the men can get good fresh meat to go with their army rations, they fare very well. Say to Father that I have not changed my opinion on the slavery question. The more I see of it and its effects I grow stronger in my opinion. To help put down this rebellion is the duty of,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.
Camp on London Heights, Va.,

November 8th, 1862.

We are on the Heights yet but out scouting every day. The snow has all gone and left the woods and ground very wet and the roads very muddy. The road runs through our Camp. The night of the 7th John Snyder was on duty as picket on this road and Colonel McDougall rode out to inspect the picket line and got outside the line on the road. He was approaching John's post when John challenged him with, "Halt, who comes there?" He replied, "Colonel McDougall." John said, "Dismount and advance and give the countersign." The mud was knee deep and the Colonel did not like to get into the mud but tried to get John to let him pass, he says. John knew his duty and replied, "I don't know Colonel McDougall when I am on picket and he is outside the line. Dismount, advance and give the countersign." The Colonel complied with John's order, gave the word over the point of his bayonet, led his horse past the line, mounted and rode to his quarters. The next day when John came off duty the Colonel sent for him and complimented him for performing his duty.

Nov. 9, 1862.

We have been on the move again and did not have time to finish my letter so will try and finish it now. We are now in Camp in London Valley, Va., only two miles from Harpers Ferry, and it is reported we will winter here. We are preparing to lay out streets and put up good quarters. We are in a sassafras grove on the side of a hill or gradual slope. We came here yesterday. Mr. H. R. Cowan and Mr. Crosier came to Camp today. They expect to take their sons home with them. I have seen Mr. Cowan. His baggage has not arrived yet so I have not got my package. I have a severe cold. Several of the men are sick from the exposure on the mountain. Our work here now is very hard as we will have to clear the ground of all brush. This work with the drills will keep me busy. I will write as often as I can.

With love to you and Ella,

Ever your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank

Camp at London Valley, Va.,

Nov. 15, 1862.

Everything here is as usual. We have our drills every day and our work to do. We do not get any news of the war; I presume you get it all. This part of Virginia some papers say is Union. I do not see it that way as the following will prove: Major Rogers of our Regiment was Officer of the Picket yesterday. After posting the pickets which are out about five or six miles from our Camp, he went a little ways from the line, tied his horse and went to a house on the main road. He had been there but a short time when he looked out and saw a reb astride of his horse. When he saw the Major he fired at him. The ball went past the Major through the door into the house. The Major returned the fire and tried to follow him but he was gone. He called out the reserve picket and tried to recapture his horse. He is out horse and all equipment. The boys captured all of the provisions there were in the house. You advise me in your letter not to go from Camp. When I go I am well armed and do not go alone. All those reports you hear going the rounds about the Regiment you can get the truth of from Mr. John King who started for home today. He said he had the pleasure of shaking hands with you when at home and reports that you and Ella are looking well. I received the package you sent me by him. Mr. Cowan's baggage has not come yet. Send me papers with the war news and write often to,

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank

Camp at London Valley, Va.,

Sabbath, Nov. 16, 1862.

I wrote to you yesterday but have some time to myself today and I do not know as I can use it in a better way than writing to you. I cannot sit in a chair at a desk and write, as I do not have either, but must spread my blanket on the ground in my tent for a seat and take a piece of cracker box on my knee for a desk. This is not a very comfortable way to write but will answer. I do not complain of these inconveniences as I know that the Government does the best it can, and I wonder that we get as much as we do. I should thank God that I have fared so well, that I am in health and have good officers to look after us, and that our food is as good as it is and that we have plenty. I have drawn another overcoat in place of the one stolen from my knapsack. I have got along very well as one of the men lent me one until now. I only wanted it at night to spread over me as we have but one blanket each. I received your letter of the 11th last night and it makes me feel that I should like to step in and see you and Ella today. I presume that you will be at Church unless it is stormy. What a blessing it is that we have it so much warmer here. I do not believe we could stand such cold weather as you are having, exposed as we are. He who governs all things tempers the wind to the shorn lamb. To put our whole trust in Him is our duty. To do his bidding is the wish of

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Camp at London Valley, Va.,

Nov. 19, 1862.

As I have a little leisure I will write to you today. We are doing the same work over again that we did yesterday. We did the same yesterday that we did the day before and for several days previous and I presume you think we ought to do it well. We do it well but can learn to do it better. In drill a regiment must learn to make the same move at the same time and that requires time and practice. You may think I like the life of a soldier but I do not. I feel it is my duty to be here. There would be weary hours if I did not. When I am not busy with my duties my thoughts are with you and Ella for you are my earthly treasures.

We have two men in Camp who have escaped from the South who say that the Southern Army are almost destitute of clothing and provisions and can get but little from the South as they do not raise it. They say five dollars in Richmond will buy but little. Five dollars here will buy more than forty there. Whenever the army goes it destroys everything. Fencing is all burned, crops are trampled down and stock all killed or driven away and that leaves them nothing to do with. Brother Will has worked very hard since coming here. He has been on picket duty every other twenty-four hours in forty-eight since we came here until now. He with twelve other men are at work on a fort on Maryland Heights. Alex H. Wells has gone out with them to work for the first since he broke his arm. Mr. Cowan's baggage has come and I have got the goods. Tell Father the gloves come in good play now this cold weather. I like the knit cap very much. It is what I wanted. Remember me to friends.

With love to you and Ella,

R. Cruikshank

Camp at London Valley, Va.,

Nov. 22, 1862.

I am very busy today and can write you but a few lines. I wrote you that brother Will was out with others building a fort. The Army has been strongly fortifying here so that Jackson cannot go into Maryland again this way. It seems to me that if all the rebel army were here that they could not break through our lines. I do not think they will try.

With love,

R. Cruikshank

Camp at London Valley, Va.,

Nov. 27, 1862.

It has been some days since I wrote to you and I suppose it has caused you some uneasiness not hearing from me. But when I explain the reason I know you will forgive me. Monday afternoon, the 24th, I was taken sick with sick headache and was very bad and had high fever until last night when I began to feel better. I could not hold my head up. I think by tomorrow I will be able to attend to my duties. I am in the Company Officers' tent. The next day after I was taken sick Lieutenant Elliot came to my tent and took me from it to theirs, Captain Crary being on picket duty. He gave me his bed and has taken care of me ever since and has slept on the floor of the tent by my bed. He has been as kind to me as a parent could be. Lieutenant Culver is kind hearted and if he knew how to do, would do as well by the men as the others. If I should be sick do not worry about me for I could not be in better hands away from home. Mr. Cowan intends to start for home tomorrow with his son James. He has had a hard time, has been very sick and I hear is very weak now. The general health of the Company is good although some are sick. Milo H. Brown, a relative of Mr. John King, died today. The men are building winter quarters now and I hope we will have better protection from the storms and cold. I will give you a description of them again. I am in a hurry to get this into the mail today and close with love.

R. Cruikshank.

Camp at London Valley, Va.,

Dec. 3, 1862.

I am feeling better than when I last wrote you and hope to keep on the gain, although I have considerable fever and cannot do any duty yet but hope to in a day or two. James Cowan died yesterday. It was thought he was getting better but he had a relapse and went off very suddenly. Mr. Cowan will be at home with the remains before you receive this. George Beebe has been quite sick. He is improving now. I hope when we get into good quarters that the men will be better. We have had no place where we could get warm or dry our clothing when wet. They are building fireplaces in them out of stone and mud, and are getting their quarters very comfortable. About three weeks ago a man of our Company by the name of Holbrook deserted while on picket. He lived at Hartford and was transferred from the Hebron Company. He has been retaken and is now at Harpers Ferry awaiting trial for desertion. If it is proved against him he will be shot. In your letter of the 22nd of last month you write very despondingly. I hope you do not feel as you write. You should feel cheerful and write cheerful letters. You said a year ago when all or nearly all of the babes born were boys that it was a sign of war, and now you write that they are all girls so that must be a sign of peace. And if that is so this war will soon be over, so you should cheer up. This ends this letter.

R. Cruikshank

Camp at London Valley, Va.,

Dec. 7th, 1862.

It is the first Sabbath in December and Sacrament Sabbath to you and to me if I were with you, and do I wish I might enjoy those privileges the you will today. As I cannot, I can think and pray and read my Bible today. I know you are thinking of me and wishing I were with you. Do not be thinking that I am going to be sick or that I am going into battle or that something is going to happen to me. There is time enough to think of those things when they come. I do not gain strength very fast and am not very strong but hope to be better in a few days. I have no news to write as there is nothing going on except camp and picket duty. Remember me to friends, with love to you and Ella.

Ever your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Camp at London Valley, Va.,

Dec. 12, 1862.

I am still in the Camp where we have been for some weeks but will not stay here long. On the 10th inst. the Regiment received orders to be in readiness to move and yesterday morning it marched out of Camp and away, we do not know where. We, the sick, were left behind with enough to guard us and the Camp. Brother Will was left to take care of me. I do not know how long I will stay here. We have a few days' rations but there was no doctor or medicine left with us. We have received the box from home. Lieutenant Culver received a barrel from home and gave it all away. Henry Cleveland had to give all his away but the butter. He said he would hold on to that as long as he could.

Dec. 13, 1862.

As I could not mail my letter yesterday I did not finish it and will write whenever I feel like it until I have an opportunity to send it to the Ferry to mail or until I get where I can do so. Last Sabbath there was a man of our Company missing. He had not been seen since the day before. His name was Richard West and was from Shushon. This morning he was found in a clump of bushes with his throat cut. He had committed suicide. At times he had been deranged and was very homesick. Charles H. Billings who lived on White Creek Road died of congestion of the lungs this morning. He was out of his head and very strong. It took two men to take care of him. Dr. Maynard is here and says he will not leave the sick until they are provided for by the Government. How kind he is to stay with us voluntarily.

December 17, 1862.

I am now where I can mail my letter and will finish it.

I am now in Harpers Ferry Hospital, Va. I came here the 15th. Those who came here of our Company are Henry G. Sweet, George Beebe, John A. Mains, Silas Hopkins, Alexander H. Wells, John Barry, James H. Wright, David Blowers and Newal L. Harwood. Jacob Hover and brother Will were left to take care of us in Camp and they came here with us. There were several men of other companies who were sick that were left with us and a few men to guard the Camp. Adjutant Geo. H. Wallace was the only officer left in Camp and he is sick. We had quite a surprise on the 14th while in Camp. The guerrillas made a dash on a picket post within sight of our Camp and took all of the men, three in number, prisoners and went away with them. Adjutant Wallace saw the enemy when their horses came in sight. He got out of bed, put on his pants and a pair of boots, took a cane and started out and called for the men to fall in. There were but few men who could do so and they had but few guns. They fell into line and started off to retake the men, led by Adjutant Wallace. He is a very brave man with lots of grit. The guerrillas hurried our men away a few miles, took their guns and whatever they wanted that the men had, then let them go. They returned to camp that night less some government property and their rations.

I do not know that I will remain here as the Hospital is over full and some are sent to other hospitals,- to Baltimore and Philadelphia. Brother Will has worked so hard am glad that he did not have to march. He went on the cars to join the regiment. The mud is so deep it would be very hard marching. I presume he will get to where the regiment is going before they will. I wanted him to stay here a while at the hospital and help but he could not. There are so many convalescent that can do light work that the hospital officers keep them. I have written you a long letter.

With love,

R. Cruikshank.

Harpers Ferry Hospital, Va.

December 21, 1862.

You see that I am in the hospital yet and I am in hopes to remain here until I get better as I am in good hands now and am doing as well as can be expected. The Hospital was a factory before the war and is a large brick building well calculated for a hospital. There are several tents put up and used for the same purpose. I have had a bilious, intermittent fever and now have enlargement of the liver with diarrhoea. I have had very good care and with the jar of strawberries that you sent me, which I keep hid under the bed so as to keep them, I relish my food very well. The attendants would not let me have the strawberries and butter if they knew it. The warden examines all the beds in the ward every morning but has not found it yet. I shall never forget the first dinner at this hospital. It was bread, and soup cooked in a caldron which would hold about two barrels. It tasted better than it looked. Brother Will took the butter with him as I could not take care of it. This is the Sabbath and we had an excellent sermon by the Chaplain. His text was,- "Cast thy burden on the Lord and he will sustain you." It was very appropriate for the time and place and I felt in my own heart that I had cast my burden on Him, as I trusted wholly in Him. and many others I have no doubt felt the same. You say in your letter you would like to come and see me. I should like to see you but do not start to come here as I may not be here if you should come, as there are reports that we may be sent to a New York hospital. Then if we are you can come and see me there. When you go to the village tell Mrs. Beebe that George is better. He has scurvy and now has chronic diarrhoea badly, but on the whole I think he is improving. I have not had a letter from you in two weeks. You must not neglect to write to

Your affectionate husband,

R. Cruikshank.

Harpers Ferry Hospital, Va.

December 30, 1862.

I have an opportunity to send a letter to you by Mr. John Cleveland, so will improve it. When you see him he will tell you how I am, how I look and how I am cared for. You ask me about your brother Alex H. Wells. I did not know where he was until yesterday he came to see me. He has been in a Hospital Tent. He has trouble with his lungs and is looking badly but I hope nothing serious. He had taken cold on Maryland Heights when building a fort I think I have written you about. There are several men of our Company here but I do not see them as they are in other wards or in tents. This building is four stories high and each story holds two hundred beds. I do not think the half are in this building so you can understand how a sick person can know nothing about another sick person outside of his ward. Each room is called a ward. He has a hard cough and is very thin and weak. you ask if I cannot get a furlough to go home. I am not sick enough for that as they do not give furloughs unless a soldier is going to die or is permanently disabled. I have not heard of the Regiment since it marched from London Valley nor from brother Will since he left me. Saturday we had orders to get ready to go to Annapolis, Md., but it was countermanded and we are here yet. As Annapolis is on Chesapeake Bay it would be easier to get supplies from the North.

Yours affectionately,

R. Cruikshank.

Civil War Letters - 1864

Civil War Letters - 1865

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