Jul 63

Undated: K – Company K was last mustered at camp in the field near Decherd’s Station, Tennessee, which place we remained.

1: FS – Entered Tullahoma, Tennessee. B – Returned to camp. Marched into Tullahoma and camped near the town, the enemy having evacuated. C – The regiment moved to Tullahoma, Tennessee; distance marched six miles. Bivouacked near town for the night. D – Marched three miles to Tullahoma from "bivouac." E – Marched into Tullahoma. H – Marched from bivouac in the field three miles to Tullahoma.

2: B – Marched four miles to Elk River. C – Took up line of march and continued from day-to-day until we arrived near Big Springs, Tennessee. D – Left Tullahoma. Marched four miles to Elk River. E – Left Tullahoma. H – Marched four miles to Elk River. I – Took up line of march south and continued from day-to-day until we arrived near Big Springs.

3: B – Marched back on Tullahoma Road to pontoon bridge over Elk River, distance four miles. H – Marched six miles to Elk River Bridge.

4: FS – Crossed Elk River, Tennessee. B – Crossed Elk River and marched five miles. Remained in camp here four days. D – Marched three miles beyond Elk River Bridge. Was here mustered. E – Crossed Elk River.

6: E – Arrived at camp, near Big Spring, Tennessee.

7: We arrived near Big Springs, Tennessee; distance marched twenty miles. Camped there twenty-four days.

8: FS – Went into camp at Big Springs, Tennessee. B – Moved to and camped at Big Springs, Tennessee, distance two miles. D – Marched two miles to Big Springs near Decherd Station, Tennessee. H – Marched two miles to Big Springs and encamped.

11: K – We removed our camp to Big Springs, Tennessee and remained there.

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro, Tenn

HdQtrs Col. McCook's Brigade

July 2d, 1863

My dearest wife

I arrived here this morning and leave tomorrow for Tullahoma. The 44 Indiana escort a supply train and I am to accompany them. Genl Robt Granger is in command at Nashville and Genl Gordan Granger is in command here. Genl Rosecrans took posession of Tullahoma today. Can learn nothing definite about my regiment but think it is in Crooks Division McCooks Corps. I have met a good many old acquaintances here and in Nashville.

I am now staying at Col. Dan McCooks Hd Qrt with Lt Anderson of Cincinnati.

I did not have time to call upon Mrs. Plummer or Mrs. Andrew’s friends in Nashville.

A number of ladies have been with their husbands here during the winter but all of them have gone to Nashville or home now. Nashville is a miserable place and so is this post.

I assure you it is warm here. Although it is eight o'clock in the evening the water is running off my face in streams. They average about 85 in the shade here.

This army seems to differ very much from the Army of the Potomac as most of the civilians are rebels our Generals ride over them rough shod. The soldier seem very confident in the ability of their Generals and in their own prowess. The morale is good.

Write often and direct to me as Capt. Care of Adjutant Genl of Genl Rosecrans army via Nashville Tenn.

It seems like old times again to see camps and soldiers. There is now a band playing under our window and about a dozen young staff officers in this room in shirt sleeves smoking and drinking whiskey and sparkling catawba and although ice is not plenty they manage to enjoy themselves. I am having a variety in the way of eating. Breakfasted at City Hotel in Nashville. Lunched with Genl Van Cleve, supped in a fifth class eating house with teamsters etc.

Good night little woman. Your picture is a great consolation to me. Give my love to the family.

Your loving husband

Carlton

OR, I, Series 34, Vol 23/1, pp. 456-457. 4th Div, 14th A. C., Report of Operations, 28 Jun – 4 Jul 63

FROM: J. J. REYNOLDS, Major-General, Commanding Division. Hdqrs. Fourth Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, Elk River, Burnt Bridge.

TO: Lieut. Col. GEORGE E. FLYNT, Asst. Adjt. Gen. and Chief of Staff, Fourteenth Army Corps.

The summary of the operations of the Fourth Division will be resumed with June 28.

The division spent this day at Manchester, Tenn.

June 29, division moved toward Tullahoma, and encamped near Concord Church, about 5 miles from Tullahoma, on the left, and in support of General Brannan's division. Whole march this day in a drenching rain.

June 30, division lay in camp. Sent reconnaissance of two regiments, the Eighty-ninth and Ninety-second Ohio, Colonel Fearing, Ninety-second Ohio, from the Third Brigade, toward Tullahoma. This force went to within 2 miles of Tullahoma, and encountered the enemy's cavalry pickets. Drove them back to the main body of cavalry, which being too strong for the party, it returned to camp.

July 1, sent reconnoitering party of Sixty-eighth amid Seventy-fifth Indiana, under Colonel Robinson, toward Tullahoma, in support of a force from Third Division (Brannan's), Fourteenth Army Corps, which moved on another road from Concord Church. Colonel Robinson's command marched into Tullahoma by 11 a.m., and found no troops of enemy or our own in possession. Colonel Robinson sent this information to division headquarters, and on arrival of General Steedman, with his brigade, reported to him, as the senior officer present. On the receipt of this information, the remainder of the division marched to Tullahoma, and on arriving, about 5 p.m., found the place occupied by the Third Division (Brannan's), Fourteenth Army Corps, and the command of Colonel Robinson above referred to. Division encamped at Tullahoma.

July 2, division marched to Elk River Ford, near Jones', and encamped. River not fordable.

July 3, marched to Elk River Ford, near Burnt Bridge. River fordable for baggage, but not safe for ammunition train, the heavy rains of the forenoon having caused it to rise. Found General Negley's train crossing. Encamped near this ford.

July 4, crossed Elk River and marched to Pennington's Cross-Roads. Most of the day consumed in making this 2½ miles over a road that had to be worked nearly all the way. A force is now repairing it.

Very respectfully.

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Wartrace

Genl Baird's HdQr, Wartrace

July 6th, 1863

My dear wife

You will probably be surprised to learn that I have not joind Genl Rosecrans yet, but the roads are in a horrible condition, and a person is also obliged to travel with an escort as the roads are dangerous. Orders are constantly being changed. So I have been disappointed several times when about to accompany trains by their destination being changed. The last two days I have made four miles and traveled about twenty five miles. Tomorrow I go to Tullahoma and may have to go to Dechard next day, as it is reported that Genl R is at that place. It is supposed that the Railroad will be in running order to this point by tomorrow night.

As near as I can learn the 89th is in Crook Brigade Thomas Corps. I am very well pleased with what I have seen of this army although they are very dirty soldiers. Am very much disgusted with the rapidity with which I get through the country. It is almost impossible to get information and it seems strange that in a rich farming country a private conveyance cannot be obtained for love or money. The living is infinitely superior to anything the Army of the Potomac ever saw.

I would advise you to purchase one of Loyds maps of Tennessee it will enable you to follow up the movements, the distances are marked on the Railroad lines.

It is unfortunate that Crooks Brigade has just been transferred from Grangers Corps to Thomases, for had it remained in Grangers Corps you could have joined me. Granger’s is the Reserve Corps and is to remain in the vicinity of Murfreesboro, a crowd of ladies reached there the day I left.

The farther I am from you the more homesick I get and hope I shall find letters from you at Genl R. Hd Qrt. Write often little woman. Is it true that Genl Paul has been killed hope not. (That affair was a mistake and is well now. I hope you have not worried about it.) I hope you will not go home for a few weeks yet as there may be some change. I shall be delighted if my regiment is left where you can join me. Write often. Good night little wife.

Your loving husband

Cale

Passion Flower

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Tullahoma

HdQrs Genl Rosecrans Army, Tullahoma

July 7th 1863

My dear wife

I arrived here this afternoon and reported to Genl Rosecrans. He seems to be a very pleasant old fellow, treated me very civilly and told me that I was very prompt as he had not expected me so soon.

I have met a number of old friends here and on the route. am now staying with Merrill of the engineers a Classmate of mine. They all speak highly of the General, personally as well as of his movements as a military man.

This army commenced moving the day we left Washington. It has rained every day since. The roads and streams are in such a condition that the army will be unable to proceed for some days.

Had it not been for this detention our army would have reached this place before the rebels. As it is every thing looks brightly (although it is raining). Many of the settlers here are from the North and there is a strong Union feeling in this part of the State particularly in Shelbyville, hundreds of Refugees are returning to their homes, and many of Braggs men are deserting and coming in. We hear that Vicksburg is taken and that Meade has the advantage of Lee. Hope that it is true.

Horace Porter of the Ordnance is here. He asked very kindly after you and your family. He is Chief ordnance officer for this army.

Cant find any letters here from you. Why have you not written. Direct hereafter to Col C. H. Carlton, 89th Regt Ohio Vols, 3d Brigade, 4th Division, 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland. Write often little woman and tell me all about yourself.

This is Rebel paper captured here. It doubtless ran the blockade. My regiment is in Crooks Brigade Thomases Corps and is now some ten miles in front of this place.

Has Father gone East yet, and when do you and Rhoda intend to visit Kelly’s Island. Good night. All my love to you.

Your husband

Carlton.

Please send me an infantry bugle and No. 89 for my cap.

Cale

The Highland News of 23 Jul 63, J. B. Letter from Breakfield Point

Breakfield Point, Tenn.,

July 7th, 1863.

Mr. Editor: - Supposing that some of your numerous readers would be glad to hear from the 89th O.V.I., I have concluded to send you a short note for publication.

Our brigade – which is now in Gen. Reynolds’ Division of the 14th Army Corps – moved in concert with the other Divisions of the Corps towards Hoover’s Gap, on the 24th of June, marching the most of the day through mud and rain, arriving at the Gap late in the evening. Our advance, consisting of Col. Wilder’s Brigade of mounted infantry, had a sharp skirmish with the enemy here, and although charged upon by superior numbers, succeeded in driving them back for more than a mile, when the dusky shades of evening closed around us, and with the exception of an occasional shot from one of our cannon, for a time after dark, there was nothing more done that night. Our Brigade, consisting of the 11th, 36th, 89th and 92d Ohio, and the 18th Ky., took its position on the right of the line then formed, and anxiously awaited the morning, when we expected to enter into conflict with the foe before us, but the following day passed without any demonstrations on either side save the almost incessant firing of the pickets at each other. A few bullets from the sharp-shooters of the enemy whizzed past our heads and fell close to us. One man of the 36th regiment was wounded in the leg by one of these missiles.

I forgot to say that the rebels made three distinct charges upon 300 men of the 17th Indiana, a part of Wilder’s Brigade, but were forced to retire each time, with considerable loss, before the unerring aim of the gallant Hoosiers, who make good use of the Spencer rifle, with which they are armed. Some of the rebels who were captured were anxious to see the gun that could be shot without loading. It rained on us most of the time while we were at Hoover’s Gap, which was three days nearly.

On the morning of the 25th, Gen. "Rosy" having everything in readiness, commenced cannonading the rebels, and in a very short time they were en route for some other fancied stronghold. Col. Wilder'’ Brigade and a regiment of cavalry immediately started in pursuit, going in the direction of Wartrace, while the rest of our Division moved in the direction of Manchester pike, our Brigade taking the advance. The 89th were deployed as skirmishers, and after advancing about three-fourths of a mile assembled on the center and took the advance of our Brigade. We found nothing of importance on our way until late in the evening, when the advance guard, in charge of Lieut. Foreaker, fired, and we hurried up to find the game gone, but a wagon loaded with corn "dodgers" and other commissary stores, drawn by two little mules, left in the road, which, to use a common phrase, the boys more than "went for."

We arrived at Manchester June 27th, and went into camp East of town. Left Manchester Monday, 29th, and July 1st we were inside of the fortifications at Tullahoma, the rebels having made but a feeble resistance at this point. The next day we took up our line of march in the direction of Chattanooga. There was skirmishing all the way to this point, (Breakfield Point) where our men had a little fight with Bragg’s rear guard resulting in the death of 40 "Butternuts." The Chattanooga Rebel admits a loss of 200 wounded and 75 killed at Hoover’s Gap, while our loss in killed and wounded was but 68. A man named Hickman, belonging to Co. "H," of the 1st Ohio Cavalry was killed in a skirmish near Elk river, on the evening of July 2d.

The country over which the army is passing is laid waste; fences all gone, and cattle, sheep, hogs and everything that can satisfy the appetite of the soldier, is confiscated. If the "Butternuts" of Hillsboro could just see the desolation caused by the advance of a large army through the country, they would not conduct themselves as they are doing now. For if they continue to do as they have been doing they will bring the curse of war upon themselves.

I have just read a piece of poetry, which I think applicable to these home traitors and which I here insert, hoping that every "Butternut" in Hillsboro and vicinity will read it and ponder over it, for by so doing they may be "brought to see the error of their ways." It reads thus:

"I love my God, my Country, kind and kin;

Nor would I see a dog wronged of his bone,

My Country! If a wretch shall e’er arise

Out of thy countless sons who would curtail

Thy freedom, dim thy glory – while he lives,

May all earth’s people curse him – for of all

Hast thou secured the blessing and if one

Exist, who would not arm for Liberty,

Be he too cursed living, and when dead

Let him be buried downward, with his face

Looking in Hell, and o’er his coward grave

The bars skulk in her form."

Of all the enemies to our country none are so base, so mean, so detestable in the eyes of those who have gone forth to battle for our glorious old Flag, as are those same Vallandigham men and "Butternut" sympathizers.

But I have said enough. Co. "A" are well, and in good spirits.

Yours, &c.

J.B.

Dept of Cumberland, Carlton Appointment

Head-quarters, Department of the Cumberland,

Tullahoma, July 7, 1863.

Special Field Orders No. 185.

"Extract"

III. Capt C. H. Carlton, 4th US Infantry, having reported at these HeadQuarters in obedience to S. O. No. 279 War Dept. will proceed to the Hd.Quarters 89th Regiment Ohio Vols, and assume command thereof.

By Command of Maj. Gen. Rosecrans

Capt AAG

Capt. C H Carlton

4th US Infantry

Private J. Ogden to his brother from Dechards Station

Camp near Dechards Station July the 9. 1863

Dear brother

I take up my pen this morning to write you a few lines in answer to yours of the 28th which came to hand day before yesterday. I was very glad to hear from home and that the folks was all wel. wel since I last wrote we have bin seeing some pretty hard times. we left Merfresboro on the 24 of last month. it was a generl move to lick old Brag out of Tulahomy and we did it or rather he run out. on the eavening of the 24 we attacked him at Hoovers gap. the fight lasted some two days which was done principly by artilery. on the eavening of the 26 the enimy withdrew. we followed them up to Tullyhomy. there was considerabl skermishing all the while they evacuated Tullahomy. there we captured four large guns and a lot of prisners. our loss has been but small. I shal not try to give you any particulars as you no doubt have had them by this time thrue the papers. The 89 has had no fighting to do yet. it has rained every day since we started and consequently the roads are very bad almost impasable. we have bin waiding thrue mud and cricks both thick and thin but I think it is much better than it would of bin had it bin dry and dusty. we have all stood the tramp fine and are all in fine spirits. we have shelter tents which we carry with us. they can be put up in a very few minutes and they make a nice shelter. we dont cary our knapsacks. we have no cloaths with us except what we have on. we lay on one gum blanket and cover with one. it looks like but little covering but I have slept warm all the while. we have bin encamped since Saturday. Rosecrans got orders not to go any farther until he gets orders from the war department. we get plenty of fruit sich as blackberries appels potatoes and so forth. fruit is very plentyful here. this is or has bin a beautiful country but it shows the effects of this wicked rebelion. how is the fruit in our neighborhood. I saw Thomas Hurst and would of went and saw James had we not of left so soon. they was both wel and harty. my health is very good and I am in fine spirits in hopes the war wil soon be over from present appearances. wel I wil now close hoping this may find you all in good health. pleas write soon. give my love to all. I will write again the first chance. farewel to all. James Ogden.

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Elk River

Genl Crooks HdQrs Camp near Elk River, Tenn

July 10th 1863

My Dear Wife

I arrived here last night and take command of my regiment tomorrow.

Genl Crook obtained the position for me. Some of the regiment wished a regular officer, others did not, so I need not feel under any obligations to the regiment. Everyone says that it has the best material of any Regiment here and only needs proper training to make a fine regiment. I have spent today in looking about and making the acquaintance of my officers.

Charles arrived this evening with my plunder. He has degenerated in personal appearance since leaving Washington and has been taken down by the soldiers on the route.

Jones of the Class after mine is Colonel of the next regiment to mine.

I found a letter here for me forwarded by Conrad. It was directed to you and contained ten dollars. I will forward the money as soon as the Railroad is through and it will be certain of reaching you. The construction train came within four miles of us today.

The country around here is very pleasant and our camp is very pretty and convenient to water + c; much finer country than that north of Elk River and in the vicinity of Tullahoma. That is called the rotten barrens of Tenn and is almost impassable for our supply trains. It is covered with a crust of turfs which soon cuts through and it is then difficult to find bottom.

We are now receiving the details of the fall of Vicksburg and our success in the east.

We have received news that Chattanooga has been evacuated and Bragg gone to Richmond, but the report is doubted. No Rebels have been seen by our troops here for several days. Sunday Jones and I intend to ride over to the Regular Brigade. it is four miles from our left.

Have not received a single letter from you since I left Cleveland but I suppose it is the fault of the mails. Write often and tell Rhoda that I shall expect her to write also. Please send me a novel occasionally, also send me a key ring.

Love to the family. Good night my dear little wife, be sure and write often. Your loving husband.

Carlton

Private F. Logan to his Mother from Big Spring

Big Springs Tennessee

Sabath July the 12th 63

Dear Mother I received your kind letter of June 28th. I was glad to hear from home but was sorry to hear that you was not verry well. well Mother we have not advanced any this week. it was so wet the first of the week that we could not get our Aartillery and trains along but the roads is drying up so that I think we could go on any time. it is reported that thare is no rebels on this side of the Tennessee river. whenever old Brag had any trouble with his train he set fire to it and went on. thare has been great many deserters come in and give themselves up. thare was 83 in one squad.

Mother I recon that Father has got home with John long before this time. I looked for a letter last night but thare was none for me but I think I wil get one in a day or too, for I know he would write as soon as he gets home. tell John to write as soon as he can. well Grand pa if all reports is true the great Rebel strong hold Vicks has fallen and Old Lee has got himself in a snap. well we have got a new Colonel his name is Carlton. he was a Captain in the fourth regulars.

Marten Bonar has not got up with the regiment yet. Hiram and George stands it [better] than I thought they would. Father the night that you was at nashville that it rained so hard I was out on Picket and could hear the rebs all night and in the morning when it got ligh enough to see I seen to [two] Regiments of them not more than a quarter of a mile off. Mother you want to know if I did not feel afraid to go out on Picket. when I first came out it made me feel a litle funny but I do not mind it now for I think if I keep a sharp lookout I have as good a chance as the enemy has. Mother you said you had several swarms of Bees. how are they doing this year. I would like to be thare and help to take the honey. is scootts melons doing any good this year. Will Demaris has not been verry well for several days. this march has been verry hard on the Boys but they wil soon be all right again. write soon and give me all the news.

Frank Logan

P. S. since I wrote this morning we have had quite a hard rain. how did Tom + Scott get along harvesting and did they get the hay in before it got wet. Marten Bonar has just got to the regiment. he is about well.

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Elk River

HqQrs 89th Ohio Inf, Camp near Elk River, Tenn

July 15th 1863

My Dear Wife

Not a single letter from you since I left Cleveland. A note arrived today from the Postmaster at Nashville stating that seven letters had been detained there on account of postage due. So it is to be hoped that I shall get some mail soon.

Until this note arrived I was as uneasy and homesick as possible. Two weeks is a very long time.

Charles is getting homesick and thinks he cant stand it more than a month longer.

I am now in full command of my regiment and commencing easy with them and gradually roping them into the traces. The amount of work to be done is perfectly frightful and worries me so that I don't get to sleep before one or two, besides having drills and recitations all day. The regiment has been in service just a year but it does not know A B C about military. They do some astonishing things in the military line. One man marched out to the parade ground yesterday with a pipe in his mouth. But I very soon convinced him of the impropriety of his conduct.

The material in the regiment is good and to do them justice both officers and man are anxious to learn their duties. Very few of the officers are polished men and were a rather rough set of fellows a few days ago, but now there is more touching and taking off of hats than I ever saw before, in rather uncouth style it must be acknowledged. I will have them as polite as French dancing masters in a month or so.

It is queer weather we are having, the sun has not shown itself for several days. This army plunders horribly. The Army of the Potomac could pass through this country and live well. This army could follow it and live well, but the Army of the Potomac would starve if it had to follow this army. The civilians in this vicinity are in a bad condition. It is hard to tell what movement is to take place. I should like it to be quiet for a short time in order to get my regiment into shape. This army has a great deal of confidence in itself and in Genl Rosecrans.

Love to the family.

Good night Little Wife.

Your husband

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Elk River

Camp near Elk River, HdQrs 89th O. In.

July 17th 1863

My little Wife

A letter from you arrived today it was dated 5th July, it is the first I have received from you since parting from you. You can imagine that I was delighted to receive it. My nightly chapter has hardly cancelled my language used in the daytime to abuse the mails. Jones and Crook have been highly amused by my anxiety about the mail.

I am sorry that you have been worried. I have sent you a letter every other day, when possible.

Morgan is probably to blame about the delay of the mails.

Call on Dr. Wheeler if your nerves get out of order, he is a nice gentleman and you will feel confidence in him after you have once seen him. Rhoda mentions in her letter today that you intend paying Grandmother a visit. I hope country air will do you good and you can hardly fail to be pleased with Grandmother.

Treat the little ones as you did the youngsters at Mrs. Porters and they will not annoy you neither will Rhoda be offended.

Jones and I dined with Genl McCook today. His Hd Qrts are at Winchester about four miles from our camp. It is amusing to see McCook try to be good, he used to be one of the roughest and hardest cases in the army. His wife has made him pious and he has service in his quarters and has stopped drinking and is doing his best to stop swearing. However he gave us a very good dinner which is a thing I have not seen for several days. Pork, hard bread and blackberries for breakfast and the same things served for the two other daily meals, is what we live on. At McCooks we had roast beef, onions, cucumbers, beans, biscuits, and for dessert, apple dumplings, cigars, whisky, and a contraband to dance and one to pat, so we enjoyed ourselves and rode home in the cool of the evening.

It has been very warm here, it rained nineteen days out of the last twenty-two, today is the first day we have seen the sun for any length of time. While we were at McCooks a courier arrived from Sheridan and reported that rebels coming in from Chattanooga report that Charleston has been taken by Gilmore. if true, the rebels must be pretty well used up.

I met Capt Plummer a few days since. Mrs. P. is in Nashville.

My regiment is improving. I didn't know I knew so much about military affairs until I took command of this regiment. They are to be paid on Sunday but I cannot draw any pay for two months, as I have to draw on regimental muster rolls. When you want any money let me know and I will write to Father to give you some and I can return it to him next muster day. Love to the family. Take care of yourself little woman and remember

Your loving Husband

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Elk River

Camp near Elk River, HdQrs 89th Ohio I.

Sunday 19th 1863

My Dear Wife

The mails have disappointed me again, no letters, only once since leaving you. It is strange as the cars run direct from Cleveland to Dechard, two miles south of our camp.

Camp rumors today are that Grant is ordered East to relieve Meade, and that this Brigade is going to Western Virginia. I know of no foundation for either of them.

My regiment is progressing, but it will be months before I shall consider it in a respectable condition. I get horribly disgusted sometimes and feel like leaving, doubtless separation from you has something to do with my dissatisfaction. My officers so far seem very anxious to learn and the whole regiment have improved very much during the last week in general appearance and care of their arms + c. Have not said a harsh word to any of them yet and have not put a man in the guard house since I joined. Charles is very much disgusted and considers this the most lonesome place he was ever in. It certainly is unlike Washington.

It has been a hot day and we have had a variety of duties. My regiment has been paid today, and church has been going on in all the groves around us.

Nothing known about our future movements. It seems hardly probable that we will move further south until our long line of railroad communications is properly protected as the mountains on our left flank gives the rebels the opportunity of cutting the road at almost any point for two hundred miles.

Write often little woman at least every day until I receive a few letters from you, perhaps it would be more certain if instead of using the numbers, you would direct to Crook’s Brigade Reynolds Division, Thomas Corps, Army of the Cumberland. Love to the family and do write often little wife.

Your loving Husband

Private L. Wainwright to his Parents from Big Springs

Camp Big Springs

July 20th 63

Dear Parents

I received a letter from you a short time ago and will try to answer it this morning. we are still in the same camp but do not expect to stay here long. from what we can learn we will leave here this week. as to the direction we are not able to tell but do not think we will go any farther South, at least we hope not. the greatest trouble we have here is that Morgan is in Ohio also that he had went through without much resistence which is very surprising to us. we thought the citizens would never suffer him to go through Ohio without capturing him. we heard he went through Goshen. if he did I suppose you had the pleasure of seing some Rebs. I would like to hear of his capturing your noted Capt of the militia. Father we were paid off a few days ago. I thought of sending $40 to you but as I have been spending [?] slightly I have reduced the [unreadable] to $20 which I have deposited with the state agent who will send it to the Co treasurer who will advertise in the Co papers. I have a receipt which I will send you in this letter. if the receipt should get lost you will have to get some one to go with you and swear you are the man for the money. I am sorry to hear you do not get any letters from me. I have writen to you several times since we have been on the move also I sent one with Dr Thacker which you will get when he gets home. I heard Dan Cox went as a teamster in Randles train. if so it will be quite a come down for him from a gentleman to a mule driver. as there is nothing going on here I will close and write soon. Give my respects to all. from your Son

Corp J. Johnston to his Sister from Big Spring

July 21st 1863

Dear sister I received no. 16 last evening and no. 15 a few days ago. We are still in the same camp but I hardly expect we will be here more than two or three days longer. We have just been paid for four months. A state agent was here to receive what we wanted to send home. I sent fifty dollars to father. I intend to put the receipt in this letter. When he gets the receipt he can draw the money at the county treasurers office. I only kept two dollars of what I drew as I had five before and I thought that seven dollars would last me untill another pay day. Some of the co. who had never been paid before got nice little piles.

We have been hearing a good deal about Morgan’s doings here and it would be strange if the stories were not so large as when they started. I expect the malitia [militia] have been having great times after old morgan. I expect they made very noisy soldiers. It is not much use for infantry to chase cavalry but by concentrating at points in his front and rear they might corner him or they might mount themselves which would be the best way. We heard that he had been whipped near Gallipolis.

I have not much to write about this time. We are getting along very well with our West pointer. He keeps things mighty straight and wants things done up to the scratch. Our huge spring is failing very fast. We have not had so much rain lately and the mud is mostly dried up. The dust began to raise yesterday in the road but we had rain last night again. The railroad bridge has been finished over Elk river and the cars go rumbling by every day. It does me good to hear them whistle. It is about ½ mile from here to the railroad. I must quit this time. From your letters I would guess there was a good deal of sickness at home. I dont know whether father can draw my money from the Treasury before the state agent pays it in or not but should think that he could not. Some few of the co. are grunting but none of them are very sick. I believe I have nothing more to write this time.

your Brother

J. W. J.

Camp Big Spring Tenn

July 21st

Private D. J. Steward to his Father from Big Spring

July the 21st 1863

Dear father

it is with pleasure that I seat my self to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hearty as ever. I hope when these few lines may find you all well again. I have not had a letter since the first of this month. you said that Vallandingham would be governor of ohio. I dont think he will and if the soldiers gets a vote they dont like him – I heard that Morgan had Been in ohio and got whiped at Galipolis. that is a good thing it is the supposition that Charleston South carolina. I think if we keep on a little longer we will whip them out clean. we are going to leave here in tow or three days that is the talk. I think we will go to virginnia again. I hope so. we were payed of Sunday. I have sent my money to you with the state agent. you will draw the money at the county treasurer. I will haft to send you the receit before you can draw it. there is eighty dollars of it. I want you to take it and use it if you want it if you want to get a grocery get it and put the 80 in it. I could of sent home a little more if I had Been saving. we have to have money almost all the time here. we dont pack any paper so we haft to buy as we need. we have quit packing knapsack or any clothing only what we ware. well father I want you to send me a few postage stamps once in a while. I will sent you the receit and you can [get] the Money at Georgetown at the county treasurer. if Jim Norris says any thing about that money that Glade owe him just give him ten dollars and oblige me. I have not got it yet. well I think I have wrote enough for the present. dont send many postage stamps at a time. write soon.

I send my Best respects to all the folks. direct your letters to me as before.

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Elk River

Camp near Elk River, HqQrs 89th Ohio

July 21st 1863

Dear Sadie

The mails yesterday and today have been very kind. A letter from Father dated the 15th arrived yesterday. Two from you one the 10th the other the 12th and one from Rhoda dated the 12th arrived today. Father’s letter was the first intimation I had of your intention of taking a Lake trip. I am glad you decided to go for several reasons, it will be a variety for you and will be beneficial for your health and spirits and when you return Cleveland will seem like home to you. You will see the country and enjoy a steamboat ride. Mackinaw will please you, it might be well for you to take the trip around Lake Superior if Rhoda wishes to go. Had you not gone you would have prevented Rhodas trip. Had you gone home in order to let them go they would have felt as though they had driven you off, it would have been unpleasant for them to have left you in Cleveland. Father acts for the best but is a little rough sometimes and thinks he can cater for the pleasure of other persons better than they can themselves. However I am glad they made you go for it really is the best thing for you. Father is highly pleased with you and tell Rhoda that you are worth all the Mixes and Shepards put together. Grandmother took a great fancy to you also. You can imagine that I am delighted to learn that my little wife has produced so good an impression on the family, as neither of them ever flatter behind a person’s back you have their opinions truthfully.

I had hoped you had disposed of the nerves. You must call on Dr. Wheeler if your trip dont free you of them.

Confide in Rhoda when you feel the want of sympathy, she has the kindest heart in the world and will weep with you if necessary on a three moments notice. Avoid night trips little woman. Scares will injure you seriously little woman in your present condition.

It is probably as well that I took this regiment. People talk a great deal when a thing they might have had once, cannot be obtained. Father has had a row with the Haywards on the Negro question and is very much disgusted.

Father won't have a chance with me on the talking question for I have an immense amount of practice, a whole regiment to talk to and not one with impudence to reply. And it is well they don't for the guard tent is convenient. I get horse every day at drill, but take great credit to myself for not having cussed them once. I am following your plan and am making great headway in the Job line, green soldiers are worse than boils.

I am really sorry for the Bells, do write to Mrs. Bell direct to Santa Fe New Mexico and she will receive it, give her my kindest regards.

Genl Sheridan paid me a visit today. He is one of nicest men in the Service and has a fine reputation in this army. Please send me a novel occasionally.

Do as you please about clothes for the little boy. Like all man-kind I dont understand why small clothes cost so much, but you are the judge of that, get what you please and as good as other people get.

See if they cannot take a good photograph of you in Cleveland and send me one.

I have received since leaving Cleveland three letters from you, two from Rhoda and one from Father. Have sent a letter to you nearly every other day. I cannot conceive why my letters do not reach you.

We expect to move to a better camp near Cowan in a few days. Direct to Crooks Brigade Reynolds Division Thomas Corps, Army of the Cumberland. I send you the direction in nearly every letter hoping that some of my letters may reach so you can direct correctly.

Write often little wife nothing in the world gives so much pleasure as to receive a letter from you. Love to the family. Good night Sadie.

Your loving Husband

Private M. Boots to his Parents from Big Springs

Camp Big Springs tenn

July the 21 1863

Dear father and mother

I herewith inclose to you a few Lines to Let you no that i am well at this time and I do hope that when these few Lines Comes to hands that they will find you all well.

we hav verey good war Newes here. now I Begin to think that we all will Be home in a Short time. I Begin to think the time Long to here from you all. it is Rumird [rumored] that old John Morgan is in ohio and if that is the Case I want you to Let me no it and also giv me all the Newes that is a going and whether they are drafting in ohio or not.

Dear father I want you to Be Shure and Send me a few Stamps if you Can. the health of our Regt is prety good Considern [considering] the hard March we hav had.

So I will hav to closed for this time. So no more at this But Still Remaing your Dear Sun untill Death.

Martin Boots to his dear father and mother. fare well for this time.

Rite Soon and Direct your Leter to me in Care of Capt Nelson Compt D 89 Regt O V I Murfreesboro tenn and to follow the Regt. you dont fale to Rite for I would like to here from home every week if i Could.

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Elk River

Camp near Elk River, Tenn

July 22d 1863

My Dear Little Wife

No letters today, but I wish to do my share, and intend to write to you every day until you receive my letters regularly.

You doubtless are now enjoying the trout and cool air of Mackinaw. I would willingly go back to a Captaincy if I was certain of being allowed to stay with you, but it would not be certain.

I find it difficult to obtain a horse to suit me or in fact any horse at all. The Quartermaster has none and the citizens have had theirs stolen from them either by the rebels or our chief horse thief, Col Wilder. I intend to go to Sheridan's command in a day or two and see what is to be found there in the horse line.

My regiment is progressing but not as fast as I should like see it, my chief trouble is with the officers. If they were all under twenty-five I could do better. My best officers are from eighteen to twenty years of age. My worst from thirty to forty. A person would suppose that the good sense and experience of a man of over thirty would bring him into the traces quicker than a young and hot-blooded young man. My experience is the opposite. The young officers are obedient, quick to learn and ambitious. The old ones are slow and get confused and but headed. Thirty is too late for a man to change his profession, no matter how smart a man he is. If I could make my officers rank as I pleased it would save me weeks of work. Still I am now interested in the regiment and do not get as disgusted as I did.

None of the generals in my vicinity know what this army is to do this season. Most of them think this army should act as a reserve for our other armies to draw upon. A few think a good move could be made by pushing on supplying ourselves from Murfreesboro and giving up Kentucky to the rebels. Write often, love to the family. Good night Darling

Your husband

Private L. Wroten to his Parents from Big Spring

Camp Near Big Tennessee July the 24 63

Dear Father and Mother

it is With The Greatest of Pleasure that I Set Down to Inform that I am Well and Well Satisfied as ever I was. Got Plenty to eat and Plenty of Drilling to Do the Lord Knows.

We was Payed off a few Days ago. I Have Got 100 Dollars. I Will Send a Receipt For you to Draw this money from the county Treasure and I want John to Have This money for I Promised it to Him and as thare is Just a Round 100, I think it Would Be Best for you to Wait a couple of months for that What I owe you if you Will Wait. I Want you to get and Draw this money. the Reason I Did Not Send the money to John is this, Every Company Had to Send to Thier own County, So that is the Reason. I will Send you the Receipt in this Letter. So Now if you get the Letter and Dont get the Receipt you Will Know When I Sent it and all About it. I Drawed one Hundred and 27 Dollars. My Sutler Bill Was ten Dollars and I owed John Flora Five Dollars and Several others Little Debts that I owed amounts to Several Dollars and I Had to Keep Some of course. But I guess We Will Be Payed In too months again and then I Will Send it to you as it Wont Be So much. I Dont Like to Brake on the Round 100.

you can Rite to John and tell Him about the money and If He comes after it you Make Him give you a Receipt So thare Will Be No trouble about it at all and you Keep the Receipt yourself.

I Suppose you Have Had a Little War In the ohio camps as Well as In the Southern confederacy Camps. My opinion is that a Better thing Never Happened for thare is a great many of the People of the North Has Never Reelized What War Was Before.

Well We are Gitting along Bully Since We came to this camp. But I Dont think We Will Stay Here Long. they Have got the Reports out that this Brigade is to Be Sent Back to Louisville Ky or Nashville Tenn or Western Virginia. But I think It is all Just Camp Rumors. it may Be We Will Lay along this Railroad till cold Weather comes. thare is No telling.

the Bournville Boys is all Well But Joe Myres Jim Sturgis is our Brigadier generals orderly. He has got a Bully Posish [position]. It Suit Jim very Well. Stewart is Well and Hearty. He Just came in off of Picket. Stewart is the Best man In the 89^th Regt to my notion. thare is Some talk of Him Being Captain of Company B But if He leaves Company H, I Exspect I Will Desert for I Would Sooner See the Devel Before Day as to See old Elam. He is a Regular old Sore ass. thare Haint a man in the company that Likes, only them that is Working For Promotion and they are as mean as old Elam is old. Elam cant Drill Worth one Shit. He makes more mistakes than Some of us Privates Would make.

We Have got an Nother New Colonel. His Name is Carlton from the Fourth Regulars. He is a very Well Drilled man. I Dont Know How the Boys Will Like Him.

Now In conclusion I must tell you one good Joke on old Elam But Keep it Dark. the Day Before We Left murfreesboro old Elam and Several other officers concluded they Would Have a Spree and Shure Enough they Did. I Was Not thinking of Such a thing But about Sun Down that Evening Here come three or four captains and old Elam With them and all Stagering Drunk. old Elam Was Realy funny. He looked Purfectly Wild out of His eyes.

Well I Guess I Will quit for the Preasant But Remain as Ever your Son Laban Wroten Jr.

I Want you to Rite Immediately after you get this Letter and after you Draw the money. Rite again and tell me all about it.

tell the girls I Want them to Rite a Little oftener. I Have Not got a Letter from Home For too Weeks. old morgan Scard you So you could Not Rite, I Suppose that is it.

Rite Soon and Direct to murfreesboro Tennessee. give my Love and Best Respects to all Inquireing Friends.

Private S. Smith to his Parents from Big Spring

July 24th 1863

Camp Big Spring Tenn

Dear Parents

It is with much pleasure that I write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and I hope that these few lines will find you in the same condition. this is thursday that I am writing to you. I am under the shade of some brush but I do not know where you are. whether old morgan has got you or not but I hope not. I got that letter that you wrote about old morgan. I heard of that before but did not believe it but now have to but I dont think that he ever will get out of Ohio with his hide but if he does I think that they are such big fools just about as I expect. I was paid off last Sunday the 19. we was paid up to the first of July which was four months. we got $52.00 and I stashed 40. of that home. Mr Barber will give it to you. there is an agent to take care of the money. it goes to the State Treasure and then to the county Treasurer and we have a receipt to show for that money and we send that home and they present that to the agend and he pays the amount. [Dean?] and I put our money together and then Barber can get it all together. I suppose that Dr Tasker has got home by this time. [Dean?] [unreadable] I want to know where they had their horses that old morgan did not get them. I am well this morning. I will start this out. I got a letter that was wrote the 19. So now I will close by saying Good By to all

write soon dont wait for me to write first.

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Elk River

Camp near Elk River, Tenn

July 25th 1863

My Dear Little Wife

Are you not remiss in your duties as a correspondent. Your last letter was dated the 12th nearly two weeks without a letter from you and I have sent you a letter every other day and for several days a letter every day. Camp life as far as pleasure is concerned is a very dull affair, no matter how busy a person may be, especially to a young married man.

You must remember little woman that I am anxious about you and as you say, even a note is a great satisfaction. Write every day Sadie no matter how small a letter. I want to hear from you even if you do not feel cheerful. Who is a more proper person to hear your troubles and cares than I, in fact is it not my right. Your letters and picture are great comforts to me. If the letters only came oftener I should be better pleased. Crooks Brigade, Reynolds Division Thomas Corps. Army of the Cumberland. I am determined that there shall be no doubt in your mind as to the proper directions.

Nothing new here, dull and hot as possible. I am doing my best to straighten this regiment up but it is slow business. As soon as they understand fully what I want them to do, I shall fall on them heavily if they don't do it.

I am sorry that this regiment has never been under fire for it is hard to tell what it will do if it is ever exposed. The general opinion here is that none of us will be under fire soon, it is thought that we will merely occupy this country. Of course, there is no authority or certainty about it.

Today I have had bowers of bushes built over the company grounds + bowers for the officers. I have a brush house about fifteen feet high and thirty feet square for my own comfort. The hot weather is filling up the sick report rapidly. The great trouble is a want of personal cleanliness. The sovereign people seem to be very much opposed to soap and water and clothes brushes. By dint of hard work, I manage to now find occasionally a pair of clean shoes and an abortive attempt at cleaning a musket and breastplate. Not a musket in my regiment that would not send the owner to the guard house if he was in the 4th Inf. It seems that even a Western man cannot learn how to keep a musket in order in a year. Yet they try hard. My orderly today worked for two days to run for the position. Yet the condition of his musket would horrify an old soldier.

It is a month yesterday since we left Washington. it seems about a year dont it to you. Just twenty weeks last Tuesday since we were married.

Do you hear from Harrisburg often. How are they. Hazlitt was the officer killed while bending over Weed they were both severe losses to the Service. It is reported that Watson was wounded at that battle.

I intend to write to Ned soon do you think that he would like to be on the staff of any General here. Love to the family. Do write little woman.

Good night

Your loving husband

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Elk River

Camp near Elk River, Tenn

July 27th 1863

My Dear Little Wife

I have been growling for several days about your letting me alone so severely the past two weeks, but your letter of the 19th arrived today and I have attempted to make up for the lost letters by reading it over four or five times. I can fully appreciate your feelings if you were without a letter for two weeks. It is well that I am not in charge of the mail line from Cleveland to this point or some heads would drop.

You do not mention the nerves are they in a quiet condition now. Go around Lake Superior if Rhoda goes it is an interesting trip and you may not have another opportunity and will regret it and in the West it is the correct thing to do.

Find out the name of the old Sergeant at Mackinaw. I am always interested in old soldiers.

You don’t mention your health how is it, does the little boy trouble you much, dont you begin to feel more interest in the youngster as you commence working for him. I am sometimes sorry that it is so, fearing that it will render you unhappy by injuring your health, but hope not, although it is now anything but agreeable to you.

I sent up some transportation accounts to Capt Hodges at Nashville, and directed him to send the amount to you at Cleveland. He writes that he has sent a check for the amount to you. Please let me know if you receive it safely.

We expect to move tomorrow or next day. We are to go eight or ten miles from this place and camp in the vicinity of the University of the South. The camps are said to be fine there.

We hear but very little about the rebels in this vicinity and none of them have been seen by our troops lately.

Like all soldiers we do a good deal in the growling line but really have but little foundation for it.

Give Mary my love. I dont send any kisses to her baby for I am not partial to kissing red faced specimens, and if I am obliged to kiss any of that color I think my own will be enough to satisfy me.

Have you heard from Harrisburg if so what is new there. Where is Gentry. Give my love to the family when you write.

My regiment is progressing slowly. I commenced discipline today. Broke two men this evening for offenses committed this morning and intend to keep it up every day until they are straightened out. They have had time to find out what was required and now must do it. They waken up wonderfully when their pockets are touched. I treat them all politely and kindly and show them how twice. The third time however they must do it without telling.

I go to reveille now days, have I not a strong sense of duty to rise at four. You can imagine that I am not out of bed long.

Good night Sadie, write often little woman tell me every thing about you.

Love to the family. I wish I could see you darling.

Your husband

Cale

Colonel Caleb Carlton Letter from Elk River

Camp near Elk River, Tenn

July 31st 1863

My Dear Little Wife

Four days and no letter, little woman.

We are very much disgusted at the idea of having Genl Turchin to command our Brigade. He was relieved from command of a division for incompetency and now placed in command of a first class Brigade like this. He reviewed us today. I appeared for the first time in a double breasted coat and doubtless looked broader than I was high. The General's build is very much like mine, something in the elegant Dutch merchantmans style. I have the advantage of him in height about an eighth of an inch or so. He speaks broken English and claims to have been in the Russian service. His wife is with him and travels with him every where. She must be a smart woman for he was cashiered by a Court Martial as a Colonel for burning a town down here, and she went to Washington and had him made a General a month afterwards.

Jones and I paid our respects to them today. She is about forty, ordinary in appearance and looks like a Dutch woman. Jones says she is not a lady because she sits with her feet crossed and spits in the presence of gentlemen. The fact of her following the army shows that she is not a woman of much delicacy.

My regiment behaved very well on Review today. I was a good deal worried about it as it is perfectly green about regimental drill. Fortunately, we were so placed as to have but a few of the simplest movements to execute.

Charles seems to be pretty well satisfied now, he has two horses to take care and he and the other horse boys keep up a perfect row as to the merits of their horses as them call them. They steal feed from each other and have to be threatened with the Guard House occasionally to prevent them from taking hold of each others wool. Wilder had to turn in the proceeds of his raid, a few days ago. He had some elegant horses taken from rich planters down here. I was sorely tempted particularly by a fine horse taken from General Pillows farm but all of the horses were priced extravagantly high from two to three hundred for the best. I succeeded in getting one nice horse. He is a very handsome four year old, that will with age make a very fine horse but is too young for very hard service at present. He will make one of the best horses in the vicinity, although there is some very fine horses in our Brigade. Jones has two at three hundred each. I call him, "the beast" at present, give me a pretty and short name for him. He is a great pet and licks my hand and eats sugar out of it with great gusto. The other horse gets very little attention as he is something in age and cannot be called handsome.

"The Beast" is rather afraid of the drums and plunged about a great deal at review this morning but he will get used to them soon.

Jones has been here for the last three hours and is late. Orders just received to move in the morning. Reveille at three. So good night Sadie

Your husband

Carlton

FOURTH DIVISION.

Maj. Gen. JOSEPH J. REYNOLDs.

First Brigade.

Col. ABRAM O. MILLER.

92 Illinois, Smith D. Atkins.

98th Illinois, Col. John J. Funkhouser.

123d Illinois, Lieut. Col. Jonathan Biggs.

17th Indiana, Lieut. Col. Henry Jordan.

72d Indiana, Lieut. Col. Samuel C. Kirkpatrick.

18th Indiana Battery, Capt. Eli Lilly.

Second Brigade.

Col. MILTON S. ROBINSON.

68th Indiana, Lieut. Col. John S. Scobey.

75th Indiana, Lieut. Col. William O'Brien.

101st Indiana, Lieut. Col. Thomas Doan.

105th Ohio, Maj. George T. Perkins.

19th Indiana Battery, Capt. Samuel J. Harris.

Third Brigade.

Brig. Gen. John B. TURCHIN.

18th Kentucky, Lieut. Col. Hubbard K. Milward.

11th Ohio, Col. Philander P. Lane.

36th Ohio, Col. William G. Jones.

89th Ohio, Col. Caleb H. Carlton.

92d Ohio, Col. Benjamin D. Fearing.

21st Indiana Battery, Capt. William W. Andrew.