West Virginia
December 1862 and January 1863
Record of Events
31: A – We were mustered for pay at Camp Fenwick situated on south side of Cotton Mountain, [West] Virginia. Left Camp Fenwick [West] Virginia. Marched to Camp Rosecrans on the Kanawha River, a distance of seventeen miles. D – Left Camp Fenwick, [West] Virginia, the place where last mustered. Arrived at Camp Rosecrans, [West] Virginia same day. F – Left Camp Fenwick, [West] Virginia, the place where last mustered. Arrived at Camp Rosecrans same day. G – Mustered for pay by – at Camp Fenwick, [West] Virginia.
1: B – Left Camp Fenwick, [West] Virginia, where we last mustered to Camp Ruth Udell, Virginia; distance marched about sixteen miles. Remained there. C – Left Camp Fenwick, [West] Virginia, the place where last mustered. Arrived at Camp Rosecrans same day. G – Marched from Camp Fenwick to Camp Rosecrans, distance eighteen miles. I – Left Camp Fenwick, [West] Virginia. Arrived at Camp Rosecrans, [West] Virginia at sundown same day; distance marched sixteen miles.
The Highland News of 25 Dec 62, Letter of Thanks from Co. A and I
Letter of Thanks from Cos. A and I,
89th O.V.I.
Camp Fenwick, Va.,
Dec. 3d, 1862
To the Soldier’s Aid Society of Marshall, Highland County, Ohio:
Ladies: - In behalf of the members of Cos. A and I, of the 89th O.V.I, I tender you their sincere thanks for two boxes of Sanitary Stores which arrived yesterday, in the care of Mr. Wm. Tedro, of Marshall Township, and which will be the means of relieving the wants of many suffering soldiers who have left the peaceful pursuits and enjoyments of home, and gone forth to battle for the honor and integrity of the country and the perpetuity of our glorious institutions, and who by exposure and hardships incident to a soldier’s life have been laid upon beds of sickness or perhaps death. No one feels more thankful to you Ladies, than do these afflicted soldiers. They feel that they are not forgotten at home, but that while they labor and suffer in defence of our glorious Union, the Ladies, who are ever faithful, ever kind, and ever willing to alleviate distress wherever found, are working cheerfully and constantly, to supply their wants. And we promise that the articles sent shall be used for the purposes you designed. In conclusion, we would again express our thanks to you, and bid you Godspeed in your noble and patriotic undertaking, and rest assured that many prayers will ascend to the throne of God in your behalf.
(Signed) Wm. H. Glenn,
Capt. Co. A.
D. M. Barrett,
Capt. Co. I.
Per John B. Gamble, Serg’t Co. A.
The Highland News, 89th’s Condition
From the 89th Ohio.
Adjutant R. W. Spargur, of the 89th Ohio, arrived home last Saturday night, to remain a few days. The regiment was busy erecting huts for winter quarters, when he left. Its present camp is on the south side of Cotton Mountain, near Gauley river, about 6 miles from the camp of the 12th Ohio. There was considerable sickness among some of the companies, mostly, however, of a mild form, measles and mumps being the most common ailments, with some rheumatism and fever. About 8 or 10 of Capt. Glenn’s company were on the sick list, but no serious cases. Capt. Barrett’s company was not so fortunate, only about 40 of his men being reported fit for duty. Lieut. Col. Rowe was still in command of the regiment, but no new Colonel has yet been appointed.
Private M. Boots to his Parents from Cotton Hill
December the 5 1862
Dear father and mother
I here with inclose to you a few Lines to let you no that I am well at this time and I hope that when these few Lines comes to hand that they will find you injoying the Same Blessing.
I Received you kind Leter the 3 of this month and was very glad to here from you all. if mother dont want me to go in the Regler Service I wont do it. I hav Some very hard times Since i hav bin in the army.
I think maby that I will try to come this winter if i Can. it is Snowing here to day. it is very Sickley here in this Regment and some of our Boys hav died and i Expect they will be a good many more Die here this winter. i will hav to Close. So no more at this time But Still Remains your Dear Sun untill Death.
Martin Boots to his Dear father and mother. So fare well for this time. Rite Soon and Direct your Leter in care of Capt Brown 89 Ridgmen O V I Point Pleasant Virginia to follow the army.
Nelson Diary, Saturday
It is a very cold, disagreeable day with about three inches of snow on the ground. I saw Frank Seaman this morning who was with his battery on their way to beyond Fayetteville. They camped opposite to our camp last night with the cannons but slept in our houses. We didn’t work any on the houses on account of the cold. Lieut. Dixon and Elliott left camp for down the river in an ambulance. Mrs. Brown and Austin came to see Ally who has been sick for some time. They came in a two-horse buggy; the buggy ride cost them $35 from Charleston. We drew from the quartermaster 28 pairs of knit drawers and 28 knit undershirts and issued them all out. I went to see Ally and found him some worse.
Nelson Diary, Sunday
The weather is still quite cold and disagreeable. We have two houses built and daubed, but have no door or floor. Haven’t worked at them any since Friday afternoon when it began to snow very hard. A man from Co. K died last night and the chaplain started with him today for Chillicothe. I spent most of the day writing to sister Jennie believing at the time that I might be worse employed when the mail came which was about noon. I found a letter to me from sister J. telling me of the return of the 60th and of John’s prospect of going to Chicago this winter. Lieut. Glenn + myself went to see Ally Brown; found him some better. We drew and issued 10 blankets. Wrote to [unreadable] concerning back pay.
The Scioto Gazette of 30 Dec 62, Samuel Christie, Co. K, Death Notice
DIED.
Died at camp Fenwick, Va., on the 7th of Dec., 1862, of camp fever and pneumonia, SAMUEL CHRISTIE, a private in Captain Adams’ Company, 89th Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in the 34th year of his age. He lived an honest man and died a faithful soldier.
J. F. H.
Nelson Diary, Monday
The weather is very much moderated and the snow melting. We didn’t work any on the houses on account of not being able to get a wagon. I spent most of the day in posting up our clothing books. We drew 47 pairs of drawers, 35 of which were knit + 12 were cotton flannel. Issued all of the knit and most of the other. Austin Brown, Ed + Ike Cook and Tom Parker went to Fayetteville to see about getting Ally a furlough but on account of some informality didn’t succeed. I got a letter from Elliott stating that he probably would go on home with Dixon stating that he hadn’t thought of it when he left camp or he would have spoken to me about it. Wrote a 9-page letter to "Gin." Received paper from sister J.
Nelson Diary, Tuesday
It was a very pleasant day, the sun shining out warmly all day. We couldn’t get a wagon but we went to work fixing up the bunks in the two houses already built. We got the bunks in the upper house nearly all fixed and part of the other. Serg’t. Parker and twelve men are out on picket. Austin Brown got another pass and went to Fayetteville again on same business as yesterday; was more fortunate as he got Ally’s application for a furlough under way, but it is not supposed that it will get through for a week or ten days.
Ed went hunting but didn’t get anything; in the evening he got a letter from his father. I found that Lieut. Dixon was going to leave in the morning and got the clothes he had drawn.
Private J. Ogden to his brother from Camp Fenwick
Camp Fenwick December the 9th, 1862
My dear brother
I take this present opertunity to write these few lines to you to inform you that I am well and in good health at Present and I am in hopes that these few lines will finde you and father in good health and enjoying the Blessing of God. I want to let you know our Position. at Present we are encamped Beyond the Big mountain they call Cotton Mountain in a Prety good camp ground But we are still in little tents. We commenced building winter quarters about two weaks ago. We had to go in the woods and chop logs and make Boards for them But we had but a few teams to hall the logs so we got along very slow. We are not half thru with them yet as the winter set in and commenced Snowing and Freesing so we canot do anything with them at Present and do not know what time we will get in our quarters it might not be this winter. So if we do not it will go Pretty hard with us this winter. Also I must let you know that there is a good many of our boys sick and in hospital. their was two that died out of our Company this last two weeks and there is Some gon home sick. I am afraid that if we stay hear this winter we will loose a good many more as it is Prety hard to stand the hardship of Camp in the winter time. also do not know whither I can get to home this winter or not. But if their is any opportunity I will go home. if I do not go if I get Paid this winter I will send my Pay home by Express as our Captain Says he will send it all Right. also I have solde my Pistol for a leven dolars. But did not get the money untill Pay Day so that will clear my expenses since I come in the army. also I got the goods that ye sent me all Right. I want ye to send me some Buter if ye can get any chance of any one coming this Way. also I want to let you know that Mr. Gambel [Gamble] from Yelowbud [Yellowbud] was down hear yesterday and he told me that James Hurst went to Ilonise [Illinois]. also I have received a letter from Sarah Janes and I have answered it as soon as I got it. also I got a letter from Josephine Rickabaugh. But I did not answer it yet but I will as soon as I can. also I hope that you will let me know what ye are going to do next year as I think ye had Better keep the widow Miler Plaice and I hope that ye will do the Best ye can with the corn and I think ye had better not sell the corn yet as I think it will give a big Price Very soon as their is no corn raised hear. also I understand that you are to work at Heneary Janes and when you write I want you to send me some more Postage Stamps as we canot get any hear. I believe I have nothing more to make mention of untill I hear from you again. But give my love to all my friends and write as soon as you receive this. Direct to me Company K 89 R.E.G. O.V.I. Point Plesant Va. Nomore at Present but I remain your Cincear Brother James Ogden. to his Brother Edward Ogden.
Nelson Diary, Wednesday
The weather is very pleasant and warm in the daytime, but the nights are very cold. I wasn’t able to get a team to haul logs but was promised one or two tomorrow. Had all the men out in the woods cutting logs. I went to see Ally, found him looking better. The left wing of the 91st Reg’t passed enroute to Fayetteville. Heard that Maj. Hatfield was Col. and Capt. Glenn, Major. Ed + Will moved over to the house. Nate Dixon + Oscar Scarberry started to Point Pleasant. I issued the shirt I got from Nate to Joe McCollister and the drawers to Henry McQuinniff. Miles Ratcliff was moved to the hospital. Charly Smith + Bob Maddox spoke for furloughs.
Nelson Diary, Thursday
Today was another most beautiful day, reminding one very much of spring weather. We had two teams part of the day and got two houses under headway. Had a squad out cutting board timber part of the day. Austin Brown + Ike Cook got a pass and went over to the river. We saw a deer running on an adjoining hill. It was the first wild one I had seen. Col. Hayes and Coz. Joe Webb came about noon. Coz. Joe went on to Fayetteville and Coz. H. staid until after dinner and then went back to the river. A short time after dark, Coz. Joe returned and concluded to stay all night. He advised the fixing up of a Sibley tent for my own quarters.
Wrote to Uncle Scott.
The Highland News, Glenn Promoted to Major
Capt. Glenn promoted. – We learn from the Columbus correspondence of the Cincinnati Commercial that our esteemed townsman, Capt. Wm. H. Glenn of Co. A., 89th Ohio, has been promoted to Major vice Major Hatfield, promoted to Colonel. Capt. Glenn’s promotion leaves his company under the command of First Lieut. J. H. Mullenix who will no doubt succeed to the Captaincy.
Nelson Diary, Friday
The weather is most beautiful and pleasant. We got one team until dinnertime to haul logs. Had a number of men out in the woods cutting board timber. Dug a trench for the palisade of the Sibley tent, but was to unwell to do anything else to it.
Coz. Joe left soon after breakfast saying that he would return Sunday.
I feel so unwell that I am afraid that I’ll be quite sick.
Have got the roof on the third house and the chimneys commenced.
Steve Walker returned from Ohio this evening.
The Highland News of 18 Dec 62, Lt Gamble Note from Gallipolis
[We have received the following note from Lt. J. W. Gamble (late of the 60th) who, in company with Adjutant Spargur, of the 89th Ohio, left here on Tuesday morning of last week, taking with them a supply of hospital stores for the sick of the latter regiment.]
Gallipolis, O., Dec. 12, 1862.
Dear News: -- We arrived here this morning at 10 o’clock. We have been delayed one day by having been compelled to go to Portsmouth by the Express messenger’s refusal to deliver the boxes in my charge at Portland.
We shall probably get off from here tonight and reach Charleston tomorrow evening.
I understand here that there is great difficulty in getting supplies up the Kanawha, and there is talk of bringing the troops down to the point.
Yours, J. W. Gamble
Nelson Diary, Saturday
Last night was not near so cold as it has been for a week past.
I was so unwell today that I didn’t help at the house at all. I am afraid that I am going to take a fever. I wrote to Dixon this morning about getting my boots before he came back. Got a letter from sister July and one from Theo Cook.
The men seem to regret my being sick very much + are very kind to me. Austin B. gave me a "going over" with a wet towel which made me feel some better.
Private M. Boots to his Parents from Cotton Hill
1862
December 13
Dear father and mother
I herewith inlose [enclose] to you a few Lines to Let you no that I am well at this time and I hope that when these few Lines Comes to hand that they will find you injoying the Same Blessings.
Received your most kind and welkom Leter to and was glat to here from you and to here that you was all well. I dont no as i hav much to Rite at this time only we hav Considerble Sickness here.
I want you to Send me Some postag Stamp for theirs is non here to Be had. Riley Seamour is well and Sends his Best Respect to all. Rite Soon and Direct your Leters as you hav don Before. So no more at this but Still Remains Dear Sun untill Death
Martin Boots to his father Samel [Samuel] Boots
Nelson Diary
14 Dec, Sunday. The weather has been most wonderfully fine for this time of the year. Has been as warm as a May day. I have felt a great deal better today than yesterday, but was so weak this morning that I could scarcely walk. I am much stronger this evening.
I walked over to see Ally this afternoon; found him getting better but very slowly. Had dress parade this evening for the first time for a week or two. Co. D wasn’t out on account of me not being here. I was at Ally’s at the time.
Lieut. Timmons returned today from Ohio.
Coz. Joe failed to come according to promise. Could see the Northern Lights.
15 Dec, Monday. Today was a continuation of the marvelously warm, balmy, spring days which we had been enjoying for a week past. This evening however indicated rain pretty strongly. I couldn’t get a team today consequently didn’t build any house today, but fixed one a little, daubing and building chimney. I didn’t work much, feeling very weak, hadn’t but one meal since Friday noon until this morning. Some of the men commenced the palisade for my tent. George Fleming returned from desertion + George Henshaw from Point Pleasant.
Got a letter from Sister Adelia. Ally Brown is not improving in strength as rapidly as he ought. I’m about well.
16 Dec 62, Tuesday. After taps last night quite a storm of rain + wind broke upon us, blowing some tents over and loosening others. Before morning, the weather changed to be quite cold and the rain to snow. It has been very cold all day, occasionally snowing, didn’t work any at the houses.
I went over to see Ally this afternoon.
Saw Jim Gamble, but didn’t get to talk to him much. Got a paper of the 11th.
17 Dec 62, Wednesday. The weather was cold and blustery all day, occasionally snowing. Didn’t do much at the houses, finished putting the palisades for my tent. Got one load of logs hauled. Capt. Glenn said that Jim Elliott would probably be Co. A’s 2nd Lieut. Lieut. Jim Gamble expects to start home in the morning. He wants to get the adjutancy of the Reg’t.
18 Dec 62, Thursday. It was quite cold last night and this morning. Lieut. Jim Gamble staid with me. Wrote letters to sisters’ Jennie + Julia. Got two letters from sister J. + one from Mary. Got paper from Ada. Got things from home.
19 Dec 62, Friday. Was a very pleasant day with some indications of rain. Jim Gamble staid with me last night and left for home taking two letters for me, one for Sister Jennie and the other to Julia. Heard that Dixon was not expected to get well. Forwarded two letters to him. Went to see Ally B.; found him improving but very slowly.
Col. Hatfield and Major Glenn went to Fayetteville to be resworn. Got a bottle of catsup from the sutler. Co. D was sent on picket.
20 Dec 62, Saturday. Was a very pleasant day, the sun shining brightly. Got one team to haul logs. Jim Webb was here to dinner. We got to shoot our guns off having been loaded since Nov. 1st.
21 Dec 62, Sunday. The weather was very pleasant most of the day, though there was some rain toward evening which prevented the intended dress parade. I went over to Ally, found him not so well as usual. Had inspection this morning. Got a letter this evening from Maggie Cook. Got the sad intelligence of the death of Lieut. J. Riley Dixon who left us here on the 6th of this month. He died Dec. 18th about 9 o’clock a.m. and was buried Saturday, Dec. 20th.
I wrote to Theo Cook an 8-page letter of large size paper. Ate dinner at Mr. Warners.
22 Dec 62, Monday. Was very pleasant though it rained occasionally through the day. We got our fourth house covered and daubed and a chimney partly built to my tent. Elliott returned from Ohio where he had been since Dec. 6th, having gone home with Lieut. Dixon. Ally seemed much better today though very weak.
I wrote to Maggie Cook.
A meeting of the Co. was called of which the following is a result.
Tribute of Respect in memory of Lieut. J. Riley Dixon.
Camp Fenwick, Va., Dec. 22nd, 1862. At a meeting of Co. D, 89th O.V.I. held in the Co. quarters. Serg’t Thos. S. Parker, Corp. T. E. W. Elliott and O. S. Stephen V. Walker were appointed a committee to draft resolutions as a tribute of respect to our late Lieut. J. Riley Dixon who died at the residence of his father near Londonderry, Ross Co., Ohio, Dec. 18th, 1862.
Serg’t James Jones having been called to the chair + Serg’t S. V. Walker having been appointed secretary.
On motion the meeting adjourned until 6 o’clock p.m. of the same day, when the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Whereas; it has pleased an all-wise Providence to take from our midst our much esteemed friend + officer, Lieut. Joseph Riley Dixon.
Therefore be it resolved that in his death we have lost a dear friend and kind officer, our country a faithful and honorable soldier, one who by his gentlemanly conduct and good deportment merits our undivided love and esteem.
Resolved that while we are mindful of the sacrifices he had made for our good and the good of all who love the cause of liberty; and that we remember the example of him whose spirit of candor and open generosity endeared him to all.
Resolved that while our loss will not compare with that of those who have lost an obedient and affectionate son, a kind and loving brother, yet we do hereby tender our heart-felt sympathy to them in this their great affliction.
Resolved that a copy of the foregoing resolution be sent to the bereaved parents of the deceased and a copy to the office of the Scioto Gazette Chillicothe Advertiser and Greenfield Republican requesting its publication.
Serg’t James Jones, Chairman. Orderly Serg’t S. V. Walker, Secretary.
Thos. S. Parker, T. E. W. Elliott, S. Walker, Committee
23 Dec 62, Tuesday. Was a very pleasant day. We built a chimney to my tent and got the tent up but not fixed. I reported the death of Lieut. Dixon to Maj. Glenn whose place it is to report it to headquarters. Wrote to Maggie Cook.
24 Dec 62, Wednesday. The weather has been wonderfully warm for this time of the year. Got an invitation to eat a Christmas dinner with Col. Hayes and expect to go. Got the tent fixed up and moved over this evening. Ally is improving slowly but I think surely. Had an election in the Co. by which I was elected unanimously to the first lieutenancy and S. V. Walker is the 2nd by some slight opposition.
25 Dec 62, Thursday. This is Christmas but how warm it is. It is more like spring weather. Ed, Will, Ike and myself went over to the river to spend the day and eat Christmas dinner with Col. R. B. Hayes. Got back about dusk. Wrote to Mary Cook. Got bottle wine for Ally. Paid $1.25 for crackers and oysters for Ally. Wrote to Mary Cook.
26 Dec 62, Friday. It still continues warm with slight showers. Went over to see Ally, found him much better. Miles Ratcliff started home. Got a letter for Uncle Scott and one from Ada. Wrote to Mary Nelson. Got an order to furlough ten men and three non-commissioned officers after the 6th of Jan.
27 Dec 62, Saturday. Was another very pleasant day, still very warm. Caleb Harper made me a broom. Ike Cook took some flour and sugar over for Mrs. Brown to make some bread + fixins. Got a letter at last from John. Walker is very much swollen up with the mumps. Ed was sick yesterday but is better today. We cleaned up the Co. quarters +c.
28 Dec 62, Sunday. The weather is still very pleasant. Had a very good inspection of Co. today. Went to see Ally, found him looking well. He got his furlough from Gen. Cox for 20 days. Had dress parade. Got orders to have the muster + pay rolls made out and worked until 2 o’clock at night.
Nelson Diary, Monday
The weather is still as pleasant as May. Worked hard at the muster rolls all day with but little help. Was promised two or three teams tomorrow. Had another dress parade this evening. Rec’d official notice that Corbin Goldsberry was discharged on Dec. 9th. Got letter from Aunt Phebe + one from Ada Cook. The 4th Va. Regt. passed back on their way to Ky. Got 2 ¼ pounds butter at 40 cts. per pound.
Friends of Private George Campbell, Co H, 66th OVI, write to him news of the 89th
December the 29 1862
Dear Friend
I received you kind and most afectionate letter last Thursday and was glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and doing fine. your forever Annie.
I am going to school and joff [?] is going to treat to morrow and I must go get some candy and to get some Aples and Mother is gone to Jemsus and the old woman is a bout dead withe the dropsy and I speck that she wont live til moaring and I want to know that man name who fell off the boat when you write this next letter and Sam Christie is dead a mile on yonder side of Cotin [Cotton] mountain and was beard [buried] 18 Decmber. Wesley is hear drunk ever since he come back and he is going to his Company and Father is going to cincinnati with his hogs and my sheep is well and is fat that me and you use to put so much tar and I want to sell it. So no more but remaining your friend untill death. Jehtha A Vincent.
George I was glad to hear from you. I would have rote to you before this time but I did not know whare to write. on Thursday before you left mariati [Marietta] I help to burry Cyrus Shobe, and just two weeks to a day I help to burry Samuel Christie. on Saturday following Peter Hause was burried. he got home 12 day before he died but the other two was brought home in boxes. these three all died out Captain Adams + Timmons Company that was making up when you went home. it belong to the 89 rigment. they are up the Kanawha river in virginia. read this letter for Ward Strope. I think he know all them boys that died. we are well thank the good being for his bless. I want to go to Cincinnati with my hogs. I think I have forty head will grose three hundred. they are selling for $3.50 grose. george I had the luck to hire a hand last week from Jackson County at 50 cents per day. it is nine oclock and I must quit so good by.
To george Campbell. I. C. Vincent.
I am glad you got the worth of your ticket.
Nelson Diary
30 Dec 62, Tuesday. It is still very pleasant though it rains occasionally. Got two teams to haul logs for a kitchen. Had to make out a new set of pay rolls. Worked until 12 o’clock last night. After having finished them, found that Louis Mills had returned and that Corbin Goldsberry had been discharged, and had them all to make over again. Austin Brown and John Baird made two of them. Wrote an eight-page foolscap letter to Sister Jennie. Sat up until 2 o’clock working on the pay rolls.
31 Dec 62, Wednesday. The weather changed last night and this morning is very blustery. It blew very hard last night and snow some this morning. Co’s. A + F have orders to march to Cannelton today and the rest of us go tomorrow to occupy the houses left vacant by the 30th Regt. O.V.I. going to Ky. or Vicksburg.
Jan 63
The Scioto Gazette of 24 Feb 63, Clio Letter from Camp Fenwick
Camp Fenwick, Va., Jan., 1863.
Mr. Editor,-Dear Sir:-having seen an account of the great jubilee held in your city, by the traitorous peace criers of that section, I beg leave to make some comment through your columns on the leading features of that meeting, the principles of those who held it, and especially upon the principles and character of Vallandigham, the notorious scoundrel who led it.
The first account of this gathering came to our camp through that sneaking butternut sheet, the Advertiser, which says "not a man nor a dollar" to put down the rebellion, and which occasionally intrudes itself into our presence, though as unwelcome a guest as rebeldom can produce. I took the paper, read the leading editorial, and handed the paper to a leading democrat, who has been a reader of the Advertiser, asking him to read the account of the butternut meeting. He took the paper and read the account of the procession, when he dashed the paper to the ground, stamped it and said: "If this be democracy I want none of it." So that is about the way it was received throughout the camp. Whilst frequently you could hear volleys of oaths going up against the traitors who flourished the butternuts in the procession, as earnest, though not as effective, as a volley of musketry would be should they dare to flourish the emblem of traitors before our camp.
But we could not expect anything better at a meeting headed by the notorious villain, Vallandigham, who is as popular here with the butternuts who skulk about the byways to murder are wandering soldiers, as he is with the Advertiser clique, who are of like principle, and as great an auxiliary to the rebel cause; for both parties are striving to gain a peace dishonorable to the Union cause. But with a million armed men in the field, determined to conquer traitors or die in the attempt, those traitor-like spirits had as well strive to blot out the moon or pluck the brightness from the sun, as to bring about a dishonorable peace. For the soldiers of the Union will never, no never go home under a dishonorable peace. For my part I would rather my bones should bleach in these hills than to go home humbled by a dishonorable peace, forced by Vallandigham, Jeff Davis and the devil, who are striving to be its authors, as they are brother spirits working in the same cause and for the accomplishment of the same end. Though if one rebel deserves been dyed with a deeper stain of ignominy, or to receive a more severe punishment than another, that rebel is Vallandigham, who is using every possible means to carry out the fiendish designs of Jeff Davis. He is opposed to the Union, an enemy to the government, and is striving to alienate the people of the North from the Government, thereby getting up a party in the North as dangerous to the Government as the rebels of the South.
In fact I have never spoken to a rebel soldier or citizen about Vallandigham but what he spoke of him in the highest terms of praise. Whilst some have even told me in all the Yankees were like Vallandigham and followers that the independence of the Confederate States would long ago have been recognized by the United States. Others too have told me, if ever the South gained their independence, they would give great credit to Vallandigham, their most potent agent in the North. So Vallandigham and crew need not wear a Union cloak any longer, as they are well known in the North and as well known and more fully appreciated in the South. They are already dyed with a deep and deadly stain of ignominy, that years nor generations will not wipe away.
They are accounted with the leaders of this accursed rebellion, and their names will go down with them in the pages of history only to be scored and purged by generations to come.
Clio
Co. H, 89th Reg, O.V.I.
Nelson Diary
1 Jan 63. The weather is still cold. Late last night, I was serenaded by the musicians on banjo, violin and two flutes which was very pleasant. Got things ready for the march and started about 8 ½ o’clock a.m., Co. D being in front. I left the Co. when we got to the summit of Cotton Mountain and went ahead and stopped at Col. Hayes’ for a few minutes. The scenery down the river was decidedly grand. Got to Camp Ruth Udell about 3 ½ o’clock, all hands pretty well fagged out as the marching was hard on account of the mud. Made the 16 miles in 7 hours which is considered pretty good under the circumstances. Some of the men brought their knapsacks.
A short time after our arrival a mail came which resulted in a letter from Sister Jennie. It had the tendency to take the aches out of my bones. After dark I was notified that our boxes from home had come and were being opened and I repaired to headquarters immediately and found the chaplain issuing parcels out to those they were intended for. Occasionally after looking on a parcel he would exclaim "Isaac Nelson." I am very thankful for the chaplain’s good eyesight, specially as after each exclamation a package was forthcoming. After a time, however, his eyesight grew dim and he could see "I. Nelson" no more. So I set about examining my evidences of his departed vision with the following satisfactory result, viz.
1 turkey from Sister Julia
1 roll of sausage from Mrs. Barron
1 package of little books from Sister Jennie with letter attached
1 sack with apples
1 sack containing a jelly cake, about a peck of biscuits and a number of ginger cakes from sister Jen
2 jars of apple butter from same
1 jar of gooseberry jam from same
1 pepper box from some unknown considerate friend
I also got a note with a photograph in it from July.
2 Jan 63. The weather is still pleasantly cool. I had the tents which were left here by the 30th O.V.I. put up as a loft in my quarters. Drew and issued 30 prs. pants. Wrote an 8-page letter to sister J + sent by Maj. G. Dave Hague came up.
3 Jan 63, Saturday. Weather still pleasant with slight prospect of rain. The Co. got quite a lot of wood hauled. I sent letters up to Ike and Ed by ambulance driver. Issued two blankets to George + John W. Dixon. Got letter from July. George Henshaw was sent to work on the bateaux yesterday. Bob Maddox was detailed as blacksmith. Wilkinson cut my hair. After night, I went over to headquarters and the chaplain divided the sanitary goods he had brought in, doing which he displayed a wonderful amount of selfishness. I worked until about two o’clock at night on furloughs. Got all done.
4 Jan 63, Sunday. The weather is very pleasant. Sent furloughs and muster roll over to H’quarters. Had preaching and inspection in forenoon. Was interrupted by a storm. It rained and blew very hard. Got letter from Ike Roseboom at Charleston Hospital. Ike Cook came down in wagon. Austin, Ally and Ed came in an ambulance across the river. Austin came over and stayed all night.
5 Jan 63, Monday. The weather is clear and pleasant. Sam Wilkins came on last night. The chaplain, Austin, Ike, Dave Hague and myself went over the river to see Ally + the others. We found Ally looking very well but Ed looked very badly. I am very much afraid that he is going to have a severe spell of sickness. He and John Baird went on home by leave of the Col. and their papers are to be made out and sent to them. Have given the extra duty men the job of making a good walk from my quarters to Co. quarters.
The furloughs returned this evening all approved by Col. Van Vorhes. Co. D’s men are Amos Putnam, Caleb Harper, Wilson Wilkinson, Thomas S. Parker, Joe McCollister, Jacob Shivley, Martin Baker, E. W. Spencer, Louis Stackhouse, John Dixon, Hezekiah England, John Vanscoy, John V. Baird, Tom Wine. All to be back on the twenty-sixth. Wrote to July an eight page of foolscap letter.
6 Jan 63, Tuesday. It has rained nearly all day and tonight the wind blows very hard. Wrote to Aunt Phebe and Ada Cook. Ike Roseboom returned to the company.
7 Jan 63, Wednesday. The wind has been very sharp this morning. I made out Ed Cook’s and Curtis Sampson papers and started them up to headquarters. Recommended to the Col. the reduction of Elliott, Gossard and George Dixon and in their place the appointment of Caleb Harper, Amos Putnam, and Wilson Wilkinson. Got note from Col. Hayes asking about Ed and I answered it. Got letter from Uncle Scott concerning prospect to get the 1st Lieutenancy and answered it. Wrote to John. An order came changing the name of the Camp from Ruth Udell to Rosecrans.
Nelson Diary, Thursday
Camp Rosecrans, Va.
It snowed very hard for the greater part of the day. Made out the ordnance return. Col. H. fixed up the pay rolls. Got a box of crackers from Q.M. Wrote to Uncle Scott and enclosed Ed’s furlough. Got a bottle of whiskey for Co. medicine at sutler's for $1.50. No mail came. It snowed quite hard nearly all day.
The Highland News, Major Glenn Arrives Home
Major W. H. Glenn, of the 89th Ohio, arrived at home last Saturday night. He is well, and reports the health of the regiment is improving.
The regiment is still on the Kanawha.
The Highland News, Movement of Troops
Movement of Troops from the Kanawha Valley – The Cincinnati papers of Saturday state that a number of steamers passed down the river on Friday, having on board Gen. Ewing’s brigade, from the Upper Kanawha, destined, as was supposed, to reinforce Gen. Rosecrans. The 89th Ohio was attached to this brigade.
The Highland News of 22 Jan 63, Letter of Thanks
Thanks
Headquarters 89th Reg’t. O.V.I.
Camp Rosecrans, Va.,
January 8th, 1862
On call, the commissioned officers of the 89th Regiment, O.V.I., met at Regimental Headquarters, and on motion, Col. J. D. Hatfield was called to the chair, and Rev. A. U. Beall, Chaplain, was appointed Secretary.
The Chairman stated the object of the meeting to be to give an expression of thanks to the generous donors, for the abundant supply of hospital stores for the sick of our Regiment.
On motion a committee of three, viz: - Capt’s Wm. Haight, of Company G, and Wm. Hays, of Company C, and Rev. A. U. Beall, were appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting.
The committee submitted the following report, which was unanimously adopted:
Whereas, The call made by our Chaplain on our friends at home for supplies to meet the demands of increasing sickness in our Regiment, was so promptly, generously and abundantly responded to, therefore,
Resolved, That in the reception of these offerings for the relief of our sick, we recognize the tokens of true sympathy and patriotism, and in the gratitude of those whose suffering has been lessened or life saved, you will find your purest and best return.
Resolved, That we hereby tender our grateful thanks to each and all who have thus generously administered to those who, by their devotion to their country, richly merit both sympathy and aid, supplying to some extent the lack of services which home and domestic love alone can give. From our hearts we say, God bless the generous donors.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the papers of Ross, Brown, Highland and Clermont counties, for publication.
J. D. Hatfield, Col. 89th Reg O.V.I.,
Chairman.
Rev. A. U. Beall, Chaplain,
Secretary.
Nelson Diary, Friday
The sun shone very brightly and melted all the snow. I got a letter from Cary and one from Oscar Scarberry. Got six pounds of candles from Q.M. Lieut. Glenn + Mrs. Glenn came from Warners.
OR, I, Series 31,Vol 21, p.1084. Extract. Rebel Intelligence Report
FROM: Sam. Jones, Headquarters Department Of Western Virginia, Dublin Depot, January 9, 1863.
TO: Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.
SIR: An intelligent officer, whom I sent to the Kanawha River to ascertain the numbers and position of the enemy in and near the valley, returned a few days since, and reports the following, viz: At Fayetteville, the Twelfth, Twenty-eighth, and Ninety-first Ohio, and Fourth [West] Virginia Regiments, and two batteries (Macmillan’s and Simmonds'); at Laurel creek, the Eighty-ninth Ohio; at Tompkins' farm (on the Gauley and near Cotton Hill), the Forty-seventh Ohio; at Summerville, the Eleventh Ohio; at Gauley Bridge, the Thirty-seventh Ohio and one battery; at Montgomery Ferry, the Twenty-third Ohio; at Loup Creek, the Twenty-seventh [West] Virginia; at Cannelton, the Thirtieth Ohio; at Camp Platt (about 9 miles this side of Charleston), one regiment of infantry and one of cavalry; at Charleston, the Thirty-sixth Ohio and one battery, and at Coalsmouth, the Eighth [West] Virginia.
I give you the above information, as it may be of service to you in any disposition you may have in contemplation of the troops generally, especially those in this department. It will be seen that the numbers of the enemy, even supposing the regiments to be very much reduced, are much greater than mine in that quarter.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant
Nelson Diary, Saturday
It has rained nearly all day making the camp very muddy. I staid in quarters all day. Wrote to Cary Nelson and Capt. Brown. Got an order reducing Elliott, Dixon and Gossard and appointing Caleb Harper, Putnam and Wilkinson in their places. Lieut. Mullenix got his commission as Capt. Ad Glenn as 1st and Gamble as 2nd Lieut.
Nelson Diary, Sunday
Today began very stormy it snowing very hard but this evening was very pleasant and the mud dried away very fast. I went with Lieut. Glenn to call on Mrs. Glenn; she took a "Phiz." The chaplain preached in our quarters today in mess no. 3. We had dress parade this evening. Rowe officiating with whom as usual we were perfectly disgusted. Col. H. went to Fayetteville. Got five letters + one paper. One letter from Wilson Wilkinson in which he says that Thos. Smith will return with him. Another letter from J. Baird. He wants a power of attorney so that he can get his money. Another from Ally + Austin Brown saying that they had gotten home all safe. Ed still very weak though as worse.
Another from Thea Cook giving me a general going over. Another from sister Jennie acknowledging the receipt of my letter sent by F. Seameur also giving an account of Johns and her trip to L. John was taken for me several times by mistake. Also asserting as a positive fact that J + N were engaged and the prospect of Jin + Mr. Bishop having the same complaint. Also that Miss Lida Hibben when at Springfield met a young man who told her that he had been anxious to make her acquaintance for as soon as he saw her she reminded him of a young friend he had met that summer in Va. who was one of the best fellows he ever saw. He said he was sick in a hospital in one of the little towns + this young man had been out foraging + had been wounded in six places. He was brought into the same hospital he was in and noticed how well he bore having his wounds dressed and determined to get acquainted with him. He did so + says he feels sure that he was the means of saving his life for he was so cheerful and lively all the time that his society was better than medicine. He told Lyde he wished she knew his friend for he knew she would like him. She asked him his name + he said Ike Nelson. Lyde said, "Why good gracious!! I know him as well as I do myself." At the present time I fail to remember this man as there were some many sick in the room with me while at McDowell. Of course I was very much gratified to hear that I had proved a benefit to anybody by my cheerful nature. I hope it may be true. I can’t really understand why Miss Lyde put him in mind of me. That’s a joke on her sure. I wrote to sister Jen + Coz. Rutherford. Walker commenced boarding with me. Col. H. went to Fayetteville.
Private M. Boots Letter to his Parents from Camp Rosecrans
Camp Rosecrans
January the 11 of 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 hope that when these few Lines Comes to hand that they will find you injoying the Same good Blessing.
I Received your kind Leter of date of the 4 and was glad to here that you was all well. I also got them Stamps that you Sent and was glad of them.
it is very wet and mudy here now. I think that I will Be home Some time this winter if nothing hapens more than i no of now. I ant got much to Rite at this time. Rite Soon.
Martin Boots to Samel Boots
[Written below above letter]
to James Sollers
I was glad to here from him. I Send my Best Respects to him and all the Rest of my inqireing friends. it is very Sickley here now. So no more at this time. But Still Remains your friend untill Death.
Martin Boots to J Soller
Nelson Diary
12 Jan 63, Monday. The weather was very pleasant today. Had battalion drill. Got a letter from Mame Cook in a box of things from Chillicothe. Got new boots in same box. Wrote Mame a twelve-page letter.
The officers met for recitation but didn’t recite.
13 Jan 63, Tuesday. Is a very pleasant day. Co. D is out on picket. Col. H. came from Fayetteville with the information that furloughs for well men had played out. Met again for recitation at headquarters and recited. Got a letter from Uncle Scott and a short note from Tallmadge + Co. saying that I would have to get my discharges and final statement before he could collect my back pay. Got the discharges of Louis Mills + William Osburn and have made out their final statements. I wrote to Ally.
Nelson Diary, Wednesday
The weather today has been very pleasant. I went over the river to the coal oil works. George England was moved to the hospital. Instead of battalion we were ordered to fix up our walks. We have every indication that we will have some falling weather. This morning Lieut. Penn of Co. F took a notion to resign. He tendered his resignation and then put off home at once. Some of the officers met to recite but didn’t recite much. The washerwoman brought our clothes back and I paid her.
Private L. Wainwright to his Parents from Camp Rosecrans
Camp Rosecrans
Jan 14th 62[3]
Dear Parents
this afternoon I take my pen in hand to inform you of my whereabouts and proceedings in general. we have had some rainy weather since you were here but we have fine weather now and are drilling every day, have battalion drill ever afternoon. if we stay her this winter we will be pretty well drilled but it is almost impossible for us too muster more than 400 men for duty. if we keep on that way until spring we will not have men enough for guard.
Col Hatfield went to Fayette the other day and came back last evening with an order stating that Furloughs were plaid out. under such sircumstanser I think I will not come home this winter. I think there is some in the Co that are down in the mouth. bad luck to them I say if they cannot stay away from home longer that this.
The supposition here is that if we stay here this month we will stay here all winter. for my pert I would as leafe stay here this winter as not. we heard the reason that furloughs were plaid out was because some of the men were lying in Cin[cinnati] drunk. also that Gen Write[Wright] telegraphed to Gen Cox that if he had no use for his men here he had down south. you see we have to stay here. I am glad to hear you are having a good meeting at home while we are here. also I am glad to hear of so many joining around Goshen. as there is nothin going on here I will close for this time.
I was sorry to hear Father was sick when he got home.
No more at present from your Lson
L. G. W.
Nelson Diary
15 Jan 63, Thursday. It rained a good deal last night but today has been very pleasant. We had no drill today. Drew from the Q. Master 16 prs. pants, 4 shirts, 10 blouses and issued them out except two pairs pants, one of which I took myself. Lewis Mills started home on his discharge. Lieut. Slade is sick and Lieut. Glenn has been appointed to take charge of Co. B. Lieut. Slade intends going home. It is raining very hard tonight and there is a fine prospect for the river rising. Wrote an eight-page letter to Thea Cook.
16 Jan 63, Friday. It has been very cold and disagreeable all day, snowing and blowing and cold generally. Six men were sent to Loop Creek with three days rations. I made out Henry McQuinniff furlough. Got three letters, one from Uncle Scott, Aunt Phebe and J. W. Gamble. I wrote to John Nelson and Jim Gamble and Ally Brown.
17 Jan 63, Saturday. It has been quite cold all day. I wrote to Aunt Phebe, Col. Van Schrader and to Clara Baskins, the last enclosed in three envelopes, one directed to J. Rockhold, one to Eric and one to Clara. Had a recitation this evening.
Nelson Diary, Sunday
This morning was quite cold but the sun coming out made it very pleasant. Got a note from Col. Hayes. Also one from Oscar Scarberry and Osborn. Gildow returned from Fayetteville. This evening Jim Vickers, Izod, Dr. Crew and myself spent the evening at Fairleys. About 10 o’clock we came down to camp and found that there had been an alarm and the whole regiment was out in line of battle. The alarm proved to be false and we were sent back to our quarters about the time I got to the Co.
Private F. Logan to his Parents from Camp Rosecrans
Camp Rosecrans
January the 18th / 63
Dear Father + Mother
I take my Pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and harty. what is the reason that you have quit writing to me. I have not got but one letter from you since Penn [1st Lieut George W. Penn] come back. it has been cold weather for several days out here. the river is up for the first time since we come to virginia. how is Hiram Bonar getting along since he went home. tell him not to be in to big a hurry to come back but stay till he gets well. when he comes back I would like for you to send me some letter paper the small sheets like this and half a pound of powder and some caps but dond [dont] send me any cloth for I have some here that I will have to throw away inles [unless] I get a chance to send them home. I hope that Lieut. Penn has got better since he went home. I recon you know that he has resigned. the maile has just come in and no letter yet. what is the reason that you have quit writing. I went down to Camp Piatte last week on a batteau. are you going to open the sugar Camp this spring. thare is a report that the rebels are going to come in again and thare is another report that thare will not be a regiment left in the valley but I think they are only reports. what is your opinion of the [?] at this time. Mother you said that you thought it looked hard for people to lose thare property as Aunt Martha has. it does look hard sure enough and it looks hard for us boys to have to run after the devels as us boys had to do coming up the valley and when we got in a mile of them have to stop and wait till they could get a start again. thare was one night thare was too regiment camped on a rich rebels place and they burnt over four hundreds rods of good oak fence and took all his meat and robed his Orchards and took every one of his Chickens. that is the way to use the secesh thieves and I think the war would close. I have not told you what the names of the regiments was the 89 + 8 virginnia. when you go to Moscow tell the Citizens when and [a] sick soldier comes home as Hiram B did to fix some way for him to go home and charge it to us well soldiers and we wil pay them when we come home. they was friendley as pie to get us to come to save them from the draft but do not want to see us return (the poor sneaks).
Nelson Diary
19 Jan 63, Monday. The weather has been very pleasant. A steamboat ("Market Bay") came up today. Henry McQuinniff started home. I wrote a letter to Sister Jennie and one to Uncle Scott. Am suffering considerable from toothache. I got our three guns back from ordnance sergeant. Lieut. Slade started home together with the Chaplain.
20 Jan 63, Tuesday. It has been rather disagreeable today blowing and raining. Had the Co. out on drill. Wrote to Lucy Fullerton. Had quite a good recitation at Cols. Got a letter from Mary Nelson and Maggie Cook.
Nelson Diary, Wednesday
It has been raining or snowing nearly all day. I have been out of my quarters but little. Spent most of the day in writing to Maggie Cook, wrote a 16-page letter. Got a note from Austin B. with a secesh letter found at Island No. 10. The news in today’s paper (of the 19th) is rather encouraging. Col H. got a letter from Ally B.
Private L. Wainwright to his Parents from Camp Rosecrans
Dear Parents
received your letter last evening. the first letter I have received for one week. was glad to hear from you. for the last two or three days while you have had snow we have had rain. therefore that will prove to you it is warmer here than at home. we have had good weather here all winter but little cold weather and little rain but the prospect is favorable for wet weather. it is cloudy and rains some every day.
I wrote you a letter yesterday giving you all the news therefore I have nothing of any importance to write. I am glad to hear Father is getting better. hope he will get well soon. I expect he will not come up here soon again. I heard the other day that Dr Thacker was coming up soon. if he does he had better come while the river is up as he can come all the way here now. the river is raising ever day.
as there is nothing to write I will close for this time. I suppose you have received my letter stating furloughs are plaid out.
No more at present
from your Lson
I wish you would tell me who told you I was sending my letters to mulberry. pleas tell me who it is if you can tell. I will give up. you are pretty well posted.
OR, I, Series 31, Vol 21, p. 992. Order to Prepare to Move
FROM: S. L. CHRISTIE, Captain and Aide-de. Camp. Marietta, Ohio, January 21, 1863.
TO: Brigadier-General SCAMMON, Fayette, [W.] Va.
Yours, this date, received, at the same time with one from department headquarters, as follows:
Major-General Cox:
I am instructed to send all the troops that can be possibly spared to General Rosecrans; and I think that the condition of the roads since the storm will allow of four regiments being withdrawn from the Kanawha. Please send by boat to this point, say, the Eleventh, Thirty-sixth, Eighty-ninth, and Ninety-second Ohio Regiments. …
OR, I, Series 31, Vol 21, p. 993. Extract. Movement Order
FROM: S. L. CHRISTIE, Captain and Aide-de. Camp. [Headquarters District Of Western Virginia,] Marietta, Ohio, January 21, 1863.
TO: Brig. Gen. GEORGE CROOK, Charleston, W. Va.
In accordance with orders received from department headquarters, you will move as soon as possible with the Eleventh, Thirty-sixth, Eighty-ninth, and Ninety-second Ohio Regiments, without transportation. When you start, report by telegraph the fact to me, and report, with the command, in person to General Wright, Cincinnati.
By command of Major-General Cox:
OR, I, Series 31, Vol 21, p. 993. Extract. Movement Delayed
FROM: S. L. CHRISTIE, Captain and Aide-de. Camp Marietta, Ohio, January 21, 1863.
TO: Brigadier-General CROOK, Charleston, W. Va.:
Make your preparations, but delay the movement till you hear again. Consult Scammon as to his reports of the enemy at Raleigh, and let me know what further information you have on the same point. By command of Major-General Cox:
Nelson Diary
22 Jan 63, Thursday. The weather is cloudy and quite cool. The tops of the hills around here look beautiful covered with snow or frost. I got a letter from July and answered it with a ten-page letter.
This evening orders came to have everything ready to move at a moment’s notice. So I’ve been quite busy packing up.
These various conjectures as to our destination as there evidently seems to be a move on-hand. Some think we will go to Summerville, others to Fayetteville, others to Point Pleasant + then up the river and others to P’Pleasant + down the river.
No one knows our destination or our fate.
23 Jan 63, Friday. The weather is very pleasant. We got orders again this morning to prepare for moving and we made all preparations. Vickers + I went to Fairleys and spent the evening singing. Got a good long letter from Mame Cook and wrote her a short note.