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Regiment: 2nd Wisconsin Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp of the Wisconsin 2d,
Opposite Fredericksburg, Va.
June 23, 1862.
Cousin Elisha:
I was both surprised and delighted to hear from you.
Your letter * deserves an immediate answer and it shall have it. You wish
me to write a military history of our various meanderings up and down the
walks of life since you have been an inmate of southern prisions. Were I
master of as ready a pen as yours I might do it, but I shall do as well as
I can.
After the battle of the 21st (July 1861) we were encamped near Fort
Corcoran. Our picket line was only out as far as Camp Peck. # Our Reg’t at
this time was sadly demoralized; yet not so badly as some others. Sixty of
one of the Maine Reg’ts were sent to the island of Dry Totugas for insubor-
dination, and Sherman’s Battery was frowning over the 14
th N.Y. (Brooklyn)
Reg’t. Matters had a bad look at this time. We had few troops and most of
these disgusted with war.
(*Written on my arrival on Governors Island, N.Y. and before going home.)
(# Our Camp pervious to our advance on Bull Run.)
Our picket lines were very poor, – our discipline
worse. We threw up entrenchments and cut down the woods expecting an attack
from the enemy. Ben. Stahl and “Old Dad” (M.S. Place) were discharged. We were
encamped there six weeks when we crossed the river and encamped on Meridian
Hill, where we stoped one week, then crossed the river again at Chain Bridge
without our tents, – for three weeks were without them. The 3
rd Maine,
79
th N.Y., 5
th Wis., 2
nd U.S. Chausseurs and Mott’s Battery were with us here.
With these Reg’ts we threw up Fort Macy and did any amount of picket and
scout duty. Scarcely a night passed that we were not called out, – once the
rebels were within 2 ½ miles (in force) of our lines. All night I sat and
listened to the rumbling of artilery and wagons. All this time we were ex-
posed to the weather as it might come, and we got a number of good wettings,
but we had fun for all that. At this time we were under Gen. Smith. At the
end of six weeks we left Camp Advance, – crossing the river again we encamped
above the bridge and names the camp “Lyon.” Our Wis. friends of the 7
th Reg’t
were inclined to feel above us as we now went by the name of the “R.A. Second”,
for our State uniform was considerably dilapidated about the seat. But there
we Rec’d a U.S. uniform of deep blue. We were now in King’s Brigade, formed of
the 2
nd, 6
th, and 7
th Wis. and 19
th Ind. We remained at Camp Lyon one week.
On one of the hottest days of autumn we marched to Arlington one mile east of
Camp Peck. So hot was the day, that there was not much more than a doz. of “H”
Co. in the ranks when we reached Tillinghast. Here we remained until the 11
th
of lasy March. During this time we were drilled to our heart’s content. During
the time you were languishing in prison at Richmond, we were scouring our
brasses, burnishing our guns, wearing white gloves, and many the compliments
we got for our pains. During this time we picketed two days in three weeks,
just to keep our hand in. On the 11 of March before light and with hearts
lighter we started for Richmond via Bull Run. Just as we passed Fairfax
Court House the Captain said we were to march to Centerville and make an
attack the next morning, We were willing, – yes we’d throw our knapsacks
and “wade in”. Then came roumors that Centerville had been evacuated, which
we did not believe. We went into camp one mile beyond Fairfax C.H. where
we remained several days and then marched towards Alexandria. At four mile
run we halted and stopped over night, then then marched to Camp Tillinghast
where we remained several days, then march to Bristow Station on the
Orange and Alexandria R.R. We were deployed on the R.R. from Bristow to
Catlett’s Station as guard. After seven days we were relieved by the 96
th
Pa. Reserves. We left here in the rain. Cedar Run was bridged with rails
and logs and very much swolen. I tumbled in. Some five miles further we
reached Elk Run which we could not cross, – rained like suds all night.
Next morning the pioneer corps bridged the stream and we moved on for
Fredericksburg which is about eighty miles from Washington. Our next move
was eight miles beyond Fredericksburg. Hearing of Bank’s defeat we returned
and marched to Catlett’s Station, thence to Haymarket, then to Warrenton
which is a beautiful place but secesh to the backbone. Banks being out of
danger we marched back here, In the rounds we made 112 miles through as
beautiful country as you would wish to see.
I do not like our position but can not help it. You now have a
rude account of our travels and a very imperfect one. We are now engaged in
gazing on the muddy waters of the Rappahanock, which has risen, – thrown
down the R.R. bridge and cut up divers capers. But we have not seem the
enemy yet and I hardly expect we shall here.
At Ft. Corcoran we were presented with a stand of colors from the
State. They were of double silk with the coat of arms on one side, U.S. on
the other. They were blue fringed with gold – ywo cords and tassels of the
same material, – all very tastefully gotten up. Runaway Peck here resigned
and Col. E. O’Conner was placed in command. Keyes and Minard were discharged.
“K” Co. drilled in the fort. At Camp Advance a Lt. –Col. Fairchild was sent us
and Cap. Allen was made Major. We had a real lively time here, and we never
felt better. I thought I was rich with fifteen or twenty cartridges but now
we carry fifty rounds. When we moved to Tillinghast we felt safe enough to
take our shoes off when we went to bed which we had not done before. During
this time I had made frequent enquiries about you and from time to time rec’d
and gave your folks some news, I started to write you several times, but
heard they would not send letters thru. About six weeks ago I wrote you a
letter, directing it to “Salisbury, N.C., E.C. Reed prisoner of War”.
Whether it reached you or not I know not. Hearing of your release I immediate-
ly wrote to Wis. thinking you would get it sooner there, – “Tede” wants I
should tell you coffee is ready and therefore I shall have to stop.
While in this camp we were presented with two splendid guidons or
markers, – they are of deep blue gold fringed, the No. of the Reg. marked on
a scroll with gold floss. The donors were sisters in an aide-de-camp of Gen.
King’s, – their names I have forgotten, All this time I was keeping up a
correspondence with the world in general, – costing me a considerable of the
“raw material” besides all my spare time.
Several times we heard you were in Washington and once you had got
as far as Gen. King’s Headquarters; but you are free now for a certainty. I
thought you had been exchanged; but I see by your letter you are on parole;
this will keep you from your Reg’t until you are exchenged which I hope will
soon be as I do want one whom I can talk with. Our boys are all good fellows
but for the want of a friend I keep silent.
Meredith has used Co. H quite bad. As you are aware he was wounded
at Bull Run. He has held his commission but has never been near us, altho he
has has been as near as Washington. The Co. have written to him twice. He
promised to come and see us but never has. He tried to get a position as Div.
Commissary but failed. He has now gone back. Orderly Humphrey will soon
be a 2d Lieut. as report says Meredith has resigned. Serg’t Winnegar
report says is to be Serg’t-Major. There have been no promotions in “H”
except Corporals Heath, Sythson, Knutson and Yound, vice Austin, “Dad”
Morrison and Chipman resigned or discharged. Marrison was discharged
his wound never healing. Zook also. Tim. Murphy & L.A. Allen deserted.
Ben. Stahl was discharged at Ft. Corcoran. We have now 15 recruits. I
forgot to say that Wyatt died at Camp Tillinghast of small pox. Bill
Kibbee was discharged since our last advance. You see I use no dates. I
have not kept journal since – well a good while ago, so I have to depend
on a poor memory. I should copy this and make it a little more plain, but
the fact is I have no paper and this is borrowed.
Your knapsack is now on Arlington Heights in the stables of the 7th Reg’t
with the Co. Chest and various other things belonging to H Co. I kept it in
our tent until we left Tillinghast, I might have sent it home but thought I
better keep it as I thought you would see the Reg’t before you went home.
E.L. Reed’s was sent home but his folks never heard from it. Your things
got wet once spoiling your journal for future use. All letters of yours that
came after your capture I answered. There was one from Louisa, one from Sallie
and one from Mary Fuller. O! by the way, have you those minneatures yet which
you had on the field?
I have let those of the Co. who wished to read your letter. They would all
be glad to see you if what they say is true and I know it is. They all send
their best wishes, hoping you may have a good time with your friends in Wis.
H.A. Smith is now in Hospital in Washington I believe. Peck is the same
as ever, – tents with the Lieut. Mr. Minor is still with us. I tented with
them until until we left Arlington. We are now provided with shelter tents
which we carry ourselves.
You will have a gay old time in Wis. but I do not envy you, you deserve it.
If ever I do see the enemy again I hope I may avenge your wrong on these secesh.
But be careful!!! do not break too many hearts and remember your failings.
S.E.C. has nealy failed me. When you write you know what to write; meanwhile
I am waiting with impatience your letter which is to come. You will see our
folks and all. Tell them I am still the same as ever. Elisha, I have not
drank a pint of liquor since I have been on the “sacred soil” nor do I know
how to play a game of cards yet. Pious ain’t I? But I must bid you good by
Yours, etc
W.A. Stearns
Co. H. 2d Reg’t. Wis. Vols.
