The Writing of
William Lucas Johnson
William Lucas Johnson was born about 1835 and his brother, James Dow Johnson, was born about 1837. Both were born in Cayuga County, New York, the sons of Isaac William Johnson and his first wife Nancy Dow. Nancy Dow died in about 1840 and Isaac Johnson married Mary Kelsey, the widow of Alfred Lewis. Children of this second marriage were Vestalina Johnson and Alfred Lewis Johnson. Alfred Lewis Johnson somehow kept the Civil War letters of William Lucas and James D. Johnson. He passed these family letters on to his son Edwin Sheldon Johnson. When Ed died the letters were passed on to his nephew, Alfred Edwin Johnson, Sr, the son of Ed's brother, Isaac William Johnson. Alfred, Sr, passed them on to his son Alfred, Jr. When Alfred, Jr. talked of putting them in the Archives of the Kansas State Historical Society, Alfred, Sr, said "No", and gave them instead to his sister Marian Johnson West, who, when Jim Woodworth was provided with this information. He was living in Oregon at the time. Jim Woodworth is indebted to Ann Johnson, of Baldwin, Kansas, for providing him with computer printouts of these letters.
His family lived in Sycamore, DeKalb County, Illinois. He volunteered in the Wisconsin Militia, however. His friendship with Mary Cramer of Sauk County, Wisconsin, revealed in his letters, may be the reason that he served from Wisconsin rather than Illinois.
[Editors Note: Thanks to Jim Woodworth for providing these letters.]
The Official Record of William:
Johnson, William L. Residence: DeKalb Co., IL. Enlisted: July 5, 1861 in Company H, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Remarks: Veteranized; Detached to Battery B, 4th U.S. Light Artillery on Dec. 2, 1861. Wounded at Laurel Hill; prisoner; died on Oct. 24, 1864 at Andersonville, GA.
If anyone would like more information on William L. or James D. Johnson, please feel free to contact Jim Woodwoth.
Camp Lyon, Near Chain Bridge
September 25th 1860[1]
Dear friends
I take pleasure in writing to you whenever I can. I have written three times now and have not received an answer yet. I guess you have forgot me. In my last letter I stated that my health was good. I was taken sick yesterday morning and was very sick all night. I am a great sight better now. I guess I will be well by tomorrow morning. We have meeting every sunday. We had meeting today. Today is Thanksgiving day. It makes me think of home and friends when I hear preaching. I had a good crying spell this morning after meeting. I thought of father, brothers, sisters and all things near and dear to me. The Rev Doctor Richmond Milwakie [Milwaukee] preached here last sunday a week ago.
We have to work every day now. We are building a fort. They were fighting all day yesterday at Falls Church about seven miles from here. We have not learned the particulars, only that our men drove them.
Please send me some sycamore papers if you can and all of you must write to me every one of my friends.
from your brother,
William L. Johnson
Ps Be sure and direct your letters to Camp Lyon District of Col. Co. H, 6th Regment Wisconsin Volunteers
[Editors Note: William Lucas Johnson's grandfather, Isaac Johnson, served in the Revolutionary War - "Genealogical Abstracts of Revolutionary War Pension Files", Vol. 2, p. 1846, has the following entry: Johnson, Isaac S10920, CT Line, appl. 11 Feb 1833 Cayuga Co. NY, sol was b in Oct 1760 at Old Canaan in Litchfield Co CT & he lived there at enl.
His great grandfather, Timothy Johnson, also served in the Revolution in Charles Burrill's Company, 14th Regiment, from Canaan, Connecticut.
One of his earliest ancestors in this country was Captain John
Johnson, about whom I have the following information: He became a member of the Ancient
and Honorable Artillery Company in 1645 and was chosen it's Captain in 1667. The military
organization of the Massachusetts Bay Colony had been formalized in 1636 when companies
were established for Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, Weymouth, and Hingham with John Winthrop
as Colonel, Thomas Dudley as Lt. Colonel and each company under the command of a Captain.
He was Captain of the Roxbury company in the Narragansett expedition when the colony sent
the militia on a punitive expedition against the Indians who were harassing the frontier
settlements. His company and Captain Davenport's company came upon the Indian's fort near
Four Corner's Sakonnet River. The entrance to the fort was across a tree bridge. Captain
Johnson started to lead an assault on the fort across the bridge but was shot dead by the
Indians in the fort on 19 Dec 1675.]
Camp Lyon
Sunday, Sept 29th, 1860[1]
Dear Brother.
I wrote to Mr. Penny yesterday. All was quiet then but at midnight last night we were aroused from sweet sleep and ordered to cook two days rations and put it in our haversacks and be ready to march at a minutes warning. We are under marching orders now and expect to march every minute. We are ready. We have glorious news this morning. The flag of the union floats over Munsons hill [Munson's Hill, 28 Sep 1861 (Foote vi p103)] now in possession of the union forces. The hills before occupied by the rebels are now the camps of union soldiers and the enemy which has for so many weeks floating its flag in the face of the capitol is now in full retreat. Of the nature of this movement it is impossible for us to speak except it be to draw us in to some of their masked Batter[ies?] which they will never do our cann[on?] are looking out for their traps. In the afternoon yesterday the army advanced on Munson's hill. Upton's hilt where fortifications had been commenced by the rebels were evacuated. The army passed on and took possession of Munsons hill and the enemy beat a fast retreat. Our men took eight prisoners. Two of them were officers. There were none killed. Munson's hill is six miles from here and the same distance from Washington. Perhaps before this reaches you there will be a battle fought. There is cannonading going on over the river now, I think we will have to march. Good-by. This may be my last letter. Write soon. In haste
Wm. L. Johnson
Write.. .soon.. now. Later... We expect to have a battle before tomorrow morning. They have been fighting over the river.., in haste
Wm. L. Johnson good by
Camp at Arlington Heights
Oct 18 [1861]
Dear friends
I am verry thankful for a sycamore paper that [I] received to night whitch I suppose some of you sent. I was sorry it was not a letter or there was not one sent with it. I am verry much fatigued to night from marching. We were reviewed again today by General McDowell and staff and General King and staff. We had to march about [paper torn off] miles to the Parade Grounds opposite Washington. After review they kept the whole Brigade drilling an hour or so. Just to show off a little. They drilled us double quick and it is very hot to day and it was hard work. Some of the members of the cabinent were present. I dont like to march just for the Washington aristocracy to look at. It seems that is all they are doing with us at present. These reviews come too often. I would sooner they would take [us] out to Fairphaiix [Fairfax, VA?] and let the rebels look at us once, or we look at them with our rifles. You would think it strange if I had said so in as good erenst as I say it now six months ago but there is something about camp life makes any soldier want to fight. You ought to be here sometime when the long roll beats to hear the cheering they all expect to go in to battle then and they are not long in falling into ranks ready for the fray. I think we will lose our Colonel. He is to be Brigadier general he says. He will have his boys with him he says. He can't lose his boys. He has been with them too long to desert them now. He ways we shall be in his Brigade sure and form the right of the right Wing ... There is some likelihood of our going to the seacoast either to north carolina or florida. I would like to go to richmond. There has nothing on the out posts transpired of any importance this week. When you write tell me if Pa got a letter from me. Tell him I am well. Tell me if you have heard from Corporal Davenport and the boys and if frank [Frank is his nephew, son of oldest brother, Isaac William Johnson.] got a paper from me and you a letter. Write about Alfred and all of you must write to me soon. Tell Pa and Alfred to write.
Good-night
William L. Johnson
[Editors Note: This letter is probably to his older brother, Isaac William Johnson.]
Camp at Arlington Heights, Va
Oct 20th 1861
Dear Sister,
I recieved yours of the 14th and read it with pleasure. I am glad to hear that father is not verry sick and sorry to hear that he is unwell. I am glad to hear that Mr. Davenport has so far recovered as to be able to return home. He must Write to me surely and I will return the compliment. I was verry glad to hear from Miss Annie Robson my most profound wishes are for her. I am sorry you are tired. I have found out how to pity the tired since I have been in the Army. I sent a pictorial paper to Frank. Did he get it. I wrote to Pa. Did he get it. How is Alfred and Mary's children. I wrote to Mary. Did she get it. I hope I will get to see some of Farnsworth men. I will try and get transfered in to the Cavalry if I can. Tell Mr. Davenport that I have not been only three sick days since I left home fat as a beef. I weigh one hundred and forty pounds. We have the regular united states uniform. We were reviewed agin this week by McDowell Seward Cameron and Chase were present. After review they put us through our Zouave drill all double quick. Just for the folks to look at. This is about [all] they do with us at present. I wish they would show us some fighting soon. I am writing to Mr. Penny. Haven't got but one stamp. No money send this by him.
W.L. Johnson
[Editors Note: This letter is to his sister Elizabeth.]
Camp at Arlington Heights
Oct 24, 1861
Dear sister,
I received your letter of Oct 14th just as I was mailing one to Mr. Penny and having but one stamp so I wrote a few lines and sent it in his letter for you. I wrote to Uncle Alvah as you requested. You must excuse this paper. I could not get any good paper. Our suttler does not keep a verry good article of goods and he charges an exorbitant price for them. You have spoke in some of your letters about me getting my likeness taken. It is impossible to get one taken on the Virginia side of the river, and it is as much impossible to get a pass. They will not give any more passes for we cannot tell what miniut we will march. There has been three battles fought since I wrote to you. Colonel Baker of Oregon was killed in one of them. He is united states senator from oregon and Colonel of California regiment and Commander of Brigade. We were called out that night but did not march. We will march as soon as the ground dries a little. It has rained all most incesantly for the last day and a half. You know I have told you that we were kept confined to the camp ground and that our colonel was very strict. Well since we came across his proper strictness has grown to be improper tyrany. I will explain to you. Every Colonel can do as they see proper about keeping their men guarded. Well there are about 50 thousand men encamped here and our regment is the only one that keep thier men from going outside the guard. Their men are healthy and hearty as bucks. There is a guard kept around every regiment but not to stop soldiers but to stop sitizens and strangers. The other regments say thier men are all ways present at drill hours and roll call. If they are not they are punished by being made to do extra duty. Now I will tell you the truth which I have here to fore kept back. Our men are dissatisfied with the Colonel and the Captains and Lieutenants have kept it to them selves until last sunday when the guard did not have any instructions to stop soldiers. The consequence was that a great many of the boys went out in the woods to take a walk an gather chestnuts. They were all coming in good time for dress Parade when the old Colonel ordered the officer of the Guard to arrest every man and put them in the Guard house. They arrested thirty. The Captains did not like to see thier men abused so they went to the Colonel for an explaination. He was verry important and ordered one of the Captains arrested. The consequence was that thirteen of the officers have resigned three Captains and the rest are Lieutenants. I do not know what will become of the regement. If I could get into any other regment I would. I fear there is a big row growing for the men are determined not to stand such tyranny any longer. There is no use of it. I hope we can get along without trouble if they lead us into battle soon it will blow over.
I sent a paper to Pa and one to Isaac and one to frank. Did they get them. Pleas tell Mr. Davenport to write to me. I send him my best wishes and would like to have him with me. Pleas show him this letter. I wrote to pa did he get and eugene harsha. If they got them please tell them to write. Did Mary get one from me. Tell Hannah she must not be bashful for I do not feel elevated if I am a soldier, but I feel rather on the retrograde order since I have to touch my hat for a great many men that are no better nor half so good as I am. Tell all of my friends that I would like to hear from them. I would like to hear from george furness. Tell Pa he must write to me. They were fighting fifteen miles up the river last night at sundown. We have not heard from there today. What I mean about Hannah's being bashful is that she must not be afraid to write nor Isaac either. You need not make fun of my poor spelling and writing for I have forgotten half I knew since I came into the army. You may do as you see fit about showing this scribbling to Davenport. I just recieved a letter and likeness from Vestalina and miron for whitch I am verry thankful. I recieved two papers also. I wish I could get my likeness to send to them. From your brother
William L. Johnson
[Editors Note: This letter is to his sister Elizabeth. The Hannah mentioned in the letter is probably Hannah Boots, wife of his oldest brother, Isaac William.]
Camp at Arlington Virginia
Oct. 24th
To Vestalina
Dear sister Vestalina Just as I was finishing this letter to Elizabeth I recieved one from you and myron and was verry glad to hear from you. I am very thankful for your likeness. It looks natural as life. You requested me to send you mine. I will if I possibly can but I can not get it taken in Virginia and I am afraid I can not get a pass to Washington. We dont know when we will be called on. They are fighting up the river every day. and they won't give any passes. You must write to me and I will write again soon.
William
[Editors Note: This letter is to his half-sister, Vestalina Johnson.]
Camp at Arlington Heights, Virginia
Thursday night Oct 31st 1861
Dear Brother and friends
I have been on general inspection and pay muster today and I am a little fatigued but I will try and address a few [scratches?] or camp scribbles as the boys say. Yesterday [we] were on Grand review by General's McDowell [and] King at the long bridge opposite Washington. It was a fine affair. Our Brigade is one mile long [exc]lusive of the Cavelry. It is composed of the 6th and 2nd Wisconsin on the right wing, the 9th Ind. and the 7th Wis. on the left, a regiment of cavelry to support the right wing. The talk is that we are going to Washington to stay this winter and stand as patroll in the streets. The city is under marshall Law. Will have to be on duty every other day. All we will have to do is examine the soldiers passes, and if they have none arrest them and quell all disturbances in the streets, arrest all persons out after half past nine. I dont like the job is hard enough as it is. Some say that we are going to Annapolis maryland. You would laugh to hear the news boys come into camp crying Baltimore Clipper another Battle Beauregard reduced [to] the ranks. Wrote a letter to Captain [missing - paper torn off] this morning. He is in the City. I wrote to find out in what part of the City they are. The Colonel said he would let me have a pass and I am going to see them. I am much obliged for that paper you sent to me. Those letters from the Illinois [word missing] were read by my mess mates as well as myself with great interest. But I received no letter with the paper. Now my girl in Wisconsin writes as often as you do I [guess? - paper torn off] Wy I got a letter from Mary Ann and Clarissa both last week. They wanted me to come back but you see I cant just now What will a fellow do. I am afraid they won't wate for me. 0 dear you must write soon. Hannah has not written. Tell father to write. Mary you must write. I close. It is pretty near tatoo. Good night
William L. Johnson
Isaac W. Johnson
Why dont Mr. Davenport Write to me.
Camp at Arlington Heights, Va
November 6th 1861
Dear friends
I am writing because I want to. I had the plesure of visiting the Illinois Cavelry. I saw all of the Sycamore boys. I shook the hands of Captains Dustin and Whitney Lieutenants Siglin and Smith and several privates. They seemed to enjoy camp life as far as they have went but they looked surprised when I told them how they would fare as soon as they crossed the river. They said they did not know me I looked so tough and fat and they took me for a regular on account [of] my uniform which they seemed [to] admire. Captain Whitney said he would visit me next sunday if he could get a pass. These new regiments that have recently some here look sick and weakly to us fellows who have been here and got hardened to camp life and its exposures. The sycamore boys crowded around me like so many boys around an organ grinder asking all sorts of questions imaginable about the country which I answered as well as I could with pleasure being glad that for once in my life I was able to tell them same thing they did not know. So you see I am that much the smartest. Some of them complained about their fare but I saw no reason for it. I took dinner with them and they are better supplied than we are with provision and their cooking arrangements are far superior to ours. They get better bread and grub is cooked better than ours is. If they think that [they] have seen any hard times yet they will find they are mistaken [when] they cross the river. They are encamped seven miles from here at Meridan Hill DC. I had hard work to get a pass to go there. Fredenburgh is here. He said he would write to you soon or write home soon and let you know that he saw me. He said he had sworn never to drink any more. He said he had not drank a drop for over two months. He got a pass and went to the 20th New York regt. --With me on my way [line missing - off Xerox] is a company in the 20th N.Y. from Ellenville and a great many from Sullivan County that know him. We had orders last night to be ready to march to Munsons Hill at 10 o'clock this morning to a grand review of General McDowells Division of the Army of the Potomac consisting of 45 thousand men but this morning after we were in line ready to march the order was countermanded and we did not go. Well I have to go on battalion drill soon and I must close. Tell father to write to me, please write soon. no more yes Davinport must write to me
from William L Johnson
Alfred you must write to me.
PS ask Hermann furness if he received a letter from me. If he did tell him answer it or I
will reduce him to the ranks. [Eugene?] Harsha the
same by [line missing - off Xerox.]
You can use this pass that I send you to cross the Kishriakie with If you are back at roll
call. Humbug.
Signed by William L. Johnson
Camp at Arlington Heights, Virginia
Nov 13th 1861
Dear sister and friends
I recieved your kind letter and was glad to hear from home once more. I recieved a letter from Uncle Alvahs last week. They were surprised to hear that I was in the Army. They said they did not know that any of their friends were in the army until they got my letter. They wanted to know if Elizabeth was married and if that was the reason she did not answer their letters. They said they wrote to her and recieved no answer as yet. They wanted me to tell her to write them. Hiram and Levi Thompson are married, Isaac Johnson and his mother are married. Isaac lives in Sennet. Aunt Elizy and husband near Clyde. The folks were all well considering the usual poor health of some of them. Cousin Aurila is a great deal better than when I was there. Cousin Clarisa is confined to her bed. Uncle Alvah is not quite as smart as when I was there though he is able to do his chores and Hirams family are well except Clarisa. They all want to hear from father. You must write to them. Eliza ann wants to hear from James she says. He must write to her. There is one thing certain, he must write to me or I will inflict some kind of punishment on him that he will be sure [not] to forget. Pleas tell him to write to me soon as he can. I would like to see you all. Tell father he must write to me. I would like to get a letter from him verry much. Hannah and all of you I am proud of our regiment. We were out to Balls Crossroads to a review. There were forty five thousand troops and our regiment beat them all marching when passing the reviewing officers, so Generals McDowell and King said. Friends I dont expect we will stay here long. The common talk here among officers is that there is a great battle going to be fought not more than fifteen miles from here in a few days. If this is so we will advance, though I don't think this Brigade will ever see a battle here. I think when we move we will go to North or South Carolina or to Florida. We will follow the big fleet. They have taken Beaufort an[d] Port Royal South Carolina and will soon have Charlston. Libbie must write to me. All of you must write to me. Tell Hermann Furness to answer that letter. Tell Frank to be a good boy. Write soon. Yours in haste. Don't fail to write soon
Wm L. Johnson
I would like Pa to send me his likeness and yours, Isaacs, James and all of you. I have
got a big knapsack. I can lug the whole Johnson family and some of the Dows.
Nov. 14th
The news this morning is that there is to be a battle fought at Manassas Junction or between here and that place. This accounts for our being drilled in target shooting for the last two weeks. The boys are in high spirits at the prospects of a battle. Write soon or I will have you put in the guard house on bread and water 6 hours and forfeit ten cents of your pay.
It is pay day to day - good.
Tell Mr. Penny to Write.
[December 11, 1861]
Dear Brother
I address you a few lines to inform you where I am and what I am doing. I am in the regular United States service but not for five years. We are placed here to fill the places of those whose times have expired. I am in the Artillery. I like it so far better than the Infantry. The drill is not near so hard as the Infantry. We don't have any knapsacks. We dont have to stand on guard more than one third as often as we did. We dont have to drill only two hours per day. We get 21 dollars per month. The regular service is not as strict as the volunteer service. They go as far as the law directs and no farther. In the Volunteer service they are allowed to make their own laws and you may be sure they make them and they make them very strict to. We are about 10 miles from Washington near Baileys cross roads. I am in Battery B fourth Artillery. There are six large brass [actually bronze 12 Pound Light Field Gun Howitzers, called the "Napoleon"]cannons. I belong to number three center section. There are one hundred and fifty men in a company of artillery. We have to drill on horse back half the time and the other half at the guns. Well it is pretty near time to drill. You must write to me soon and Direct your letters to Battery B fourth Artillery. Camp Dupont, Va. Washington, District [of] Columbia. Tell James where to direct letters. I did not want to come when I was ordered to but I like it very well. Did you get a paper from me.
William L. Johnson
Camp Dupont, Va
Dec. 30th 61
Dear Brother
I am about discouraged about writing I have written three times to you and father since I came in to the Artillery and once a few days before I came here and have recieved no answers so you [see] I thought I would blow you up ... here goes... I have received a letter from Eliza Ann Johnson and one from Aurilla Parker since I came here and one from Miss Mary Ann Cramer and one from her father in Wisconsin and one from Tom Green and one from James and one from Miss Annie Robson and one from Herman furness and none from my father or Brother or sisters at home. Now, don't you wish you had written to. May be you had written but I have not received any from you. I wrote to Mr. Penny a few days since. I told that I was sick. I wrote to father at the same time. I told him I was going to the Hospittle. I did go and stayed two or three days and got mad. Told the doctor I would not eat any more opium. He said he would make me. I got madder and left. Borrowed a dollar. I could not eat my rations. Bought a pie and paid a quarter for it. Eat it. Swore I would not be sick. Got better. Am on duty again. Well that [is] all. It is near tatoo. Pleas write soon. Direct letters to Battery B 4 Artillery Camp Dupont Washington DC. Yours with respect. All of you must write.
William L. Johnson
[Editors Note: This letter is to his sister, Elizabeth.]
Camp Dupont Va.
Feb 24th 1862
Dear Sister
Yours of the, I can't tell the date for the figure was bloted but never mind it came to hand in due time. I [was] very glad to hear from you. My health is very good a[t] present. I was glad to hear that the folks were enjoying good health. I wrote to you a few days since... before I recieved yours I got one from Miss A Robson the same time that I received yours. Dont tell her that I told of it. I wrote to James a few days since. Make him write to me. We recieved the news of the recent union victories with great enthusiasm. On saturday we fired a salute of 48 guns. The duties of firing the salute was preformed by as willing hands as you ever saw and as patriotic hearts as ever throbed. Some of the soldiers think that we are going home by the fourth of July next. Perhaps they are but I hardly think so. I hope it may be so... but I think we will yet have a chance to show our ability in managing the cannon. There is a rumor quite current here tat the rebels are evacuating mannassus. Our officers say if this is true we will advance on Richmond as the roads are dry enough or [scrabble?]. I think that will not be great while hence. Mr. C. W. Waite of the 8th Illinois Cavelry is helping to edit a paper at Alexandria Virginia. The wind blows hard tonight. Tell Mary to write. My respect to all and everybody. Pleas write soon.
William L. Johnson
Tell Isaac to pleas send me a Chicago and a Sycamore paper. Pleas tell father I am well. Tell James to write soon. Good night
William L. Johnson
Pleas write to Eliza Ann or Uncle Alvah just to pleas me. You will wont
you.
I forgot to state I recieved two more letters from my Wisconsin Gal lately.
Camp at Haymarket, Va
June 4th 62
Dear Friends
We have made some curious moves of late. We went from Fredericksburg towards Richmond 6 miles. Stayed there two days. We then took the back track towards Washington 40 miles. Then we came here from there. We went through the mountains. We went through Thoroughfare Gap on the line of the Manassas Gap railroad. This is where General Geary burnt his camp and retreated back to Manassas. We stayed there one day then came back here to Haymarket. We don't know where we are going from here. We don't get any news up here in the mountains. We have had no papers for nearly two weeks or letters either. Generals Fremont and Shields are after Jackson with a black flag. We came here to prevent Jackson from coming through the Gap.
I was on guard last saturday night. Some of the secesh were shooting at me. They fired five shots but they all went over. I laid down in the mud and watched them but it was so dark and raining that I could not see them no more. Please write soon. My respects to all.
William L. Johnson
Fredericksburg
June 13th 62
Dear Sister
Your kind letter written May the 2nd and mailed May the 29th came to hand day before yesterday. I was very glad to hear from home not having heard from there for four weeks. We have been up in the mountains after the rebel General Jackson. We went through the mountains at Thoroughfare Gap. The rebels found out that we were coming down on them from every direction so they changed direction by the left flank as military men say and made a hasty retreat but they did not escape quite so nice after all for they unexpectedly ran in to Fremont and Shields who have whiped them twice since. The rebels were driven beyond our reach and we were ordered back to Haymarket on this side of the mountains from there. We went to Warrenton from there back to Fredericksburg again. It is reported around camp that we are going to reinforce McClellan at Richmond but I put no confidence in Camp reports. So many of them have proved false. A private hardly ever knows where he is going until he reaches his Journey's end. We had a very hard march of it. We marched one hundred and fifty miles in six and a half days. It rained a great part of the time. We had to build bridges across some creeks and others were forded. We had to cut trees and make our own roads in the mountains. We had to throw away some of our blankets and clothing to lighten our loads, camp right in the mud and water. But never mind what has passed. We have a beautiful camp ground here at Fredericksburg on the banks of the Rappahonnack on the Washington farm near the tomb and monument of Martha, the mother of Washington. General McDowell has detailed a squad of soldiers to finish this monument. Tell Hattie Dow that will please excuse me this time as I have not [had] time to write before the mail goes. Why don't Isaac and James write to me. Pleas let them read this and write to me. Tell father I have not forgotten him. Tell Mary to write. Did she get my letter in answer to hers. My love to all
William L. Johnson
Fredericksburg, VA
July 9th 62
Dear Friends
Having writen to you all two or three times since we come back from the mountains and not recieving any answers I thought that you would have no objections to being scolded a little. When I write to Uncle Alvahs or to buren co. or Lasalle or Wisconsin I get prompt answers from my letters. It looks very strange indeed that I should get answers from those places and none from home. Pleas tell me the reason of this. Perhaps you do write and youre letters get miss carried. Be that as it may I guess you are a little negligent about writing. There is nothing going on here except some exceeding hot weather. It is very [corner turned up on xerox copy - missing one word].
We had quite a time on the fourth of July. Our Battery ushered in the day at sun rise by firing a salute of 34 guns. At noon we fired 62 guns. At sundown we fired 100 guns. In the afternoon there was 14 regiments of infantry two of cavelry 5 Batteries on parade. There was two fine regimental bands playing. We formed in line of battle and witnessed a mule and horse race. There was 40 mules running at one time. There was about a regiment of niggers and wenches there cuting up their capers. At night we had fire works and speeches from Generals King, Gibbons, Patrick, Auger, and Doubleday. The Bun Goats, I mean the Gun Boats in the river was illuminated. There was eight Bands playing at night. There was about seventeen thousand troops out on parade. The secesh did not like it much but they had to stand and look on. If they had hurt one of our men the city would have been torn down. I think some of going back in to the Infantry. This riding on horse back don't agree with me very well. They advise me to go back to my regiment.
I wrote to Hattie Dow in answer to her letter. Did she get it. How is father. Where is James. What is he doing. How big has Alfred . frank . Jennie and Mary's children got to be.
How are all of you anyway. Where is Mary living. Where is the thirteenth Illinois regiment. How are the sycamore soldiers. Pleas tell me all of this without grumbling a word about it for fear of a severe castigation from me if you fail. Now I guess you will wish you had written before this. Yes, without a doubt a letter from home would be very exceptable Just at this critical juncture. Don't fail to write for in so doing you incur my displeasure and bring my wrath down on you, which you know is terrible.
Direct letters the same as usual.
My respect to all
William L. Lucas
O yes, Where is Vestalina.
[Editors Note: Notice that the following letter is written as a poem.]
Fredericksburg
Sunday July 20th 1862
Now brothers and sister don't you think I am green for writing so often... You know what I mean. I don't count my letters but I think I have wrote ten its so long since you wrote me I have forgotten just when. How is frankey and Jennie and Hannah and you and father and Mary and her children to and James and his Tiddy as he calls her you know to pass off the time. What do you all do. Pleas tell me your health. Is the folks there all well and how is the crops. Have they produce to sell. How is Mr. Penny. Is he living there still. Have you heard from James Rosebrooks. How is Loeis and Bill. I have no news to write you. The times here are dull and to write what I have it has puzzeled my skull. How is Alfred and Vesta. Does the old lady frown when pa goes to meeting or come home from town. How is Hiram and Birney, John Harkness and Lib and where is the big law suit. Has it turned out a squib. Where is old Waxey and his little [Clown?]. Have they gone to the war or are they in town. For asking these questions don't call me a quiz but plainly just tell me its none of my biz that is if you think I have made myself free and asked any questions tat don't concern me. I have been in the service now over a year but McDowells brave Corps has been kept in the rear, If our courage is doubted just let us advance and we will show we can fight if they give us a chance. Tell father and Mary and Libby and Jim to each write a letter as soon as they can. You don't answer my letters but I keep writing still. Come write to me won't you - you can if you will. Please give my respect to all of my friends. I will now close this nonsense, so here is the end.
Wm L. Johnson
Did you get my Ambrotype. I sent you a darn pretty one. It look just like me.
July 25th
We are at last on the march. There is fifteen of us left to guard the camp. We expect
there will be a fight before night. They gone in direction of Richmond. We all expect to
go in a few days if our men don't get drove back. They are [gain?]
all the [Union?] thousands of them.
September 20th 62
Camp near Sharpsburg MD
Dear Brother and friends
I am writing to you in haste. We have had two very hard battles here and have driven the Rebels out of Maryland. The last one is about the hardest of the war. It was five miles long. There is about five thousand dead rebels now lying on the field. Our dead are all buried. There was two Rebels killed to one of our men. My Company lost 8 killed and 30 wounded. This is the seventh engagement we have had and I am not hurt. Our Captain is wounded in the shoulder. There was fighting over in Virginia yesterday. I have not heard the result. The rebels came very near taking our Battery. A Texas regiment charged on it. We gave them a double charge of grap and cannister. It killed over five of them. We are laying [sic] the 6thWisconsin regiment is badly cut up. Co H, the Co. to which I used to belong, lost only three killed and nine wounded. I recieved Jane Woodworths letter. Have no time to answer.
Write soon everybody. Direct letter as you always have. Tell Jonathan Dow to write. My respect to all.
William L. Johnson
Camp near Sharpsburg Md.
Oct 17th 1862
Dear Sister
I dont profes to be a poet but while looking for some of my missing companions the evening after the battle I sat down alone and listened to the groans of the wounded and dieing. One of my comrads came to me while I was there -
The sounds I heard
I wandered to the battlefield
I went up on the hill
I saw no hostile enemy
The eve was calm and still
There was no sound of musketry
No clash of men
Was all the sound I heard.
I sat beneath an old oak tree
I watched the long long shade
The night was slowly coming on
I did not feel afraid
I watched for my companions
I listened for a word
But mournful groans from dying men
Was all the sound I heard.
But my companions came not
I with patience watched in vain
Are they prisoners or wounded
Or have they all been slain.
Hark What is that? Just the breeze.
The leaves above stirred again.
Those mournful dieing groans
Is all that can be heard.
I am not the only living one.
So my companions said.
Some are coming back again,
Some are numbered with the dead.
But o'er their graves no willow weeps
No chirp of singing birds.
But hark, once more those dying groans,
By me they are ever heard.
My heart will wander to the spot
Where my companion lies.
My memory travels back again. In vain I shut my eyes.
How bravely to their guns they stood, And none by fear were stirred.
Say, don't you hear their dying groans. By me they are ever heard.
Who causes all [this] misery
That our nation now affords.
Tis caused by those who seek to rule And seek for gold to hoard.
When will this strife come [to an end?]
Again, I hear those mournful sounds. By me they are ever heard.
The End.
These few lines came to my mind after the battle of Antietam. I thought there would be no harm to send them to you. Please send James a letter. Tell him to write to me. Send him a copy of these things a verses if you think they are worth sending and you will do me a great favor. We are under marching orders. We expect to march every moment.
Write soon to your brother
William L. Johnson
[Editors Note: The James referred to at the end of the letter
was his brother James Dow Johnson, who was killed in the Battle of Atlanta while serving
with the 52nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry.]
Camp near New Landing, Va.
Dec 26th 62
Dear Brother
It has been some time since I have heard directly from home. The last letter I had from Illinois was on the day of the battle of Fredericksburg. Then I got one from James while the battle was going on. I answered it the next day. Our battery lost in the battle two killed and six wounded. This makes our loss fifty-one since the 10th of last August. You may think it strange that we did not hold Fredericksburg after we had taken it but as to that I well tell you in the first place we had to cross the river under protection of our gun boats. Our first bridge the rebs tore to pieces at the first fire and killed fifteen men. After we were across we were in a low valley about two and a half miles wide. The valley is surrounded by very high bluffs covered with timber. We advanced across the valley. The rebs fired but few shots until we got to within a half mile of the bluffs. Then they opened a murderous fire of musketry and Artillery from two directions the from and the right. We could not see their infantry. They were in the timber. Gen Gibbons charged the enemy with his division and found that the enemy were strongly entrenched on the side of these steep bluffs behind the narrow strip of timber. They also had over one hundred and eighty pieces of artillery planted in the hill side. It was impossible for us to take their fortifications but we had gone so far and had to fight until night for if we had attempted a retreat by daylight they would have destroyed the Army by driving us in to the river. I saw our men charge their earthworks again and again but only to get cut down like grass before the scythe. After the firing had ceased we built fires and threw out our pickets just as though we were going to stay there but at nine the whole army recrossed the river with as little noise as possible. Thus ended our defeat at Fredericksburg. If our pet McClellan had have been in command here this never would have happened, but this war is ruled by a few bull head politicians up north and not by military men. We have lost what little confidence we did have in old Burnsides. McClellan was removed by a few Abolition Politicians because he is a democrat and not for any deficiency in the military matters. He is blamed or said to be blamed for not capturing the rebel army at Antietam but this could not be done. We were out of ammunition and provisions and no way to get any. If he had have followed them short of ammunition as we were and got whipped then what would have been done with him. I am heartily tired of these Basswood political Army managements. Let politics alone and the war will soon end. Thousands of desertions are taking place on account of recent political movements. I was down on the river bank this morning and if there had been a boat there I don't know but I would have crossed over in to Maryland and deserted. It is enough to make the whole army desert.
It is reported that McClellan is about to take command. I hope it is so. I see that the papers are trying to smooth over the fredericksburg affair. They have told more lies than would patch the whole battlefield. I would like to see these lying editors and politicians drafted into the army and placed in the advance of every fight as we have been. Enough of this.
We are building winter quarters on the Potomac at New Landing 60 miles below Washington. We get pay next month for the first time since last June. Johnathon Dow will please excuse me for not writing. I have no stamps. My respects to father and all of my relatives. Dont fail to write soon. From your brother
William L. Johnson
Camp near Bell Plains
Feb 12th [1863]
Dear Brother,
I recieved a letter from Isaac last night stating that you had written to me. I am sorry to say that I did not get your letter. Perhaps I will get it yet. I should be very glad to open a regular correspondence with you perhaps you have thought that I had forgotten you entirely but not so. There is not a day passes but what I think of you and wish I could see you. What has become of Vestalina. She has not written to me since last July. At least I have received no letters from her since that time. I am glad to hear that you are improving the opportunity now offered you to get an education. Now is the time if ever. I have often wished that I had have been more diligent about getting an education but there is no use of wishing. The time has gone by never to be recalled. But then I learn something every day. I put my mind more on learning than I did but my chance is not the same as it once was. Learn all that you can. Knowledge never comes amiss.
There is one thing that I dont want you to do. That is don't enlist in the army for you will be sorry if you do. Soldiering is no fun although it is a lazy life but still a hard one. I don't like [the] sound of these little buletts singing about my ears. One of our men says he don't like them big things that comes whizing through [the] air crying which one, which one, he means a shell. This fighting is no fun since McClellan left us. We don't gain any more victories. We don't care whether we even gain another one until they put McClellan in Command again. He is the man what knows how to fight and win. What do we care for the Cottonwood Generals who are in command now. They will do very well when there is no fighting to do. I have thought a great many times that we would have to recognize the southern Confederacy unless the war is carried on different from what it has been. Pleas write and tell me all the news you can think of. Who works the place. Where is Birney. How much grain did Pa rais last year. Has he got a horse team. Tell Vet to write to me. It rains. If I was at home I would not care who was General or whether school kept or not. My respects to all. Tell father to write. Write soon. Dont forget to answer these goose [tracks?].
Now Alfred I expect an immediate answer to this from your affectionate Brother
William L. Johnson
To Alfred L. Johnson
Address William L. Johnson
Write soon. Tell Johnson Woodworth to write
Battery B 4th U.S. Artillery Wadsworth Division in care of Lieutenant J Stewart
Camp near Bell Plains, Va
Feb 26th [1863]
Dear Sister
Your very welcome and verry interesting letter of Feb 13th has been recieved
carefully perused and contents noted. I am happy to hear that my friends are enjoying good
health and still remain above ground. My health is quite good at present. I assure you
that you are greatly mistaken when you say that I don't liek your letters. I am very much
disappointed when I don't get any letters from home. There is another thing that you are
wrong about. That is this. You said that we soldiers did not get a chance to read the
papers and learn the truth about our Generals. Indeed we get papers that tell the whole
proceedings of the War department in regard to our Generals. If one is accused on any
misdemenor we are drawn up in line and every charge and specification is read to us so we
are better posted as to the character of our officers than you in civil life possibly can
be. Besides this we get the following news papers daily.
the Philidelphia
Equirer
Republican
the War
Press
Republican
the Baltimore
Clipper
Republican
Baltimore
American
Republican
Baltimore
Sun
Democrat
Washington
Star
Democrat
National
Republican
Republican
Morning
Chronicle
Abolition
and Sunday Morning Chronicle Abolition
New York
Tribune
Abolition
New York
World
Republican
New York
Herald
Democrat
NY
Times
Democrat
So you see we have the privilege of reading thirteen different papers, six Republican, four Democrat, three Abolition. We pay ten cts apiece for these papers. They arrive here every hour in the day by vessels from N.Y., Washington. Baltimore and Annappolis. We [are] camped only a half mile from the harbor. I should think we ought to be better posted about our Generals than you are. I have been surprised before now by reading some of our Ill County papers and see things said to have taken place in the Army and right where we are, things that we know nothing about. On making inquiries I found that no such thing ever happened. Those who are enemies to McClellan are Enemies to the Army of the Potomac. At least we consider them So. It is generally believed here that this Army Never can be moved with success unless they give a commander in whom we can have confidence. I say once more that I blame no man for deserting this great sham the Army of the Potomac. If you knew the exact state of affairs in this army and the feelings of soldiers against our politicians at home who are the means of MeClellans being superceded, curse them, you would think entirely different. What has the Army done since McClellan left us. Nothing only to get half of us killed. If we go into battle again under our present Generals we will all be killed. No more. Write soon. Respects to all.
Wm. L. Johnson
[The following was squeezed in around the edges of this
letter.] I don't like to see sitizens medeling with military affairs. I am as
loyal as ever dont think me disloyal for I [am] yet
hopeful of victory. You spoke in your last letter as though I was disloyal.
Camp near Bell Plains, Va
April 13th [1863]
Dear Sisters
As it has been some time since I have been favored with the exquisite pleasure of perusing the contents of one of your interesting letters and as I have not heard from anyone at home except by way of a letter from Mr. Penny I have deemed it proper to address you a few lines for the express purpose of making you acquainted with the actual existance of such personage as my self hopeing there by to make myself conspicuous enough to draw a liberal share of your attention. It is with unbounded pleasure [line off edge of xerox] at present allowed the full enjoyment of the greatest blessing bestowed upon a soldier which is good health. At the same time it would be joyful tidings to me to be assured that my friends at home are sharing with me the bountiful blessing of life and health. The question now arises how am I to be informed as to your health unless you write. There is but one other way for you to give me any information and that is to Telegraph and that would cost you more than a stamp. Perhaps you do write. Be that as it may your letters do not reach me very often. There is a little feverish excitement in camp to day caused by rumors of Marching orders but there is nothing definite as to marching very soon although I think the day is not far distant that we will be called on to face the horrors of the Battlefield again, although we are confident of doing a victorious summers work. Then let the Northern Copperheads howl for if we are victorious here we are coming home to erase them from the face of the sacred sdil of union and liberty. We are not always going to stay here and let home traitors polute our free soil and hold in defiance the laws of the federal government. It is with pleasure that I am able to tell you that there is but very few Copperheads in the Army. Those that are here are very quiet. They know the consequences of making them selves Publicly known. There is no news of importance except that we were reviewed by the President and lady last thursday. Write soon.
My respects to all of you, from your brother
Wm. L. Johnson
Dear sister,
Just as I about to mail this letter I recieved one from you therefore you will excuse
the whining tone of this letter as I am short of paper I cannot answer yours in full I do
not hear any preaching but I keep a Bible and never miss reading two or three chapters
every day (has Alfred [line cut off of xerox] please
send me some home papers if it is convenient
[Editors Note: First page of this letter is missing - no date. Possibly written to a sibling, as he says "My respects to father." The date of April 20, 1863 is just to keep it in the sequence it was sent to me. - Jim Woodworth.]
I am about to ask a favor which, if you could or some of my friends could grant me, would be a great help. That is this. If you or some one else could send me a dollars worth of stamps I will send you twice as dollars when we get our pay. It is almost an impossibility to get stamps here, even if I had the ready change. There is six month's pay coming to us on the first of may and we will not get paid until that time. If you send stamps do it immediately so that they will reach me before we get on the march. Now I will tell you what kind of disposition I have made of a portion of my wages. I have sent them to my intended home in Wisconsin to the father of a very worthy, respectable and I think very smart young lady of my acquaintance who is to become my future [partner? page torn] should our lives be spared. Keep this a secret if you please. Give Hiram Thompson my address. Tell him to write to me.
My respects to father. Tell him to write. Direct as before. Write soon.
Wm L. Johnson
Camp near Bell Plains, Va
Monday evening
April 27th 63
Dear sister and Friends
Your kind letter and postage stamps came to hand this evening. They were just in time for we are to march in the morning. I am very thankful for those stamps and will pay you for them as soon as I get the money. I am glad to hear that the most of you are well and hope that those who are afflicted may recover. Tell all of my Friends and relatives to remember me as I do them and write to me. It will be impossible for me to write them when we are on the march. Don't let that make any difference about your writing. Write often. Your letters will be recieved direct letter as before. My love to all from your affectionate Brother
William L. Johnson
Excuse short letter I have not time to write.
Camp at White Oak Church Virginia
May 10th [1863]
Dear Friends
You will pleas excuse this short letter. I will tell my excuse which is as follows. The fatigues of the recent five days battle has not worn off yet. The fresh wounds and mangled corpses are still before the eyes of my memory. Although we are ten miles from the scene [of the] action at present, the looks of that battlefield still lingers around me. The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded is much larger than ours. We expect to attack the rebels again in a few days again. Although we had to fall back to this side of the river we were not defeated and the soldiers are all in good spirits and are confident of our ability to gain a victory in the end. I am well but a little tired and worn out yet. Pleas tell all of our folks to write to me. I recieved a letter from James. He lives in Ottawa now. He says that he has not heard from home since last winter. He wants you to write to him. I forgot to tell you that my company lost two men taken prisoner, one wounded.
Now Elizabeth will you pleas do a favor for me. It is this. Write to a friend of mine in Wisconsin and tell her that I am well. If you will you will oblige me very much. Here is the name and address
Mary A. Cramer
Plain Post Office Sauk Co. Wisconsin
It is impossible for me to write another letter or I would write myself This is the last chance we will have to send off letters for a long time and it is almost mail time and I have but one envelope. Don't fail to write for me. From your affectionate brother
William L Johnson
Tell her I am well pleas
Mary A. Cramer
Plain Post Office Sauk Co. Wisconsin
The above is a queer request but I know you won't refuse your brother this once.
Camp at White Oak Church, Va
May 25th 63
Dear Sister:
Just as I was about to mail a letter which I had written to you I was very happily surprised by recieving one from you bearing date May 18th also at the same time, I recieved one from Eliza Ann. I recieve a letter from her about once every two weeks. Uncle Alvahs family and Uncle Levi are in usual health. Aunt Jane is quite feeble.
Eliza Ann say that pa has not written to them since he was there. You ask about what we have to eat. Our rations consist of the following articles hard bread pork coffee sugar rice fresh beef some times (we do not always have pleanty).
We were also decieved about the capture of Richmond. You must learn not to credit reports from the Army unless they are official report to General Halleck or the secretary of war. I have written to Isaac. I am glad to hear that they are all well. There is no news to write. If you hear from the 13th Ill regt or any of the other regts pleas tell me the news from them. Can you send me any sycamore papers. They would interest me very much. I have bible read through and will commence it again. Tell Isaac that a letter from him would be accepted with pleasure. No more at present. Write soon. My respect to all.
Wm L. Johnson
Address
Battery B 4th U.S. Artillery
1st Division
1st Army Corps
Washington D.C.
Camp at White Oak Church, Va.
June 9th, 63
Dear Sister
Yours of the 18th of May was received on the 23rd and I answered it immediately but as I have not heard from home since that time I thought it prudent to write again and see if you are all alive yet. I am happy to inform you that my health is good and nothing would pleas me more than the assurance of the good health of my relatives and friends. We are under marching orders and have been for four days. We don't know what moment we will be ordered to march. The times are very exciting here in the Army at present. The enemy were discovered moving a part of their forces a few days since. General Hooker promptly dispatched the 6th Army Corps under command of General Sedgwick to attack them and detain them from going, which he done, and captured 5 hundred of them. They have been fighting a little for the last three days. The battle is only one and a half miles from here and now as I write an occaissional boom of the Artillery is heard. They are not fighting a regular battle, only skirmishing a little. The wounded are brought by here every few minutes. I suppose the reason that our Corps, which is the first, are not in the battle this time is becaus there is so few of us. This Corps once numbered 30 thousand men but the New York two years men have all gone home and ranks are descimated by desens [deserters] and the bullett and we now number only eight thousand. There are various oppinions prevailing here in the Army in regard to what disposition the enemy are making of the troops that they appear to be moving. Some are of the opinion that they are reinforcing Bragg in Tennessee or Johnson in Miss, others entertain an opinion that they have been reenforced and contemplate an invasion of the loyal states. The latter oppinion is not adheared to by many for it is hardly probably that they will run the risk of having thier whole army destroyed and their capital occupied by our Army and they well know that such would be the result of such an invasion. Besides they have not yet recovered from the lasting effects of the severe castigation that they recieved at our hands last fall at Antietam and South Mountain when they invaded Maryland. There is nothing more to write. If I have failed to interest you please attribute my failure to my deficiency in the art of writing and composing letters. Excuse poor spelling. My compliments to all. Write as soon as possible. Direct letters as before. Accept the kind regards of your affectionate Brother
Wm L. Johnson
P.S. Tell Isaac to write. Tell father to write. I never have recieved Alfred's promised
letter.
[Editors Note: It is unknown if William didn't write any letters between June and November, 1863 or whether they just didn't get saved. The James referred to in this letter was his brother, James Dow Johnson, of whom more later.]
Camp of Battery B 4th U.S. Artillery
Rappahannock Station, Va.
Nov. 21st, 1863
Dear Father
Pleas excuse my delay in writing to you I have written quite often to my brothers and sisters and I always enquire after your health and prosperity. I am happy to say that my health is good. I sincerely hope that this will find you enjoying good health. I hear from uncles Alvah and Levi quite often. Uncle A's health is as usual. Aunt Clara is not able to be up. The rest of the folks are in usual health. I have also heard from Uncle Luce[?] by way of letters from Cousin Kate. They were well and prospering. You have doubtless heard of the last successful move of the Army of the Potomac. Our forces fought a short decisively victorious battle here where we are encamped in which they killed and wounded six hundred and captured eighteen hundred of the enemy. Also four pieces of Artillery. Union loss will not exceed three hundred. Fortunately for us we were not engaged in the fight our Corps being held in reserve. You will see by the papers that our Corps which is the 1st is favored in every move now because it is composed of the oldest troops and we have suffered so largely in every battle that our Regiments and Companies are very small. It rains today and when I think of my friends and my home time draggs heavily. I sincerely hope that I may serve the remainder of my time without seeing any more fighting but I fear that I cannot. I think it curious that James should leave home and not inform any of his friends of his Whereabouts. I fear he does not live a very happy life on account of his wife. I understand that she is east on a visit and to be plain about the matter I would not over exert or over tax my energies in the least to help her back again if I was in James place. Perhaps I am to just but I cannot take back what is said.
I have writen to Mr. Cole for information regarding James. Well there is no news to write. My respect to all. Please tell Alfred to write me. Also Vestalina. Does Mr. Penny live there yet. Pleas tell Mary that we have not got our pay yet but I will send her that money as soon as we get paid. Pleas write soon and often. From your Affectionate Son
Wm L. Johnson
Direct letters to
Wm L. Johnson
Battery B 4th U.S. Artillery
1st Army Corps
Washington, D.C.
P.S. if it is convenient will some of you send me a Sycamore paper once in a while. I
will send you the Washington daily or Sunday Chronicle or the Philadelphia Enquirer in
return or the Baltimore Clipper or America. Just as you choose.
Newtons University Hospittle
Baltimore, MD
March 28th, 1864
Dear Brother
You will pleas excuse the long delay I have made. I should have written before this time but I expected to go to my regiment before this time and write after I got there so that I could get answers to my letters. I suppose you have heard from me since I have been here. I have written twice, one letter to Isaac and one to Mary. I have been here in this detestable lonesome and disagreeable Hospittle just one month and three days. I am well, but they wont let us go to our regiment yet. I was informed this morning that we have got to stay here until we are paid off and the surgeons in charge of the Hospittle said we might not get our pay until May. This is not a very pleasant place to stay in. They are thirty wounded men in this room. Some of them are in a very critical condition. They were wounded at Gettysburg and have been here ever since that time. I am acting as watchman here in the Hospittle. I set up from one at night until six in the morning and take care of the wounded.
We left Wisconsin verry unexpectedly. I expected to come back home again. Our Colonel told me on sunday morning that I could go home again if I wanted to, but that very night he got orders to march for Washington. We started Monday morning. I called in to see Uncle Kimball when we passed through Chicago. I saw Mr. Hamlin but Uncle Kimball was not in. Tell Vestalina to look for a letter from me. Tell Pa to get his likeness taken for me and you must get yours taken and send to me. How is Pa's health. Is he well. Have you heard from Miran or Birney yet. Please tell them to write to me.
As soon as you get this letter show it to Mary. Tell her to write to me and direct letters to Newton University Hospittle House - One . Ward . One - (Baltimore Maryland). Tell her just direct one letter here and if she writes any more direct them to our regiment.
When you write direct to Co. H. 6th Regiment. Wis. Vols. 1st Army Corps Washington DC. Tell Tell Mary to write immediately after you get this. My special respects to father and all of the family. Excuse a poor letter this time from your affectionate Brother
Wm L. Johnson to A.L. Johnson.
Tell mary to direct to
Newton University Hospittle
House and Ward One
Baltimore MD
You direct to Wm L. Johnson
Co H 6th Reg't. Wis. Vols
1st Army Corps Washington, DC
Culpepper, Va
Apr 18th 1864
Dear Brother
I have written several letters home since I returned to the army but have received but one and that was from Lib or Elizabeth. I have the audacity to addres you just the same as though I recieved prompt answers to my letters.
Camp life passes as normal. The boys pass off lisure hours in various ways. Some read, some write, some play Eucher and other games normly played with cards. We have a game of Base Ball every after noon and after Dress Parade and supper we have a dance of about two or three hours duration. We have good fiddlers. The weather is very warm. The hill sides of the old dominion are wearing a rich coat of green trees and flowers are in full bloom. There is something to be [done] honestly. We are fortifying Cullpepper strongly. Refugees from the Confederacy come in to our lines about forty or fifty per day. They all say that people are starving to death. The[y] are object of pity. Old men and women, and children nearly destitute of clothing. I saw some very pretty girls among them. Deserters say that Lee is contemplating another trip to Pennsylvania. Hope he will try it. They say the Confederacy is about gone up the spout. Deserters come in from ten to twenty per day. We expect to have a good game of ball with the Johnny rebel before long. I will bet on Grants boys this time.
I was on pickett three days. Did not see any rebs but heard them. I would like to know where James is. I want to write to him. Pleas give me his address. Please write soon. Send me your likeness and Hannahs. Tell father I want his. I hope this will find you as well as it leaves me. My respects to the little folk. Tell father to write soon to me and please send me his likeness. I remain your affectionat brother.
Wm L. Johnson
Co. H 6th Regt Wis. Vols.
Washington, D.C.
5th Army [Corps]
P.S. Take notice. Will you pleas send a quarters or half dollars worth of stamps. I
will send you money next pay day which is about the 15th of next month. The
boys are dancing like fire and singing to. They are all in good spirits. It is never
tatoo. Good night.
[Editors Note: Here is a letter to Nancy Elizabeth Johnson, sister to William Lucas Johnson, which provides a clue to the circumstances of his capture. The wound that is mentioned occured at the Battle of Laurel Hill.]
Camp 6th Wis Vols
Near Petersberg, VA
July 27th 64
Miss N.E. Johnson
Yours of July 20th just received. In reply I am not able to give much that will be of use to you. William was slightly wounded on the 7th day of May. He left the Company and returned about the third day of June but did not do Duty. On the 7th day of June our regiment moved to near the Chickahominy and occupied a new position. I gave him permission to leave the ranks as he said he was not able to keep up marching with the Company. Since which time I have not seen nor heard from him. I have made up my mind that he is a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. If he is not there he has Deserted, which I do not think possible for him. This is all that I can tell you of him. I am quite sure that we shall hear from him yet, but when or where no one can tell. I am sorry that I am not able to give you more satisfactory information with regard to him, and deeply sympathize with his friends.
I am very respectfully,
Yours
Hiram B. Marchant 2nd Lt. Co. H.