Introduction______________________________________________________________________________
From Wisconsin to Andersonville - 1862-1864 (Translated 1958, 1959)
W. L. Damkoehler, 1961
This volume is a collection
of some twenty-five (25) letters written by Ernst
Damkoehler, who was a Private, Company I, of the 26th Regiment, Wisconsin
Vols, during the Civil War.
They tell, in an intimate
way, a little of the life, the privations and the frustrations of a Union
Soldier during a fateful period in our country’s history. The conflict
at times appears to be in the background, over-shadowed by the personal
problems, and ends suddenly.....as in death.
The first letter was
written on September 1, 1862, and the last one was written at "White Sites",
Tennessee on April 17, 1864.
Not long after this date,
he was wounded, captured by the Confederate army and taken to notorious
Andersonville Prison, where he died of his wounds on June 26, 1864. He
is buried in Grave 2522 in the Wisconsin Section of the National Cemetery
near Americus, Georgia.
Ernst Damkoehler came
to this country in the 1840’s after having served in the French Foreign
Legion in North Africa for a number of years. Prior to that time, he was
in the service of the Prussian army.
He settled near East
Troy, Wisconsin, and was joined there by his sweetheart, Mathilda, who
came from Celle, Germany. After their marriage, they migrated by ox-team
to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. There, they built a log cabin and farmed for
a number of years. Their union was blessed with six children during this
time, the last being born after his father enlisted around September 1,
1862, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
This youngest child,
whose name was Harry, received these letters from his mother, Mathilda,
in 1900 and passed them on to me, as the oldest great grandson, in 1940.
They were translated from the German by a number of friends -- a machinest
from Milwaukee (Martin Boehme); an exchange teacher from Kleinebriete,
Germany (Dr. Ralph Bojar); and an electrical engineer (Carl Endres) who
had come to this country in 1928. To each of them, we express our appreciation
for their kind assistance.
__________________________________
W.L. Damkoehler
December 7, 1960 LISTING OF LETTERS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER IN BOOK LETTER NO. LOCALE DATE 1 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 9/1/1862 2 Fairfax Courthouse 10/19/1862 3 On March Between Hampton Warrenton (Blue Ridge Mts.) (Virginia) 11/10/1862 4 Gainesville (Virginia) 11/11/1862 5 Stafford Court House (Virginia) 12/22/62 6 Stafford Court House (Virginia) 1/17/1863 7 Maria Church (Virginia) 2/2/1863 8 Near Stafford Court House (Va.) 2/23/1863 9 Stafford Court House (Virginia) 4/12/1863 10 Stafford Court House (Virginia) 4/14/1863 11 Stafford Court House (Virginia) 5/13/63 12 Brooks Station (Virginia) 5/28/1863 13 Goose Creek (Virginia) 6/22/1863 (Near Leesburg) 14 Near Warrenton Junction (Virginia) 8/4/1863 15 Warrenton Junction (Virginia) 9/7/1863 16 Tennessee - Opposite Lookout Mountain Battery 11/8/1863 17 Tennessee (Near Lookout Mt.) 11/9/1863 18 Presumably Lookout Mountain, Uncertain-Between Tennessee (Part of a letter) Nov. 9 & 25th 19 Near Chattanooga, Tennessee 11/25/1863 20 Lookout Mountain Valley 12/8/1863 21 Uncertain, (Presumably Lookout Mt.) 1/3/1864 22 Presumably Lookout Mountain Believed to be (Portion of a letter) January 11, 1864 23 Schell Mount, (Tennessee) 2/21/1864 24 Schell Mount, (Tennessee) 3/7/1864 MilwaukeeLetter #1______________________________________________________________________________
Sept. 1, 1862
My Dear Mathilde:
You perhaps will wonder
at receiving a letter from me from this place, when you thought for sure
I was in Oskosh. I will tell you later of our adventures after our departure
from Sturgeon Bay, but first my heartiest greetings to you and the children.
After I wend aboard ship in Sturgeon Bay, I went on the other side of the
boat to save my strength. I did not have the heart to look at you again
and to keep quiet. We went from there to Menominee where we stayed overnight
and arrived in Green Bay on Sunday afternoon, where we stayed overnight
and arrived in Green Bay on Sunday afternoon, where a proposition was made
to us at once to unite with the Green Bay Company. They wanted to give
us the chance for First Lieutenant. The Green Bay Company was put together
from all kinds of trash from the city, and spoiled advocates were candidates
for officers’ positions. You can imagine my unwillingness and can’t blame
me that I did not want to enter into such a Company. My resolution soon
was made. I made an appointment with all Germans and we decided not to
enter into this Company, but to go at once to Milwaukee to the 26th Sigel
Regiment. With the help of Alois Klaus, former Lieutenant of the 2nd Wisconsin
Cavalry, and now on the Committee for re-routing our regiment, we received
passes from the Major at Green Bay to go to Milwaukee. The story was betrayed
by Charles Wilkens who was drunk. Because Lee was in Oskosh a telegram
was sent to Oskosh at once to give us away. Alois Klaus got wind of it
and we were quiet the next day, we agreed to it to enter into the Green
Bay Company with the others to prevent suspicion. The next morning after
breakfast we drove to Two Rivers by horse and wagon and from ther to Milwaukee
by boat, where we arrived Friday evening, George Bayer, Phillip Feldman,
Adam Heilmann and I. I had recommendations to the Colonel (Jacobs) and
we received the warmest welcome. The next day we were sworn in the United
States Service and now have comfortable quarters at Landa Restaurant, along
with out Captain, an old gray-bearded soldiers. Tomorrow, Monday, we get
$25 from which I will send you $15. Ward Bounty, not counting our $40 before
we leave the state.
My Dear Mathilde, I don’t
know yet if it is not the best to buy things for you and send them together
with the other stuff. I am going to find out the prices first and if it
pays to send things from here. I can’t close this letter before I have
received the money. I only made up my mind today, Sunday, to write this
letter because tomorrow the Regiment should march out with full power and
perhaps I will have no more time to close this letter.
We are all well and if
we never see harder times than these here, one can stand it. As soon as
our Regiment is completed we will leave for Sigel.
Now, Dear Mathilde, I
will close for the time being to finish this letter tomorrow.
Thursday, Sept. 4th, 1962
Even if I promised you
to finish writing the letter this past Monday, conditions existed which
made it impossible.
The Paymaster was on
a trip and we received our money only yesterday evening. Because I know
you are in real need of the money, you don’t have to give Mr. Harris anything.
In a short time I will send you the Bounty of the Ward and I don’t think
it will be too long before I send you the other $40. We have had here all
kinds of expenses. We had to buy our caps and duty utensils, and there
are plenty of opportunities to spend money in other ways. I also sent you
a box of Cheesmann’s pills and hope they do you good.
I don’t want to write
much about our military system. After each drill we march into a beer hall
where we are treated by the officers with money we were cheated out of.
It is still better than in an American Regiment, where the officers keep
everything.
My dear Mathilde, there
came alarming rumors from Sheboygan that the Indians were getting restless.
As soon as you anticipate the smallest danger move away. When I know you
are in danger I could desert in order to protect you, but I hope it is
only a rumor. I will write to Gustav and if there should be danger, you
move to him. When I think about it I believe I would have been just as
smart to stay with you and would have risked it to be drafted like all
the other neighbors, but now it is too late. I don’t want to torture myself
with these thoughts.
With thousand greetings
and kisses to you and the dear children,
I remain
Your Ernst
Ernst Damkoehler
26th. W.V. Wenzel’s Guard, Milwaukee
P. S. Arrange your conditions as you think best. Answer soon. Yearningly I am looking forward to your answer.
Your Ernst
Letter #2______________________________________________________________________________
Fairfax Courthouse, Oct 19th, 1862
My Dear Mathilde:
I will now fulfill my
promise to write to you as soon as we had somewhat settled down. As I hastily
wrote you in my last letter, which I hope you received, we marched away
from the camp situated in the proximity of Washington on the next morning
and went to our destination (Fairfax Courthouse) about 15 miles south of
our former camp. We arrived there in the afternoon and were received by
the Brigade General Carl Schurz and after some maneuvering occupied our
camp. However we had to sleep without tents because the baggage wagons
had remained behind but we were happy to be able to rest up a little after
all this activity. The hardships of hunger and camping under the open skies
with a terrible rain and other inconveniences were without limit. A fourth
of each camp is sick, suffering from diarrhea, fever and colds. Adam Heilman
was sick and Philip is till sick now. (These people began to cry and thought
they would surely not see their homes again in short lost their head without
having seen the danger). As far as I am concerned, thank God, I am well
and cannot in the least complain. We now have plenty to live on and the
service is not strenuous. The officers and lower officers observe me as
much as possible and I calmly wait for difficult things. They may not make
me a corporal. I have been promised that as soon as a vacancy is open,
I am supposed to become a Sergeant, and in case our captain should leave
our Orderly Sergeant will become an Officer and I will take the orderly’s
place. Still all this is only promises. I for my part will do my duties
faithfully and calmly wait for the rest.
The next day after our
arrival, we put up our tents, cleaned our things, and made ourselves as
comfortable as possible. The next day, we had a big review before Sigel,
but before that the Regiment was reviewed by Brigade General Steinwehr,
who praised the Regiment a lot because of our Prussian drills with the
weapons. Afterwards Sigel came, held an enthusiastic address to the Regiment,
and amid thundering hurrahs the review ended. Nothing has been revealed
about our further destination other than that we were to be joined to General
Steinwehr.
It is said that the enemy
is supposed to be about 10 miles from here. On the whole, we learn only
very little; even the officers learn nothing. As a result, I cannot write
you anything new about that. The outlook for a battle soon is also not
at hand. The enemy is frightfully afraid of Sigel and Sigel is now too
weak to attack, so we will probably stay quiet some time longer if Sigel
is not attacked. I for my own part am calm and to tell the truth I wish
that we would have a battle tomorrow and stay at the battle and bring the
war to an end. This is all that I can write you in relation to myself and
our Regiment. As soon as anything interesting comes up, I will write you
again immediately. We are situated in a lovely place, on a slope so that
rain or water doesn’t bother us in the least. Liquors are contraband and
very difficult to receive. Bad liquor was sold, but was forbidden by the
Command because it caused diarrhea. But I was invited by our lowest Lieutenant
Weringer to drink a glass with him and he procured an excellent glass of
bitters, which I can assure you did not taste bad at all to me.
He informed me in confidence
that our Lieutenant-colonel Lehmann will be transferred to another regiment
and is taking our Captain Landa along. He, Werninger, will be made Captain
and things would be arranged so that I should become an orderly, if there
is not too much opposition. Then I would be first in line for advancement
to Lieutenant.
How, dear Mathilde, I
desire only of you that if you perhaps receive no letter from me for some
time, not to be disturbed. There are times here when it is almost impossible
to write, but that should not in the least keep you from writing to me.
In case that anything should happen to me, I have it arranged with our
officers and with Adam and Philip to inform you of any accident that should
happen to me. Write me an answer right soon and do not always wait for
an answer from me. However I will do what I can and write when I have an
opportunity. Write me about everything that interests me; about the slaughtering,
about the potatoes, and harvest, and so forth, but especially how you and
the dear children are getting along. Excuse me, dear Mathilde, that I wrote
so scantily last time, less than I wanted to write and that also this time
the letter is not so thorough. But it is really no pleasure to lie on the
knees before a knapsack and write.
Goodbye, dear Mathilde,
be convinced that I will do what I can for you and the children. Goodbye,
greet the children and our acquaintances and a thousand kisses to you from
your ever-loving
Ernst
P. S. Oct. 21st, 1862
It was not possible last
Sunday for me to get the letter out to the office and I thought I would
be able to do it Monday.
Sunday evening we received
an order to pack up on Monday morning, because Sigel wanted to hold an
inspection over his whole division. Monday morning at daybreak we went
four miles below Fairfax where Sigel held the inspection. When the inspection
was finished, we marched another two miles to the same place where, a year
before, the battle of Bullrun was fought and were returned to our camp
late in the evening without having had a chance for spare time the whole
day. This made me late in taking care of these few lines. We have drills
seven hours a day and the other time of the day is filled up in cleaning
our things and other tiring things, so this afternoon, I was excused from
drill in order to take care of this letter. Again from your
Ernst
Letter #3______________________________________________________________________________
Nov. 10th, 1862
On the March Between Hampton and
Warrenton, Blue Ridge Mountains
My Dear Mathilde:
Although I have already
written two letters without receiving an answer, I can’t forbear to write
a few lines to you in a hurry. The first letter I wrote to you from near
Washington, the second from Fairfax Courthouse and this one on the march.
I will hope that you received both letters and I don’t want to refer back
to them, only I want to tell you that, as I wanted to take the last letter
to the Post Office, I received your dear letter and I added a P.S. to mine.
Especially I hope that
all of you are well and healthy and that, perhaps sickness, did not hold
you back from writing. A few days after my letter left, we received marching
orders, and marched only a few miles from Fairfax where we stayed for some
days, while Sigel found himself on a reconnaissance tour. After that we
marched through Centerville, then over the battlefield near Bull Run through
Hampton where we camped only a few miles away. The last march took us 2
days; the road constantly went up and down hill because the whole country
here is very hilly. In Hampton, or better yet before the Blue Ridge Mountains,
our Company went on picket watch and some sad event happened in our Company.
Our Lieutenant Orth, who was with us on watch, wanted to inspire the Posts
in the evening and was shot in the abdomen by one of our men there, who
mistook him in the darkness as a "Secesh". (Secessionist). The parties
were shot through and by probing of the urethra blood showed up and the
doctors called this wound very critical. I was with him all night and cooled
his wound.
This was a hard blow
for me. About 14 days ago, Lieutenant Berninger was transferred through
some plotting of our Company and some good-for-nothing by the name of Smith
was put in his place, and now Orth is lost to us. Both were my friends
and they had the best in mind for me. As I wrote to you in my last letter,
it is almost impossible to get ahead. Had I been a saloon or barkeeper
in Milwaukee I would have a fine future, but knowledge and merits don’t
count. This last sad accident was only due to the inexperience of the Lieutenant
and of the soldier. With some instructions it could have been prevented.
On the whole, you must
not think too highly of the patriotism of the troops as it is often described
in the newspapers. It was pretty hard on them. Many times when they were
sure of the victory they were commanded back and they had to look on while
"Secesh" pulled himself unhurt out of the snare. It was the same at the
last Bull Run affair, where Sigel beat the enemy with 15 thousand and the
next day had to retreat after M. Dowel, the traitor, was pushed against
him. As you know through the papers the whole army is marching forward.
The next day, the 9th, further marching orders. We marched in the mountains
out of which the Rebels had fled by our arrival. On the way it started
to snow and after our arrival here we had to clear the place from snow
first before we could pitch our tent. Today, while I am sitting in my little
tent, everything is white outside and my fingers are pretty cold.
Today we are sitting
still. It took all day for the through march of troops. It is Bank’s Army
Corps. Daily we hear the thunder of cannons and perhaps in my next letter,
if I come out of it, I will be able to write you a lot of things of interest.
As it is known, Banks, Burnside and Sigel are united to grab the enemy
here at the left wing, which is retreating now toward Richmond.
My dear Mathilde, today’s
writing was meant to give you a sign of life from me. I am well and able
to take the fatigue. Write to me about the election, drafting, etc.
Today I received the
newspaper from Harris, for which you can thank him in my name. Would like
to have it regularly.
Goodbye, thousand regards
and kisses to you and dear little ones from:
Yours
Ernst
Letter #4______________________________________________________________________________
Gainesville (Virginia) (Translated March 31, 1959)
November 11, 1862
My Dear Mathilde:
Received your dear letter
of the 29th yesterday evening and was very happy to hear from you, but
my happiness was very restrained due to the bad news you wrote me about.
(Here there are four lines which the translator was unable to read because
the letter was written in pencil and was worn in the fold. They have to
do with her being in need of help and his feeling so sorry that he is not
able to help her). There are so many promises made by every party and not
many are kept.
The rumor is going around
that we will get paid in a short time. Some insisted the Paymaster was
here already (three lines here translator said were no longer legible)
because we are now on the march and as it is known, the enemy will hold
the line at Gordonsville. The paymaster will also have a good excuse for
not paying us. Other rumors say again that we for sure would stay here
to make winter quarters and to guard the railroad from Gainesville to Warrenton.
As it may be, my dear Mathilde, as soon as we get paid I will send you
my whole pay. First I want to send you two dollars which the Captain owed
me. He had to give it back to me at once after I received your letter.
I was thinking of buying a pair of gloves for myself since the weather
is so rough, but I think I will get along. You will have to get the affair
with Fr. Arlt about the wagon in order, and if he should not be able to
do the logging, you will have to take the wagon back. I hope that Harris
helps you with advice and action. You are now in my place and you have
the right to look out for your own advantage, though dear Mathilde, don’t
go too far and make unnecessary enemies. George Bayer just now came and
paid me one dollar of the money which he owes me and now I am able to send
you one more. I hope it is God’s will that I can send you a little more
soon.
Yesterday, I sent a letter
to you from New Baltimore dated the 10th, but it was really only the 8th.
The following morning we made a side trip to Gainesville, where we still
are. Yesterday we should have had a parade for McClellan, but at the same
time came the news of his dismissal from the Potomac Army and that Burnside
had received the command.
My Dear Mathilde, the
whole war is only a humbug and had I known as much three months ago as
I do now I would not have enlisted under my own free will.
The support from the
State should be yours, only momentarily there seems to be no money. Did
you talk to Battershill yet about your money? Try it. And how is it about
the house? Did you sell it for lumber? Make sure the house is straightened
up and write me about everything, real long letters. You will have time
and better opportunities than we have. We now have small tents like we
had in Africa, and only fixed up to sleep in. These are only about 4 feet
high and arranged for 3 men, and each one has to carry his part with him.
George Bayer drives an ambulance, for which he gets 25c extra each day.
Until now I could not make up my mind yet to apply for such a job. At the
moment, to write to you of prospects of advancement would be nonsense.
Our Regiment gives no consideration to knowledge and earnings. To the contrary,
it seems to me the most stupid ones are chosen.
My dear Mathilde, I will
close. Excuse me for writing with pencil. There is no room to put the ink
well without upsetting it. Farewell, and regards to the children.
Your Ernst
In case something special comes up, I will write again.
Letter #5______________________________________________________________________________
Stafford Court House, December 22, 1862
My Dear Mathilde and Children,
I am sure you have been
waiting for a long time for a letter from me, but it isn’t my fault and
I will tell you why. Received your letter about a week ago after it had
been in the Regiment for a week. I’ve been unable to get it because I was
transferred from that Regiment. Since I know you are eager to hear the
reason I will tell you right away. I’ve received your last letter in Gagentville
where we expected to be in the front line, but were disappointed. A few
days later we marched back to Pentreville, where we expected to take winter
quarters and stay there all winter. The soldiers were angry at the thought
of being around all winter.
One day our company came
from Piequet and our orderly told me that there is an opening in the Ambulance
Corps. You guessed it, the Corps is the one which carries the wounded back
from the battlefield. The one holding the job now is leaving and he will
give me the chance to take his place. I took it thinking to get a better
place, but was disappointed that my job turned out to be a carrier. Usually
the crew consists of fellows unable to fight in the Regiment and rough
people on top of it. I was assigned to George Gaga’s wagon. There wasn’t
much to do. My job was to empty five gallon jugs and refill them with fresh
water. At times I didn’t know what to do for pastime. One day I met Jacobs
and he told me he talked to Brig. Commissioner Wendt about having me transferred
into his dept. It was a bit of red tape to get out of my division because
I was entered into Brigade, but finally got it and now of December with
25c raise a day. There is plenty of work and at times hard work. We have
received the whole ration for the second Brigade in Shartz Division and
distributed among the Regiments and different detachments. We work through
whole nights and up to now haven’t had time to wash my clothes. P. H. Feldmann
did my washing and was glad to get paid for it in coffee and this is the
reason dear Mathilde that I had to keep you waiting.
Despite the hard work I feel good and am physically
strong. I can’t spend money, but I will have to buy myself some boots.
It’ll take a month’s pay, but it is impossible to work around the wagons
in shoes. I’ll have to wait for 14 days, but I have to wait for the boots
and in 14 days will have to march as reserves from Burnside to Fredericksburg.
All other troops left have enough wagons. We left five o’clock in the afternoon
and two o’clock at night until five in the morning we rested. There were
thousands of wagons and they moved along slowly. In the evening we usually
slept on top or underneath the wagons or I should say shivered in the cold
weather. In four days we reached Fredericksburg. The way on both sides
of the streets were hundreds of horses and mules. In February we learned
that Burnside was lost after thousands died and we reserves are on this
side and marched back to Stafford Court House. We are here for the last
three days. Now I am sitting in my cold tent drinking coffee with sugar
so that I can write to you. Captain Wendt left and Ob. Schmitt is our Com.
This my dear Mathilde, is what happened lately.
My dear wife and children,
in two days it is Christmas and I wish you your health and my best good
wishes for a happy new year. May our dear God give that this war may end
and in favor of the Union so that we who are married may be united to the
circle of our families. It would be nice if we did get paid once, there
were rumors. We will have to wait until February and then Congress will
maybe worry about us. If you are in need, sell the sled or anything you
think is right. Go to Harris. Pay day will come.
Dear Agnes, you made
me happy writing to me those few lines. Be always a good child to your
mother. Write again next time when your mother writes. And you Dear Walter
and Clara, what I would give only to see you again. My dear wife as long
as I am in our business, I most likely won’t see much of the enemy, you
worry, you will not be the only widow to mourn over a husband. Be sure
I will do my duty.
Adam Thalmann is very
sick in the hospital. I’ve seen him for a minute tonight. It is sad to
see somebody sick.
I am glad Fritz Alt will
care for the land, it will give you a little income.
Dear Mathilde the paper
is being used up and I would like to write to you much more, but my fingers
are cold and the night I am unable to get more paper.
George B. owes me two
dollars and fifteen cents. You can get it from his wife if she has the
money over. It is all right with George.
Live well and write often
and long letters. You have time and means and I will try my best to write
soon. Goodbye and keep dear.
Your Ernst
P. S. Excuse my penmanship and I have the paper all mixed up.
Letter #6______________________________________________________________________________
Stafford Court House, Jan. 17, 1863
My Dear Mathilde:
Received your last dear
letter from Dec. 29 some days ago, and was very happy to hear from you
and to know that all of you are still well and hope you have also received
my letter which I wrote to you a few days before Christmas and in which
I told you that I am employed in the Brigade Commissary since Dec. 1st
where I received a daily increase of 25 cents. Since I wrote this last
letter, nothing new has happened. Christmas and the New Year went by quietly,
but not so good for me because a few days before New Year I had a terrible
rheumatic tooth and headache and a bad catarrh. I was afraid I would have
to go to the hospital. I advised the Commissary to put another man in my
place for a few days but he didn’t want to do this. He told me I should
take it easy for a couple of days and the others have to see to it to get
done without me. He could not see to take a strange man in his business
(office), and after a few days I was fine again.
It is impossible for
me to write much today my Dear Mathilde, we again have march orders, nobody
knows where to, and more likely we are at the evening before a battle.
Though for us, that is here in the office are no prospects to earn any
laurels because we have to stay back a respectable distance. We are now
busy with packing and you my dear wife, have to be satisfied less lines,
but I could not have the heart to let you be without any news. Since a
few days ago, the rumor is going around again that we shall get paid, but
I believe it will be drawn out until February, and you my Dear Mathilde,
will have to be patient even though it makes my heart bleed as I wrote
you in my last letter to sell the sled or see to get an advance from Harris.
I am so much the more
sorry because I am well off, at least well fed and well clothed. I bought
myself one pair of boots. Otherwise I don’t need anything and my whole
pay will come to you.
My Dear Mathilde, you
wrote me that you were sorry that I didn’t not go to the First Regiment.
I could have shared the chance with Molton, yet my dear it is better perhaps
this way. I am respectfully employed and am not exposed to any dangers
and I prefer to be free as being taken prisoner. Who knows what for it
is good that I am in this regiment and you should not complain..............
Maria Church
Letter #7______________________________________________________________________________
Feb. 2, 1863
My Dear Mathilde:
Your last letter I still
received in Stafford about 16 days ago and I would have answered same right
away if there had not been reasonable rumors that the paymaster would arrive
in a short time, and so the writing was delayed from one day to the other.
He came on Jan. 29, but we were very disappointed because we thought we
would get paid up to Jan. 1, but only were paid up to Nov. 1, which gave
me a sum of $18.20. After I paid my debts which amounted to $4.92 I am
sorry to say, it left me with the small sum of $13.00. My dear Mathilde,
you can imagine how my heart bled, that I could not send you any more under
your present circumstances. I have been very economical. For the $4.92
I had bought two handkerchiefs 30 cents apiece and a knife for 11 shillings.
The rest was for tobacco and you will not be surprised that I have used
so much if I tell you that we have to pay 20 cents for a small plug of
tobacco, perhaps half as heavy as I could buy it before. We also did not
receive our extra pay yet but should get paid for the month of Dec. in
a few days and then regularly every 3 months. My dear Mathilde, don’t lose
your courage as I heard for sure, the Paymaster shall be back this month
yet to pay us up to Jan. 1 therefore further 2 months, which further $26
shall come to you shortly.
My dear wife, until not
I only wrote about material things and it is now time to answer your dear
lines and also to write you some of the news of our unbloody theater of
war. I received you last letter a few hours later than when I put my letter
in the mail, which your probably received long ago, otherwise I would have
written a little more.
I am sorry your health
is so bad. I hope it is only temporary and that you will be able to give
me a better report shortly and perhaps the happy birth of a Prince or Princess
and then your health will be better again too. I hope that you don’t put
too much work on your neck by tilling the land. Of course it would be worthwhile
if you could keep some of the land for yourself, but your health comes
first. Later, according to how you feel, you can fix it up as you like.
Even though I can send you only a little money, it makes me very happy
that the "little" still arrives at the right time. Take care of yourself
and rather keep Agnes out of school if there is no other way. She can make
up for it later. I am glad the children are behaving themselves so well
and are helping you. Dear Agnes and Walter, Mama wrote me that you alternate
with making the fires and that you are good otherwise. Keep it up and be
kind to your Mama and your reward will come. I am writing you my thanks
now. Now one thing more I have to mention. From many soldiers in the Regiment
I heard that their wives had received assistance from the state: if your
conditions permit you will have to call on Harris once more. I don’t think
it is right for the State Treasurer to give out assistance to women who
already get assistance of 5 to 8 dollars a month from their towns or wards
and our women, who, due to the poverty of the county can’t get assistance,
still don’t get any help from the State. You have to explain things to
Harris as I write it to you and refer to the local support, that you get
none and women in other towns both. After it is once in order with our
pay I hope that you shall not suffer any more.
Aaron Molton will be
very disappointed if he thinks he can stay here. The case will probably
be, that the Secesh have more prisoners from us than we have from them
and therefore he could not be exchanged. I wish him with all my heart that
he can stay with his family.
Adam
Heilmann was discharged from the hospital but had a relapse and was
sent to Alexandria or Washington. Until now we don’t have any news from
him.
About the allotments,
I have to write you that all our names from Sturgeon Bay were not entered,
also a blunder of Captain Landa, but it is just as well. The only difference
is that I send you the money, otherwise it would have been deduced by the
paymaster and he would send it to the respective addresses. I would rather
have a pitiful death before I would agree to that. I don’t think you can
complain about my extravagance. Now we are almost 5 months in the field
and if I would not have bought the handkerchiefs and knife, my expenditures
would have been small enough. I think Feldmann has more debts than I. My
capital is still $8, because I did not yet receive the $20 over $18 from
our Captain.
Write the addresses of
your letters as usual (only in care of Captain Schmidt, Brig. Commissary).
This way I get the letters earlier because the letters go from the Brigade
to the Regiment and have to be sent back again to the Brigade.
As I wrote you in my
last letter, we had march orders, that means be always ready for department.
We had to give out rations every 2 days to the Regiments which only happened
every 5 days and you can imagine our work, and always the uncertainty when
to start marching. At last after 5 days it is said "Forward", no one knew
where. The roads were pretty good. Burnside, now Thorkas (Thomas) Army
wanted to cross the Rappahannock at Fallmouth and Fredericksburg, but after
one day’s march a terrible unfavorable weather started. It started to rain,
the next day an awful snowstorm. All the pontoons to build bridges and
artillery were stuck in the mud and the Secesh Pickets amused themselves
by putting big signs on long sticks which they held up high (Burnside is
stuck in the mud). In short, our Army had to back up from the river because
they were about 1/2 mile away from it and we are staying here for further
orders, till the roads will be better and I hope we will have a big success
to obtain some kind of decision against our enemy.
Under the circumstances,
we are pretty well set up here and hope that we can wait here during the
rest of the bad weather. The dismissal of Burnside from his command you
have found out through the papers and I think it was a wise move. The armies
had no trust in him and I heard many say they would not fight under Burnside.
McClellan is in good standing with them and I believe myself that if McClellan
would have stayed at the rudder, brilliant results would have been obtained.
Now my dear Mathilde
and children I have to close. Thousand regards and kisses from me and dear
Agnes, you will make me happy, if you would send me a few lines every time
when Mama writes. Your last letter was written much better and I don’t
have to repeat to you dear Mathilde that you will be writing ambitiously.
I will hope that I can
send you more by the end of this month. With pleasure I look forward to
your next letter and will hope that the enclosure will arrive in good order.
Once again, adieu to
you Dear. Regards to all acquaintances, from:
Your,
Ernst Damkoehler. (Translated May, 1958)
Letter #8______________________________________________________________________________
Headquarters Second Brigade, 3d Division
Commissary’s Department
Near Stafford Court House
February 23, 1863
My Dear Mathilde:
Hope you received my last
letter in which I sent you thirteen dollars. Daily I am awaiting an answer
from you, but since I have time today to write to you, I don’t want to
let the opportunity go by.
A day after I wrote my
last letter from Maria Church, we received March orders and moved back
here in two days. It was terrible weather. The first day it snowed continuously,
and the second day it rained and we had to suffer a lot with the bad weather
and messy roads, but Thank God it did not hurt me any. Also, we had a terrible
storm here for a couple of days and today the snow is one and one-half
feet deep. You can imagine how miserable it is to work the whole day in
this weather, but our shift can’t stand still. I can assure you, dear Mathilde,
that the blood ran out of my fingers from the strenuous work of rolling
the heavy kegs in the terrible mud, besides sometimes carrying one under
my arm. Every evening I was so tired that I could not sleep due to exhaustion
and pain. I really thought of going back to the Regiment. Only the thought
in mind that I could earn more money here and that I could provide better
for you, my dear, held me back. I hope that with the coming Spring and
nicer weather my work will become a little easier.
That apart (it is late
in the evening and I cannot continue to write). That the Potomac Army is
shipped out, you probably know, but what happens to us the Lord only knows
(..?..) for us is here and as soon as the roads are a little passable,
the artillery and train will move. (Some say to Tennessee, others to North
Carolina). In any case, not many troops remain in Virginia. It would also
be unwise to get our heads banged together in those mountains. When our
Army goes into another State, the Rebels will also be forced to leave their
forts and re-route their troops more to the South or Southwest. Anyway,
when the good weather comes, it will be nice for our troops to have something
to do. This marching and then lying around again affects the discipline
of the soldiers.
You probably read about
the decision of the Illinois Legislature, but I hope you don’t believe
in it. I hope that you have enough patriotism to bear our longer parting
instead of seeing me coming home to such an eerie peace. I am still as
good a patriot as I was the first day of my enlistment. Dear Mathilde,
I don’t want to complain to you, for you know I thought if over well before
becoming a soldier.
(Yesterday evening I
was called off from my writing again because we had to take inventory of
all our goods until late at night).
I received news from
Theodore from a soldier from 58th Street in New York. They were together
in the hospital in Philadelphia and he is sure of his discharge. He heard
that they undertook an operation on Theodore, which turned out pretty badly.
Instead of his water taking the natural course, it had to come out of an
opening between the legs. His address is National Hospital, Bee Street,
between 3rd and B Streets. his thought was to go back to Wisconsin and
I would not be surprised that he comes to you.
Yesterday morning George
Bayer paid my $2.75 from which I send you $2.25. With the rest (50 cents)
I have bought tobacco. I hope the Paymaster keeps his word and comes around
this month to pay us up to the first of January. I did receive my extra
pay for December (5 1/2 days) and paid for my boots with it. Up to the
first of February I again have $15 to my credit and up to now I have not
one cent debts. If our pay should be put off until March and we only get
paid up to January first, I will be able to send you $40.00
My dear Mathilde, you
probably know how depressing it is for me to know that the time comes nearer
when our family circle will increase, and the time of pain is in the future,
and I can’t stay at your side. Perhaps I am not even sure of a homecoming.
Dear Mathilde, always have good courage, and then with the good courage
you can bear a lot. I hope to receive shortly some enjoyable news from
you.
I can’t plead with you
often enough to write more often. It would give the greatest pleasure to
me to write you every week, if I could only spare the time. If I get back
to the Regiment I will write more often.
Thousand regards from your,
Ernst
P. S. I took the 2 shillings to buy postage stamps.
Letter #9______________________________________________________________________________
Stafford Court House, April 12, 1863
My Dear Mathilde:
I wrote you two letters
already and could have had an answer to the latter. With anxiety I have
been waiting for two weeks already for a letter from you, but always in
vain. You can’t imagine in what unrest I find myself and not a moment passes
by that my thoughts are not with you. What is the reason for the long silence?
This uncertainty could drive my crazy because I know what situation you
are in. Philipp was with me a couple of days ago and said that G. Bayer
received a letter from his wife, in which she wrote him that she was with
you and you were expecting your confinement in a few days. Soon thereafter
came Adam Heilmann and brought the sad news of the death of his sister,
the wife of George Senft, and since this moment I feel like somebody hit
me on the head and will not have any rest until I get news from you.
About 14 days ago someone
from our Regiment went back to Milwaukee with his discharge. He offered
to take along a package from me containing a new gray overcoat which you
have probably already received by express. At the same time I hope you
also received the $14 which I sent to you about 4 weeks ago. You can use
the overcoat for the children and I believe I will make a strong suite
for both youngsters.
Nothing has changed with
us and we are still at the same place. Since a few days ago, we have had
beautiful weather. The streets are getting dry and we will surely have
to march in a very short time and soon we will encounter the Rebels and
may God permit that the battle turns out in our favor.
A few days ago the rumor
went around that Charleston was taken but later turned out to be untrue.
It would have raised the morale of the soldiers much if the Rebels had
been taken in by such a dangerous blow. With curiosity, we are waiting
for the daily papers and almost every day we expect to be able to read
the good news of the fall of Charleston. Yesterday, our Army Corps had
a big parade in front of the President, which was favored by beautiful
weather. Naturally, I was only an onlooker and had a nice view from a hill
to the place opposite the president. The wife of the President and his
family were also there. After the parade was over they went back to Washington.
My dear Mathilde, I wrote
you in my last letter that I intended to stay for a length of time there
in the department but it didn’t take much and I would have gone back to
the Regiment because a few days after I mailed my letter the Commissary
told me that after March 1st no extra pay would be paid (as I mentioned
in my last letter) and the ones which did not want to serve without extra
pay could go back to the Regiment. I told him that under such circumstances
I would go back immediately. He shrugged his shoulders and did not say
anything further. The next morning he saw me packing my things together,
called me over and asked me if I wanted to go; I stuck with the same answer
and explained the reasons, when he told me that I should stay. He would
do all right and take care that I should get my pay later on and now everything
is the same as before.
When I was talking about
the parade before I forgot to remark that our Army is in tip top condition.
Almost all had new uniforms and also all looked well nourished (fed) and
I think there is no army in the world provided for better than ours.
However, in the month
of May our Army will suffer an important split, because 20 to 30 thousand
(mostly 2 year service) will get their release and I think that a lot of
them will serve again. The biggest part will go home. Yesterday, General
Shurz went with the President to Washington and in general we think that
he will get a command in Kentucky under Burnside and his Division goes
with him. I don’t believe much in rumors, the future will decide. I wrote
you in my last letter that General Shurz would get the Corps, but it is
not so. Our new Corps Commander’s name is Howard. He lost an arm in a former
(previous) battle and at this moment Shurz as major general has only one
division to command. No news from Sigel. Our paymaster did not come yet
either but we are waiting for him. This is about all the news I can tell
you. As soon as we go on the march I will keep a diary then I will be able
to write to you all my adventures.
Adam Heilmann is still
ailing but he told me today the Doctor now has hopes to cure him.
Easter Sunday was an
uncomfortable day for us because we had a terrible snowstorm and at the
same time it was issue day for the Brigade, but I will hope that this was
the last snow and that the weather will now become more stable.
Now my dear Mathilde,
I have to rush for the finish. May it be God’s will that you and also the
children will receive these lines in the best of health.
I hope that when you
are over your afflicted condition your paralysis of your arm will also
cease and make it easier for you to write to me and I hope to get letters
more frequently.
Farewell, my dear. May
God take you under his protection and let us have soon a happy reunion.
Thousand greetings and embraces by your:
Ernst Damkoehler (Translated and typed May, 1958)
Letter #10______________________________________________________________________________
Stafford Court House, April 14, 1863
My Dear Mathilde:
Again a few days want
by without any news from you, but I can’t resist to write some lines to
you this night.
We received marching
orders today and it was a day of work and unrest for us. We are not sure
yet if we will march tomorrow or not, but we have to be prepared every
moment. As is known, 12,000 men of our troops, mostly cavalry, crossed
the Rappahannock and have been under fire all day and it depends what success
they have to lay out our march route. Most likely we will march to Culpepper.
As is known, Jackson should be at Warrenton Junction with very strong power
and I am convinced that it will come to a decisive battle in a few days.
As it looks to me, the secesh will once more risk a Bull Run Battle where
we were badly beaten twice before. May it be in our favor this time.
My dear it is my aim
this evening not to write you a long letter. This evening I am very tired
but I don’t have any rest until I write a few lines to you. Who knows,
my dear Mathilde, where your next letter will find me. Now we are at the
eve of big events and how many a good friend will in a short time be among
those who offered their lives for our righteous affair. Dear Mathilde,
I also propose to go along if I get permission from the Commissary and
I find out when our Regiment is getting into the fire. I don’t think it
can do any harm to give a little encouragement to our Regiment. According
to our last inspection the copperheads seem to be pretty well represented.
At the same time I don’t think that the Regiment will give the performance
as I first believed.
After 2 o’clock. The
82nd Ohio arrived and were drawing rations from us and I am so tired I
can hardly keep my eyes open. At the same time I know nothing new to write
because I only sent a letter to you two days ago. May these lines reach
you in good health. The paymaster was not here yet either.
My address is as before:
26 Reg. Wisc: V c/o C. Schmidt, Sr. Comm. Second Br. 3 Div. 11 Army Corps.
Your Ernst
Dear Mathilde, I can’t beg you enough, at least to answer my letters. If you knew how many worries you could spare me you would grant my wish. Farewell, Dear Mathilde and you little ones. Many regards from
Your Ernst
More. Would have written more but the office is closed and I don’t have any more paper.
Letter #11______________________________________________________________________________
Stafford Court House, May 13th 1863
My Dear Mathilde:
Because I have time this
morning I will write you a few lines. Yesterday we received our extra pay
again for the months of March and April. If it is at all possible, I will
take the $15.00 this afternoon to the Express. Yesterday we had a big distribution
day and I think, I will have time this afternoon, to ride to Aquia Creek
Landing, to take care of the money. I am always happy My Dear Mathilde,
when I can send you money and it is always a satisfaction for me to have
the assurance that you are protected against shortages. I with I had the
time. I could and would write a lot today.
The first time, since
I departed from you, I was dreaming about you real plain. Saw you sitting
at the window and when I can came in the house, you had disappeared. Only
the little Ernst I had in my arms kissing him and he told me Mama is gone,
then I asked him, where are the other children and he said they are upstairs
and I only saw so little of you and the other children. Dear Mathilde,
what I would give to be with you only once for a short time, but when this
time will come! I am afraid that this war will last longer than we all
imagined unless unforeseen circumstances happen which bring the war to
a faster end. About the results of the last battle at Fredericksburg, you
probably will have better information than we. Just think about the "humbug".
Baltimore's Republic Newspapers want to make all believe that we are on
the other side of the Rappahannock, being busy with the pursuit of the
enemy. We know and are glad that we could make a safe retreat across the
river.
At the same time, you
probably read about the bad endurance in the fire of the 11th Army Corps
(which is generally true). Even soldiers with little understanding saw
the bad arrangement of the Corps. The little artillery which was with us
was placed in such a way that they would have had to shoot down our troops
first before they could do any harm to the enemy, and naturally, after
our Infantry retreated, the artillery was not covered any more and several
cannon were taken by the enemy. Our Regiment stood up well after it was
ordered back twice, and only after it was partly surrounded and was in
a terrible crossfire it fell back, only to collect itself again behind
a hill, to give the enemy a couple more rounds, from where it had to retreat
then, because all Divisions, at least for a mile long in back of it, were
engaged in a wild fight. The number of dead and wounded are sure evidence
how the Regiment stood up and even though the whole Corps which had covered
the retreat last summer at Bull Run under Sigel and saved the whole Army
from being imprisoned, has lost its good name through the stupidity of
a General, Howard, still our regiment is well respected. Now enough of
that.
Already different efforts
are made to get me back in the Regiment as a Sergeant, but I just quietly
take it in. (Part of a letter. Translated & Typed May 1958.)
Letter #12______________________________________________________________________________
Near Brooks Station, May 28, 1863
My Dear Mathilde:
Just now I received your
lovely letter of the 19th of this month. I was very happy to hear from
you and to find that all of you are well, and especially that the money
arrived safely. I think that in a couple of days you will receive $15.00
more which I sent off by Express on the 14th of May. I was a little worried
about the first $90.00 because it was know that 150 thousand dollars were
stolen from the Express Company. This was supposed to be the money for
our Army Corps. At the same time I had a few hundred dollars more with
me which I sent to Milwaukee for other people and no news came that the
money arrived. About eight days ago, our Receiving Clerk got the news that
the money arrived and I relaxed. A few days ago, Phillipp received a letter
from his wife in which she told him that the money arrived and at the same
time about the accident which could have ended in death. I also want to
remark that I received your letter of the 9th of May and at the same time
one of the 8th of April which I thought was lost and which showed the postmark
DayPosville (Red River). Now only the one of April 3rd is lost.
Hourly, we are awaiting
the Paymaster who will pay us for the next two months and you can figure
on $25.00 within eight days after I get it. We will probably be paid at
the start of next week. It is a pleasure for me that we now get paid regularly
and I hope this moment that all your worries are over, even if the Government
doesn't pay any more extra pay. The Commissary paid us out of his own pocket
and promised to keep on doing it as long as we stay with him.
I would have answered
your last lovely lines earlier, but every hour I was waiting for a letter
from you. Just this afternoon I wanted to start writing because I had such
a longing to talk a little with you when your letter arrived. I don't have
much to write because nothing new has happened. Every day the same monotony.
We changed our Camp and
now we are perhaps a mile from the first one. This was done for health's
sake. During the winter a terrible mass of Unrot was accumulated and now
in the hot weather it started to poison the air. Our new camp is wonderful!
It's in the middle of the forest with a famous view towards Falmouth and
the surrounding country. Naturally, we left some trees standing to have
some nice shady places and we fixed everything so that we might live as
nicely as possible, even though we knew that we will have to make a third
try in a short time near Fredericksburg. The only thing that reminds us
that we are awaiting a march order is that we always have to have on hand
eight rations. Our troops are in good spirits and I am sure the biggest
part of them are looking forward to getting together against Lee another
time. They all seem to be sure of winning.
Even if the Rebels claim
the victory, there is not question that if Lee wins such a victory, his
army will go to the devil. Hooker was blamed in different papers, but has
the confidence of the soldiers. It is only the miserable set up of our
Corps because of General Howard that we had to retreat in such a shameful
way. In all the reports from Carl Shurz and Kryzanoski our Regiment was
outstanding. At least they give the Regiment some justice. At the same
time, we can't deny that the favorable reports from the Mississippi Department
gave our troops much encouragement. According to today's papers, it is
inevitable that the Vicksburg lines will be in our power within a few days.
Therefore, the Rebels are pretty well finished, because they will be cut
off from Texas where they received all their supplies. At any time we can
throw a mass of troops at any of the Southern states so that the Rebels
will become disgusted.
My dear Mathilde, although
I said I didn't have much to write, my paper is coming to an end and I
have to rush to answer your lovely lines. In your earlier letter, my dear
Mathilde, you write about plowing land for wheat. How is it? Doesn't Hensing
fix up the land, and what about the new land? Did Fritz Arlt finish his
logging? If not, you will have to tell him that I did not think he would
disappoint me by not fulfilling his promises. He said he would do everything
possible for you and you should expect him to do what he owes you, for
I gave him a good deal too.
I see you your letter
of the 9th that you were bitten by a poisonous spider and am glad that
you didn't have any serious after-effects.
I also read that you
received the coat in good condition. Oh, dear Mathilde, I wish I could
more often find the opportunity and I surely would make the winter more
comfortable for you. This way, I have to forget about it. Perhaps in the
fall, if I am still alive, I can get a furlough. If only the trip would
not cost so much, because I know you are in need of everything I can afford.
I hope it is going to be all right.
Have you received my
last letter, dear Mathilde? I wrote to you from Hardwood Larch that our
Corps was in the firing, but you could figure I was not in with it. We
are still several miles from the Rappahannock. I begged the Commissary
to let me go along, but he would not give in. He said he wanted to have
a dependable man in the rear and he was sure that if something came up
I would do my duty and my position was just as honorable as if I had been
directly in the battle. Our Commissary was in it and he promised to take
me with him the next time. But don't worry, dear Mathilde.
I am very sorry that
you lost so many potatoes in Kurba's cellar. If it is possible and you
can afford the money I would have our cellar fixed up. But don't forget
to dig a ditch in front of the house and fill it in with stones, or better
yet, have a good new roothouse built. When you make your decision, write
me about it. I believe it would be a good improvement and would only cost
a couple dollars more. You can talk it over with any of the neighbors whom
you trust and then build it, but build it at least two feet into the ground.
Then the earth which you will need for covering will leave a ditch deep
enough to keep the house dry.
I am very happy that
little Harry is such a good child. Oh, dear Mathilde, what I would give
to see you all for a short time!
It is right that you
bout German schoolbooks for the children and I hope that they will make
good use of them.
In your letter of April
8th you wrote me the story from G.B. which I ignored. I wrote you in my
last letter the way he wanted to blacken you toward me my dear Mathilde,
and I hope you will not spill any bad blood about it.
I have to close now,
my dear Mathilde. Don't forget your promise to write every week.
In a few days I hope
to be able to write a few lines and include $25.00.
Greetings to all and
kisses to you and the children.
Your true,
Ernst Damkoehler
Greetings to Harry. Sometimes you can tell him here and there something of my letters that would interest him.
(Translated March, 1958)
Letter #13______________________________________________________________________________
Goose Creek - June 22, 1863
(Possibly "Goose Neck")
My Dear Mathilde:
It is a long time, my
dear Mathilde, that I did not write to you and did not receive one (letter)
from you. Yesterday evening your letter from June 3 was handed over to
me. I also should not forget that I received you dear lines from May 23
before we went on the march but had not time to answer. I received them
after I had sent off the last money of $25. You will have received by now
the first $15 and the last $25, which I mailed by express. The last was
$60, altogether for you, George Zayer and Ph. Feldmann and mailed June
7. The first $15 was sent out May 14, and I should think that it could
have arrived by June 3, when you wrote your last letter. I hope that you
received both sums. Almost two months have gone by and as soon as we get
our extra pay I will not miss to send it to you at once. I borrowed $5
but only spent 25c of it. At the same time, there is the probability that
we will get paid next month for 2 months further if we are in a place where
the paymaster can reach us.
Now I will hurry to answer
your dear lines because my mind is alert and it is said that the mail goes
out tomorrow. .... for 8 miles while we were on the march, it was the first
time ... -day that we received mail in the camp. I don't want to be too
much ...by the first letter. I was very sad that you were offended about
what I wrote, what G. B. said. I would not have mentioned it if I didn't
have as much time to ... The God Lord is ...(lines are blurred).
No my dear Mathilde,
be assured none of those reports will ever enter my mind. We are not married
12 years and I got to know you from the best side. I also believe no further
efforts will be made because the attempt to make you look bad towards me
was a failure. Perhaps it will come in reverse, that they will maybe try
to make me look bad towards you. I would have liked it much better that
you did not express your opinion to anyone. I can't write at this moment
to F. Arlt; say hello and tell him I was happy about the sympathy which
he showed for you and herewith I will let the story rest about G.B. You
did not have any cause to write me the whole story. It is just as I thought
as I also have mentioned in my letters.
That you will call the
little boy Henry or Harry I like very well, but I would like it much better
if I could see the youngster once. Who knows if the little one is allowed
to get to know his Father.
In you last letter you
write a lot about the expenses which the farm has made to you. Now it is
a little too late to do anything about it. If I should not be back by next
year you can arrange it for yourself as you like it. You will have an opportunity
to compare the expenses against the income and if you see that it doesn't
pay you can let the money lay. In any case you will have to work somewhat
for yourself, until next year, when the children will be much older and
so much more help. Should it not work out, you will then have to place
Walter somewhere where he can work according to his physical fitness. If
it would be my fate that I have to stay away 3 years or don't come back
at all, he would become so unmanageable that it will be hard to make anything
of him.
Yes, if the children
would be kept busy in school it would be another thing, but children have
to do something useful one way or the other, spiritually or physically.
I always expected from Agnes that she would be a great help to you. Tell
here that I am very happy that she has a helping hand for her mama and
that I will bring her something nice when I get back home.
Don't worry about bringing
in your harvest. You probably have enough money to get somebody even if
Taensing doesn't want to help.
Now, Dear Mathilde, I
also have to write something from here. We know very little and don't get
any papers. June 9th we marched from Stafford and went toward the west
to Kratlet Station where we arrived late at night. The third day we marched
all day and went to Centerville. It was said Lee wanted to break through
there. Our Corps drew up and the train went back a few miles between Centerville
and Fairfax Courthouse where we stayed two days, the horses all harnessed
and ready to go. The second day I had to give out rations to our Brigade
which stood on picket watch at Bull Run and came back in the evening pretty
tired. The following morning at 3 o'clock we broke up and went through.
Centerville eastward to Gooseneck. It is near Leesburg and Edward’s Ferry.
It was a march of about 27 miles and a terrible heat. This past Saturday
our Commissary was ordered to draw rations in Fairfax Station for the whole
Corps. A distance of about 30 miles. Sunday morning we left with 50 wagons.
Captain and I soon left again and rode forward and even we were admonished
to take great precautions ........ along good .... Both of us are ....
(too blurry) reached Fairfax Station in good shape, from where we rode
back 14 miles, after our business was finished and our wagon loaded. We
stayed overnight with a "secesh" family. The Captain slept in the house
and I in the yard, revolver and sword beside me. The horses were in a small
pasture next to the house. We let no one come out so that they could not
speak with other neighbors and the night passed by real quiet. During the
night by horse was kicked by the others and was so lame that we were forced
to wait for the train. I had to tie my horse behind a wagon and make the
whole trip by foot. Yesterday afternoon I came back pretty tired.
Yesterday evening I got
your dear letter but it was written so small it was impossible for me to
read it by light and I had to postpone it until this morning. After I did
my work, and I heard that tomorrow mail was supposed to go out, I started
to answer your lines. But I still have to tell you a little adventure which
I had to live through in Stafford. Two days ago, before we marched off,
two teams of horses were stolen. I got ready for the pursuit and brought
one back the other morning, but riding through all the camps, I could not
find a trail of the other horse. Here and there, horses run around which
are sick and the owners don't care about them any more. The Captain told
me, if it was possible to find such a one, to exchange it at the Quartermaster
of our Brigade. I took along our old black teamster and we did not ride
far when we thought we had found such a horse. After we rode back a little,
we were pursued by some of the Cavalry who owned the horse. They called
to us to stop, but we did not, then we heard a shot, but we ran off. Our
"old one" (probably the old teamster) was caught and taken back as prisoner.
I rode back at once to explain our error but as I got there they also took
me along, but not for long. As soon as we got on the road I gave the fellow
riding beside me a push so that he fell off the horse and rode full speed
to the left, toward home where I at once reported the whole affair. The
General Krysinowski made arrangements right away to get the "old one" loose.
The next morning he came back by himself, because the Cavalry had to march
that night and during the excitement he escaped. The same afternoon, we
were also on the march.
Dear Mathilde, I have
to close. I had to finish writing this letter early this morning to be
able to send it our yet. Farewell, also my dear children. Thousand regards
and kisses from your Father.
Ernst Damkoehler
Excuse my bad writing. I am sitting in the wagon to write and can hardly move around, and I have a miserable pen.
E. Damkoehler, 26R. Wisc. V.T. 11th Corps via Washington. You can't write the letter to a certain place. Via Washington is enough. From there it will be sent to the Corps.
Letter #14______________________________________________________________________________
Camp Near Warrenton Junction, August 4th, 1863
My Dear Mathilde:
I received your last letters,
the latest one of July 26th about half an hour ago. In both letters it
is stated that you did not receive the few lines which I wrote to you shortly
after the battle of Gettysburg. I am still among the living after this
dreadful battle. I wrote the letter to you while on the way and approximately
on the 6th of July and sent it when I had the opportunity to Emmetsburgh
to have it taken to the post office there. I wrote you that on the first
day I was on the battlefield and in our Commissary, and even if I took
no active part in the battle, we were exposed to very strong fire. In the
afternoon, we received a report that the Army Corps was going back to a
safer position and at the same time, our horses during the night almost
fell from exhaustion. The next day the Corps went back as far as Westminster
where I stayed one day with the Captain and on July 4th went back to Gettysburg
with him. From this time on we remained with the Brigade until Lee made
his crossing of the Potomac at Williamsport, and then we rejoined the Army
Corps. There were marches, with the greatest exertion attached. By day
and by night I was almost continuously in the saddle. I could describe
the battles well, but I don't fell in the mood for that and wouldn't even
have the time if I tried to do so. Many times already I have begun to write
you since I received your previously received letters, but each time I
had to give it up and the paper is ruined.
But today I must, and
I will write you even if I have to stay up al night. Before this, we had
an opportunity to write at night, for seldom, even on the marches did we
have to work all through the night.
My best Mathilde, you
can imagine what a sorrowful mood your last two letters have placed me
in. I have many times been almost beside myself. Your position is one to
be lamented, many times over, worse is mine. How many times I have cursed
the moment in which I determined even to risk my life to help our government.
If I had remained at home I could have helped you in your sickness, and
could have looked after the children so they wouldn't become wild. And
I am so far distant from you all, I can hardly write words with certainty
that you will receive them and must realize that you are suffering and
in need of help which I cannon give. My dear Mathilde, you have become
an essential for my life. As long as I know that you are well and free
from care, I could bear the sorrow, but now it is unbearable for me. Even
my life is a burden to me, and still I know it is my duty to keep this
life for you.
I cannot be opposed to
your wish to go to your brother Theodore, although under other conditions
I would not consent to it. The trip will cost a lot, and I do not want
under any circumstances to be placed under obligation to your brother.
And there is also the big question, how will you get along with your sister-in-law.
These are all things which you should keep in mind. If you should not get
along well with them, then perhaps you would have to take the long trip
back home again. Our extra pay is very small at the most, I cannot send
you more than ten dollars a month, until perhaps we are given extra pay
again. The paymaster is here now only to pay us for two months. When we
went on the march I had to buy myself a revolver for ten dollars of which
I paid four dollars. Moreover, I had to borrow some money, because the
last time I had sent you every cent. So I borrowed three dollars of which
I still have two. So, in all I have eleven dollars to pay. The rest - $15.00,
I will send to you; just how I do not know at present. Perhaps I will enclose
it in this letter. Then you cannot expect any more money until we are paid
again. What makes it worse for me is that my revolver was stolen from a
wagon; I have nothing to show for the ten dollars I spent for it. If I
had received your letter before the last one sooner, in which you wrote
about your sickness, I would not have bought the revolver. I didn't know
at that time that our extra pay would be deducted. So it seems that misfortunes
come together; you need more money now and my debts have increased. I will
just hope that the fifteen dollars will be enough to pay the harvest workers.
But dear Mathilde what will you do with the produce if you go away? You
have given out much money for workers already and I hardly believe that
you will receive half of the same in cash again. Still, let everything
happen as it will, as long as it contributes to making you healthy again.
That is my only wish and may the dear Lord grant it. Your brother Theodore
still has not written to me. If he did write, I would carry out your wish
and answer him. I still cannot find out anything about Ph. Feldman. I can
still not learn anything except that he was wounded. But whether he is
dead, or in what hospital he is, I can't determine. I want to hope that
he is alive and that he had no opportunity to let it be known to his wife.
You also have not written me what prospects you have from the harvest.
I do not know how I should work it with this letter. It is possible that
this letter can no longer get to Sturgen Bay, and if I lay the money in
it, the letter could get lost and the money with it. And I do not know
if I will get the chance to send it by express. Any rate as soon as you
decide, and your position is not otherwise than to leave Sturgeon Bay,
you might write me by what means you intend to travel, and the address.
You write that you would like to have my view about whether or not we will
be coming home soon. It is impossible for me to form an opinion if the
war will end soon or not. I should be able to do that; if everything is
done as it should be, the war could be brought to a close end. It seems,
however, that this will not happen. As it seems to me, the South must be
split out of the Union until the next Republic President is elected. If
the South were I the Union, and were well-advised, these politicians who
do not have the welfare of their country at heart, but use all means to
obtain their own greedy gains, could easily put an end to the tragedy.
Whether my opinion is the right one, the future will prove. Would to God
that I were wrong.
August 12th. Despite
my best intentions, I was not able to finish the letter. And at the same
time I decided to wait a few days after pay day because then the letters
would cause less attention. I did not have the chance to send it by express.
Enclosed is $15.00. The paymaster is supposed to return before long to
pay us for July and August. I am sorry that I cannot send you more. The
next time you will receive $20.00. Yesterday I saw George Bayer. He was
asking about news from home. I told him that you had written me that his
wife had given birth to twins. He was beside himself with joy and did not
know what to do. He does not know the date of the birth. Naturally some
celebration will not be lacking.
As it seems to me, our
army will stay put for some time and be assured that I will use some time
to write to you again. I have not been well the last few days. I had diarrhea,
but I feel better now. Our army should be enlarged with the draftees, and
then things will begin again. In the beginning of September when the terrific
heat has lessened, operations will be taken up anew.
But, my dear Mathilde,
I must now come to a close quickly. Love me, my best Mathilde. May God
soon give you back your health which you need so much.
Goodbye, and a thousand
greetings and kisses from your ever faithful Ernst. Greet the children
many times and write again real soon.
Your Ernst
(Translated February, 1958)
Letter #15______________________________________________________________________________
Warrenton Junction, Sept. 7th, 1863
My Dear Mathilde:
Although I did not receive
an answer to my last letter, which I wrote on about the 12th of the past
month, I have to write to you, because for more than 3 weeks I was unable
to read or write anything. I mentioned in my last letter, in which I sent
(included) $15. and which I hope you received that I was not well, but
was on the way to getting better; but the next morning I woke up with a
terrible fever together with summer complaint. I was forced to go to the
doctor without getting relief. Though the diarrhea ceased, the fever went
up and regulated itself in this way, that it started every morning at 7
o'clock combined with headaches, which aces could not compare with the
aches I was able to stand before. The aches were concentrated on the left
side and eye and lasted towards afternoon. The other times when I did not
have any pains I was so worn out that I did not do anything else but sleep.
I was forbidden to read and write. I would not have been able to anyhow.
God be praised and thanked, since a few days ago I am pretty well again
and I can't resist to write to you dear, and I will hope my dear Mathilde,
that you also may receive my lines in better health. Although my dear Mathilde,
I still did not receive any calming news about your health, I can write
a little more encouragingly. The same help which I gave you before I can
give you from now on.
After Captain Schmidt
tried out different ones to take care of his horse and to do other little
jobs for him, he offered me to take over; even though at the start it took
and effort to be a servant, my love of you surpassed the opinion. I receive
$10. a month more and am still in the department, but I am spared all the
hard work and my position is bettered instead of worse. The Captain has
a lot of faith in me and I hope he has no reason to regret it. (I just
wanted to mention, as I spoke of my sickness, that I was reduced from 150
pounds to 126 pounds). Today, we were paid for two more months and you
will receive the money this time by express. I send you the two months
pay and also $2. which I had left over, all total $28. The next time it
shall be $40. again. You can't imagine, my dear Mathilde, how glad I am
that I can send you more than expected this time. I hope you can now look
to the future without worries.
My dear Mathilde, I can't
write very much. My eyes are aching terribly and I can't see what I am
writing. I have to limit myself to the most important facts.
I came to my mind that
if your sickness did not originate from your irregularity with which you
were tormented since our marriage and that your blood is in such a condition
that you have to take special care of your treatment, I would advise you
to consult a good doctor verbally or in writing. I trust you understand
me, what I mean.
Another thing that makes
me happy is the extra pay and that I don't have to lose all hopes to pay
you a visit at home next winter which would have been impossible if it
did not turn out this way.
My dear Mathilde, because
I don't know that you are getting my letters in Sturgeon Bay, I will address
them to J. Harris who will know your address.
I did not hear anything
from Ph. Feldman and I am certain that he was left dead on the field.
Further, I can't resist
to mention that it came to some discussions between myself and G. Bayer
where he assured me that this which he heard about you came all from Mrs.
Arlt. This story was too disagreeable to even investigate any further and
hope that you also won't mention it, as the matter is put aside long ago
and even should be forgotten.
Farewell, Dear Mathilde.
It is not possible for me to write any further. Many regards also the children
from your
Ernst Damkoehler
Letter #16______________________________________________________________________________
Tennessee, Opposite Lookout Mountain Battery
November 8th, 1863
My Dear Mathilde:
Received your dear letters
of October 4th and 9th yesterday and you can just imagine my enjoyment
at hearing from you again. Sadly the news of your well being again gives
me a source of unrest and apprehension. I had hopes, in your last letter
which I received in Rappahannock Station, that you would be much better.
Now I beg you my dear Mathilde, get the thought out of your mind that it
could lead to consumption just because there was a case in ......family.
I will hope for the best and to see you again well and happy.
Now, my dearest Mathilde,
I will write about here and our last experiences and then you will see
the reason for my silence. About September 22nd we received orders from
Warrenton Station to go to Rappahannock Station to watch the bridge and
the railroad and we expected to stay there for some time. We collected
a lot of boards and where building huts and made it real comfortable for
ourselves when all of a sudden an order came to break camp at once. Our
brigade train left at three o'clock in the afternoon, while we went to
work until one o'clock at night and then march back to ... Station with
the troops, where the troops came out of the cars and where we were also
awaiting transportation. The Captain and the men got on, but not our team
and the horses. So, I got the pleasant job of accompanying the wagon to
take it via Centerville, Fairfax, to Alexandria, where the streets were
overrun by guerrillas, and I also had orders to ride through day and night
to reach Alexandria on time. We did not know our destination yet. Some
believed we were going to Charleston, others to reinforce Rosecrans, and
we thought we'd get directly on the train or steamboat and speed was necessary.
The same day, in the afternoon, I arrived in Centerville where I was held
up by the Picket Line which had orders from the Government not to let a
wagon through without an escort. Meanwhile, Moseby was out raiding the
whole neighborhood and they believed I would hardly travel a few miles
without being taken prisoner, but I had to carry out my orders, so I rode
back to Centerville and after my introduction arrived a pass from General
Rufus King, but he cautioned me not to try to risk riding through. When
I came back to the Pickets two wagons had arrived, so I decided to wait
until the next morning when the General told me that the next morning a
battery would go from Centerville to Alexandria, with which I arrived happily
in Alexandria, where the Captain met us a few miles ahead, glad to see
me because he thought we had been attacked. In Alexandria we started ....
in the horses and teams, only the Captain kept his horse which he decided
to take along. Our things were taken to the depot to be loaded at once.
Then our things were under the open sky, exposed to sun and rain and thieves.
The young people went after their pursuits in town and left me with the
responsibility and worries of the baggage. We had to stay two days and
two nights before we got ... after two clerks and our cook had driven ahead
with some ... At last at eleven o'clock in the evening of October 3rd our
things were loaded up and also the Captain's horse. We went via ..., Harper's
Ferry, though West Virginia to Ohio. At Belle our things were taken over
a pontoon bridge to the other side of the river where we were staying for
the night. The Captain and Lauderman, who were with me until then, left
me there and took ... train and I was all alone. We went through Ohio,
Indiana, Kentucky to Nashville, Tennessee, where I found the other party
again. .... had arrived there four days earlier and had a good time in
Nashville, while I arrived half sick and tired out. My dear Mathilde, I
could write pages if I wanted to give you a good description of our oppressions
on the train where we were packed together like herrings. Then we had to
stay in Nashville for two days to get our teams again. The Captain took
lodging in the city and worried about nothing, only when he wanted to ride
out I had to get his horse, take it to the front of the hotel, and wait
there until he came out. So, I had no time to clean myself up, had to send
out my laundry for cleaning, and also had not a moment's time to write.
I am crying with anger because I was not able to write a few lines to you.
Now I have to make this short. After three days our train ... shape and
we should make the rest of the way, 180 miles to Bridgeport on the Tennessee
River. After our first day's march ....Station LaVerge) where we arrived
in terrible rain, the Captain gave orders to report to the Corps at once
and left with three clerks brought by train, while I again had to stay
with the wagon and worry about his horse, but did keep with me our cook
and our old negro. It took us two full weeks to make this trip, continuous
rain, through mountains consisting of solid rock where hundreds of wagons
and teams were lost. Perhaps you have read in the papers about Rosecrans
passing over the mountains, him in good weather, use in everlasting rain.
In short, it was a terrible fatigue for animals and humans. Finally, we
arrived in Bridgeport without having had the least mishap. The Captain
was very happy to find everything in good order. He told be unofficially
that he was just as dirty and lousy as the others. Here I thought we would
get at least a little rest, but the next brought more work in pitching
the tents, unpacking our things, etc.
I thought for sure I'd
get an hour's time to write to you loved ones, but on the same evening
our orders came, that our Corps and part of the ... should make a .....
to Station in the mountains. Our troops marched off at night. Right after
that came another order that a team of 40 wagons with two days' ration
should follow to Shellmount, stopping at 8 miles from Bridgeport, where
our troops should be, where we could give out rations and then go back
to Bridgeport, where we were expecting our troops in a few day's time.
At nine o'clock in the morning, we left Bridgeport with the train, that
is, Captain took Ludemann and I on horseback stayed with the train for
a while. ... it became too boring for the Captain, we rode ahead to catch
up with the troops. In Shellmount where we expected them to be, our troops
marched ahead by daybreak where they soon made contact with rebel pickets,
pushing them ahead to the streets of Chattanooga. After a short conference,
we rode after the troops. (We had so little to eat for use as well as the
horses, as we had expected to come back to Bridgeport the same day). About
two o'clock in the afternoon, we overtook the 75 R. Penns. of our Brigade,
which stood picket at Shellmount and believed they would soon make contact
with the other troops. We took time to let the horses graze, received some
cornbread from a farmer, and luckily, we had some coffee with us. Between
four and five o'clock we started out and at dusk reached a Division of
the 11th Corps, who told us that the 11th had marched further about 4 miles.
Not knowing the roads, and without a leader, we decided to stay overnight
and then go to the Corps at dawn. We stared a fire and covered ourselves
with our saddle blankets and after we got a cup of coffee from some soldiers,
we believed ourselves very comfortable. At eleven o'clock at night, the
12th Corps was attacked and when I heard the fire I got up and saddled
the horses, but did not believe they would attack (it was October 28th).
We lay down again by the fire. All of a sudden our pickets were driven
back and the rebels marched twice as fast. Not even 200 steps away from
us we heard yelling as they made the charge and at the same time fired
several volleys into us. We were directly by a Battery and the train of
the 12th Corps for which the Rebels had especially.... We also received
the whole hail of musketry and I can't understand that not one of us or
the horses were wounded. It took time to jump up and put the bridles on
the horses and we ... combatants) took the safest way out and rode back
to the mountain.
Nov. 9th
Pushed back about four
miles, after a message to the quartermaster, he ordered all the teams to
get ready. The attack was so sudden that all our troops that stayed behind
the railroad, counter-attacked and pushed back the rebels with much loss
and we took 150 prisoners. We recaptured back the battery and train which
they took in their first attack. The next morning, we advanced forward
with the train and reached our Corps at noon in the range of the Lookout
Mountain Battery. The Rebels could see us and open shell fire on us but
without doing any damage.
In the evening Capt.
Schmidt was appointed Post Commissary by General Howard and the next morning
we went to Valley Ferry. There our bread and good was used for the first
time. The 11th and 19th Corps was in the valley cleaning up. On the way
we took three more prisoners that got lost at night during the fight. They
gave up after we showed them our revolvers and now we handed them over
for somebody else to take care of them.
When we came to the Valley
Ferry, we had to wait until eleven o'clock for the boat. That night we
had to sleep in the open and it rained. The next morning we rode back to
Lookout Mt. I caught a fat sheep in the mountain and tied it behind the
saddle where we got hold of kettles and enjoyed a good meal. At noon a
train left from here to Bridgeport where our wagons are. And we had to
bring them back, so we took a horse at night and passed the train halfway
where we stayed until the noon came up and continued our horseback ride.
At seven in the morning we reached Bridgeport. Too bad our wagons left
the day before and we by-passed them at night without noticing them. We
stayed for the day and rod back to Lookout the next morning.
After changing camp I
am now on the Pellegs Ferry Road and at last do I have a chance to write
to you. Here we have the same rationing which are crackers, sugar and coffee
and one half pound of meat. No rice or beans. Our troops are half-starved
and work day and night digging trenches. Here is an example of what soldiers
do for hunger. Yesterday we sent wagons to the Ferry to get rations and
on the way back one of the wheels broke so the driver left the wagon with
twelve boxes of rations at a farm house by the roadside. The soldiers heard
about it and broke into the farmer's house to steal the food. We got wind
of it, and the captain and myself rode there and all that was left was
four boxes. Since we couldn't take them back on the horses, I had to stay
behind to guard them. About 9:00 p.m. some thirty-forty soldiers broke
into the house, and held me captive until all four boxes were out of sight;
that is why I couldn't finish writing yesterday. It is worse for the riding
horses. We have no corn for them. They are eating in the fields now while
I am writing. As soon as we are getting a few wagons and troops together
the battery is throwing bombs at us. I believe there won't be much fighting
this fall. It will take all winter to repair the railroad lines between
Bridgeport and Chattanooga. We haven't enough soldiers to guard that long
supply line. By January 5th we expect to have three hundred thousand men.
Until the we can't think of advancing. Dear Mathilde, that's enough about
me. I want to know you are in good health. I can't figure out any furlough,
we are directly in front of the enemy. We can talk to each other and at
any time they are likely to attack. We must have patience in being separated
a lot, but right now thank God I am all right. I am now set for the winter.
Bought a pair of new winter clothing and a shawl. I borrowed two dollars
for it. Hope to send you some money in my next letter. You will probably
tell me in your next letter that Walter went to your brother. Parents hate
to part with their children, but it is best so because he needs strict
guidelines. I would like to be with you come next winter. Little Harry
will be a big boy if I am lucky enough to get home. It is really good luck
to be for years and years, day after day under the ... of health, and,
a few will be lucky to see home again.
I was happy to get your
lines ... It's