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Civil War Letters and Memorabilia Collected by John Henry Stuckey
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Held at: Lehigh University Special Collections [Contact Us]Lehigh University, Linderman Library, 30 Library Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18045
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Lehigh University Special Collections. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
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John Henry Stuckey (Jr.?) was born (1910?) in Burlington County, New Jersey and lived in Beverly, New Jersey. His parents were John H. (1872-1935) and Mabel E. (d. 1959) also of Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey. The creator of this collection's wife was Bertha Stuckey. Grandparents were Alfred (1841-1903) and Martha Gould (1840-1903) Stuckey. Joseph D. Richardson, a great uncle of Mr. Stuckey, had served in the Civil War which may have been what attracted Mr. Stuckey (Jr.?) to the topic of collecting Civil War memorabilia. Stuckey transcribed excerpts of portions of the Richardson letters he found historically interesting and conducted research on the named persons in them, as well as information about the town of Beverly, N. J. and its regiment. Some of the letters transcribed are not among the letters given to Lehigh. How Phyllis Nunn Ruth, the donor of the collection, connects to the Stuckey family is undetermined, although an attempt was made to contact her with no reply. Mr. Stuckey's research notes regarding the letter writers are included in this biographical note.
Joseph D. Richardson from Beverly, New Jersey enlisted September 9, 1861 for three years in the Beverly, NJ 10th Regiment of Infantry Volunteers organized July 22, 1861 with 35 officers, 883 non-combatants and privates (for a total of 918). He reenlisted on January 20, 1864, promoted to first sergeant on May 4, 1864 and died at Cedar Creek, Virginia on November 7, 1864 from wounds received at Cold Harbor while foraging. Stuckey states that the collection consists mostly of letters from Richardson to his parents Hannah B. and William Richardson, who were Stuckey's great-grandparents. Stuckey reports that the Beverly, NJ 10th Regiment of Infantry Volunteers left Beverly, N. J. and went to Washington, DC in December 1861, then Camp Clay on the Bladensburg Turnpike one mile from Washington, DC. On January 29, 1862 the War Department transferred the regiment to state authority and it was reorganized and named 10th Regiment of Infantry Volunteers, NJ. According to Mr. Stuckey, 50 50 letter in 1 box ; .5 linear foot
Joseph Richardson served in Company E, 10th Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers. Early service consisted of provost duty in the DC area, then they were dispatched to deal with potential draft rioting in Philadelphia (July 1863) and labor unrest in the Pennsylvania mining regions (Fall 1863). On April 19, 1864 the regiment was sent on active duty with the Army of the Potomac to Brandy Station, VA attached to the 1st New Jersey Brigade which participated in the campaigns of Wilderness, VA, and Spotsylvania, VA. After Mr. Richardson's death, the 1st NJ Brigade went on to capture Petersburg, VA and was at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 1865.
Francis Rupert from Bloomsburg (Columbia County, Pennsylvania) served in the 2nd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Cavalry, 59th Volunteers which saw action in Northern Virginia and assisted with the defense of Washington, D.C. According to a fellow soldier, Lloyd Girton writing to Lucy Rupert (see letter dated January 10, 1863), Rupert became a prisoner of war in a skirmish during a raid made by J.E.B. Stuart through Fairfax County, Virginia December 28, 1862 following the Battle of Fredericksburg, VA in mid December 1862. Eventually Francis Rupert was at Andersonville Prison and died there June 26, 1864 according to a file note about the location of his grave which notes that "Frank Rupert of Company H, Second Cavalry died June 26, he is burried [i.e.] at Andersonville, and his grave is number 2538." This note is written in nice handwriting but unknown writer. Rupert letters display poor spelling and penmanship and are also signed F. or Francis and sometime he is referred to as "Francy."
The collection contains primarily 50 Civil War letters of assorted sizes and paper quality, and 33 envelopes - not all related to corresponding letters, two lead Civil War bullets, five brass Civil War buttons, assorted reference material such as magazine articles, newspaper items, discharge papers. The contents are arranged chronologically when possible throughout all manner of material.
50 letters, 33 envelopes (some with full-colored patriotic iconography) with stamps possibly as valuable as the letters themselves, discharge orders, assorted reference materials regarding philately as well as Civil War Centennial items, two bullets, five brass buttons, Confederate currency and a replica of the Gettysburg Address. As the handwriting is different especially in the Richardson letters, there is a possibility that Joseph D. Richardson is dictating the letters to someone who writes for him. In the case of the Rupert letters, the handwriting and spelling is poor.
An attempt has been made to follow a chronological order for all the material.
https://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2012/pr12_civil-war-mail-history.pdf Mail Service and the Civil War Mail was a treasured link between Civil War camps and battlefields and "back home." Recognizing its importance to morale, the armies assigned personnel to collect, distribute, and deliver soldiers' mail; wagons and tents served as traveling Post Offices. Some soldiers wrote home weekly; some seemed to spend all their free time writing. A letter from home could be tucked into a pocket close to a soldier's heart, to be read and re-read in moments of loneliness. Many soldiers carried letters in their pockets, to be forwarded to loved ones if they were killed in action. The U.S. Post Office Department introduced several improvements during the war which made it easier to send and receive mail. Since soldiers sometimes had trouble acquiring postage stamps. If they did get them, they had trouble keeping the gummed bits of paper from congealing into sodden lumps. Soldiers were allowed to mail letters without stamps beginning in July 1861 by writing "Soldier's Letter" on the envelope; postage was collected from the recipient. In July 1863, postage rates were simplified and in some cases lowered when distance-based letter rate categories were eliminated and all letters given the lowest rate. That same month, free home delivery of mail was introduced in the nation's largest cities. And in November 1864 the money order system began, making it safer for soldiers and citizens to send money through the mail. The Confederacy established its own Post Office Department in February 1861, two months before the start of the war, with former U.S. Congressman John Henninger Reagan appointed Postmaster General in March. Reagan sent job offers to southern men in the Post Office Department in Washington; many accepted and brought along their expertise, as well as copies of postal reports, forms in use, postal maps, and other supplies. Prior to the war the cost of mail service in the South was more than three times its revenue. By raising postage rates, reducing service, and practicing strict economy, Reagan made the Confederate Post Office Department self-sustaining by the end of 1863. But blockades and the invading Northern army, as well as a scarcity of postage stamps, severely hampered operations. The United States banned the exchange of mail between citizens of the North and South in August 1861, although smugglers often carried mail illegally across the lines. Prisoner-of-war mail was exchanged between North and South at designated points under a flag-of-truce. Citizens could also send letters via the flag-of-truce system, although like prisoners' mail, their letters were read by censors and rejected if the contents were objectionable. Stamps and the Civil War In 1861, the cost of mailing a half-ounce letter up to 3,000 miles by the U.S. Post Office Department was 3 cents (77 cents in 2011 dollars). On June 1, 1861, the Confederate Post Office began charging 5 cents ($1.30 in 2011 dollars) for mailing half-ounce letters up to 500 miles. To prevent the fraudulent use of the large quantity of U.S. postage stamps held by postmasters in the seceded states, the U.S. Post Office Department redesigned its postage stamps soon after it suspended mail service to the South. The newly designed stamps were distributed to postmasters and customers beginning in August 1861, in exchange for the old ones. Initially Postmasters were instructed to give customers six days following notification in which to exchange old stamps for new ones, after which time the old ones were demonetized (rendered valueless). But the time limit was stretched in some cases to accommodate customers. In New York City, citizens were given about six weeks to exchange their postage stamps. As the war progressed, coins, which were more highly valued than paper money, gradually disappeared from the marketplace. By the summer of 1862, the lack of coinage posed a serious hardship to trade. Merchants began issuing their own promissory notes, called "shinplasters," and many people began using postage stamps as small change. Unfortunately, shinplasters were often redeemable only where received, and stamps were liable to crumple and clump together. A law of July 17, 1862, authorized the use of postage stamps as currency, and beginning in August 1862 the Treasury Department issued special "postage currency" — reproductions of postage stamps on larger, thicker, ungummed pieces of paper, in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents. Due to coin shortages the Treasury Department continued issuing paper notes representing fractions of a dollar through 1876, although beginning in October 1863 they were called "fractional currency" and did not feature reproductions of stamps.
Richardson, Joseph D. (d. November 7, 1864)
Richardson, Hannah [Mother]
Richardson, William [Father]
Rupert, Francis (d. June 26, 1864)
Girton, Lloyd
Rupert, C. W. [Mother]
Rupert, Lucy (L. D.)
Barrows, B. P.
Bickham, William T.
Anderson, David
Frame, A. B.
Heintzelman, Samuel Peter (1805-1880)
Wadsworth, James S. (1807-1864)
Madarie, John
Barrows, B. P.
Frame, A(dolpus). B.
Stuckey, John H. (1911?-????)
10th Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers First New Jersey Brigade Beverly, NJ 10th Regiment of Infantry Volunteers 2nd Regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry, 59th Volunteers Heintzelman's Division U. S. Military Railroads, Mississippi Division Yorktown Collieries, Carbon County, Pennsylvania
Beverly, New Jersey Burlington, New Jersey Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania Brandy Station, Virginia Cedar Creek, Virginia Cloud Mill, Virginia Franklintown, Louisiana Fredericksburg, Virginia Petersburg, Virginia Rappahannock River, Virginia Spotsylvania, Virginia Suffolk, Virginia Washington, D. C. Meridian Hill (Washington, D.C.) Manassas (Bull Run), Virginia Fairfax Courthouse, Virginia Reading, Pennsylvania Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, Pennsylvania Audenried, Carbon County, Pennsylvania Camp Parole, Annapolis, Maryland Belle Isle, Richmond, Virginia Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia
Material was given to Lehigh University Special Collections by Phyllis Nunn Ruth of Sellersville, Pennsylvania on behalf of John H. Stuckey of Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey, in the 1990s.
People
Subject
Place
- Publisher
- Lehigh University Special Collections
- Finding Aid Author
- Eleanor Nothelfer.
- Finding Aid Date
- 10-02-2019
- Sponsor
- Lehigh University Library and Technology Services.
- Access Restrictions
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Access Restrictions: Collection housed remotely. Users need to contact 24 hours in advance.
- Use Restrictions
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Collection is open for research.
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Please inquire about copyright information.
Collection Inventory
1862 January 12 from Jos. D. Richardson (Camp Clay, Ohio) to Mother (Hannah Richardson) re: reports he received her letter of the 2nd on the 10th and says that many soldiers had colds, but now have straw and two blankets tosleep on and woolen mittens. Asks her to give his love to all the folks in Beverly especially the girls. Reports about the good food he has. Says that Edward Venable received word that his wife is dead, to be buried this day and is distressed that he can't go to the funeral. Asks to tell Aunty that he now takes her place in the spread of plasters and treating sore throats with ginger tea and asks for another bottle of ginger. Says that Bladensburg [Maryland near Washington, D.C.] is next destination for there are three large forts [Forts Washington, Foote, Lincoln] there. There will be another big battle in Virginia soon. In the tent with him are John Davis, John Wright, Bill Baker and Riley Letts (apparently all from Beverly). [no envelope] [Camp Clay was a training camp for Union soldiers]
1862 February 5 from J. D. Richardson (Camp Clay) to Mother [Hannah Richardson) re: reports that he is well except that he can't see well or talk as he has a cough - he is disappointed he didn't get some Hoshound syrup, would she please send some. Wants to thank whoever sent the tobacco and cigars and thank Aunty and Mr. Oliver for the ginger and Papy [William Richardson] for the candy, no need to send paper, the ring that mother sent did not arrive. His appetite is good. He and his Company made up the money to send home every member of the Company that dies. He asks if she received the money he sent home. Gifford is in hospital. [The letter has a blue and red "letterhead" of a drawing of McClellan (George B. McClellan) surrounded by wreath of stars and two flags at lower edges with a spread winged eagle on top, no envelope]
1862 February 27 from Jos. D. Richardson (Camp Clay) to Mother re: glad to received her letter, sorry to learn that Aunty is unwell but remainder of family well. Reports bad weather, he is sick and in hospital where he thought he could care for himself better, had bad cold, bowels are loose and appetite is poor. He sent her $20 and asks if Wattson got the breast pin he sent. Says that it is a lie that there is a death in the regiment every six days. Received a letter from Jemime Durell reporting that all are well except her father and mother in bed but she is at her grandfathers. No other news to report. ["Letterhead" is red and blue of a standing women holding a Union flag" no envelope]
1862 March 26 from Joseph D. Richardson (Camp Clay Washington D.C.) to
Mother (Mm Richardson Beverly N.J.) re: received her letter of the 21st and glad to hear that Aunty is better. He is feeling better and blister is getting better, Mr. Jones is better and Mr. Miller and Buck send their best. Tell Mrs. Stone that she lost her bet for Bryant has been turned out and we now have a Colonel that is worth a dozen of him, and our Leut. Colonel has come and he is a fine officer. He heard that the soldiers would be paid the 15th of next month but do not know how it will be and does not know how to get the money to her. All the Beverly boys are well. Over 40,000 troops have come into Washington, D.C. to go on Expeditions. Mr. Gifford and Mr. Roberts send their best to all. [Plain letter, envelope flap edged in red and blue with embossed icon "Union and Constitution" over spread-winged eagle standing on shield of stars and stripes]
1862 March 28? from Joseph D. Richardson (Camp Clay, Washington, D.C.) to
Mother re: received her letter of the 24th and the horseradish, much obliged. He is as well as can be expected and hopes they are well. Not sad that John Bryan got killed for he said he would fight for the South until he was killed and would kill all of them if he got the chance to do it. Not expected to move soon, there is much difference in the regiment with the new Colonel. There are tents and encampment in all directions and every hill is white with tents and one hears nothing but boom of cannons and sound of bugles, tap of drums, tune of fifes and thousands of horses and men and cannon moving is all directions. Al Bishop, Charley O'Brien and Jim Leay? have been to see him and they were glad to see each other. [no envelope]
1862 April 11 from Sargt Jos. D. Richardson (Head Quarters of Company E, Washington D.C.) to Mother re: He feels so big since he is living in a three story brick house. If he stays there until summer, he intends to come home and then bring Aunty to Washington to see the Capital and all the things there. P.S. I suppose you got the money. Send reply to Jos. D. Richardson, Co. E, 10th Regiment N.J.Volunteers In Care Capt. Scott, Washington, D.C. [Letterhead red and blue "The Great Naval Battle Between Ericsson's Monitor and the Merrimac," March 9th, 1862 no envelope] [Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack also known as the Battle of Hampton Roads was the first battle between ironclad ships. The USS Merrimack was renamed the CSS Virginia after the Confederates captured the ship and refitted it during the early blockade by the Union of the Virginia's James River on its Peninsula. The Virginia/Merrimack fired first. The USS Monitor, as an ironclad was a ship of totally new design devised by John Ericsson. So this battle should be known as the Battle of the Monitor and the Virginia. The Battle was inconclusive but believed to be the most decisive Civil War naval battle and it was part of the Confederate's Peninsula Campaign. Ironically, the two ironclads met again on April 11, 1862 in Hampton Roads (a stretch of water leading to the Chesapeake Bay) during patrol of the ongoing blockade but did not engage in another battle (britannica.com).]
1862 April 12 from Sargt. Jos D. Richardson (Head Quarters of Co. C [E?] 10th Regiment Washington D.C. to Mother re: received letter of the 9th. He is feeling better and since weather was warm went to get his clothes fixed and then walked by the Capital looking nice now that the grass is green, yellow daisies blooming and the senators giving speeches. Went up Pennsylvania Avenue as far as Seventh St and up Seventh to C St. on to Sixth and back to Avenue which is the main thoroughfare of the city but not to be compared with Chestnut St. in Philadelphia. When off duty he dresses up with boots black and white gloves and brasses shining. Among the principal prisoners is Mrs. Greenhow - the one who had given so much information to the Rebels and the great Picket Shooter. [Letterhead is blue and red image of McClellan head surrounded by two Stars and Stripes flags and topped with spread-winged eagle]
1862 April 20 from Sargt Jos. D. Richardson (Head Quarters Co. C [E?] Washington D.C. to Mother re: received letter of 17th glad to hear that Aunty is better. He will see what he can do about getting bread and pork for her [Mother]. He and the soldiers had a great time last night for the troops in or around Washington were ordered out and marched over the long Bridge and drew up in battle line and then ordered back and one of the guards shot one of the Secesh [secessionist, a supporter of the Confederacy] and killed him. The "buttons that John Wright bought is for Sis and the large ring for Aunty and the little one for Ellen." No news to tell. [Letterhead is embossed head of George Washington surrounded by two flags and arch of stars over a spread-wing eagle with red and blue edging. Small note attached "Civil War Letter to compare WWI paper" Envelope dated Apr 21 Washington addressed to Mr. William Richardson Beverly N.J.]
1862 April 23 from Sargt. Jos. D. Richardson (Head Quarters Co. C Washington D. C.) to Mother [Mrs. Wm. Richardson, Beverly N.J.] re: received letter of 21st glad to hear that Aunty getting well. Gifford is well and doing duty. Leut. Miller says that "it is not his fault that you have not received his likeness, it is his wife's fault." Has not seen Jones for two weeks. He [Joseph] had a good mess of Shad and going fishing today to catch catfish. One of his friends from Beverly Ed Snider visited. "I am well except a sore mouth and a little cold in my head" Have nothing new to write. "From your goodlooking Son." [envelope stamped Washington D.C. Apr. 28 Mr Wm Richardson Beverley N. J.]
1862 April 28 from H. B. Richardson (Beverly) to Son (Joseph D. Richardson)
re: received letter and very glad to hear from you for we were "afraid that you were sick as we had no letter from you since last Wednesday until now." Glad he sent for the syrup and says to let them know if he needs anything. Aunty has a pain in her head. Wattson is better. Friend from Beverly Ed Snider came to see him. Love to Charley Oliver. Have received letter from Alfred. Your Papy wrote to you yesterday. [Letterhead in black of Gen. George B. McClellan (1826-1885), stationery made by Magee, 316 Chestnut St. Phila.]
1862 May 1 from Jos. D. Richardson (Headquarter Co. C, Washington D.C.) to
Mother (Hannah Richardson) re: reports receiving her letter of the 29th and he is getting better now that he has had some medicine. Another soldier died of dysentery. All Beverly are well and send best regards to Lt. Buck and Lt. Miller. He likes being in Washington as there are a lot of activities but the weather is miserable. [no envelope]
1862 May 11 from Sargt. Jos. D. Richardson (Head Quarters Co. C Washington D.C.) to Mother re: relates he is not well yet but getting better - bad cold. Has no news but the boys are getting tired of playing soldier and coming home but as long as he stays well he will stay until regiment is discharged. Received a letter from Eliza and says that he has judged her and her folks wrong. Asks about family and friends. [no envelope]
1862 May 27 from Sargt. Jos. D. Richardson (Head Quarters Co. C. Camp near
Georgetown) to Mother re: just received hers of the 20th and 26th glad to know all are well. The weather is warm and not in camp because the whole regiment is in the city (Washington) now. The picture that he sent is of the camp at Meridian Hill (NW Washington, D.C. at now 16th & W Streets, in 1912 area made into an Italianate garden). Camp has not moved but expect orders soon. Camp has 30 tents and he and Second Sargt Wilson share the largest - but he is away, knapsacks and blankets in one corner, little stove and a lot of old guns in another, large box in another and small box with about 600 rounds of caps and cartridges, he built a table at back of tent and under it is a box of soap and candles. All around the little camp are houses, blacksmith shops and so on except in front is the street and omnibuses and drays and carts and carriages running. Tell Papy he received his letter and will write soon. [enclosed in this letter is a note written in the same hand "This is our second Sargt. John Wilson and I want the best of care taken of it and Lieut. Buck is going to give me his, to send home and Riley also."] [Yellow envelope addressed to Mr. Wm. Richardson Beverly, N. J., postmarked Washington, stamp removed.]
1862 June 27 from David Anderson (Beverly, N.J.) to Friend Joe [assume Joseph D. Richardson] re: received Joe's letter and didn't let his folks see the letter and won't let Joe's folks know anything that Joe wrote to David who tells the Richardsons that Joe is doing better. David tells about a trip he made with Joe's family to visit Eliz. Lippincot and stayed overnight. They took him into every store. Reports that Joe's father is moving and his big brother is pulling him to go to the barn, so he must stop writing but hopes Joe is better when he gets the letter. [Letterhead has red and blue image of Stars and Stripes waving above a cloud and on either side is an eye and house with motto "My God first, my Country next, and then my Family" the stationer is Magee, 316 Chestnut St. Phila.]
1862 August 17 from J. D. Richardson (Washington, D.C.) to Mother re: received her letter of the 16th glad he has good health but sad to hear of death of his uncle although he expected to hear of it for some time because Jemina told that he was so ill. He reports that he is in the best of health. Yesterday he was for the first time sergeant of the guard and it is no small job -- in charge of Generals Halie? and Waddworts (James S. Wadsworth) Headquarters, the clothing depot, medical depot, 25 men keeping to their posts and everything that should happen would be his responsibility. He had six to seven million dollars worth beside the buildings to take care of, but everything was all right - only one man got drunk and he had to send him to the guard house and have him held in a large brick building fitted for the purpose. Prisoners are sent with a note what is to be done to them. The guard in charge takes all the person's clothes off and then puts him in a room just large enough for a turn around and a small hole where a hose fits [possibly as form of waterboarding] and give the drunk a bath which sobers them up very fast. The prisoner gets only crackers and water. He describes a deserter of his regiment and company brought back to Washington and put in prison. The deserter had a furlough to go home to see his sick wife who died and four little girls left motherless and homeless had not he been there so he made up his mind to stay there and not return to the regiment, but the desperate situation will not clear him in the eyes of the law. He describes a fire close to a government stable with about two thousand mules stabled but the stables did not catch fire. He describes how big and fat and black he has become. He hopes that he may yet prove himself to be a true man to his beloved Country just like the regiments serving in the South. Tomorrow every regiment in the service has to be inspected and mustered to see how many men there are in the service and how many have deserted which are a good many as they are being brought back everyday by the hundreds but he will not give them that trouble. All the Beverly boys are well. [a P.S. is a song lyric "I bursted my Blader [Bladder] climbing the Lader [[Ladder] For you Mary Ann, For you Mary Ann. And bullie old song Join in the Chorus and help it along." [Enclosed is a 4 x 6" card with a note describing the content of the letter - perhaps in Stuckey's hand]
1862 August 23 from J. D. Richardson (Washington D. C.) to Mother re: looking
for a letter from her, so he decided to write now as he couldn't yesterday
because he was Sergeant of the Guard again until 9 o'clock in the
morning and too late to send one, so he is writing by candlelight. The stir of the War Department is increasing - all the hills around Washington and Alexandria are white with tents crowded with troops, horses, mules, baggage wagons and ambulances running day and night. Reports from the battlefield are that the army is fighting hard but haven't drove the enemy back eight miles. The old regiment that has been assisting them has gone away and there is strong talk that he will have to go in a week. He will box up the clothes he does not need and send them to her and some money which he should have done but thought he would come home. He has not spent his money foolishly on rum or outcast women but spent it for food and clothing. The Beverly boys are well and send their best. [envelope stamped Washington Aug 24 1862, addressed to Mr. Wm Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey]
1862 August 30 from Jos. D. Richardson (Washington D. C.) to Father [William Richardson] re: reports that there are exciting times as they can see troops in line for miles and can hear the battle going on - continual roar of cannon. The troops are in battle line on Arlington Heights and if reports are true it is a great day in history [possibly the 2d Battle of Manassas, August 28,29, 30, 1862] as they say that Pope with his force is driving Jackson toward Washington while McClellan is on the Washington side of the battleground with a strong force to attack Jackson. The fortifications are eight miles long. He has been busy with the muster rolls and expects to be paid off. All are in good spirits with hopes to come home when the new troops get there. He is well and hearty and gives his respects to all.
1862 September 17 & 18 from Joseph D. Richardson (Washington D. C.) to Mother re: her letter of 15th received and can't explain why his letter did not get to her but did to Mrs. McGonigal. Good to know the children are in school. Wants to know about what his father is doing. He is well except for missing his "Mammie." His company has to do patrol three times a day checking for whiskey - there is a fine of $20 if found. Good news from the battlefield. Received no money. Letter of 18th re: got back from patrol with his clothes wet from sweat, made two captures of 15 gallons of whiskey. Have not heard from Dave McGonigal yet he is here but has a large boil on his neck. His mother and Mary were in Washington and start for home with this letter also sends along a bundle of old letters which he wants her to take care of as he may want to read them again. Asks if any soldiers left Beverly yet. The company has a new Leut. Colonel and Major now so not likely he will be coming home soon. Asks his Dad to write. [envelope addressed to Mammie Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey. "Witnessed by Jas. ??? Politeness of the Lady that did my Dishes and tied my ??? strings in knots and pirce [pierce?] the Meat to the Stand"]
1862 September 28 from J. D. Richardson (Washington D. C.) to Mother (Mrs. H.
B. Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey) re: remembers that it
was one year ago that he was made a soldier and he has two years to go. He saw some of his old friends that have just come and if they live they will be home some sixteen months before him. Wants to know if all are well as he has not had a letter from anyone except her. Yesterday saw those who came from Beverly and Rosty? Packer who is wounded and in the hospital. Had a large meeting at General Waddworth's Headquarters [James S. Wadsworth (1807-1864) from March 17 to September 7, 1862 was commander of military district in Washington, he complained to Lincoln that General McClellan intended to remove all the troops guarding Washington to fight in the Peninsula Campaign. Lincoln stopped McClellan. Wadsworth died in Battle of Wilderness at Spotsylvania, Va.] The General and Governor of Indiana made speeches on the situation of the Country. Dave [McGonigal] is here but gets a fever every afternoon. Best respects to everyone. [envelope addressed to Mrs. H. B. Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey]
1862 November 25 from J. D. Richardson (Washington D.C. Carroll Prison) to
Mother re: received her letter of 22nd and glad to hear from her and that all are well. Says Dave arrived and his health is improving. Bill Stone came and Dave McGonigal is at the Soldiers Retreat waiting to go to his regiment. All the Beverly boys are well and doing the best they can without money but they are troubled with something they never were before - lice. The building is full of them and he thinks he has pesipitty? [antiseptic?] which might clear them out. [The Carroll Prison was one of two buildings known as the "Old Capitol" Prison acquired from the Carroll Family and used after the War of 1812 when Washington was burned as a substitute Capitol - located on East First Street at corner of Pennsylvania and Maryland avenues] [envelope addressed to William Richardson Beverly Burlington Cty New Jersey, stamp cancelled from Washington D.C. ?Nov. 26?
1862 December 26 from Joseph D. Richardson (Washington D.C.) to Mother re:
he wrote her on Sunday and expected a reply but the mail carrier came and "no letter for Jos." It is awe full down here since came back from home. He does not know what to do with himself thinking of the nice time at home and good things to eat. He and the company had 17 turkeys, four chickens, two ducks and Mrs. Lenkin? sent apples, pies and cakes and they had a feast but then it was not home. He says to tell Father that he is looking for a job for him - there is one as a watchman for $30 a month and his board if that will suit him he should let Joseph (Strock) know, he will see if he can get him a better one. Tell Charley that he has not been able to do anything for him yet. Asks to give his respects to all the boys and girls and love to Aunty and hopes she is well. Give "my boy plenty of Milk punch. No more except my love all of you from your boy Jo." [envelope 3 cent stamp cancelled 27 1862 Washington D.C., red and blue seated figure of woman leaning on red striped shield UNION addressed Mr. Wm. Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. N.J.]
1862 December 26 envelopes addressed to William Richardson, Beverly, Burlington Co. New Jersey [2 envelopes with red and blue flap edges]; one envelope [looks like cancelled Sep 28 Washington] to Miss Lucy Rupert Bloomsburg Columbia County Pa.
1863 January 10 from Joe [Richardson] (Yorktown, Carbon Co. Pa to Mother re:
had not the opportunity to write her as he got to headquarters Wednesday
morning and then had to leave at one o'clock for Mauch Chunk and then
did not get back until yesterday morning and was so busy. Journey was safe but so cold. He thinks he will reenlist again as almost all his regiment has and he doesn't know what else to do. He will have over a thousand dollars if he reenlists. Will send money so the girls can get coats in Camden, she can get shoes and the rest for Father. It is very cold here and plenty of snow. Jos. D. Richardson, Com E 10th N.J. Voll. Audenreid [Audenried] Carbon Co. Pa. [at Audenried were located the Yorktown Colleries deep in the heart of anthracite coal country south of Hazleton. In the early years of the Civil War there were many riots in coal country. Also the 10th Regiment of N. J. Volunteers could have been sent to Carbon County on R & R. recover from battle fatigue ] 1863 January 11 [continuation of above] re: was not able to finish his letter to get
it into the mail. Write and love to all. Your boy Joe.
1863 April 13 from Joe [Richardson] (Washington D.C.) to Mother re: reports the
regiment got its pay through good fortune of their Colonel and sent her $40. through express and also his chest with its contents. He does not know where they are going. He is well and hearty. Do not worry as she should hear from him soon. Accept his love and best wishes from "your boy" Joe. [envelope cancelled stamp Apr 14 1863 Washington D.C. addressed to William Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey]
1863 April 16 from Joe [Richardson] (Washington D. C.) to Mother re: supposes she is anxious to hear from him. They are still here all packed and waiting ready to go at a minute notice. Does not know what they keep us waiting so long but supposes it is for boats and believe they are bound for Norfolk as some of the regiment has gone. Write as soon as she receives this letter as he wants to know if she received the money and box. He would have had his photo taken if he had time. Still has his health and all of them are enjoying good health too. When she writes she should direct it as before and if the regiment moves perhaps the letter will be forwarded. "Good bye until you hear from me again. From your boy Joe" [envelope cancelled stamp Washington D.C. Apr 16 addressed to William Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey
1863 May 18 from Joe [Richardson] (Camp near Suffolk VA) to Mother re: the "fine time" he has had. He received her letter of 11th and Mrs. Miles of 14th. Ordered to march with three days rations and marched from 2 until 6 o'clock, halted for two hours and made coffee, resumed march until 8 o'clock next morning, halted and had ration of whiskey and grub and rested until 4 o'clock in afternoon and resumed march for two miles which made a total of 20 miles and then broke ranks and found best shelter they could. He sheltered by a fence and slept waking up at 11 o'clock wet and cold, made a fire to sit by until morning, then made coffee, got the water out of his gun and tunic. Orderly rode by and said "hurry up boys, they are close" they marched about a mile and half and found them and "for the first time we had the pleasure of hearing the music of the bullets and a shot at Mr. Reb and the Old Tenth done its duty and received praise from all." On the field half an hour before there were three men in Company wounded, five in the regiment wounded but none killed, skirmished five hours and drove them everytime advanced but the Rebs would not come out of the woods. They left them at six o'clock and we had had no trouble with them since. They did not go there to fight but tear up a railroad commencing at Carrsville near the Blackwater and bring in the iron to Suffolk - the place where General Foster (Robert Sanford Foster 1834-1903) has his headquarters. [Gen. Robert S. Foster was at the Siege of Suffolk] Joe relates that one fellow from the Company was shot in the ankle and the foot may have to come off, another fellow was firing at a Reb and the Reb at him and the Reb's bullet went into his gun and struck his gun before his bullet got all the way out, so with the bullets in the gun it swelled the gun so that it nearly burst the tube. There are about 12,000 troops all together and it was a handsome sight the first night all halted together and made coffee on a large farm that was surrounded with woods - it is called the "deserted House" and there were thousands of fires burning at once, it was very dark and a pretty sight. Hopes all are well, love to all. From your boy Joe, I see by the paper that Dave Anderson is missing and supposed to be taken prisoner. [For this date there is an original letter and also a typed transcript pasted to a black sheet decorated with American flags and title "Military Covers Civil War" above four photo corners which are empty]
1863 May 22 from J. D. Richardson Com. E 10th N.J. Vol. Suffolk VA (Camp near Suffolk VA) to Mother re: received her letter of the 18th. His bowels are some better but he can't get any medicine. Went to doctor who had nothing for his bad back except to advise bathing the back in cold water. He wants her to send some extract of ginger, Aunty's linament and whiskey to strengthen him [Joseph] and kill the water. Direct shipment to Capt. G. W. Scott Com. E 10th N. J. Volunteers Suffolk, VA. His regiment has not yet got back from the march - one man out of Com. F was killed and one wounded, but have not had fighting since. He expects that they will have a big fight soon as the Gray backs are all around. He wrote to Dave [Anderson] on the 3rd and 10th of this month and yesterday the letters came back from the orderlies of his Comp. stating that he was taken prisoner on the 3rd and taken to Richmond. Closes letter saying that he does not feel like writing. Extend his love to all. From your boy J. D. Richardson Com. "E" 10th N.J. Voll Suffolk, Va. [envelope addressed to Sargt Joseph D. Richardson in care of Capt Scott Comp E, 10 Regt New Jersey Voll Washington D.C., red and green wreath of flowers surrounding "Give this wreath to the brave, Who their country would save." in upper left corner, right edge torn]
1863 June 23 [Discharge paper] Bassett Baker, a Private of Captain Hay A. Cousens Company C, 23d Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers….
1863 August 9 from "Your boy Joe" (Camp Convalescent Va) [envelope is cancelled with Alexandria]) to Mother re: writes this letter laying on his cot with nothing to pass away the time and does not feel able to walk, has gone out to bathe, and now thought he would spend the time writing his thoughts and send them to her. He feels well today better than for sometime. He was examined by one doctor and then by another herd? [possibly a group of doctors] then expects to know what they will do with him - maybe send him to Washington. He speculates just what is going on at home and what his old friends are doing. Remarks that it is a beautiful evening and it must so at home. "home, home, sweet Home. There is no place like Home." From your boy, Joe [text is very faint and hard to read, seems to be written in pencil, yellow envelope with stamp cancelled Aug 11 Alexandria VA addressed to William Richardson, Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey] [Camp Convalescent was near Shuter's Hill housed soldiers not well enough to return to their regiments but not sick enough to take up a hospital bed among the Union hospitals]
1864 January 31 from Your boy Joe [Richardson] (Head Quarters 1lth N.J.V. Hazelton Carbon Co. Pa. [Hazleton, Pa. is in Luzerne County]) to Mother re: yours of the 28th received, pleased all are well. Just arrived at Head Quarters on Friday evening, all well but tired of traveling. "Did not see Aunt Sue for it was too late when I got to Reading that night to go there" He did not get to see his little Amelia for she had not got home when he got there. Everything is full of ice and sleet. He rode 20 miles in the dark and let the horse pick his own way. Thinks that all the regiment will not get home together. The crowd in the room where he is writing are singing and making comic speeches. Will let her know as soon as possible where he goes. Write as soon as you can direct to Hazelton, Carbon Co. Pa. Your boy Joe. [envelope with stamp and red and blue flag is cancelled Hazleton PA Feb. 1 addressed to Mr. William Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey, faded ink]
1864 June 26 from Your boy Joe (Sickel Barracks Hospital Alexandria) to Mother
re: received her letters of June 21 and 22. He sent her a bundle which contains his dress coat which he has not worn since he left Brandy Station, a blanket he got at White House, a shirt and in pocket is a watch he picked up May 12th from battlefield at Spotsylvania [fought May 8-21, 1864 as 2nd major battle of Gen. U.S. Grant's 1864 Overland Campaign] - says he promised it to Amelia, a little black book is from the place where he was wounded - Cold Harbor [northeast of Richmond along Totopotomoy Creek, Gen. U.S. Grant faces Gen R.E. Lee in a two week May 31-June 12 engagement which was Civil War's most dramatic and decisive battle], he made the wooden ring from a gun stopper he picked up at the "Potomoy" Creek. Got a letter from the regiment saying that they are well, no fighting and had some rest. The 2nd Sergt. was killed the day after he left when wounded. Would have sent Mother more money but didn't get all his pay. Sorry sister is unwell. If it is as hot there [Beverly] as here [Alexandria] it is hard for anyone to get well that is sick. At end of week returns to regiment as they will be glad to have him back for they say that since he and Johnny Wilson have been gone, they have had rough times. From your boy Joe. [added] "Mother will you give this to Jack Mack, tell him that I would have sent it sooner but this is the first time that I have been payed since I got it, another 25 is for my boy. [Letter written with pencil and very faint, yellow envelope cancelled 3 cent stamp from Alexandria VA June 26, DUE 6 addressed in blue ink to Mr. William Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey]
1864 July 20 from Joe [Richardson] (Sickel [General] Hospital, Alexandria) to Mother re: received her letter of the 26th and asks her not to worry about him as he makes friends wherever he is. At the hospital he is spoken of by the doctors as being "such a fine and intelligent and attentive young man." He says that the hospital is a mean place but "a good deal better than it was when I first came here and I get plenty to do and I am comfortable . I think it is too warm to live long." He went up to Washington and visited Capt. Scott (George W.) who is in hospital in Georgetown - he was wounded in Maryland. The regiment was there two or three days and gone off again to attend to raiders near Chambersburg. Sorry to hear that the grapes will be scarce and told Amelia that she may have his share of the apricots. He did not get his money due him but did raise a little to last him. He hopes to be with the regiment when they pay again and will then send her as much as she sent him. He's got $60 coming and if he had got to Washington three days sooner would have gotten it. Remarks that he thinks Miss Shimer? likes to tell lies and hopes that the lies she told about Amelia will do her a good bit of good. "I suppose Amelia told you that George Shimer was to be married this fall to one of the Miss Jacksons in Camden. I begin to want to be home again and when we get into winter quarters I will have a chance to get home. I only hope that Grant (General U.S.) will be able to take Richmond this fall." Hopes his letter finds all fine and closes with love to all. "From your boy Joe." [looks like a blood stain around closing]
1864 August 14 from Sergt J. D. Richardson (Sickel Hospital, Ward S Sickels Barricks, Alexandria, Va) to Mother re: her letters of the 8th and 10th received. Sorry to hear Aunty is so sick, will try to get home. Weather is so very hot and hard on the sick people. Had a tough time of it for two or three days when he got rid of a sixteen foot long tapeworm but suffered from the operation in the first place. Had to starve himself and then get pumpkin seed, mash it up fine and mix with milk and loaf sugar, take it and then castor oil, croton oil, spirits of turpentine and it worked some but made him weak as a cat. The turpentine took off all the skin of the funnel and burned him so that when he had to urinate he had a stream of blood. It is all over now but now he has a boil on his neck which he hopes will be well soon. The doctor is very kind and did most of Joseph's work for him. He is a guard Doc but is going to leave around the 22nd of this month and I am going and one of the nurse's time is up. Tomorrow there will be a change all around. Amelia talks of coming to see him. He received the furlough and discharge. Has not heard from the regiment for a long while nor from any that belong to it. He hears that there are great doings already in Beverly with the soldiers and women and hope that she will not let the girls run around with them - they will soon be sorry for it. Hopes this will find them all well. [1864 August 15 [envelope 3 cent stamp cancelled Alexandria VA addressed to William Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey]
053-???? September 19 [envelope 3 cent stamp cancellation smudged addressed to Mr. John H. Stout Shark River Monmouth Co. N.J., blue image of ship under full sail with two mottos: "A flying rumour for Jeff. Davis "Private-ear." and "The opening of the ports on the rebel coast." printer: S.C. Upham 310 Chestnut St.
???? December 31 [envelope 3 cent stamp cancelled Washington D.C. addressed to William Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey]
???? ???? [envelope with red and blue edging on flaps, 3 cent stamp, cancellation blurred addressed Mr. Wm. Richardson Beverly, N.J.]
-???? January 6 [yellow envelope 3 cent stamp cancelled Beverly N.J. addressed to Joseph D. Richardson Com E 10th Regt New Jersey Voll. Washington D.C.]
057-???? May 23 [envelope 3 cent stamp cancelled Norfolk VA addressed Mrs. W. B. Richardson Beverly Burlington Co. New Jersey]
1862 February 23 from F. Rupert (Camp Price near Fort Scott) to C.W. Rupert
Dear Mother re: got letter yesterday dated the 12th from her. Was in
Washington on Saturday and if he knew that Mr. McGiny? was in Georgetown he would have gone to see him as Georgetown is connected to Washington just like Scottown is to Bloomsburg. Was going to send home $30 but thought that he might get a furlough but Colonel Price told him that no use of trying as General Hooker had issued an order that no paroled prisoner was to have a furlough but the colonel has given some of the boys furloughs that were taken at the same place as he was but they were married men. He will go to Elixandria [Alexandria, Va.] tomorrow to send the $30. He sends the money for her to use not to save for him. Lloyd can't send money home because he can't get to Alexandria. Francis tells Mother to tell Father that he mustn't think hard of Francis because he doesn't write to Father because when Francis writes to her he writes to the whole family. He supposes that he will be exchanged soon. He would like to be out at the front doing picket duty. A dispatch came to the colonel to fetch his regiment to Washington to do provost duty but the colonel said no as his regiment was out on the front all winter doing picket duty and if he brought them in now then in spring they would make them go out on the front again. The colonel said that he would stay out until spring and then he would have a good place next summer. Best respect to father and the girls. What is the reason that Lucy doesn't write anymore? [yellow envelope, stamp removed, cancellation mark limited to D.C. 62 addressed to Miss Lucy Rupert Bloomsburg Columbia County Pa., right edge cut] (Fort Scott, Kansas was Union Army's largest and strongest Union point south of Fort Leavenworth. It was a Quartermaster Supply Depot and a goal for capture by Confederate General [Sterling] Price (1809-1867). It had Provost guards responsible for Confederate prisoners and a hospital.)
1862? July 20 from F. Rupert (Cloud's Mill, Virginia) [west of Alexandria, James
Cloud operated a mill from 1835-1863 during Civil War Union soldiers took it over, after 1863 mill declined. Also known as Triadelphia] to C. W. Rupert Dear Mother re: received her letter and relates that she complains that she has not had letters from him but he has written to Lucy. He is going away to Kentucky. Got a letter from Thom Barton saying he was in pretty good health and sent his card in letter which Francis is now sending to mother to take care of. Francis reports that he had to leave his clothes at Washington because he could not take them on his horse. He had no money to send them home. He and a fellow named Neal went out for blackberries and got about 20 quarts and make a stew of them. Lloyd is waiting for pen and ink to write home. Francis has gained about seven pounds since he has enlisted. Has to close now as he has to write to Thom and Will Corell? to day yet. "Give love to Father and all the rest of you. This is for Mother I always direct Mother's letters to Lucy because I can spell her name the best." [no envelope]
1862 September 5 from Francis Rupert (Washington) to Mother re: gives reason that he did not write since July was that there was no mail service from the Army but got a letter from her yesterday and glad to hear from her. He and Lloyd (Girton) are both alive and in good health. His company and another one were in the fight at Centreville [Fairfax County, Va - this is possibly part of Battle of Chantilly, September 1, 1862 which was the concluding battle of the Northern Virginia Campaign of the Civil War. John Pope ordered his Army of Virginia to retreat to Centreville, Va. accompanied by Stonewall Jackson who tried to cut off the Union Army of Virginia's retreat following the 2nd Battle of Manassas/Bull Run - the Union halted Jackson's advance] - they did not charge the Rebels because they would not come out of the woods but the ball and shells came at them that they had to get off their horses and lay on the ground. Some of the horses were killed but none of the men going through the woods. They were surrounded with two Rebel regiments of cavalry. There were 15 prisoners taken. He and his company are not in Washington but just across the river from there. [signs off: from F. Rupert to C. W. Rupert - yellow envelope stamped Washington D.C. Sep 5, 1862, stamp removed, addressed to Miss Lucy Rupert Bloomsburg Columbia County Pa]
1862 October 11 from F[rancis] Rupert (Camp near Elixandria [Alexandria, Va] to C. W. Rupert (Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pa) Mother re: received letter dated the 6th and says reason he did not reply sooner was he went out on a scout on same day of letter and he did not get it until 10th when he came back. He is under Brigadier General Price who was their old Colonel. Rupert is in Hentzlemans [Samuel Peter Heintzelman 1805-1880] Division [the Division is part of Army of Potomac in the Peninsula Campaign prominent at siege of Yorktown and among the first in Army to use the Union Army Balloon Corps, took part in Second Battle of Bull Run/ Manassas]. The division is composed of three brigades of cavalry that went out to scout on the 6th and five regiments in each brigade making in all about 15,000 men. He got the pincushion she sent him in a letter and three [news?]papers and read them through and gave to Lloyd [Girton] to read. Has not seen any of the boys from Bloomsburg. No furloughs are being given so he won't be home for the fair. He went through a peach orchard and would have sent her some if he could find a box. Lloyd is well. [yellow envelope no stamp but cancellation mark Washington Oct 12, 1862 smugged Due 3 addressed to Miss Lucy Rupert Bloomsburg Columbia County Pa. different handwriting "Army Letter Adjutant ?]
1862 November 22 from F[rancis] Rupert (Loonesville) to C. W. Rupert- Mother re: just got off picket duty and writing by candle light, just got two letters from her - one had paper and envelopes in it. He explains delay in his reply to her. His horse gave out and he had to walk the nine miles below Centreville [Fairfax County, Va. a railroad hub nearby is Manassas] all the way back to camp at little village of Loonesville? to do picket duty. Reason that Lloyd doesn't write is that he can't get any paper but he is well and in good health. When they get paid they will get four months pay and then he will send her some. Reports that the will go into winter quarters soon in Washington. In reply to her asking why he was put into Heintzelman's Corps, he does not know the reason. Times are dull down there. [yellow envelope addressed to Mrs. William Rupert Bloomsburg Columbia County, Pa. stamp cut out, cancellation mark possibly Washington] Fragment of a letter relating the same information about candle, horse, mule signed F. Rupert, same type of paper and pencil written.
1862 December 17 from F[rancis] Rupert (Camp near Elixandria/Alexandria) to Lucy Rupert (Bloomsburg Columbia County Penna.) to Sister re: says he is out at Drainsville [Dranesville] doing picket duty but came back to get horses. Captain said entire regiment would be in camp a week and then get paid. Captain treats him and Lloyd like men and regiment treats them like men. When in Washington he will go to the mess house and look for John Gilboy? Here it is dull. He and the boys want to go to the front with Burnarde? [possibly George S. Bernard, 12th Virginia Infantry Regiment]where there is something to do. Does not expect to get furlough this winter. For winter quarters he expects to do provost duty in Washington. Lloyd is well. From F. Rupert to Lucy Rupert. [yellow envelope addressed to Miss Lucy Rupert Bloomsburg Columbia County Penna, stamp removed cancelled Washington]
1862 December 17 from C. W. Rupert (Camp near Elexandira/Alexandria) to Mother re: takes opportunity to drop a few lines to her to let her know how he is. Yesterday got two letters from home - one from her and one from Lucy. Said he got another horse when he got back to camp but did take a government mule [mule marked U.S. on rump]. He says that Lloyd and he are thinking about joining the Marines and go on board a man-of-war. It is much nicer and cleaner than in the volunteers. A Capt. Chauncey is with them. His home is in Philadelphia. Has not yet seen John Gilboy as he has not yet got to the mess house in Washington to find him. Also has not seen the Robinson girl if he knew which hospital she was in he would look. He tries to answer all his mother's questions but forgets. Give the best to father and the girls. Goodby C.W. Rupert. [letter written on blue paper, ink is fading]
1863 January 5 from Francis Rupert (Camp Price near Washington) to Mother re:
writes for first time since he was taken prisoner. He made a bone ring while he was a prisoner in Richmond and put it in this letter [wrinkled paper, no ring, poor ink. He came back to the regiment not to take up arms against the South but to get his pay. The Colonel told him that he might stay in camp until an exchange is made. Mother asks him to tell about particulars of the Rebels. He did not get to see much in Richmond. He could use a comb to get rid of the "animals" [lice] that are so many that he can't sleep. Food they get is small piece of meat and bread, cup of soup in two meals a day and it is well satisfying. Has not seen Lloyd. [poor quality of ink hard to read]
1862/3 January 10 from Lloyd Girton (Accotink, Virginia) [Fairfax County &
Fort Belvoir] to Lucy Rubert [Rupert] (Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Penna.) [with yellow envelope no stamp] re: reports Francis was taken prisoner on Sunday December 28 at Accotink side of Occoquan River, describes the action [possibly a raid fought December 27-28, 1862] as the Rebels took him and others to Culpepper, Lieutenant Leech was killed, doctor went back to the battlefield to care for wounded. [Following the Battle of Fredericksburg December 11-15, 1862, which the Confederates won, the Confederates continued with skirmishes in Northern Virginia. In December of 1862 raids in Fairfax County were led by Wade Hampton and J.E.B. Stuart which confused and disrupted Federal line of communication along the southern defense perimeter of Washington, D.C. held by the Union troops in an attempt to protect the railroad supplying the Federal troops. On December 28, 1862 the Confederate Cavalry conducted a raid on Burke Station led by Stuart. It is perhaps this raid that Girton reported. Francis Rupert died June 26, 1864 at Andersonville Prison.]
1863 May 20 from C. W. Rupert (Camp near Fairfax Courthouse) to Mother re:
received her letter and package containing envelopes - very much obliged.
Lloyd and he are staying comfortably together in one tent, there are about
40 men in his Company nearly all are from Reading and the use Lloyd and
C.W. very kindly. One man in company says he knew his father when the father lived in Reading - Mr. John Madarie. The Company is drawing new horses as the old ones are played out. Wants to know about the "nine months men" that went away from Bloom[sburg] that will never get back again. He likes Bloom better than any place he has been yet. "Virginia is nothing but briars and weeds. Can travel for miles around here and never see a fence." There is plenty to eat - for ten days one pound of coffee, one pound and quarter of sugar, half pint of molasses, one pound of soap, ten pounds pickled pork, one quart beans, one quart rice, half peck potatoes, one candle, enough tea to make about four times, one quart dried apples, one loaf of bread for three meals. Roll call three times a day: five o'clock, one at sun down and one at nine o'clock. Love to father and the girls. C. W. Rupert. "This is for Mother the reason I always direct to Lucy because I can direct better in her name than in in yourn." F. Rupert. Francis Rupert [two battles were fought near Fairfax Courthouse one in 1861 and another June 27, 1863 which was part of the Gettysburg Campaign. At Fairfax Courthouse was a Union army depot of supplies which Col. James B. Swain sent regiments B & C companies on a mission to guard supplies.]
1863 August ? [yellow envelope addressed to Miss Lucy Ru[pert] Bloomsb
Columb County - envelope is torn]. Included with this envelope is a 3" by
5" card with printed note: "Series of Letters from Private Francis Rupert
Co K 2nd PA Vol. Cavalry to his family of Bloomsburg, PA Also
Application for pay due after death - no application.
043-1863 September 25 from Francis Rupert (Culpepper C.H., VA.) to Wm Rupert, Bloomsburg N.Y. re: Adams Express Company receipt for $25 by J. Montgomery.
1863 October 27? from F. Rupert (Camp Warington [possibly Warrenton, Va]) to Parents and Sisters (Bloomsburg, Pa.) re: first time to write since he got paid and came back from Pennsylvania [possibly referring to the battle of Gettysburg or furlough]. Reports that his company is not with General Patrick [Marsena R. (1811-1888) was general of Union volunteer forces] but now were with General Gregg's [David M. Gregg (1833-1916) under General Stoneman at Gettysburg and was in 1864 Overland Campaign with cavalry] division the third day when they got into a fight as well as on the fourth but had good luck to loose only 20 men as they drove the Rebs right along. "The Rebs stand fire very well but when it comes to a charge they wont stand up to the work like the Yankeys"Apologises that he can't write as often as they want him to. Just got the news that Beaufords division [John Buford Jr. 1826-December 1863] has been driven back and Rupert's division is ordered to the front. Give love to all from F. Rupert. [General Buford was at battle of Gettysburg and following the battle pursued Confederates to Warrenton, VA and in October became involved in the Bristoe Campaign.] [yellow envelope, no stamp,cancelled Washington D.C. Oct 31 1863 Due 6]
1863 November 4 from F. Rupert (Camp near Warington [Warrenton, Va.] to L. D. Rupert - Sister re: take opportunity to write you again. Gets her letters every week and has written three times since being paid, but she says that she does not get his letters. He does not know reason why his letters do not get home. He is no longer with Gen. Patrick any more but now with Gen. Gregg. The third day in the division had a fight and drove the Rebs back to their infantry and then had to fall back - his company led the charge. Major Tigart got wounded in the charge. Has not got paper since the Fair. Must close for expects the letter will not reach her. Give love to the family. "from F. Rupert to L. D. Rupert." [written in pencil on flue lined paper, yellow envelope, stamp removed, addressed Miss Lucy Rupert Bloomsburg Columbia Co., right edge torn]
1863 ???? 14 from F. Rupert to L(ucy). D. Rupert (Camp near Germantown, Va) to Sister re: first time to write in great while reason is that three weeks ago he was out on scout duty and his horse fell down into a creek and he got
a gash in his arm but it is getting well. Got her two letters with quarters which came very handy and a photograph. Told her he and company are with headquarters all the time they are provost guard of the Army of the Potomac and the provost marshall's name is General Patrick a very nice man. He has all kinds of duty to do - it is a great deal nicer than to be out on the front. Saw an account in the paper about Jack Abbot's 18 years in solitary confinement. Just got orders to saddle up to take a dispatch to Signal Corps. Lloyd and he are in good health. Give love to all the family. "From your brother F. Rupert L. D. Rupert."
1864 June 26 "Frank Rupert of Company H, Second Cavalry died June 26, he is burried at Andersonville, and his grave is number 2538." [lined paper fragment notation as "File note on Rupert's grave location."]
059-1865 July 31 from Treasury Department, Second Auditor's Office to Mr. Wm Rupert Bloomsburg, Pa. re: Application in the case of Private Francis Rupert, Co. K. 2d Pa V. Com. died June 26, 1864 has been received…. upon examination of the Muster and Pay Rolls, anything shall be found due him, a certificate for the amount will be immediately forwarded…. E. B. French, Auditor. ???? [yellow envelope, stamp removed, addressed to Mr. William Rupert Bloomsburg Columbia County Pa.
1863 March 8 from William Bickham (Camp Mayses Brigade) to Elizabeth Bickham (Franklinton Louisiana) Dear Cousin re: Battle of Fredericksburg and reports his regiment is well. Consoles her on the loss of her Francis. Remarks it is a "wicked war" he had a brother and brother-in-law killed in Tennessee and has been witness to death in all its horrors since he has been a soldier in this troublesome war. Relates battlefield dying, death, the horrors of field hospitals and his personal experience of his brother's death in Tennessee. Says that rations are scant but the men never grumble and all are resigned to the fate of the war. "There is great rumor of a desolution in the west - some still look for foreign intervention." "The north threatens us with overwhelming forces and say they will subjugate us in 6 months." He has long been accustomed to Yankey threats and boasting. Reports that the winter has been moderate accept for a few very cold days and some snow storms. Has moved twice this winter and now at third camp and built very inferior winter quarters, just as they got comfortable would have to move again and poorly prepared in way of blankets - now we have only 2 or 3 blankets and no tents. Now encamped on the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg - the Yankeys are on the east side and we are on the west side and when we go on picket guard we can see their encampment. "I recon you will be wary [weary?] with this uninteresting scrabble of mine so I will close. Give my love to all the family and Cousin Herself and my respect to the Carroll family." Write as soon as this comes to hand Lizza. Wm Bickham. [Battle of Fredericksburg fought December 11 to 15, 1862 - Confederates won] [envelope with two 5 cent Confederate stamps addressed to Miss Elizabeth Bickham Franklinton Po Louisiana] [Very large letter measures 24.5 x 38.5 cm and filed separately flat]
John H. Stuckey brief transcriptions of 26 Richardson letters dating from 1862 to 1864.
John H. Stuckey brief history "BEVERLY AND THE CIVIL WAR" [written during the time Beverly, N. J. was celebrating its Centennial].
1961 September 18 [original] The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Slaughter at
Chickamauga: The Victory That Lost a War" by Stephen W. Sears
1962 June 11 [original] The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Risky Plan of Grant Captured Vicksburg" by Stephen W. Sears
1962 July 23 [original] The Philadelphia Inquirer. "Penna. Miners' Wacky Blast Fizzled in Battle of Crater" by Joseph L. Gardner
1962 November 3 [original] The Philadelphia Inquirer. "How Sheridan Swept Shenandoah Valley" by Stephen W. Sears
1970 April 14? [original] Jim Bishop Reporter "A Sordid Chapter in Lincoln Annals"
069-Newspaper clipping: The Philadelphia Press, August 22, 1899 "A Southerner's Reconstruction. The Wonderful Results Produced by President McKinley's Atlanta Speech Upon an "Unreconstructed Rebel" Who Defended Vicksburg.
1946+ The American Philatelist "Civil War Patriotic Flag Designs" by George N. Malpass, p. 673-680.
1952 January The American Philatelist "Publishers and Vendors" by Geo. N. Malpass, p. 282-294.
1952 October The American Philatelist "The Confederate Privateers" George N. Malpass, p. 37-44.
1953 April The American Philatelist "The Louisiana Relief Committee at Mobile Confederate Mail Forwarders, 1863-64" by Leonard V. Huber, p. 505-536
1954 March The American Philatelist "Depot Prisoners of War Johnson's Island, Ohio" by Raymond M. Wilkinson, p. 425-442.
1961 February 4 Weekly Philatelic Gossip "Fort Sumter, 1861-1865" by George N.Malpass, p. 563-566 [2 copies] and First Day Cover issued from Charleston S.C. April 12, 1961 Fort Sumter 1861-1961 Civil War Centennial First Day of Issue
1965 May 3 The Evening Bulletin Philadelphia "Gen. Grant Moves to Chestnut St." In Our Town by James Smart, p. 4
Identification Tag for Gettysburg Reunion Jos. R. Ridgway G.A.R. Post No. 21, in Beverly City, N.J. In case of SICKNESS or ACCIDENT please communicate with Thomas W. Smick Jr. 104 Broad St. Beverly New Jersey To be Carried in Your Pocket During the Gettysburg Reunion Name in Full: Thomas W. Smick 207 Second St. Beverly New Jersey Age 67, Height 5 ft. 5 ½ in., Weight 153 lbs. Gettysburg Reunion 1888 25th; 1913 50th - [Tag is possibly for 50th Reunion based on age of attendee Thomas W. Smick 67 years, 207 Second St., Beverly, N.J. who died in 1916 and buried in Beverly National Cemetery
Two red 3 cents United States Postage - 1949 Final National Encampment
of the GAR [Grand Army of Republic], Indianapolis, Indiana
One grey 3 cents United States Postage - 1951 Final Reunion United Confederate Veterans, Norfolk, Virginia
Identification Tag for Gettysburg Reunion Jos. R. Ridgway G.A.R. Post No. 21, in Beverly City, N.J. In case of SICKNESS or ACCIDENT please communicate with Thomas W. Smick Jr. 104 Broad St. Beverly New Jersey To be Carried in Your Pocket During the Gettysburg Reunion Name in Full: Thomas W. Smick 207 Second St. Beverly New Jersey Age 67, Height 5 ft. 5 ½ in., Weight 153 lbs. Gettysburg Reunion 1888 25th; 1913 50th - [Tag is possibly for 50th Reunion based on age of attendee Thomas W. Smick 67 years, 207 Second St., Beverly, N.J. who died in 1916 and buried in Beverly National Cemetery
Civil War Centennial Events 1861-1961 [souvenir map from Acme Markets]
1854 August 1 Memphis The Farmers and Merchants Bank TWO DOLLARS
No. 541 (damaged original) [steam locomotive train engraving]
1864 February 17 Richmond The Confederate States of America TEN DOLLARS
Nos. 5480, 58542, 6432?(damaged original) [engraver Keatinge & Ball,
Columbia S.C. Four horses pulling gun carriage]
1862 October 6 Austin The Treasurer of the State of Texas FIVE DOLLARS
Treasury Warrant No. 112586
1864 February 17 Richmond (reproduction) The Confederate States of America
Five Hundred Dollars No. 16760 [engraver Keatinge & Ball Columbia S.C.
DEO VINDICE and Confederate Battle Flag - Bars and Stars]
1863 March 1 Tallahassee (reproduction) STATE OF FLORIDA ONE DOLLAR
No. 2396 [Engraver Keatinge & Ball Columbia S.C.]
1863 March 10 Shreveport STATE OF LOUISIANA One Hundred Dollars No. 2650 [printed on both sides]
1957 March 27 letter from John H. Stuckey (34 W. Union St., Burlington, N.J.) to Curator of Luray Museum, Virginia.
Five brass buttons: four measure 18 mm are made of brass with GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) on the dome side and one button on the reverse has printed around the shank AM Button Co. Newark (American Button Company of Newark, New Jersey); one button measures 22 mm made of brass with the seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the dome side with Horstmann Philadelphia printed around the shank (William H. Horstmann, 5th & Cherry Strs, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) established 1815, Horstmann from Cassel, Germany emigrated to Philadelphia in 1815. He married the daughter of Frederick Hoeckly, a German settler and manufacturer of plaiting and braid trimmings for military uniforms and after 1828 also made swords with blades from Solingen, Germany.
Lead bullets: one measures 26 mm Minie ball with three grooves at base used in muzzle-loading rifled barrels to provide spin-stabilization for rifled muskets - these are Tamisier ball grooves for aerodynamic stability, possibly .69 caliber, the grooved bullet of this type was used in the Crimean and Civil Wars; round lead ball measures 16 mm was used in smooth bore muskets. Mr. Stuckey said in his letter that the bullets come from near Hagerstown, Maryland.