Christmas Letters

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"Nothing is safe, no help is anywhere" the emolument of war in Maury County, an excerpt from the diary of Nimrod Porter

Gen. Croxton's headquarters is in our house, with his whole brigade camped all over out yard, lots, lane and everywhere they can get near enough a fence to keep them in wood. With reluctance the Gen. Ordered the provost guard to station out their guards all around the house, but it only gave the guards a better opportunity for marauding than the common soldiers, and they made the best of it. They took all the apples out of the cellar. They broke the weatherboarding off the house for fires, burnt the yard fences, went in our smoke house and took the meat. They cooked the last old gobbler and all the chickens over a fire in the yard. They even took the boots off the blacks [i.e., slaves]. Considerable fuss over that. They should not rob the blacks. Last night they took all black Sukey's money, all my corn and what little oats I have left.

There is great tribulation in the country, stealing horses, mules, hogs, breaking in houses. The soldiers are very insulting and impose on everybody, stealing and encouraging the blacks to steal and do every manner of rascality. Nothing is safe, no help is anywhere for our unfortunate condition. All, all that we have is nearly gone. How will we live? What will we eat? I wish there was a river of fire a mile wide between the North and the South that would burn with unquenchable fury forever more and that it could never be passed to the endless ages of eternity by any living creature.
Is there no hope for this dying land?

Tomorrow is Christmas day, a bitter one for us, black or white. A grey fox ran under the kitchen walk. I shot it for dinner. We have a little parched corn.

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Christmas in one Confederate household in Warren County
Civil War Journal of Lucy Virginia French.

Christmas Dec. 1864

Tonight I have but one thought—the cause of the South has gone down. The news all around us is evident of the fact. For my part I freely acknowledge that I can see no brightness now for the Confederacy. Hood has been beaten at Nashville and is now endeavoring to get out of the state, and Sherman's rapid [march] through Ga. has been successful. He being now at Savannah if he has not possession of the city. . .

~ ~ ~

Yesterday Martha and myself worked the love long day making cakes, molasses candy, egg nogg etc. for the children must have something. I felt it a drag, all the time,—I did it from necessity. The children saw their odd cake elephants, horses, birds, old women etc. while in the process of cooking, and therefore they would not do for the nice white stockings that were put up to tempt good Santa Claus. I never was so put to it to get up something for the stockings, but I had a set of tiny coffee cups and saucers and some other little affairs which they had never seen, or forgotten—these I filled up the little girls with, and put in the boys, paper, pen, pencils, and some greenback [dollars].

They all seemed highly pleased, and enjoyed their good old pensioner used to bestow upon them. Oh! God give us peace, peace on any terms! It may be weak, but if so, Heaven forgive us! We have borne the strain so long. I took down my prayer-book and read the service of Christmas Church, with our good Bishop or Dr. Page officiating—-to recall the wreaths and emblems, to fill my soul once more with the melodious flood of the organ—the grand Te Deum— the exulting Gloria—ah! how vain! how vain! I could have wept but my tears are few nowadays, and their springs lie deep, deep. I had the same feeling today that I had when poor Capt. Spurlock was brought home dead from the slopes of Stone River. It is a strange feeling—with a depth of sadness "too deep for easing tears."

Oh! Will this strife ever be ended, or will I never be able to get out of it? Mollie came yesterday to spend her Christmas with us—I was very glad she came. Tho it is not at all like the old days—yet I wanted to have her with us. She has seen some merry Christmas days in the Forest [family] Home—will she ever see another as gay?

No! I cannot hope it. We did not hear the news of Hood's retreat until this evening—when Malone came over and told it. He has slept here every night since his fright by those bushwhackers. I do not think him in any danger from them now, but his wife is ill, and insists upon his not remaining at home at night, and I have told him he ought by all means do as she wishes..

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DECEMBER 25, 1864.-Skirmish near White's Station, Tenn.
Report of Col. John W. Noble, third Iowa Cavalry.

COL. NOBLE'S HDQRS., December 25, 1864.
My patrol of thirty men went out about White's Station this morning. There, to the number of about 100, the advance guard drove in the picket, and were captured.

A party of our flankers were also taken in. After skirmishing some time
with the rebel force, the officer and the balance of the patrol came to camp.
Loss, 17 men, 1 wounded, and horses, &c. Rebel loss unknown, if any. Have
150 men out to redeem the officer, if possible. I don't think [he is] to blame.
The result is that of being outnumbered and outwitted, without being surprised.

The rebels were seen, but not supposed to number as many as they proved.
NOBLE, Colonel.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 875.

Excerpt from the Journal of the 4th Army Corps:

TWO MILES AND A HALF SOUTH OF LYNNVILLE, TENN. (COLUMBIA AND PULASKI TURNPIKE. )

December 25.-7 a. m., directed division commanders to march as soon as thecavalry moves and we can get the road, Gen. Beatty to one day's rations now in the haversacks of the men. We have but one day's rations now in the haversacks of the men. Our supply train breaking. This fact was reported to Gen. Thomas last night, and he was requested to allow our supply train to cross the river and come forward as soon as possible. 8 a. m., received a note from Gen. Thomas, saying that he will hurry up our train as fast as he can. 9.10 a. m., the cavalry is now out of the way, and the head of our column starts for Pulaski. 1 p. m., head of column arrives at Pulaski, having marched eleven miles since 9.10 a. m. Gen. Wilson drove the enemy's rear guard through Pulaski very rapidly, and his advance arrived at Richland Creek (in the outskirts of the town) just in time to save the bridge over the same on the Lamb's Ferry and Florence road.

The enemy had set it on fire and it was burning, and the enemy just leaving it, when his advanced regiment reached it. It was important that this bridge should be saved, as the creek is not fordable, and we would have been delayed a long time to bridge it. Citizens of Pulaski report that the enemy's pontoon train passed through Pulaski on Friday last, and that Gen. Hood intends to cross the Tennessee River at Lamb's Ferry or Florence. The Lamb's Ferry and Florence roads are the same for eighteen miles out from Pulaski, then they separate. It will not be possible to tell which road the enemy has taken until we reach the point where the roads separate. 1.15 p. m., Gen. Wilson has crossed Richland Creek and is pushing on after the enemy before him.

Our head of column is just beginning to cross the creek, and we will follow closely in support of the cavalry. We leave the turnpike at Richland Creek. The road from here is almost impassable for wagons and artillery. We will take with one battery for each division and one reserve battery, three rifle batteries we will double teams. We will also double teams for all wagons we take. Our rations are out to-night, and when we go into camp we will halt until we can get up three day's supplies. The road on the south side of Richland Creek is covered with broken down wagons, abandoned artillery, ammunition, &c., left by the enemy. He could not take them with him. Citizens say the mules were taken from these wagons to put to the enemy's pontoon train. 3.30 p. m. (two miles from Pulaski), received a dispatch from Gen. Wilson, stating that the enemy has given him a check; that he is strongly posted, with his front covered with rail barricades; that Forrest's cavalry and eight brigades of infantry are in his front, and he wishes the assistance of our infantry. We push forward as rapidly as possible as possible to Gen. Wilson's assistance. 5.30 p. m., our head of column reaches the point where Gen. Wilson was checked by the enemy, but he (the enemy) has fled, and Gen. Wilson is now pushing on.

Gen. Wilson was pushing the enemy too fast, when he (the enemy) made a counter charge and captured one gun, which now remains in his possession. We are now six miles from Pulaski, and halt for the night. Gen. Wilson is informed that we can go no further until we can get rations. 7 p. m., a train with three day's rations for us is now at Pulaski, and officers are sent forward to hurry it up as fast as possible. It cannot be up with the troops before 11 a. m. to-morrow, so bad is the condition of the roads. 10.15 p. m., received of a note from Gen. Thomas, directing us to issue three days' rations, and then push forward in support of the cavalry; that the cavalry train. (This refers to a train of three day's rations that will be in Pulaski to-morrow morning for us, and our baggage train.) It has been raining since 1 p. m. to-day, and this will make the roads even worse.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, pp. 163-164.

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Excerpt from the Report of Major-General Nathan Bedford Forrest on operations

On the morning of the 25th, after destroying all the ammunition which could not be removed from Pulaski by Gen. Hood and two trains of cars, I ordered Gen. Jackson to remain in town as long as possible and to destroy the bridge at Richland Creek after everything had passed over.

The enemy soon pressed Gen. Jackson, but he held him in check for some time, killing and wounding several before retiring. Seven miles from Pulaski I took position on King's Hill, and awaiting the advance of the enemy, repulsed him, with a loss of 150 killed and wounded, besides capturing many prisoners and one piece of artillery. The enemy made no further demonstrations during the day. I halted my command at Sugar Creek, where it encamped during the night.

OR, Ser. I, Vol. 45, pt. I, p. 758.

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Christmas 1864, a letter from Indiana

Dec 25th. '64 to Capt. Dunn Co. E 57th Indiana

Dear Sir, I have heard that my son, David Ward, (a drafted man in your company) was killed while doing picket duty in front of Nashville on the night of the 14th instant and I wish to know where he was buried and if there was a headboard placed at his grave or any other means whereby it can be recognized
so that I can obtain the body by going to Nashville. Please answer at your earliest convenience and oblige a bereaved father.

John Ward
Terre Haute, Vigo Co., Ind.

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December 25, 1862 - Season's Greetings
A Merry Christmas!--In times of peace and prosperity the whole Christian
world is accustomed to rejoice and be merry on this, the birthday of The Prince
of Peace. Those who have an abundance of this world's goods have been accustomed
from time immemorial to give freely to those of their neighbors who
have been less fortunate; while those who have had but little have given even a
portion of what they had, so that all could rejoice and be glad, and sing their
Christmas carols with light hearts.

Our rejoicings to-day will necessarily be mingled with sorrows; grief for relatives
and friends lost to us in this world, will mar the exuberant joy which should fill our
hearts under other circumstances; and sorrow and anxiety for the absent ones will
necessarily detract from the general enjoyment; yet should we rejoice; do you ask
why? —look around you, and see how many thousands are suffering all
the afflictions you endure, and, in addition, all the pangs of hunger and cold, the burning fever, the cold chill, the racking pain, and the various heartburnings and anxieties of the widowed mother in poverty. Of your means, therefore, give freely to the poor to-day, and you will have just cause to rejoice that AlmightyGod has thus blessed you and enabled you to make glad the hearts of some one or more of His suffering creatures on this the annual festival of the birth of our Redeemer. That all our readers may have cause to rejoice, we fervently pray.

[dawna]

December 25th, 1864

My Dear Wife...

Again I write you a short letter which leaves myself, James D. Pounds, A. Mattox, M. F. Giddins & Wm.Anderson in good health & hope you & familley are enJoying the Same blessing I have nothing new to write you.

I am very anxious to hear of and [an] Exchange but have very little hopes of being Exchanged during the War. we are permitted to receve the papers now & have a chance of Knowing what is going on. The late arrangement entering [entered] into by the C.S. & U.S. will not lead to & Exchange. Brig Gen Beall on the part of the C.S. is now in N.Y. on Parole to carry out the arrangements on the part of the C.S. to furnish we prisoners of War with all the nessary supplies to make us comfertable. & we have Elected Col Josie of Ark & Col Healkine of Tenn & Capt Smith of Va to make a report of what we need to Gen Beall in N.Y. & Issue the Same when it arrives here. So you may not give your self any uneaseyness about us we are fairing very well now & will do better when our supplies is encreast.

I havent heard from Anderson yet & do not expect to Soon. let me Know when you write if J.M. Griffin have been heard of at home. I am still corresponding with my friend in Nashville "Tenn & will not suffer for any thing. your Uncle John Roberts is in Prison at Rock Island Ills & Bryant his son is with me & in good health Give my love to all at home & Kiss Reubin for me. I will close hoping to hear from you soon as my last was dated Oct 8th.

I Remain your Affectsionate Husband

John Wm. Hagan

P.S. this is a dull crismass day

A Gunner in Chew's Battery, Stuart's Horse Artillery, Army of Northern Virginia:

December 25, 1862

This is Merry Christmas. This morning we resumed our march early and moved down the Valley nearly to Kernstown, where we encountered the Yankees and gave them a Christmas greeting in the shape of a few shell. We took the same position we held at the battle of Kernstown last spring. About sixty sharpshooters advanced on our position and attempted to drive us away. We opened fire on them with two guns and fired three rounds, which thoroughly settled the sharpshooting business for this Christmas. Their line fell back in a rather stirred-up mixture, and that was the last I saw of the sharpshooters. We remained in battery till sunset, to see whether the Yanks intended to advance on us in force. Their infantry camp was not far away, for I heard their drummers beating the long roll immediately after we opened fire on their sharpshooters. After dark this evening our cavalry kindled camp-fires all around the place we held to-day, to make the Yanks believe that we were many, and still holding the position. We fell back to Middletown and camped.

Christmas Humour

Diary of John Haley,17th Maine, December 24th:

"It is rumored that there are sundry boxes and mysterious parcels over at Stoneman's Station directed to us. We retire to sleep with feelings akin to those of children expecting Santa Claus. We have become very childish in some matters--grub being one of them."

On Christmas Day, Haley returned to his tent to endure a practical joke from his tentmate:

"On returning to camp, I was informed by my tentmate that there was no parcel at the station bearing my name. My mental thermometer not only plummeted to below zero, it got right down off the nail and lay on the floor. Seeing this, my tentmate made haste to dive under the bed and produce the box, which he had brought from the station during my absence, and in a few minutes we were discussing the merits of its contents. Most of the men have been remembered, and any that have not received something from home are allowed to share with their more fortunate neighbors."

Henry Kyd Douglas, formerly of Stonewall Jackson's staff, was wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg and captured. Confined to Johnson's Island Prison, Ohio, as Christmas 1863 approached, Douglas received several boxes containing items to make his confinement more bearable:

"There came a carload of boxes for the prisoners about Christmas which after reasonable inspection, they were allowed to receive. My box contained more cause for merriment and speculation as to its contents than satisfaction. It had received rough treatment on its way, and a bottle of catsup had broken and its contents very generally distributed through the box. Mince pie and fruit cake saturated with tomato catsup was about as palatable as "embalmed beef" of the Cuban memory; but there were other things. Then, too, a friend had sent me in a package a bottle of old brandy. On Christmas morning I quietly called several comrades up to my bunk to taste the precious fluid of...DISAPPOINTMENT! The bottle had been opened outside, the brandy taken and replaced with water, adroitly recorded, and sent in. I hope the Yankee who played that practical joke lived to repent it and was shot before the war ended."

"Christmas in the Civil War"

[Jayne]

Dawna,

Another fabulous thread! Even in war there is still Christmas spirit, hope for peace. Then and now how painful it must be for men and women to be separated from their families at this time of year.

Jayne.

[dawna]

Private Philip D. Stephenson, Co. K, of the 13th Arkansas, recalled his Christmas of 1863 in his memoirs: "It was a typical Christmas Day - snow and ice and keen cold. Spent by the camp at large in the cabins toasting their feet before blazing fires, smoking, and talking of home, and what they used to have for dinner on Christmas, and what they would like to have then, and wondering when the war would end.

Some of the officers of the various regiments were favored with an invitation from the Division and Brigade Headquarters to a Christmas Dinner. None of the men. That wouldn't do! After the rest were gone, we resolved to have a Christmas Day too!"

Stephenson explained how they "borrowed a little here and there and gathered together some rice, brown sugar, whiskey, spice, flour and corn meal," out of which they concocted a rice pudding and an oven cake of "batter bread." "The cooking of that dinner! Shall I ever forget it. Neither of us knew anything about cooking, nor had any "turn" for it. We did other needed things in the mess…The batter bread was reasonable enough to look at, but the Rice Pudding was a sight to see, ominous, threatening to play havoc with our insides. But that Rice Pudding did not know soldiers' stomachs. We ate that pudding, all of it. It was vile, but we ate it and laughed as we ate it until the tears ran from our eyes and our sides ached! We shook as we sat turn fashion, around it, and reeled in our seats, and shouted over it."

Captain Charles Wills, of the 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, writes home about how his camp celebrated the New Year of 1862: "Yesterday, New Year, the camp enjoyed a general frolic. A hundred or two cavalry boys dressed themselves to represent Thompson's men and went galloping around camp scattering the footmen and making noise enough to be heard in Columbus. The officers of the 11th Infantry were out making New Year calls in an army wagon with 30 horses to it, preceded by a splendid band. The 'boys" got a burlesque on the "ossifers." They hitched 20 mules to a wagon and filled it with a tin pan and stovepipe band, and then followed it in 60- mule wagon around camp and serenaded all the headquarters.

"Time was with most of us, when Christmas Day, encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek; bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and everyone round the Christmas fire, and make the little picture shining in our bright young eyes, complete." ~Charles Dickens"

[dawna]

December 24th

Clerling, Tennessee

My dear beloved companion, through many well directed changes of providence I once more have this glorious privilege of writing to you once more to let you know that I am still in the land of the living and blessed with good health. It has been a long time since I have heard a word from you. The last letter I received from you was dated September the 2 and one August the 21. I have those two letters yet I often read those 2 letters to remembrance of you. I still have your likeness reading your letters and looking at your likeness is all the comfort I have in the last five months. Oh, my dear, I want to hear from you the worst way. I sometimes think I never will get to hear from you again still I should live in hopes if I die in despair. The visit to Illinois done me a heap of good but not half as much as if I had got to seen you and my little babies. I want to see my mother of one more than anyone on earth except you. I want to see Papa, too.

I never shall forget their kindness that they have shown towards me whilst in their presence and whilst absent from them. I never can pay the debt I owe to them whilst here I am in the sunny South trying to help to put this cruel rebellion down there taking care of my little family. I should love them as father and mother and do thank God I have a respectful father and mother yet they have never written me a line since I have been in the Army but as they are old I can look over them. I reckon Papa and Mother thinks they have enough to do to take care of you, dear, and our little children. Well, I reckon that is the case. I do not hear much more news.

General Thurman [--could be Sherman--] is still moving on having great success without much fighting. The most fighting I hear is with the bush whackers. They seem to be doing all the fighting at this time. There was two men killed last night 2 miles from this city by the bush whackers. They was citizens that was killed.

My dear, I want you to give me all the news that you can when you get this letter I am afraid to hear from you all. Afraid that your father's house is burnt and you all destroyed. I want you and Papa to send me word whether it will be safe for me to come there when my time is out, but that will be some months yet. My time will be out the 6 day of August and that will be nearly 8 months and then I will soldier with you the rest of my days. That is what is the matter. I do not know when I can get to my regiment but I rather think it will be some time. Therefore, I shall not be able to draw any money until I can get to the regiment. My dear I am very sorry that I can't send you some money but I will have to do without myself. But, dear, let us do the best we can and wish for the better. As for my part I can do without any money but I want you to have it but what I can't make up to you now, I can after awhile.

I went out about 15 miles this week a foraging. I got 12 chickens and 2 hogs so I shall live pretty well as long as they last. The weather has been very disagreeable here this winter. So far a lot of rain and some snow. It is raining today. Now I must write a letter for my children.

My dear if you have sent me letters to the regiment I will not get them until I go to my command. And if you have sent me your likeness I will not get it either so you must tell me in your next letter if you have sent those. I would write to my captain to send my letters to me that you sent to the regiment if you have sent any but there is never communications to Thurman [--Sherman?--] at all. I sent you a letter yesterday. Today is Sunday and I have been waiting all day. I would have got letters from you before this time but Old [--unreadable--] was on the railroad between Chattanooga and Nashville but the 15 of this month he got routed with a heavy loss so none of my letters I guess will go to you now.

My dear I wish I could enjoy Christmas with you all but can't this year but if I and you should live to see next Christmas we will be together I trust. My dear I often think of the happy hours and days that we used to spend together and Oh to God that day may come again. I often think when we was once so happy and free but now I am banished from the presence of a kind and loving companion. It grieves me still I must be contented and live in hopes if I die in despair I want to see all of my friends and relatives. I want to see my sweet little babies but above all I want to see you my dear beloved Levica the best and goodness. I love you better than the things of this world. I would sacrifice everything in this war for your comfort and happiness and if it was your request I would sacrifice my life if it would make you happy.

A few words for my little babies and I will close. Tell little Jimmy to kiss his Ma for me and little Hattie for me and Grandpa and Grandmother. Tell little Jimmy to sleep at Ma's feet and hug them in his arms and keep them warm this cold winter and I will bring him a little pair of boots and a nice little knife and hat. Tell my sweet little girl Ma I will bring her a nice little cloak and a hood and some nice beads and a pair of little shoes. And now, Ma, I want you to kiss little James and Hattie in remembrance of me and I'll bring you several of the nicest presents that can be had. Among them will be a silk dress so dear I reckon I have written enough at this time. Give my love and respect to all inquiring friends if there should be any and my best love and respect to you dear. I have plenty of paper you need not send me any. I can get all I want.

Dear, I commenced this letter several days ago and this is Christmas Eve. I must tell you a little more and then I will close. The 20 of this month there was a man hung for murdering. He was a bush whacker. I saw him hang. It was a hard scene. I have seen men die. Every man but that was the hardest.

The boys is all at a party and I am alone. There was a very nice young lady call to my office this evening and invited me to a dance but politely thanked the lady for her kindness. I asked her if she did not think I was a married man and the reply she said perhaps your wife is dead. I told her I would not take her word for it. Dear I will finish the story in the next letter and I will write tomorrow for my Christmas feast.

William Craig

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." ~Charles Dickens, Ebeneezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol~

"Go Inside Magazine, Civil War Magazine" (Joyce Kohl)

[dawna]

Defense of City Point Va. "Fort Merriam"
December 25th 1864 Christmas Day

My Dear Wife

Just four short years ago tonight you and I solemnly plighted our faith to each other, for so long as we both should live – you my darling are now far, far away from me in our Northern home, and (surrounded by your little innocent babes,) I can fancy you teaching the evening prayer, or lulling the young head to sleep, with that sweetest of all songs a mother’s lullaby – I was Officer of the Day yesterday, and of course was up most all night. As morning was near dawning I made my usual rounds, to watch the tired sentinels, and see that all was right – Returning back to my quarters, how swiftly memory brought back the last Christmas Holiday and contrasted it with this – It seemed as if I could almost hear the Christmas Chimes – Strange Chimes we have we have here – Cracking Rifles, and booming Cannon, sometimes on the Picket line, bright clashing Saber strokes, ends the monotony. I am coming home, God willing, and before long –

I have been very sick again, owing to a severe cold settling on my throat and lungs – I could not talk or swallow except with great difficulty –

Even now the Doctor wants me to go to the Hospital, but I won’t go again if I can possibly do my duty properly here – My horse is partly to blame for my cold - I rode him down to the Hospital and the Point, coming back I stopped at the Sanitary Commission a moment, I tied "Black Ned" to a post, and I thought him all right -, but soon after I went in Mr. Ned slips off his bridle and takes French leave - When I came out to ride home, I had no horse, only a bridle - The night was pitch dark and the roads muddy _ I borrowed a Lantern and plodded home on foot, carrying the bridle - When I got home, no horse was there - So I laid down in my tent for an hour or so to wait and give him a chance to come home, but Mr. Ned kept away – So buckling on my saber, with my lantern in hand, away I went again down to the Hospital, and after hunting until Midnight I found the black rascal, snugly stowed away in a stable – He had been picked up by a guard, and put there – His feet had to travel coming home that night - . I had no bridle either –

Yesterday we had a fine drill, all by the Bugle calls – worked first rate

Please ask Grandmother if she got the letter I sent her with some Secesh money in it?

Don’t forget it Pet –
Love to all – Kiss the children for me
Affect.
Your own Husband,
Samuel J. Bradlee
Senior 1st Lt.
14th Mass. Lt. Battery

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." ~Laura Ingalls Wilder~


"The Samuel J. Bradlee Letters"