A Letter from New Orleans, 9 May 1862

John Hartwell

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Frank S. Knight was a 25 year old clerk, From Warren, Mass., when he enlisted in Company D, 31st Massachusetts Volunteers ("The Western Mass. Regiment"), on September 14, 1861.
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The 31st Mass., including Frank Knight, was the first Federal regiment ashore in New Orleans on May 1st, 1862, escorting Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler into the city. Company D was part of the regiment that remained in New Orleans for several weeks, as Provost Guard. They were quartered at the Customs House. In this letter to his mother, dated May 9th, Pvt. Knight gives us a glimpse at life in the newly occupied city.
___________________​

Head Quarters of the Gulf
31st Regiment Mass. Volunteers
New Orleans, May 9th, 1862

My dear Mother

Six months today my name was enrolled upon U.S. paper. Never shall I forget my feelings that night as I lay upon my comfortable bed thinking that tomorrow I should bid adieu to my dearest friends on earth to go forth to fight the battles of my country. This day has not passed unmindful of my birthday and I feel grateful to God for having spared my life thus far. It is a painful task, for me to inform you of the death of young Ruggles at Ship Island. He died in the afternoon of April 16th. Yet the steamer was out of hailing distance which bore his comrades in Arms to this City. Alfred was much respected and universally beloved by every one of his company and his death is deeply felt by all of us. He was a patient sufferer through a long series of acute diseases and Dr. Bidwell, our assistant surgeon, who had attended him from the time he first came down with the Croup at camp Seward, said he never heard him utter one word of complaint. He always charged me never to write to his folks how sick he was, and if I said anything, “speak of me as being much better”. I saw him and had a long conversation with him the day before we sailed. He felt badly because he was obliged to be left behind the Regiment. He was left with his friends and did not want for attention. Alfred was one of the first to enlist in Co. D from Hardwick, and to do so he gave up a pleasant home and fireside and many bright prospects, but he promptly relinquished all the comforts of home to defend his Country and Cause. While the cheering news of the glorious Union victories is carrying joy and hope from one end of the country to the other, I cannot but feel sad to think of the desolation and sorrow it brings to those who are called to mourn the death of a dear departed one. For his father, mother, brothers, sisters, I feel for them with the sincerest sentiments of sympathy.

We are still quartered at the Custom House, but most of our Regiment have been taken away to do guard duty, and more tonight than usual on account of expected trouble. The General made a haul of 2 millions of specie today in the house of the French Consul, and considerable excitement is up in consequence, otherwise the world renowned and long dreaded City of New Orleans is very quiet as far as rebellion is concerned. The terrors of masked batteries and rebel guns no longer make us falter. “The City is ours.” Active preparations are going on for the advance up the River. Several Regiments have already gone and more are all ready. The 31st will stay here to do Provost duty, we now occupy the most central building in the City for our hospital and barracks. Gen. Butler is going to set all the idlers and unemployed people about the City to work. We are also raising a Battery. We have several recruiting offices in operation. Those who enlisted to fight for the Union are mostly foreigners.

This morning I got up quite early and done up my writing and went over the River to Algiers. We had a nice horse and buggy and after driving around the place we came back to New Orleans and took a turn on the shell road.

Tomorrow, Sunday, Gen. Butler distributes 1000/bbls. of beef to the poor and also pork and rice. We have made some large confiscations of sugar, molasses, rice, and beef, cattle (wild Texas). Butler has ordered every method of furnishing food to the poor of this City. The hunger does not pinch the wealthy and the leaders of the rebellion, who got up this war. They have caused provisions to be carried out of the City for Confederate service. Since the occupation of U.S. forces, they have burned cotton, and tumbled thousands of bbls. of sugar into the River, which otherwise might have been exchanged for food, but instead of which they have destroyed property and eloped with the specie stolen from the U.S., thus leaving them to ruin and starvation. I pity from the bottom of my heart the poor fellows who have been seized and forced into the army, while the nabobs have had the handling — they made their sons and nephews officers. I would like to see these streets run red with blood and piled up dead bodies of these leaders, but you cannot find [BLANK].

But I must close my letter for it is now after ten o’clock and the whole building is hushed in sleep and nothing is to be heard save the sentinels’ tread on the pavement. We have a heavy guard on all the time, both day and night. Our cannons are placed at each corner of the buildings and two on top, also around the St. Charles. The weather has been delightful for the last two days — about an even temperature. We have none of us had the “Yellow Jack” that the Secesh are chuckling themselves over — on us Yankees. The fear of being sick troubles me more than anything else. I am very careful what I eat and drink, and don’t touch much fruit. Oranges come in now by the cart loads as big as my head. Bread is very scarce — flour being worth from $25 to $50 per bbl. — butter cannot be had at any price — milk 10 [cents] per qt. — sugar and molasses cheap enough and lots of it. I shall expect to hear from you in a few days. Tell Fannie I received the walnut-meat and eat it — am much obliged. Remember me with much love to all the family and hoping this letter will find you in good health, I am, Dear Mother,

Your affectionate son,

Frank

Direct New Orleans
Care of Col. O.P. Gooding
31st Reg. M.V.M.

Midnight, 12 o’clock
I have been to bed, but the mosquitos are so thick could not go to sleep. They almost take one out of bed. You can hear them buzz all around the room. I wish I had one of your veils.

_______________________________​

Some months later, the 31st would be reassigned to Fort Jackson, where Frank Knight would continue as a Clerk in the Adjutant's Department. Early in December, he was promoted Sergeant. He may have been spared much of the hard fatigue duty of the Infantry, but life was still perilous. On Dec. 14, 1862, Frank Knight was admitted to St. James' Hospital in New Orleans, with what was diagnosed as "Febris Remitten" (remittant fever). He died there on January 10, 1863.
 
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Where was he buried? Louisiana was tough duty for a lotta Union men.
 
Frank S. Knight was a 25 year old clerk, From Warren, Mass., when he enlisted in Company D, 31st Massachusetts Volunteers ("The Western Mass. Regiment"), on September 14, 1861.
The 31st Mass., including Frank Knight, was the first Federal regiment ashore in New Orleans on May 1st, 1862, escorting Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler into the city. Company D was part of the regiment that remained in New Orleans for several weeks, as Provost Guard. They were quartered at the Customs House. In this letter to his mother, dated May 9th, Pvt. Knight gives us a glimpse at life in the newly occupied city.
___________________​

Head Quarters of the Gulf
31st Regiment Mass. Volunteers
New Orleans, May 9th, 1862

My dear Mother

Six months today my name was enrolled upon U.S. paper. Never shall I forget my feelings that night as I lay upon my comfortable bed thinking that tomorrow I should bid adieu to my dearest friends on earth to go forth to fight the battles of my country. This day has not passed unmindful of my birthday and I feel grateful to God for having spared my life thus far. It is a painful task, for me to inform you of the death of young Ruggles at Ship Island. He died in the afternoon of April 16th. Yet the steamer was out of hailing distance which bore his comrades in Arms to this City. Alfred was much respected and universally beloved by every one of his company and his death is deeply felt by all of us. He was a patient sufferer through a long series of acute diseases and Dr. Bidwell, our assistant surgeon, who had attended him from the time he first came down with the Croup at camp Seward, said he never heard him utter one word of complaint. He always charged me never to write to his folks how sick he was, and if I said anything, “speak of me as being much better”. I saw him and had a long conversation with him the day before we sailed. He felt badly because he was obliged to be left behind the Regiment. He was left with his friends and did not want for attention. Alfred was one of the first to enlist in Co. D from Hardwick, and to do so he gave up a pleasant home and fireside and many bright prospects, but he promptly relinquished all the comforts of home to defend his Country and Cause. While the cheering news of the glorious Union victories is carrying joy and hope from one end of the country to the other, I cannot but feel sad to think of the desolation and sorrow it brings to those who are called to mourn the death of a dear departed one. For his father, mother, brothers, sisters, I feel for them with the sincerest sentiments of sympathy.

We are still quartered at the Custom House, but most of our Regiment have been taken away to do guard duty, and more tonight than usual on account of expected trouble. The General made a haul of 2 millions of specie today in the house of the French Consul, and considerable excitement is up in consequence, otherwise the world renowned and long dreaded City of New Orleans is very quiet as far as rebellion is concerned. The terrors of masked batteries and rebel guns no longer make us falter. “The City is ours.” Active preparations are going on for the advance up the River. Several Regiments have already gone and more are all ready. The 31st will stay here to do Provost duty, we now occupy the most central building in the City for our hospital and barracks. Gen. Butler is going to set all the idlers and unemployed people about the City to work. We are also raising a Battery. We have several recruiting offices in operation. Those who enlisted to fight for the Union are mostly foreigners.

This morning I got up quite early and done up my writing and went over the River to Algiers. We had a nice horse and buggy and after driving around the place we came back to New Orleans and took a turn on the shell road.

Tomorrow, Sunday, Gen. Butler distributes 1000/bbls. of beef to the poor and also pork and rice. We have made some large confiscations of sugar, molasses, rice, and beef, cattle (wild Texas). Butler has ordered every method of furnishing food to the poor of this City. The hunger does not pinch the wealthy and the leaders of the rebellion, who got up this war. They have caused provisions to be carried out of the City for Confederate service. Since the occupation of U.S. forces, they have burned cotton, and tumbled thousands of bbls. of sugar into the River, which otherwise might have been exchanged for food, but instead of which they have destroyed property and eloped with the specie stolen from the U.S., thus leaving them to ruin and starvation. I pity from the bottom of my heart the poor fellows who have been seized and forced into the army, while the nabobs have had the handling — they made their sons and nephews officers. I would like to see these streets run red with blood and piled up dead bodies of these leaders, but you cannot find [BLANK].

But I must close my letter for it is now after ten o’clock and the whole building is hushed in sleep and nothing is to be heard save the sentinels’ tread on the pavement. We have a heavy guard on all the time, both day and night. Our cannons are placed at each corner of the buildings and two on top, also around the St. Charles. The weather has been delightful for the last two days — about an even temperature. We have none of us had the “Yellow Jack” that the Secesh are chuckling themselves over — on us Yankees. The fear of being sick troubles me more than anything else. I am very careful what I eat and drink, and don’t touch much fruit. Oranges come in now by the cart loads as big as my head. Bread is very scarce — flour being worth from $25 to $50 per bbl. — butter cannot be had at any price — milk 10 [cents] per qt. — sugar and molasses cheap enough and lots of it. I shall expect to hear from you in a few days. Tell Fannie I received the walnut-meat and eat it — am much obliged. Remember me with much love to all the family and hoping this letter will find you in good health, I am, Dear Mother,

Your affectionate son,

Frank

Direct New Orleans
Care of Col. O.P. Gooding
31st Reg. M.V.M.

Midnight, 12 o’clock
I have been to bed, but the mosquitos are so thick could not go to sleep. They almost take one out of bed. You can hear them buz [sic] all around the room. I wish I had one of your veils.

_______________________________​

Some months later, the 31st would be reassigned to Fort Jackson, where Frank Knight would continue as a Clerk in the Adjutant's Department. Early in December, he was promoted Sergeant. He may have been spared much of the hard fatigue duty of the Infantry, but life was still perilous. On Dec. 14, 1862, Frank Knight was admitted to St. James' Hospital in New Orleans, with what was diagnosed as "Febris Remitten" (remittant fever). He died there on January 10, 1863.
So sad!
 
Early in June, Frank Knight wrote again, this time addressing all the folks at home:


Head Quarters – 31st Regt. Mass. Volunteers
New Orleans, June 1, 1862.
Camp Morewood

Dear Friends at Home

This is Sunday morning and the first day of summer, yet it seemed to me we have already had summer weather.

I did think last night I should accept the kind invitation to go to Church today, but little knowing what I should find to busy my hands when Sunday morning came, and instead of going to Church I have been busy writing all day. I have not been inside of a Church since I left Pittsfield, and that was at Dr. Todd’s. One short month has elapsed since we first set foot upon Louisiana soil. The streets are filled with smiling faces — business has again thrown open doors. The wealthy have left the City for summer watering places, property is secure, and I think Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States (and thank God the only one) might walk unharmed and unaccompanied at any time through these streets in full safety, and to the joy and delight of very many, who have heretofore been accustomed to link his name with curses and execrations. This is the month that I would delight to spend at the North, “the merry month of June”, when the weather is clear, bright, balmy and mild — but on the contrary, here I am sweating, blowing, puffing, and brushing away the blue tail flies, or in other words mosquitos. I positively dread to go to bed nights; to be bothered so by them is perfectly horrible. I have a good bar, but they will get under some way or other.

Deserters continue to flock to our Reg’t quite numerously from the Rebel Army. I have talked with no less than 20 from Beauregard’s Army. They tell many queer and marvellous yarns — they say our shells drop so plaguey thick around them, “too close to be healthy”. None but those who have friends who will vouch that they are “true blue” are permitted to put on a federal uniform.

I saw Commodore Farragut today. No one need to ask is he smart, could they see him, although his deeds proclaim it, but he is a man and an officer to please every one — a perfect gentleman — very polite and seemingly unassuming. The mortar fleet as you know, have been the bone and sinew of the service. Without it our progress up the Mississippi would not be so speedy or effectual. The 30th Mass. Vols. (Col. Dudley) were ordered up the River last night to reinforce Gen’l Williams, who was in a slight skirmish a few days ago in which a Lieut. on his staff was mortally wounded. He was shot by one of their Rebel pickets.

Monday Evening, June 2d.

Have just returned from a patrol and as the McClellan goes tomorrow will close this letter before going to bed. We had exciting times tonight. 5 of us,- 3 Lieuts., and Serg. Carrol and myself went to examine an empty house to see if we could find any Contrabands of war. I picked up a nice revolver worth about $25 which I just stuck away in my belt for future use. We found the house as they left it with all the furniture, glass and silverware and a nice 7 octave piano with pearl keys. I sat down and played “Home Sweet Home” and my other favorite airs and after eating a few oranges and banannas we found in the cupboard we came back, and now it is just 10 o’clock p.m. I expect to be the Sergeant Major of the 31st Mass. Vols., as the one we have now is under arrest and not expected to retain his place. If I get it, I shall fill the position with all the dignity imaginable. I will send you some papers that will better post you upon the news of the City. You ask me if I am in need of shirts. I am — I would give any thing if my old white shirts were here and a lot of cotton stockings. It is abominable to pay the prices they ask for things here — $10 for a pair of shirts, 25 [cents] for a collar, and everything in just such proportions. I guess you had better make up a small box and send by express of a few things.

Let the Deacon make me a pair of low shoes or ties, about two sizes smaller than those boots he made me. Make them out of calf. They are just what I want. I can’t stand wool socks and these big boots. I priced a pair of shoes here yesterday and they only charge $7. As for linen collars, I don’t care for them — I had rather have paper ones, if they can be had, size 14 inch “garote”. It don’t cost anything to wash them or turn over collars either I am not particular. I would like some thin clothes — one brown linen coat and pants. We expect to get paid off next week and then we shall have some money. I will send you five dollars that I have on hand and will send the remainder by express when paid off. If you send box direct to New Orleans, care — well, you need not send it at all. I countermand the order. The Col. has just come in and said it would be no use, it would be two months before I could get them and we might be here and we might not — so let them go. I will send the five dollars for you to take care of and salt for future use. Will send $50 next week by express, I shall want to keep some on hand, if the River should open I should go to St. Louis and find Sam and purchase some things there — but I must close. Remember me to all.

Affectionately your son and brother, nephew &c.,

Frank
 
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