Mail and the like

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/3 [S# 38]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Mississippi And West Tennessee (And Those In Arkansas And Louisiana Connected With The Siege Of Vicksburg) From January 20 To August 10, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#16
REAR OF VICKSBURG, MISS., June 8, 1863.
(Received, War Department, June 17--2.45 a.m.)
MONTGOMERY BLAIR, Postmaster. General:
Tell the President to re-enforce this army, as there is great peril, General Banks declines to co-operate with General Grant.
FRANK P. BLAIR, JR.
------------------
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXIV/3 [S# 38]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Mississippi And West Tennessee (And Those In Arkansas And Louisiana Connected With The Siege Of Vicksburg) From January 20 To August 10, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#24
----------------
SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 217.
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE,
Vicksburg, Miss., August 10, 1863.
I. The establishing of mails within the insurrectionary States of this department being for the exclusive benefit of the military authorities and those connected therewith, the following regulations are established and will be observed, until otherwise ordered, by all persons employed in their transmission, at all military posts south of Memphis, Tenn.:

1. Postmasters will transmit no letters but those coming from designated military authorities, nor deliver any received at their respective offices to citizens or civilians, excepting through the same channels.

2. Mails will be made up at department, corps, division, and post headquarters, and by all provost-marshals, quartermasters, and commissaries, sent regularly to the post-offices by them, and promptly forwarded by the postmaster of each post.

3. The military authorities above designated will forward no letters from any citizen in any insurrectionary State in this department, without first examining the same and marking their approval thereon.
* * * * * * * * * *
By order of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant:
T. S. BOWERS,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
-----

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXV/2 [S# 40]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From January 26 To June 2, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#3
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 19, 1863.
Col. J. C. KELTON,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D.C.:
COLONEL: I would respectfully report, for the information of the General-in-Chief, that having been informed that conscriptions by the enemy were to take place in the counties below this point, on the Neck, between the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers; also that a depot of supplies for the enemy existed at Heathsville, and that the mail between Baltimore and the South was received there, I dispatched a force by water to visit this and other points, and seize such supplies as they might find, and all persons and paper connected therewith. The results of the expedition are contained in the reports of Colonels Fairchild, Gavin, and others commanding the forces sent down.(*)

The horses and mules seized have been turned over to the First Army Corps, at the request of General Reynolds, to be taken up on the returns of his quartermaster. The provisions were turned over to his commissary, to be taken up on his return. The rest of the property mentioned in the inclosed reports, with the contrabands, have been ordered to be turned over to the chief quartermaster of this army. The mail bags contained a number of United States Government envelopes, which will be forwarded to the Postmaster-General. The bags themselves will be turned in to the postmaster at these headquarters for use. The mail matter, as soon as it has been examined by the provost-marshal, for the purpose of gaining any information therefrom useful here, will be forwarded to the Dead-Letter Office, in accordance with the provision of General Orders, No. 7, War Department, January 29, 1862. I also inclose, for the information of the commanding general, a copy of a letter this day transmitted to General Heintzelman, commanding the Defenses of Washington. I would also report that the commander of the Potomac flotilla has been ordered to send a vessel up the Rappahannock for the purpose of capturing or destroying the vessels used for transportation of supplies from the Neck to the enemy.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOSEPH HOOKER.,
Major-General, Commanding
[Inclosure]
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 18, 1863.
Major-General HEINTZELMAN,
Commanding, &c., Washington, D.C.:
GENERAL: Information from reliable sources has reached us here that sutlers, probably Jews, having your passes, drive through our lines ---some toward Warrenton, some for the ostensible purpose of coming to this army, via Occoquan and Dumfries, and, after getting out of your lines, meet sutlers or others from the enemy and dispose of the contents of their wagons. I am directed to communicate this information to you, and to request that you will permit no sutlers, traders, or any person on any pretext whatsoever to pass out of your lines in this direction for the purpose of coming to this army. The information spoken of, with regard to sutlers passing through your lines toward Warrenton, was received from prisoners of the enemy, who stated that they had seen Jews having your passes with wagons outside our lines, in the vicinity of Washington, who showed the passes when challenged by Stuart's cavalry, and then stated whom they intended to exchange their goods with, and were conducted to make the exchange, and were allowed to return with empty wagons into our lines.
I am, very respectfully, yours, &c.,
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General and Chief of Staff.
-----

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXV/2 [S# 40]
Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operations In Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, And Pennsylvania, From January 26 To June 2, 1863.
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.--#8
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 14, 1863. (Received 10.20 a.m.)
POSTMASTER, Washington, D. C.:
Major-General Hooker, commanding this army, would like to have the entire mails of to-day from his army detained twenty-four hours in your office, if you can do so with propriety. He has very urgent reasons for making this request, as you may readily imagine. Inform me whether or not you will comply.
RUFUS INGALLS,
Colonel and Quartermaster.
-----
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 14, 1863--5.30 p.m.
Major-General HOOKER:
Would like to have a letter from you as soon as convenient.
A. LINCOLN.
-----

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXVI/2 [S# 42]
Confederate Correspondence, Orders, And Returns Relating To Operation's In West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, And New Mexico, From May 14 To December 31, 1863.--#17
SAN ANTONIO, TEX.,
November 16, 1863.
Lieut. Col. A. G. DICKINSON,
Commanding Post:
SIR: The undersigned citizens of this city and vicinity, some of us holding civil positions under the Confederate States and State government, and not yet in the army, but being determined to defend the State as far as possible by our services as soldiers, would be glad to be informed as to the intentions of the military commander as to the probability of offering resistance to the invader at this point or before he shall reach here. This request is made in order that we may, as far as possible, remove our families and dependencies to a place of greater security, or within the lines of the army.

The landing of the Yankees at Brownsville and the depredations along the Rio Grande admonish us that every man should now enter the service, and to enable us to do so early enough to resist the invader, we should at once make proper disposition of our families and those dependent on us.

f you are not informed as to the intentions of the major-general commanding, you would greatly oblige us by making our requests known to him.
Very respectfully, &c.,
P. L. BUQUOR,
Mayor City of San Antonio.
E. C. DEWEY,
Postmaster.
THOS. J. DENAINE,
J. D. LOGAN,
Editors Herald.
W. B. LEIGH,
Editor San Antonio News.
G. W. PALMER,
C. S. Depositary.
S. A. MAVERICK,
Chief Judge, Bexar County.
-----

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXII/1 [S# 57]
MARCH 22, 1864.--Affair at Fancy Farms, Ky.
Report of Col. William H. Lawrence, Thirty-fourth New Jersey Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE POST,
Columbus, Ky., March 22, 1864.
Julian Sanderson, mail carrier between Columbus and Mayfield, reports that the postmaster at Fancy Farms, 10 miles south of Mayfield, was shot this morning; also the Catholic chapel at that place destroyed; that Willet & Boswell's store was entered, taking all their goods. They number about 50 men, and have taken off some 4 or 5 citizens as prisoners.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. HUDSON LAWRENCE,
Colonel Thirty-fourth New Jersey Vols., Comdg. Post.
Capt. J. H. ODLIN,
A. A. G., Cairo, Ill.
-----
O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXII/3 [S# 59]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN KENTUCKY, SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, TENNESSEE, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, AND NORTH GEORGIA FROM MARCH 1, 1864, TO APRIL 30, 1864.--#11
CONFIDENTIAL.] HDQRS. MIL. DIV. OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Nashville, Tenn., April 5, 1864.
Col. C. B. COMSTOCK,
General Grant's Staff, Washington, D.C.:
DEAR COLONEL: Your letter of March 26 came to me on the 2d instant, and the mail brought me the map yesterday.(*) The parcel had evidently been opened and the postmaster had marked some additional postage on it. I will cause inquiries to be made lest the map has been seen by some eye intelligent enough to read the meaning of the blue and red lines. We cannot be too careful in these matters.

That map, to me, contains more information and ideas than a volume of printed matter. Keep your retained copies with infinite care, and if you have occasion to send out to other commanders any more I would advise a special courier.

From that map I see all, and glad am I that there are minds now at Washington able to devise; and for my part, if we can keep our counsels I believe I have the men and ability to march square up to the position assigned me and to hold it. Of course it will cost us many a hard day, but I believe in fighting in a double sense: first, to gain physical results, and next, to inspire respect on which to build up our nation's power.

Of course General Grant will not have time to give me the details of movements east, and the times. Concurrent action is the thing. It would be wise that the general, through you or some educated officer, should give me timely notice of all contemplated movements, with all details that can be foreseen. I now know the results aimed at. I know my base and have a pretty good idea of my lines of operation. No time shall be lost in putting my forces in mobile condition, so that all I ask is notice of time, that all over the grand theater of war there shall be simultaneous action. We saw the beauty of time in the battle of Chattanooga, and there is no reason why the same harmony of action should not pervade a continent.

I am well pleased with Captain Poe, and would not object to half a dozen thoroughly educated young engineer officers.
I am, with respect, your friend,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General, Commanding.
-----

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.-- SERIES I--VOLUME XXXIII [S# 60]
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND PENNSYLVANIA, FROM JANUARY 1 TO APRIL 30, 1864.--#10
Abstract from statement of "local defenses, special service," in Richmond, on duty in Government Departments and Bureaus, April 21, 1864.
Battalions War Treasury Navy Postmaster-General's
Departmental 256 311 .... 77
Quartermaster's. 449 .... .... ....
Arsenal 559 .... .... ....
Armory 441 .... .... ....
Naval .... .... 633 ....
Tredegar 249 .... .... ....
Total 1,954 311 633 77

---------------------
O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XL/2 [S# 81]
UNION CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, FROM JUNE 13, 1864, TO JULY 4, 1864.--#11
POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT, INSPECTION DIVISION,
Washington, June 21, 1864.
A. H. MARKLAND, Esq.,
Special Agent Post-Office Department, Washington, D.C.:
SIR: The Postmaster-General directs that you report to Lieutenant-General Grant for duty as special agent of this Department in the supervision of the mail service to and from the army. Your experience with the armies in the West, and especially those under the command of General Grant, renders it unnecessary to enter into details as to the duties of the position to which you are assigned. The cheerful and effective co-operation of General Grant with the Post-Office Department in affording postal facilities to our troops in the field is an evidence that you need but to carry out such arrangements and details as experience has shown to be effectual in accomplishing beneficial results elsewhere to produce the same desirable ends in your new sphere of action. You will please communicate this order to Lieutenant-General Grant and place yourself at his disposal in accordance therewith.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. W. McLELLAN,
Second Assistant Postmaster-General.
-----

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLI/1 [S# 83]
OCTOBER 14, 1864.--Attack on Danville, Mo.
Report of Mr. S. A. Thompson.
WARRENTON, MO., October 27, 1864.
I beg leave to report that on the 14th a band of bushwhackers came to Danville, Montgomery County, and burned the business part of the town. They killed 5 citizens and wounded 1. The post-office at Danville was burned and all pertaining thereto. They kill all men they get hold of who have been in the U.S. Army. I have been in the U.S. Army, and am now postmaster at Danville, and am trying to reestablish said post-office, but cannot do so without military protection, and as postmaster I respectfully but earnestly ask that a company of soldiers be sent there to Danville, so that I can return and attend to my official duties without being brutally murdered.
Respectfully, &c.,
S. A. THOMPSON,
Postmaster, Danville, Mo.

Maj. Gen. W. S. ROSECRANS,
Commanding Missouri.

 

[M E Wolf]

O.R.--SERIES I--VOLUME XLVII/2 [S# 99]
CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA (FROM FEBRUARY 1), SOUTH CAROLINA, SOUTHERN GEORGIA, AND EAST FLORIDA, FROM JANUARY 1, 1865, TO MARCH 23, 1865.--#13
POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT, C. S. A.,
Richmond, March 1, 1865.
Hon. J. C. BRECKINRIDGE,
Secretary of War:
From information received this morning I fear the answer I sent you as to sending letters through without material delay to the southwest may require correction. I am now informed that the gauge of the railroad between Charlotte and Greensborough is being changed, and that the trains will not run through for some days. I mention this so that you may provide for any communications requiring special dispatch, as we cannot organize a line of postal communication in time to meet this necessity.
Very respectfully,
JOHN H. REAGAN,
Postmaster- General.
-----
I'm sure there is much more on the history of the U.S. Post Office/Post Master General

M. E. Wolf

 

[Freddy]

My GGF sent and received mail in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

April 16th. 1863 Kentucky
Received our first mail today since leaving Newport News. A mail in camp is always joyfully welcomed, today was especially so after having been without one for near three weeks, and called forth all sorts of demonstrations of joy and greeting. Received a letter from Abbie. Just after dress parade came orders to pack up and be ready to march. Were kept in waiting until 8 p.m. when we were allowed to turn in.

June 9th. 1863 Tennessee
Got on to a sand bar at near 10 last night and did not get off until near daylight this morning. Had a good night's rest saving being routed to go "aft" so as to lighten the bow. Our regiment occupies the upper deck so we are out in the open air. Received two papers from Benjamin.Boyden, very glad for them, as they will help me in spending some of the dull hours of boat sailing or steam boating. Got a ducking from a shower this afternoon. Nothing of much note for scenery as yet. Can hardly realize that I am steaming down "The Father of Waters." Passed "Island No. 10", nothing remarkable in its appearance, yet one cannot help regarding it somewhat particularly in view of the scenes which have been enacted upon it. Remains of the rebel rifle pits are yet to be seen; stretching round through the swamp can be traced the route through which Commodore Foote piloted his "mosquito" boats and thus flanked the rebels from the Island. Have passed but one town as yet, viz. Hickman. Low wooded lands make up the scenery of the riverbanks, here and there a log cabin or settlement of "loggers" engaged in cutting and supplying wood for the steamers. Stopped quite a while at one of these places to wood up.

June 22nd. 1863 Mississippi
Wrote letter to Nellie. The N.C.O.s of the company received instructions from Lt. Albert Pope today. He told us to be more earnest in using our authority, to be more careful to set a good example before the men in all that pertains to soldier life, and that hereafter we must salute every officer as we meet them. Took bath at nightfall. Have received no mail since leaving Memphis, miss it much, many feel sort of homesick.

July 2nd. 1863 Mississippi
Have had no mail now for most a month. Causing sort of homesickness. Had a fine bath last night. Were routed this morning at 4:00 AM mustered for two months pay. Went to pick blackberries and got three quarts. They are quite a treat to our daily routine of pork and hard tacks. Went into woods in afternoon, spending the time in sleeping, reading, and letter writing. Writing a letter to Carrie. Had a dress parade at which orders were given to have five roll calls per day viz. at reveille 9:30AM through 3:30PM, at dress parade and taps, this to keep men from straggling off from camp as having no drill gives leisure time in plenty.


July 4th.
Our glorious Fourth. It is doubtless to most of our nation a sad and mournful day. Our country still in the midst of a sad Civil War and which for two years has been almost seemingly fruitless. To human view final victory and success are yet afar off. This I feel this morning, but now later in the day with Vicksburg captured it seems as though the day when we can take up our homeward march with the rebellion crushed is drawing near. The news had come to us at noon that Vicksburg had surrendered with General Pemberton, 27,000 prisoners, 280 guns with small arms and it is difficult to describe the joy with which the news was received in the camp. We had counted upon nothing of note to occur by which we might celebrate the day, but with such news it could scarcely be otherwise than a "glorious Fourth." Another cheering surprise also greeted us, viz. a mail, our back mail from June 8th. Oh! How joyful was it received-men danced and capered like children, all could now say, "Ain't this a glorious "Fourth" as letters and papers in abundance were distributed. Received 6 letter and 3 papers, 2 letters from Abbie, 1 from Nellie, 1 from Oliver F. Bryant, 1 from William. H. Cheney, and 1 from L.A.T. A little shadow was cast over our enjoyment of the day as orders came in the afternoon, "ready to march at a moments notice with 6 days rations." With the capture of Vicksburg before us we could march feeling that we were at last really making progress in crushing the "Rebels" even upon "4th of July." Marched at 6 o'clock. Left our campground literally covered with newspapers the product of the day's mail, which we were obliged to leave behind unread. Made 5 miles dust awful were completely grimed with it and sweat and looked more like walking meal bags than soldiers in blue. Bivouacked in a wood. Passed numberless deserted camps recently occupied by Western troops. All seem now to be on the move. Doubtless plans are laid to catch General Johntson and his army. Picked two quarts of blackberries this morning going about two miles from camp. Had a 4th of July dinner of them and pork, hard tacks and tea. Believe this to be the first 4th I ever spent away from home. Had many imaginings as to how my folks were spending the day.

October 19th. 1863 Tennessee
Marched at 9 a.m. and camped 1/4 mile NW of Knoxville. Laid out camp in regular military order. Received our first mail since leaving Kentucky. Received two letters from Abbie, one from L. A. T. one from A. B. Norris and one from Ephriam A. Roberts informing us of his whereabouts. A pass was given him allowing him to "fall out" on our 3rd day, he was obliged to go into a house by the where he stays now confined mostly to his bed with a colored woman for a nurse. Writes that he is homesick and anxious to get to the regiment. Scarcely had we got tents pitched ere reports came that we were ordered to be ready to move at any time. Had dress parade and inspection much to the disgust of most of the regiment who felt that our Major who was in command was much too hard on us, to call for such maneuvers as soon after our march. Troops are in camp all about the city. We have a fine view of the city from our camp. Fortifications are in process of construction on some of the hills about the city.

 

[JRJ]

My GGF sent and received mail in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

April 16th. 1863 Kentucky
Received our first mail today since leaving Newport News. A mail in camp is always joyfully welcomed, today was especially so after having been without one for near three weeks, and called forth all sorts of demonstrations of joy and greeting. Received a letter from Abbie. Just after dress parade came orders to pack up and be ready to march. Were kept in waiting until 8 p.m. when we were allowed to turn in.

June 9th. 1863 Tennessee
Got on to a sand bar at near 10 last night and did not get off until near daylight this morning. Had a good night's rest saving being routed to go "aft" so as to lighten the bow. Our regiment occupies the upper deck so we are out in the open air. Received two papers from Benjamin.Boyden, very glad for them, as they will help me in spending some of the dull hours of boat sailing or steam boating. Got a ducking from a shower this afternoon. Nothing of much note for scenery as yet. Can hardly realize that I am steaming down "The Father of Waters." Passed "Island No. 10", nothing remarkable in its appearance, yet one cannot help regarding it somewhat particularly in view of the scenes which have been enacted upon it. Remains of the rebel rifle pits are yet to be seen; stretching round through the swamp can be traced the route through which Commodore Foote piloted his "mosquito" boats and thus flanked the rebels from the Island. Have passed but one town as yet, viz. Hickman. Low wooded lands make up the scenery of the riverbanks, here and there a log cabin or settlement of "loggers" engaged in cutting and supplying wood for the steamers. Stopped quite a while at one of these places to wood up.

June 22nd. 1863 Mississippi
Wrote letter to Nellie. The N.C.O.s of the company received instructions from Lt. Albert Pope today. He told us to be more earnest in using our authority, to be more careful to set a good example before the men in all that pertains to soldier life, and that hereafter we must salute every officer as we meet them. Took bath at nightfall. Have received no mail since leaving Memphis, miss it much, many feel sort of homesick.

July 2nd. 1863 Mississippi
Have had no mail now for most a month. Causing sort of homesickness. Had a fine bath last night. Were routed this morning at 4:00 AM mustered for two months pay. Went to pick blackberries and got three quarts. They are quite a treat to our daily routine of pork and hard tacks. Went into woods in afternoon, spending the time in sleeping, reading, and letter writing. Writing a letter to Carrie. Had a dress parade at which orders were given to have five roll calls per day viz. at reveille 9:30AM through 3:30PM, at dress parade and taps, this to keep men from straggling off from camp as having no drill gives leisure time in plenty.


July 4th.
Our glorious Fourth. It is doubtless to most of our nation a sad and mournful day. Our country still in the midst of a sad Civil War and which for two years has been almost seemingly fruitless. To human view final victory and success are yet afar off. This I feel this morning, but now later in the day with Vicksburg captured it seems as though the day when we can take up our homeward march with the rebellion crushed is drawing near. The news had come to us at noon that Vicksburg had surrendered with General Pemberton, 27,000 prisoners, 280 guns with small arms and it is difficult to describe the joy with which the news was received in the camp. We had counted upon nothing of note to occur by which we might celebrate the day, but with such news it could scarcely be otherwise than a "glorious Fourth." Another cheering surprise also greeted us, viz. a mail, our back mail from June 8th. Oh! How joyful was it received-men danced and capered like children, all could now say, "Ain't this a glorious "Fourth" as letters and papers in abundance were distributed. Received 6 letter and 3 papers, 2 letters from Abbie, 1 from Nellie, 1 from Oliver F. Bryant, 1 from William. H. Cheney, and 1 from L.A.T. A little shadow was cast over our enjoyment of the day as orders came in the afternoon, "ready to march at a moments notice with 6 days rations." With the capture of Vicksburg before us we could march feeling that we were at last really making progress in crushing the "Rebels" even upon "4th of July." Marched at 6 o'clock. Left our campground literally covered with newspapers the product of the day's mail, which we were obliged to leave behind unread. Made 5 miles dust awful were completely grimed with it and sweat and looked more like walking meal bags than soldiers in blue. Bivouacked in a wood. Passed numberless deserted camps recently occupied by Western troops. All seem now to be on the move. Doubtless plans are laid to catch General Johntson and his army. Picked two quarts of blackberries this morning going about two miles from camp. Had a 4th of July dinner of them and pork, hard tacks and tea. Believe this to be the first 4th I ever spent away from home. Had many imaginings as to how my folks were spending the day.

October 19th. 1863 Tennessee
Marched at 9 a.m. and camped 1/4 mile NW of Knoxville. Laid out camp in regular military order. Received our first mail since leaving Kentucky. Received two letters from Abbie, one from L. A. T. one from A. B. Norris and one from Ephriam A. Roberts informing us of his whereabouts. A pass was given him allowing him to "fall out" on our 3rd day, he was obliged to go into a house by the where he stays now confined mostly to his bed with a colored woman for a nurse. Writes that he is homesick and anxious to get to the regiment. Scarcely had we got tents pitched ere reports came that we were ordered to be ready to move at any time. Had dress parade and inspection much to the disgust of most of the regiment who felt that our Major who was in command was much too hard on us, to call for such maneuvers as soon after our march. Troops are in camp all about the city. We have a fine view of the city from our camp. Fortifications are in process of construction on some of the hills about the city.

Facinating, thank you so much for posting these! Do you know whom Abbie is? Your GGF seems to mention her a lot, either in writing or awaiting hers.

 

[Freddy]

Facinating, thank you so much for posting these! Do you know whom Abbie is? Your GGF seems to mention her a lot, either in writing or awaiting hers.

Abbie, Carrie, and Nellie were his younger sisters. Abbie never married, died in 1912, and is buried with her parents in Westwood, MA.

 

[JRJ]

Abbie, Carrie, and Nellie were his younger sisters. Abbie never married and is buried with her parents.

I'm sure any letters from them were cherished dearly.

 

[Freddy]

I'm sure any letters from them were cherished dearly.

Unfortunately, I only have 7 letters of the hundreds he wrote.

 

[JRJ]

Unfortunately, I only have 7 letters of the hundreds he wrote.

What a shame, what a shame.

Do you know what unit he served with? You now hold my attention

 

[Freddy]

What a shame, what a shame.

Do you know what unit he served with? You now hold my attention

Click on the link below to his diary.

 

[JRJ]

Click on the link below to his diary.

Didn't even notice that, thank you for the post. I have bookmarked that and I will read it tomorrow hopefully. Thank you for your input on this thread, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[JRJ]

I guess I had not noticed how much the Postal Offices depended upon the railroad by this time. Seems it was very vital. Was horseback no longer an efficient means of delievering mail?

 

[M E Wolf]

I guess I had not noticed how much the Postal Offices depended upon the railroad by this time. Seems it was very vital. Was horseback no longer an efficient means of delievering mail?

Some mail is still delivered by horseback -- There was a post mistress where snow was so high that she rode her horse as to deliver the mail.

In some areas of West Virginia, some residents are in the deep of the forests and mountains and they take a mule to deliver the mail and if necessary a pack mule, so I am told by my brother-in-law who visited a person with a dental emergency and had to walk in and was picked up by a mule and cart to be taken in the rest of the way.

I'm not sure if those still living in the basin of the Grand Canyon are still dependent on mule trains to get things in and out. Back in the 1960's when there on vacation, it was the only way in and out and mail was delivered and received in such a manner by the resident Native Indian Tribes there.

M. E. Wolf

 

[James B White]

I guess I had not noticed how much the Postal Offices depended upon the railroad by this time. Seems it was very vital. Was horseback no longer an efficient means of delievering mail?

Not if there was a railroad or steamboat running to where the mail needed to go. One baggage car could carry for more than a man on horseback, and far faster unless there was an expensive pony express relay-type system set up--which is why the pony express went out of business so quickly.

It's not much different than today, when most mail goes by air or four-lane highway when it can, and is only taken by small vehicles on back roads when there's no better choice, or, as M. E. Wolf notes, by horseback when even vehicles aren't a choice.

Oh, and I should add, if you mean literally horseback, even mail stages were more efficient than saddlebags, when roads were good enough, which they mostly were.

Mail carriers also had the advantage over today, in that they didn't need to deliver to every house, so merely getting the mail to a small town center was good enough and they didn't need to travel every single road.

 

[JRJ]

Was there a charge? How was it handled?
Was post ever suspended during the war for the North?