Albert Potter Civil War letters vol 2 ***** Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. This message must appear on all copied files. Commercial copying must have permission. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ Submitted by Michael Ruddy Henry Albert Potter writes his sister Amelia in this rather light-hearted letter, describing the grand review held in Murfreesboro by Rosecrans. Potter states his belief Rosecrans will never be defeated. Murfreesboro, Tenn. Wednesday Mar 17th Dear Sis Having time, I will scratch you a line to tell you of my continued good health and prospects. Am getting along finely in my new company. Oh! Such splendid weather as we are having at presetn. At home I can imagine how muddy and disagreeable it is yet. While here the tree are some of them looking quite green. I saw one today fully leaved. They call it box elder. Peach trees are in bloom. I send some buds and blossoms. They grew on rebel soil and I suppose are budding traitors. Their color though is not butternut. We had a grand review and inspection of all the Cavalry Force in the Department or nearly all by Maj Gen Rosecrans yesterday at 12 M It was a grand sight. The Review was on a large common 2 miles from town. There was one large flag with the Gen’l and then the "star" flags of each Brigadier or Commander of Brigade numbered to show which each commanded and then most of the different Companies had their Guidions. All together made a handsome show with the officers with their full uniforms and white gauntlets and red sashes. Gen Stanley[David S Stanley] wore a Yellow Sash. The maj gen wore none at all. Rosecrans is a large well proportioned man, looks about forty five. Is quite bald as I could see when he saluted the Brigadiers. He looks good-natured and benevolent. Has a large Roman nose slightly hooked as he passed us on a gallop with his staff. He said "good morning, gentlemen! I am glad to see you all out this morning." And a little further on "you are the hope of the army. Do you mind that?" and on he went talking along the line and encouraging the men. Mrs Rosecrans was at the Review also. I was not close to her. She was dressed in black and rode a splendid horse. I believe Gen Rosecrans is the most popular Gen’l in the army of the Union. He has never been whipped and permit me to say he never will be. The army in this department has the prestige of success and victory and we intend to keep our name good. The rumor prevails here at the present that Vicksburg is evacuated and the army moving up to crush us out. How much truth there is in the report I can’t tell. We will be ready for them at any rate. Prospect is that we will get pay up to Dec 31 tomorrow. Will get it this week, I think without fail. The boys in B Co are all well, I believe, I have not heard from John[John N Gilbert, Ovid] since I wrote you last. Direct to Hospital No 8 Nashville. There at present, have written to Stephan V. , Elder Bassers and quite a no. lately. My love to you all. I got out in command of a picket guard 7am tomorrow. Good Bye. Write soon. My love to all Albert ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter writes his father, obviously the weather and his health are good; but, he muses on death, and seems to say it is human nature which allows us to put thoughts of death away but reason, which we should use, to keep us thinking of our mortality. Sunday March 22nd [1863] Dear Father We are having beautiful weather here at present. Nice, warm, growing spring days. Much trees are all in blossom. I am fat and healthy yet like my new company and place firstrate. I rec’d a letter from John today saying you were all well. I am glad. I often think that before I start home some of you may be taken away from this scene and stage of action. And I feel sad , and how much more you will say. Ought I to think of myself having so much more risk to run but you know how natural it is for man to put all such thoughts far away with the future, and especially the Soldiers, but this is no excuse for any man. Human Nature is not reason which should be used. I expect to be mustered tomorrow as Lieut. The Col read a telegram from the governor saying that my appointment was approved and my commission would be sent by mail with a no. of others. The Col thinks my commission will date from Feb 16. I will rank from that day but do not expect to draw pay, only from date of Commission approved is rec’d – ie. from yesterday. I intend to be as saving as possible. I am making, now, more than I ever did before and intend to improve it if my life is spared, to benefit all of us. I am earning it easy too. How easily I cannot tell but it does not seem to me I should be killed. I may be wounded perhaps, you have my feelings. I do not feel fearful at all. ----- I wish you would send me a lot of stamps they are hard to get here at all times. No use to send me papers. John writes that Mrs Baker is dead and Egleston very low. How is Lafayette getting along? I have written quite a no. of letters lately I do not think we will make a forward movement right away. I am not sure but that we will have to fight here again but hardly think so. The rebels are getting saucy. Our whole line of pickets was attacked simultaneously yesterday morn but were ready for them. Give my love to all, and write all that you are doing and going to do. From your affectionate son. Albert --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter writes to his sister, recounts a lot of people who have died at home as well as in camp. Remonstrates with her for worrying about him now he is a Lieutenant and would like to have cotton underclothes instead of woolen. (Who wouldn't?) Monday, Mar 30, /63 Dear Sis I rec’d your long and good letter yesterday. I was glad to hear you were all well. Sorry so many are sick or dead. I know Mrs French is dead. Lt Col Park[Josiah B Park, Ovid] arrived here on Friday reported you all are well. Said things were about as usual, you could see Ovid yet for the houses. I have not heard from Norm S.[Norman Smith: he died the next day, Mar 31, "of disease"] in some time. He is not well yet. Charley Wrisler of the Colony[Conrad Wrisler or Wresler of Duplain: died Mar 24] is dead. He died suddenly of Fever. He was as faithful a man as I ever knew. He was just promoted to Sergeant in his Company. I send my likeness to day by Levi Bigelow. He has got his discharge at last. I am glad. The picture is not a good one. Too light but I thought perhaps I would have no better chance. So I send it along. I have not been well the past week. Had some cold and chills and fever. But am better now. Got a very sore mouth – so that I could not enjoy those delicious biscuits and molasses! Oh! Well you had a very pleasant and interesting acquaintance in your dream. Would not smile or notice you. Dr Neitch is a villian. I don’t know the use of being lonesome or sad and I don’t want you to be. I don’t want to come home and see you moping around all you, telling everybody you see, Oh! I wish Albert was home. I wouldn’t be at home now if I had staid at home. Some others would have been here and to shape up these men would have been a drafting in Ovid and I might have been the first one that would have been pleasant. It is right just as it is and it is my duty to be here. Suppose I am killed. I have no wife or children left for others to care for. And you will have the same good care you have always had. But I don’t intend to be killed. The rebel was never born that was smart enough to hit me. I may die with disease and so I might at home. I am in no more dangerous place than I was as Sergeant. You may send that box as soon as convenient. I had a bite of Maple Sugar that Col Park [Josiah B Park]brought from his folks. Just as aggravating – send me a couple of cotton shirts for under shirts. I can’t wear woolen next to me, and some cotton stockings and anything else good to eat. I have not heard from John[probably John Gilbert] in sometime. That is by letter, I don’t know why he don’t write. I write him and sent some money but he has not answered. Lieut Carter[Julius M Carter] saw him and said he was getting along as well as possible but could not leave his bed yet. I am going to write him today. There is no need of Mr Lounsbury’s people nursing any hope that Herman is alive [Herman H Lounsbury died Dec 31, 1862 in Murfreesboro]. I saw him myself the day before he died just as we all went out on a scout. And I did not think he would live then. He was moved to the hospital the next day which was too much for him and he died at night. Hiram Knowles[Hiram J Knowles: also died at Mufreesboro May 12, 1863] went down and was satisfied. There is no signs of a forward movement at present. If you send a box direct Lieut. In care of Lt Col Park and it will receive more attention, so also with letters. I must close. Give my love to all my friends and all write Good bye, Albert ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter got a quick promotion from 2nd LT to 1st LT and writes home to tell about it. The Confederates he is fighting daily never seem to get him angry, however, "Coppeheads", the Northern Democrats, which in our day are called "Doves", do set him off every time he hears of their opposition to the draft or the war. Headquarters Co H Apr 3rd 1863 Father I suppose I should inform you of all my good luck, well then. I am now a 1st Lieutenant and in command of "H" company. The Capt (Abeel) [Alfred Abeel, Deerborn, taken prisoner supposedly ‘under a flag of truce’ before Stones River on Dec 21, 1862-MR] is a prisoner in Atlanta, Ga. and will probably stay there some time. I am in full command and will be responsible for (--?) the same as Capt. I take Lt Leach’s[Wesley H Leach] place, he is now Capt of Company "A" -- There are few who are doin as well as I am and I have friends on every hand. Pay is the same as 2nd Lt. With the addition of $10 extra as Com’d’r of Company. I was not expecting another honor so soon and it took me entirely by surprise. I do not like to take so much responsibility but can do it, if I must. I have a good lot of boys. I will get along without any trouble. I have not been well the past week, was taken with chills and fever and fearing it would end in a regular course of fever, I took a heavy dose of Calomel and now I have a sore mouth. It is much better than it was and I feel better myself, shall soon be as well as ever again. The Brigade and Regt are out on a five day scout. I was not well and therefore did not go. It is the first one I have missed in a long time. What are your sentiments as regards conscripts law and the prosecution of the war. I cannot believe are opposed to either altho claiming to be a Democrat. I tell you the men in the army are death on the Copperheads. By these I mean men who are opposed to every move of the government and are crying for peace and compromise. What Peace can we have? What Compromise can we make? We can have peace by recognizing them as a government. We can have compromise with them in no other way and then they will claim Ky and Tenn are the people searching for such a peace as this would be? Are they satisfied with such terms? Then why not rise in union and crush them out. Is this the time to argue about politics? Verily; no! The business of the North should be to stop their traitorous mouths and let not another word go in the hungry ears of the South and to send us more men. They can hold out not much longer, I believe things are approaching a crisis already and ere long the affair will be solved. – Right will triumph. My love to all. If you could send me a small trunk instead of a box it would be better as I need one very much. From Your Affectionate son Albert Direct Lieut H. A. Potter Com’d’g Co "H" [In the margin of the letter is the following] Mother , I would like to see you. Oh! How well & hope is ere long. I am getting real gray hairs are honorable, you know, especially for [---lost at the edge] [written vertically on the 3rd page is the following] Its generally supposed that I wear about as many bars as that great man you saw in Detroit Lt Carter[Julius M Carter] – He is yet a 1st Lt, he was promoted to fill Shepard’s place and it affected him so that another promotion it is thought would prove too much for him. He is troubled with "promotion on the Brain" a very serious disease – say nothing about this he always uses me well enough. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter, always a Repulican, carries a metaphoric cliche on the "ship of state" to ridiculous lengths in another tirade against the Democrats of Ovid, Michigan. Proud of his new promotion he signs his letter as 'commanding Co H'. Headquarters Co. "H" 4th M. Cav Apr 14th 1863 Dear ones all I re’c’d a letter from home to night. We just came in from a scout. Have been out since last Thursday morning. Our Brigade has not done much. We were over near Franklin. Van Dorn is hovering around to see what he may devour. He made a dash into Franklin on Friday. But got rather severely handled. We killed about one hundred, officers and all, while our loss was but a trifle compared to theirs. The Fourth Regulars captured a Battery of six pieces but they were not supported and consequently were obliged to give it up again. Although they succeeded in disabling a part of it by cutting the spokes in the wheels. I am feeling firstrate again. I got a letter from John Gilbert also today. He gets along slowly. I’m afraid he does not have as good treatment as he should , would like to go him but cannot at present. He has a good appetite, but can’t get enough to allay it. We have had several nice showers & the woods are beginning to look quite green. Apple and Plums trees are in blossom. The fields of wheat and grass are starting up. And all nature is looking pretty. You well see the negro women out in the field planting corn and holding plow. I’ve got used to it all here but it would seem odd at home. I am sorry to hear that Ovid is so far gone. Although I think the Democrats of Ovid are generally loyal and vote accordingly. They still cling to the old ship "Democracy" not knowing seemingly how rotten a hulk she now is. They seem to think that the NAME is sufficient to carry them safely through – but after having been afflicted with a dry rot ever since 1850. And running into the old ship Constitution at Charleston, thereby losing the most of their important machinery and causing such a leak, That ever since they have been going down. I should think the passengers would be getting uneasy and want to take passage in a safer boat. Such a one for instance as the "Liberty Union" a double decker capable of carrying more than any other boat in the world. And sailing the fastest with or against the current. Passengers on board this boat have confidence in their pilot as his compass never fails and they are certain of reaching their destination sooner than any other boat for they have taken the nearest route. Consequently they have no reason to argue among themselves or to find fault with others who are doing better than they can do. I would like to have seen H C Smith elected as Supervisor and John Gilbert a justice, they deserve it. They are unconditional Union Men. Wm Shepard is not safe he is running fast but he is in a wheelbarrow running on the planks of the treacherous ship "Democracy." I am sorry you can’t send a box. I had got my mouth fixed for Maple Sugar. Hiram Knowles[Hiram J Knowles, Ovid] is getting better. Alf Shepard[Alpheus F Shepard, Ovid] also Billy Egleston[William R Egleston, Ovid]is tough as ever. Lorenzo[Lorenzo T Southworth, Ovid]] is now first Sergeant of Co "B." I commenced on nothing and am now spun out. Write often. My love to all my friends. Tell Frank Shepard to write me a letter. I remain as ever Your Soldier boy Henri Albert Potter Lt Com’d’g Co. "H" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter, still in good health himself, sees one of his friends die. His command sets up an ambush. He awaits the publishing of a letter he wrote to the local newspaper. Headquarters Co "H" Camp ‘Park’, Murfreesboro Thursday May 14, 1863 Dear Sister I must write you a line today. We have moved our camp farther from town in a nice piece of woods, cool and shady. We call it ‘Park’ Camp and like the name it is appropriate, it is a park and we like to Honor our Col that soon will be [Josiah B Park, Ovid, mustered as Lt Col May 23, 1863]. I am telling you the same old story. My continued good health, but you don’t get sick of it do you? It is a good story. I hope I may always hear the same from home and be able to write it every time…. But with my health I must tell you of death. Hiram Knowles is gone! He died Tuesday morning …. So we pass along! Consumption was his disease as near as I could judge. I visited him last week. He looked very bad. Coughed and ??ed a good deal and was weak. His discharge papers were made out some time ago and forwarded, but nothing has been heard of them since. He won’t need them Now. He was anxious about them when I saw him. Spoke of home and did not seem to think he was going to die. I could not bear to tell him. He was worried about the ??. I told him it would be all right and not to worry and not to be uneasy. I shook hands with him and said Good Bye … I knew it would be the last time. But He did not. Father, He spoke about buying his lot. I wrote to you about it. You can use your own judgment. I hardly believe we want it. Do as you think best….. I will see that his business is arranged as much as I can. I will speak to Lieut. Carter [Julius M Carter, Ovid] about it. He has not drawn much pay. I don’t know how much is due him - quite an amount. I have to borrow all the money I use. I have not been mustered. I have Pay due me from Dec 31 and Lieut’s pay from Apr 6th. I have bought me a new sash, $10.00 and a new Dress Coat and Straps. I have not got a Bill of that yet about $35, I expect. I was out on Picket last Sunday and had quite a little adventure. Captured 3 Rebels and their Horses and Saddles and arms complete. Quite a feather in MY cap…. Several of the rebs had been seen for 2 or 3 days back, on the road in front and they nearly all stopped at a home about a mile beyond my videttes. I thought perhaps I could nab them, so I took a Relief, mounted, and went to our outpost a little before Daylight. I then dismounted tied my horse and had seven of my men do the same, ordering the remainder to come to our support if they heard firing. We went down cautiously to the house. I sent a man to the left and right of the road, for you know, we were outside of our lines and did not know what we would come across. We got to the house about daylight, surrounded it. No one there, but , the owners, strong old sesesh, Alexander by name. Presently we saw 3 horsemen come up the road. We secreted ourselves so that if they came to the house we could surround them. They came on, my men ran out in the road in the rear of them – cried surrender. One of them, who had had his gun in his hand all the time, raised it as if to shoot. When quicker than thought my boys fired. One ball struck his hip and came out just below his belt in abdomen. Another on struck his wrist another one struck his horse. I hollered at the men to stop firing or they would have killed him. I felt sorry for him, smart good looking, if he had not raised his gun the boys would not have fired. He died in a day or two. I expected the firing would draw more of them upon us and when the ambulance came, I took 20 men with me and went down. But no one came in sight. Since then they have kept a ?fire there all the time. I must close if my letter is published in the Clinton Rep., send me a copy. My box has not come. I am asking for it. Write soon. Albert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter finds out his letter to his home town paper has created some controversy and hurriedly confirms what we suspected all along, that he is in possession of "Truth" and his critics only need a dose of army life and they, too, will see things his way. We see that although Union soldiers may have fought to free the slaves, their viewpoint is far from modern. The regimental band gets new instruments and he cautions not to look for a quick end to the war. Camp Park 5-17-1863 Dear Father I like to get letters from home. I like to hear that you are well. I am sorry if there is any one offended by my letters in the Republican. I only stated my own individual opinion and in saying that the army as a whole concurred in those views. I told the truth, but the Cutting truth is not prudent at all times and especially in these dark times in regard to politics. Here in the army we all think alike in regard to the offended ones as a balm for their grief, I would respectfully recommend the conscript law. Let them come. They need enlightenment. I am well. We are enjoying quite a rest here in our Brigade. We have not had a Scout since McMinnville. Only Picket and guard duty to perform. Our Horses are feeling nice. We take them out once a day to graze, besides the oats and corn they get. We are ready to move at a moment’s warning, but there are no signs of it at present. Our position in Virginia is not changed a great deal. There seems to be a clog somewhere in that Army what do you suppose it is? The Band have received their new instruments. They are splendid. They play every evening here in the woods. It sounds so nice. I am sorry that there should be any feeling shown of the kind George S exhibits. It looks very much like jealousy if he were in my place he would also have a "nigger waiter". I wrote to Esquire Shepard not long ago. I expect a heavy shot. That is if he deigns to answer at all. It matters not. Why don’t Mr Gilbert write me a letter of (my letter) The Rep[ublican] I have almost forgotten what I did write. I am going to write again soon. What did you say about Josh Rapler. I was not surprised for I expected it, but I did not know that John’s[John Gilbert, Ovid] leg had been amputated. It is awful. I can hardly believe it. He has not wrote me in a long time. I suppose he has not been able to. I have not rec’d my box yet, am looking for it still. Do you suppose that Mr Gilbert’s people blame me for influencing John to enlist? As it has turned out, I am sorry he did and poor Hiram [Hiram Knowles, Ovid] too. Thank you Frank, for the flowers – but we have all kinds here. Don’t flatter yourself mother on an early closing of the war. I expect to stay my three years out. But I am coming home this fall, if possible, and all things work well, I am going to have my likeness taken again to send you before long. Give my love to all my friends, if I have any and write soon. Your affectionate son Albert The stamps came good Write often. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry Albert Potter writes "John" (Probably John Gilbert of Ovid, his friend) with erroneous news from Vicksburg and wishful thinking about a quick end to the war. Captain Abeel, who was captured under a flag of truce during the prelude to Stones River (according to the 4th Cavalry commander, Col Minty but vehemently denied by General Bragg) returns from captivity fit and well which ends Potter's role as commander of Company H. Camp Park, Murfreesboro May 26th 1863 Dear John I will write you a line tonight telling you I am well. I have not been feeling firstrate lately, caught a bad cold which ?? some and I have rather a bilious turn not much appetite but I begin to be all right again. We are getting glorious news from Grant – if it is only true. We have the word here today that Vicksburg is ours with 20 or 30,000 prisoners. I do hope it is so. But he has certainly done a big thing if it is not so and everybody is encouraged. [Vicksburg did not fall until July 4th, 1863, what had actually happened was that on the 14th of May, General Grant captured Jackson, MS and effectively cut off all chance of CSA General J E Johnston getting reinforcements to Pemberton in Vicksburg] We are ready to move at anytime and I believe the army here will do something soon. There is a possibility that the 1st Cavalry Brigade will be stationed here thro’ the campaign but we know not for a certainty. We have had orders to burn a supply of charcoal to last at least two months. That looks like staying….. We done a good thing the other day down at Middleton near Shelbyville. You will see it in the papers. We traveled all night through the roughest country you ever saw and came on them at daylight, the 1st Alabama and 8th Confed found them in bed and such a scampering but I was not there, but was sorry I was not well enough. We captured over 100 prisoners and all their camp and some fine horses, 200, I believe. We got their colors (1st Ala). Some of Co B’s boys[Ovid Company] had a hand in that. Lew Wilcox [Lewis H Wilcox, Ovid] was one of them. We are going to send it to the governor of the state as a relic. With some resolutions which you will also see in the papers. It was a good strike. I hear that the account of the capture of the 3 rebs that I took is in the Tribune. I have not seen it. It is in the 19th. Our captain Abeel is back[Alfred Abeel, Dearborn, taken prisoner on the move toward Murfreesboro before Stones River] to the company again. He is tough and fat, so I am not in command now. The boys do not like him very well. I don’t know how I will like him. But Col Park[Josiah Park] told me he was going to transfer me to the command of "M" Co for the present as the officers in that Co are sick. I don’t know how it will be -- don’t care much but I like this Co firstrate…. I wish you could come down and see us, we have warm weather, rather too warm now but such nice nights. Moonlight now. Maj Gen Stanley [David S Stanley] visited us and is visiting with the Col now. The band are getting out now to serenade him. We have got the new instruments. Silver. I will tell you they are handsome. Our band is going to be the best in the Dept. The instruments cost $800. I believe this thing will be nearly wound up this summer. All things look bright now. If Hooker would only do something to count. You see the rebs are pressed at every point. They are in hot water. We are on every side of them and it does look as if they could not stand long against us. Col Park told me he wrote you a long letter, have you got it? I have no news to tell you and will wait till morning before I finish… Next Morning Write soon all the news Albert