TRUMBULL COUNTY OHIO - LETTERS & DIARY: CORY, Dwight Cory [Civil War] *************************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. *************************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Wendy L. Miller wink@abts.net November 7, 1998 *************************************************************************** Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary ------------------------------------ Introduction Dwight Henry Cory was born January 23, 1841 in Greene, Trumbull County, Ohio.  He was the son of Orin Cory and Polly Phillips and married Harriet Matilda Rice October 19, 1865.  Harriet and Dwight exchanged letters while he was engaged with the 6th OH Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War.  Dwight also kept a diary during at least part of  that time which is in my possession.   His unit was present at many battles (outlined below in his words) including Gettysburg.  Many of the people mentioned in the letters between Dwight and Harriet were family or close friends from Greene.  A few of the letters to Dwight are from Harriet's older sister, Melissa.  One letter from Dwight is to his younger sister, Sylvia, who evidently kept these letters that Dwight sent home. They were in the possession of my grandmother's older sister's family before being passed down to me.   If you have information about any of the individuals mentioned in these letters, especially Liberty Raymond who seems to have had an attraction for Harriet, please let me know.  Thank-you for allowing me to share this most special remembrance with you.   Please do not reproduce these letters in any form without permission from me; it is my desire to share the history without denigrating the memory of the people mentioned.     These writings were transcribed from the originals without changes in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. Wendy Loveless Miller Daughter of John Edgar Loveless; granddaughter of Harriet Cory Belt; great-granddaughter of Alma Lavinia Cory; great-great-granddaughter of Dwight Henry and Harriet Matilda Rice Cory. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The following was written by Dwight: Battles Engaged in by D. H. Cory May - '61 to Close - '65 Hanover, OH May 20 - 61 Fair Oaks, VA May 31 - 61 Cross Keys Jan 8 - 62 Cedar Mt. Aug 9 - 62 Bull Run, VA Aug 30 - 62 Chantilly, VA Sept 1 - 62 South Mt. Sept 14 - 62 Antietam [Sharpsburg, MD] Sept 17 - 62 Fredericksburg, VA Dec 18 - 62 Suffolk, VA May 1 - 63 Chancellorsville, VA May 3 - 63 Gettysburg, PA July 3 - 63 Cumb. Gap Sept 9 - 63 Bristol Sta. Sept 14 - 63 Wilderness [VA] May 5-12 - 64 Spotsylvania C. H., VA May 5-12 - 64 Petersburg, VA June 18 - 64 Weldon R. R. June 22 - 64 Petersburg, VA July 30 - 64 Weldon R. R. Aug 25 - 64 Petersburg, VA Oct 1 - 64 Cedar Creek, VA Oct 19 - 64 Hatcher's Run Oct 27 - 64 Petersburg, VA March 19 - 65 Five Forks April 1 - 65 & to finish Not mentioned St. Mary's Church short but sharp -------------------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 1 [note: This letter was heavily edited and punctuated apparently at a later date by a different hand in pencil. For example "Old Kill" is crossed out and Gen. Kilpatrick is written in it's place. Possibly parts of this letter were used in a speech as all the personal information was crossed out. Throughout this and the coming letters Libbie Braden is a female and Liberty Raymond (also referred to as Lib or Libbie) is a male. Dwight seldom used any punctuation in his letters except underlining. Some punctuation has occasionally been added for clarity but most letters were copied as written.] Camp in the Woods near the battlefield of Antiatam, MD July 12th, Sunday, 1863 Dear Parents, Brothers & Sisters I received four letters from home (and its vicinity) day before yesterday. One from Mother, one from Sylvia and one from John and Emily. One from Debra French and one from Libbie Braden. These all were read with great pleasure. What did you do on the 4th to celebrate the birthday of the U.S. We, the troops of Gen Kilpatrick's brigade, went over the mountain and took 1500 prisoners and 160 wagons loaded with all kinds of stores that they had taken in Pa, and about 100 wounded Rebs. We started in pursuit of the train, about four in the p.m. and rode all night and it rained and was very dark, but this didn't hinder our artillery from sending a shot through five or six wagons as they were going along the road. Then our men, mostly from our reg. charged among them and took the whole thing, including Gen. Jones who was dressed as a citizen. I tell you there is not a general in the whole service that stands higher in the estimation of Old Kill than ours. As an instance of this a short time ago a certain Reg. in our brig. was ordered to charge but some officers remonstrated that it wasn't safe. What! afraid are you? Send for one squadron of the 6th Ohio. They ain't afraid says old Kilpatrick, and this is the only gen. who ever led us in person. Yes, Mother I am very rugged and hearty, my weight is 158 only but I feel well, and the heat don't effect me as much as it would if I was more fleshy. In a word, I am down to my "fighting weight" and I try to do as you tell me in every thing for I am coming home some time if nothing happens and I don't want to be whipped when I get there for anything I have done or not done here. Yes John I knew you would be ashamed of your negligence when I put the matter before you in its true light. I have always been good to you and there is no reason why you should alight me now, but your good resolution fails and Emily is your next resort. Well Emily I am glad you went to see Libbie. If you did it on my account I will thank you and relieve you of the necessity when I get home. If you could see the letters that I receive from her, so kind and friendly and at the same time so reserved you would not wonder that I try to appreciate such friendship. I wish I could keep all the letters that I get here in the army, but they are so numerous that I can't and have to burn them after the tenth reading for fear the rebs or some one else may get hold of them. Not that I don't feel proud of every letter I get, but every one can't read them if I can help it. Those pictures where are they and echo across where and I fear that is all the answer I shall get too. Every letter received from home is a new source of happiness so let them be frequent and God will bless you. Adieu kind friends Dwight ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Here in the woods yet Beloved little one I have just answered the letter from mother, John and Eva and now will proceed to review yours. How pleasant it would be if you could be here. Yes I have just issued rations to the reg. for four days and if you were here I would get a horse for you and we would ride all over the battlefield that lies near here and we would visit some as pretty country as you ever saw, Then we would go up the Hagerstown road and look at the place where hundreds will date the commencement of their misery by the loss of a leg or an arm. I would show you where our guns were planted that drove the rebs from their position, Where shells burst killing their horses and perhaps men too, but these are now covered, but the horses lay there still. Then you would like to see where we took those 1500 back in the mountain and it would have done you good to have seen and heard the citizens cheering us as we passed on in hob haste. You speak of hanging Valandingham in office but we have been hanging a spy in good earnest and his body was lying at the roots of the tree from which he hung the last that we heard. He was living as a spy within sight of Gredrich city and I hear that there are some four or five more to share the same fate. Sylvia, do you think the girls of Burton are as strong in their union sentiments as they pretend! are you! Would you or they bring water these warring days all long and give to every thirsty soldier to whom it was possible to reach. This is the way the ladies of MD treated us and they will accept the attention of a soldier sooner than one who has always stayed at home. Many a good meal have I eaten when I know it cost them great effort to get it but I never forgot to pay them for it especially if they are poor. I had a noodle soup for dinner the other day at the house of a wealthy farmer (by the way there is no slaves here) and got for our reg. 120 bushels shelled corn and he offered to let us have some horses too, but we refused. This corn we gave a receipt for and it is just as good as cash to him at $1 per bushel. Let this answer for the present for I have lots more letters to answer today. I never let more than two days pass over my head before answering letters from home or anywhere else. Send my love to Charley, Mary, Eva, Lois and all the rest Your loving brother, Dwight Sylvia While I write the artillery and cavalry are passing to the scene of action. You will see the outcome of these battles in the papers and when I get home I will tell you what I done and where it was and etc. Dwight We don't change camps for we stay only a night in a place and we don't call that camping. So you may direct to D. H. Cory Com Sergt 6th O.V.C. if you know where my letter was dated put it down here via Washington -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Warrenton, Va March 21st 1864 Friend Hattie You may be thinking that I don't mean to improve the privilege granted me of writing to you however this is not the case. You had the promise of a photograph in my first letter and as those from Warren did not come as expected they had to be taken some other place and that happened to be here in camp. You are doubtless pleasantly settled down in life by this time "Keeping house" and have taken the rank and title of an Ohio Lady but it is rather doubtful whether you enjoy yourself as well there as you will in that old Hubbard House in the unpretending little village of Greene and if you learn more or as much even you are doing well. The last time I saw you was on that awful snowy morning on your way to your school and you looked more like a moving snowbank than a living school marm. Which you felt the most like is doubtful. We calculated to go back to Burton that day but the snow was much too bad for Mother to venture and we just kept going until the next day meanwhile I went and got Susan Ross to stay with Laura while we were gone and to see how she would like to live with us. We got to Burton the next night about three o'clock and went to Middlefield to singing school. You see I was not aquatinted with any one in Burton except our own folks but there was nothing for me to do but scrape acquaintances all the time and being a soldier this was no task and the two weeks spent there were by no means unpleasant. Singing and Sleighing were principal amusements intermingled with jokes and fun but this visit like all others of its kind passed away almost before I was aware of it and now on the 22nd of March this cold dreary day I am here at my post of duty but I am not sorry nor would I accept a discharge from the service if it were offered me. Our regiment now registers six hundred present besides one hundred twenty-five at home. This will give me enough to do for the next summers campaign. I have just finished drawing rations for the last six days of this month and it makes quite a show but what do you care for this! Probably nothing. Never mind we will call this a letter hoping it will be sufficient excuse for you to write to me and send that picture in return for the one I sent you. Give my best respects to Melissa and oblige your friend Dwight ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 2 Home April 9, 1864 Well Dwight Your welcome letter was received but not so soon as expected for it had a long road to travel, longer than intended it would have, for I had made preparations to be in Oberlin but Providence had ordered otherwise and as you may know, I was somewhat disappointed. My health was not very good so our folks thought best for me to stay at home this spring and get rested. I intend to go nothing preventing in about five weeks from next Monday and stop two weeks at an Uncle's in Clev. The summers term commences the first of June. A picture could not look more like the original than yours does. I am sorry that I have not one to send in return but never mind this time. You shall have one the next time. May be you think I don't intend to keep my promise but it is not my way of doing business to make a promise only for the sport of breaking it.   It has been the worst kind of going so that it is or has been most impossible to go anywhere. That is my reason but it is just getting passably good roads now. It seems quite spring like already. Sugar making is done to all appearances and sure enough it is time to be. I went to church last eve. Your father and Mary were there. What meeting do you say! It is the Wesleyan's Quarterly meeting. It commenced Thursday evening and continues until Sunday evening. Very likely you have been informed of John Pillson's death, ere this he was sick only about two weeks. he died of the Typhoid Pneumonia. It was so very stormy when he was buried that the relatives thought best to defer the sermon until some other time and Edwin Wakefield is to preach it one week from tomorrow. A strong healthy looking man he was, cut down so soon, it seems almost impossible, but nevertheless it is so. If I had once thought of your not going to Burton the next day and wanting to start early, you should not have gone one step towards Nelson's that dark and stormy night for you could have stayed just as well as not. I was just a little provoked when I heard you had not gone, to think I did not have you stay any way. I guess you thought you would as soon stand guard. The next time you come home you must stay here nights enough to cancel that muddy walk. Mrs. Raymond just came here to get some cheese to send to Charles. He has been home and is now in Maryland and his mother said, "he camps in a cornfield where the mud is nearly us to their eyes." A hard life is a soldier. Merie was up here last Thursday. He looks as though he has had a pretty hard fit of sickness and so he has. Sharon has been home but has gone back. He looks as well as I ever saw him. I just saw him long enough to say "How do you do" and that was all. I received a letter from Liberty last night. In one of his he told what he asked you to do for him and said he wondered if you did so. I told him "of course you did." Did I tell a fib. Please forgive me if I did. Mr. Ross and family have moved into Mr. Kelly's house just east of here and Sue and I keep the road between here and there pretty well traveled, I can tell you. Now Dwight, I must tell you what a time I had getting your letter. I told Melissa if one should come to Oberlin for Harriet Rice, to remail it and one came directed to Harriet Rice and of course she thought it must be me so she sent it. When I opened it, it commenced "Dear Aunt Harriet" - Well, well thought I, this is news to me indeed and upon further examination I found that it was not mine, so I had nothing to do but to return it. Then you see I was in trouble again for fear that Harriet Rice would get your letter and not I, then you see I should have scolded her just a little if I could but just have caught a sight of her. So then I told Melissa to open the letter if she could not tell without whether it was mine or not but she had remailed yours before she received any answer, and it reached its destined home in safety, and I shouldn't wonder much if you were quite tired and fatigued with your long journey, so I thought I would just give you a home in my "Photograph Album" where you might rest and not be disturbed. You will of course write again so that I shall get it before I leave home as it will be five weeks only and that will soon pass. I cannot come in this letter but you may expect me the next time for I shall surely come but I guess I have written as much as you will care about reading this time. Sue sends her best wishes. Write soon and believe me to be "thy friend" Hattie M. Rice -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greene May 13th, 1864 Friend Dwight A stormy day this is to "The Soldiers." I think I should scold some if I were put on guard such a day as this. We have had nothing except rain for the last two weeks. I am afraid the soldiers and people too will have to go hungry unless the rain stops long enough to let the farmers put in their crops. We must have consolage and hope for the best I suppose. As you know, I intended to go to Oberlin, but am disappointed in that my health is not good enough to study, so you see I have concluded to be milk-maid this summer. The Dr. says I must not study, sew, read, or work over the stove, but that I might milk, make garden, hoe potatoes, and walk as much as I like. It is rather provoking to have one's mind all fixed for going to school and then be disappointed. O well, I can work in the hay field and that will do just as well I suppose. I was down to Loll's last Wednesday. The folks were all well and seemed to enjoy themselves finely. There is quite an excitement about the draft. It is to be tomorrow for this section. If I were a man I expect I should tremble too, but I should not like to have anyone know it. There is to be 10 taken from this town. I guess the girls will have to be farmers this summer. Libbie Braden was here yesterday and she is a good girl too. I thinks so, don't you. Charlotte and Jane Harrison have gone to Kingsville to teach. I have not seen them for some time. I have fulfilled my promise this time you see. Now I expect you and Lib will compare pictures and you had better not make fun of my face either. I suppose you and Lib made all sorts of fun over my scribbling. Sue has been very sick with the Diphtheria but is better now. We had a real snowstorm last week and just a little snow this week. I guess we are going to have winter all summer. It is reported that the 6th are not allowed to answer letters for 60 days. I think that is a queer performance and it doesn't just suit me. I suppose I shall have to write letters and answer them too. We are having a singing school among ourselves and Nell is chorister. We meet at the Disciple House after Sabbath school and sing about an hour and a half. You ought to be here to sing too. Now do not wait as long before you write as I have if you have not been forbidden to write. May be I shall write again before I get an answer when I have waited sufficient length of time for an answer. From an old friend Hattie M. Rice to D. H. C. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Near Milford Station Va May 26th 1864 I certify on honor that D. H. Cory Com. Sergt. 6th OH Cavalry Reenlisted at Warrenton, Va. on the first day of January 1864 to serve for three years or during the war and is credited to the township of Greene, Trumbull Co. Ohio. D. Rhonchway Capt. & Recruiting Officer 6th OH Cavalry ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 3 Camp Near Milford Station, VA June 1st, 1864 Friend Hattie Your kind letter is at hand and has been read with pleasure two or more times, and I commenced to answer it some time ago but just as the first four words on this page were written the order came to pack up and move so we did and have moved almost night and day ever since, that is for the last five days and we are now on the banks of the Richmond. Shall I say that the fight is going on? Yes it is, and has been for the last four weeks, and during that time there has not a day passed but the booming of the cannon might be heard and the ambulances moving to the rear in slow procession told too plainly what was going on. Only last Saturday our regiment lost twelve men killed and about thirty wounded. Among the latter is George Northway wounded in head and leg and had a ball pass through his jacket under his arm, but he is doing well and will recover. His Captain was shot dead and was buried at Enon Church near there. Hattie this is the nicest country that I ever saw, and the Rebs have planted it all to corn so much so that there is not award [?] ground enough left to park the teams on, and it is very sandy and dusty, but we manage to pinch along by using freely of Parmsley water. But this is not answering your letter. What do you think Lib said about your picture. He had the hardihood to want to swap with me. Do you suppose I'd do it. No I guess not. It looks as though it were going to speak to me. I wish it would. When I received your letter it was raining and had been for some time and the roads were muddy and the streams swollen so that it was rather difficult to move the trains at all. Consequently rations and forage were scarce and are not very plenty yet, but we look for more soon. It would be a great treat for Lib and me to slip in some Sunday to hear you sing and the prospect is now that we will before another three years. Don't we poor soldiers hope that it may be so but if it does happen, there will be many a friend at home who will look in vain for the return of dear ones, but their graves will cover the hills and valleys of the South and their place shall know them no more forever. But I must close and go to supper of Crackers and Coffee. Give my love to our folks and others Dwight [In margin] Write Soon ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prince George Courthouse Virginia August 12th, 1864 Friend Hattie Your kind letter came to hand this evening, and was like all your letters perused with great pleasure. It's now dark and today has been very warm and to use a stronger expression, in addition to the heat there is a scarcity of water for since the middle of last month. The heavens have refused to yield their accustomed amount of rain and have seemed more like heated brass than anything else. May be this more than true but suffice it to say the heat and dust have at times been almost unbearable. The regiment is on picket where they can talk with the pennies and exchange papers while I am here in camp waiting till it is time to send rations to them. On the 8th while we were on our way to this camp we heard a tremendous explosion and on looking in the direction of City Point saw rising above the trees a dense cloud of white smoke, and some declare that they saw pieces of something flying in the air, and all was conjecture for some time until some of our men who were on the spot returned to us, and told the sad fate of near two hundred men, and two ammunition boats were blown to atoms, and the torn and shattered limbs were strewn with fragments of the boats and bursting shells and shot in terrible confusion all over the place, and into the river. This is the most terrible accident which has happened since the war has been in progress notwithstanding accidents are almost a daily occurrence. It is only a few days since a man was killed and another wounded by the accidental discharge of a brass gun in our battery, and it is curious to think with how little feeling of sorrow we look on these casualties after so short a schooling in the army. Does time pass slowly with you? I presume it does and you are no doubt lonesome at times but thank fortune this is not one of the troubles which harmt me except when all alone I read of the good things left behind and imagine the pleasure we will experience when we are relieved from duty in the army, but these feelings don't last long when we think there is another call for troops for we don't like to be drafted nor would we feel well contented now that we are fairly in the harness to leave the field until the object for which we came is fully accomplished. The news are churning too from all points as you will know when you receive this. We get daily papers in two days from Washington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia so we know what is going on. You may give Miss Mary Gould my compliments and tell her that the last I knew of her Cousin, he started to attend a military school (in Philadelphia I think) for the purpose of preparing to accept a commission in a colored regiment and I believe he was successful but have not heard from him. I heard from Nat Hubbard yesterday. He is on the other side of the Appamatox river, is a first Lieut. in a colored regiment. I am going to see him one of these days if nothing happens as it is only five or six miles and then I could see the famous place where Cap. Smith was saved by Pocahontas. There is an oak tree on the spot from which leaves and chips have been takes as curiosities. Our regiment came past it a short time ago, and nearly all got a twig from it but as luck would have it, they were called to use the carbine and pistol and in the fight they lost their leaves which they were expecting to look at long years hence with pride and pleasure as they told their children of their gallant deeds in the defense of the common government. While I am writing to you the firing in front of us is like the coming of a thunderstorm only it has continued since last night almost without cessation, and it is rather annoying to those who like to sleep undisturbed. Our garden is earlier than yours I presume, for we have had new potatoes, cabbage, onions and beets. What do you think of that. And what is more, we have enough for the wants of 331 men. I received a letter from Liberty Raymond a short time since and he asked me if I had heard from Hattie lately adding that he had, and that she was a good girl too, just as though I didn't know it. But I must bid you good evening not as of old when parting with you at your door but it must be done on paper and it will be sometime before you know it. In all your gatherings for pleasure or for worship, you may think of me as present in mind though absent in body. Hoping to hear from you soon. I remain as ever Your Friend D. H. Cory. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Home, Aug. 17th 1864 Ever Remembered Friend I am just a little ashamed for not answering your letter sooner but I have been very busy of late and time passes so rapidly that it is hardly perceivable. I suppose time does not pass so rapidly to you who are in the army. I came home one week ago tonight. There has been and is now considerable sickness in Wayne. Dysentery is the most prevailing disease. I do not know of any one sick here except Amelia Sloan and I have not heard from her lately. She had to leave her school. Her throat troubles her. There was nothing going on in Wayne the fourth. In Greene I think the young folks went down into the woods for a swing and in the evening there was a nice party at Ms. Raymonds'. I would liked to have been there but if all our wishes were gratified I expect we would be very selfish beings. We are selfish enough already. There is to be one next Wednesday evening at Ms. Powers'. The people are getting pretty well excited about the draft and I don't know as they can be blamed any for it either for surely it must be a hard slavish life, and it seems that there is not much prospect of its closing. I think there are 17 men to be drafted from here and I don't see as we can spare any more. It seems that money will not save them this time only to hire a substitute who is not subject to the draft. Nel. talks some of enlisting but what will Lol. do if he dies. She would just about go crazy and I don't know as I would blame her any. She would be taken care of well of course, but if he belonged to me I should just like to have him in a place not quite as dangerous. I got a letter from Sal. last week. I cannot imagine how he came to write to me unless it was to find out Sue, for he inquired every particular about her. I received one from Lib that was written the 17th of last month. He was then getting better. He said the Dr. wanted him to stay in the hospital and help take care of the sick and he thought he should until his time is out. I suppose he is rejoicing greatly think that he is most through. Well I guess he has had a pretty hard time and surely it will be quite a relief to feel free once more. I am going to work at home this fall. What I shall do next winter is more than I or any one else can tell if my health is good I shall. I think, I am going home with an aunt that is out from Cleveland. Albert Hayes' wife. I shall go nothing preventing one week from next Thursday and the next Tuesday is commencement and I intend to go to Oberlin then and see the ladies dressed in white. So you see it will be quite a pleasure trip and I think I shall enjoy it very much. Mary Gould wants me to ask you if you know where her cousin Simon Gould is they have not heard from him for so long that they do not know where to direct. It is still very dry here. We had a very nice shower here last Monday but the ground is so dry that we need a great many such showers. Most all are through haying we are nearly through grass is very light and every thing else in proportion. New potatoes are a very rare article but I expect they will be all the better when they do come. Now if your patience is long enough to study out this letter I shall think your patience is long enough for most anything. It is meeting time and I must wind up for this time. Now do not wait as I did and I will promise to do better the next time, and I am pretty good at keeping my promises am I not. Write soon and direct to Greene. From one that never tires in reading and answering your kind letters Hattie -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 4 Camp of the 6th Ohio. Vol. Cavalry. August 29th, 1864 My Dear Mother We are now after so long a time in Camp with the pleasing prospect of rest before us and to make things more pleasant the mail brings our letters with more regularity than before. I received a letter from you this morning and hearten to the pleasant task of answering it. I also received one from Mary a short time ago but will wait for one from Sylvia before answering it. I have just sent to Sylvia all the letters that I have to be kept for my future reference with those given to her last winter. If they were to be kept here they might be lost and they are not designed for every ones perusal and they will be safest in her care rather than here with me. I am glad to hear that you are all living in Greene again. It is the best place there on the farm for our large family where you will not have to buy every thing you eat and more especially as Nell has enlisted. I hope he will be sent to this army for then we can see one another occasionally and I will try and give him good advice and take care of him and if he does get into mischief and there was no other way or remedy he might then be reported to Laura more readily. But what am I to do now for news from Burton for John and Emily are as slow as time about writing as might be seem by examining the bundle of letters sent to Libbie. Sylvia might possibly suggest here that I will not be ignorant of affairs in that quarter but it seems bad that it is necessary to depend on others than my brothers and sisters for information concerning them but maybe they will sprunt up and write now that there is no one left to do it for them. Yes! Aunt Sylvia is as happy as a queen now that Lois is with her and Cousin George has returned home from the army and they are not slow to let me know of their happiness. She is a regular correspondent and is punctual for one who never saw me and knows no more of me than she does. Since my last letter I have been a spectator of a bloody fight on the Weldon R. R. and it was on Sunday the 21st of this month and we were the victors capturing 1200 prisoners and driving the rebels from the road and just after the fight was over Gen. Mead and Staff came to see what was going on and to congratulate the troops on their gallant conduct. We hold that road now, that is our infantry, and it will be almost impossible for the rebs to drive them away as they are very strongly fortified. The dust has at last "dried up" and the air is cooler and more like August weather at home but the rain has been so heavy that mud takes the place of the dust but it will not last long with the sky as clear as it is today. We have not yet been paid off and there is now six months pay due and every body is out of money (except me). I have 20. now having sold my watch for 22. It cost me last spring 20. and I had broken the spring to the front case so it was well disposed of I think. I will try and follow your good advice and when I come home will be as good a citizen as the times will admit of. Please give my love to all. Kiss the baby for me and remember me as your loving Son D. H. Cory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------           Camp of the 6th Ohio. Vol. Cavalry September 11th, 1864 Friend Hattie I wish that every soldier in the army had as good and punctual a female correspondent as Hattie is - then would he know that he was not entirely forgotten at home and this is what he needs, sympathy from those who were the friends of his boyhood and encouragement too. It is Sunday today and all day so far I have had to attend to the duties of my place and give out to the regiment their rations for four days to come and there was preaching at the regiment adjoining ours which I would have been glad to have attended. It would not have seemed to me like a meeting in Greene but there is an influence for good in such meetings which I never realized fully until my soldier life was commenced. How long will it be ere I attend a meeting at home again and see those Nieces of mine. Maybe you really thought you could plague me about the dignified title of Uncle but no, I feel proud of it and the only fault to be found is that one of them is not named after me. You ought to ask Jas. Braden which of the two classes are the least patriotic - the girls who won't encourage the boys to go to the field or the men who won't go but pay the cash when drafted. How is it that our thinned ranks cannot be filled without a draft now when success seems almost within our reach but instead are trying to stop the fighting merely to keep from going to the rescue themselves. There is a great sacrifice called for at the hands of this nation Our Country and who is to pay the forfeit? Will it be those who are of no use to society or will it be those who have been ornaments there? How is it with Greene has none of her best blood been spilt? Does she not feel to her very heart's core the deaths of such as Irwin, Kee, Jackson and others? And in view of these, can she call her sacrifice small? But it is the great law of Heaven that the noble and good must be given to cancel the sins of mankind. But this was intended as a letter and not a lecture. today was set apart by the President as a day of thanksgiving for the victories of our armies and navy and no one feels more thankful than the soldier in the field. He thinks that in view of these victories the draft will not be opposed, that gold will gradually come to its natural level, and last but not least that Lincoln will be elected for four years to come to serve the nation as in the four years past. No Hattie, I do not think that you have no interest here in common with everyone else who holds their countries rights and existence dear and the very few in Northern Ohio who have no friends here although they may not be near relatives. But why should you "leave the answer untold." There is now an offer of a furlough given to all soldiers who will go out in front of the earthworks and chop down the standing timber there for only one day but he is all the time exposed to sharp shooters who are entrenched near by. The object is to obstruct the approach to our lines by falling the timber so that in case the enemy should advance while there is only a few of our men in the trenches they could hold it with less danger to themselves and greater destruction to the foe. Some will go for this brave act and perhaps we will all have a chance but this is uncertain. Those of Co. A. who did not re-enlist start for home on the 4th of October and among them is Liberty Raymond, a gentleman and a good soldier. Soon after the other Companies of our regiment will go. Then we who remain will be consolidated into Six or Eight Companies. I am sorry that Chaplain Logan feels so bad but at the time his hopes took to the downward I was at their house and was much surprised to see him return from his midday walk so soon and looking so pale too, but he no doubt attributes his ill success to the general depravity of the human race and hard heartedness and want of judgment in his charmer and I know from bitter experience that a No sir is sometimes given when a yes Sir would have been much more agreeable. My eyes are very sore so that at night I can scarcely see to read and where blots are small and mistakes imaginary I can't see them. I only ask that you continue my friend and kind correspondent as heretofore and you shall have the best wishes of Your friend Dwight ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Home Sept 27th /64 Tuesday eve, Ever Remembered Friend I am feeling rather sad and lonely tonight and thought I could employ my time in nothing better than in penning a few of my many thoughts as in other words just having a kind of social chat with that old friend who gave me the privilege of riding home on his horse one stormy night from a little sing. I was almost a little girl then wasn't I. Little thought I that such a war as this could ever be, as that our best friends would be called to leave home and old associates to defend the rights of this nation. But time makes many changes. Yes we may look at this town's people and see what great changes have been wrought by the war within even a few months. Three years ago we could claim many noble sons which are no more. But I will not complain, our lives are in the hands of that all wise Being who has a just claim upon our whole being and guides all things according to his will. But Dwight, I won't preach a sermon to you this time. I wish I was good enough to preach. I do preach politics, it just does me good to tell the copperheads what I think of them. Why is it that their mouths here at the north are allowed to be always open? Their mouths ought to be filled with hot lead and ears too and I feel just as though I would like to do it. I can't keep still when I think of our boys and then hear that Morris or any other one says, "Down with Lincoln and up with McClellan, Hurrah!" Had it not been for the traitors at the north this war would have been done away with ere this. William Pelton, one of our last volunteers is dead. He was buried one week ago yesterday in Gustavus. He had Diphtheria and suffered almost beyond endurance. He died at home. Your mother has been quite sick but is about again. Well Dwight I must bid you good night for it is getting late and you know sleep is necessary to us farmers. Pleasant dreams to you. H [Same letter continued] Saturday, Oct. 1st A very rainy day this dark and dismal and it is almost cold enough to be winter. James Braden had volunteered and gone as far as Clev. But I hear he is very homesick. He said if he was sure he would not be drafted he would not go but money would not save him again. There, father has just killed two chickens and calls on me to dress them for eating. Please come in time tomorrow morning and have some with us and maybe we can find a wishbone. Well Dwight, I have obeyed orders and now will finish this badly written as well as badly composed letter. I have been to Burton and seen that niece of yours and it is a very pretty child. I think John took a very sudden start when he enlisted, but I suppose it will be all right. Our last news has been very favorable. Every patriotic person cannot but rejoice over the victory which Sheridan's army has gained. Butter has fallen 10 c and cheese 05 and some say cotton has fallen some too. Gold has fallen too and I hope it will come down where it ought to be. Now Dwight, you wrote one thing that I did not fully understand and did not get your meaning. What answers did you mean that I had left untold. Please tell me won't you? Today is the first of Oct. and I suppose Liberty is thinking of home. I don't think he will be contented to stay at home when he gets here. You seem to speak of Liberty as though you have an idea that I have some particular interest in him, but such is not the case. We are friends merely, nothing more and never will be. Please don't show him this. Our soldier boys that went last have orders to leave Clev. tomorrow, Sunday, but I suppose war does not stop for any day. Some of them were home this week. George Allen has got home. He has served three years and feels as though he has done his share of fighting. Mr. Samuel Shin's wife met with quite an accident today. Her husband is one of the last soldiers. He sent for her to come to Clev, and she started today and her horse got scared and nearly killed her. Dr. Kee happened to meet her and took her home with him - she is sister to the Dr.'s wife. My brother Lester is sick and has been for about three weeks with the bowel complaint. He does not seem to gain and I am afraid it will amount to something before we are aware how bad he is. Sue is here. She says to tell you she is well and all the rest of the folks are too. I received a letter from Lib. the same time that yours came and I hardly know w3hether to answer it or not. He will soon be home. Yes I expect he is a good boy and there are a great many other good ones too. Well I hope our boys will get home safe. Chester Tuttle is wounded pretty bad. He was not wounded in a skirmish. they were about half a mile from the rebel lines. He was rolling his blanket up when a ball struck him between the 4th and 5th ribs within about three or four inches of the spine. They got a letter the first of this week stating that he was coming home and may be he would be here this week but has not come. Some think he will never get well but we cannot spare any more of our boys. But we must all keep up good courage and hope for the best and we will all come out right yet. Uncle Sam is not very old yet and I rather think he will out live the rebs too. Well I will not try your patience by writing you more this time. I have written this just as it happened a little at a time. Lesters being sick, I have to take a great many steps and have stopped a great many times and so you must excuse this bad writing and blots. Write soon for I always wait almost impatiently for the answers. I wonder if the soldiers like to get letters as well as I do. From your old friend Hattie To Dwight I do like to get good long letters just like yours -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 5 Camp of the 6th Ohio Cavalry October 12th, 1864 Dear Friends at Home Yesterday we were paid off and voted. There were only 20 McLellan votes cast out of 220 votes, Trumbull Co cast 57, three of which were copperhead, all the rest were straight Union. I received a letter from Sylvia containing several tickets which were all used and one of them was the first one I ever put in. My pay for 6 months including the third installment of bounty amounted to $261.60. I send you a check by the hand of Daniel Winchel discharged which calls for $260.00 and will send more as soon as I can collect it. Father if you should go to Orwell soon please see Orange Ball and he will give you for me $15.50 for money he borrowed from me. He would have paid it before he went home but could not get it. You may pay to Mortimer Bakers father for me $9.00 and take his receipt for it as it is money that Mort gave me for safe keeping just before he was captured. Please "let" me know whether you have any trouble in collecting the money on this check and whether it is at discount or at a premium and etc. This makes $720.00 that I have sent home not counting the home bounty which I hope there will be no trouble about. My eyes are so sore that I have to wear glasses but they are getting better. Tell Sylvia that her welcome letter shall be answered soon. Give my love to all and kiss the babies for me as common and remember me as ever Your devoted Son and Brother Dwight. H. Cory. 6th O.V. Cavalry 1st Brig. 2 Division. C.C. [In margin] I received of Baker 20 dollars. He owed me 6 dollars on a watch and he also owes A. W. Stiles 5 dollars. This I paid and took Stiles's receipt which I enclose. Please give it to Baker's father with the nine dollars mentioned in the letter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Camp of the 6th Ohio near Petersburg, VA Sunday, Nov. 6th, 1864 Friend Hattie Today is the first day of leisure I have had since the reception of your kind letter and now I have three to answer. It has been a beautiful day and it seems as though I ought to have been at meeting in Greene and as the moon is nearly full, this would be a good night to spend with some of my lady friends there about. Much better than that cold stormy night just before I left Greene last winter. I would almost re-enlist for another such a visit to the land of my birth and such another welcome by the good people of Greene, but when this can be again is more than we can tell. Our regiment has gone into camp and we are putting up winter quarters although we may not stay in them a week. There is a strong front close by with its guns pointing over our heads but they are not likely to be needed as the enemy which threatened us from our front are driven away across the Weldon R. R. and everything is now quiet except the firing before Petersburg which last night was very heavy. Hattie, I am glad to know that you are so true and kind a friend to me. It makes my heart beat quick to think that whom I esteem so highly and whom I have known so long still remembers me so kindly. When I come home we will talk over our likes and dislikes in that easy chair as we did last winter if nothing happens. You no doubt had a good visit with Liberty. Did he say anything about me? You must look out for those soldiers but you can hardly find a young man with whom I would rather see a friend of mine associate. I am anxious for this war to close for I feel the need of the society of just such good girls as my friend Hattie. But until peace is established and the government has no more need of soldiers I must remain as now a soldier and a single man. I believe it is a duty which I owe to my Country and I only ask that I may be permitted to read and answer your kind letters as well as others of my friends and schoolmates who were dear to me as such and with whom I used to delight to associate and would yet were it not for this accursed war waged by traitors for the overthrow of our own free government and may God hasten the time when we soldiers may return to the enjoyment of those privileges which we left to sustain it and may our friends at home receive us as free from bad habits as when we left them. Then will our last days be to us a golden harvest indeed and we will enjoy the blessings which were brought by the use of the sword and hand them unimpaired to our children. But I must close this letter. I am going to send all my letters home to Sylvia for safe keeping as I hate to burn them. Tell Sue that had she given me a piece of her Punkin pie, I should have known whether she was "a smasher at making them" and give her my respects Yours Truly Dwight ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Home Sabbath day Nov. 13th, 1864 Ever Remembered Dwight, I have concluded to occupy that easy chair and talk to my Soldier Friend for a time. I rec'd your welcome letter Friday evening. Sue and I went to the office again, we watch the office very closely. I wonder if "our boys" in the army like to get letters as well as we do. I went to church today expecting to hear a sermon from Mr. Young a "Bible Agent," but the day being very disagreeable he did not come and but very few people were out. They had prayer meeting then class meeting which I enjoyed very much although I did not take a fast as I ought to have done. I am sure you would have enjoyed it too if you had been permitted to be there. We had quite a snow storm last night and it seems about like winter. I can hardly realize that winter is so near us again. Every year grows shorter I believe. Milton Irwin is still at home in a sick furl but he came up to Mr. Ross' yesterday and stayed until today. I was up there last evening and we had a very good visit. I think he is very much sobered from what he used to be. He said he voted for McClellan. I asked him if he was not a little ashamed of it and he said "not a bit." I suppose everyone has a legal right to vote for who they please. Milton is very far from being will yet and some think he never will be. Charles is going to Cleveland this week to the hospital. His furlough is about out and he is so much better that he is not allowed to remain at home. Write Latin is at home, an invalid too. Mrs. Hubbard has been down to see Nathaniel. He is wounded very badly but not mortally but perhaps you know more about him than I do. Yes, Dwight, I had a very good visit with Liberty. He has spoken of you several times most always asks me when I heard from you and wants to know how you're getting along and what you are doing. He seems to feel very envious toward you on account of that friction you have, he has spoken of that several times, wanted to know if I had any more like it but I had not, I can't say that I should let him have it if I had. You say I must look out for these soldiers, didn't you think I was "looking out for a soldier" in my last letter? You will have to lay the blame all to my pen for it would have its own way for once but I will see that it keeps within bounds. After this don't you think I had better? Well! I know it is the best way to be a little shy of some soldiers but you know that our Greene boys are all good of course. In this I do not include all classes but those of our associates you know. Now I will just tell you who I think can be trusted. A good sound principled man just like our best boys who are now defending our nation and who has said he "will be a soldier as long as his government needs him." A man can be honorable and manly in any place where duty calls if he chooses to be and a true Soldier will be too. That is my mind, isn't it yours too - I know it is without having you say so. I can but honor your judgment as any other ones in the same circumstances in not taking upon yourself any more responsibility while duty calls as loudly as it does now for the helping hand of a soldier. How long this government will need them is beyond the knowledge of human beings. Some appears to think that because Lincoln is to be our president it will soon terminate but I am fearful it will last longer than people thing for, but I hope not. Many of our noble boys have already fallen but God forbid that we should lose any more. It must be a great sacrifice to the Soldier to leave home kindred and associates and place themselves in the way of rebel bullets as marks to be shot at, the people at home would be worse than the savage nation if they would not do all in their power to encourage them and to let them know that they are remembered always and missed too from our homes. I sometimes build castles in the air by imagining our boys all at home. How strangely good it would look to go to church some Sabbath and see all our boys as of old. But I am living in hopes that we shall see a greater part of them one of these days. Yes, there is a better time coming. Now Dwight it is just 6 1/2 o'clock and I am eating an apple for you. Just tell me when you write if the apple tasted good and I have just drank a glass of cider for you too, isn't it good. Now I have a favor to ask of you and that is that you will not send my letters back. Burn them, please do, for they will not pay the cost of sending them. I know my letters are very poor but I do not want you to send them home for I fear they will be criticized. I know they might be criticized a great deal. If you won't burn them, send them back to me and I will see that they are kept safely but if you have not sent them when you get this, don't for I don't want you to. Did you ever have the toothache. If you have you know what good company I have got. One cannot get lonesome with such company. Maybe I shall send you a newspaper occasionally. Do you ever get any to read there. Perhaps the Chronicle would not come amiss to you. There I think I have written quite a long letter this time and I shall expect one in return. Your letters are acceptable at any time I am the same as ever, your constant friend, Hattie [In margin] Liberty said the next time I wrote to give you his respects. Please excuse the many blots and illshaped words in this. ------------------------------------------------------ Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 6 Head Quarters Com. Department 6th Ohio November 30th, 1864 Friend Hattie, Your kind letter has been in my possession for some time but owing to the fact that we have had to move our camp and build our quarters for winter, I have been too busy to answer a single letter and we shall have to move again soon so I conclude that this is the best time to answer your letter and I am reminded of it all the more by the receipt of a Chronicle and The Christian Press directed to me in your well known hand. They will be the means of passing part of the first of Dec. more pleasantly than it might otherwise have been. That apple was just the kind I like best and the cider too. Please do refill my glass and pass the apples. What do you think we had for a thanksgiving dinner. You can't help guessing part of it for we had everything that was good and our regular rations of hard tack besides but our dinner consisted of Roast turkeys, Chickens, pies, Cakes, apples, pickles, Oysters, butter, Cheese, and in fact every thing that heart could wish and what made it all the better was the letters which came in the boxes with the provisions from ladies and gentlemen both asking for letters from us. I have one from a Miss Thompson from Vt. that I am going to answer as soon as all my letters from my friends are answered. Hattie can you congratulate me on my good fortune. I have just been promoted to first lieutenant and Commissary of the regiment with the pay of 122 dollars per month but have to pay a servant and board myself. I care but little about it only it shows me that my services in the regt. have not been overlooked. The weather is very warm and pleasant indeed. I never saw a more pleasant fall and winter. So far there has been no snow at all and rain but seldom. It seems odd to receive letters from home stating that they can almost or quite use their sleighs and here the ground is warm and dry. I wish you could see how nicely we are fixed for winter. Every man has a fireplace in his little house large enough to cook by and keep him warm and everything looks so nice and tidy, almost like a little village only the houses are all alike. Some of the men of the regt. are talking of sending for their wives to come and see them and the country so much the subject of discourse. Just now, I am sorry that you object to my sending your letters to My Sister Sylvia. I have sent one package and was thinking of sending all the rest soon for safe keeping. Be assured that they will be just as safe there as with me. She is my confident and the only one I have and any thing that interests me is the same to her therefore please forgive my liberty which I took in sending them to her Your Friend as ever Dwight Please direct to D. H. Cory 1st Lieut G.A.C.S. 6th O.V.C. 3rd Brig. 2nd Divis. C.C. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greene, Monday in Jan 16th, 1865 My True Friend Dwight Yes I think you are a true friend if I have one on earth and you know as well as I do that a friend (so called) in many instances proves false when tried, but not having the least idea that you could be of that number (false) and I think I may safely say knowing you to be "A Friend" in the true sense of the word. I will own that which I would not to another. I have harbored thoughts that you never have any reason to think; thoughts deeper than "Friendship" and by your request they shall be harbored no more. They come (God only knows how) but I will cast them aside if I was wrong I am sorry. I have written many times freely, more freely than I had any right to do and yet I find myself leaning in that direction again. Your letter came about three hours ago. It was rather unexpected but none the less welcome. Milton Irwin and his wife were here, then maybe you would like to know who his wife is. Yes it is our old friend Sue. would you have thought it? They were married one week ago yesterday in Gustavus. I was with them and saw the deed done. How soon he will have to go back I do not know. Milt is a copperhead, I am sorry to know. I do not know what you meant by asking me if Melissa showed me, or read to me, rather, any of your letters. I did not know that you and Melissa had ever corresponded or didn't I read your letters right. You see Dwight, you were mistaken in thinking of Lib and myself as you did. And I, as an honest person always ought to do, told him his mistake and he was offended. But I could not avoid it as I know. I do not think he has any hard feelings toward you, only he looks upon you as standing where he expressed or desired to do and said he thought were it not for you that I would not object to going with him, not that you tried to prejudice me against him but to speak plainly that I thought more of you than him and was it my fault that it was true? I may say, as you did, that those who are foolish enough to love me (if existence ever was given to such a being) are few but it is half past ten o'clock and I must stop for tonight for I will have to be awake in the morning as my father and mother are in Orwell and I am alone except my two brothers and sister younger. Tuesday 10 1/2 o'clock A.M. I have just finished my morning duties and as I am all alone, the children having gone to school, I will see what I can do toward entertaining an absent friend a little while although he knows already that it is poor company for him. But you know that poor company is sometimes better than no company at all. Do you ever build air castles? I do sometimes only for the pleasure of seeing the airy mansion tumble and I have been at that very thing this morning but I don't think I will tell you what nonsensical trash ran through my mind. This morning I fear you would take me to be very heartless. I have got a good big heart and it is in my own possession too and will be safer if I can manage to keep it there don't you think so too! You are a very naughty boy but I like you after all. You don't want me too, but I don't care. I will and you can't help yourself either, there now, don't you think I am very self-willed. No I was not at church the day your letter was written, but was at the brides father's. I never saw any one married before. Cap. Barnes had the honor of marrying them. I think they were very foolish to go to a Justice but you know every one to their own notion. I hear Sue has come and I must talk to her you know. Wednesday. You ask me if you do wrong in writing as you do to me, but Dwight, I do not think I would be a proper judge. You know your own mind far better than I do. If I thought you intended it for flattery I should say "it is wrong" but I would not like to class Dwight a month that number. No, no, I cannot believe as good a friend as you would intend to use flattery. Yes, indeed, it is a difficult question sometimes, to decide how far friendship may be allowed to go. But I guess we are all right yet, are we not? Did you really want a mitten on the tree? If I had one I would want it to be large like Mrs. Mifkin's so that it would be of some use. I could then use it for a flour sack or various other things as cotton is so high now one might consider such a one to be quite a gift. Yes we did think of the absent ones and do very often. You need not imagine you are forgotten so easily, our memories are very good. The people would not like to spare Mrs. Wakefield I don't believe, but I think we ought to sacrifice almost anything for the good of our soldiers. Kee is just the man you need, he is always so lively and cheerful and I believe if ever there lived a good Christian man, he is one. He has been holding meetings near Cleveland and has now gone to another place but I do not know where. Mr. Chapman our Methodist minister is holding meetings at the center this week. I was down Sunday evening but have not been since. It is so far. We need a revival in this town for the people (myself included) seem to be asleep on the subject of religion. I have felt Mr. Artemus Ward had better look out what he says. I wouldn't wonder much if his heart was a little depraved too. Wonder if his being named after that celebrated writer wasn't rather more that his weak mind could stand. I guess his mind is a little shattered already, don't you? Dwight, please don't sent this letter to Sis - you won't will you, and I'll be the best friend you ever had. Your letters are always welcome any time, don't forget your old Friend Hattie [In margin] Mrs. Jane Braden had another daughter and Mrs. Tryphena Borden another son. Sis commenced her school one week ago this morning. I am glad she has got a good one as I thought the one last winter was good didn't you? Of course there are some scholars that don't care whether they learn or not in every school. Sis has one extra good girl and that is Mary Vanwie. It does a teacher so much good to have such a scholar as she is and was last winter. I always knew just were to find her. She takes pride in trying to be the best scholar in every respect. Melissa is at her school. It is beautiful sleighing now and has been for some time. Every thing is very quiet here. Nothing exciting at all. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Home Jan 23, 1865 Lieut. D. H. Cory My Friend It is with much embarrassment that I take up the pen to attempt to interest one who has risen from the rank of a common soldier to the high position that you now occupy in the U. S. Army, and it is only in compliance with your enigmatical invitation that I presume to address you. I see by your enigma that you possess a mind stored with both Ancient and Modern History. You first think of the wise and philosophical Socrates and of his scolding wife Xanthippe. May you be relieved from the frowns of such a woman. Your mind then reverts to our own pleasant Ohio, where in the midst of war we persue our peaceful employment as usual. You then think of your situation in contrast with ours and you thank (in your heart) your own Gen. Gregg that he wants you to enjoy so much as he does. Then away you go to Vienna the pride of the Austrians. Something there perhaps in their museums reminds you of the Ancient goddess "Great is Diana & etc." But while you see our own country engaged in such a fearful conflict you cannot remain in a Foreign land, even to search unto its hidden mysteries, and you return to march through the Shenandoah Valley with Gen. Sheridan. Your mind, by something, is brought from these to our own "Queen City" = Cincinnati: perhaps you see a few carloads of pork that you think came from the greatest pork market in the U.S. I see that you are able to contemplate both things Celestial and things terrestrial. You gaze upward and Ohio meets your view. You look downward and oysters and cider cause your mouth to become moist. That you are a young man of the greatest vivacity I think no person of ordinary perceptive powers can for a moment doubt. I have not been teaching today; have attended the funeral of Uncle Naters Clark. Perhaps you have not heard of the very sad accident that occurred last week Wednesday. Eben. Kee was moving a building. A stake that had been driven into the ground gave way and knocked down three men: Naters Clark, James Manis, and Levi Wakefield. The last member was but little injured. James Manis jaw was cracked and he is not able to be about yet. Uncle Clark's skull was broken in laying the main brace. He died Monday morning. It was a sad accident. Emily was here over last Saturday and Sunday. All of your people came up here and made us a visit last Friday evening. We had a very good visit indeed. Emily did not go home but stayed and made out her visit. Her little Ilda is just as pretty as can be and does credit to her Uncles and aunts, especially to her Aunt Melissa. I think you and I have just as good a sister as any one in this world has. Not many women are as good as Emily. My school is passing off very pleasantly indeed. I have forty-nine scholars in all. I think I have the prettiest set of large girls in the County! I expect Daniel Mayfield was married this morning to Miss Amelia Clisbee, a sister of Charlotte Harris' husband. They say she is several years older than he is - but you know her father is sick and money will buy rouge, teeth, and hair. I think Daniel is a good boy. I suppose Sylvia keeps you posted in the town news. There is nothing going on to break the monotony. There are but one or two young men in town and I think they are spoken for, so you may imagine the forlorn situation of us old girls - Emily and I were going to write together but she has gone home and I don't know when I shall see her again, so I thought I would not wait for her. We are having a good deal of sleighing this winter, and a good deal of very cold weather. I have to be pretty busy to keep my fifty children warm. I would like to write a very much longer letter but I don't seem to have anything of interest to write. You may sent me Enigma or any other kind of letter just as often as you choose, and they well be gladly received. Your friend Melissa ------------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 7 Greene, March 20/65. Friend Dwight, I think perhaps we have both received enough flatter, as you term it, so that it will not be necessary for me to commence this letter by any apologies for addressing your Highness. I am sure that I am satisfied to quit off if you are. I am sorry if in the following of my footsteps and those of my fairer sisters you have been led to mistake your own interest, and substitute in the place of substantial value the pleasures of the moment. That this has been the fact to any considerable extent I have not yet decided to note down in my memorandum. Those of us who are remaining at home during these long years while you and your companions are having each valuable experiences will be altogether overshadowed when you return. we shall have no long stories to tell, no hairbreadth escapes to relate, no wonderful exploits and deeds of valor to recount. Do you recollect how Othello won the heart of the fair Desdamona, with that of her father? So I suspect it will be with our own blue-coated boys. Then you do begin to feel some anxiety - for the desperate case of myself and others of my advanced age. I am glad that you are interested in our behalf, and yet as there are so many of us (our name is Legion) that I think you would better not spend too much of your precious time thinking of us, lest you unwarily be lured into your old habit of following our footsteps. We have made up our minds, and that with resignation, (from necessity of course) to be "old maids." We mean to be a better set of "old maids" than those of past generations. Indeed we mean to be such a cheerful good-natured company that you will never think of applying that despised epithet to us. You will never think of our being old. We intend to spend our time in trying to elevate our race and trying to make all mankind happier. Thus you see we shall occupy enviable positions rather than pitiable ones. Don't you wonder where I am? I am in Mrs. Wilson's kitchen. I am boarding with her now. I am teaching a Select School - all my own in our district school-house. I commenced two weeks ago - have thirty-two scholars, and the pleasantest school I ever taught. I have three Soldier Boys. Most of my school is made up of nice young ladies from fifteen to twenty years of age. I told Mary (your sister) today that I was going to write to you this evening. She said to give you her respects. Louise is one of my scholars - isn't that strange! We have been having very deep mud, but for the last few days the wind and sun have been doing a good work for us, and the woods have become nearly settled. I don't know that I ever spent a day that I truly realized that it was as emphatically pleasant as today had been. The sun shone out so brightly that everything and everybody seemed glad. They did not all seem to know what was the reason of their joy but I could see in their very countenances that the return of spring had brought happiness to the lovers of nature. I think we will have some cold weather yet - but it does not seem much like it now. Sylvia has gone to Oberlin, I sat by Lois in Church yesterday and shook hands with your father. Charlie has grown to be a man while you older have been gone to the war. John was at home about the time that you was writing to me. Then you do kind of like me. You are to be commended for your honesty in thus confessing it. I have no reason to think but that your affection is returned. Wouldn't you hate to have people know what privacy you and I indulge in? I wouldn't have anyone see our letters for anything, would you? I haven't seen our sister Emily for a good long while. She has been in Farmington and No baby has been very sick. I believe she is better now. The last day of my school in the north district the scholars presented me a very pretty Photo Album so you may not be at all backward about sending me your Photo. I should like very much to have it to place alongside my other "warltives." I have just received some Photos from Oberlin taken from a negative that I left there last Summer. I will send you one, as it may serve to call up old memories that may not be altogether unpleasant some rainy day when you have nothing to do but think of home and home friends. I shall be glad to hear from you again. Your friend Melissa ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Head Quarters Sixth Ohio Vol. Cavalry February 4th, 1865 Dear Friend Hattie I fear you will hardly get the answer to your last letter as soon as you may expect and perhaps you will go to the Post office in vain on account of my tardiness but I wouldn't care much if I could go with you. Is that ugly? I received a letter from Melissa this morning and one from Nelson and am consequently in every good humor. Nell's letter was mailed at Washington while on his way to no one knows where. John was left behind in the Hospital. We heard that the 23rd army Corps was to join this army and so I was looking for a visit from Nell but they are doubtless on their way to join Sherman and that will not suit me at all for I should like very much to be near enough to them to admit of my riding over to his habitation on a visit once in a while. You ought to tell me all about that air castle which you were building that morning when you wrote to me, but may be it would not be to my credit, but you need not stop on that account but tell me all about it and I'll guarantee that your heart shall not loose its reported softness, tenderness. I should have said what makes you think me a "Naughty boy." What have I done or neglected to do that should call down upon my devoted head the title of "naughty boy." You are quite right in not laying at my door the charge of flattery for it is a commodity in which I take no stock and what I say to you (in earnest) you can consider as the actual truth and when I tell you that my regards for you are those of the purest friendship and that your letters are a fruitful source of joy and encouragement to me, I tell you only what you would readily believe. Could you see my naturally large mouth increase in size from right to left and left to right and then both ways at once while reading your letters and I don't stop with the first reading either. I have got to thank you for your forbearance with me for sending your letters home but I am not so much to blame as you might at first suppose for I would not be afraid to trust my life even in the keeping on one so kind and true as Sylvia has proven herself to be but when I take a second thought I realize that you are not as well acquainted with her as I am and can not be blamed for not wishing her to see your letters and I will make you a promise that she shall not see them only by your consent so you may write all about those air castles built by your imagination. Circumstances seem to forbid the possibility of my long wished for visit home and there will in that case be no other alternative but submission to my fate. We shall probably move early in the spring, in fact we are now under orders to be ready to march at a moments notice and there is now no chance for a leave as our allotted number have already gone and others are waiting their return to go themselves and leaves are granted only in very urgent cases so I will hardly be able to visit you this winter. Ain't you sorry for me? You didn't tell me anything about that Rev. minister, King. What did he do to merit the wrath of so kind a girl as Hattie? I have heard nothing about it. You ask what I mean by asking if Melissa reads letters to you, this wording is capable of a double meaning, especially as it was not punctuated but my meaning was does Melissa read any of the letters which you receive from me. It makes no difference of course only I know she was aware of our correspondence with each other. On the envelope which contained Melissa's letter I though your pen had done the directing but may be I was mistaken but I saw the letters H.M.R. huddled up in the corner as though they were afraid of being seen. The order has just come to me to issue three days rations and the men are to take eighty rounds of ammunition and two days of forage preparatory to moving. Now for the tug of war, it isn't very pleasant to think that we must leave our comfortable quarters and take to the fields for no one knows how long in the midst of winter, but it is the lot of the soldier and I'll warrant there will be more laughing than crying over the event for they are accustomed to making the best of everything and think everything for the best. But I must close this letter hoping to hear from you soon. Give my regards to Melissa and remember me as ever Your True Friend Dwight -------------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 8 Head Quarters 6th O. C. near Petersburg, Va April 23rd 1865 Friend Hattie Where are you today? At church or home writing letters to absent friends perhaps. You are more prompt than I and have your letters all answered in their proper time but right now the urgencies of the Service will not permit of my being very prompt. Maybe you would be willing to go with me to church in the city of Petersburg where you might look out in almost any direction through holes in the wall made by our shot or shell. Or perhaps your temper could be ruffled by the haughty looks of the female rebels and our prisoners who were paroled by the leniency of our noble leader. It is rather aggravating to see them parading the streets holding their heads so high and turning up their noses at us boys in blue. Still the more sensible of them feel that their forever enemies are a generous and noble class of men and treat us with the utmost kindness. But they have no "warm sugar" to offer us and consequently we don't get any. I have had a lump or two of cold sugar but that don't fill the bill. No doubt you are now rejoicing over the near approach of the day when it will be said Peace is now declared. You can scarcely conceive how our brave boys cheered and shouted when we first learned that Lee's army were our prisoners and when we thought that our fighting in Va. was done and so well done too. It far exceeded our expectations and on that account our joy was so much the greater. However we expect to move soon probably to join Sherman and help him in taming Johnson's army which is the only army of any size remaining to oppose us. May the 4th of July 1865 see all our brave boys at home enjoying the society which has so long been to us a thing of the past only. You are not afraid to trust me with your photo of course and I would be just as faith with two of them as with one and had you sent me the new one with a request that one of them be returned it would have been a pleasure to comply with your request. I too have just received a dozen new pictures and they are ready to be distributed and you may have one by sending yours and you may keep the best one and I will do the same. Melissa sent me hers and I will enclose one of mine in this letter for her for fear I don't have another opportunity. The order has just come for us to move at 6 o'clock in the morning so I must hurry up my writing and prepare for all emergencies. Please excuse this short letter and write a long one in return As ever Your Friend   Hattie D H Cory ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Head Quarters 6th Ohio Vol Cavalry. Near Petersburg, Va. May 14th, 1865. Friend Hattie, Having just returned from church and eaten my ration the rest of the afternoon is set apart for a visit with you. Would that it might be where the "feast of reason and flow of soul" would not be interrupted by the scratching of the pen. Conversing on paper is rather tedious compared with that where pen and paper are not required. The Thoughts you were kind enough to think for me were perused with profit and pleasure and I had just commenced thinking about writing in reply when your letter came. The picture looks well and it may be nearer like you than I imagine, at any rate it wouldn't return kisses in kind and whether that is like you I leave you to say, or time to tell. Our prospects of seeing home soon look rather discouraging at present for an order was promulgated in the papers that the Cavalry were all to be sent to Texas or at least to the west of the Mississippi river and there remain until the traitors there have learned to dread the sight of a saber and carbine and to fear the name of "Sheridan." Still I can't believe there will be any more fighting to do for there is not an army now in arms that can stand a moment before the cavalry under Sherman's command but before we go there all soldiers whose time expires before the first of October are to be mustered out and the fragments of regiments thus made are to be consolidated with others from the same state and same division. This will unite the 6th with the 13th as they are all the Ohio Cavalry in this division and then some of the Officers will be mustered out as there will be too many for one regiment and in fact any Officer can be discharged honorably now by making an application but so far as I am concerned it is as well for me to stay where I am until there is no more soldiers wanted in the field. Don't Hattie think so? I hear in rather of a roundabout way that I am to be married as soon as may be after my return home and even have been congratulated on my success. Now I had considered myself in the market until then and still hope that my final disposal may not be injured by these flying reports. I am going to church tonight and may join the choir as they are very destitute of bass singers. It would be very pleasant to attend the choir meetings while we stay here although they may be tinctured with rebel sentiments. How will this letter do for length? Very well I think for the kind. I will send the picture as required hoping to hear from you soon again Hattie Your Friend D. H. Cory. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At Orin Rice's June 11th 1865 Dear friend, Another day's labor is performed and I am some what tired, just about tired enough to have a good visit with an old friend. I never get too tired for that. It is over a week since I rec'd your kind letter. there is nothing that I enjoy better than receiving and answering letters from "My Friends" and you know we read a soldier's letter very carefully now thinking perhaps we shall see written "We will be home soon." Surely those are very welcome words to "A friend of the Solders." Four of our boys have already come. Andrew Aaron Merit Joe, Ashley and Lauren Pesey they all look well and healthy. I think Andrew grows old. The people have been looking very anxiously to see the boys of the 126th but we hear they are to go toward Texas which I hope may be false. Jason Case has come home and Write Sutin too. Andrew says it is rather provoking that the girls don't care much about him now he has come home. That they are waiting to see the younger ones come. We oughn't be content until we see them all home again. I should think home would seem good to a returning soldier and will not their home seem much more pleasant when made cheerful by their presence? Liberty has come home again and hardly knows me. I have seen him only once and then he would not have spoken if I had not spoken first, perhaps it was my place to do so but he would hardly give me a chance. I do not want him to be offended at me. I am very sorry that he is, but how can I help it. Did I do wrong in doing as I did? Ought I to have continued going with him when I knew his object? Or ought I to have sacrificed all for his sake. Perhaps I show myself rather weak minded to be worrying about it, but it does trouble me to think that I have been the cause of paining anyone or that anyone is offended at me. The truth if it is that I like Lib too well to have him mad at me but I doubt that this is very interesting to you and I will change the subject and tell you what I did the other night. There the little girl has just brought me some nice strawberries. How I would like to send you one in this letter, but I will eat it for you. Won't that do just as well? But I didn't tell you what I did, did I. Well one week ago tonight, Mrs. Clark Rice and I went to the office. We met your sister Eva. She told me she had a letter from Dwight, that it was open. Charley had read it. I asked her if I might read it and so you see, I read your father's letter before he did. Wasn't I in great business. I expect he will give me a scolding the next time I see him and maybe you will too. I know I had no business to read it but I wanted to and so I did. You won't scold me hard will you? My Grandfather Rice was buried last Sunday. He was 86 years old, quite an old man. He was buried but a little way down from my mother and can it be that she lies in the silent grave. My mother. No it is only that cold tenement of clay that lies there. The soul has long since fled to its Maker, freed from this world of care and responsibility and dwells were only peace and happiness are known and may it be my happy lot when my work shall be done here to join with my sainted mother. no singing praised to that God who rules heaven and earth. You had better look out about associating with the rebels or perhaps they will poison you as they have many others under pretense of cooking something good for them. We never know when to trust them. We are having a literary society here but I have not joined yet. They have them Friday nights and those are the nights I go home and I am too tired to go after having been in school all the week. I had no business to have taught this summer but I wanted to try it again and see if I had forgotten how. If would be much better for me if I were at home milking 6 cows morning and night than in the schoolrooms. Yes Dwight, I have heard who you were to be married to. The scholars were talking about the boys the other noon and they said that Dwight and Emma Logan were going to be married. How does that suit your taste? Sue is in Mecca at her father Irwin's. Wonder if the hemming in that handkerchief has worn well. But it is so dark that I cannot see to keep the time so I think I had better stop. Why didn't you tell me you was Capt. I saw it in the Chronicle so that I hardly know how to direct. I shall look for another letter before many weeks. Yours as ever D.H.C. Hattie ------------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 9 Head Quarters - 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry Petersburg, VA June 25, 1865 Friend Hattie So good a letter as yours deserves a prompt answer and now that I have just returned from church your letter is the next thing on the docket. I had the exquisite pleasure of seeing John Nelson and all the other boys of the 177th OH today. They were on the boat at City Point waiting to start on their journey home. How I wanted to go with them and help to make the 4th a lively day. But be patient Dwight and your time will come about the time that apples and peaches are ripe. Then I expect to have to find no fault with my reception and the young ladies will be expected to do their duty promptly. The boys were laughing at Merie Sloan about his fondness for Rice and his desire to secure some as soon as may be after getting home. I honor his judgment if anything besides a joke was intended to be made known but it may be they were trying to bother me about a rival as they know of our having corresponded for some time. I offered my resignation the other day but it was refused and that put an end to my prospects of becoming a citizen very soon. But I have the promise of a leave of absence for 20 days in a week or two and I may stop in to Uncle Lucian's to see his folks if fortune favors me. Then we will see what the trouble is with you and Liberty. There'll be hearts broken if Liberty, Merie and Cory are all on the same track. No there can be no objection with me to your reading all my letters that you can find, for even if there were anything secret in them, I believe Hattie would keep it sacred and that is saying a good deal for a woman. Will you be so kind to send me the paper in which you ran the notice of my promotion? My commission came only a short time ago and too late to permit of my being mustered on it so that I am a Captain in the State of Ohio but not in the U.S. service and as for directing letters, you can address me as Lieut, or Captain as you like. The hdkf is all right and not a stitch has yielded and you may have it when I come home. Ain't that clever. The one who first informed me of my doom has just told me that the "favored" one lived in a white house east of Curl's corners but I'll see who it is after my return home. We are having new potatoes, Blackberries, cucumbers and everything of the kind here and they are plenty as common for this country. It is raining and is after ten o'clock and as you know it isn't best to keep late hours Sunday nights. I will bid you good evening with the usual parting salute Truly Your Friend Hattie D. H. Cory ------------------------------------------------------------ The Diary Starts Here <<<--Maggie note to self ------------------------------------------------------------ Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 10 [The following are from a diary kept by D. H. Cory - these (all pages) are all the entries made] Sunday, January 1, 1865 A very pleasant day but not very lively with me as all around me are almost entire strangers. Answer letters and read, make calls in the afternoon at the regiment, and dine with the boys at Head Quarters. Life in the Office of 3rd. Brig. Commissary becomes rather more tolerable then when first commenced on the 25th of December \64. Answer a letter written in reply to an advertisement in the Waverly. Monday, January 2, 1865 On the 18th of November 1864 I received a Commission as 1st Lt. Was very much surprised, as I had not been recommended by the officer then in command because I would not accept a 2nd Lieuts. Commission. And for this streak of good luck I have to feel thankful to Lt. Cap. William Stedman he having gone to Columbus and plead my cause for me. After considerable wire pulling am mustered as Commissary of the regiment on the 28th of November and commence my duty as per muster. On the 25th of Dec. following, am detailed as A.C.S. of the 3rd Brig., 2nd Co. Division in the place of Lt. B. J. Levy on leave of absence. This too was more than my most surprise hopes would have expected for my Commission bears the latest date of any in the Brigade and my pride goes up far above zero or any other marks ever reached by it before. During my day receive several compliments from Gen'l Smith commanding the Brigade.   Friday, January 20, 1865 B. J. Levy has not yet returned and he having been permanently relived by Cap. Richardson, I am ordered to turn over all property in my possession belonging to Lt. Levy and to take receipts for it in his name but find it not a very easy job as his papers are all with him, however we make a guess at it and do the best that the case will admit. Saturday, January 21, 1865 Return to duty with the Regiment and it seems like going home after having been absent since the 25th of January last. Saturday, February 4, 1865 Extensive preparations are going on for a move which seems to promise much for our arms. The Cavalry are all out together with the greater part of the company this side of the Appomatox river. The 3rd division of the 9th Corps. pass just at night on their way to the front. General Meade and staff are also en route for the scene of conflict but very little artillery is taken along on account of the bad roads. The weather promises to favor our move. Sunday, February 5, 1865 Heavy Cannoning was hard last night in the direction of Hatcher's Run and rumors of the failure of the enterprise are flying through camp. We hear that two Companies of our Regiment are captured and fearing it may be so ride out to the front to hear the particulars and find that with the exception of 5 men wounded we sustain no loss and have driven the enemy about a mile and a half and taken about 40 prisoners. The weather still continues pleasant but is growing colder. Monday, February 6, 1865 Slept out on the ground last night for the first time since the fall of \64. It seems rather hard but perfectly natural. It snows in the night and turns to sleet in the morning which makes the boys dread to stir away from their blazing log fires in the woods but they have just received a fresh supply of ammunition and are ordered onto the skirmish line. I return to camp and bring rations out in the night but am ordered not to issue for the Regiment is ordered into camp. The cold rain still continues to fall and the camp is entered with pleasure. --------------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 11 Tuesday, February 7, 1865 The sun rises this morning as bright as though it's face has never been hid by clouds or the warmth of it's rays chilled by cold winds and rain. The troops are just coming over the hill yonder and look tired and sleepy although they come with a shout of joy which shows they prize their home even though it be in the field. A pleasure which none but the soldiers knows. We had eight men wounded in the fights of the last three days. Friday, February 10, 1865   Detailed to act as Adjutant of the Regiment "Special order No. 14" dated Head Quarters 6th OH Cav. Feb. 10th and thereupon I commence the arduous duties assigned me. Lt. C. W. Fenton has gone home and his absence is felt by me especially as I now have to sleep alone and it ain't very warm weather just now. The River Potomac is so badly frozen that our meals are very irregular and the supply of vegetables is very much diminished. Saturday, February 11, 1865 Receive an order detailing me as A.C.S. of the Brig. by Command of Col. Knowles Commanding the Brig. but do not act on it for it seems as though it would be only for a short time and will make more bother than it will all be worth. However, the order is very flattering to my pride and assures me that my duty was well done while in the same place a short time ago. Friday. February 17, 1865 Relieved from duty as acting Adjutant by Lt. W. M. Davis who has been promoted and mustered for the place. Tuesday, February 21, 1865 Lt. Col. G. W. Dickinson leaves us for his home having been discharged for physical disability. He seems glad to get out of the service but there seems to be something of sorrow on leaving his comrades and Brother Officers who have been so long associated with him. Captain John Saxon being the senior officer now in the regiment takes Command and seems to feel himself full colonel or at least Lt. Col. But the Ass even though he wears the lions skin will eventually show his ears. Sunday, February 26, 1865 The sky is again clear and the air feels like a day in May but no employment except reading, writing, and riding out can be had and these are improved to the best advantage. Finish answering Mary's long neglected letter and conscience ceases to smite me for a neglect which is not to occur again. The Paymaster's Clerk calls to tell us to be ready to sign the rolls and obtain our pay tomorrow. Read Godey's seedy book with much satisfaction. Monday, February 27, 1865 A pleasant day and all the more pleasant by reason of the presence of the long looked for Paymaster, but part of the regiment have to wait until tomorrow for their well earned Greenbacks. Drew rations today for the last two days of the month and received in lieu of one day of coffee, 756# vegetables which were gladly received by the regiment. Gen'l Smith returns from his leave of absence and is again in command of his brigade. Tuesday, February 28, 1865 Received payment of all dues from the Government up to the present day amounting to $440.00 and have paid out the most of it. Rained nearly all day and is consequently rather disagreeable. Lonesome enough to give me the blues only my pocket feels more important than for some time past and debt is all paid again. Buy one pair of shirts for the small sum of nine dollars and begin to look more like a man about town. Wednesday, March 1, 1865 The monotony of a life in camp is varied by the erection of a large Chapel tent for the benefit of this 8th Cav. Brig. and considerable interest is manifested by the soldiers in the affairs of Religion. Attend the meeting tonight at the chapel and have the pleasure of listening to a very interesting discourse from a text to be found somewhere in the book of Psalms. As in water answereth to face - etc. [Actually this is probably Proverbs 27:19] Thursday, March 2, 1865 Rained all day today and the soldiers feel all the more certain that they will not be disturbed by orders to move for some time to come if this state of things continues. The roads are awful to look at even. Attend church again tonight with the same result as before but a different text. The tent was so crowded that the seats were nearly all broken down. Comparatively good singing. Friday, March 3, 1865 Read storys or novels as they are commonly called and answer letters. In fact these two vocations are the chief employment of the soldier in camp. His life is diversified only by his light camp duty, storms and calms, but these do not furnish employment to keep the mind occupied so as to exclude mischief entirely. Attended weekly meeting as usual at night. All Quiet on the James. -------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 12  Saturday, March 4, 1865 Did just the same today as I did yesterday only had more help. Rained like fury all the forenoon. Attended meeting in the evening. Wednesday, March 8, 1865 Captain Stiles returns home to his Company from a tour at recruiting and comes to board with us. Brings a Jubilee with him and we use it. Sunday, March 12, 1865 During the past week which has been one of rain and shine events have transpired which will take prominent places in history. We received news of Sheridan's sweep in the valley and are of course glad but not so much joy was manifest among the troops as the magnitude of these victories would warrant. The fact is, the boys have such a constant series of good news from the armies of U.S. that they have cheered until they are hoarse and their joy is more like the still water of a mighty river. Monday, March 13, 1865 Attended meeting at the Chapel last night and listened to a good sermon from Rev. Mr. Anzier of Mass. Also was gladly surprised to see the Band take their seats and make themselves useful as well as ornamental by playing several pieces of splendid sacred music. The house was crowded or rather the tent. General Smith was also there. Have inspection of property today and it runs that there will be but little left after the inspection is over. Wednesday, March 15, 1865 An order comes to have everything in readiness for a move at any time and this order throws life into the camps which were before as quiet and still. Surplus baggage is boxed and sent away. Condemned property is turned over and we "lay aside every weight" to prepare for the impending conflict. News comes to us that Sheridan is coming to join us and that he has destroyed large amounts of stores for the enemy in Lynchburg and that Stoneman has taken Danville.  Thursday, March 16, 1865 The work goes bravely on. Slackers are ordered to leave the army at once and all persons who won't want to fight are instructed to clear the track. The sky looks dark and threatening and the wind blows with awful fury from the south. The Secretary of war goes to Meade's Hd. Qurs. this afternoon and the word comes that they have decided not to move the army just yet and the dubious looking clouds seem to furnish a sufficient excuse for the delay. Friday, March 17, 1865 The Regiment goes on picket this morning and all ideas of moving right away are dismissed. The wind blows a perfect gale and fears are entertained that our tents will have to give way to the intensity of the wind. Rain falls during the night in abundance. Saturday, March 18, 1865 Go to Army Hd. Quarters for a ride mostly but partly to accompany Adjutant Davis on a shopping excursion. Sunday, March 19, 1865 There being no meeting today and it being very pleasant start out in company with [name or rank-unable to determine] Clark R. John and proceed westward and continue our ride until we arrive at the Hd. Qrs of the 3rd Divis. of the 5th A.C. There we alight and call on the Provost Marshal of the division Captain Morgan. Pass a very pleasant day and return to camp pretty well tired out for it is the longest ride I have had for a long time. Monday, March 20, 1865 Quite warm today and according to order we prepare for inspection at two o'clock P.M. and are pronounced the cleanest and best appearing Regiment in the Brigade. Firing on the right of the line before Petersburg is heavy and continuous night and day. Tuesday, March 21, 1865 Make a trip to Fort Hill and visit the Picket line which is only about 10 rods from that of the enemy and in the open field, and the Rebel Pickets were of course plainly visible but no conversation is allowed. Cap. Saxon receives an honorable discharge and starts home after having found out that the evils and oppositions against which he was contending were only imaginary. And the loss of his position under these circumstances seemed to effect him deeply. ------------------------------------------ Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 13 Wednesday, March 22, 1865 Rained nearly all night last night but is clear this morning and the wind blows as though it had been commissioned to dry up the mud at once. In order to facilitate our movements Captain Cryer takes the place of Saxon in command of the Regt. On the 21st Recommended to the authorities of the State of Ohio for a Captains Commission which suggests the question to myself am I capable of holding, with credit to myself and safety to others, such a responsible position. Time will tell. Thursday, March 23, 1865 This morning was clear and pleasant as a morning in March could be expected to be but Monday the wind rose and drove the sand with such force as to make one think he had suddenly been transferred to the great Desert. Receive thirty-five recruits for the regiment. It seems strange that I receive no more letters than I have of late. Leave it be that All my former friends have decided to "drop" me? Friday, March 24, 1865 Nothing going on in the regiment today except the assigning of recruits received yesterday. Saturday, March 25, 1865 Were ordered out in line early this morning in order to be ready for any emergency. Marched to the scene of action but our services were not required. The Rebs take fort Sted. and other of our works but have to give them up to us again. Our loss estimated at 800. Theirs 8000. We take 2100 prisoners also in an attack made by us on their lines on our left we take a line of works and several hundred prisoners. Sunday, March 26, 1865 In the melee yesterday one man of our regiment was severely wounded by a stray shell. (Steller) by name. He died last night. Every one feels jubilant over our sweep yesterday. Lincoln was within hearing distance of the fight and will doubtless return to Washington feeling like one old war horse. The regt. has not yet returned to camp. Sheridan is expected to join us tonight.  Monday, March 27, 1865 The regiment returns this afternoon to camp and Sheridan joins us and assumes Command of all the cavalry in this army. Genl Davis is superseded by Genl Crooks probably by recommendation of Sheridan and it pleases the 2nd Division generally for Davis has not shown himself the man sufficient for the place. The enemy threw shells at Sheridan's column while passing in front of Petersburg. Ordered to keep five days Rations on the men. Tuesday, March 28, 1865 Went to City Point today and saw on my way there the 24th and 25th Corps which came last night. And today Generals Grant, Meade, Sherman, & Sheridan together with A. Lincoln are at the Point holding a consultation. This is probably one of the grandest meetings of military men that the world has ever seen and whether their deliberations shall meet our expectations the sequel must show. Had my face copied today and a tune of 7.50 was the consequences. Wednesday, March 29, 1865 Commence the summers campaign by breaking our camp and moving to Dinwiddie C. H. via Reames Station. Genl Merritt commands the C. C. while Sheridan takes command of a military Division. It is very pleasant but the roads are not as good as might be desired but we reach Dinwiddie C. H. about six o'clock having traveled about forty miles and here we camp for the night. We met with no enemy on our march but their scouts keep on our flanks and occasionally fire at us. Thursday, March 30, 1865 Commenced raining about midnight last night and has rained all day which renders our position any thing but comfortable. We lay still and wait for our train which on account of the bad roads is left far in the rear. Meanwhile our Division moves to the front and engages the enemy but with what success we have not yet learned, only by prisoners taken. Almost entirely destitute of rations caused by some misunderstanding on our part. Friday, March 31, 1865 Rather pleasant today. The regiment together with our division are ordered to the front and prepare to fight. Dismounted. Am ordered back from the front to joint the train and assist in bringing it forward. The roads are awful. Our division has a very hard fight in the afternoon and are driven back simply for the want of ammunition. The having of one brigade is highly complemented by General Sheridan. The loss in the Brig 220, in our regiment 16.  Saturday, April 1, 1865 The regiment is allowed to rest after its fight yesterday. General Picket's Division is captured by our forces today and are now lying at the C. H. (Dimwiddie) Heavy firing is heard all day in the direction of Hatcher's run and the report comes that the enemy have broken through our lines at that part it was left defended by the 9th Corps and our dismounted Cavalry. The firing was very heavy and constant both of artillery and musketing. Our victory or defeat seems to rest with our success, good or ill, today. Sunday, April 2, 1865 The prisoners taken yesterday, 4000 in number, are marched to the Point and after the command have drawn rations of sugar, Coffee, & Hard Bread they move on toward Petersburg but meet with no opposition. News reach us that we hold Petersburg but is doubtless premature. The attack made on the 9th Corps yesterday was handsomely repeated and our men in turn charge and take the enemies principal lines of works and Petersburg is thus left at our mercy but we do not yet take possession of the place. Everything is turning in our favor. ---------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 14 Monday, April 3, 1865 Our infantry and Cavalry took the South side R. R. yesterday and this morning we move to it and there hear from good authority that Richmond and Petersburg are ours. The Cavalry have just gone out expecting to engage A. P. Hitts Corps and as it is nearly surrounded there is some probability of its falling into our hands. Genl Grant passes us and says that Johnson with his entire Command has surrendered to Sherman and that Richmond was occupied by our troops at 8 1/2 o'clock this morning. Tuesday, April 4, 1865 Leave the Southerland plantation where we were yesterday and move on towards Burke's station. The roads are passably good and the train moves pleasantly forward. News comes that General Thomas is at Lynchburg with his command and is prepared to resist the advances of Lee. We capture General Burine and some of his Staff. Encamp long enough to feed after having marched 13 miles and then move on all night. During the past week our forces have captured about 8500 men together with two Major Generals. Wednesday, April 5, 1865 Arrived at Gettersville at ten o'clock and issue rations to the Brigade. Several of our regiment were wounded in a fight, also two mortally and one killed. The result of the fight was we captured 1800 prisoners, 3 cannons and 450 mules together with trains loaded with supplies. Our forces seem to have every thing their own way and are bringing in prisoners faster than we can get rid of them. The enemy are expected to make a stand tomorrow and in anticipation our men have thrown up works for defense. Thursday, April 6, 1865 The train lays still all day and advantage is taken to sleep, wash and the like. The Cavalry move out at 6 o'clock to engage the enemy but find the bird has flown, but we overtake them and the ball opens about 11. The Cavalry Corps are sent round to the left to flank their retreating column and succeed in cutting it in two, leaving 8000 prisoners in our hands together with 16 pieces of artillery and considerable train which is burned. Friday, April 7, 1865 The train moves to Burke's Station where the Danville, Petersburg, Lynchburg, & Richmond R. R.s form a junction and here we view the prisoners captured yesterday. Among them are Generals Fitzhugh Lee and Jewell and other infamous Generals too numerous to mention. Rained nearly all day and consequently the roads not entirely dry - before were not the best. Encamp for the night in the woods near the junction. Saturday, April 8, 1865 Ordered to draw rations for the 2nd Cavalry division. Yesterday General Irving Frigg was captured by the enemy in a charge made by our forces on their train. Our cavalry suffered considerable loss as the enemy in force were concealed in the thick pine woods on either side of the road and as one charging column advances the enemy close up in our rear. This happened about 4 miles from Farmville towards Lynchburg on the R. R. The train with supplies for our forces lies still until 4 in the evening near Burkeville and then moves out to the Command. Sunday, April 9, 1865 Heavy firing was heard all the afternoon yesterday and this morning but no news of the result has yet reached us. We hear that Lee has sent in under a flag of Truce to find what terms will be granted him should he surrender his forces but the heavy firing seems to reply "Unconditional." News comes tonight that Lee has surrendered all his forces in Virginia to General Grant and the report is confirmed by officers who ought to know but still it seems almost too good to be believed. Monday, April 10, 1865 The heavy firing heard yesterday was done by Sheridan's Cavalry who were heading off Lees forces and had not yet heard of Lees surrender. The terms were agreed to today or last night late and the ceremony took place this morning. The victorious army tired and worn by constant marches felt as though their work were well nigh done and never had men engaged as soldiers greater cause for rejoicing then we have now.  Tuesday, April 11, 1865 The terms of surrender were 1st The Officers were to retain their side arms and all private property but all public property belonging to U. States is to be given into our hands. 2nd The men and Officers were paroled on the spot and all our men held by them as prisoners were also paroled. Lee states in a speech made to his army that he started from Richmond with 60,000 armed men and now he had only 12,000 to surrender besides 4,000 to 5,000 who had abandoned their arms. --------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 15 Wednesday, April 12, 1865 Have the pleasure of seeing Generals Grant and Parks, Bernard and others whose names I have forgotten also in Grants Staff the son of A. Lincoln. I after Drew rations for the 2nd Cav. Division and issued one day H. Bread to 3rd Brig. The troops are all ordered back to Burke's Station to get supplies and wait the development of new plans of operation. Our wounded were sent to City Point by Rail. Thursday, April 13, 1865 The rain which has been almost incessant for the past week or ten days has ceased and now a clear sky and balmy air seem to promise fair weather and good roads for the remainder of the campaign in Virginia. Drew 3 days supply for the 2nd Division and prepare to move back to Notaway Court House. Fitzhugh Lee came in yesterday with his staff and gave himself up to our officers in accordance with the conditions of the surrender of Sun. Friday, April 14, 1865 Move from Burksville to Notaway C. H. over bad roads and go into camp with the promise of a weeks rest and plenty of supplies of all kinds. receive all our mail which was delayed by our recent movements. receive a letter from Baker, Mary T., Hattie. R. and a dozen photographs. Poor ones. Very pleasant today and every one is jubilant over our good fortune and what is generally considered the close of the war. And our homes seem almost in sight. Saturday, April 15, 1865 Commenced raining last night and has rained all day and our condition is most miserable. Nothing transpires to vary the monotony today and even the expected train of cars fails to come and consequently we receive no mail. Captain Loveland reports for duty and takes command of the Regiment. St. Simmons also returns on the 14th.  Sunday, April 16, 1865 The news reach us that Lincoln, Seward and son were assassinated but is not confirmed and not generally believed. Our joy is too great to be dimmed by any rumor which may be flying about camp. No one can have any idea of our joy who has not been placed in like circumstances. Draw and issue ration for the 2nd Cav. Division and takes till 12 o'clock at night. Monday, April 17, 1865 To our sorrow the news of the assassination were confirmed beyond a doubt and every face wears longer than ever before in contrast to the general rejoicing yesterday. We start at 10 o'clock from Burksville on our way to Petersburg. It is a pleasant day and renders our march one of pleasure and of profit too as our supply of forage and other necessaries has been rather limited. Arrive at Wilson station at 7 o'clock which is half way between Burksville and Petersburg. Tuesday, April 18, 1865 Start from our camp at Wilson's station at 6 this morning and move slowly on our way, hindered by a Battery of artillery which is sticking in the mud at every bad place. We arrive at the Coeade city in good time to go in to camp in good shape and have a good sunset view of the place. Our camp is on the top of a hill overlooking the town and renders our camp very pleasant. We view with much wonder the works which protected our enemy from our fire so long. Wednesday, April 19, 1865 Mounted my horse early this morning and start for the city to see what the effect of our shelling was and to get a good idea of the condition of things there. The city is but little impaired only in the vicinity of the Petersburg and Richmond Bridge across the Appomatox. Here stray shells and considerable havoc but not so much as at Fredericksburg or some other places that have been in our path. A barge comes loaded with stores for our Corps. Thursday, April 20, 1865 The feeling of the people in this vicinity are strong in our favor compared to what it was while we were just over the hill beyond sending in our compliment in the shape of shot and shell. They now seem to be glad that the Yankees have taken possession of their city and commenced to put matters to rights. Had an introduction to a rebel Captain who received me very cordially at his home in the city. Good feeling exists already between the soldiers who used only a week ago to shoot at each other every chance they could get.  Friday, April 21, 1865 Visit the city that has stood out against our forces so long and take a good survey of the condition of its defenses. The "Natives" seem to have lost all their dread and fear of the Yankees for the ladies turn out in vast numbers to promenade the streets and keep their little noses at the angle in which nature left them and this we consider as a very good symptom for Miss Rebel's nose will "firm up" at anything which displeases her. ---------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 16 Saturday, April 22, 1865 Am deprived of my visit to the city today by a general order which requires all Officers and soldiers to get a pass from the Division Commander before he can be passed into town. A requirement which seems rather too strict for the exigencies of the service or the good of anyone concerned but as we are sworn to obey our supervisors and it being too much trouble to get a pass have to content myself as best I can. Sunday, April 23, 1865 Spend the day in writing letters, reading papers to prepare for a grand service tomorrow which is to be conducted by Sheridan in person a sight which has rarely been seen even by the oldest soldiers in a Cavalry Corps as large as ours all out on review. Preparatory to the morrow the Cav. are ordered to be inspected in their Company streets and we are expected to have arms and clothing in the best condition. Monday, April 24, 1865 Get orders to move this morning at 6 o'clock and it causes much conjecture as to the direction which we will take and the object of the movement. Move at the appointed hour and in the direction which indicates that we are to join Sherman. Cross Stoney creek passing through Dinwiddie C. H. on the Boidton plank road. Cross Nottaway river at Burkett's Bridge and encamp near the river having marched 27 miles. The weather is very pleasant. Tuesday, April 25, 1865 Move from Camp on the Nottaway river at six o'clock in the morning in the rear of the Corps, and move at a slow pace and reach the banks of the Maherin river at 9 o'clock, and there encamp for the night, having marched twenty-one miles. The Country on the route is very pleasantly situated and well watered.  Wednesday, April 26, 1865 We are again on the march at an early hour, forage is almost all gone and it becomes necessary to procure it from the surrounding Country. After crossing the Maherin river by ascending the stream five miles to a ford a party of 35 men was sent for forage under command of Major Cryer and after pillaging houses in a most ruthless manner we returned to the Regt. Thursday, April 27, 1865 Camped near Boidtown last night and at 6 o'clock move forward in advance of the Division. As we pass through the town the people flock to the streets to hear our bands play and see the Yankee Cavalry pass. Reach the Stanton river and cross it on ferry boats chained together. Encamp for the night about a mile from the river. Our forage is obtained from the country but orders are strict against pillaging houses. Friday, April 28, 1865 This morning two parties were sent out for horses me in command of St. Simon's and the other in charge of D. C. H. We all kept together until we had crossed the Dan river by ferrying ten horses at a time. After crossing the river we strike out for the North Carolina line taking all the horses that were formed in our line of march to the great displeasure of the people. Saturday, April 29, 1865 Pass the night very pleasantly about 25 miles from the main column. Set out in quest of horses at an early hour and are very successful in hunting them in the woods where the people have hidden them. I take a nice Stallion and his groom from a mare by name of Sandas. After taking 12 horses and 4 mules and 6 negroes we commence our retreat to join the regt. Learn from a citizen that Johnson has surrendered and that our forces have been ordered back. -------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Page 17 Sunday, April 30, 1865 Passed through South Boston a station on the R. & D. R. R. and cross the Dan river on a bridge last night. And as it rained very hard we took possession of three shops, barns, etc. about 4 miles from S. B. Sunday morning the roads are muddy but the sun shines bright and clear and we set out moving towards Petersburg. Joint the 1st & 3rd Divisions at four o'clock but the 2nd has gone on another road Encamp in a shed large enough for all our horses.  Monday, May 1, 1865 Move to Blacks & Whites Station on the Petersburg on South Side road. Here we drew forage and encamped waiting for our Divis. to join us on the road. Find that every thing is ordered back to Washington and that steps are to be taken immediately to discharge the whole army. Our joy is full Home seems almost in sight and we march with more willingness if possible than ever before. Tuesday, May 2, 1865 Drew rations for one Brig. and make ready to issue to them as soon as they arrive. 8 o'clock and we are on the road again and have joined the regiment and are relating our adventures and looking at the horses captured and discussing the future of the army. We have had a hard march but no blood has been shed and a great victory won. And the war is over. Words cannot express our joy as we move on to the place where we are to be made citizens. Wednesday, May 3, 1865 Encamp near Wilson's Station last night after a march of 18 miles. The weather has been as pleasant as the troops could ask and with good roads too, which renders the campaign just past one of the most agreeable that we have ever had. Reach Petersburg at four o'clock and go into camp and commence the task of settling our affair with the Government. Tuesday, June 13, 1865 Received a Commission as Captain in the 6th Ohio Cavalry Regt. but on account of a late order mustering out all dismounted men I am unable to get mustered. Receipt for all G. M. Stores now on hand in the regiment and act as G. M. in Place of St. J. A. Clark resigned. Issued clothing on the 12th yesterday and everything comes out square. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Letter From Melissa Rice Adams Page 18 Oxford Nov. 2nd, 1879 Dear Friends at Home, I have put off writing this terrible letter as long as I suppose it is right to do. I got Eld. Casler to write at first as I felt that I could not do it. This sudden bereavement seems almost more than we can endure, but we feel that we have no cause to mourn for our Edith, but only for ourselves, because we are so lonely. Of course you will wish to know something of the circumstances and I will try to give them as best I can. Two weeks ago the middle of last week (this is Sunday) Arthur had a sore throat and I saw a whitish spot on one of the tonsils. His Pa took him directly to the Dr's as we were afraid of diphtheria and he said it was not at all like diphtheria. Said it was canker, and that he could take his medicine and go to school as well as not. He did not go that day but I think he did the next. He was entirely over it in a few days. The following Sunday (two weeks ago today) Edith complained in the same way and we went immediately to using the same medicine as for Arthur. Monday morning her throat was no better, had more spots on it and we took her to the Dr's. He said the same as he did about Arthur. We asked him over and over again if it could be Diphtheria. He always answered that it was only cankered sore throat and would soon be well. He said that she could go to school, but we did not let her. Wednesday she was real well, knit quite a good deal and had fun generally; but towards night she seemed hoarse and had a very peculiar feeling in her throat all night; in the morning we went to the Dr. and he did not seem to think he needed to see her, but sent some medicine that he said would alleviate her. But she had bad spells during the day when her breath seemed tight. In the middle of the afternoon (Thurs.) we sent for the Dr. and he then called it diphtheria for the first time. He brought another Dr. in almost immediately but he said it would be a very easy case to manage. She rested very well that night and both the Dr.'s came again in the morning and said she was doing well and the second Dr. called, assured me that there was no cause for alarm and I did not know otherwise as I had never seen a case before and she was around the house all the time and had a very good appetite. She did not rest good Fri. night but got up quite bright Sat. morn. Both Dr.s came and said she wad decidedly better. Of course I believed it. Her throat did look better, but these bad spells of breathing still continued. She never seemed to have them as bad when the Dr.s were in. Her breathing was so bad all day that I felt alarmed. The old Dr. came toward night (the young Dr. was out of town for the night) and I could see that he was puzzled. After he went away, I could not keep my tears back. Edith asked what I was crying about. I told her that I was afraid we could not cure her and asked her if she would be afraid to die. She said no and that she had thought very likely she would not live. It did not seem to disturb her in the least and she begged me not to cry. She said she suffered nothing except the effort of breathing. It was a terrible night. Others were here with us. We did everything that could be thought or suggested. We sent for the Dr. about midnight and sent for him to bring whatever help he needed. He brought another Dr., one who had not seen her. They worked faithfully and I think achieved a little but in spite of everything I thought she would smother when those worst spells came on. She breathed with difficulty all the time but worse by times. She had not spoken loud since Thurs. night but the Dr. said that was a common symptom of the disease. She called for Arthur and Louie about Three o'clock Sun. morn. and kissed them. She kept saying, "I cannot stand this long." She was a little more quiet in the morn. but we were sure her time was nearly come. In the morning her Pa asked her if should would be afraid to doe. She said no and then in a few minutes she called for us all and said, "All, Come to heaven. Tell the schoolgirls goodby and come to heaven. Tell Aunt Alice she was going to see little Allie, and that she thought when little Allie died she would be the next." I told her she would see Grandma Rice and Aunt Hattie's little Charlie. During this conversation she seemed not al all disturbed. I told her how lonesome I should be, how I should miss her music and how I should want to see her so very much when I could not. Then she said, "Ma, I wish you had a good picture of me." (I have none taken since she was 4 or 5 years old) All this conversation was very comforting, but yet it seemed that she was dearer to me than ever. Sun. was a terrible day. She had her full strength and would make such desperate efforts to breathe. The house was full of good people all day. She liked to have them sing and once when they stopped she whispered to her Pa, "Why don't they sing more hymns." All the afternoon she looked as if she were dying and we supposed she was. The Drs. gave up her case toward night and another Dr. sent word that he wanted a chance. At first I thought it too bad to disturb a dying child, but he said he would do nothing to disturb her and that he only wanted one hour to try his remedies. We finally consented and the change he produced was wonderful. He relieved her breathing entirely. She returned to her natural color (she had been purple most of the day) and she ate and enjoyed the change wonderfully. This was after dark. She slept quietly. All the Drs. came back to see her and said she was better. I did allow myself to hope and yet it was with a terrible fear. After midnight, the medicines did not seem to have the same effect and we could see that the old thing was creeping slowly back, and yet we did not give up hope. The Dr. took the 9 1/2 train and went to a town 12 miles south of here to consult a former partner who had had unusually good success with this disease, and returned at 11 1/2 bringing the man with him. She had already become purple again. They tried to do something but she passed quietly away about 1 o'clock. I was so afraid she would choke but she did not. If it had not been for that last treatment commenced the night before, she doubtless would. I was so thankful that she did not struggle; but O it did seem so hard to give her up and more especially after we thought she was given back to us from a dying state. I believe if we had had the last treatment at first she would have been well now, but we used every means that we were aware of at the time and can not blame ourselves. She passed away Mon. 1 p.m. and the funeral was Tues. 2 p.m. Father & Mother Adams, Oscar & Mary, John & Alice & Lydia were here. They said it was the poison that had passed into the blood that caused her death. Arthur and Louie seem to be well, but Lizzie, my hired girl was taken with it suddenly yesterday morning but I guess she is going to get along without any trouble. We sent for the same Dr. that relieved Edith at the last. He gets most of the cases now. I do not know of many cases now, and no serious ones. Theron is taking some medicine today. His throat seems to be a little out of order but no spots have appeared. We have all been using preventatives. There is no school the coming week, as to anything further I do not know. There has been a great deal of excitement considering the number that have died. Only two, Edith Robinson and our Edith and they just one week apart. The people have been very kind indeed. We could ask no more of them that they have done. We received a letter of sympathy from Dr. Howell & wife of Goodrich yesterday. Human sympathy is good but it cannot fill the void caused by death. Edith could do anything she undertook. She was doing very nicely in her music. I must say that I have felt very satisfied with the progress of all my children, and they have seemed to be so well disposed that they have caused me very little anxiety. Edith was almost a woman and was so much company for me. She did not care to run and romp like some of the neighbors girls. She said they were so rough. While the boys followed their Pa, she was left with me, but now, Oh! The lonely hours that I must spend. I ought not to be selfish and wish her back into this world of trouble just to please me when she is better off shut away from all sin, but yet I cannot help feeling that my loss is very great. Now I have not even one little girl. The snow is gently falling today on the ground where Edith sleeps, but she feels it not. She lies in a beautiful white casket on a side hill in the cemetery half a mile out of town. I have never liven in any place in Mich. before where I ever felt I would be willing to bury my family, but the people here are so very, very good. I always did feel very sorry for people when they buried their children and have dreaded the time when it would be my misfortune to do the same. I do not know as it has been any harder than I expected. Her talk and composure about the matter is a great comfort and I consider that we have indeed a treasure in heaven. This letter is to you all. I cannot write these circumstances again. It has taken all the courage that I could summon to do it this time. At first I thought I must have Pa here if no one else could come, but I saw that the time was so very short that he could not get here if we sent a telegram so we gave it up. Write soon Yours in sorrow Melissa Rec'd Harriet's letter Friday Louis rec'd that picture of your dear little baby last Wed. He was quite delighted and we were all glad to get it but it did not seem as good as it would if our eyes had been free from tears and Edith had been here to see it too. I think she looks like her mother across her eyes. How still she sat. Louie said he thought she ought to have a few pennies for sitting so still. I suppose you have seen an account of the Fitch murder. Of course we know all the parties concerned as they lived across the street from the schoolhouse in Goodrich. The children went to our school. It was a terrible thing. Father Adams & wife did not go home until Friday. Melissa ------------------------------------ Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary Epilogue Page 19 Oct. 18, 1903 Dear Hattie Tomorrow is the anniversary of our wedding and I am glad I was there and I wish I knew that you were glad too. It is thirty-eight years since you took charge of me and I now weigh 180 lbs. but look at you. You don't look as though you had enough to eat. I shall have to change your diet or your climate or something to get you fat. Write me in care of Rob and let me know what to bring you from Cleveland. Your Loving Husband D. H. Cory [On the other side] You don't know how nice it is to get a letter from the whole crowd when you have been two weeks away from home and it is Sunday with nothing to do only to read and think of home and what is going on there. I thank you all for the pleasure of it and will send the letter to Alma. Yours As Ever D. H. Cory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Addressed to Mrs. B. C. Belt (Alma Lavinia Cory Belt, Dwight and Harriet's eldest daughter) Harriman, TN Aug. 27, 5:10 a.m. 1911 My dear ones at Granville I had thought to be with you now but time is going so fast and I am getting acquainted with the neighbors and Uncle Charlie and I have such rides every day over the hills with Walden Ridge always in sight that I can hardly decide to bring my visit to a close so soon. We are going to hear a man preach today in the Universalist Church who was in Ashtabula when John was there and said he was present when John was admitted to conference. This man is now a Universalist. We met him in the printing office and had quite a chat. We had gone there to see a type setting machine and it is a wonderful invention. Now I don't know when I will be in Granville. Charlie says I am going to stay all winter and as he has got all my money maybe I will have to stay and board it out. Harry was here over night but I did not get much chance to visit with him. He paid me $254.00 and I lent it to Charlie and he will use it at the coal bank I guess but I can get it at any time if it should be needed. How is Ben getting along with the Jewelry business? Haven't heard much about it and will Charles quit the stove works when school commences again? I suppose you are working night and day to get Beulah and Harriet ready for school. Bless their Dear Hearts and count their Heads. Spank them good and send them to school but if I don't come they won't have to eat such wonderful messes of mixings as they did last winter and that will be "joyful." Charlie has just gone to the office to see a patient and called to me to hurry up but a little girl got into the buggy with him and drove off. I frequently give the little ones a ride while the Dr. is making a call. Went to see a woman delivered who was taken with nervous prostration on hearing that her son had fallen from a telegraph pole and would be brought home dead and Charlie gave her a Heart tonic and she was better the next morning. We have frequent councils over his patients after we get back to his office and don't you believe he will seldom agree with me in clinical treatment although our diagnosis is about the same. He says it will take at least six months to give me the necessary polish for a physician and then I had better go west or farther south where they don't know much and are willing to die. Give my love to all our friends and love to Charles, Beulah, Harriet, and Ben and please write soon. Your Loving father, D. H. Cory -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Philadelphia, PA July 15th 1913 Dear Alma and Family Your letter announcing the Marriage of Beulah was received with much surprise and pleasure. Our friend Mr. Hall has got a wife that can keep house and one that he can feel Proud of anywhere. They have our best wishes for Happiness and Prosperity - "Good Luck to em." I sent you yesterday a pamphlet with Pictures of The officers of the Battle of Gettysburg and the Monuments erected by the States represented on the field and our Regiment has a very fine one. We with the Cavalry Division captured Stewart's wagon train that he had loaded with stones taken from the people of Chambersburg and all along their line of march we cut the spokes in the wheels and left the wagons with contents for their people to get and we captured about 1500 prisoners. That was the best job we did in the four years war. You ought to see Eva's children. They are The Nicest Ever but Lois is just full of mischief. She got up to the Bureau yesterday and found my pen and went to writing on the wall and broke the feed and bent the pen badly but I got it fixed and her spanked so that is settled. I tend the Baby and take him with Lois out with the Cab almost every day and it gives Eva a little chance to do her work. It takes lots of washing for they dirty their diapers every time they think of it. I expect to stay here till spring for Harry has been ordered to Boston on a Torpedo Boat and there is no knowing when he will return. Every man in the Navy must spend a certain portion of his time on the Ocean and Harry has now been two years in some navy yard and must take his turn out of port and that makes it almost necessary for me to stay with her and help her. We went through Wanamaker's store with a guide from first to the 12th floor and from there to the roof and from there we could see all over the city. I went one day with Harry over the Battle Ship. Saw a 13 in Gun, several of them and saw how they were fired but I didn't bring the gun with me You Bet for it is too big for my use and it cost 13.00 dollars to load it. This is a nice city but the streets are too narrow for Double track and so the cars just run around out one street and back on the next one running parallel with it. There is a big paved school yard just across from our room and it is like a circus over there all day during vacation and the yard is full of kinds under the care of teachers who direct their play and keep order. The children are both asleep and Eva is thinking what to get for dinner. Wish you could sit at our table and have some watermelon that is now in the ice chest. I must close this letter and writhe to Florence and Uncle Charles. He enjoyed his visit very much as we all did. With Best wishes to you and yours. Your Loving father D. H. Cory ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Among the items kept together with the Civil War letters and diary were the following clipping addressed to Mrs. Alma C. Belt, Granville OH dated 1927 with reunion lapel ribbon enclosed; and a receipt for funeral expenses dated Aug. 3, 1914] Civil War Cavalry Vets Meet at Warren Warren, Oct. 6. - Thirteen veterans of the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, who met here Tuesday in their 62nd reunion, recounted together some of the major battles of that historic company's career. Secretary E. P. Goodrich of Warren, reported that of the officers of the entire regiment only four are now living - Captain John N. Roberts in San Diego, Cal; lieut. Davis in Jamestown, N.Y.; Lieut. Aaron Wagner, of Akron, and Sgt. A. D. Rockwell, Flushing, L. I., New York. Lieut. Davis is totally blind and Lieut. Wagner is disabled. Of the regiment of 1,758 officers and men, less than 100 are now living. The Sixth was organized on the Warren fairgrounds in October of 1861, and was retained in the service until 1865. It served in the Valley of Virginia and in front of Washington, D. C, and its battles included those of Kelly's Ford, Upperville, Gettysburg, Bristol Station, Rims Station, Dinwiddie Court House, Five Forks, and Mine Run. A fragment of the flag shot to bits in this battle is on display in the G. A. R. rooms here. President George R. Braden of Ravenna was chairman over the business meeting. He appointed S. G. Hickok, R. D. Sager, and Mrs. Mabel Kyle as a committee on resolutions, and H. A. Sager as a nominating committee. Among the resolutions adopted was one asking Congress to speedily pass the pension bill granting $72 per month to the veterans and $50 to the widows, regardless of age or marriage limitation. An executive committee appointed consists of: Mrs. Margaret Elliott, S. W. Gibbons and Mrs. Lillian Mulhollan, all of Warren. The veterans, proud of their vigor at ages ranging upward from 83 to 90, declared that they realized that their ranks are rapidly thinning and suggested that younger persons in the persons of sons and daughters, be elected. Accordingly, Mrs. B. L. Newman of Jefferson, was elected president, E. P. Goodrich of Warren was re-elected secretary and treasurer. Cleveland, O., Aug. 3, 1914 Dwight Corry (Dec'd) S. W. Mather Casket Co. To Casket and Rough Box 25 - Funeral Car 30 - Undertaker's Services 5 - Embalming 5 - Door Wreath 3 - Chairs 2 - Rec'd Soldiers Claim in full payment of a/c of Dwight Corry (Dec'd) S. W. Mather 75 - ------------------------------------------------ The Cory Family Photographs are at http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~lovelace/coryfam.htm ------------------------------------------------ The Complete Lovelace & Loveless Family Web Site at http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~lovelace/index.htm --------------------------------------------------