Halfway Brook

Sherman Leavenworth must have requested information on the death of his brother Atwell Leavenworth, who had died November 13, 1864. Their brother Hezekiah Leavenworth died April 26, 1865. Four Trees

Folly Island, South Carolina, December 19, 1864
Dear Sir,
I hasten to answer your communication of November 23rd. In explanation why I have not answered it before, I will state that I have been on picket duty constantly for the last three weeks, and consequently, having no facilities for writing.

In answer to the question “how Atwell felt about dying,” I can’t say but little, from the fact that I can’t find as anyone spoke with him on the subject except myself.

Perhaps I ought to state that the nurses employed in the hospital at the time have all gone to the front at present to take care of the sick and wounded. For you will probably learn before this reaches you that most of the forces in this department have gone to meet Sherman.

Whenever I spoke to Atwell about the probabilities of his not recovering, his answer would be something like this.

“Well, I should like to live to see this rebellion put down, but if it is otherwise ordered, I don’t know but what I feel perfectly reconciled. I am not afraid to die. I feel that I am laying down my life in a just cause.”

He always conducted himself with strict propriety, and refused peremptorily to join any of his companions in any of the follies of camp life, he was a good soldier, and one that was respected by all who made his acquaintance.

He was buried with military honors, and a large number of the regiment attended his funeral. In regard to the removal of his body, I would think it impractical at present, from the fact there is really no one here that can make the proper arrangements. Continue reading →

Civil War Names in Highland
Enlistments
Aunt Sal
Goose Lot and Stone Walls
Four Trees

Yorktown, December 11, 1862
Dear Brother,
On the 11th, early in the morning we fell in line and was marched off with packed knapsacks. We were marched to Gloster County and when we were there, marched 15 miles to Gloster Court House where we camped.

We went there with the calculations of fighting rebels, but they had run. I went on picket the same night. It was cold as the deuce and the officer that was officer of the guard put us under cover of a fence as much as he could so we would not be so apt to get fired at.

We laid close and kept a sharp look out. There was a picket shot and killed on post. The next morning we came off of picket.

The general gave orders for a detail to be made out of each regiment to go and forage. They went out in the country taking every horse, pig, sheep, ox, they could find. Also searched the houses taking all the guns powder and lead, whiskey, cider and so forth.

They did not get orders to take fowls, but they did not wait for the orders and I guess the general did not care much…

They told us that they did not see how we dare come so far out with out arms as there was rebels in the swamps right below the farm, so we began to make our way to camp, for if they should get us, they would cut our throats in a minute.

We got to camp about noon. Then we went out on a foraging party…

We got paid yesterday. I sent $35 in an express envelope to father last night. I wish he would let mother have $10 of it.

Write as soon as you get this and let me know if you got the money and if you are all well or not. Write all the news. Write a good long answer. Excuse poor spelling, bad writing, as this is wrote with a rebel pen. No more at present.

S.S. Leavenworth

Sherman Stiles Leavenworth, 18, a farmer, was five feet, ten inches tall with hazel-colored eyes. He enlisted as a private in Company B, 56th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, at Newburgh, New York, on August 17, 1861, to serve three years.

Company B, 56th Regiment was stationed in Washington D.C. with the 10th Legion, 56th Regiment which defended the capital until March of 1862.

December 6, 1861
Dear Brother,
I got the dinner yesterday that you sent me. The chicken was first rate and so was the cake.

We went down to Washington yesterday. We was in the reception room of Uncle Abe’s house. I never thought thare could be as nice a room as that was. We were in the Smithsonian Institute. I seen more sights in thare than I ever seen before.

The fellows that I tent with is Samuel Bardsley, James Lewis, John McCabe, John Lavermire. Samuel Bardsley is my next best friend to George Eldred. He is an Englishman, but he is honest and he don’t brag any like most all others of his country.

I weigh 151 pounds with all my clothes on without my equipment on. It has not snowed any here yet. It is a nice warm day here today. I will send you a breast pin with the picture of McClelland on it.
S.S. Leavenworth

Washington, December 20, 1861
Dear friends,
I have found out where James Sergeant is. He is in the 87th Regiment Co. C. He came down to our camp yesterday. I did not expect to see him. He has been sick, so I understand him to say, for about two weeks in the hospital, but he is better now. His regiment is going in the same brigade that ours is.

Thare is strong talk in the papers here that England is going to pitch into the north. If she does, I think she will get enough of it. Thare has been talk so I have heard of enlisting more men so if the British interfere, we will have men enough to send to Canada to fight them there.

If Atwell gets a chance to enlist, he better not, for they can swear volunteers in as regulars for 5 years if they are a mind to. Thare has been talk of this regiment being regulars. If George goes in as one, I think I shall, but I think it is a great chance if they do. I expect it is a great consolation to the Tories if there is any prospects of the British helping the south. Continue reading →