Civil War Archive of Two Maryland Regiments: the 1st Maryland Cavalry and 100 Days Men of the 11th Infantry. . ...

Description

Civil War Archive of Two Maryland Regiments: the 1st Maryland Cavalry and 100 Days Men of the 11th Infantry.

An archive consisting of two letters from soldiers dating July 28, 1863, and January 21, 1865; one inventory and inspection report of unserviceable ordnance stores dated February 21, 1864; two vouchers for payment with multiple dates, both received by the auditor on August 16, 1864; eight muster rolls, three not dated and five ranging from December 31, 1861, to February 28, 1862; two muster payroll covers dated January and February 1862; three invoices of ordnance stores dated July 26 to August 1, 1864; three certificates from the Bureau of Pensions addressed to Thomas Zepp and dated from May 11, 1912 to July 3, 1926; three vouchers for receipts dated September 30, 1864; one receipt dated August 31, 1864; one return of ordnance stores dated September 30, 1864; one abstract of reimbursement dated 1864; one quarterly return of quartermasters' stores dated September 30, 1864; one letter from Wells + Dunan to Emanuel Myers dated July 8, 1865; one notice from the Treasury Department dated October 26, 1865; one notice from the Paymaster General's Office dated October 30, 1865; one deposition from Emanuel Myers dated 1865; and one notice of fees due addressed to Emanuel Myers, not dated. Documents are written in both pencil and ink and range in size from 2 ¾ x 7 ¼ inches to 14 ¼ x 10 ¼ inches.

The documents featured in this archive reflect the logistical realities of two different Maryland regiments. Active from April 1861 to August 1865, the 1st Maryland Cavalry participated in numerous notable battles throughout the Civil War. Attached to multiple commanders, members served in the Army of the Potomac, the Middle Department, the Department of Shenandoah, and the Army of the James. Throughout 1862, only its first full year of organization, soldiers fought in the First Battle of Winchester, the Battle of Cedar Creek, Pope's Campaign in Northern Virginia, the Second Battle of Bull Run, Harper's Ferry, and the disastrous Battle of Fredericksburg. The regiment particularly distinguished itself at the cavalry battles of Brandy Station and Gettysburg. At the latter, Lieutenant Colonel James M. Deems led eleven companies consisting of 335 men. The cavalry lost only two wounded with one missing, despite Gettysburg being the costliest battle in U.S. history. A monument currently stands to the east of the battlefield honoring the men for their service.

Unlike the 1st Maryland, which served throughout the entirety of the war, the 11th Maryland Infantry was organized on June 16, 1864 for short-term service. Known as "100 days men," the regiment formed part of an initiative in the last year of the war in which state militiamen were enlisted into federal service to serve as auxiliary troops for regular soldiers. Although these recruits received minimal training, their assignments as guards and rear-echelon soldiers allowed veteran units to move to the front lines. The 11th mustered out on October 1, 1864. Two months later, they reorganized for one year in December. Although the regiment largely served at Union garrisons during their time in the war, they did participate in the Battle of Monocacy on July 9, 1864.

This lot offers two letters that reflect the haste with which the regiments moved throughout the nation. On June 28, 1863, W.W. Charles, private in Company G of the 1st Maryland, wrote to Mrs. Middleton: "Madam, I hereby enclose you, by order of Capt. Hancock, the Discharge & Final Statement of Sargeant Andrew Wilson late of Company G, 1st Regt. Md. Cavalry. The Captain requests me to say that this matter would have been attended to much sooner but we did not receive official notice of his discharge from the War Department until the 20th of this month and this is the first opportunity we have since on account of constant marching to make them out." Sent from Warrenton Junction, Virginia, Charles and his comrades had been marching north towards Gettysburg, where fighting began in just three short days.

Two years later, L.C. Fowler, Captain of Company M, also of the 1st Maryland, sent a letter to his fellow soldier Mark Donnelly on January 21, 1865. He wrote: "I this morning received a communication from Surgeon in Charge of Frederick Hospital announcing your arrival at that Hospital and I thought perhaps I had better announce your promotion to Sergt in my company for your meritorious acts and your bravery while you were with me for I felt proud of your reputation and shall do all in my power to sustain it for you. I am very anxious you should return to the company as soon as you possibly can. I wish you would write and let me know how you are and what you think of your health and also if you have any idea when you can return."

In addition to Charles' and Fowler's letters, the included receipts and inventories demonstrate how the soldiers used goods and highlight how the federal government compensated enlisted men for their service with post-war pension certificates. Within these records, several documents address allegedly missing materials assigned to Lieutenant Emanuel Myers. An undated document appears to show the charges against Myers, noting, "Lt. Emanuel Meyers Co D. 11th Md Vol Paymaster Genl 2 auditor and 3 auditor For Capt Dunan to deliver to Meyers & collect the fee $259.00." A note on the verso, likely from Dunan, inquires, "What is his address D."

Myers contested these charges, submitting a deposition that reads, "I Emanuel Myers late 2 Lieut of Co D 11th Maryland Vol Infy (100 days men) do hereby depose and say that I was commissioned as 2 Lieut and mustered into the service of the United States as such in the 15th day of June 1864 and mustered out of the said service of the 29th day of september 1864, then holding the rank of 2 Lieut & C.O. Officer 3 Dept Brigade 8th Aux.y Corps, in the 11th regt MD Vol Infy; that I never served in any other than the above mentioned organization except as an enlisted man; that during my said term of service I have never receipted for or became in any manner responsible for any clothing camp & garrison equipage or public mony sic belonging to the Qmasters Department whether said government money or clothing camp & garrison equipage was captured from the enemy, discovered, or came informally into my possession."

An investigation into the missing items appeared to side with Myers and on July 8, 1865, agents from Wells & Dunan wrote to Myers: "A dilligent [sic] and protracted search in the Clothing Branch of the Qr M Genl office developes the fact that you are not held as responsible for any articles pertaining to that department. In view of this we herewith enclose for your affirmation a form of affidavit suitable to cause of non responsibility. On the return of this we will file it in the Dept to which it belongs. The first affidavit having been, by us, withdrawn and is now held in our possession. This we think will end further delay in the final settlement of your accounts."

Condition: All documents creased along folds. Letter dated January 21, 1865 completely separated at center horizontal fold and kept intact by cello tape on verso. Minor paper loss at top, left, and bottom margins, slightly affecting Fowler's rank in his signature. July 28, 1863 letter creased along folds with staining on verso and ink fingerprint recto, not affecting text. Blind embossed seal in the upper left corner. Inventory has toning throughout with separations at folds and closed tears at the top and bottom margins. Slight toning and staining to margins of vouchers. Muster rolls are toned throughout with intermittent staining and minor separations at folds. Quarterly return of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores and Abstract of Reimbursement exhibit toning throughout.

More Information: Additional Excerpts:
Within these records, several documents address allegedly missing materials assigned to Lieutenant Emanuel Myers. An undated document appears to show the charges against Myers, noting, "Lt. Emanuel Meyers Co D. 11th Md Vol Paymaster Genl 2 auditor and 3 auditor For Capt Dunan to deliver to Meyers & collect the fee $259.00." A note on the verso, likely from Dunan, inquires, "What is his address D."

Myers contested these charges, submitting a deposition that reads, "I Emanuel Myers late 2 Lieut of Co D 11th Maryland Vol Infy (100 days men) do hereby depose and say that I was commissioned as 2 Lieut and mustered into the service of the United States as such in the 15th day of June 1864 and mustered out of the said service of the 29th day of september 1864, then holding the rank of 2 Lieut & C.O. Officer 3 Dept Brigade 8th Aux.y Corps, in the 11th regt MD Vol Infy; that I never served in any other than the above mentioned organization except as an enlisted man; that during my said term of service I have never receipted for or became in any manner responsible for any clothing camp & garrison equipage or public mony sic belonging to the Qmasters Department whether said government money or clothing camp & garrison equipage was captured from the enemy, discovered, or came informally into my possession."

An investigation into the missing items appeared to side with Myers and on July 8, 1865, agents from Wells & Dunan wrote to Myers: "A dilligent [sic] and protracted search in the u Clothing Branch /u of the Qr M Genl office developes the fact that you are not held as responsible for any articles pertaining to that department. In view of this we herewith enclose for your affirmation a form of affidavit suitable to cause of non responsibility. On the return of this we will file it in the Dept to which it belongs. The first affidavit having been, by us, withdrawn and is now held in our possession. This we think will end further delay in the final settlment of your accounts."

The documents included in this collection boast signatures from several notable figures in Civil War history. On August 15, 1863, Brigadier General and Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac, Rufus Ingalls, wrote a letter to Colonel Edwin H. Webster regarding the latter's request for more gum blankets. Ingalls notifies the leader that "[t]hese blankets can be obtained by the Brigade Quartermaster making proper requisition, approved by Chief Quar'mst. 1st Corps, and presenting same to Capt. E.P. Pitkin, AQM at Warrenton Junction who will issue thereon." Signed, "I am Colonel Respectfully Yours, Rufus Ingalls Brig. Genl. & Chf. QM. Army of Potomac." Ingalls served the United States for four decades, joining as a Brevet Second Lieutenant Rifleman in 1843 and retiring on July 1, 1883.

Five months later, Robert Hergesheimer, Second Lieutenant in Company E, wrote to Captain David T. Bennett regarding supplies. Colonel Chase E. Phelps writes a note at the bottom stating, "Your last letter recd. with 10 days addl. extension. Enclosed find duplicate invoices & receipts for ordnance stores, last quarter, 1863, with Lt. Hergesheimer's certificate of its correctness." He adds his signature with rank, "Very truly yours, Chas. E. Phelps Col., Comdg. 7th Md. Vols." Phelps joined the Maryland Guard in 1861, was raised to Lieutenant Colonel of the 7th Maryland Infantry in 1862, and became Colonel in 1863. On September 9, 1864, he was honorably discharged. Phelps received the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Laurel Hill on May 8, 1864.

Also included are several letters detailing the accomplishments of the 7th Infantry. On December 13, 1864, Private Isaac Ridenour wrote, "I must inform you that we have been on one of the boldest raids that have been made since this war. We left here on the 6th and returned on the 12th being six days on the way on four days rations. We left here with a strong force with 10,000 cavalry, 30,000 Infantry and 45 of artillery. We have but little opposition. We marched over 100 miles, tore up over 30 miles of rebels railroad besides destroying millions of dollars worth of property such as cotton, corn, tobacco mills and other very extensive buildings." Ridenour mustered into Company G on August 20, 1862, and mustered out on May 31, 1865.

Ridenour's letter describes first-hand the Hicksford Raid, a key initiative that severed vital Confederate supply lines. On December 7, 1864, Major General Gouverneur K. Warren led 28,000 men south from Petersburg to destroy the Petersburg Railroad from Stony Creek to the Meherrin River bridge at Hicksford. Two days later, a Confederate force led by Major Generals Wade Hampton and W.H. Fitzhugh Lee confronted Warren. Hampton and Lee ordered the railroad bridge burned to prevent it from falling into Union hands. However, gunfire from Warren's forces drove off the southern firing party.

Five months later, on April 29, 1865, Robert K. Robinson, surgeon for the 7th Maryland Infantry wrote to Bennett, now Lieutenant Colonel, to update him on the health of his soldiers. Robinson mustered in on September 26, 1862, as assistant surgeon and was promoted to surgeon on July 29, 1864. He mustered out on May 31, 1865. In addition to providing medical updates, Robinson offers remarkable insight into the aftermath following the surrender of the Confederate forces and Lincoln's assassination shortly thereafter. He writes, in part, "We have had the greatest joy and the deepest gloom follow in quick succession all over our land. I never saw such great rejoicing as we had when Lee surrendered. The men were wild with joy. There was also a feeling of forgiveness towards the captured enemy. Until the sad sad news from Washington of the assassination of the President. All was sadness and gloom. Seldom a word was spoken for some days and when a word was spoken, it was of deep revenge for the murder of our beloved President."

He continued, "Thank the Almighty they have left us a man who has suffered from them and can appreciate their wicked intentions. We were also fortunate in not having Genl. Sherman in command of the armies of the U.S...What a sad mistake Sherman has made."

Robinson's dig at Sherman likely referenced his actions immediately after the surrender at Appomattox Court House. On April 17, Sherman met with Confederate commander Joseph E. Johnston in Durham, North Carolina to negotiate a Confederate surrender. Under pressure from Johnston, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and Confederate Secretary of War John C. Breckinridge, Sherman agreed to terms that gave Southerners generous concessions both militarily and politically. However, Sherman had acted without the consent of Union commanding general Ulysses S. Grant, newly installed President Andrew Johnson, or anyone from the Cabinet. As a result, rumors circulated about Sherman's connection to the Confederacy, including a leak to The New York Times that suggested Sherman had been bribed to allow Davis to escape capture by Union troops.

While items in this collection reflect the 7th Maryland Infantry during successful moments in battle, other letters demonstrate the grim reality of near-constant engagements. On March 28, 1865, Charles A. Conner, First Lieutenant in Company D, wrote to Colonel Phelps describing the injuries he received at Weldon Railroad. He writes, in part, "Since last I saw you I have suffered greatly, in consequence of the wounds received at Weldon and, at one time, thought that I had heard my last reveille beat. But it was decreed otherwise and I can now rejoice in almost recovered health. My wound is entirely healed over but my side is yet weak and the assistance of a cane is still necessary to my locomotion. This, however, is mending rapidly and the Surgeons think that a few more weeks of rest and quiet attention will fit me for the field again. I want to be with you by the first of May to try my fortunes once more against our Country's foes. Long days of pain and suffering has not softened my feelings of hatred against ‘our Southern brethern' and I want to ‘see the thing out' come to me what may."

Conner mustered in on August 26, 1862, was promoted to Captain on May 6, 1865, and mustered out on May 15 of the same year. The First Lieutenant's letter references the Battle of Weldon Railroad, which took place on August 18-21, 1864. The fourth offensive of Grant's Petersburg Campaign, the battle resulted in a key Union victory in which Northern forces permanently captured one of Robert E. Lee's most important supply lines.

In addition to injuries, other missives offer a glimpse into the dismal atmosphere of Union parole camps. Private William Clay Kaufman of Company E wrote to Captain Bennett on September 22, 1862, describing the less-than-ideal circumstances. He writes, "I reported to Major General Wool as you direct us. He gave us transportation tickets to Annapolis; told us to report to Col. Sangster. We arrived there in the evening and reported to Colonel Wilson who had command of the Maryland troops. He placed us in Co. G, First Maryland paroled prisoners. When we found the First was going to leave, we did not know what to do. We had no officer to see after us, so we left with them and arrived safe at home. Captain, you ought to see the camp, a disgrace to the government. The best part of us had no tents; the men are lousy and extremely dirty, some without shoes and shirts, some without coats and caps; some hadn't enough to eat. I was extremely determined not to stay, there being no prospects of being soon exchanged. There are prisoners there from the First Bull Run fight who are not exchanged. A poor show for us. We are at home and await your orders..."

Throughout the Civil War, parole camps acted as places where Union soldiers captured in battle could be kept on parole by their own side in a non-combat role. They could be returned to the battlefield only as part of an exchange of newly freed prisoners of war. Living conditions at the camp were bleak, as verified by Kaufman's letter. The camps worked on the honor system; however, many parolees refused to do guard duty or routine work because they claimed it violated their parole. Soldiers often escaped to go home until they received word from their commanding officers.

Kaufman mustered into Company E on August 18, 1862. Although there is no record of him being captured, his letter clearly suggests otherwise. Like his comrade First Lieutenant Conner, Kaufman was wounded in action on August 21, 1864, at Weldon Railroad and mustered out on May 26, 1865.