Northeast Ohio and the Civil War: Primary Source Manuscripts at Cleveland Public Library

Direct this: [[Mr. Robert Allen]] Co. A, 13th Reg't O. V. I. Tennessee

Camp On Battle Field, Apr. 15, 1862

Dear Sister:

Yours, of the 6th inst. was received a few horsago, and having leisure time, I now sit down to answer it, and I will try to communicate something that will interest you. It is an account of the part which our regiment played in the Battle of Pittsburg. Early on Monday the 7, eight companies of our regiment entered the field of battle. They were in the hotest of the fight, and achieved many applaudable deeds, among which was a brilliant charge on a rebel battery, which was carried by them. The battery was the famous "Washington Battery," and co-

cisted of four pieces. Buell gave to our regiment the highest praise, and in honor of it, he had an inscription engraved on the captured guns, couched in these words , "Taken By The 13th Reg't, O. V. I. "

Company G and ours were not in the fight, we had not overtaken the regiment at the time. We were about thirty miles from the battle field, and on sunday could hear the boom of artillery. It was incessant, and the effects terrible. It is said that our loss in killed and wounded was 18,000 and that of the enemy 36,000. I know not if this report is true. The 13th lost 19 killed and {175?] wounded. Our Major was shot in the mouth, the ball entering one side and comming out at the other, taking away part of his tongue. Two captains and

one lieutenant were wounded. It is thought that the wounds of the captain will prove fat mortal.

Their names, Gardner of Co. [F ?] and Henderson, of Co. H. Michael Ingold was in th fight. I have een him and Aust. The 18th Regulars were not in the battle. We are now encamped on the battle field which covers a great extent of ground. I helped to bury 16 rebels the day we reached this place. Several of them were blue with mortification, and two or three of them smelt badly. We did not tuch them with our hands, but tied a roap to their feet and dragged them into their graves.

I must close, for in half an hour there will be dress-parad, and in the mean time I must "rig up" Direct to Tennessee. (See the following page).

Mr. Robert Allen, Co. A, 13th Reg't, O. V. I.

Tennessee

In care of Capt. Jarvis.

Robert Allen

Camp Shiloh, May 15, 1862.

Sister:

Yours of the 27th ult. was received yesterday, and this being a favorable opportunity, I proceed to answer it.

I am well as usual, and the health of the boys in general is good. We are still encamped in the great plains of Shiloh, but our positions have been changed several times, so that we might close in upon the enemy. We are now but a mile from the enemy's outpost. Their drums can be distinctly heard, and skirmishes are of daily occurrence. Everevy day we hear the boom of our artillery as the rebel pickets are being driven in to give place for our advance. Our regiment division

is on the left of the senter, and at present we are in the advance. Two great armies are thus close, and it is matter of wonder to many, why a general engagement does not occur, But and some a ensure the commanding general for his in inaction, as they stile it. But knowing that such people have little or no reason in military matters, we pay the sensures no heed. I venture to say that Gen. Halleck knows what he is about, and, content with this belief, I patiently await the the result. Let not you -- professors of military knowledge sensure the army to which I belong; for we hate to hear those sensure who enjoy the exquisite pleasures home, where they while we are fighting for our country. We consider such as vain, wishing to sensure where naught but worthy actions are performed. Do not be understand me to hint that all our men should be in the battle field, for I do not

so believe; but let our generals alone when they exercise prudent delay.

I hear that England and France have ordered the South to lay down their arms, and return to their allegiance. This I do not like; for indeed we can settle our own difficulties ourselves, and it were more glorious to chrush this [nounsteous ?] rebelloion by are own resources. We do not court the esteem of England; for she has proved traitor to our forth, and d we can not trust her more.

I received a letter from Tom some three weeks ago, and answered it, but it is said that the mail does not go from this place regularly. This perhaps is the cause of his not receiving a letter from me for some time. Tell Oren Freeman to write. I have not received a letter from him for a great while.

I hope this distressing war will soon end. I desire to be at home, where

work and study will while away the hours which are weary in camp life. I wish you would send me, the two papers which I have sent for. Being here without a page to read of what was not yet been read by me.

There are several Indiana regiments here, and, perhaps, if you will tell me the regiment who which William Rea is, in I may find him. James, I heard, is in the 12th Indiana. Tell me whether he is here. I have inquired for the 12th Indiana several times without receiving information.

Nothing more at present

But remains

Yours,

Robert Allen

P.S. Direct to Pillsburg Sanding, Tennessee:

Camp on Battle Creek, July 19, 1862

Dear Sister:

Yours, of the 6 inst. came to hand a couple day ago, when I was writing to E. J. Benkin, and such being the case, I did not answer immediately.

We are now encamped about a mile from Battle creek, a small stream which emties into the Tennessee, which is about half a mile from this place. On the opposite side of the river the rebels are plainly visible, and they often hollow across the river to our men