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

who by this time have learned that their word cannot be trusted, as will appear from the following f incident: On Thursday last several of us went down to the river to bathe and to see the rebels, and converse with them. Among us was William Messenger who, together with Serg't Higgs, of Co. I, and a young man of the 19th Ky. Reg't, were so imprudent as to swim across the river to the rebels, who, previous to their starting, had said that they would be permitted to return. We that sat viewing the adventure f on our side of the river, saw the tree land and walk on an island where some of the rebels had agreed to meet

our boys. Two of the rebels swam to the island, but as soon as our boys landed, they were recalled, and our boys fell victims to a well-devised scheme. It appears that the two rebel were to remain upon the island until our boys landed, when, they, being unarmed, and naked, were to be called back, and the armed men, who were stand ing picket on the island were to seize their victims and convey them to the main land. The latter part of the plan we did not see performed, but we saw our boys avance into the bushes of on the island, where I suppose it was done. Poor boys, they will suffer greatly. I hope they may soon be exchanged, and

again return to the army. It is said that they are marked as deserters, which I know is unjust. I believe W. M., would have been the last man to desert.

I wish you to get a picture taken off the one I sent you, for [Tom ?] Wertsbaugher. Perhaps I will not soon again have the opportuniety of getting it taken in this place state, and having promised it to him so long, I wish to fulfil my promise as soon as possible.

I am well, as usual, and in good spirits in the anticipation of the speedy termination of this bloody war. I wish it were over that I might come home and help Henry along with his work. I wrote a letter to mother some time ago, in wich I stated that I would send twenty-five dollars home for the p part of the payment of the horse, which you say has not been paid. If you need it, take it: for I wish to do something towards helping

Camp Near Battle Creek, Aug 12, 1862

Dear Sister;

Yours of the 4th inst. was received yesterday evening. It found me well, and at the same old camp. We are fortifying here; and last Sunday we had a chance to try our hand in picking and shoveling, which, you would better believe, was very hot work. Yesterday evening the left wing of our regiment went to work and returned this morning. We expect to work tomorrow. This morning we drilled two hours, and this even will do the same.

Thus we have four drillhours assigned us but do not conclude that we must be very tired and warm after we quit; for, indeed, we do not hurt ourselves, in other words, we frequently stack arms and sit down to rest. We have plenty of provisions and clothing, and, [withal ?], we are [? - ] ewed in spirit by the prospect of a more vigorous prosecution of the war. With at least one million of men. I think we can bring this diabolical rebellion to a speedy close.

How any times have I [proficied ?] the time for the end of war. Not long ago I was of the opinion that I would spend my

twentieth birthday at home, but now i think it rather doubtful. I have almost come to the conclusion that I am no prophet, but I will try once more. I say that we will be discarged by the 4th of next July, providing foreign powers should not aid the south by hostile armies.

You speak of being married, and if nothing untoward intervenes between your intention before this letter reaches you, the ceremony will be performed. Your name will no longer be Miss Allen, but Mrs. Freeman. Well, so be it. Although changed in name, you are the same to me as you ever

was, a kind, affectionate sister. I mourn your loss in the home circle, but knowing that such is the destiny of mortals, as to [illegible] themselves [illegible in join holy matrimony for mutual protection. I congratulate you on your marriage. May you never rue the step you are about to take. If there is mututal love between you, I shaul not object to your plans.

Yesterday Sam and I were to see William Rea, in the 30th Indiana which is about half a mile from this place. Bill looks well, and so good health. He does not like soldiering, as is the case with most of us. He expects to get a letter from John one these days. He says Amen and Add as at John's, and they are all well. Aust is at Ste phe venson, a small town behind us about 13 miles. I wrote him a letter the other day and soon expect an answer.

Nothing, more at present.

Robert Allen

Camp on Stone River, Nov. 23d, 1862.

Mother:

Yours of the 12 inst. was received last evening just as I was eating supper, which was after dark. I hailed it with great pleasure, as it was the only letter that I have received for some time. You do not know with what eagerness we soldiers listen to the calling of names upon the arrival of a mail. I listened for the calling of my name last night, but did not attend the running to the Sergeant who distributes the mail, for I really thought it impossible that there could be a letter for poor me. However, you, at least, have not forgotten me, and therefore you blessed me with a letter. I pray

you, be as punctual as possible in answering my letters, for indeed letters are the only source from which I derive a knowledge of the affairs at home.

We are now encamped about ten miles from Nashville, Tenn., on what is called Stone river. Our brigade only, is here, the rest of the Division being about two miles ahead. All seems quiet now, but last Tuesday morning we were attacked in our old camp distant about six miles to the rear. A serious attack was that day intended by six thousand cavalry; but owing to a battle raging at Murfreesboro at the same time the main rebel force intending to fight us was called to that point, and only a part was left to cope with us. What we thought was about a regiment

of cavalry, dashed through our pickets, and had it not been for the 8th Ky. Regt; they would have been into camp before we could have fallen into line, and then, no doubt we would have had a great time. This Kentucky regiment came in the night before the attack, as wagon guards, and quartered in some old stables in close proximity to the outposts through which the cavalry dashed next morning, and there were met with a shower of bullets which sent some fourteen rebels to their long and last home. Companies F and [I ?] of our regiment were on duty on the outposts where the cavalry entered, but