Camp Harbaugh Near Sharpsburg, Md. Oct. 11th, 1862
Dear Carrie
I am well at present. We are once more on the bank of the Potomac, near Sharpsburg and only 3 miles from Shephardstown in Virginia; and 11 miles above Harpers Ferry. We had no mail for a week until yesterday eve I rec'd a letter from you 28th ult today I rec'd another of Oct 5th. We left F. last Monday evening and started for this place. We went out 7 or 8 miles that night and encamped near Middleton. Nest morning we started on again, passed through M. and began to see some of the effects of the battle of South Mountain, fences riddled, holes through houses and barns. We passed within 60 or 70 rods of the place where the 17th made their gallant charge. I knew the spot as soon as I saw it from the description Wm. Davis gave me of it (I saw him in F. he is wounded in the neck, had a narrow escape, and has since had the continued fever but is now mending) The rebels lay in the woods behind a stone wall (there is a great deal of stone wall in this country) fence I mean although there has been of Jackson)
The 17th lay over an open space in a cornfield and when they made their charge they had to advance a little uphill and over this space. Bill said that as the Rebs put up their heads over the wall to take aim they popped them through the head - and when the (sic) went over the wall they found the ground behind the wall covered with dead Rebels all shot through the head. We passed on and took the first meal I have eaten in a house (a regular sit down house meal, I mean) since I left Detroit on the top of South Mt. at a house called the Mountain House, kept by an old secesh. but he had taken the oath. But the (sic) get up a first rate meal and as you may think I filled my shirt for once more, as did the others.
We came on passed through Boonsboro and encamped midway between that place and Sharpsburg (the Distance between the places is 6 miles) near Keedysville. Next morning we went on again passed through K. Crossed little Antietam and Big Antietam through the battlefield of Antietam (they smashed thing a little around here, but not so much as they did the houses in Sharpsburb. Shot struck about every building in that place. I noticed one brick house that had three shots put clean through it. Stone house resisted balls successfully. I noticed one stone house that had been struck 3 times, and the stone was only bruised like as if by a hammer. We went on and encamped 1 1/2 beyond S. on the Potomac and here we are, but how long I don't know. There are plenty of secesh prisoners here (mostly wounded.) Mississippians and Georgians. They are much finer looking men Mississippians especially, than the Virginians. They are as fine looking young men as you will see anywhere but dogged as ever, but I think it is a kind of Bravado, and that most of them would be glad to get home and stay there. They belonged to Jackson's army. It is a great pity they were given time to bury their dead on Thursday the 18th As Jackson and Lee took advantage of the opportunity to cross the river. But we will catch them yet.
Write whether you got the money I sent to your father for you or not when I was at Frederic. I have written to Mother and and Elizabeth and we got a letter from E and E yesterday, saying that James Gordon and Amos and Geo. Adams had enlisted in the 6th Cavalry. I rather think the stories there are made up ther to suit the market. But if you find out that any of the company write anything concerning us let me know who they are, for I have done my utmost to make camp life pleasant and endureable to the boys as have the Lieutenants. But I supppose there are always soreheads to be found.
I would like to see you and the children and others ther very much of course. Look after the things in Detroit. I supose (sic) you sold the wood to Mr. Morris and got the rent from Mr. Rattenmbury. Tell your Pa to have an outhouse (cheap one) built up on the place at the center. B Sackett agreed last spring to build the fence. No more.
Direct to Capt. Geo. C. Gordon
Co. I 24th Mich. Inft.
Yours affty George
1st Army Corps, Gibbon's Brigade Wash D. C.
(Letter is on printed stationary showing the Capitol)
Camp Hickey, Petersville, Md. Oct. 29/62
My dear wife. I received a letter from you last night, dated Oct 21st stating that you had recd no letter from me since the one dated Oct 2nd. This is strange, some fault of the mail or some individual as I have written on an average about once a week. You should have received as many as five or six since then. I am in a great hurry writing now as we are on the march and only stopping here temporarily. Since we left Frederic we have been on the Potomac, near Sharpsburg, about 10 days. I wrote I believe three letters from that place that was Camp Newburgh. We then went up the river beyond Bakersville, stopped there about a week (wrote two or three letters from that place, Camp Sherman). Left there Sunday in the rain a few hours after John Hutchinson left for home, and went south, I don't know exactly where we are going. Stopped the first night a little south of Keedysville, running like everything all wet and mud and dark about 8 P.M.) The worst of it was all of our blankets and other traps were left behind and I don't know as we shall ever see them again. (The men had all their things.) It was the fault of the wagon masters assistant.
Well we started again Monday morning and went down Pleasant Valley as far as Crampton's Gap in South Mt. and halted for the night. This is a very pleasant valley, about 1 mile wide, between South Mt. and the Blue Ridge on the west. I got the second regular meal I have had, here at a farm house. The people are very well off but very simple in their habits, but Crampton is secesh reported. ..........we squatted on him. We pick out the secesh sympathisers for that purpose and let 30-40 thousand troops camp on a plantation and fence rails melt like a frost in June. Straw ditto. Tuesday morning we went through the Gap. Passed about 3 miles to the right of Middletown that is south passed through Burkittsville, so on through Petersville and a little way south of the last place, we are now in camp since last night. I don't see how our people ever drove the rebels out of the Gap in these Mts. but of course by hard fighting. Our movement is probably for Virginia, crossing at Berlin 3 miles south of here, and six or seven below Harpers Ferry. We will cross on ponton bridges. We are probably hemming in the rebels, as the report here is that Sigel has taken Winchester, and we shall likely fall a little south of there. I don't know whether we shall move today or not, as it will take some time to cross the river.
The boys are generally well. Tell E. that John Nelson and Cross and Henry Wooden have been some sick but are better now. John N. and W. I detailed as provost guard at their request as they thought it might be easier for them. John Hutchinson left for home just in the nick of time as we left so soon after he did.
You will be sure to get at least one more letter, the one that he took. I have not much more to write as we have to make out our payrolls today as we will be mustered for pay Friday. I am sorry that Ada got hurt. She is so unfortunate. You must be very careful about her. Pa would like to see her and the rest of the children. Have the pictures taken as most convenient (but send them at once). I think things look pretty speedy close of the war. Everything runs smoothly, Lieuts. and men. Take care of yourself and the children. My best wishes to all
Good Bye for the present
Yours in love
Geo. C. Gordon
Carrie
Camp near Purcellville, Va. Nov. 2nd, 1862
My Dear Wife,
I believe when I wrote you last, Oct. 29th at Camp Hickey near Petersville also near Berlin on the Potomac. We moved from that place on the 30th crossing the river into Va. at Berlin on a ponton (sic) bridge, so on through Lovettsville (camped for the night 2 or 3 miles beyond. Was mustered for pay the 31st (likely to get it in a few days now) only moved a mile or two today. Nov. 1st moved on again as I suppose to reinforce our folks at Snicker's Gap, as we hear fighting in that direction about 4 miles this side. We move on to within a couple of miles of where the fight commenced. Meantime our troops had driven the rebels back through the Gap. Whether so as to get possession of it or not I cannot say. The boys were pretty tired today. They threw away a good deal of clothing out of their knapsacks. The load that we have to carry is considerable (as we have not teams) enough. The boys brightened up considerably when they heard the rapid firing. We now this morning lie here strong enough to be of considerable service when needed, as we probably will be before night (but then we shant be hurt and don't believe it till you know it) as the firing has been renewed this morning, just as I commenced this letter. I don't believe the Rebs can escape this way this time at least we don't they shall. But the marching is what uses up the boys, but they stand it better than they did. Tell John Hutchinson that Burt gets along very well, with a little looking to and we shall do that to all of them.
Hutchinson will probably give you a correct account of things here, and also how we have used the boys. There are but 3 or 4 soreheads, and I think they will come out all right but no matter. I understand that John Harris wrote home that at Camp Wayne the Reg't was called upon to fall in in line of Battle ant that the Capt was taken suddenly sick. Unfortunately for this story if John wrote it and old Mrs. Fisher says she heard it read . . the Capt was not at Camp Wayne at the time mentioned but was at Ft. Lyon sick under the Doctor's care and had been for a day or two before the Regt. moved from the Ft. You can find out all by J. H. I don't write as a refutation for I can't believe that anyone would really believe the story. The Co. is in pretty good health officers and all. My eyes are some better. I will close this now as we are considerably hurried up this morning, and I will write you again immediately as soon as this little mess is cleared up, if spared as I hope to be. But if I fall remember that it was in a just cause. Get Harper's Weekly of Oct. 25th and you can trace out all of our whereabouts in Md. since leaving Washington.
Love to wife, children, friends, all.
Your afft. husband
George
Carrie
Camp Nall. Near Fayetteville Va. Nov. 12th 1862
My Dear Wife.
You will see by this that we keep moving along, south. I rave rec'd one letter with your likeness in it which I was glad to receive. But as far as looking downhearted is concered I think yours will match mine. But still it is you and that is enough. Some of the boys are sick but nothing serious I think. John Harris is the worst off I think of any and he is with us yet. I am sorry for John he has been sick so much. I have just made out his descriptive papers, and will try and have him sent back to the Gen. Hospital at Warrenton. tell E. that I think he will get along, as soon as he can remain quiet and have proper care. He had the jaundice at first, and now has a very bad dierrhae Nelson and Henry are well now. Cross is at Washington in the Hospital, so is Cornelius Veley. Cross is at the Patent Office Hospital Veley at Carver Hospital. Meridian Hill, Sergt. Bigalow, John Dickey, and Albertis Hutchinson are in the Hospital at Warrenton but there is not much the matter with them except that they are not strong enough to march and carry their knapsacks and guns. Albert and Albertis came up to camp to see us yesterday. before they left there they said they felt pretty well and would soon be along. It requires a man to be as sound as a dollar to go these marches. Your father was saying that he might go into the army yet. Why, he couldn't stand two days marches. I am sorry to hear that he is sick. I hope he is well again. He is very unfortunate, he is sick so much. This place is down on the Rappahannock. We are crawling along day by day towards Richmond and not so very slowly either some days. The only rest we have had since we came in Va was at Warrenton. We staid there from Thrusday night about midnight till Tuesday noon. The advance of our Division drove the Rebs out of W. We were train guard that day, and so didn't see'em. Every time just as we get to them they aint there. I expect now that they will keep doing so till we get near Richmond. Although I think we have got a pretty large force of them on the west side of the Blue Ridge yet. The report last night was that Sigel had taken Gordonsville. That's about 35 or 40 miles from here. There is more or less cannonading all about every day, but not much use for muskets yet.
There was great sensation in the army when the news arrived that Gen. M. C. was removed, and Gen. Burnside placed in Command. Although the army has great confidence Gen. B., still Mc has the hearts of the army. They saw the army utterly demoralised and beaten under Pope. They saw Mc take the same army, reorganise it and in two weeks from the time of its defeat utterly rout the victorious Rebel army in Md. And then again the way he was pushing things here. But I suppose with some he has done nothing. I have great faith in Burnside and believe that he will carry out the plans of Gen Mc. for they were always together here and appeared to be very intimate. Gen. B. was with Gen. Mc when he took leaveof us at W. on Monday. And in his order assuming command he speaks in the highest erms of Gen. Mc. But after all the removal has knocked the heart out of the men. Still I hope for the best.
If Fisher's folks move out of the house, rent it to some other good person at about 2.50 if you can get it. There was back of water tax about $1.80 still if you have to allow 2.25 allow it and that will leave between $5.00 and $6.00 coming to you on the rent besides the wood. You must look after those little matters. I am quite well at present and I shall be with you some time or other if the Lord be willing.
Write often, yours in love
George
Camp Nall, near Fayetteville, Va. Nov. 16th, 1862
My Dear Wife. I last worte you from this place Nov. 12th. Well we have not moved from here yet, but can't tell how soon we may. We have moved but 5 or six miles in the last 10 days. I am in middling good health. I wish your father were well again. I am very much worried about him. I fear from what is written from there that he is dangerously sick. I hope he may be better long before this reaches you. Give him my best wishes for a speeedy recovery. As you say I think Dr. Matthews is getting too old to practice. Elizabeth must have a good deal of trouble on her hands for I suppose it is difficult to get men to assist about taking care of things that are suffereing for the want of care. John is no better. And will probably go to the Hospital at Warrenton today or tomorrow. Cross is still at Washington and those directing to him should direct to Cross Harris, Patent Office Hospital, Wash D. C.
Nelson and Henry are still in the Provost Guard and keep right along with us. That is at Division Head Quarters. There is not much sickness in the Co. at present. Burt Hutchinson's and Albert Bigalow's letters should be directed to North Methodist Hospital, Warrenton, Va. I should like to see you and the children and others very much for a short time at least. But then the three years are not up. But I hope the war will be ended long before that time, although from present appearences our army is outmaneuvered again at this point - time at least will tell. At least our destination I think has been changed in the last few days.
You write nothing concerning Henry's folks. I would like to hear from them, and if they don't write I wish yuou would concerning them. There are many others that I would like to hear from and I would feel very much gratified if they would write to me occasionally.
Dolph I fear will not stand the march much longer. His leg is becoming very painful, although his bodily health is good. His leg swells very much after a march. I rather think he will be discharged or sent to a general hospital before a great while.
Wellington Coon is as fat as a bear. Corporal Ormsbee and Alonzo Anscomb are quite well.
I rec'd a letter from Margaret and William a short ime ago. They were well there. She wanted you to write to her. I have not much more to write at present. I wish you would write as often as possible, especially while he is sick. Tell Grandmother I remember her together with all the rest of the household.
My love to yourself and kindest regards to all our friends.
Your affectionate husband
George
Carrie
Camp Ward near Brook's Station, Va. Nov, 24th, '62
Dear Wife: I rec'd a letter from you a few days ago but have had no opportunity until now to answer it. I rec'd yours the 21st. It was dated the 9th & 12th. I was very glad to hear that your father was better. I hope he will have no more pull backs.
Tell Elizabeth that John was not sent to the hospital as I expected he would be. He has been much worse since then, by being jolted about in an ambulace on the march, but is better now as we have been resting here a day or two. His disease (blood dysentery) has run him pretty low in flesh. Henry is waiting upon him. I had another man go and take Henry's place in the provost guard, and him come and take care of John. John will be sent to a general hospital as soon as we get where we can although he is improving quite fast here now (although far from being able to help himself. I shall do all that I can to have him discharged from the service, as I do not think he is tough enough to endure camp life. Henry and Nelson are both quite well. Cross I have not heard from since I wrote before. I am about as well as I have been since I came out. My eyes trouble me some. There is a boil or something like it in the corner of one of them now. There has been something the matter with them for the last two months. But I can go through with it I think. At any rate I shall try a while yet. I think I shall be able to hold out in strength as long as the Rebels do in Rebelion, and I think I shall be home by March or April. We have traveled over the States of Maryland and Virginia pretty thoroughly, but the Rebels give way before us and close in behind us, that is in small parties when we have passed. They have Warrenton etc.again as soon as we left it (them). The sick and stores were removed to Washington. Albert Bigalow has joined the company again. We moved from Fayeteville through Bealeton, down the Rappahannock (though not in sight of it ) across Potomac Creek both branches to Stafford C. H. and we are here after another week's march on the R.R. at Brooks' Station between Acquia Creek landing and Fredericksburg about five miles from the former and about eight from the latter. The Rebels have burned every thing on the road, at the landing, and the bridges at F. and the River is too much swollen to ford.
Camp of the 24th near Belle Plain, Va. Jan. 18th, 1863
My dear wife
According to my proposed plan I again sit down to write a few lines to you. I have heard nothing from you by mail in over two weeks. So far as I know you may all be dead, there is so much sickness there. But if any there are able to write I wish they would do so.
This is as lovely a Sunday morning as one could wish to see over head. The weather has been quite cold for two days past now. But we keep pretty comfortable. We have a log body of a house laid up about five feet high. A slick chimney, a hole for a door, with a rubber blanket fastened over it, with a stick fastened to the bottom of the rubber to keep it down when the wind blows. The shanty is covered with canvass, but with air holes here and there. Our beds are made of crotches and poles, covered with corn fodder. Two bunks, one above the other. Lietus. Kinney and Yemans occupy the upper one, and Lieut Farland and myself the lower one (Companies I and D. officers tent together, but Capt. Speed is now in Philadelphia) On the whole I think our house would make a pretty good calf pen up north.
There are indications of a move before long. But whether we shall or not I cannot tell. We get an order for this thing, then for that, then it is countermanded. So we may go, and then again we may not, we can't tell anything about it. But one thing I feel pretty well satisfied of, to move the army this cold weather, sleeping with a single blanket on the frozen ground is to murder one half of the army. But what do some of the Washington care, so long as they are comfortable.
Another of Company I has been discharged, and starts for home today. James Whalen. He had the piles so that he was of no service for the last two or three weeks. He makes the seventh private who has been discharged from this company. Four are dead, two are wounded and away to Washington. Five more are in W. sick. That you see takes 16 our of the company. Then since we have been in this camp there have been as many as 33 excused by the doctors from duty in one day. Then take out the musicians, three that are with the wagons and the hospital ward master (Sweet) six more, and you will see that the company has at times been reduced to 43 private and non- commissioned officers. Longstreet is at F. but so is the Right wing of our army, on this side the river, but we can burn that secesh hole in two hours if they don't surrender it. We don't have any fighting to do yet, it is so far all artillery fighting. They can't bring force enough as yet to make a stand against us. The country that we have passed over since leaving Warrington is one of the most Godforsaken countries I ever saw, especially about Potomac Creek. If the United States should keep this army in the field for a couple of years they could eat the south into submission. I can't see how the people are going to live this winter in the region through which we have passed. They have raised nothing of any consequence this summer, and our boys skirmish every pig, sheep, turkey, chicken, etc. that they can find. They also buy these facsimile confederate notes (you see them in the shop windows for sale, confederate money) cut off the words fac simile and pass it to the secesh farmers for confederate money, getting back good money in exchange often silver. Of course it isn't passing counterfeit money because the original isn't worth anything unless we acknowledge the southern confederacy.
We haven't been paid yet, and I don't know when we will, but I hope before a great while. We get along though as the Brigade Commissary trusts us for our provisions so you see we can get along without money.
There is no use to write concerning army movements as you get all that in the papers.
You havn't sent the papers to me yet. I have no more to write. God bless you all.
Your affectionate husband
George
Camp of the 24th M.I. near Belle Plain Va. Feb. 6th, 1863
Dear wife,
I once more address a few lines to you. Your Pa arrived here on Wednesday noon the 4th inst. We were all very much pleased to see him. I had been looking for him two or three days. You and Elizabeth will please acept my thanks for all the nice things you sent as well as others that sent. They all came in good order. It has been snowing and raining for a day or two, and the ground is thawing up again. It has been quite cold here for several days but is a good deal warmer now.
Your Pa and I are going up toward Fredericksburg as soon as the storm is over. The 2nd, 5th, seventh, 17th and 20th lie up in that direction. Eugene Sluffert was down here the day your Pa came he is a find looking fellow.
I suppose you have rec'd the check that I sent by Elder Inglis. I rec'd a letter from mother yesterday I well sent it home by your Pa. He can't tell when he will come back yet. I will write no more at present.
Your affectionate husband
George
Camp near Belle Plain, Va. Feb. 15th, 1863
My dear wife
I again sit down to address a few lines to you. I quite well now, and am getting fat again. Your Pa left Acquia Creek on Wednesday morning boat, I suppose he is home by this time. I hope he got along with out trouble or accident.
Dr. Smith after sending in his resignation three or four times has at last succeeded in having it accepted, and he starts for home tomorrow. Success go with him.
It is raining again today. It has rained all night. Our canvass roof won't keep the water from running in.
I shall send by the Doctor to you a pipe that I have made from laurel root, for my mother. Just roll it up carefully and lay it away. And if I don't come back send it to her. You wee we busy ourselves with small matters sometimes. I have a piece of bone here that I intend to make a ring for you. I am going to send one of laurel to Charlotte.
When I come home I intend to take you and the children down to Canada to stay three or four weeks. But when I shall get back is more than I can tell.
The health of the company is pretty good now. Wen we shall move from here is more that I can tell. I wanted to send you, Elizabeth, Ada, etc. a present by your Pa, but I could find nothing up to the creek so you will have to wait till I come.
We have just succeeded in getting a furlough for L. D. Carr, he goes for fifteen days. I will write no more at present. Write often, and long letters.
Your affectionate husband
Camp on battlefield of Fredericksburg No. 2 May 1st, 1863
My dear Carrie
Once more after the strife of battle I am spared, by the blessing of God, to write a few lines to you. I am writing this upon my knee, and so I do not write very well, but I guess you can make out to read it.
I wrote you before about the Port Royal afair. On Turesday the 28th ult. we left camp at Belle Plain about noon, and to near our old crossing place, and lay there until about 11 oclock at night, when we commenced moving down to the river. We moved so slow that we did not get down to the bank of the river until nearly daylight, and we had got about half the pontoons in the water when it began to get light and the rebels opened a sharp fire upon us from their intrenchments on the oposite side of the river. Your Pa will know what kind of things they were. He will know the spot where we finally crossed. It was below the old crossing place a mile or so, just above the woods that we charged on in the other battle. Well as I was saying, they opened fire upon our engineers laying the pontoons and sent them flying to the rear. Our regiment of course had to be one of those sent forward to try and drive them back but we could not displace them from our side of the river. Our reg't in this lost one, Co. F. and some wounded.
We could not get the pontoons across at that rate and so there was a forlorn hope ordered our to the river, take the pontoon back, cross over and drive the rebels out of their intrenchments - and if successful we could then lay the bridges. The 24th Mich. and 6th Wis. were the ones ordered to do this. So we formed battalion front, came down to the river with yells like demons or something else, rushed into the boats and went over, bullets flying like hail stones. The 7th Wis. and 14th Brooklyn were to cover us with their fire, but after we got across and were going up the bank, their bullets flew into and around us about as fast as the rebels. But the most of us got up the hill and made the rebs skeddadle out of that double quick. We all then did the tallest kind of running after them. We took in all about 250 prisoners. Co. I took 36 in all. Your humble servant had, with the squad with him the honor of having 22 surrender in a body to him, one Liet., Lieut. Hutton and Corp. Haskell and Henry Viley five. Sergt. Murray shot one through the head, dead, he wouldn't stop. John Dubois shot another. These two we know who shot, there was some 25 or 30 killed in all. The Reg't have lost in all so far as near as we can tell 5 killed and about 20 wounded. Co. I only had one seriously wounded. Stringham shot in the head, and followed the scalp around, but he is doing well. Murray had the blood drawn from his upper lip, came near shortening his nose. A. Johnson had a shot through his coat sleeve. Earnshaw and G. N. Bentley through the pants. Myself an extra buttonhole in my coat just back of the lower button no damage only to clothing. We have had it both ways now in the other better by shot and shell, and this time shot and shell and the natural way, bullets as they would say by smallpox.
They gave us a pretty good shelling yesterday, but we held our ground, and gave them as good as they sent. last night we worked pretty much all night tearing down log houses, and building fortifications, and now I think we are all right and will hold this as that is all that is now wanted of us, as Gen. Hooker has corps above and is now with 3 or 4 corps on their left flank. I think they will have to fight or run this time. Our company all stood up like men, except Lieut Wheeler. He failed to cross the river and I have not seen him since the morning we crossed over.
They are waiting for this letter and I will have to bring this to a close, so good bye
Yours affectionately
Best regards to all
George
Write often
Two rebels have just run into our line, and given themselves up to our boys. This makes
the 3rd one last night.
Libby Prison, Richmond, Va. Jan 8th, 1864
Dear wife,
I rec'd a letter from you a few days ago dated Dec. 6th and 7th. I have waited a few days hoping to receive anothr box as I am out of envelopes but I waited in vain. I fear now I shall be unable to get anymore. You probably overlooked the request that I made to start one on the first of the month - Dec. The last lot arrived here the day before Christmas. I have been able to get a few of the eatables that the Sanitary Commission sent here and I think I can run this month through very comfortable. I am well with the exception of the bad cold. I am glad to learn that you got home safely. I hope you enjoyed your visit.
Your last letter brought the first news I have received of my things in the Reg't. I rec'd a letter from Serg't Nardin all most as soon as I did yours, saying that you were going to write to him. I was very much shocked to hear of the death of Thomas Prindle. He was a man of good heart, notwithstanding his faults - every man has faults. I alwyas esteemed him as a friend.
I hope you will keep in good health and enjoy yourself as much as possible. As to when we shall get out of this is as uncertain a matter as ever. Ask your pa if he couldn't write occasionally. best wishes to all. Love to yourself and the children.
Your affectionate husband
Geo. C. Gordon Capt. 24th Mich.
Mrs. Carrie Gordon
Oak P.O.
Wayne Co.
Michigan
Camp Butler near Springfield, Ill. May 31, 1865
Dear Carrie:
This I believe is the third letter that I have written to you and I have not received so much as one yet. Are you not a little negligent after my asking you to write three times a week. I have been somewhat sick for the last few days, but am a good deal better this morning. Samuel Cromer went home yesterday. I asked him to stop and get that cholera syrup.
It is a dull place here, Carrie and I shall be glad when we get home. Home that word has charm for me above every thing else. How nice it will be to get settled down once more and go and come when one pleases - with no orders to report here or there at such and such a time. You and Mother and Margaret will probably say why didn't you stay while you were here. Because from the first I have been determined to stay until the regiment went out of service, and I think I can stand it for ten or eleven weeks yet.
Camp Butler is five miles east of Springfield. When I went right past it to Springfield, Prairie Country is very nice to look at but oh the dust when it is dry and the mud when wet. The mail has come and still no letter. What do you think of it. It is very warm here. I want three letters each week from you also from Mother and Margaret. Don't fail.
Yours affectionately
George
Thanks to the efforts of Captain Gordon's Descendat, Don Gordon (dongor@toolcity.net), additional primary material concerning Captain Gordon has been located at the National Archives. My heartfelt thanks to Don for locating and typing this material.
Carrie Gordon Attempts To Help Her Imprisoned Husband
(See George Gordon's Letter from Libby Prison, January 8, 1864)
Redford, Nov. 2nd 1864
Col. Bennett
Dear Sir,
I sent yesterday a box of clothing and provisions to Capt. Geo. C. Gordon, Prisoner of War, Columbia , addressed in your care, having seen a letter of yours in the Advertiser and Tribune of Detroit, that you would forward them. Please take notice of this box, as Capt. Gordon has long been nearly destitute of clothing, and needs the provisions, as he has no money, and has been a prisoner since the battle of Gettysburg, July /63.
If you have anything to do with choosing those who are to be exchanged, I beg of you to use your influence in his behalf, if only for the sake of his friends at home. I know many have been released who have not been prisoners a quarter that length of time. Mr. Gordon was at Charleston when I last heard from him. I directed this box to Columbia as you said he had been removed there on account of yellow fever.
I trust you will see to this box, and may God bless you for your kindness to our prisoners.
Very Respectfully Yours,
Carrie Gordon
George Requests Continuance of Leave Following His Escape from Prision
Redford
May 1st 1865
Sirs,
In accordance with paragraph four (4) general orders no. 383, Adj. Generals Office, 1863, I forward to you physician's certificate of disability, and also my P.O. address, which is Oak P. O., Wayne Co. Michigan. On the 20th day of March last, I, an escaped prisoner of war, was ordered to rejoin my regiment with permission to delay reporting thirty days
Very respectfully
Your Afft Servant
Geo. C. Gordon
Capt. Co. I. 24th Mich. Vol.
Sworn Statement from Dr. Smith
April 17, 1865
As to George Gordon's Health
(Request for Delay in Rejoining His Company)
To the Adjutant General
Washington DC
Sir:
I hereby certify that I have this day carefully examined Capt. George C. Gordon of the 24 Michigan Volunteers, an escaped Prisoner of War, who has permission to delay reporting Thirty days dating from the 20th day of March 1865 (by special order No. 135 of the War Department) and find him suffering from Typhoid Fever, and in consequence thereof he is unable to return to his command without risk of life or permanent disability. I further declare that in my opinion he will not be able to join his command, at Springfield, Ill. Without incurring the risk above stated, in a less period than Thirty days from this date.
Dated at Redford this
17th day of April 1865
State of Michigan
County of Wayne S S
Personally appeared before me this day the above named Dr. C. C. Smith, M. D., a Practicing Physician in good standing and made oath to the truth of the above Certificate of Disability in the case of Captain George C. Gordon
Benjamin Sackett
Justice of the Peace
Sworn Statement from Dr. Smith
May 17, 1865
As to George Gordon's Health
(Request for Delay in Rejoining His Company in Springfield, Illinois)
Capt. George C. Gordon of the 24th Regiment Volunteer's Inft., having applied for a Certificate of Disability, on account of sickness.
I hereby certify that I have carefully examined this officer, and find that he has been suffering from Typhoid Fever since the 30th day of March last, and that in consequence thereof, he is in my opinion unfit for duty, and unable to travel. I further declair my belief that he will not be able to resume his duty in a less period than Twenty (20) days from this date.
Dated at Redford this First day of May, A. D. 1865.
C. C. Smith M.D.
State of Michigan S.S.
County of Wayne
Sworn and Subscribed to
At Reford this First day of May 1865
Before me, James C. Jackson, Justice of the Peace
The following miscellanous material is from Gordon's file at the State Archives of Michigan.
Greenfield Wayne Co. Mich.
Oct 27th 1865
John Robertson, Adjt. Gen. Mich
Sir; In accordance with a circular from you office dated October 19th, 1865, I forward you the within certificate.
I have no wounds to report although participating in every skirmish and engagement of the regiment up to the time of my capture.
Neither any promotions by brevet or otherwise. Although assured by Colonel Morrow that I was entitled to and should receive promotion that the reason I had not received promotion during my twenty month imprisonment was that it was contrary to the policy of Gov. Blair to promote an officer while a prisoner
I am sir with much respect
Geo. G. Gordon
Late Capt. Co. I, 24 Mich.
(attached affidavit)
I Geo. G. Gordon late Captain of Co. I. 24th Mich. Vol. Infantry hereby certify that I was captured by the Rebels at the battle of Gettysburg Pa. July 1st, 1863. Was confined at Richmond, Danville, Macon Ga., Charleston, and Columbia S. C. Made my escape from them, while being removed from Columbia to Charlotte N.C. on the 14th of Feb 1865. Was retaken near Monticello S. C. Feb 17, 1865. Escaped again Feb 22, 1865 near Chester S.C. and reached Gen. Sherman's lines Feb 23, 1865. Continued with the army through to Fayetteville N.C. Came from there by way of Wilmington N.C. to Washington where I reported to the War Department March 20, 1865.
Geo. G. Gordon
Late Capt. Co. I., 24 Mich.
Greenfield, Wayne Co. Oct 27, 1865.
To Worthy Brother, Geo. C. Gordon, of Redford, the Leesville Patrons of Husbandry send fraternal greetings and earnestly solicit that he will be present to address them at their regular meeting, Saturday Evening, May 5th.
If the time designated is not convenient any other will werve just as well. Our Grange has fallen into such a state of lethargy that it seems impossible to arouse it and we will willingly meet every expense and do extend all hospitality.
Fraternally,
Mary Cooper, Sec
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