Bates Letters - February 1, 1863

Note: In which Charles provides a local history lesson of Port Tobacco.


Port Tobacco Md
February 1st 1863
Dear Parents,

I am “at home” here again. My company has moved into quarters at this place, and the old court-house (built 1819 as a tablet in front says) where for aught I know the most eminent men of the country here stood, or sat, is now the abode of the undersigned and his company; the room I stop in was the Grand-Jurors room, and the desk I am writing this on was once used by the Hon. Thomas Stone, son of the Thomas Stone, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The house he lived in is about two miles from here and is now used and owned by John Stone, nephew of the Senior. The room which was occupied by George Washington when he (several words too faint to read) from the Stones’ mansion, and was owned by a relation of the Lees. The room is still in the same condition it was in when last used by Washington. In his journeys to Virginia Washington used to come here from the Capitol the first day, and spend the evening with Thomas Stone, and the night at Rose Hill.

Port Tobacco looks like a place which had seen its best days long before I saw my first. It is, to use an expression common among us, “played out.” The three hotels which occupy three sides of the public square, have “played out” by desperate opposition, and the town-pump in the centre of the square is now the only place of resort for its citizens; as for the pump, it has been converted into a hydrant, and now it furnishes a steady stream of clear water to the village.

The court-house where we live, it is a large, two story brick buildingand has been lately renovated, inside and out, and it looks with its newly painted walls as if it was trying to get away from the vulgar gaze of the three hotels, which occupy the other side of the square.

We did not get here until late last night, so I have not had time to get an acquaintance with the inhabitants, but I expect they are a queer, old-fashioned party, and I think if we are left here we can do some easy “Sogerin”

I wish you would write to me now and direct here. Give my love to all, I am going to meeting.
Good bye.
Affectionately,
Charles E. Bates

Bates Letters - February 9, 1863

Note: The local historical society will likely be none too happy about the contants of this letter, but at least they'll now have an idea of what happened to the courthouse records. It doesn't seem to have occurred to Bates that Maryland is officially loyal Union territory.


Port Tobacco Md.
February 9 1863

Dear Parents,

Another week has gone by towards the three year stone I see in the distance, and Sunday might find me at the dame desk and occupation of last Sabbath. I spent all last Friday afternoon in writing letters, but as there is but three mails a week leaving here, viz. – on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This will go in the same mail; the only bit of news I have for you is that the Ninth Army Corps is going on bad of transports at Acquia Creek now. And we have captured two thousand dollars worth of contraband goods with two smuglers (sic); by “we,” I mean “us,” that is, the 4th U.S. Cavalry Esq. I spent the forenoon in exploring the garret of the courthouse, and truly it was “a pursuit of knowledge under difficulties,” for my head would afford a fine study for a phrenologist to feel the “bumps,” but I have my reward in about nine cartloads of old records and papers, a sample of which I will send you. Ask Johnson to read the writing on the old plan of the courthouse I enclosed. There is about two hundred and fifty large books, all written full in just about as legible a style as the sample and I mean to read them all.

You must remember me to all the folks and be satisfied with this short letter for this time. Give my love to all the family and I remain

Affectionately
Charles E. Bates

Bates Letters - January 26, 2863

Note: In which we learn about desertions and methods of crossing the Potomac for deserters in the wintertime. I checked for William Gallemoreon on CWSS, but couldn't find any information on him.

Port Tobacco, Md.
Jany 26th 1863
Dear Parents,

I have been so busy since I wrote last Wednesday that writing was out of the question, but if my time has been occupied by duty and mud is in abundance. I have had fun enough to make me amends for everything. Our duty is to scout the country between Great Mills and Piscataway Creek to catch deserters from the other side of the Potomac and stop Smugling (sic). The Smuglers have so perfect an organization that as yet we have only caught one, but judging from the deserters we catch I should say the Army of the Potomac was rather demoralized. We have got two hundred and nine deserters since we came over last Wednesday. They come over every night, some on logs, some on rafts and a few lucky ones have managed to appropriate some of Uncle Sam’s boats and get over in them. There is a suspicion that some of the ferry-boats in Government employ bring loads of them over but as yet we have no proof. And “still they come.” One of our men “surrounded” seven of them in one party last night and marched them into camp. Pretty well done for one man want (sic) it. I think of recommending him for a commission. We are having good weather now but it did rain awful last week and the roads are in good condition for a bootjack.

I forgot to mention in my last that William Gattemore is in the 2nd Cavalry band at General Burnsides, a leter directed to him at “Headquarters Army of the Potomac Washington DC” would reach him.

Given in my last will most likely will be delayed for a short time on account of the mud but it will be true in the course of time. As for our part in the capacity of Body-guard, we can say with Othello, “Our occupation is gone.” The company must have done something wrong while I was away or perhaps Burnside thinks so much of us , he is unwilling to take us into danger; well we are quite willing to be left behind.

We only get a mail every other day and all the army news we get from deserters, so you will have to trust to the papers for news. And here let me recommend the New York Herald for your news budget.

You will please to remember me to all friends. Give my love to all the family and I take my leave for a few days, as

Your Affectionate Son,
Charles E. Bates

P.S. There is no use in writing for a few days I don’t know where I may be when you get this, as soon as we get settled I shall let you know.
Affectionately,
Charles

Bates Letters - March 12, 1863

Note: In which we find Charles still en route to join the rest of the regiment, and pleasantly surprised about conditions in Cincinnati.


Cincinnati Ohio
March 12th 1863

Dear Parents,

I have a chance to write you a few lines, enough to let you know that I still live and as for health, mine is the top of the market. My company has been since the 28th of February getting to here from Port Tobacco, and if we have good luck we shall get to the “Army of the West” about the 20th of this month. This afternoon we shall go on board of a steamboat, bag and baggage, and tonight I am off for Memphis or Nashville. I dont (sic) know which. Our trip this far has been rather a sloppy, slow coach affair, and I shall be glad when it is over. There are terrible rumors and misgivings abroad about Rosencrans (sic) army. And some of the citizens here begin to think of a skedaddle, in anticipation of Bragg’s coming.

We are living at the “soldiers home” here, a place fitted up at the time Morgan and Bragg started for the north, after dodging Buell. We came to the city night before last but I have been so busy that I have not had time to look around much, one thing though I have noticed. Whenever any of our Sergeants walk along the streets, the sentinels never fail to salute them. Perhaps they do it for fun but my impression is that they are so unaccustomed to the sight of a clean and well dressed soldier they take us for some new rank of Officers, or perhaps for some foreign soldiers.

I expected to find the gutters running with blood, and the air hideously filled with the dying squeals of expiring porkers but am agreeably disappointed. The city looks like any other business city and if hogs are slaughtered extensively it is done out of sight.

I have to draw rations for the men this afternoon so you must excuse any more writing. Give my love to all and let me know about the law suit.

I am affectionately
Charles E. Bates

Direct to Co. “E” 4th U.S. Cavalry,
Nashville, Tenn.

Bates Letters - Undated, February 1863

Note: This is the last of Bates' letters from the Eastern Theater, and the last for the month of February 1863. It appears that young master Bates will be a bit busy for the next week or so with the move, given his new position.


Port Tobacco Md
(Undated)

Dear Parents,

I was just thinking of the remarkable and interesting Widow Bedett and her “Kant Kalkulate” stanzas, this morning’s sun rose on as here at home and with no thought of leaving for the summer, but to-morrow’s will find us on our way to Tennessee to join the army of General Rosecrans. I have only a few minutes to spare in writing but it is quite sufficient to give you all the news in it amounts to this.

1st an order from General Halleck came in this morning directing us to go to Genl Hookers Headquarters and turn our horses and equipments over to the Quartermaster there, and then proceed with as little delay as possible to the Army of the West there to join the rest of the regiment now serving with Genl Rosecrans, we start from here at six oclock tomorrow. And if nothing but good luck overtakes us we shall be in the field with the remainder of our boys in a week.

We caught Captain Harris, the man who burnt up the Island belle of our navy and then deserted to join the secesh; he had a sort of curiosity to see his old home I suppose, and came over from the land of cotton to make a visit. Upon his person was found a pass signed by a General in the Southern army at Richmond, giving his rank as private in the rebels, he was arrested by a Sergeant of ours today.

I am acting as Commissary Sergeant today and probably shall remain in office while we are on our trip to Tenn.

My time is run out so good bye, my love to all.
Affectionately
Charles E. Bates