™

|
|
'
|

 

WARTIME LETTERS: 1851-1864
OF
PERRY MAYO
CORPORAL- COMPANY C
SECOND INFANTRY
BATTLE CREEK, MICH.

 

 

 

 
Detroit City - June Sth, 1861

Dear Father and Mother:

Your note came to hand yesterday but owing to the intense rain I
could not get te the city te send the trunk until this worning. I:
send in all the clothes which I am not allowed to,carry. It contains
alse a package belonging to Mr. Finley S. Kinsley*to be left at
Manchester's store. [I had the promise of coming home today so as

to bring it myself but last evening we receive} orders te pack our
thiags and held ourselves in readiness te march at a mowent’s notice
for the seat of war. Everything is now ready but when we shall go

I know not.

The key to the trunk you will find in my right vest pocket, The
trunk is not locked, The likeness for Aunt Charlotte you will find
enclosed. Give her my best respects, perhaps some time during the
war I cap get leave to come up there.

Ia regard to your coming to the fort, be sure to come if you can get
here before we leave.

In regard to the swall pox, there is not any danger now. There was
but one case and owing to the prompt measures taken by the surgeons it
was checked in the bud. There has been one death in the Fort since

I came. The rast, as well as myself, are all well at present.

You can find out in the city whether we are gone. If we are not,
take the ferry boat and come down and see ys,. You can get passage
down the lake if you happen to be here whe ‘Lake Superior Steawer

is going down, There is no regular line from here down the Lake fand|
I do not know what days they go.

You speak of not being able to read my letters but you do not know
how I have to write. My table is a drum head or a saw log and there
is noise enough te drown Niagara Falls. I guess, however, you will
make out somehow or other to get at my meaning.

I presume in ny hurry this morning I have forgotten half the things
I want to send but if anything is left worthwhile I will send it in
the general bundle going to Battle Creck.

I do not know of anything more at present, The next letter you get
from me will probably be from Washington or thereabouts. If I do not
see you before you go; give my best respects to all my old playmates
and relations, especially to grandmother, Uncle Perry and family and
any others who may feel an interest in my welfare,

Nothing more at present so good-bye.

I remain as ever, your dutiful seo

Perry Mayo

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Washington - June 10th, 1861
Dear Father and Mother:

I again take my pen in hand to send you a few lines. We arrived

here this worning at three o'clock after a journey of about 800
miles in as good healthand spirits as could be expected after so long
a journey. We left Detroit on Thursday afternoon after warching
through the city for about three hours. We were greeted with the
utmost enthusiasm. The girls were stationed at the windows waving
flags and firing revolvers to cheer the men on to the great duty they

had to perforna, j w

C-ORE- J
We then left on two steambods and arrived in Cieveland at sunrise,
We then left on the Cleveland and Pittsburgh R.R. We arrived at
Pittsburgh at dark, We were nearly fed to death on the road through
Ohio with pies, cakes, lemonade and compliments. Flowers were showered
on us at every station. The country is rather poor. I saw oo good
farus on the road. At Pittsburgh we took the cars for Harrisburg.
This road runs through one of the most rough and mountainoue countries
I ever saw, We arrived at the great tunnel at ten o'clock in the
morning. This tunnel is 7/8 of a mile;Fight through an iron mountain.

Gne of the men lost an arw here. There was a small station here. He
was waving his handkerchief to some ladies on the platform and looking
back when his arm struck a post, We got to Harrisburg at noon. Here

we struck up our tents and stayed all on t.7. There ia about 4,500 men
in camp here, some from Wayne County, wes t I had no chance to see
them, We left there yesterday morning Tor this place. Our route here
lay through one of the most beautiful countries I ever saw. The wheat
here looks very fine and wili be ready to harvest in a week or ten days.
In the afternoon we crossed the Maryland line. Here we saw lots of
Slaves all along the line. Nearly every bridge has been burned on this
side of the Line and they are now guarded by armed wen,

We stopped about six miles from Baltimore and loaded our guns and got
ready for action. We got in the city just_at rk and formed in line
and warched about three miles through the /cit The rowdies were out

as usual, hooting and insulting the men, When we had got nearly through
one of them commenced throwing stones into the company. ‘iext behind

us, After three or four had been thrown, the Captain told his first
sergeant to fire which he did se shooting the rowdy dead on the spot.
This ended the muss. Everything here looks like war. The city is

full of troops marching in every direction.

I understand 20,000 more were sent to Harpers Ferry last night and
more are coing this morning. There will be a blo battle there no
,,aoubt. i expect we will go up but do not know. I ve been up to see
‘Old Abe's Shanty (the White House) this morning and like the looks of
the establishment pretty well. The latch string, however, did not hang
on the outside, and I did not go in to see him. I went through aost of
the principal streets this morning early and alone and enjoyed the
scene very much. We shall stay here a day or two to get rest and when
I write again I will tell you more about it. ,

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Perry Mayo
Washington — June 10th, 1861

Stephen Manchester is g@ick here in the Hospital but not dangerous, He
was able to walk through Baltimore last night. I suppose when you

get this father will be in Pennsylvania but I intend to write to
Grandmother so he will hear from we there,

The weather here now is very hot indeed. The sun coues straight down
here.

There is nearly everything in warket here now, green corn, etc,
Nothing more at present.
Direct to me; Company C
2nd Regiment
Michigaa Velunteers
Washington
I remain, yours in haste.

Perry Mayo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Camp Winfield Scott - June 20th, 1861

Dear Father and Mother:

I again take up my pen send you a few lines, having written two
letters home and res ivdd no answer, I hope you will think enough of
my communications t anawer them as I feel just as much anxiety to
hear from home as you do to hear from me,

We are now in camp about eight miles from the City of Washington
which place we left after staying two angviia? rest. I had an oppor-
tunity of visiting the Senate Chamber an Lis of Congress, also the

President‘s Mansion where wemw “Old Abe" and Lady, General Scot

and many wore distinguished persons, the patent office and Smithsonian
Institute are places worthy of note. I saw the clothes and sword worn
by General| Washington, together with all the presents ever made to

the Presidents of tne Pa dad all the machines patented here,

We have been building forts here for the defense of the Capitol. They
are now done and the men are shooting down an old stone factory on

the other side of the Potomac to try their cannon, They have about
twenQ0 large guns and make the stones fly some.

There is nothing of importance going on here now in the fighting line.

However, we are doing something on a swall scale. I have been on
several scouting excursions into Virginia, in one of which we took

one rebel soldier, three horses, cloth for eighty uniforms and lots

of other stuff. Yesterday ee party took a Sharps rifle and
several muskets and revolvers. supe prisoners nearly every night.
There is now six in camp. One nets “Ghught in the act of making light
Signals to the enemy at night and ‘ne of the members of Company G in
this camp sh, broke into a private house at night, drew his revolver

on two women (the only occupants) and robbed the house of 119.00
dollars in money after which he shot at a sentinel in order to get into
camp, The sentinels gun was loaded but he dares] not fire back, The
guard then ran up,and he drew his revolver on them but seeing four
muskets aimed at his breast he caved in. They are both on trial now at
Headquarters and will most likely be shot at sunrise toworrow morning.

We have soldiers fare now, except when we go out scouting when we fare
as we can. The Colonel gave orders last night on parade, not to milk
any more cows inside the camp without special orders,

The woods here are full of better cherries than you can raiseat howe.
They are now ripe and come first rate. We have plenty to live on,
such as it is. We have plenty of bakers bread and all the pork,
fresh beef, coffee and beans we can eat, with rice twice a week,

The wen are in good spirits,

There is a good ‘re sick now mostly caused by imprudence, That
fellow email that you told to see after me at the depot the day

we left ttl avian finds enough to do to take care of himself. He
nae been taught in bad company and is so bad off he has been on duty
since we have been here and stands a good chance te be discharged
and sent home, sf

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Perry Mayo
Camp Winfield Scott
June 20, 1861

I never enjoyed better health in my life. I sleep just as sound
here on the ground as I did at home in bed and come out right side
up every time.

You know wre perhaps of the movements of things around here than I

do except just around this camp,We are under the immediate command of
General Scott who visits us quite frequently. He keeps eiufi regi-
ments here for the defense of the Capitol during the campaign and I
understand, on good authority, that we are to be one of the number.So
our cake is dough for seeing any fighting, for if they are invaded
they [oi never come in here. Our principal duty will be picket
guards and sentinels.

The season kere is quite forward, The farmers here are busy now
cutting their hay and rye which is a first rate crop. We go out
every day to practice shooting and have shot down ten acres of grass
for one wn. We expect extra pay for this.

i aw a kind of jack of all trades in this camp. I have worked part

of the time as helper in the blacksmith shop, part laying stone on

the forts and making rakes for cleaning up the camp. For this duty

I get forty cents per day extra pay. We sever have to work more

than six hours in a day and unless on extra duty, not more than three.

Last Sunday, the Third Michigan Regiment came up to our camp and the
Fourth is expected soon, We are all together now except the First +
which is ten uiles from here. I am going over to see Con Wickerson in
a day or two, one of them was over here today. He says one of their
men was killed last night by accident.

RRIDAY MORNING - 2ist, 54./7.

Those wen on trial for their lives have not recfived their sentence
yet,

The news was brought here last night that fighting was going at
Alexandria, but as we heard no cannons we do not believe the report.

The men, however, slept on their arms, ready to march. Our arms are ' !
Harpers Ferry Rifles and muskets, Southern arms with Northern principles ,.

Old potatoes are worth $1.25 to $1.50 per bushel, butter 25¢ or 30¢
per pound, Corn «\8ht to 170 shillings and other things in proportion,
Vegetables are plenty and cheap. I was out fishing till 9 o'clock
last night and caught a fine lot of eels. The Potomac River is full
of fine fish and it is no trouble to catch them.

I am going on another scouting excursion into Virginia today. We are
to go towards, Fairfax Courthouse and way be gone two or three days.
Dana Sostwick"wants you to stop and give his folks his address (the
same as mine), He is well and, Dow Moore/also,

I de not think of anything more to write at present.

Don't forget to answer as soon as you get this as I have not hear
from home since we left Detroit. I have written to Henry Bordine
on A 5 , c . | Kae ve a

yl :
' \o ‘ f Khe.
. ‘ Ad ’ rv s ;

yi

2 fret ;

 
Perry Mayo

Page Three

Camp Winfield Scott
June 20, 1861

and ery #. Dryact’ froe here. Alse to Grandmother and Steadman
Lincoln”

My address will be - Company C

Middle,and some of the

are in cawp with us here now.

Give 211 my love to uy brethers, sisters, and friends in Michigan,

aud if you wish te know anything from here that I do not write,
inquire and I will answer.

I rewain as ever, your obedicnt son

Perry Mayo

 

 

: Second Regiment, Michigan Iafantry

near Washington, 0.C., situ = t forget to put the Michigan in as

it may go to the 2nd Regiment of some other state, All the East a0
tern states have from f42r to fHOy fe

mente here pow, Several from Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut
 

t
‘

Camp Winfield Scott - June 30, 1861
Dear Father and Mother:

Again I take up ay pen te send a few lines home but I have long
Since given upthe idea of hearing anything frow you. You_sither
neglect to write or else they are miscarried. I have rede but
one letter from Michigan since we left. I heard by way of Man-
chester's that you got my first letter from the Capitol. iI have
write re ene home.

 
  

We are still in camp at the Chain Bridge. There [is] nothing of
special importance going on here now. Troops continue to arrive here
at the rate of from (io to sift regiments per day. I see by the
Washington papers that our \egiment is going inte the Navy Yard on
the 2lst of July, but we are just as liable to be called into the
field in 24 hours.

We had [a [Jere grand attstetcr this (Sunday) worning and all the sick were
sent to Georgejowmn. ete looks like sarching somewhere but m one
knows, but I presuae © to the Capitol.

There will net be any fighting of any amount here until after Congress
neets unless we are attacked. After the fourth, unless the uatter

is settled, fighting must commence in good earnest here as the

pickets are almost in sight of each other.

There was a Sevession Officer shot on Thursday sight by one of the

Texas Rangers. The officer tried te shoot the horseman with a
revolver but it missed fire and before he could turn it, the Ranger

shot hin’ twice through with his Sharps Rifle. His body: was brought
down next morving te Camp.

I went te the city Friday with the Colonel” and went through the
private rooms of the Capitol. i intend to go down again ov the
fourth when Congress weets.

We had quite a treat last eight for supper, aush. You may laugh
perhaps but to us, evee without sugar or molasses, it was a rarity.

I de not think of anything of importance to write at present.

health is good and I enjoy myself first rate, but I should just like
to happen up home now for th&e or (4r weeks to help hustle that
wheat in, but you aust do the best you = with it.

I expect we will get our pay seer eee Peet dal have more noney than I
want to carry with we, I guess I will send about 20 or 25 dollars
home to you,apd you cae use it as circumstances require, As “
the mail just now is very uncertain, I shall se ”A Adaus Express

Company.

We have been furnished with good suita of linen clothing and straw
hats. We havelfSur hair cut off close to our heads on account of the
intense heat and to save conbing.

All the boys ef your acquaintence are well now and able to do duty.
first t Manchester was very sick but is well now and enjoys hiuself
Avet as

il

 
 

 

Perry Mayo
Caap Winfield Scott
JUne 30, 1861

We have all been out picking berries which are more plentiful here
than in any other place I ever saw. They are mostly cherries,
blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries and any amount of mulberries.

It commenced raining here about ten A.M. this norning and has been
raining hard ever since but we are perfectly dry. Gur tents are
large (20 men) and of the best kind, We are the best provided for

of any fegiimentt in Washington. Genprall Scott has taken two of gur
best officers for the regular army, viz, the Lieutenant €olonel” and
Major? The Colonel was offered an honorable position but he says

he will never leave his regiment unless he goes to the next world,
Nothing more at present,but now don’t neglect to write or get Addison’’
to do it and tell me how my wheat looks and how the other crops and
matters get along.

I gave wy address but to avoid mistake I will give it again.
Company C - 2nd Regiment

Michigan Infantry

Washington, D.C.

From your son;

 

 

 

 
 

CAMP WINFIELD SCOTT ~- July 8, 1861

Dear Father and Mother:

I again take my pen in hand to send a few lines in haste as this is
the last opportunity Ighall have of writing from here and maybe the
last you will hear from me in some time,z7i Before you hear from

me again we shall have an engagement as we are under orders to march
into Virginia imwmediately.ami As our orders are sealed ,no one knows
where we are going but I presume it is Fairfax Court House. All .
the troops here are moving forward now with the utmost dispatch ex-
cept just enough for the defense of the Capitol.

There was an attack on the picket guards last night and two were
killed. I saw their bodies this morning.

I wrote to you yesterday, but I thought I would let you know we were
gone, My health and spirits are first rate and I feel able to do
my duty in action any moment but I guess Dana Bostwick will be sick
when the pinch comes.

Nothing wore at present. I shall write again just as soon a there
is any chance of getting anything through.

PP, Mayo

P.S. I redeivdd a letter from _grandaother this afternoon. They
are all well, have also veaiie one from 8, Lincoln in Hancock.
He desires me to give his best cts to you and Mother. Nothing
more at present but my love and best respects to you all for the

resent.
° A, Fie“ . an]

I remain yours in haste, P, Mayo
 

 

 

 

Georgetown, July 23, 1861
Dear Father and Mother:

I take my pen in hand to let you know that I still live. I have just
arrived from that terrible battlefield and am now safe again in the
land of freedom. I was in the field during both the engagements and
escaped with no other injury than a sprained ankle and two ball holes
in my clothes, one in my cap and the other in wy blanket which was
done up in a roll and passed over my right shoulder, fhis was done

on the first day in the engagement at S3ull Run.

We left Camp Scott on the 16th and warched to Vienna (the town where
the cars were fired into sometime since) where we slept in a marsh,
and I caught a very heavy cold. The next day we warched within

fobfe miles of Centreville, and after our days warch I was so ovexpue
that the doctor was calied. The next worning I got a ride and kept
along with the company until soon when I stopped to rest and got
about a mile and a half behind when I heard the cannonading commence
and hurried up as fast as I could and get up so as to go inte action
with the eRe _— which was next to us in the same brigade.
We marched down a long hill through a wheat field and attacked then

in a piece of woods where they had a masked battery and sowe 20,000
men hid in the scrub pines like so wany “ingins”. At the first

fire we rushed in, I supposing all the time that our boys were in
ahead of us which did not prove to be the fact as they had gone
farther along out of our sight and lajd: down, After the first volley
we got behind trees and took them at their own game and fired four
rounds when we retreated over a small knell under cover of our

cannon, In the retreat my ankle vas hurt so I could scarcely walk,
but when my company came around tot off with a little help out of
danger. We then went back some fwo miles and camped to await that
terrible Sunday, long to be remembered.

On the morning of the 2ist we were called out at sunrise expecting
to go into the hottest part of the engagewent .2x The Captfai. told
we,as I was too lawe to wake a quick movewent,to remain but,as I

did not like the notion of having anyone else fill my place I formed
im and marched on the field where we were held from morning till
night in a suspense that can not be described. We imagined the fight
was raging in the most terrible manner on our right with a volley
every few minutes on our left and a heavy cannonade from four of

our batteries within eighty rods of our front. The smoke would
frequently settle over the knell on our lines. We were formed three
lines in line of battle but did not get near enough to fire a shot.

Our brigade and Colonel Richardson were couplimented for saving

the whole arny, after our forces gave way on the right and were
retreating in the utmost confusion, The enemy ua ag attempt to
break our left and cut off our retreat but the Coljonel|withdrew his
brigade and threw it into a field and forued us ali behind a large
stone wall. The enemy came to the edge of the woods just out of
range of our guns and as they did sot like the looks of our bayonets
sticking over the wall they very prudently retreated. Had they come
out we would have shown them some tall specimens of Michigan
markmanship,.

 
Page Tro
Perry Mayo
Georgetown, Jply 23, 1862

After their retreat we formed in line along a piece of woods when
our men slppt on their aras until midnight and then the division
retreated toward Washington (the rest of the army had all left
unbeknown to the Gaptain or ourselves).as¢ As the exertion of the
day was too much for me I was soon left behind to fall a prisoner in
the hands ofethe eneny. After getting along for_about two miles,

I fell in with a member of one of the Connbeticu Reghimenit: who was
wounded in the head, and we made out to find an old horse which
carried us both safe through to Arlington Heights. I do not know
where the Regiment or Bivision is but presume I shall find it in
time. There was two or three of cofppan C sick down there and I

do not know what became of then, e reSt were together, None of
them were hurt. I am able to walk around a little by using ay gun
for a crutch and will not probably be able to get around much for
some time. My health otherwise is better than could be expected,
Our loss in the first engagement was about si6Qy killed and wounded,
but I can form no estimation of our loss in the last battle.

I saw Con Nickerson the day before the last fight but have not heard
from the fegiment since.I understand they are badly cut up and

their Coljonel]) killed. I redeivéd your letter of July Sth just
before starting.

The manner of disposing of my money that you spoke of suits me well
enough as I suppose it safe there and hereafter, in regard to any

of my business there, act to the best of your judgement and you may
depend on its going satisfaction on my part.

I would write more but do not feel able se I must close fer the
present by sending my love and best wishes te you all while I remain

Perry Mayo

 

 
 

 

Washington City - August 2, 1861

Dear Father and Mothers

I reg iv your very welcome letter of July 26th yesterday and was
very glad to hear from you as I had began to think you were all dead
or had forgotten to write.

I wrote home the next day after the retreat from the field ef Bull
Run. In a few moments after writing to you I found one of our baggage
wagons and was carried to our camp where I have been lying for the
past ten days in the hospital receiving treatment for ay ankle which
had by that time become very much sw n and somewhat painful, [I am
ha to inform you that I am now much better and was discharged fron
Eh hospital yesterday. I can get around now very well with a cane
but cannot do duty yet. When I arrived in camp ound the goupany
had counted ze among the prisoners and that Captpin| Syington“had sent
a company back fifteen wiles in hopes of finding me but as they went
on a different road from the one I came they did not arrive in camp
until sometime after I did.

The regia pt retreated to Alexandria, some ten miles from our camp
at the in Bridge and afterwards moved to Arlington Heights where
our camp now is.

We are all in first rate health and spirits once again,and the boys
have some lively gawes of ball in which I hope soon to be able te teke
a part.

I am very glad to hear that you have the wheat in safe ,but I am sorry
to hear of the damage done by Gordon’ stock and as to damages, I know
him so well that I never expect the first cent in that line. I send
you, however, by this letter full power of attorney and you must do the
best you can in the premises.

In regard to tho expenses of harvesting my wheat, I expect you to take
a sufficient amount from any money belonging to we which may come into
your hands to indemnify you against all loss. I! sent home $25 of ay
wages by express which you will get of A. Noble of Hattie Creek. This
is my ‘U,S. pay from the 25th of May to the 25th of June, together with
my ailehge There is now over a month's pay due me beside my state
I eso it all home as soon as I get it.

‘ Ss <
You wish me to state a few of the particulars of the fight but you
have no doubt seen more correct and elaborate accounts than I can
possibly give you. You aeem to doubt the reports of their loss being
equal to or greater than ours. Of this you need have no doubt as
from a hill just in front of our lines we could see the whole battle.
At one time, about 1 P.M, the enemy sent a very strong force of
infantry up a long lane to attack our center,and Major Bunt 's7Battery
of Flying Artillery was sent from our side to intercept them. The
Battery kept concealed behind a small hill in the road until the rebel
columns had advanced nearly within pistol shot. When the guns were moved
up as quick as lightning to the top of the hill and before the eneny
could form in line they redéivell such a shower of grape and cannister @at

l ( e { flcms ro

money.

 

   
 

 

Page Two

Perry Mayo
Washington Caty
August 2, 1861

it seemed as though their whole column was struck to the ground as
by one stroke from the hand of the Almighty.

This Battery (Hunt's) consists of six pieces of brass cannon, 12
pounders and in this engagement they were assisted by two 32 pounders
from another Battery. What few was left after the first two rounds
from the Battery made good their escape to the woods but their number
was few.

There was partial successes on both sides during the day but our men
had the field fairly gained and had driven the my in nearly every
point ,but owing to some bungle and an affright, mongst our teansters,
caused by a charge frow their Cavalry, we were” obliged to stand and

see the whole lost without firing a gun. Our loss was perhaps 1,000
killed and wounded and their lost must have been much greater. They
were too much crippled to make an attempt to follow up the retreat.

I do not think of anything wore of interest just now,

teadman]
I aw in secetpt fet's a letter from gra other, also one from Aunt
Charlotte and 8! Lincoln of Hancock {ie desires me to send his
respects to you and mother. They are all well.

Write as often as you can and next time write mae a good long letter
if you can find time.

Nothing more at present from your son

 

 

 
 

 

 

Arlington Heights - August 18, 1861

Dear Father and Mpther:

As I am lying here in the hospital with nothing else to do, I thought
I would write home again although I have heard pothing from my
last as yet.

 

You need not imply that I am sick because I am in the hospital. They |
keep me in here for fear I will be. I have be having the aumps |
for the past week andmy face is very much svollibn now but I feel as

well as ever, My ankle is almost entirely well.

There is nothing of importance going on here now to write absut,.
There is a continual fire kept up aluost ever yenyebt between our

pickets and the enemy. ‘Two men in one of the NY/Régfijmeyis were killed
last night in this way. Some of the boys who have nas far as

our outside pickets say that they can see one Hegilmfqt of Rebel Cavalry
and several of infantry out op drill every afterndon: They] can be

seen with] the naked eye.

I had my chin and upper lip shaved for the first time since leaving

home in order to have this taken, I send you my picture but I

suppose you will harly recognize me in this uniform, It is, however,

a good representation on a small scale. It was taken before I was |
taken with the mumps, My face is full because I was never so fleshy |
as now, My lameness did not cause me to lose any flesh, My general
health was never as good as at present. I weigh, at present, 170 lbs.
My average at this season of the year at home was about 155. ie.

There was a wutiny in one of the A E “« Thursday. They refused
to drill so our Colonel took the Michigan 2nd down there and made
them load their guns. He then told the New Yorkers to fall in which
they did on short notice,

I have just recBivdd a letter from Avot Charlotte, also one from Sf[o4-]
Lincoln, They are all well.

There has been quite a perceptible difference in sur rations since

the exit of Jo Barton, Jv J® We now have plenty of good bread, fresh
beef, pork, beans, peas, sugar, vinegar, etc. and in the past foe
weeks Ww me sold $45 worth ffiover rations. | This looks Soime{ivt hk.
Hike Jivfing).

I would have written sooner, but,since the new regulations it is almost
impossible for anv one to get across to the City so we could get no
stamps. They are very strict now about letting pwrsons across in order
to prevent communication with the eneay.

I don't think Mother need give herself any uneasiness on my account.

I am as much interested in this matter ae anyone and I don't allow

such small things to trouble me in the least. I have become so
accustomed to this life that I don't let anything disturb we, I
sometines wake up in the night and hear continual discharges of musketry.
Perhaps 1 way get up and go out of the tent to listen, but I am more
likely to roll over and go to sleep again,

   

1% Fue

 
Page Two

Perry Mayo
Arlington Heights
August 18, 1861

The hospital is almost deserted now, only ten patients and no one
much sick,s0 you see for 1,000 men this is a very small ratio of
sick, y

Nothing more at present. I remain as ever, your obedient son

Phrry| Mayo

 
 

 

Arlington Heights, August 24, 1861

Dear Father and Mother:

Yours of sugpas ¢) llth I was very happy to re ive| next day after
writing wy last. I was very sorry to hear of your loss but don't
see how it can be helped unless by using more care in the future.

The horse that brought me from Centreville has gone te Alexandria,
it being contraband of war, I had ne claim to it.

In regard to my killing so many rebels as Mr, percy! tells of, I
think he might be mistaken, He was not within nearly half a mile

of we,and I no r told of killing anyone. The fact is I could not
tell myself. [Tleouta not see the enemy except occasionally between
the volleys of their ausketry when the smoke would clear off a
little, I fired four rounds and had to guess about the right height
and fire away trusting to providence for the effect but I didn't
shoot over, the fifth charge exploded just as I was turning it in,
blowing the cartridge off close to the ball, Some of the powder is in
my right hand yet.

In regard to my school money, I don't believe in your running after
it too auch for nothing. It is now twe months over due and if they
will not get it now, sue them as I took part of my pay in uncurrent
money, I don't feel like fooling with them much over the rest. In
regard to my wheat, you may do the best you can in the matter.

In your next, write what wheat is worth now and what the prospect is
of selling it this Fall.

The weather has been very hot here, the thermometer running as high
as 135 degrees. But for the past two weeks it has been quite cool
and pleasant. We got new blankets yesterday having lost our others
at Bull Run, also a new suit of clothes all round. I have clothes
enough now te last me a year and am going to meeting tomorrow in
some kind of style.

We are going to get our two months pay again in a few days and I
shall send some $20. wore home,

I am out of the hospital again and my health is now first rate again.
There is quite a number of sur men sick now with wumps and measles,
and as we have nothing but a large tent for a Hospital, it is a bad
place to have such diseases. This shows you the necessity of a
family having them at home because you don’t know where they will be
thrown when they leave and then is the time they are sure toe be
exposed toe such diseases, but I got along with mine first rate,

In regard to war news, I don't know of anything of importance. _just

now have had a nd pa d inspect is forenoon by

Ge iec1e110 i presiaedt Eidvoln and it Bovar / Troops

continue to arrive daily and there is now wore men here than when the

battle was fought. The government is concentrating any amount of
1% yw bn Me. CA foot

ay Bendre ( Meet Cy litis " &

-¢ ( ' oe)

it
fi

‘t

 
Page Two
Perry Mayo
Arlington Heights, August 24, 1861

flying artillery and cavalry here now and things are fixing for
another break , but next time we are bound to go the whole hog or
pone,

-. ¥ pickets were driven in last night by rebel infantry and a battery
of artillery. Several men were injured, none killed. This is our
first general alarm here. Most of the Kegiiments were kept under arms
all night and the garrisons of forts and tteries kept the guns in
motion all night in order to be ready at a moment's warning. Their
object however, was not to attack but simply to annoy us. I see,
however, several batteries going out with the pickets this afternoon,
and I guess they will run against a snubbing post if they try it again

2z
I regret to hear of the deathef Mr. Cook and Mrs. Callender, but it
is only a matter as to time. Perhaps it will be mine next.

The smoke is so thick around here just now that I can not see three
rods and thi|jars so I can not write. The forts are firing a
salute in honor of our distinguished visitors so I will chose with
my respects to all.

 
Arlington Heights - September 8, 1861

Dear Father and Mother:

It is with pleasure that I find myself able to write you a few lines
this Sunday aftereoon, if

adsince you last heard from me I have been through quite a serious fit

of sickness, I had been discharged from the hospital about a week

and began to feel first rate, [2 was appointed one of the nerals
bodyguards and entered upon ay duties, The second day the eneny

made an advance on our lines at about 5 PM,and I was sent to carry
dispatches to the different brigade Commanders and was on this duty
nearly all night amid a tremendous thunder storm. I went to Washington
and to nearly every brigade on this Bide]of the Potomac, The
consequence was [that]I got thoroughly drenchedand caught a very heavy
cold which brought on a relapse of wy former disease together with the
bilious fever,aud for about two weeks I was unable to sit up in bed.
But owing to our excellent physicians, my fever was broken up on the
start and I now feel pretty well again and shall report myself at

my post for duty agaiu vonorres norning,.

[i] deat koow whether I shall lose my position in consequence of my
sickness or not. I did net write to you that I was sick because I
thought you would be more concerned about me if you knew I was sick.

Our company hac been gut se the lines aa pickets. It is some five

wiles out to the Eeneé ines enemy from here and about eight from
the City. I went out_to the lines yesterday afternoon on horseback
te carry dispatches ]1/found Our boys in a cornfield blazing away at
the enemy the best licks,and they in return firing into the corn.
guess,the boys have rifle pits dug in the field and being mostly good
shots rather take the advantage, in this mode of warfare,

enemy's forts are in in sight, and we could plainly see them
mounting guard, driiiinggerd. 1 should judge they were poorly clothed,
as with a field glass we'saw four of them come out and go round the
fort. all of thes_having holes in the seat of their pants and in a
ragged condition generally: Several wen in our fegiment have been
shot while on picket but none of our company. One of Company K's
men was shot through the shoulder with a common sporting rifle. He is
doing well, A couple of Company G!s wen were going through with the
manual of arms. One was giving orders and the other going through
with the exercise (not thinking the gun was loaded), when the orders
were given, ready - aim - fire. The gun was aimed at the breast of
the person giving erders and the whole charge went through|hia killing
him instantly yout such things are so common here that I hardly ever
make note of them, : ;

Since I have been able to get around,i have been to Washington and
visited the Navy Yard again. The amount of cannon making here now is
almost incredible. They are mostly rifled and ef large size. The
wanner of making musket and rifle balis too is novel and interesting.
They are no longer run in moulds after the old wethod but the whole

 
 

Page Two

Perry Mayo
Arlington Heights
September 8, 1861

thing is done by machinery. The lead comes in rods the right size.
They are fed in a wachine like wheat and the balis come out like
hail,

} Spas)
The cartr & too are ali filled by machinery. The famous Minnie,
which most’ of the troops here use, are just like the long balls be-
longing to your rifle with the exception of the large end which is
hollowed inthe same shape as the point. When the gun explodes, this
thin shell spreads and filis the ore, thereby gaining all the strength
of the charge.

The Pensacola, a new man-of-war building here ie well worth a visit.
She is just finished and will make her trial trip this week. She is
built in the strongest manner possible. She is marked for 36 guns
and will[kesdabout 50. They are all rifle cannon and bowb howitzers.
She looks like a floating Mttery.

Things begin to look like fight arounfiJhere. ‘The pickets are in
hailing distance all along the lines for a distance of ofse or /Q»
miles and keep shooting at each other for fun. Our professor is
watching their noverents every day from his balloon. The rebels, to
keep up the excitement, have been shooting d a couple of private
houses with their artillery. No one hurt. (I]/don't think they made
it pay. They may want their ammunition yet.

Both sides are watohing each other and any move may bring on a general
engagement, but, if they will come here to fight us,we are on our own
ground,

We have a regiwent of Cavalry in our brigade. They are regulars who
have served in Texas and are fully armed and drilled to perfection,

I am glad to hear that there weve some boys left in “ti section

willing to enlist. I wish they were in our company. ink the boys
missed it in joining a Cavalry Company and they will find that out
in time, You could not get one of our company te join the Cavalry
now for we know how it is.

I think we have just about the best times out when we feel well. I
eujoy myself in the best manner imaginable and we all laugh and grow
fat.

I have not heard from you since my last ,but I intend to make it a
practice to write about once a week when J] am well, aad will send
you papers when I can get then,

[tho not think of anything wore at present so I will close by sending
my leve and best respects to you all.

Perry Mayo
You must excuse the ink on this sheet as it is the best I have.

 
 

 

Headquarters, 4th Brigade
Aviteeton - September 21, 1861

Dear Father and Mother:

Yours of Se eabey 15th has just come to hand,and I was very glad
to hear from home again. I received those two letters you mailed

at Bellevue several days since and have delayed the ansver until now
in hopes of getting wy pay so I could send some money howe, but
"Uncle Sam” is like sowe other paymasters, good enough but rather
slow sometines. There is now three months pay due we but we shall
get only two months pay now. Our pay rolls have been made out some-
time and now we expect to get it on Monday next. We get ati this
paywent $23.66, and as I have been sick quite a good deal,it has

cost me more than usual te live, and I can not send home more than
$20 very well as I want to keep enough with fas r any emergency,

I guess I will send the next by draft on N,Y..°I can get Treasury
tietes but they ar@ not entirely safe by mail.

I aw happy to inform you that I aw now entirely will again and as tough
as ever, I took uy t in a few days after ay last to you and have
been on duty since. ‘I like ny position first rate, Our duty at
present is very light, only two h on duty in twenty-four unless
something unusual takes place. ostwick is a member of the guard
and will get along well enough unless he happens to get into a tight
place, His prowo ion was solely on account of his pride in dress, and
this is a material) item in this position,

In regard to the settlement of damages between myself and Gordon, 1
am willing to abide by any settleuwent you make as 1, of course, can
tell nothing about it as I know nothing about the ameuat of damage
done but should think the besis of settlement which he proposed would
be much better than to have any trouble about it. As I understand
the terms, he is to give me 30 bushela from his share after the wheat
is dividedgam,if the damage: was not more than $60,I think thie will
do pretty well. iI think prospect for wheat is brighter and have no
doubt that it will bring a good round price yet before Spring.

In one of your former letters you wished me to tell you whe was in

Jo Barton's place but I forgot ts tell you. Qur 2nd eres

Gilma & promoted to his position and 3nd Sergeant Hodskida/(a
nephew of the Deacon's) was promoted to 20d Lieutenant. The Gompany
had no say inthe matter, Captain] Byington remembers your favors te .
hiw at the Marshall Convention last Fall. He did not like wy leaving
the Company but couldn't help himself, and 1 am not under his
authority new, only I have to get uy pay and wail from the Company.
Still he has always used we well and now I don't have to leok te hia
for promotion if any such thing is deserved.

As i_am writing quite a long letter, perhaps a short description of
our@eneraM would not come out of place. He is a man some 55 er
80 years and,in proportions, much reseubles Scott. He is over six
feet high and #111 weigh about 220 lbs. His countenance is stern, and
when he gives an order,he means it but he is a man, every inch of him.
He never puta on any extra airs or style but delights to be around
amongst his nen in citizens dreas ,And now I will relate a circumstance
illustrative of his charagter.
Be Spe eitcnod Qooegd, E
ag \e ’

au

  
  

       
 

   
 

   
 
 

k

      
   

 

ga ft eh Of
a at, som ThA tty, WT Aris Getttt Cog
few
 

Page Two

Perry Mayo

Headquarters, 4th Brigade
Arlington, September 21, 1861

There was a wan here who owned a large peach orchard containing over
1,060 bushels of peaches and when the troops came here the General
placed a guard over it to protect his fruit. Ina few days the

General happened along dressed in his citizens clothes with his old
straw hat over his eyes. He strayed into the orchard and picked up
half a dozen peaches and in coming out he met the proprietor who
demanded pay. The y@eneral asked the damage and was told 50 ceats which
he paid. Then turning to the guards he told them their services

were no longer needed there. The boys all took the hint and in a week
there was not one left.

i see there is great excitement around there in? regard to enlisting.
I suprosed when Arad and Charley Fitch“enlisted ‘souething would turn
up’but this being an eagineer goupds you know.But, by the time they
have been in the service as long as 1 have, they wili know all about
. this engineering business. We have \plenty’ of thew here ,and we call
them sappers and miners or poutcnpiers .

I see the & rnal dest know what they are going to be arued with,
but I can tell him they will each carry an ax and a shovel. They are
told they are not wanted for the fight and are led to suppose all

they will have to do is to make figures and write love letters, but

our engineers have to wake recounaissances, wend bridges and roads,
cut out new roads for the transmission of artillery, cut the bushes

in front of masked batteries etc. They are always in advance of the
main aray and are peveen tly covered by a body of skirmishers ,but all

I have to say to the boys is to go in. They've got to learn’ to take

a joke.

If any more of the boys are going to enlist, advise them to join
Infantry. Itsis the best arm in the service. In your next I wish
you to atate whether you ever got the likeness I sent ,also whether
you get the papers. I sent one te Addison and generally send Bon i
home per week. The story here is that they are burned at the
Washington, but after the postage is paid I should think they wigh
well burn any an mail matter. =

Palmer Shaonvah Rerived here last Monday nu ight from K. creek, fie]
said he saw you_the he left. There 13 recruits for this
Company and gouge ta sf a the officer when he left that none were
wanted for oe ut“since then we have lost two men. One died and
the other had his aru shot off while in a row caused by gambling for
money. ih this will be a timely warning for some of the reat.&
Our Company ook two of the recruits and the rest wade a good deal
of fuss because they were obliged to go into other Companies.

In regard to war watters here, there is nothing of importance geing

on except active preparations and the arrival of troops by thousands
daily from all parts of the country. The Sth Michigan came here night
before last. The 7th has gone to Harpers Ferry and the 6th is in
Baltinore,

Our Company is out on picket at Balies Crossroads, $ mile from the
enemies fortifications on Munson’s Hill which the papers make such
a blow about. These works don’t amount to abucka, and we have a

MS ONL.

 
 

Page Three

Perry Mayo

Headquarters, 4th Brigade
Arlington, September 21, 186)

fort here (Richardson) which although four miles off commands the
whole thing and with those heavy guns can silence the whole thing in
half an hours firing any time. It would be no trouble to drive the
eneuy farther back any tinue, but there is no use in it. It would oaly
extend our line of pickets over wore country and consequently take
nore men for guard and be of no advantage.

I think there will be s fighting here but not right away unless
they attack us. I think the policy is to invade some Southern State
and thus oblige them to come in here and fight us or divid e their
force and then we can very easily go out and fight them. I see the
Government contemplates sending 25,000 wen to Texas ,and there is sone
talk of our brigade going. This would just suit me as I don't care
@ cent where we go now,and I want to see some of the world.

Were,
I see you wust be out of a horse team pow but if you fisihere you wight
easily buy one. I saw the condemned Government horses sold a few
days since. They brought from 37$¢ to $15. Some of these cost
$150 not two months ago and with good usage would be just as good
as ever in two months to come, But when this war is over, there will
be a chance to get horses here. There will be over 100,000 horses
which must be sold for what they will bring.

2

I have run ashore and must quit,

Your affectionate gon,
Perry Mayo

 

 
Arlington ~- Gctober 6th, 1861

Dear Father and Mother:

Yours of Sepitember 27th came to hand in due time and found me in
good health and sprits and I hope this will find you the same.

We are still at Arlington although in my last to you I said we were
going to leave here the next uorning but we didn't go. We have been
under marching orders ever since,but no one knows when we will start.
The orders last night were to keep two daya rations cooked till further
orders, ink we will go the fore part of this week. We are going te
Hunting Cree Some 20 ox 30 rales dow th vivee drem here.

The enemy continues|to fall back from here,and our troops are advancing
slowly but surely. Small fights are of almost daily occurrence but
nothing of any magnitude, The regiment is here in camp today. they

have been engaged for the past week in chopping and building
fortifications on the famous Annisoa‘’s Hill.

They have had a new Golonel appointed. His nawe is Poe?’ He ie from
the regular army. The boys don't like him much. He puts on too many
airs to take with Volunteers and he will find out ere long that he is
not in the regular army. ;

nm z
I was in the city yesterday .[1|Saw Brodhead 's — the fanous
Berdan” Sharp Shooters .°°

There was a drove ef some 3,000 head of beef cattle came in for the
aupply of the immense army now here. So you see we eat some meat here,

I reekiwel a from some one. The letter Addison sent
I nevér rec \but I think yours have cowe regular.

I sent home $20 of ay wages to Noble‘’s. I forget to mention it in
my last so I suppose you have got it ere this time.

Were
3 heard some time ago that you reshing your wheat and should
like to know how it turned out and how auch you had,

One of our Corporals has gone home on a recruiting mission for the 3nd.
He lives in Bedford. His name is 8ért?' Perhaps you way see hin.

I redgivdt: a letter this week frow the boys in Missouri, also one
from Aunt Charlotte, Wothing of importance in either, all well.

I do not think of anything more to write just now,and state in your
next whether you re i the picture which I sent home some time
since.

Please preserve the letters that I write home from the seat of war
unless you have already destroyed them as they may be interesting
some day.

Nothing more from your son,

o

oA" Perry] May

ae

      

 
Caup Poe - October 14, 1861

Mr. any > ‘“

wrth
I take my pen in hand to aa few lines to y for Berry to
inform you that he is sick. ~ He was taken down|October/10. He
has bela very sick ever|since. He has got the jntermittent fever,
he has omited every 20 minutes since yesterday morning. He is a
little , this morning.

He has been with me a the time. We are chusSs. We sleep together,
but he will go‘the -@8@ hospital today.

We left Camp Arlington on Saturday. Perry thought he would get a
little better so he would not go to the hospital till we got moved.
I will do alji|that is in my power to make him comfortable,

Perry wishes me ay to you that he has wrote two letters and
has not received answer yet from you

We are nine wiles from Washington. Seven miles frou our old camp,camp
ground, one and one half miles from Alexandria,

é\ ]
There is nothing new here. Alfi] to be quieh

Mr. Mayo} if 2 asything that you wish to know and Perry is not
well so as to let we know and I will de the best that I can
to infora you,

¥ must close uy letter. Excuse my poor writing. “

Yours truly,

Bena, Bostwick

Dect oe
, ve Washington the same as before,
2

 

 
 

Camp Poe - October 18, 1861

Dear Brother| / dudagats |

Your kind and welcome letter of September 22 came to hand.Since

I have been here sick and,as I feel able to set up a few moments

this afternoon I will answer it the best I can. I am a good deal
better than I was when Dana wrote for me. I have been yery sick
can set up now for a few moments at a time.

I did not go to the hospital. I occupy one of the General's tents ,
and the doctors come here twice every da The doctors do not
consider my disease dangerous at present J {]Hope I shall soon be out
again,

Zhere is nothing going on_here. There is any amount of force, Why
den't they do something J? ]

I never felt the need of home and a wother's care as since ay last
sickness. When I am well I enjoy myself well.{i weighed 170 lbs, the
day I was taken.

I re ives a letter from George Hicks stating that Henry Bordine
was scharged from the Army, i

I don't feel able te write more,
Auswer seon,

I remain as ever, your[alffectionate brother

Perry Maye

 
 

 

 

 

Fort Lyon, Virginia - October 23, 1861

Dear Father:

Yours of the 13} has just come to hand. I was very happy indeed
to hear from h once more as it had been some time since I had
apy news from home.

I am a little better than when I wrote hone last.) jean get around camp
a little but don’t gain strength any.

We are all back to our Companies again now. The bodyguard is all
disbanded. We had sowe hard cases in the guard from Detroit and other
towns ,and they stole{and cut up so that the whole guard was disbanded
for their doings. There is no bodyguard now at all.

There is vothing going on here, The rebels have two batteries on the
river a few miles below here on the river,and we can hear their
constant cannonade at our vessels as they try to pass up and down

the river.

Our vegiment and the 3rd were cut on a scouting excursion the other
night. They went some 12 miles and found three rebel camps ,and,
after stirring them up, all came back to camp without firing a gun.

We are 12 miles from Washington and 3 from Alexandria a are the
extreme left of the lines. There is wen enough here now,Seems to
me to do something if we are going to make any pretentions to put
down the rebellion at all. I am getting out of patience with this
do nothing mlicy.

It rains, a1} the time here and a » country is very clayey,it is
mud, aud - A person's sh Overed an inch deep and every-
thing looks ajbomy enough. -\

I was surprised to hear of Henry Bordine's discharge as I was in
receipt of letters from him every week stating his excellent health
and what glorious times they had.

I want you te take good care of that boat we built last Spring as
I expect to cone home to go fishing in that again,

I will send you in this letter a fig leaf which will likely be a
new thing up there. There is not quite ripe fruit and blossoms en
the sawe tree,but there is fruit from the size of a pea up toe ripe
fruit which is about as large as a black walnut.

Pana Bostwick has got the rheumaticks very much in his ankle lately. |
Shouldn't wonder if he would like a discharge.

I do not seehow you can possible get along on the farm with one
horse {1/ should think that would be only an aggravation.

I do not think of anything more at present but remain as ever,
your son

Perry Mayo

 
November Gth ~ 1861]

(partiai Letter of Perry Mayo to his brother, Addison tayo. |

I have just received a letter from father. I guess I am as

well posted in regard to the young folks in our seighborhood as
he is for I knew all the sews contained in his letter some month
or more ago.

I am very sorry to hear of the iliness of Jane terkhen” if
she dies society will lowe a very worthy wember.

Tell father the bodyguard is disbanded on account ,Iisuppose of their
not being wated any more at present as we are likely to remain soue
time in camp and the wen would be of more use on duty in their
Conpanies,

Now I have written you a very long letter and you must be sure
and angwer., Your letters are very good, and I could not believe
at first that it was your writing. It is first rate. The only
desk I have to write on is my knee and my pen is more like a
crowbar than an instrument toe write with.

I must close by remaining as ever, your brother

 
Fort Lyon, Virginia November 15th, 1861

Dear Father:

 

Yours came to hand sometime since and I take this opportunity of
sending a few lines home.

I wrote a long letter to addison!*“Have got“io answer as yet | but I
idid not expect it as yet.

I have no ng of interest to write. I am as well as could be
expected, |/linve been e-andl the qgue for some time but it is now
broken up with quinine andlfeel pretty well.

The weather here is quite — There has been no ice or snow as
yet but we have had some very hard storms.

There is nothing going on here and consequently, no news to write,
The fort is getting along pretty well. There is now some forty

guns in it, a
é sincefir]

This krigade was out on a reconnaissance in fore

oak que r and ong stand of arms, Quite opel Hi 3 fifteen
housand men. do not think this Arwy will move soon. bo the
plan is to keep enough here to defend Washingtor and do fighting
in some other parts.

 
  

In regard to affairs at home, if _ can keep my wheat till winter
or Spring I think the prospect isa f tter oetaites le t to
get my pay on the 26th of this month ,!/Shall send $20 home.|/|Shall
most likely send it by express the sa as the rest. You will
probably get it the first ef next month.

Nothing wore at present from your affectionate son,

Ke bayo
Fort Lyon, Virginia - November 24, 1861

Dear Father and Mother:

I again take up my pen to send a fewlines home. I have sent two
letters home and have re vad no answer to either as yet,but I
suppose ,of course, you are very busy which, of course, is sufficient
to account for the delay.

We are still in camp at the fort and engaged in sounting the gund.

A part of the fegiment is on picket duty some seven niles from camp.
They have pretty hard times out there as the weather continues to be
stormy and cold. They take no tents and have to take the weather as
it comes.

We are all well at present except Danf] Bostwick. Ne has the
rheumatisn, laxneness, hypo and almost al1 the other diseases that
flesh is heir to. He says they may as well send him home first as
last as he won't get well if they keep him lying around here all
winter, He brought in a cane one day but the boys whooted him so that

he threw it away, I think he will live some time yet unless 2
taken worse, My ague is broken up,and I feel first rate again |/kave
been on duty for sometime past. ( a

Gen

We were 311 out on the grand review by Gea, icClellan and the
President this week, It was one of the most sublime sights I ever
witnessed. This was the largest amount of men ever brought together
in one dqrmay on this continent. I should think the wen, horses and
cannon would cover a quarter section of land when formed in close
cOluun. When formed in division the width of which was the length
of two companies in line the length of the column was nearly tour
miles in length.

I do net think there is any sight fer a fight here. There is soue

stir here just at present on account of the treops leaving fer the

South. (1 The Lincoln Cavalry left here last Sunday morning and the

28th ® to leave this cawp tomorrow morning. They go to

Balti and from there garters. South Carolina. I understand

on good authority that Ge iecknrtete has sent in a petition to have
his brigade sent there, but I do not think tere is any sight for going 1
think wo will stay here or in the town of Alexandria this winter.

We recflivald: pur pay day before yesterday. iI have sent home $20 the
Same as the rest. I suppose it will get there as soon as you get

this. I have just got a letter from George Markhaw” informing we of
Jane‘s death.

A seod you with this letter a Sunday doe Chronicle. Since the
boys got their pay we can get papers. ore money was 60 scarce
that it would ast pay for the newsboys to bring them here.

I do aot think of anything wore at present. She boys are raising
cain in the tent,and they make so much noise that half the time I
write sowething else but what I intend to.

With wy love to all, I remain as ever your son |
Perry Mayo
 

 

ad
Fert Lyon ~ Novpuber| 29th, 1861

Dear Y¥ather:

Yours of the 25th came to hand last evening. It found me in first
rate health and enjoying myself first rate,but there is quite a good
deal of sickness in this camp at present. There is four from our
Company pretty sick now with typhoid fever which is the prevalent
disease.

It has only been four daye eince I wrote home, but I have to answer
this now or else wait some time as I am going to the lines on picket
tomorrow and do not expect to get in camp again t111 some tine next
week,

There is no news now for me te write. Everhing goes on after the
old sort.

The money I sent last will not get home as soon as I expected as
it is in Capti]Byington's hands ,and he is sick and has not been
able to get to town to send it.

In regard to the contract between ue anfilGordon, he was to clear

the ground fit for the plow, I was te get the ground in good order.

He was to furnish half the seed. I was to harvest and stack the

grain after which he was ar half the expense, that is, furnish
half the help, team work fete and pay for threshing his own half.

The contract was made one evettiing in Gordon's front kitchen in the
presence of Griffin McRale and several more of his hands, I do not
suppese you can collect anything against him GE you sue hin and get
judgement. Had I been there,I should have taken the amount from the
machine}by his leave or without it,and he might sue me if there was

any of that toe be done. I do not Suppose you can get a j ment at
all unless you can prove his a ment to give me 30 bus » a8 the
damages were vot legally app You may do just as you choése but

I had rather give him the amotht than to be $25 or $30 cost and then
get beat. Bututhe way the matter is, I would be willing to take five
dollars for 211 the damages I get clear of expenses. The wheat turned
out full better than I expected. I thought if wy share was 300 busi@lgl
it was doing pretty well.

 

I have rocf{ ive}! sowe presents from my friends in Batt Creek , auong
the rest a autiful needle book or as we call them a
Like the original it is a nice thing in a family , but it

When you write, state whether you the Sunday More es sueonicle
I sent home last Sunday morning as I put it in the office and forgot
to put on a stamp.

   

As I have nothing more at present, I will subscribe myself, you son

Knye
 

 

Cawp Michigan - January|8, 1862

Dear Father & Mother

Yours came to hand last night,and I take the first opportunity of
answering as it seems toe take some tiwe for an exchange of
communication.

I am well at present, so are all the rest of the boys that you

know. I should like to come home well enough ,but I don’t think I
shall until the thing is closed up, If there is any prospect of

its being done, but it seems to go mighty slow. You see I cannot get

a furlough for more than twenty days. This would leave me only twelve
to spend at home,and after an entire change of diet it would cone
pretty hard to go into camp again,

Perhaps you would like to know what I had for ay New Years dinner.
Well it was a cup of coffee and an chunk of boiled beef, Ho bread,
@ur bill of fare at present is for breakfast, a slice of fried pork
or bacon, two slices of bread and a pint of coffee without wilk of
course and sometimes without sugar, for dinner, bean soup and bread,
if we have it, and for supper it is the same as breakfast. Sometines
we get split peas in place of beans. We can get rice but cannot
cook it so as to make it eatable. Once in a while we get a mess of
potatoes. You may think this is pretty hard fare,but we don't eat it
till it tastes good and it makes the healthiest looking lot of wen you
ever saw, and everyoue seens to enjoy himself first rate.

I went to a ball a few nights since. I hardly knew how to act. It
was got up by the overseer of a plantation near our camp, and couple
of us got an invitation. The fawily was from the = of noe] Yrs
We had a goed time, There was quite a number of Virgifiia girls’ present.
One nevelty of the thing was Negro slave waiters.

uTanA
You speak of iyfiiodsiin not being able to see common folks at howe.

I guess ought as muchoef at howe as he is here. You cee the
company ’Akave any thing to say about whotheir officers s Yy
and te tell the truth, the company is go p hill. The Cap

qsad more than half his time. He t out of his tent to
take command of the company more than two days in the week, This is
a pretty rough charge ,but I am prepared to substantiate the truth of
the statement.

Corporal Burt arrived safe in camp some time since. We have not aeved
since I wrete home last and are not likely to soon.

i
I suppose you have heard by way of Peter Bordind of the skirmish we
had so I will not tell it again.

Nothisg more at present, I remain as ever, your affectionate sen
Perry Mayo

P.S. If it. comes handy, you way just send along a good bundle of
“me ® sleep on.

‘aplesn Coens

 
  
 

ee

   

 

 
Camp Michigan - Janary|22, 1862
Dear Father and Mother:

Yours cawe to hand last night and I was glad to hear from howe

@ I do not see why it takes my letters so long to get to ttle]
Creok]es yours always come from there in three or four days. We get
a daily mail here.

but is about|as straight as they generally get the news. The Lieut
tewest spoken of was Benson aot Denis He was not wounded, neither
was he in the action, A company of Niadergey Cavalry went scouting
supported by two companies of the Mic Sth. They were fired on
by a company of rebels. One of our wen was killed and one wounded.
The enemies loss is unknown, Our pickets rallied to support the rest,
but the rebels left for safer quarters before they arrived,

You got the wrong version of that skirmish from the Detroit papers f. i
nor

This was not the one I spoke of, We were on picket on the Colchester
Turnpike,| Gur pickets are posted about 40 rods apart and five men on
a post. We had cabins built of pine boughs to hide our fires, Every-
thing went on well till nearly morning. We were all awake on my post,
We made a kettle of coffee. It then came my watch. I had been on but
a short time when the sentinel on the next post gave a cownand halt
and the next woment a perfect shower of rifle balls cawe whizzing
through our cabin, I fired and jumped into a gully made by the road,
The reat,who were telling stories inside,got out in due time. We ran
some 80 rods and took shelter behind some heuses but,they did not follow
us ,and after waiting a short time, we deployed as skiraishers and went
back to our posts.

We found one robbed of all the biankets, provisions a pout 1 lost
nothing. There was two men hit but one — ajured, They
crept up through some pine woods like so many Indians sna fired on
three posts. We saw thew after daylight in a field but were not
allowed to open fire on them. We have just returned from picket, Have
been out four days and it has rained all the time. Yesterdsy morning
the eavtfng sent two of us scouting outside the tine, Jt was very
Pena ADL

dark and aiter traveling sowe time we ran into a

cket post. We |
got our course again here and went within two wiles of the enenies
camp at Colchester lWddic

I suppose you are ail ae or soue big thing from the Army of the
Potomac soon, but you need not/|till spring. The roads are so bad that
it is inuposs ible to move artillery, and we can do nothing without it,

We have Just meckingd news from Kentucky. Palmer Shepard wishes you

to send this note to Calvin. He aleo wishes to know his address, I
should like to know what he is doing. .You can tell hia where I au,

I suppose you hear nothing from George” yet.

I reck iveld a letter from Jared Knapp.’ He says the school
and Thomas Bartrum was “yoursgy at. I got a letter from sie

yesterday. He re your ve not heard fr ur
week or ten days. ei = om Monroe de na

Nothing more at present so I will subscribe uyself, your son
2. f f ‘
mseratipclilsletee urate Se

 
 

 

._ Mason's Plantation ~ Fairfax County|, Virginia
February 11, 1862

Dear Parente:

As it is now nearly « month since I have rec iveld any vews from
home, I will try to write you a few lines, ou seem to think I
am dilatory about writing but I wrote Addison wore than six weeks
ago and have got no answer yet, So , the last I have from home is
yours of Jan 14th.

There is no news at all to write from here. Our cegbredt. is out on
picket and myself and three others (a corporal's guard) have been
here for a week to protect the property. The proprietor (Mason) is
oversger a foundry somewhere down in Dixie and his son is a
Tiewilénend as first Virginia (rebel) Cavalry so I expect the whole
concers will belong to Uncle Say one of these days.

; are
It is a valuable estate. Therd’ some 20 slaves rewaining here.
Last night after they came in from work, we went around to visit
their cabim We found them nearly all engaged ion learning to read and
spell and the energy and perseverance they show in this is well worthy
of initation by those who have an opportunity of learning. They learn
very fast. Some of them can read quite well already. I suppose you
are aware that, according to the law of the state it is a state prison
offense for anyone to instruct thea, but the laws Go not amount to
auch here just now.

The weather just now ia very fine, but this ia only the signal for
another storm. There is quite a number of our men sick at present
but all are well that you know. One man was taken from the Fegjment.
hospital this week sick with the small pox and as quite a number were
exposed , it stands quite a chance to apread.

If you have not taken up that note of Manchesters as soon as it runs

a year, it might be well to figure the interest and get a sew note. If
he does aot wish to give ansther on demand, it will do me just as well

on six months time. I sent $20 of my last two wonths pay to Nobles as

usual, Please vrite if weed: redéwcll

Nothing more at present.

I remain as ever, your son

Perry Mayo

 
 

 

Camp Michigan - February 27, 1862
Dear Father and Mother:

I take my pen inv hand this morning in haste to write you a few lines
as this is probably the only opportunity I shall have to write for
some time to come,

My health is first rate and most likely before this reaches you we
shall be some ways on our warch into Dixie. We have been expecting

it for some time past and last night after bed time we got positive
orders to pack up everything and be in readiness to marc t a momenta
cotice. We are all ready and a company of 200 nes it yneen sent out
to repair the roads (which are a perfect sea of mu in order to
facilitate in the transportation of artillery.

The men are all in good spigits at the prospect of doing sonething,

we have been lying in camp is this mud long enoug ashe ees

have been doing all the yelling while someone els o he fighting,
but there is no certainity of sur doing anything yat We are to carry
our knapsacks and two days cooked rations. Speculations are rife a

to where we are going. I do not know what my opinion is. We may

wove our camp some 15 or 20 miles and then halt again, but the general
opinion is that we are going to move on the right flank of Mannassas.

I am alwost inclined to think the move is to get the men far enough
frow the city to prevent ir getting whiskey ,but time will tell.
The next you hear fron y be in Richmond or “some other place’
but I shall take my matertals with me and shall write you again a
soon as I get a chance to get a letter through,

Three batteries field artillery came up to our camp this morning.
One is the 6th Sland,|l|don't know the name of the other. It
takes twice as many horses as usual to move them and their appearance
reminds me of the story of emigrants to Michigan 30 years ago.

I have cevertigetyn answer from my letter to Addison.|!/Guess when I
get it,I will bring the answer home with me. I got a letter from
Arad stating that he was Bs going to Calfifornia, If it comes handy send
me n*’s letters. weey may be of use to me, for my return to

Mic ae after the war will be owing to circumstances. There is a
coupiny of us who talk of going frou here to Calfijfornia or Oregon ,
but we may have to come home to be disbanded.

Nothing more at present so in haste I will bid you good-bye.

Perry| Mayo

Your son

 

 

 

 

 
Camp Michigan - March 9th, 1862

' Dear Parents:

Your last came to me a few days since but I had just written to you

and I have delayed answering for a few days. I wrote you in my last
that we were just on the point of leaving this camp. Well we are here
yet, but there is no certainty that we will be in two hours from now.
Everything is ready for a long march. We have six days rations on hand,
and have been furnished with a new rubber patent tent. which we carry

on our backs. We have all got new Minnie rifles (perhaps I told you of
it). We can hit a barrel head 120 rods twice out of three times, They
are a beautiful gun. The Goiprel] said this morning there was not a
better armed Pegiment in the service.

All the sick have been sent to Philadelphia, thus making room in
Alexandria and Washington for 10,000 wounded soldiers. I was in our
hospital today. It looked like a machine shop. They were packing up
their instruments for transportation. Everything is kept so secret
that I have been unable to iearn what movements have been ma the
troops here but the move is general. A battery of twelve 3 guns cane
here from the arsenal yesterday, also one of six field pieces from
Baltiwore. This wakes 40 Guns to go with us. Perhaps we will have more.
if Gin

The weather is fair,and the roads are getting quite good for eed
Our first fighting will be at Occoquan Village so fifteen miles from
here unless the enemy evacuates it. The enemy; said to have 15,000
men there. I went in company with ten others within 80 rods of their
lines scouting iv plain daylight. We found one of their men at a house,
His legs wade good tine, He lefi his cartridge box and haversack. We
brought them in as trophies.

reg menfe

Our company en promoted from 3rd to lst Company in the *
The first fe t the brigade and the first brigade in the “division.
Genfera Heintze

are the 2nd, 3rd and Sth Michigan and en ow
we expect to have the hardest fight at°Cockpit Point batteries on the
Potomac. They have been reconnoitered‘from a balloon. I can hear the
guns from there while I am writing this. They are firing away in
earnest at some of our boats.

n Commands this division. * troops in this brigade

Ybry]. With the artillery

I recBi vel: Addison's letter also one from Aunt Charlotte. They are
all well there,

In regard to my money, do the best you canwth it. 1 suppose Manchester
is good, If he does break, you will most likely get it some time.

There is $26 overdue me now, but, we will not get our pay till the first
of May, then if I live through (and I am strong in the faith that I
shall), I shall get $52. But if I showld not, I want you to give any-
thing that belongs to me to Josephine and Charlott # equally between
thea, when,in your judgement ,they need it.

I shall write you again as soon as anything transpires. 1 do not
think ef any more at present, so good bye.

I remain as ever, your son
eel ie ele re

t

 
Fortress Monroe - April 2nd, 1862
Dear Parents;

Yours of the Zlst is at hand. I was sorry to hear thatany of you
were sick but hope to hear of your recovery soon as tong neas les,

not as fatal at home as they are in camp. The 5th Michi gues Regent:
lost over 60 men this winter with it.

"%y have just eg: aw a letter from grandmother, She never says any-
thing to me about Fee to visit.

But In regard to the war. You surprise we by your remarks. You fear
McClellan is sot the man for the place. Why? You will remember at
the time he took command (August) there was scarcely men enough in the
field to defend Washington. He had to organize and arw an army of
600,000 men, This took till winter,so it was impossible to bring the
war to a close in the Fall, ,and in this country it is a to
carry on a winter campaign. think he aight have fqn out what
month they left Mannassas an @ escape of 200,000 wen one of the
greatest blunders ever commit ed by any general "since history, began.

In answer to the first, everyone here knew they |were jleaving long be-
fore any move was made but how could he help it All the horses in
the army couldn't move a battery five miles while they could go off

by railroad, In regard to the blunder, any military man will see that
it was a great piece of generaliship to arrange his forces so as to
make them leave their extensive fortifications Tae losing a wan.
There ig no other place where the rebel army would fight as well as
there,and they cannot fortify a place where we would have to fight at
a greater disdavariige.

neeee | 42
You seem to have fallen in with, Greeley’ ey. He uses all the
influence in his power to make the Army,|! 1 cenfidence in their
commander well mowing that if this is accomplished it is sure of
defeat. He is a greater traitor this day than Jeff Davis. You seen
to forget that ~- McClellan -— managed all the movenents of gernd thee
army. You see in Burnside's”report of the capture of NewSer
had carried out, all through, exactly the instructions given hie at
Annapolis. But,I am happy to say the men aw yet have unbounded con-
fidence in their commander, But,he may well say: "Deliver me from my
friends and I will take care of my enemies".

uP reckivejd an article from the pen of con’ Wecln ough" o¢ the

in oe to the management of the war, and it is weil fer
him ¢ @ was not in Camp for the boys would have given him a coat
of tar and feathers.

I suppose you have heard before this where I am and of my journey here.
There is nothing of interest going on. Troops continue to arrive
every day. 15,000 came in yesterday,and there sO many here now that
I will not try to estimate the number. The bay full of vessels
uploading night and day. I suppose we shall move as soon as they all
get here ,but it takes some time to unload a large army with tinal th i
saekpueuc and provisions.

 
Perry Mayo

Page Two

Fortress Monroe - April gad, 1862

There is[a [division review this afternoon by Gene}; Heintzelman.

We are all well at present, and the weather is fine, We drill four
hours a day and play ball the rest of the tine.

If you can not read this pencil marking, write me.

No more at present,

of'Lye

 
Cawp Winfield Scott near Yorktown - April 25, 1862
Dear Parents:

Yours of the 17th came to hand last night in four days after wailing,
and I take this: my first opportunity of answering. I want you to
answer wy letters sooner, if_you wish me to write often, as it has
now been a month since I vegiv anything frow you (till now) and I
have written you several without waiting for an answer,

You do not say anything about the wheat. In your next please inform

me whether you have sold it or not. If you have, how much was there of
it net, the price per bushel, the amount, etc. I infexjija from what

you said in regard to buying a mortgage that you had sold it. I suppose
wheat is not worth quite as much now as it was.

We have not re iveH any pay as but we e ¢.to get two months
pay in a day oct vei The 3rd a cetting S Sodas. There will be

four months due us in five days more. 1 shall send you $20 or wore.{1 |
Shall send it to Nobles as usual,if there is ecny company fund sent,

if not I shall send it by Adams Express, if they have any agent here
(and I’understand they have), aad 1f there is no other way,I shall risk
it by mail, but these regimental mails are very unsafe to send money in.

You say P.F. BordinéMis married but you do not say to whom. He told
me that he was going to be married ,and I learned from another source
that the lucky one was going to be’a Miss Bailey from near Bellevue.
Is it the young lady who used to dance in Bailey's show?

I am sorry to inform you of the death of Palmer Shepherd ,but perhaps
you have heard before this. The story may be false as we got news

from the General Hospital that one of our company was dead and buried
the other morning and at night we returned from work and found him in
camp fit for duty. But, our Surgeon told hat he thought there was
no ubt of Palmer's death as he had req direct information of the
fact, died four or five days ago with the swall pox. He was taken
with it the {3rd i day after we came here. I have been directly exposed
to the small pox several times since I came from home, but I am well
protected by vaccination.

Be 3

When you write me again I want you to send me 25 three cent SSe-

stamps ,and I will send you the money to pay for them. We cannot buy

them here without paying the Sutlers from 75 to 100 per cent share on

coe in money and I don't propose to do this if I can get them from
one,

I see you are dissatisfied with things here. You say the progress
here is anything but flattering as far as you can learn but I beg leave
to think you can't learn anything about it. I know there was quite a
pressure oe" McClellan in Congress uF Baer aeons clique with

y Chandleyv’at their head but my opinion 11 those who had most to
say about the matter were better judges of good whiskey than they are
of military operations. I know this is the case with Chandler as I
have seen him viewing tr2aps when it took a man oo sees aee,« hin
to keep him on his feet, He wade a motion to wontin Commander —
in Chief but he failed in this. I1 see Frepmont has Michiggan in his
department. The boys say his headquarters are at Whiskey Run and at
last accounts he was fortifying Yerona I think he has a good place
to fortify,and, if the rebels come up there,no doubt he will fight thes
to kill, £ see he has sent a dispatch to the Secretary of far) stating

¢