Ohio History Journal

CAPTAIN HYATT

Being the Letters Written During the Years 1863-1864

to His Wife, Mary

By Captain T. J. Hyatt, 126th Ohio Volunteer Infantry1

 

Edited by Hudson Hyatt

 

Here are the letters written by an officer at the front, during

the War Between the States, to his wife. Though only one side

of the correspondence has been preserved through the ensuing

years, it is sufficient for us to learn the vicissitudes of his love

for his wife and their two small boys, of the problems of debts

and new decisions to be made which faced his lonely wife, some-

thing of his life in the army, and, at length, his resignation to the

death he came to expect. Its value to historians is probably slight.

Yet to those on the Home Front now it is almost contemporaneous

in its similarity to today's letters from the men in service.

The letters have been left as they were written, with only

such minor changes in punctuation and paragraphing as are neces-

sary for easy reading.

January 8th, 1863

Dear Wife

I am sorry you have had another "spell". I hope you succeeded in

getting some lard at Jacksons, as that appeared to be the greatest of your

troubles when you wrote.

I suppose if in carrying out your determination of not accepting prof-

1 Thomas Jefferson Hyatt, son of David Hyatt and Elizabeth Gonzales, was born

August 5, 1830, at Augusta, Ohio. On March 29, 1856, he married Mary Atkinson,

according to the records of the Carroll County Probate Court. A certificate dated

June 28, 1858, in the possession of the editor of these letters, indicates that "Thomas

Heyett" was a member of the "Congregation of Disciples" at Augusta. Of the mar-

riage, two children, Edward (born March 8, 1858; later State Supt. of Instruction,

California), and Harry (born Oct. 31, 1860; later Supt., Otis Steel Co., Cleveland, O.),

were born.

The volume Ohio in the War states that Thomas J. Hyatt ranked as First Lieuten-

ant in the 126th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on Aug. 13, 1862, and was commissioned as

such Oct. 10, 1862; that he was ranked and commissioned Captain on March 3, 1864,

and killed Sept. 19, 1864, near Winchester, Va. The 126th O. V. I. was mustered

into service Sept. 4, 1862, and at or prior to the death of Capt. Hyatt participated

in the battles of Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Monocacy and Winchester. Capt. Hyatt is

buried in Lot 12, Winchester National Cemetery.

166

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CAPTAIN HYATT, 1863-1864                     167

 

fered horses and buggies you expose yourself in such a manner as to ruin

your health or destroy your life, you will feel that you have acted very

wisely, and your children can boast when they are old that their mother

was pure grit!

I cannot see that because you failed to get a little lard is sufficient

ground for wishing your children and you under the ground. I think it is

wicked to talk so. You have moderately good health, your children are

healthy, intelligent, and agreeable, and if you are pinched for clothes or

food, it is not necessary. You have means at your disposal, and by paying

some one to do it, you could get all you want with out exertion on your

own part. Even Felix would be able to get you potatoes, apples, pork, &c,

&c. You can better afford to pay him a dollar a day to do such things

than you can do it yourself. You are so awfully spunky, I am afraid I

will never be able to raise you.

Now I suppose you think I find a great deal of fault. I presume I do

too much of it. I am very much surprised at myself when I look back

upon my married life. One day I would see my wife with a ragged,

narrow-skirted dress, hair drawn tightly above her ears, and a "spell" on,

and I would get awfully provoked, and would think there was but little

sunshine for me at home. Perhaps next day she would fix up, comb her

hair as I like to see it, a nice clean plain collar on &c, but greater than all,

pleasant and affectionate, and would really acknowledge that some indi-

viduals were not brutes. At such times I consider myself the happiest hus-

band alive, and think how foolish I must have been to think as I did before.

Thus it has been for 8 years, thus it is yet. The letter before the last

elevated me to the skies, the last one let me drop.

One who loves you--

T.J.H.

A Story for Eddy & Harry

A man told me this morning that when he was a boy he had a nice

little dog that would always get up on the gate post about the time school

was out and look for him to come home, and when he did come the dog

would wag his tail and leap up on him and seem very glad. One night as

he was sitting on the post waiting, the boy came home and saw him there

and thought he would have some fun, so he picked up a stone and threw

at the dog, hitting him on the head. The dog tumbled off, kicked a few

times, and was dead.

(Do not give your opinion until the boys express theirs, and tell me

what they say).

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168 OHIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

 

Hd Qrs 126th Ohio Vols

Brandy Station

Dec. 14th, 1863

Dear Wife

As you are expected to show all letters coming from me, I will en-

close a note for your private ear.

I sincerely hope that by the time this reaches you, you will have done

with many of your vexations. I hope that the back door will not jar any

more, that the rats will take the small pox, that your wringer will wring

dry, that your stove will not tumble to pieces, that your room will heat up,

that the cows keep out of the garden, that your apples will not freeze,

that Harry's hair will soon grow out, and also that you will be able very

soon to get him a suit of clothes.

Now do not go and get some little three-cornered cotton handkerchief

for a shawl. Get a good cloak, or if you would like it better get a good

shawl. No cheap thing, remember.

I am glad you got the money and furs. I wish I had heard your first

remark after you saw them. Are you sure you do not think them a very

little shabby?

If anybody proposed to take your money and lend it out tell him you

have none to lend. Keep all you have except ten dollars which I would

like to have you enclose in a letter to me.

I am sorry you cannot take your trip east this winter. It will be

very lonesome for you to stay where you are.

I am very glad to hear of the doings and sayings of those fine little

boys of ours every time I hear from you, which I want to be once a week

at least. And it might just as well be twice as not.

Capt. Weyand & Lt. Crooks have been sparring a good deal lately, and

they both try to get my sympathy, but I do not want to mix in. I do not

think (remember this is in your private ear) the Captain is doing quite the

fair thing. I am very glad that I am not with the Company just at this

time. They both want to get rich, and the Captain wants to dodge all the

coarse part of the work he can, and it is whispered that he likes to keep

out of a fight (but this is for your private ear.). Col. Harlan has got per-

mission to go to Washington, so I suppose he will not be with the Regt

any longer: He will go tomorrow. I am sorry for it, for I have more

confidence in him than I have in his successor.

Tell the boys I hope they will have a Merry Christmas. Write to

me often, and if you think of any time that I have treated you mean forgive

me, for I am sure I am sorry for it. Take care of your health. Be as

happy as you can.

I am truly your loving husband--

T.J.Hyatt

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CAPTAIN HYATT, 1863-1864                      169

 

Hd.Qrs. 126th Ohio Vols.

Feb.23d,1864

Dear Wife

It has been some time since I have written to you, and one reason is

I had no stamp and no money to buy one with. I borrowed two stamps

today hence this letter. We feel pretty certain that the Paymaster will be

here this week, and as you are out of money, you are as anxious to have

him come as I am. I will not be able to send you very much money this

time, but will endeavor to send what will last you until next pay day.

Messing as I do with officers getting twice the pay I do takes too

much money, but as long as I act as Adjt I cannot help it. For this reason

I would rather be in a company. I could live with much less expense and

not be so much exposed to temptation.

Colonel Harlan has at last got out of the service. He came to see us

last week and left for home this morning. So last night the greater part

of the officers of the Regt thought they must make a demonstration. They

came into our quarters about seven oclock last night in single file headed

by a wooden bucket full of egg nog. Well, through the course of the eve-

ning this and another bucketfull besides some raw whiskey was drunk. The

consequence was a big drunk, and such a weaving, spewing, sick set of men

I have not seen for many a day. It was a very bad example for officers to

set before the men. It was two oclock before I could get to bed, but I

suppose you will be glad to know that your husband did not take a drop.

Col.Harlan was dead drunk. One Capt who is a Presbyterian elder at home

was not much better.

The army will ruin a great many men.

There are a great many officers' wives here in the army now. I have

not been any place where any of them were present but others who have

been tell me that even they become very much demoralized. Col.Townsend

was at our house today. Said he had been to an orgy last night at Division

Head Qrs and that he saw intelligent, educated, and well raised ladies

officers' wives who when whiskey was passed around would say that they

preferred theirs straight (meaning without water) and would drink quite a

glassfull. I would want no wife of mine to come here.

This letter is intended only for you and you must not show it.

I rather expect to be made Captain of Co. "D" in two or three weeks,

as my recommendation has gone to the Government today. But do not say

anything about it until I know. I am not at all anxious as I have a much

easier position now. If it were not for the reasons before stated I would

much rather stay where I am. Co. D is the one that went from Ham-

mondsville.

I had a letter from Schooley four or five days ago, the first I have

had. So he has bought John Mc out. When you write please say whether

you intend to go east this spring or not, that is, if you know. You will not

be likely to have a better opportunity.

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170   OHIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

 

You write very seldom nowadays. Why is it?

I had a letter this evening from John Caskey, who is in Columbus, 0.

Louny Norris came to the Regt two or three days ago.

The health of the Regt is very good.

Hoping that you and the boys are well, I remain yours

Affectionately,

T.J.Hyatt

 

 

Hd Qrs 126th Ohio Vols

Feb.28th,1864

Dear Wife

I received your letter this evening, was glad to hear that you were

well, but sorry that you are still afflicted with so many domestic troubles.

Still, if you look at the matter candidly, I think you will conclude that you

are a little to blame yourself. For instance, you wrote to me that you

were very anxious to get in your own house, and that you thought it would

be less cost to pay Clint what he asked to give up the house than for you

to stay where you were. Well, of course I thought if that was the way

you felt about it a few dollars should not be in the way, so I sat right

down after reading your letter and wrote him that I would accept his offer,

and as usual I have got myself in a scrape by it.

But although I think you should not entirely excuse yourself, Clint

had no business to talk to you the way he did, and as soon as I finish this

I am going to write to him and give him a blowing up, and perhaps when

I come home I may kick him at a point about eighteen inches above his

heels. It was small, very small, for him to act so.

I have been studying about it for a few minutes and have concluded

not to blow him up for a few days longer. Perhaps I will wish I had

waited. He wrote me that he wanted me to write what he should do with

the shop &c. I will let him sweat and not write at all or give him any satis-

faction. In the meantime do just as you please; if you do not want to

move, don't do it, nor don't pay him twenty dollars but just let him wiggle.

But don't say much; you know, the least said the soonest mended.

I am afraid I am not talking quite as I should for I am out of humor.

I wish you would consent to sell out and leave that money-worshipping

neighborhood.

We are under orders to march on short notice, so it is hard to tell

where another week will put us.

I am quite well.

Good Bye

T.J.Hyatt

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CAPTAIN HYATT, 1863-1864                     171

 

Hd.Qrs.126th Ohio Vols.

March 6th,1864

Dear Wife

I looked for a letter from you this evening and was not disappointed,

and was very glad to get such a nice long letter.

I dreamed of you several times last night, and very queer dreams they

were. First I dreamed that we had been married some years, and the time

had run out and we were about arranging for another term. 2nd, I dreamed

you had abandoned me and had or was about to form an alliance with Lt.

Watson of this Regt. My first thought was not disagreeable, as I supposed

I was free to go where I chose. But it happened that we were thrown

together soon after, and I began to feel very badly, and could not think of

the separation. I thought you seemed quite offish, and looked toward Lt.

Watson with a good deal more favor than you did me, but finally you

began, as I thought, to regret the steps you had taken and began to think

I was a little better than your second choice. Just then I awoke, and

behold it was all a dream, and I was very glad of it.

I am in very good health and getting along very well.

I have not heard from the Governor in regard to the matter I wrote

you about, but presume the change will be made. But do not say anything

to anyone about it, for it would bore me terribly to have any one address a

letter to me as Captain until I am one. If I am promoted our boys say

they will petition the Colonel to transfer Weyand to some other Company

and keep me in "F". That could be done but I hardly expect it will as

the Captain would object no doubt. He is a jealous sneak, and I have

ceased entirely to try to please him. He thinks he is a much abused man,

and I think he is a coward. I always try to treat him as well as he deserves,

but take no particular pains to court his favor. I have no fears of being

put back into the Company while he is in command, for the Colonel hates

him worse than I do.

What do you think of buying Schooley out? If you would like to

do it, say so and I am right in, and if you do not want to buy say so and

I am right out. I rather think we could pay for it. It is not a morsel of

difference to me. I want that course taken that will make you most com-

fortable, for you are the best little woman to me in the world.

I do not understand about those notes being dated a year too soon. I

am mad at the little whelp, and expect to have revenge if I live long enough.

I received a letter from Lizzy tonight, but her ink was so pale that

I could make no sense out of it. I have had another letter from Oliver.

He was well.

Lt. Crooks has just returned from Carroll County on a 15 days leave

of absence. He said he was at Uncle Dave Harmon's wedding. I suppose

you have heard that he is married to a Miss Roby in Leesville. I am glad

you enjoy your fireplace. It is a nice thing to sit by a nice wood fire in

an open fireplace. We have a splendid fireplace in our house.

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172   OHIO   ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

 

I think the paymaster will be here tomorrow certain. I want to send

you money enough to pay the Dr. Brooke note and enough besides for your

own use, if I can. But do not know yet what I will be able to do. If

there is any one of our other creditors who wants his money the Dr. can

wait for he does not want it, I think, but I would pay him rather than

lend to any one else. You see my page is full and I must close. Good

night--

Your loving Husband,

T.J.Hyatt

Hd.Qrs.126th Ohio Vols.

Sunday night, March 20, 1864

Dear Wife

Do you know that I sat here tonight some time determining not to

write again until I got a letter from you? Well, I was disappointed. I

have had no letter since a week ago last Thursday. Is it any wonder I

would sit down and pout and think ugly things?

I wrote you a short letter on Friday stating that we were about to

march. It may look to you a little childish to sit down and tell you every

time we are about to step outside the door, but our business is so uncertain,

we never know what is going to happen, or when we will have another

opportunity, so I always feel before starting like saying a word or two for

fear I may never have another chance. I know that in the majority of

cases it is only giving you uneasiness for nothing. Now when I wrote

last, so far as we could see, we were certain to leave in a few minutes,

but we are here yet. But I have no idea that we will remain much longer.

Everything indicates an early move, and unless bad weather should set in

soon, I think a movement will commence.

Lt.McCoy has been at home sick ever since I came back to the regi-

ment. He returned today and discovered that he was honorably discharged

on account of disability. He is quite low with consumption.

Lt.Dingmon from Tuscarawas County went home some time ago on

leave of absence, and staid nearly two months beyond his time. The con-

sequence is that he is dismissed from the service. I do not pity him much,

but I pity his family. I hope I may be spared his fate. I think I would

much prefer leaving my bones to whiten on Virginia's sacred soil to going

home as he does.

I am still Acting Adjutant of the Regiment. How much longer I

will continue I do not know. I have not been mustered as Captain yet

I am getting bad off for clothes, and hardly know how to get new

ones, though I think I can send my measure with our sutler to Baltimore

and get them there. I discover also that my shirts are out at the elbows.

Tell Eddy and Harry that I do not forget them.

My candle is almost burned out and I must close.

I remain your loving husband

T.J.Hyatt

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CAPTAIN HYATT, 1863-1864                      173

 

Hd Qrs 126th Ohio Vols.

March 27th,1864

Dear Wife

Daniel Banpelt is about to start home and he told me last night he

could carry a few little things back for me. I wish you would get me two

or three pair of good woolen socks & a pocket handkerchief or two.

I am well and doing comfortably.

It has been nearly three weeks since I have seen a letter from you.

If I do not get one tonight I will be badly disappointed.

We are now in the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Army Corps. Please

direct your letters accordingly.

Col.Smith is relieved from command of his Brigade and will come

back to the Regiment today. I suppose it operates very hard on him as

well as his staff.

I will say no more now, hoping to hear from you often.

I remain

T.J.Hyatt

 

Evening, May 26th

I just learn that I can send this letter back and will just add that we

now lie within a mile of the North Anna. Heavy cannonading is now going

on three or four Miles beyond and I think a heavy battle must be fought

soon. I hope our arms will be successful. Quite a number of prisoners

have been sent past here today. It is said that we are steadily driving

them on but we cannot tell. Our Brigade is the rear guard today and

will be apt to move forward at dark. If this should be the last time I

should have an opportunity to write I would like to ask your forgiveness

for any unkind word I have ever spoken to you, I have no doubt often

injured your feelings needlessly, but I am sorry for it. My daily prayer

is offered for your welfare and that of our boys. Let us all try to meet

in heaven if we should not be allowed to meet again here.

T.J.Hyatt

 

Aug.4th,1864

We still remain here. I am very busy fixing up Company papers, but

will take time to write a little more to the letter I commenced yesterday.

I reced a letter from James a day or two ago. He said you and the

boys were well as usual. I hope your back is better. I think you might

be benefited by medical advice. At least I think it is your duty to try.

You must take all possible care of your health for our children's sake.

I hope to hear soon that you have gone to Marlboro. Write before

you start so I will know when to change the direction of letters.

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174 OHIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

 

I should like very much to see you all again if it is God's will that I

be permitted ever to do so, but He knows what is best for us, and I find

that it is much best to be satisfied that His will be done. Two weeks ago

we thought we were about to start back to Petersburg, and we all felt

rather sad to go. I felt very much depressed, and felt that I could scarce

endure to go, but I prayed for strength and yielded my own choice, and

said if such was God's will I would go willingly. Just then my sadness

dispersed and I felt exceedingly happy. And next morning we started in

another direction.

Mary, it is but little matter what happens us here if we are prepared

for happiness hereafter. Let us all live so that we will meet again in the

better land.

It is very hard for me to think that I will not return home again and

I cannot at all times be resigned to it, but I find when I am in real danger

and I seek earnestly for strength to submit all into God's hands I have

strength given me to be willing that his will be done.

I send you my commission and muster papers as you can take better

care of them than I can.

I have another needle book that I picked up.

What did you and the boys think of the stereoscope and pictures? I

had not very good pictures to select from. You can add to the number

gradually and by that means get the best. They can be had at almost all

book stores.

Tell Eddie and Harry I think about them a great deal. I hope they

are very good boys and always kind to each other. Give my love to Mother

and the other friends.

Your affectionate Husband

T.J.Hyatt

 

Camp 126th Ohio Vols.

Aug.6,1864

Dear Wife

I wrote to you two days ago but yesterday I reced yours of Aug 1st

and will commence this but do not know when I can send it.

We came today on the cars from Monocacy to Harpers Ferry and are

again encamped on London Heights, I suppose for the night.

You ask whether nineteen dollars should be credited on the Polly

note. I do not recollect but if Schooley says so I presume it is all right.

I am afraid there is some mistake in the insurance affair. $25.70 does

not cover the expense of the War Risk. I think that will take $50 more.

I wrote to that effect to Edward Brooke yesterday, and if he got my letter

he will fix it, but for fear he did not, you had better go up there at once

and see to it.

You will want to pay the Dr at any rate and can attend to all at once.

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CAPTAIN HYATT, 1863-1864                      175

 

I do not know whether we are likely to have an engagement very

soon or not. The probabilities are that we will. If we do, I hope that we

will not be beaten back like we were at Monocacy; we had about 50 men

killed and wounded in our Regiment, and as many taken prisoners.

 

Sunday, Aug.7th

We still remain where we were yesterday, and things look as though

we would be allowed to spend the day in quiet. Last Sunday we marched

all day. I think if I were home I could appreciate the Sabbath better than

I used to.

I have great reason to mourn the manner that I have abused my

privileges, but thank God I have reason to hope that these things are

remembered against me no more.

Tell Harry I was very well pleased with his picture, and tell Eddy it

was kind in him to make it for Harry.

I may have an opportunity to send this day so will close; hoping that

you are happy, I remain yours,

T.J.Hyatt

[fragment of a letter, date unknown, to which were

added postscripts]

I received a Captain's Commission today, but have not been mustered

yet. I think if I get back to a Company I certainly can save a little more

money.

Lt. Crooks also received a 1st Lieutenant's Commission.

I was very much amused at Eddy's letter. . . I still think he is a

very smart chile, but you must not teach him to spell "papa" "pappa."

I must leave room for a few words to the boys so good night.

Your loving husband, T.J.H.

To Eddy and Harry

Dear Boys, I was very glad to get your pictures. I think they are

very nice. I have them in my pocket yet. There is a little mouse here

that has got so tame that it will eat out of our hands. It has a short tail

that drags on the ground.

From Papa.

(Later)

If you can get them, I would like to have yours and the boys' photo-

graphs. If you send them I will get a good pocket album to keep them in.

Do you still get the Baltimore American? How do you like it? Did you

get my commission? We have nothing new here--no news, though we get

the papers every day. There are reports afloat that the Corps are about to

be consolidated and that our Corps is to be made a Division. If that is

done Col. Smith will return to the Regiment, I presume. The paymaster

was here on Friday.

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176   OHIO   ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

 

It is bed time and I am tired so I will close. Write very often. Your

letters are always welcome.

T.J.H.

P.S. I enclose each of the boys 50 cents. Let them spend it as they please,

and tell me how they spent it.

Yours, T.J.H.

 

Picket Post, near Harpers Ferry,

Aug.lOth, 1864

Dear Wife

After I had written to you yesterday I reed yours of Aug 4th was

well pleased with its cheerful tone and to here [sic] that you were all well.

I still think we are about to move so I am in a hurry to write. You

say you can think of no debts but those you mentioned. Did not Clint pay

the Shearer note and borrow the money, or do not we owe Snively about

200 dollars that is due about this time. I feel pretty sure there is a debt

of about that amount, due somewhere, that Clint is connected with, but

you can be sure by referring to the Blue Book. Whatever money you have

to spare put where it will stop interest or draw interest--not much differ-

ence which. Do just as you please about having the cistern dug & the

fences made; if you think of moving there it would be well to have it done,

if not, it will hardly pay. Recollect whatever you do in these matters will

be entirely satisfactory to me. I am afraid you are stinting yourselves of

the comforts of life now. Do not, I beg, deprive yourselves of what you

need or what you would enjoy, in order to practice economy. It will be

time enough to live poor when you must. There is no need of it now.

Mary, I love you and I have always been true to you, and I have

every reason to believe that you have been to me. You are my dearest,

truest, best friend. If it is God's will I should be happy to be with you

again, but if he has decreed otherwise, I will be satisfied. Will not you too?

Kiss the boys for me. I remain

Your loving Husband

T.J.Hyatt

Yes, you should address me as Capt.

 

Camp,126th O.V.I.

Aug.12th,1864

Dear Wife

As I supposed, we moved early on the 10th, so early that I could not

get my letter mailed. We marched through Charleston, which, you will

remember, is the town in which John Brown was hung. We encamped

that night near Berryville. We moved yesterday toward Winchester, but

I think we made a turn to the left, leaving that town to our right.

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CAPTAIN HYATT, 1863-1864                     177

 

I look for hard work in this valley. No doubt we will be required to

accomplish what Hunter & Sigel failed to do.

I supped last night and breakfast this morning on roasting ears which

are very fine in this valley.

I wish you would send me a dollar's worth of postage stamps next

time you write. I do not know when I will have an opportunity to get

this letter mailed, but will try to have it ready.

I stand marching very well, and carry a wool blanket, a rubber blanket,

my sword, and a haversack with towel, papers, ink, &c in it.

It is about sunrise. We have had no orders yet to pack up, but I

am looking for it every minute so I must stop and roll my blankets.

God bless you and teach you how to bear your trials, is the earnest

prayer of

Your affectionate Husband,

T.J.Hyatt

 

Camp near Charleston, Va.

Aug.l9th,1864

Dear Wife

It has been a week since I have had an opportunity to send a letter

and it is said the last mail we sent out was captured. If so, some Rebel

has read a long letter that I intended for no eyes but yours. It was written

on the 10th and a little added each day for a few days after we went from

Harpers Ferry on the 10th. Came through this place and Newtown and

Middleton to the Shenandoah near Starburg where we ran against the

Johnnies. We lay there two or three days, then started back coming through

Winchester near Berryville, and are now encamped close to Charleston

which you will remember is the place they hanged John Brown.

We had a nice shower yesterday, and it is drizzling a little now. We

have seen scarcely any rain since we left winter quarters.

The boys are regaling on green corn nowadays. A great many farmers

will find short corn crops this fall in this valley. 40,000 men can destroy a

great deal when they try, and they nearly all try.

I told you in the last letter I wrote that I thought we owed Snively or

Sherrer 200 or 250 Dollars, but you can know by looking at the Blue Book.

I also said if you intended to move on our lot it would pay to have a cistern

dug, and the fences repaired, but if not I do not think it will. Do as you

think best about such things and I will be satisfied.

I think we will get a mail today, and I hope to get at least two letters

(cheerful as your last) from you. I reced one from you on the 9th, the

only one I have had, I think, for a month.

I send the boys two stories which I noticed in an old paper lying in

camp. I thought they might serve to amuse them.

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178   OHIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

 

I am threatened a little with Rheumatism these last days, but not

enough to lame me much.

I have a man in my Co. detailed to carry my rations and do my cook-

ing. Government will take 28 1/2 dollars per month off my pay but I cannot

carry my rations and blankets both and I am too cold blooded to do with-

out blankets at night.

The mail is starting so I must close. May God bless you. Good bye.

Your loving husband,

T.J.Hyatt

 

Camp near Charlestown, Va.

Aug.19th,1864

Dear Wife

I reced two letters from you today, one dated the 9th, the other the

14th. Was glad to hear that you were well and had gone back home again.

We left Harpers Ferry on the 10th, marched to Strasburg, staied there

a few days, and then marched back again to this place. We arrived here

last night, and are very snugly encamped in an open field. It has been

cloudy and cool for a day or two and we are quite comfortable.

You no doubt know that we now belong to Sheridan's army. Whose

Hd Qr are at Harpers Ferry. We, you see, are at Charlestown, noted for

hanging John Brown. It has been a pretty litte place, but war has ruined

it. I am pained every day to see the terrible waste of property committed

by our troops. Gen. Sheridan seems to wink at it much more than any

commander we have been serving with. Horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, chick-

ens, honey, mills, smokehouses, barns, in short, nothing escapes the plunder-

ers. If this were done by some systematized plan it would not seem so bad,

but to see each soldier vieing with his comrade as to the amount of property

he can carry off or destroy, it is terrible. When we arrive in a new camp

scarcely are the arms stacked until the soldiers that a few minutes ago

were so tired they could hardly walk are scattering in all directions. Then

woe to the unlucky hog or sheep that is within a mile of camp. Soon they

come bringing loads of corn, apples, potatoes, skinned hogs and sheep,

chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys, &c, &c. Then those of us who were too

good to go out foraging, as the boys call it, encourage them by eating what

they have brought. I do not know how it can be prevented unless the Com-

mander of the department takes stringent measures against it. It is useless

for the commander of a co. or Regt to try to keep his men from it, for the

property will be taken, and they may as well have a share. This perhaps is

not strictly philosophical, but it is the policy of war.

I wrote a letter on the 10th that I intended for no other eyes than

yours, but I am afraid the Johnnies captured the mail that it was in. I

also wrote this morning but directed it to Augusta. If you send me a shirt

direct it thus, Sergt John Caskey, 126th Ohio Vols 2nd Brig 3d Div 6th

• 13
 

CAPTAIN HYATT, 1863-1864                     179

 

A. C. Care Capt. T. J. Hyatt. The postage should not be more than 50 cts

I think.

I hear the order "pack up" sounding so I must close. May God bless

you all. Good bye.

Your loving husband,

T.J.Hyatt

 

Camp 126th Ohio Vol. Inf.

Near Harpers Ferry, Va.

Aug.25th,1864

Dear Wife

We are still lying quietly where we were when I wrote last. We

are in a good position and well fortified, and if we are obliged to fight we

would rather do it here than any place else. But unless the enemy is in

very strong force, he will not attack us here. Skirmishing is kept up con-

tinually on our left, in front of the 19th Corps.

We are very comfortable here. The weather is not exceptionally hot.

We are in a shady spot. Plenty of provisions and a large field of roasting

ears near at hand.

Our Baggage wagon is up also, so I have my valise and can see your

and the boys' photographs every day, and can lay my head on my pillow

every night.

We will not, I think, be allowed to stay here much longer. If the

enemy does not attack us soon, he will either go back, cross over into Mary-

land, or make a demonstration on Washington. In either event we will

no doubt change location.

You need not send those stamps I spoke of, as I can get them through

our post master sooner than you could send them.

The Sutlers are swarming in here like locusts, so that the boys can get

almost anything they want by paying about three prices for it. Butter sells

at 75 cts per lb., other things in proportion.

I write so often that I have but little news each time, hence you will

not expect long letters.

Give my regards to all the Brooke's and our other friends at Marlboro.

May God bless you all.

Your Affectionate Husband,

T.J.Hyatt

It will not be any too much expense

Camp near Harpers Ferry

Sunday Aug.28,1864

Dear Wife

We have been under marching orders since 3 1/2 oclock this morning,

and are expecting to move every minute. I suppose we are going to follow

the enemy up the Shenandoah valley.

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180      OHIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

 

The mail is just starting and for fear I will not have another oppor-

tunity soon I send you a word or two now. I am pretty well and able to

do my duty thus far, and have no reason to complain of my lot in any

respect.

Kiss the children for me and may God bless you all.

Your loving husband

T.J.Hyatt

 

Camp 126th Ohio Vols.

August 30th,1864

Dear Wife

We got the first mail this evening we have had for several days. I

was disappointed in not hearing from you, but will endeavor to patiently

wait.

I wrote you on Sunday morning that we expected to march. We

started about ten o'clock and marched to our old camp near Charlestown.

Here we pitched our tents and remained in quiet until afternoon next day,

when firing was heard in the distance. Then louder and nearer it grew

and we were suddenly ordered to pack up, that is, our Division. We

marched out about 2 miles when we found the Cavalry posted in line and

firing quite rapidly. Our Regt and the 110th Ohio were deployed as

skirmishers and ordered to advance. We did so, expecting to receive a

heavy fire every time we raised a hill, but the Johnnies were in too much

of a hurry to get away to stop to fire much. We advanced about four or

five miles in skirmish line and until we were a short distance beyond Smith

Field. Here we halted until dark, then fell back about three miles where

we still remain. The Cavalry and Sharpshooters are skirmishing in front,

and have been all day, but we have remained quiet. How much longer we

will do so of course I am unable to say.

The evenings and nights are getting quite cool, but so far I have been

able to sleep quite comfortably.

I still have command of Cos. E & H, and get along very pleasantly.

The men are all agreeable, and give me no trouble.

It is too dark to write so good night.

Your affectionate husband, T.J.Hyatt

(Only for you to read)

 

Wednesday morning

August 31st

Dear Wife

As the mail has not gone I will add a word this morning. All is quiet

so far. The men are cooking their breakfast. The sun is about to rise,

and I am sitting on the ground beside a nice fire of dry rails.

• 15
 

CAPTAIN HYATT, 1863-1864                      181

 

My cook is paring apples to stew for breakfast and has put just now

some nice ham on the fire to fry.

I am comfortable and happy. There is a reality in Religion, Mary

there is a consolation in Christ, a Balm in Gilead. When I am in the

midst of danger I am able to look death in the face without fear, for I

have a firm faith that nothing will happen to me that will not be for my

good. Sometimes when I think how you will miss me at home it is hard to

be entirely willing to never see you and the boys again, but I know all will

be for the best. Mary, learn to cast your cares upon Him, learn to imitate

the spirit of Him who "when he was reviled, reviled not again, and when

he suffered, threatened not." I know it will be well for you to learn and

cultivate a submissive spirit. It will cost an effort but if you seek strength

to do so earnestly at a throne of grace it will be given you.

Mary, I love you, and daily pray for you that you may be enabled to

bear your lot with resignation. I feel that God has shown me so much

mercy and has borne with me so long that I can "praise Him even though

he slay me". Kiss the boys for me. Tell them to avoid my failings.

Goodbye, my dearest, best earthly friend. God bless you.

Your loving husband,

T.J.Hyatt

 

Camp near Berryville, Va.

Sept.15th,1864

Dear Wife

As we expect our ration train today and with it an opportunity to send

a mail away, I commence another letter but as usual have but little news.

We still remain where we did when I wrote last. This is the longest

rest we have had since the campaign opened. We have had a good deal of

rain lately but our tents protect us very well, and we are having a very

comfortable time. We certainly will move from here soon. We had no

thought when we came here we would stay longer than next morning and

that was near two weeks ago.

Quite a number of men are returning to the Regt now from Hospital,

so that it looks something like it used to. The recruits that Ohio sends to

us as a general thing are rather a poor class of soldiers. I do not see how

loyal men can feel when they send Canadians who are sure to desert in

place of drafted men who are citizens and should come themselves. This

bartering and dodging I think a disgrace to the people and an insult to the

soldiers in the field About 25 drafted men & substitutes have been assigned

to my Co. since June and not half that number remains with us now. 5

have deserted (all substitutes), and few taken prisoners, and the rest in

hospitals.

This is about the way I look at it. We (the soldiers) have been

fighting for two or three years and when we call for help our neighbors tax

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182 OHIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL QUARTERLY

 

our property to hire a worthless class of men (no matter how much so) to

screen themselves and swindle the Government. I have no doubt that full

three fourths of the Substitutes hired by the Loyal? Citizens of Ohio and

sent to the front have deserted & half of the other fourth are of no manner

of use to the Government.

It is about time to call my Company out to drill & I must close my

letter.

Remember me to all the friends.

God bless you, Good bye.

Your loving Husband,

T.J.Hyatt

 

Camp near Berryville, Va.

Sunday Sept.18th,1864

Dear Wife

I have another opportunity to send a mail away today as our Supply

train has come to us and for fear another opportunity may not soon come

again I will send you another brief note.

I am in good health and comfortably situated. We still remain where

we halted two weeks ago. But the signs of the times indicate a speedy

removal.

Gen. Grant has been here two days; this with the general activity

displayed in clothing and fitting up the troops indicates a change. I should

not be surprised if there would be bloody work in this valley soon. God

grant that we may all be able to do our part and be prepared for our fate.

It appears that this rebellion must be fought down, and I suppose the

sooner the better, if a successful blow can be struck here it is very important

that it should be done.

Alonzo Deford & Asbury Harsh returned to the Co. a day or two ago

from Hospital.

The shirt you sent me has no fault except the collar which is a little

too tight. I have had no word from Augusta (O.) since you left.

I send you a photograph of Capt. McKinnie. It may be some time

before I can write again. Kiss the boys for me and may God bless you all.

Your loving husband,

T.J.Hyatt

 

Qr Master's Dept., 126th O.V.I.

Winchester, Virginia

October 15th,1864

Sir

I have this day forwarded Capt Hyatt's valise by Express, marked as

follows: "James Hyatt, Hanover Station, Columbiana County, Ohio". I

have been informed that your nearest Express Office is at the above station,

• 17
 

CAPTAIN HYATT, 1863-1864                      183

 

and was advised to forward the valise to your care. I have not yet been

able to ascertain what became of the Captain's sword, but if it can be

found I will forward it also. I am not able to inform you whether the

Captain had any money or other valuables on his person at the time of his

death or not, as I have not had an opportunity since the battle of consulting

the persons who were with him, but I presume some of them have written

to his wife, on the subject, before this.

I have lately had the Captain's body removed from the battlefield,

placed in a coffin, and buried in Winchester Cemetery. The grave is plainly

marked so that it can be easily found. I paid ($25) Twenty-Five Dollars

for the coffin.

Please acknowledge the receipt of the valise when it arrives.

Hoping that you may receive it promptly, I remain.

Very Respectfully,

Your obed't servant

J.Lamb

Lt.& R.Q.M.,126th O.V.I.

To James Hyatt, Esq.

• 18