| With Company C, 13th Ohio Volunteer Infantry: | With Company C, 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry: |
Letter from Private John J. Evers, Company C, 13th
Ohio Volunteer Infantry (3-months)
Camp Dennison, Cincinnati, Ohio, May 17, 1861
Subject: Camp Dennison activities
Originally published in the Perrysburg Journal May 23, 1861, p.3
Finding soldiery in the midst of safety as far as the enemy is concerned to be a rather dull business I concluded to let you hear what it really is. We arrived here on the 8th in a drenching rain and marched about half a mile through mud and water over shoe top. Part of our regiment came down the day before and had quite comfortable quarters for us when we arrived. Our allowance that day was hard bread and fat side pork. Being on the sick list, I repaired to the hospital, which is a large one story building in the shape of an S. It is very deficient in ventilation and more so in light, as the windows, being of boards, can only be opened when the weather is pleasant. It is well supplied with able physicians, but they have not the amount or the kind of medicine that is needed. It is constantly crowded with sick solders, all of whom dread going there for the reason that they are low and require good nursing, which they do not get by any means. There is but one lady nurse in the service, and she is a true patriot. The wife of Dr. McMeons of Sandusky City, the surgeon of the 3rd Regiment. She brought a large quantity of bread and butter which she contributes gratuitously, including her own labor in preparing it, to the sick. The proper authorities are certainly censurable for apparently this intentional neglect. There are now about 10,000 troops here and the "Guthrie Grays" and "Montgomery Guards," two regiments from Cincinnati are expected here today. We drill about five hours every day. Officers are nearly all inexperienced. One of Gen. Scott's staff, Gen. Smith, has been here several days instructing them. We have good fare, consisting of beef, pork, beans, bread, and coffee without milk to color it our sugar to sweeten it. We take turns cooking. Col. Anderson passed here at 3:20 p.m. All the regiments were marched up to the railroad track double file where the train passed very slowly. The Col. Stood on the platform of the hind car with uncovered head, occasionally bowing until he reached the center of the line and was immediately surrounded by the officers. Seeing there was a disposition on their part to convey him along the lines, he returned and the train left for Cincinnati, impressed with the idea I suppose that our men were green. Our company, the "Mac-a-checks," have been accepted as cavalry for three years under Carl Schurz-soon to march to Washington. Don Piatt is our Captain. Our company is C, our regiment is the 13th.
We have quite warm days here but cold nights and it is cool sleeping with but one blanket. But one company in camp is uniformed besides ours. 2 p.m. 1,000 Grays just came in-great cheering. They are fine looking fellows.
Yours in haste,
J.J. Evers
There are now 16,000 troops at Camp Dennison.
Corporal John J. Evers, Company C, 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Weston, Lewis Co., Virginia July 4, 1861
Subject: Movement to and operations in western Virginia
Originally published in the Perrysburg Journal July 18, 1861
I know of no other way to give vent to the patriotic feelings which inspire the heart of every true American citizen on the glorious fourth even though he be on secession soil; so I write to the ever remembered Journal. I left the almost unbroken plain of northwest Ohio on the 24th of June and rejoined the 7th at camp from which place we made our exit Wednesday the 26th at 6 p.m. Went by way of Xenia, Columbus, Newark and Zanesville to Bellair. Crossed the river at Benwood, Virginia and all enjoyed sweet sleep with knapsacks for pillows and mother dust for beds. Although it was night, the passage from camp to Newark was one of continual cheering and "Give 'em fits" from the crowds at the different stations. The train consisted of 56 cars heavily loaded and drawn by 4 heavy engines from Columbus through. Men, horses, and baggage wagons were all aboard. We are fully uniformed and equipped with one exception, and that is we have no canteens but many would rather go without than use the India rubber things which others have.
At Benwood, the ammunition was distributed. From this place to Grafton, 103 miles are the most wild, romantic, rugged, and in many instances beautiful hills I have ever seen anywhere. A great many of them are coal hills but have been used but little on account of the country being so thinly populated. This tract of country seems to have been designed for an Indian war ground or some other worthless thing because it is so rocky and barren that man could never sustain life here, except by "fighting seceshers" (as they call them) and clothed and fed by the United States. Grafton is Gen. McClellan's headquarters in western Virginia. The 9 regiments now in Lewis, Harrison, and Barbour counties get their provisions from Clarksburg, it being the nearest railroad station. In order to make the transportation of troops safe, there have been guards placed on every bridge of the Ohio Central R.R. and whole companies of the 16th and 20th regiments guard bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio, so that all is secure.
The 7th is from the dreaded Western Reserve, consequently it will be fight or die for it. E.B. Tyler of Ravenna is Colonel. He has been doing business in Virginia for the last 20 years and is well acquainted with every winding stream, hill, and vale as any man in the Union. From Grafton, we took the railroad towards Parkersburg, 22 miles from Clarksburg. Pitched tents Friday night and remained until Saturday, 3 p.m. At this hour, we were called out and ordered to be ready in one hour to march.
The hour passed and we started out on what proved to be one of the most fatiguing marches I ever experienced. It was up and down hill all the way from camp to Weston, 24 miles and all afoot with not less than 40 to 60 pounds to the man. This was the case when we started, but many dispensed with their burdens entirely before we got through by casting them to the winds. We hadn't a mouthful of provisions with us. The road was macadamized all the way and we were not allowed to break ranks. Many had thin soled shoes and boots on, which caused them to tread lightly over the stones for the last 10 miles. They say this was a forced march. I am sure the last three miles were with me at least. No one save the staff knew our destination. We started with 1040 men and got through with 850, the rest being left by the roadside. The Colonel expected to find a force of 1300 in this place as it was strongly secession, but they heard of our approach and left. The Colonel, however, gave us a little advice as we were entering the town, using the only oath I ever heard him use-"Now boys, by damn do your duty." We did. Of the prisoners taken, there were 5 who said they wouldn't take the oath of allegiance and were sent to McClellan. $27,000 in gold and silver was taken and I had the honor of guarding it from here to the railroad. It was to have been sent to Richmond at 10 o'clock Sunday and we got it at 6 in the morning.
S. Allen Day unfurled the flag given by the ladies of Bowling Green over the secession printing office by order of Col. Tyler. There are six Wood County boys in the 7th. It seems impossible to bring the enemy to an engagement as they retreat as fast as the Union troops advance. They are armed with shot guns and rifles which they possessed long before this. They make some good shots on our pickets though. The people of this place came out on Sabbath morn to get a glimpse of the approaching soldiers in an attire which indicates truce, it being too early to find them moving. They soon became Union people, and set the best tables for us which we made a famous charge on. General good health prevails. Crops do not look as good as in Ohio. Cattle raising is the main dependence of the people. As one of them men was being examined as to his loyalty, a big man of color walked lazily up and said, "Well massa, I guess you're in for it."
He was surely.
J.J. Evers
Glennville, Gilmer Co., Virginia July 18, 1861
Subject: Operations in western Virginia, Glennville
Originally published in the Perrysburg Journal July 25, 1861
Doubtless correspondence with some one of a regiment formed nearer home would be more interesting, but as we are all engaged in the same common cause the whereabouts of all our Buckeye boys are anxiously sought for. The 7th Regiment, after reconnoitering the country pretty thoroughly from 15 to 35 miles around Weston, which is now its headquarters, was ordered to go to the aid of 400 of the Ohio 17th who were surrounded at Glennville by O.J. Wise with 1500 Rebels. We arrived at this place Sunday the 7th after a march of 28 miles. Wise had made many war-like demonstrations on the hills around the 17th but did not make an attack on account of the disagreement of commanders. Their position could not be approached without a circuitous march and coming up at the same time, scale a hill in front. Col. Wise then retired after sending a shower of bullets into town towards the Great Kanawha. They left Monday morning and Col. Tyler arrived in the evening.
For miles around here, terror, dread and desolation rule the day. All business and industry have ceased. Secessionists first alarmed the Union men, who scattered through the North and then the rebels expected in return for their conduct to be butchered like brutes, hence they fled in dismay to Dixie or some other good place to live and die. Never was I more surprised than on coming to this Garden of Eden and finding ignorance and indolence such general rulers, instead of intelligence and industry. Schools are very poorly supported in times of peace but are now entirely suspended. They have taken nothing but secession journals and but few of them. This is not true of all, because there are some honest men who have been deluded. They take the oath of allegiance and prove faithful as long as they are within gunshot reach. The soldiers are becoming discouraged at this course and they intend to make sure work of it in future scouts. Of the 53 houses in this place, 49 are tenantless. It is the county seat and a strong military point. The school house is now a store house for our provisions, the court house is used to confine prisoners and unruly soldiers; the Methodist church (there are two others) is used as a guard house. Necessity forced me to make a practical demonstration of pulpit desecration by prostrating myself on it with the church bible for my pillow last night. Our probable destination is on the Big Kanawha.
Letters directed to Company C, 7th O.V., Weston, Lewis Co., Virginia will reach us.
Yours in haste,
J.J. Evers
Letter from Corporal John J. Evers, Company C, 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Camp Kimball, Strasburg, Virginia March 30, 1862
Subject:Battle of First Kernstown, Virginia March 23, 1862
1st Brigade (Colonel Erastus B. Tyler), Shields' Division (under Colonel Nathan Kimball)
Originally published in Wood County Independent April 9, 1862
Editor Independent-Dear Sir:
We were favored yesterday with another copy of your ever-welcome paper, thereby letting us know that you were alive and on duty as well as ourselves.
From Paw Paw Tunnel, where my last was written, Gen. Shields' Division took up its line of march toward an unknown region. Took the cars at the tunnel, passed down the road and the river by Hancock until we came to a little stream called Back Creek where the Rebels destroyed the bridge, of course, and did all the other damage they could think of. Here the troops were landed, but the general, being too impatient to wait until the bridge could be reconstructed marched them on to Martinsburg, 12 miles. This place has been the scene of a greater destruction of property than any other on the whole line of the road. 42 first class railroad engines stood there on the track, burnt so as the render them useless. Also, a train loaded with coal and many passenger cars-in all, some three miles long-were destroyed in the same manner. The engine-house and everything else of interest has shared the same fate. The place is about 90 miles from Cumberland, 20 from Harper's Ferry and 22 from Winchester. It numbers about 3,500 inhabitants, many of whom are loyal, both in word and deed, although the Rebel rule existed here until the 1st of March.
From that place we marched forward to within 4 miles of Winchester and pitched our tents. The country from Martinsburg to Strasburg, a distance of 40 miles, is the most fertile, productive, and beautiful character of any I have ever seen. The farms are large and owned by men who understand their business, and know, evidently, how to make slaves pay. Large stone and brick houses decorate the central knoll of each. The owners are nearly all sound for the Union.
Ere this, you have had full details of our fight last Sunday, and judging from newspaper accounts of it, you have had it over true. It seems on the whole, it was a work of strategy. Friday the 21st, General Banks stated to his men that they would soon be in Centreville. The report soon became current that all were going to leave except Shields' Division. According to report, Banks' force all left. The madcap Colonel Ashby in disguise entered the city, and seeing but one brigade, supposed that was our whole force. The citizens themselves where deceived, and urged him to use his influence in having the place retaken. Saturday, cannonading was heard distinctly nearly all day, but it was supposed to be but a reconnaissance on their part, and our troops were not all ordered out. During the firing, General Shields was wounded in the arm, and did not engaged in the fight of the next day.
The 23rd, about 10 o'clock, all doubt as their attacking us was removed. Jackson had been so credulous as to bite the bait held out to him. Skirmishing and engagements of more or less importance continued until 4 o'clock, when Colonel Tyler was ordered to charge on their batteries with his brigade, consisting of the 7th Ohio, 7th Indiana, 1st Virginia, 10th Pennsylvania, 29th Ohio, and 1st Michigan Cavalry as a reserve. The 7th Ohio was in the advance and received the enemy's first fire, which was terrific, but the other regiments came up promptly to our support. We found that before charging their battery, we would have to whip all their infantry, double our own. The 3rd Brigade was on the right of our force, and opposing the enemy's left.
After engaging them about a half an hour, receiving as good as we gave, we were overjoyed to see the 67th (Ohio), colors flying, marching on Jackson's center. The 14th Indiana, and parts of the 4th, 5th, and 8th Ohio accompanied them. The 13th Indiana and 81st Pennsylvania on their right. Before dark they were routed. I counted 180 of their dead next morning in a short time. 20 of our regiment were killed and 58 wounded. 40 men of our company were engaged. 3 were killed and 7 wounded, some of them mortally.
I believe none of the Wood County boys were hurt except G.N. Parsons, though all were engaged or entertained. The one mentioned was shot through the leg below the knee. As every one who writes from the battlefields tried to depict all the horror possible, I will omit it. To see man, or all that was left of him, his head being knocked off, and all such sights, are common occurrences at such times.
We chased the flying foe for 5 miles beyond this place, and are now ignorant of further movements. Banks is now with us, accompanied by his whole force. Jackson has received about 6,000-7,00 reinforcements, but let him come. More anon.
Yours, & c.,
Jim
Letter from Corporal John J. Evers, Company C, 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Alexandria, Virginia July 1, 1862
Subject: Retreat after Battle of Port Republic, June 9, 1862
Third Brigade (Colonel Erastus B. Tyler), Shield's Division (Brigadier General James Shields)
Originally published in the Wood County Independent July 9, 1862
Saturday June 21st, notwithstanding our many promises of rest, we were ordered to prepare immediately for a march. All conjectures as to our destination were soon dispersed as the trains of wagons and artillery were all ordered to Manassas Junction. McDowell's men having all gone by rail, we expected to do the same. Railroad riding with us had "played out" and the boys had it currently reported that "Old Paddy Shields" said he wasn't going to have his men jolted along in freight cars, they'd march first. Banks' vanguard, the 10th Maine Regiment, arrived in town, and our advance led off towards the Blue Ridge. In two hours our division had all cleared Front Royal, we hope forever. 55 miles was the distance to be made in 3 days. We came to time but had a rather tough one, as the weather was very warm and the roads so dusty that our line of marching might be traced for miles by the rising clouds of powdered earth. Quite a number were sun struck the surgeons said. A part of the route lay through a most romantic and beautiful country, the noted Manassas Gap is so gradual and ascent and descent that you hardly know you are at the summit of the Blue Ridge, except for the broad extensive plains appeared to a far better advantage than usual. Our first encampment was at Markham, the home of the late Col. Ashby. The first day was passed through Thoroughfare Gap, the place Gen. Geary was going to make famous as the American Thermopylae during Jackson's raid. The way he lit out of that though wasn't as slow as the remaining baggage clearly showed. Monday everything arrived at Bristor Station, 3 miles from the Junction. Tuesday was occupied principally in a thundering rain storm. Gen. Shields hearing of his treatment at Headquarters left immediately and has not been with us since. The men are a unit for him. Thursday a review was hatched up, and in accordance with the wishes of our certain "lone stars" the division was called out to be looked at by Gen. Ferry and Brig. Gen. Van Ranselaer, chief of McDowell's staff. Friday evening, our brigade (3rd) took the cars and came to this place, Alexandria, and Saturday was, with all its baggage, put aboard two transports North America and Georgia for Fortress Monroe or someplace else. We dropped out into the river and cast anchor for the night, and Sunday morning the 29th landed and marched to this hill nearly 2 miles from the city, and 6 miles from Washington. The 3rd and 4th brigades are promised a short rest, owing to our being so used up at Port Republic. The 1st and 2nd embarked Sunday and Monday and are far on their way ere this. The 67th (Ohio) is in the 2nd (brigade) Gen. Ferry and has gone. We will go soon. Yesterday all the troops in this vicinity who could be spared were sent down- about 12,000-15,000. Exciting news this morning from Richmond. The Capitol and White House are in full view. The men are now in good condition generally. The hospitals at this place and Washington are like a good home more than anything I have ever seen. More in due time.
Jim
*Corporal Evers was killed in action August 9, 1862 at the Battle of Cedar Mountain, Virginia
