Howard County, MD in the Civil War

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The 144th Ohio Infantry in Howard County

Service at Annapolis Junction, 5/30/1864-at least 8/18/1864
Primary Sources
Archival and Secondary Sources

The 144th Ohio Infantry Regiment was mustered in at Camp Chase, Ohio on May 11, 1864 for 100 days of service. The men were recruited from Wyandot and Wood counties in northwest Ohio. On the afternoon of May 12, they marched to the depot of the Central Ohio Railroad and entrained for Pittsburgh.

Their first casualty occurred the next day, while traveling near Wheeling, Virginia. Private Irwin Ostraw [Straw], just 18 years old, fell from the top of the rear train car and was run over by the last car. The 144th arrived in Pittsburgh at 7pm, Friday and were treated to a “bountiful supply of wholesome provisions and good coffee” at City Hall.

The next day the 144th passed through Johnston, Altoona, and Harrisburg before arriving in Baltimore at 10 o'clock Sunday morning. There they marched to Fort McHenry, where a portion of the unit would spend the next 100 days. Two companies, G and K, were sent to the Relay House, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, in present day Elkridge, MD. Companies were also sent to Fort Delaware and to Annapolis, MD.

H. S. Chapin, writing from the Relay House a few days later, described their march to the Relay House:

“…a march of thirteen miles, on a hot day, carrying a musket and accoutrements, with twenty rounds of ammunition, a haversack full of rations, a canteen full of water, a knapsack containing a rubber blanket, woolen blanket, overcoat, vest, shirt, pair of drawers, socks, some writing paper, and envelopes, a tin plate, cup, pocket inkstand, knife, fork and spoon, a printers rule, and a 'fine-tooth' comb…”

Companies A, F, D, and H joined companies G and K at Relay House, and occupying the nearby Fort Dix, previously constructed by the 4th Wisconsin and the 10th Maine.

J. Ayres, writing to the Wyandot Pioneer on May 26th described the locality and sustenance:

“Our camp is delightfully situated on the west side of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, a few rods north of the Relay House, covering a beautiful spot of ground, gently sloping to the westward, upon which grows large Chestnut, Oak, Ceder, Pine and other trees, affording a delightful shade over the entire camp. We have plenty of substantials to eat, and as for luxuries, all it requires to obtain these in abundance, is a few greenbacks. I had green peas for dinner twice last week and strawberries once.”

On the 27th Company F was detailed further south, to Annapolis Junction, where they camped near the railroad. Company F pitched their tents - four pieces of heavy cloth about two yards square each - raised up in the air two feet using wood left by a previous regiment. Chapin described Annapolis Junction “…this place… is one of very little importance - it containing two hotels, a small store, and perhaps half a dozen residences.” However, just a short distance from the Junction the Government had built the “USA General Hospital at Annapolis Junction”, which would soon be renamed the Rulison General Hospital, after the Surgeon of the 9th New York Cavalry. This hospital comprised over 20 buildings and was designed to hold 290 patients.

Another casualty occurred when Lee Klopfenstien, of Bowling Green, accidentally discharged his musket, shattering his right forefinger, which was amputated. Only one member of the Company, John Barton, was sick, and he remained at the Relay House, which had a small hospital (Rulison General Hospital was used for soldiers who were over their injuries, but still recuperating.)

The rest of May and all of June was spent in the relatively easy duty of guarding the railroad; examining all passengers looking for deserters, guarding switches, cuts, and intersection along the tracks, and attempting to prevent the sale of liquor to the troops. Chapin, along with two companions, received permission to visit Annapolis, where a portion of their unit was stationed. While at Annapolis, they climbed to the steeple of the State House to view the city and country, entered the House and Senate chambers and feasted on beefsteaks, bread, butter, potatoes, eggs, onions, radishes, and strawberries.

Chapin, and the men of the 144th stationed at Relay House began to get glimpses of war. In late June Chapin and 30 members of the unit were sent to the station to pass water to a train full of “walking wounded” from the war. Chapin describes the scene:

“Many wanted cold water poured upon their wounds, and this was done when they requested it. For this purpose, one man uncovered a stump of an arm, only five or six inches of which remained; another, an arm off at the elbow; here you pour water on an arm through which a rebel bullet has passed; then on an arm without a hand; or on a hand minus a finger or thumb, or perhaps both. Yet the poor fellows were patient and cheerful, and one could not help admiring the heroic manner in which they bore their sufferings.”

In June, Leonard Snyder of Company F, died after being unwell for several days. In July, Asa Brayton, the captain of Company D, died of typhoid and was buried with full honors. Elkana Sherman, also of Company D, also died. On the 4th of July, the men of Company F were going through their usual duties when they received an order to hold themselves in readiness to move on very short notice. Accordingly they cooked three days rations and awaited orders.

Company F did not move out, but companies B, G, and I were engaged at the Battle of Monocacy on July 9th. The units suffered serious casualties, with initial reports listing about 50 men injured and killed. Lieutenant Kimberlin and three of his men were routed and had to “take to the woods” to avoid capture. They headed north and eventually ended up in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, over 30 miles away.

W. A. Butler, of Company G, was detailed to guard the companies baggage when the rest of the company was ordered into battle. He later wrote the Wyandot Pioneer, “That was the last I saw of our Co.” Forced to retreat with his companions, Butler arrived near the battlefield in time to see his company “flying from the host of demons that was swarming all around them. I will not pretend, at present, to give you even a faint idea of the terrible sight which was presented to the beholder. When I commenced writing, I thought I should, but I cannot.”

The firing during the battle was distinctly heard at Annapolis Junction. Rebel cavalry was reported just a few miles from the Junction. Company F slept “on our arms” and kept strict watch until Tuesday the 12th.

Initial worries about the 144th's casualties during the battle were allayed a few weeks later, as all of the men of Company I had emerged alive, with approximately five men injured, and eight men taken prisoner. Company B had one man killed, three wounded, and four taken prisoner. Company G had similar losses.

In the middle of July most of the 144th marched to Washington and thence to Snickers Gap, back to Washington D. C., to Harpers Ferry, and then to Berryville, Virginia, where they skirmished with Moseby's raiders, losing five killed, six wounded, and sixty taken prisoner. Meanwhile, Company F remained at Annapolis Junction. On August 18th the regiments “100 days” had expired and they returned to Ohio, having suffered 10 men killed in battle, and losing 53 to disease.

Originally published in the Wyandot Pioneer June 17, 1864, p.2

Relay Barracks, Md.
June 9th, 1864

Friend Brunner- Dear Sir:

I received yours of the 3rd together with a Pioneer for which I am much obliged. This received your letter giving a list of the men drafted in Wyandot Co. which created quite an excitement in camp. The news soon spread among the boys that I heard from the draft in Wyandot county and that some of them had been drafted, and it was but a few moments that I was entirely surrounded by the boys, each anxious to learn which among them was so fortunate as to draw a prize in Uncle Samuel's lottery. There were three lucky ones in our regiment. Among them was David Moody of Co.A. It would have done your soul good, however, to see the manly spirit with which they received the intelligence. They joke each other freely about their good fortunes & c. Not a murmur was heard from them against the government or the authorities for this calling upon them to serve for three years when they had already volunteered for 100 days. They could not constrain their gratification however at learning the large portion of Butternuts drawing a prize. They regard the result of the draft in Wyandot, taking it in a whole as a good joke.

I was at Baltimore yesterday and the day before to attend the great Union convention. It met in the Front Street Theatre and although that is a large and capacious building, it was filled to overflowing and a more intelligent and harmonious assembly was never witnessed by man and what is more and better they were nearly all for Old Abe. You have no doubt heard the particulars and result of the Convention by this time, so that I can give you nothing new. It must have been highly gratifying and inspiring to a Union man, who witnessed the city of Baltimore with her stones, clubs, and brickbats being hurled at Union soldiers in 1861, to have been there yesterday and seen the thousands of Union banners and Stars and Stripes from almost every building top and window in the city. Amidst this display of the glorious old Stars and Stripes, I noticed a splendid silk flag suspended from the portico of Barnum's Hotel immediately opposite the room occupied by the Ohio delegation, upon one side of which was inscribed in golden letters “Ohio has sent 231, 652 of her gallant sons to the defense of the country.” I tell you it makes an Ohioan's heart swell with pride to look upon that flag, and I may say just here that the Ohio delegation was the “big toad in the puddle”; they took the lead in the whole Convention.

The remains of Col. Porter of the 8th New York Heavy Artillery was brought into the city in the afternoon of yesterday, escorted by Gen. Wallace and Staff, Gen. Morris and Staff, and the 7th O.N.G. Col. Harris. The 8th was relieved at Ft. McHenry by the 144th O.N.G. and sent to the front the same day we got there. The day wound up with a grand ratification meeting in the evening in monument square at which Parson Brownlow and others were to be heard. I did not stay to attend the meeting.

Yours Truly,
J.A. Ayres

Weddell Family Papers
MS 484 mf
Transcript: Private Thomas Shanks
Letter, Co.F, 144th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Anapolis Junction
June 10, 1864

Dear Cousin:

I have sit down to answer your kind and welcome letter which I had the privilege of reading the other day. I was very glad to know that you was all well. I am a rather a four hand at writing a letter but I will do the best I can. I am well at present and get along first rate. There is some of the boys complaining Lock Scot went to the hospital last night. I think we will be able to come back soon. Our Co. has been very healthy so far and I hope that it may continue to be so. We have had a very nice rain this morning; it has made the air quite cool and pleasant. We have had some very warm weather but we have a good shower every week or so and it keeps the ground cool and nice.

Our camp is situated in a very nice and cool place and the boys can enjoy the cool shade they want. David Main and I have stand guard every afternoon at the Junction and we have the privilege of seeing a good many soldiers of the 133rd Ohio went through here last night. A good many of them is from Hancock Co. Some of them was down at Toledo last fall. I had to guard 8 deserters a while. They were hard looking men, they were in chains and they stood over them with loaded revolvers. He said he had taken over 300 and they were the worst. He had got them from New York and they were going to Baltimore. They are drafting there and paying a good pile for substitutes and they were going to hire out. There was a squad of our Co. sent out last night to try and catch some more of them but they did not get any of them. There was about 250 paroled prisoners came to the hospital they other day. I tell you they are a hard looking set of men, some wounded and some almost starved to death and there is a good many wounded in these last battles is coming here wounded in every shape and manner. It looks awful to see so many going around with crutches.

David and I had a trip down to Annapolis the other day. We went on Saturday night; we found most all of the boys all well. George was not very well but able for Denty he looks pretty well but it don't agree with him. John Dunipace is in the hospital, I think he will soon get well. He is around most of the time and is well taken care of. Everything is kept in the best of order. He says he won't try it again, maybe he has got satisfied now. David is getting along first rate; all the rest of the boys is well. John Fenton is complaining but is well again. They have a very nice camp and things very handy but it is very warm and they have a great deal of guarding to do.

We was all through the town and the Navy Yard, it is very nice. In the Navy Yard, there is a great many wounded soldiers there. I was astonished to see them so well taken care of. We got some ripe cherries down there. There is some very large cherries down there. There is lots of huckle berries here that will be ripe after a while. Now I want you to keep me well posted in the affairs at home for we don't get very many letters and how you and the girls is getting along. You must perform your duty. There is not many girls here and what is very homely. You must have some very patriotic ones at home by what I hear. I will have to close; I send my best respects.

All yours truly from your old friend,

T. Shanks

Originally published in the Wyandot Democratic Union June 16, 1864, p.1

Relay Barracks, near Relay House, Maryland
June 4th, 1864

Editor Union:

It has been several weeks since I have written anything for publication and as I am at leisure this morning I will endeavor to give you a short sketch of the doings of the 144th Regiment of National Guards since we left Ft. McHenry. We were only in that fort several days, when the orders from headquarters sent us to Relay House about nine or ten miles from the city. The boys left with a feeling of regret, thinking that we would be stationed at a position that would not be suited as well to the inclinations and purposes of the Regiment, but that is not the case, as we are now at a place that is far more pleasant and agreeable, and all are enjoying camp life better than we did whilst confined in the blackened and time-scared wall of old Fort McHenry. When I stood upon the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, and intentively gaze out upon its smooth and glassy surface, the scenes of the bombardment of that Fort in 1812 and 14 came vividly to my mind; and I thought of the bright and glorious morning when the cannons from the British vessels were pouring their iron hail into the fort, and as the smoke and fire dimmed the horizon with their heavy clouds, one of America's noble sons was engaged in producing one of the greatest and most sublime compositions that was ever inscribed upon this nation's history, and that was “The Star Spangled Banner.” It appeared to me that I could hear the plaintive notes reverberating above the thunder of the cannon as the bright and glorious sun arose in all its resplendent glory and beauty, upon the bloody scene of carnage and death.

In passing through the Fort one day, I spied a relic of that memorable day in the shape of a shell. Upon a close examination, I saw that it was fired by the British in 1814 and weighs 216 1/2 pounds. It is the largest I ever saw, and from its appearance would do considerable execution.

We are now considerably divided, only having three companies in this camp. The others are stationed as follows: three at Annapolis, Md., two at Fort Dix, but a few hundred yards from this camp, one at Annapolis Junction about 18 miles from here, and one at Washington, Delaware. So you perceive that the 144th is scattered over a large scope of the country. But as we were ordered out into the field for the purpose of guard duty upon the prominent military posts, we have no cause to whatever to grumble that we are thus cut up and sent to different points throughout this and other states.

Court-Martial is setting in the Barracks in which they are trying prisoners and deserters from the Federal Army. There is at present, the case of a soldier pending before the court, who shot a citizen of this locality some time ago. The trial has been progressing for several days, but as yet a verdict has not been found, I am unable to say how it will terminate, as I am not thoroughly acquainted with the causes that led to the affair. When the trial is ended I shall give you the particulars.

I will give you a short description of our camp, thinking that it will be of interest to the readers of your journal. Our camp is upon the top of a hill, fronting a public road; and covered with a grove of large Chestnut trees which give us plenty of shade and a great convenience these days-for you must remember that this state is much warmer than Ohio, and the hot sun, if we would not have the trees in our camp, would cause the northern-bred boys to wilt under its scorching rays. On the west side is a valley, through which runs a small stream of water and along its banks and through the whole field are plenty of Blackberries and Whortleberries, which will soon be ripe. Taking all things into consideration, we could not wish a better location to serve the United States for a hundred days.

On the 17th of May Company A had an election for a 2nd Lieutenant caused by the resignation of the “brave Thomas,” who when duty called him forth to fight for his country, felt a little uneasy for his safety and forthwith sent in his resignation to the Governor and concluded to stay at home and watch over the destinies of the Wyandots. The result of the election is as follows:

Eli Ragon 42
D.E. Hale 25
John Stoker 1
D.M. Bowers 15
Total Vote 83
Ragon elected by a majority, over all the candidates, of one.

The boys have plenty of amusements of all kinds and the days speed quickly by. It seems such a short time since we left our homes, as each day passed away so pleasantly. All enjoy good health, with the exception of a few cases of diarrhea, but nearly all of them are well. This is a healthy country and if all of us are careful of ourselves, we need fear no disease of any kind. From the present aspect of military affairs in this locality it is the general impression that we will spend our hundred days in this place.

I have nothing of importance to write this time, only the citizens of Baltimore are making great preparation for the Baltimore National Convention.

The authorities of the state have been drafting for several weeks and are not through yet. The Governor of this state has issued a proclamation calling out two regiments of hundred day men, to be placed in the fortifications in and around the city. As I have nothing more to write this time, I will conclude, by sending my best wishes to the citizens of old Wyandot. More anon.

Yours Respectfully,
Otho J. Powell

Originally published in the Wyandot Democratic Union July 7, 1864, p.1

Relay Barracks, near Relay House
June 22, 1864

Editor Union:

This evening, being at leisure, I will endeavor to write you a brief communication in hopes that the few items of news I shall present from the 144th Regiment National Guards will be read by all the citizens of old Wyandot. It has been several weeks since I have written anything, and in that period of time, there has been many things transpiring in this locality that the friends at home have not been cognizant of; therefore I shall make them acquainted with them as well as I can.

We are still in the old quarters, at the Relay Barracks, and anticipate from the present aspect of affairs that we will remain in this locality until our time expires. Truly we have no cause whatever to complain as we have fared very well in every respect since we were ordered to this position and the Regiment, or the part that is here, have all enjoyed themselves very much. Our duties are pretty heavy, as we have only five companies in these two encampments-this and Fort Dix; and they have all the guard duty to perform, which takes the principal part of the men. At the Fort, they have commenced artillery practice. A few artillerymen from one of the veteran regiments are drilling them. They are progressing finely, and I guess if the Rebs attempt to cross the bridge, or to tear up the railroads, that they will meet with a warm reception from the Fort.

Part of our regiment and the 2nd Maryland have been busily engaged for the past several weeks in erecting a block house on top of the hill, a short distance from here. From the amount of timber that has been gathered out and hauled there, they must calculate on erecting a mammoth structure. It is intended as a support to the fort in case of an attack from the enemy.

A short time ago I was detailed with a squad of some 12 or 15 of our comrades to go down to the depot and assist in unloading timber from the cars, and through the carelessness of some person, a soldier belonging to a Maryland regiment had his leg broken. He was immediately sent to the hospital and our surgeon summoned to attend to the fractured limb. He is now doing well and will soon be able to resume his duties.

Sunday June 12th, an order came from Brig. Gen. Tyler's headquarters, stating that he wanted thirty men, ten from each company, with a sufficient quota of commissioned officers, to go upon a scouting expedition down the lower part of the state, after some men who had been drafted in the late draft, and had concluded not to comply with the decision of Uncle Samuel and had taken a leave of absence for a short time. The boys were provided with five days of cooked rations and forty rounds of cartridges, with the expectation of doing some work but nary one was to be seen. They scouted around for several days and then returned without the loss of a man. It was a gay excursion for them and they enjoyed it very much. They were delighted with the country through which they passed and also with the hospitality of the citizens with whom they conversed. They were treated well, as far as eating and drinking was concerned, and boasted a great deal about the dinners they had at the different farm houses at which they stopped. Many of them would like to go on another such trip but I suppose they will not have that pleasure again soon.

Sunday night last, Hank had sounded the horn and the boys were all in their bunks and some had just commenced their first snooze when a corporal of one of the companies, who had been guarding some tents in another encampment, about a half mile from here, came rushing up the guard lines and stated that a number of citizens had been committing some depredations upon the premises of a widow lady several miles from camp and that said lady wanted the immediate assistance of our boys to capture the riotous chaps. The Colonel was summoned and the facts stated to him. He then ordered ten men to go the rescue and Capt. Ragon called the requisite number to put down the revellers, the entire company came rushing out, all excitement, as if the whole Rebel army was about to attack us. Their pieces were all loaded in a moment, and all ready to go; but through the carelessness of some of the boys, in the bustle and confusion incident to such a time, a gun was discharged, but fortunately nobody was hurt. They started off at a double quick and were soon at the scene of the action, and found that several of the fellows “who had throughout the day imbibed too freely of tanglefoot” and had become somewhat intoxicated, had smashed in a window and done some other damage to the house. After scouting around the country for some time, they captured one of the scamps, and triumphantly escorted him to camp, and placed him under guard until morning, when the father of the imprisoned gent came to plead for his release. He counseled the Colonel who gave the prisoner his discharge in full and sent him on his way rejoicing.

Yesterday about noon, a Rebel prisoner who had been sick at the hospital made good his escape. Several boys were sent in pursuit of him, but could get no clue of his whereabouts. The Surgeon says that he was nearly dead, and that they think his strength will not permit him to travel far ere he falls victim to the disease.

The health of the regiment is unusually good at this time. No diseases of any description are prevalent, with the exception of several cases of diarrhea, but neither of these are dangerous.

The weather is very pleasant and vegetation of all kinds are growing finely. There has not been any rain for several weeks and the earth is becoming dry, which retards the growth of the spring crops.

The farmers in this section are all busily engaged in cutting their harvest. The wheat, as a general thing, is very good.

There will be an abundance of all kinds of fruit, if nothing befalls it before it matures. The trees are loaded to their utmost capacity, and from present indication, apples, peaches, & c. will be plenty and cheap in this country. Cherries are now ripe and we have as many as we can use, of the nicest kind. Every day some of the boys go out into the country and in several hours come back with loads of them. Soldiers are sure to have fruit when it can be found no matter what the trouble to get it may be.

My correspondence is becoming longer than I had intended and without proceeding any further, I will conclude. I hope that what I have written may prove interesting to the citizens of the county and they may peruse the contents of this letter from the 144th without partiality. I shall still continue my correspondence and hope in the next to have some exciting news. With respect to all the friends of old Wyandot, I bid you adieu for the present.

Yours Respectfully,
Otho J. Powell

July 1, 1864
Annapolis Junction, Md.
Friend William:

I rec'd your welcome letter last week and would have answered it sooner if I had time but better late than never. Since Monday, we have been transformed from the soldier to the farmer. Some of the boys wanted to go out and help harvesting so that they might get a little spending money. The Capt. would not allow any to go unless they would go in a squad. He called me up and asked me if I would go and take the job. I said I had no objections so we took the job of cutting and putting up hay to stack- for three dollars per acre which we accomplished in about 3 days. There was 18 in our squad; it was a big time for the boys, the change seemed to do them good, at least it was the means of sharpening their abilities.

Thomas (Shanks, Private Co.F, 144th O.V.I.) rec'd your letter today and will write soon. We had a letter from Lieut. Muir today, he says the Co. are all well with the exception of William Muir. He is on the sick list. There is nothing new transpiring in or around camp worth noticing. Am sorry to hear of what has befallen Co.K of the 21st Reg't but it should warn us of the uncertainty of life and the need for preparing for death for come it will, sooner or later. We had a letter from Camp Parole the other day. They were all well but John Smith, he has got the ague. Some of the boys have been promising to come up and see us but the last time they wrote they said they could not get away. We have good times in that respect for we have never asked permission to go anywhere and been refused.

Oh Billy, I wish you were here to take a ramble around the country and think you would say it beat anywhere you ever saw for fruit in the berry line. There are some trees which I believe have 10 bushels of cherries on them. Black berries are in abundance and huckleberries are just getting ripe. The weather here is very warm and the ground is exceedingly dry. If we can, Thomas and me are going to visit the capital week after next for I will be on duty all next in the afternoon. Could get excused for one day if desired.

Had a letter from yesterday from Robert S. Davidson and John Adams. They are both well. We were glad to hear from them for we had heard that John was wounded and had since died. It must have been a sad sight to witness after those battles for ever since we came in there has scarcely been a day passed when one or more of the trains going north loaded with wounded men. In fact, there has been more or less in all the regular trains. Sad sight to see men mangled in almost every conceivable manner. Hope I may hear from you soon, give all the news. Excuse the shortness of this note, I'll write longer next time. Yours with respect,

David Main
Direct as before to Annapolis Junction

Weddell Family Papers
MS 484 mf
Transcript: Private Thomas Shanks
Letter, Co.F, 144th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Annapolis Junction
July 7, 1864

Dear Cousin:

I now sit down to answer your kind letter which I received a few days ago. I was very glad to know that you was well and all the rest of the folks. I am well at present, hoping these few lines may find you all the same, and the health of the Co. is very good at the present and hope it may long continue. There is not a sick man in the camp at the present. There is some back which I know nothing about. We are still in camp here yet but don't know how long for there is quite an excitement here. The Rebs has got into Maryland. We got a telegraph dispatch on Sabbath night about 11 o'clock to have 3 days rations cooked so we might be ready to march at five minutes warning. So we have got all things ready to march on Monday morning but we have not got any further orders yet.

When we move, we will go in the direction of Harper's Ferry for the Rebels is coming in there pretty strong. The report was that Harper's Ferry was taken but I think not. There is a report that they are going to destroy the railroad between Baltimore and Washington and if that is true we will have to be on our lookout. This morning before we got out of bed, someone said that our 3 Co. from Annapolis was come up. So we got out of bed as quick as we could and went to the Junction and it was our boys. They were coming to meet us. I was very glad to see them but we had to make short stories for the cars did not stop for long. We saw all the boys that is in Co.I. They are all well and in good spirits. George is well and looks pretty well. I would have liked very well if our Co. went with them. It does me good to have a good handshake of an old friend's hand and have a talk with them. Where they are going they did not know but I think they are going in the direction of Harper's Ferry. They just had their guns and their blankets. I think they will return in a few days, as the news was favorable last night.

Our Co. is still on Provost duty and I suppose that is the way we are left but we may have to go in a short while. Now I must let you know how we spent our Fourth. It was a very quiet one for we did not have the privilege to run all over. There was a picnic over at the hospital but we did not get invited over to it. They sent word to the Capt. to come over but he said if they would not invite all the Co. he would not go. I want to know how you spent the Fourth and what kind of time you had at home. Write soon and let me know all the news. Excuse in five letter and all into takes from your affectionate cousin,

Tommy Shanks

Samuel McClain Papers: Transcripts of Letters
MS-640
Letter no.26
Relay House, Md.
July 13, 1864

Dear Wife,

I again endever to drop you a few lines to let you know that we have moved again. We came to our Regt. this morning, whare we expect to stay. We expect to see Jonny Rebs here before long. If they come there we will give them a warm reception. We are 10 miles from Baltimore near Ft. Dix.

July 14.

We are orderd to prepair for to march in one minits warning. Don't know whare we are going to. Isaac Vanhorn came in today. The boys are still coming in. Thare are 20 men gon yet out of our Co. We left our napsacks at Camp Parole & the rest of our things we had to leave on our retreat, so we have nothing but the close on our backs. At night we just lay down like a dog on the ground. We are giting use to it. We can stand it fine.

I am glad our time is coming to a close, for our men can't do much more. 14th we arived in Washington at 4 o'clock and incamped for the night in sight of the White House. 15th we marched threw Washington & also threw Georgetown. We are after the Rebs. We have a hard march. We have only a few of our company with us. Some have not come in yet, some have give out & some are sick. I expect we will have another fight. May the Lord protect us from the dedly misils of war & permit us to return home to our loved ones who are wating our return. I am writing while we are resting on our march. It is a hard way to wright, but I am ancious to let you no whare I am. I can't get a letter from you, for we don't stop long enought to get them. I hain't had a letter for 10 days. I am very ancious to hear from you. When you write, direct to Relay House near Baltimore, Md. Company B, 144 Regt. O.N.G. in care of Capt. Black, Folow the Regt.

We belong to Co. B now as we have no Capton in our co. I'll write ontil I get a chance to send this.

S. McClain