100th New York Infantry CIVIL WAR LETTER from Folly Island, South Carolina NICE

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100th New York Infantry CIVIL WAR LETTER from Folly Island, South Carolina NICE:
$100.00

Civil War Letter

This remarkable Civil War soldier letter was penned by Charles Eliphalet Walbridge (1841-1913) to his brother, George Walbridge, while serving in Co. H, 100th New York Infantry and later as the Assistant Quarter Master at Bermuda Hundred in Butler’s Command.

Charles E. Walbridge was born in Buffalo on 24July 1841. Shortly after the death of his father — George B. Walbridge, a well known merchant of Buffalo — Charles left school and entered the employ of Pratt & Co., who were at that time the most extensive hardware dealers in the city. He remained with them until September, 1861, when he enlisted in the 100th Regiment, New York Infantry, and was made second lieutenant of Co. H. He served with this regiment until 1864, being promoted to first lieutenant in July, 1862, and to captain in January, 1863. In February, 1864, he was commissioned by the president as captain and Assistant Quarter Master (AQM) of volunteers. In February, 1865, he was brevetted major, and shortly after was appointed chief quartermaster of the Tenth Army Corps, with the rank of lieutenant colonel.After receiving his discharge Walbridge stayed for several months in the South. He purchased surplus horses and mules from the army and sold them to Southerners who were affected by Sherman’s march.

In 1866 he returned to Buffalo and re-entered the service of his former employers, remaining until 1869, when he engaged in business for himself. In 1884 the present firm of Walbridge & Co. was formed and it became one ofthe largest hardware establishments in Buffalo. He married Annie F. Noble of Brooklyn in 1868 and they started their lives together in Buffalo. The Walbridges left a considerable paper trail dating from the 1840s up to 1913, the year of Charles Walbridges death.

TRANSCRIPTION

Folly Island, South Carolina
May 10, 1863

Dear George,

I was gladdened this afternoon to receive yours of April 29th, a letter from Mother, one from Louise, do. from Sarah, do. from Annie. Also newspapers from the 22nd to May 1st. The latter contains news of Hooker’s successfully crossing the Rappahannock at four points. Yesterday the Rebel pickets told ours that Hooker is in Richmond! About noon we heard that papers of the 7th had reached the island containing the same information; while just at dusk the Colonel’s orderly arrived, who informed me that there was a paper in camp containing the news of Hookers having been driven back across the river with the loss of six thousand [at Chancellorsville]. So you see we can do as the showman told the little boy, “take our choice.” You may imagine we feel some anxiety and desire to get the real particulars.

The same orderly tells me that my commission has arrived; also [George H.] Stowitz’s, & several others. Stowitz [orStowits], he says, is assigned to Co. K and Lt. [Elmer] Howell, 2nd Lt. of Co. K, promoted to 1st Lt. Co. H. I supposed that this would be the arrangement. Howell is a good fellow, a trifle slow, but steady and sure, which i much prefer to having a fast man lacking the latter essential.

I had a letter from Bishop today; he is at Beaufort, North Carolina, which is [James] Nagle’s Headquarters. He says Nagle is bound to have his old brigade again, and he was to have gone to Washington on the morning after date of Bishop’s letter (29th). Bishop says he called on you and would like to have made the acquaintance of the rest of the family. He says he thinks “George is the nicest boy in the family.”

I was surprised to hear that Jake Davis was home again. Was he in the Charleston fight? Quite a lucky thing for him, that mustering out arrangement. Give him my regards. I should like to see you up to your eyes in dust & hardware. I have no doubt you will succeed as a salesman; there is no doubt but it is much more necessary for a merchant to be a good purchaser, and salesman, than to be a book-keeper. How about the traveling? Do you think you will be sent off on a trip this summer? I was quite surprised to hear that Pat was at work in the garden. I think he is about as good as a gardener as we have ever had; he works so faithfully. I wonder if his views on the enlistment question have changes any since I used to expostulate with him on the sly in Mrs. Foote’s barn.

Gen. [David] Hunter has issued an order that in accordance with the recent Act of Congress, furloughs will be granted to five percent of the enlisted men of each company, for a period not to exceed thirty days. I have accordingly recommended four of the “old stock” of Co. H, choosing those who have families as the first squad. As you may imagine, there was quite a commotion among the officers as well as men. I went down to the regiment to see about it yesterday afternoon and learned that Gen.[Israel] Vogdeswas not going to grant leaves of absence to commissioned officers for the present. I am not quite certain as to the truth of the report, although I had it from the adjutant who is very good authority. I have had, and still have, strong hopes of getting home this summer. I should prefer to go home in July or August but of course would be only too happy to get a leave at any time. As there will now be three officers in the company, perhaps I will stand some chance if leaves of absence are granted.

I received your note acknowledging the receipt of the $500 and I suppose you got the other sum (I think $60) of the Chaplain. The 5 20’s are in my opinion the best stock in which you could invest. After the 1st of July, I think they are certain to bring a premium, besides the large interest which they bear. After you fix matters, I would like to have you give me a little statement of my affairs, if it is not too much trouble. I concur in your opinion in regard to the Salt Stock, and in fact leave all these little matters entirely in your hands; as financiering is at present out of my line. I presume the expense of fixing up the garden this year will be on the upper side of a hundred dollars, will it not?

I enclose the checks signed payable to your order. If we succeed in getting furloughs for the men, I will have some of them call on you, as it will be a good opportunity to send anything. I am not in any particular want of clothing; I bought a couple of negligee shirts a day or two ago which will answer for all summer. I also have undershirts and drawers. A few pair of stockings would be acceptable, also a couple of handkerchiefs and a couple of crash towels. My needlebook is emptied of every individual thing except the needles and a few lengths of black thread. I also want a good pocketbook. If you get an opportunity, I would like to have you send some reading matter — “Jomini” for one thing. Also my “Tennyson” as that is small and will do to read over and over. I sent home “Jomini” unintentially as I supposed the Captain’s trunk would follow us. I transferred those articles which he took to his trunk in a great hurry and was quite mortified to hear that my old flannels, &c., had been carried home.

If the furloughs are granted, I may think of other articles which I need; I will write again soon. Give my love to all of the family and believe me your affectionate brother, — C. E. Walbridge

TERMS

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