Died, Nov. 4th, 1862, of flux, Oliver Fulton, near Helena, Arkansas, aged nineteen years.—Oliver, like many others, though young, heard his country's call and over twelve months ago volunteered in Co. E, 56th Regiment O.V., and since then, with many others, suffered many privations and hardships. Though his labor is (un)finished, his warfare is ended. No more will his pleasant voice be heard around the domestic or social circle; we shall see him no more here, but we trust our loss is his gain. Let us who mourn our loss be humble and thankful that the hand of the enemy has not fallen upon us. Oliver was a good boy, and was respected by all that knew him. He was a good and dutiful soldier. "It is the Lord that giveth, and him that taketh, and blessed be his name." [Followed by the first verse of America.]
     William

The Gallipolis Journal
January 1, 1863

[This letter was sent to the Journal by someone in the 56th O.V. who had received it at Moon Lake, Miss. and requested its publication because he deplored its contents and refused the "advice" it contained. The recipient's name was not published in the Journal, and the letter has been transcribed as given, with grammatical errors, varied capitalization, and a total lack of punctuation. Eva Swain Hughes]

February the 10th 1863

     Mr. * * * *sir in answer to your letter Received last week I will say that I was glad to hear that you was well and hearty and I was glad to hear that you was not willing to make yourself as low as the Negro that Is just the way I like to hear my old friends and old Neighbors talk when they say they wont fight for the sons of old Father Abraham and that is Just what you soldiers has had to do you have to suffer in the cold and wet Night and day suffers hunger and be Drove about worse than a slave or a dog I feel sorry for you soldiers many a time I think of you boys When I lay down in my good warm bed at Night I wonder how the poor soldiers gets along But there is a great many making their own furlows and coming home several of the boys about here has come home thousands are leaving the army on account of fighting for the Negroes I saw your Uncle yesterday he dont like the way you wrote to him about the Darkeys I'll tell you——he has got to be sort of a wolly I wish you would give him hail Columbia he said he was going to give you a good sotting down for the way you talked about the war your uncle is all right only he has got the wool pulled over his eyes do the best you can and do as you please whenever you git your money if you can I hardly know what to write on this side unless I tell you that the Neighbors is generally in tolerable health we would all like to see you first rate and have a good old sing once more when I git to thinking over old times here at home see many missing from my acquaintances and behold I find many miles away in the south suffering and pineing away wearing down your young and noble Bodies Distroying your constitutions by force marching and fatigue
     O the suffering and distress this war is making no tongue can tell and I look for a war in the north soon if the Abolitionists dont let the niggers alone and try to do something to restore the union as it was the White niggers say they want no peace at all unless the south comes clear under I heard a man say yesterday that he wanted no peace with the south at all on no terms I told him to start for the army as he was the very man to go when you come home I will tell you all about everything that I can think of you see my pen is bad never mind that if you can understand me give my Respects to all the boys one and all so no more at present but Remain
     yours truly
     William Lovell Norman

The Gallipolis Journal
April 2, 1863

[A correspondent from the 56th Reg. O.V., now in Miss., writes us relative to the efforts of the copperheads to create dissatisfaction among the soldiers. In reference to letters written by some of the breed from Gallia, he thus gives his views.  comment by the newspaper's editor]

     If there is any such idea entertained by the Copperhead family or any other tribe of snakes that by such base letters containing such palpable misrepresentation they can induce sensible men to desert the old Flag in this, her greatest hour of peril, the sooner they are dismissed the better. I will admit that there have been men who have deserted, but they have been generally new recruits who have been bitten by these copperheads before they entered the service.
     I believe that there is not a man in the 56th Regiment that would be willing to lay down his arms, until this wicked rebellion is crushed, and the American flag waves triumphantly over every foot of land between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and between the St. Lawrence and the Rio Grande. And when the mighty work is wrought, and the soldiers return to their homes in the North, they will be worse on the copperheads than Patrick was on the snakes in Ireland. If they cannot chase them out with a hazle [sic] rod, they will (like the old man that found the rude boy on his apple tree,) try what virtue there is in stones.
     They talk about a war in the North.—The greater mass of the army to-day if they had their choice, would prefer cleaning out the North first. The soldier looks (rightly too) upon these copperheads as their greatest enemies.—If it had not been for them, we believe, that we to-day might have been at home. In making the rounds of the picket guard the other day, I came to a sentinel that was faced the wrong way. Before I got near to him I could see that he was in a deep study about something. I spoke to him, he looked up and immediately faced about. I knew him to be a good soldier. I told him that such carelessness could not be overlooked. Said he, "Cap, you know that I have always done my duty and I will tell you how I came to be faced the wrong way. I was thinking about those copperheads in the North and instinctively turned my face that way. I tell you that I would rather shoot two of them than one butternut. Now, was not I right?" Of course I had nothing more to say. This is the feeling of the majority of soldiers.
     [No signature]

The Gallipolis Journal
April 2, 1863

56th Regiment O. V. I. Helena, Ark., April 6th, 1863

Mr. Harper—Dear Sir:
     Permit me through your respectable and loyal sheet, to give the biography of one who is a boy in Uncle Sam's service, now going on two years, and am not particularly tired yet, but would like very much to have a little recreation for a few days, such as a leave of absence, long enough to visit my parents in Centreville, Gallia county, and then return to my Regiment. Mr. Editor, I volunteered in Capt. John H. Evans' Company, belonging to the 56th O. V. I., and have not regretted it yet. I was a little over sixteen years old when I embarked in this cause, which was the15th October, 1861. From that period to the present, I have experienced some ups and downs. Since I have been in the army I have had much affliction of my eyes, but I hope they will prove good and be sustained throughout the rebellion, for I see that there is in some of the Divisions, dissatisfaction and desertions, but I say "halt" to the practice, for the time is coming when they must halt, or suffer the penalty.
     I think, Mr. Harper, when I desert this great army of our nation, Jeff. Davis, Floyd, Letcher, and all of Davis' disciples, will float up this grand Mississippi in a log-oven. If this comes to pass, then I intend to desert and go home to see my Daddy and Mammy.
     I must say that the grandest cause of dissatisfaction in our army is that these Northern Vallandighamites and priest riddenites correspond with such of our men, as have not the liberty of reading or knowing anything about the practicality of the Elephant, for we scarcely get any of the newspaper information, but I am fortunate to get sometimes one from home, and in such, I find some fine addresses, which bouyes [sic] my feelings up sky high. No more at present, but
     yours, with respect,
     Ashley R. Williams, Co. E, 56th Reg. O. V. I.

The Gallipolis Journal
April 23, 1863

[This is not a letter from a soldier, but since it deals with only this regiment, it is placed here.]

The Gallipolis Journal
June 11, 1863

Edward's Depot, 17 miles East of Vicksburg, May 18th, 1863

Dear Parents:
     We arrived at this point last night. It was occupied yesterday morning by our advance, after a little fight, but on the 16th inst., three miles back on this railroad, we had a terrible battle, and I have with sadness to inform you that brother George was killed. He was shot through the head, the ball penetrating a little above his mouth, on the left side, and went through. He had fought two hours, and the regiment was ordered to retreat, and if he could have lived five minutes longer he would have escaped entirely, for our regiment was relieved by fresh troops, but so it was and it can't be helped. I had him buried with two Lieutenants, one of them was Lieut. Manring, brother of Capt. Manring, of Gallia county, the other was Lieut. Chute of Portsmouth. There is no possible chance for sending or taking a body from here until Vicksburg is taken. I hope you will reconcile yourselves over this sad result, as much as possible, for he was killed in the best cause for which ever man lived or died. He was noted by all who saw him for his coolness and promptness while in action. He had formed acquaintance with nearly the entire regiment, and all unite in sympathizing with us in our irreparable loss. Although I have no brother, I have numerous friends in the regiment, who are friends indeed.
     There was no other killed in our company besides brother George. The wounded are as follows: Archibald George, in the thigh—the doctor extracted the ball and says the wound is not fatal; Ellis Logue, slightly on the right thumb; corporal Martin, right shoulder, severely; Wm. Jones, in the neck, slightly; Rees Griffiths, slightly in the arm. Then we have three missing, and perhaps prisoners, as follows: Thomas J. Davis, Wm. H. Radcliff, and David Williams. These make up in full the casualties of Company E.—The loss in the regiment is 18 killed, and about 120 wounded and missing.—It was a hard fought battle, with a heavy loss throughout the Division.—Some other regiments lost more than we did, but we finally succeeded in driving them back, and captured 3000 prisoners and 18 pieces of cannon.—Their loss in killed and wounded is very heavy. Siince the first of May we have had a series of fights, and in every fight have whipped them terribly, and our advance is only five miles from Vicksburg, where we will end rebellion in this quarter of secessia.
     I will let you know as soon as anything can be done towards the removal of the remains of brother George, which I intend to have done as soon as I can, for a brother of mine cannot remain in this country of villainy any longer than military necessity requires. Let me entreat in conclusion to bear our great loss as firm as possible. My arm is entirely well from the wound I received.
     Yours, affectionately,
     Moses Rife, Lieut. Company E 56th O. V. I.

The Gallipolis Journal
June 18, 1863

Camp of 56th O. V. I. Rear of Vicksburg, June 1st, 1863

Mr. Harper:—Sir:
     Through the columns of your excellent little paper, we wish to inform our friends in Gallia that "the old Fifty-sixth" still exists, although it cannot muster more than 220 effective men. But what is left of it is as brave as ever faced a foe. At the battle of Magnolia or Thompson's Hill, its conduct could not be surpassed for coolness and bravery. It was in the fight all day, and first to the guns captured in the morning. At Baker's Creek, it maintained its ground and fought heroically, until pressed by more than three times its number, and literally cut to pieces, they were ordered to fall back; when re-inforced by Quinby, they again advanced, and helped to drive the enemy back. For coolness and bravery, the conduct of its gallant Colonel can scarcely be equaled. No braver man ever wore an eagle, and too much praise cannot be awarded him.      The 56th did no better than others of the 12th Division. All did their duty and did it well. No man ever commanded a better Division than Gen. Hovey, who richly deserves another star. After the battle at Champion Hills or Baker's Creek, our brigade was left as a rear guard at Big Black bridge, where we remained two or three days, when we were relieved and ordered to the front, where we have been eight days. One half this time, we have been under fire. We are losing but few men, as we are doing nothing but sharpshoot. We are lying directly under the guns of the enemy, and so close that it is impossible for him to work them. He has no alternative but an unconditional surrender, and ere you receive this ill-written letter, we think Vicksburg will be ours.
     Very respectfully,
     H. H. S.

The Gallipolis Journal
June 18, 1863

Edward's Depot, 17 miles East of Vicksburg, May 18th, 1863

Dear Parents:
     We arrived at this point last night. It was occupied yesterday morning by our advance, after a little fight, but on the 16th inst., three miles back on this railroad, we had a terrible battle, and I have with sadness to inform you that brother George was killed. He was shot through the head, the ball penetrating a little above his mouth, on the left side, and went through. He had fought two hours, and the regiment was ordered to retreat, and if he could have lived five minutes longer he would have escaped entirely, for our regiment was relieved by fresh troops, but so it was and it can't be helped. I had him buried with two Lieutenants, one of them was Lieut. Manring, brother of Capt. Manring, of Gallia county, the other was Lieut. Chute of Portsmouth. There is no possible chance for sending or taking a body from here until Vicksburg is taken. I hope you will reconcile yourselves over this sad result, as much as possible, for he was killed in the best cause for which ever man lived or died. He was noted by all who saw him for his coolness and promptness while in action. He had formed acquaintance with nearly the entire regiment, and all unite in sympathizing with us in our irreparable loss. Although I have no brother, I have numerous friends in the regiment, who are friends indeed.
     There was no other killed in our company besides brother George. The wounded are as follows: Archibald George, in the thigh—the doctor extracted the ball and says the wound is not fatal; Ellis Logue, slightly on the right thumb; corporal Martin, right shoulder, severely; Wm. Jones, in the neck, slightly; Rees Griffiths, slightly in the arm. Then we have three missing, and perhaps prisoners, as follows: Thomas J. Davis, Wm. H. Radcliff, and David Williams. These make up in full the casualties of Company E.—The loss in the regiment is 18 killed, and about 120 wounded and missing.—It was a hard fought battle, with a heavy loss throughout the Division.—Some other regiments lost more than we did, but we finally succeeded in driving them back, and captured 3000 prisoners and 18 pieces of cannon.—Their loss in killed and wounded is very heavy. Siince the first of May we have had a series of fights, and in every fight have whipped them terribly, and our advance is only five miles from Vicksburg, where we will end rebellion in this quarter of secessia.
     I will let you know as soon as anything can be done towards the removal of the remains of brother George, which I intend to have done as soon as I can, for a brother of mine cannot remain in this country of villainy any longer than military necessity requires. Let me entreat in conclusion to bear our great loss as firm as possible. My arm is entirely well from the wound I received.
     Yours, affectionately,
     Moses Rife, Lieut. Company E 56th O. V. I.

The Gallipolis Journal
June 18, 1863

The 56th Regiment, New Orleans, La., Aug. 27, 1863

     The 13th army corps (the one to which we belong) has been transferred from the army of the Tennessee to that of the Gulf. We arrived here on the night of the 13th inst., and was [sic] agreeably surprised to find that the best of order prevailed in and about the city. It is said that there are fewer cases of disorderly conduct for the Police Courts to dispose of, than in ordinary peace times. Banks is a live General, and has persued [sic] a course that has made him very popular with the citizens.—The people are more loyal in Louisiana than in any State we have passed through in the South. There is a growing loyalty here that is being nourished by the influence of the best men in the State. Almost every place of business is marked by a suspension of the American flag.
     We are surprised to hear that the copperheads in Ohio claim any support to their ticket from the army; when Vallandigham in his last official act in Congress, voted against supplying the army with one stitch of clothing or furnishing them with one mouthful of food, and offered an amendment to the Constitution providing more effectually for the disruption of the Government of the United States, than any act that Jeff. Davis ever committed during the time passed of his infamous life. SOLDIERS WILL NEVER SUPPORT VALLANDIGHAM, NOR ANY PARTY THAT IS ADVERSE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES. These butternuts have furnished the army with their own history in the shape of letters written to soldiers for the purpose of persuading them to desert. This history, which nearly every soldier is in possession of, will be faithfully preserved.
     There is no news of importance to write. We expect to leave soon for Mobile or some other portion of Dixie, as there has been a large number of boats and ships chartered. Troops here are in excellent health. There are but two of our Regiment in the Hospital. Excuse haste, &c.,
     Yours, very respectfully,
     M. Manring

The Gallipolis Journal
September 17, 1863

[Clement Vallandigham was a Democratic congressman from southwestern Ohio. He was a personal friend of Lincoln's Secretary of War, Stanton. Before the war he had opposed attempts to repeal Ohio's Black Laws, which limited the freedom even of Ohio's free blacks. He believed that any state had an inherent right to secede. He was in favor of ending the war by negotiation. He was the acknowledged leader of the Copperheads. The antiwar Democrats accepted the label of Copperheads proudly. Their opponents called them Butternuts, which was the acknowledged color of Confederate uniforms. At the time of the discussion below, Vallandigham was running for governor of Ohio against both Governor Tod and John Brough from Marietta. The Copperhead movement was fairly strong in southern Ohio, but would weaken considerably as Union military victories started to pile up. Brough won the election and Vallandigham was arrested and deported to the South, although he would reappear again later. N. Elvick]

56th Regiment, Carrollton, La., Sept. 10, '63

Mr. Harper—Dear Sir:
     Through the columns of your excellent paper, I wish to communicate a few thoughts to the people of old Gallia, with reference to their friends in the 56th. While in camp, with nothing but an occasional drill or dress parade, and nothing but the same monotonous routine, from one week's end to another, to engage the mind, it is no wonder that soldiers become restive, and the hours become irksome. But the greatest source of melancholly [sic] among soldiers, is the nonarrival of mails, and the shameful neglect of friends at home to write.—When a mail chances to arrive, it is curious to witness the many anxious faces, (as a general rush is made around those who distribute it) and hear the eager cry, "Give me my letter, give me my letter;" and it is then sorrowful to witness the sad faces of those who turn away disappointed, and hear them exclaim, "My friends have forgotten me;" "they don't care a straw for me, and I will not write again until I receive a letter." But the next place you will see them is under some tree with a sheet of paper on their knees writing to some neglectful friend.
     A great many letters that do come are nothing more than a mere excuse for letters. They are very short and unsatisfactory, containing nothing but a few words about their health, of the Copperheads, or of Morgan's raid, &c. Our friends should write more encouragingly, and not spare a sheet or two of paper and a little more time, thus making the correspondence more steady and interesting. Anything to a soldier is interesting, and you need not fear exhausting their patience by long letters and graphic descriptions of what is transpiring at home. Let your friends know you are interested in their welfare. Encourage them by kind words. You should be proud of the noble deeds they have performed, and that you have sent such noble sons of freedom to battle with a deadly foe. Encourage them, I say.—Show them that you appreciate their deeds of valor, and that you will be slow to forget them. While you are at home enjoying ease and comfort, do not forget those who stand between you and the bayonets of the enemy, bleeding and suffering for our country.
     Respectfully yours, &c.,
     W. R. S.

P. S. Vallandigham is no go in the 56th, if its Lieut.Col. is on his ticket. Unless the Regiment is filled before the election he will not get 30 votes.—We will vote for Brough.

The Gallipolis Journal
October 8, 1863

     The Portsmouthites went heavy on (Vallandigham, Varner, and Victory,) but it turned out to be Vanity, Villainy, and Vainboasting. How do the old Demagogues on campaign feel? They look like they had been caught with a sheep on their backs, don't they? Enough of this. Election day is over now. My health is very good. By writing soon you will oblige
     Yours Respectfully,
     M. Rife, Lieut. and Q.M. 56th O. V. I.

The Gallipolis Journal
October 17, 1863

Office of Quartermaster, 56th Ohio Inf't, Vermillionville, La., Nov. 9, 1863

Dear Friend:
     Yours of the 5th ult., is at last received, and read with pleasure. We didn't get any mail for nearly a month, and you may imagine our suspense, especially in these election times, when everybody was eager to hear the news. Lt. Col. S. E. Varner, run [sic] for representative in Scioto county, and was beaten (by) over 400 votes, (badly for all Vallandighamers). What say you? We are in a manner doing nothing at present except watching guerrillas [sic], and eating up the cattle for the rebels, and feeding our stock with their corn. We are gradually making our way back to Brashear City, and it is rumored that we will return to New Orleans; but you know the origin of most all camp rumors—there is no dependence to be put in them. We have had no frost yet, but the wind is very cold some days, especially on the Prairies. It is very windy and cold to-day, but we are encamped in the timber so that it affords no great protection. The boys are all very well, and much rejoiced they are on the last year of their term of service, but all think of re-enlisting if the war is not over after a brief visit to their friends; and from all appearances the result of the war is with Rosecrans (now Grants) army. If our forces are successful there and I have no doubt they will be, I see but little chance for the rebellion to last much longer, yet it may last some time, and if it does not end according to our terms, I am in favor of prosecuting it for 10 years to come. Whenever the whole Confederacy does as the garrison at Vicksburg did (stack their arms and hoist their white flag,) I am in favor of quitting them and not before.
     I forgot whether I told you in my last letter that Markham had received his commission as 2d Lieut. Old Razor Strap is the same old trump—spends all his wages for "Hostetters Bitters," or whatever kind he can get. He voted the Brough ticket out and out. Every man voted it in Co. E, except old Brown and Hixon, and they didn't vote at all. You doubtless remember Lieut. Stimmel, now Capt. He voted the Vallandigham Ticket—so did Lieut. Shaffer of Gallipolis—but you better believe they are bored over it since the result of the election is known in the state. We have not heard the soldiers' vote yet, but we know it will be all right. I suppose very few Regiments in the field polled as many votes for the old traitor, as ours did. The vote was as follows:—Brough 167 votes, Val—51.

The Gallipolis Journal
December 17, 1863

[This letter was written by Samuel L. Wood, Private in Co. D. The first paragraph here is an explanation the editor made. The second paragraph is the letter from the soldier, S. L. Wood. Shortly thereafter he was wounded at Chenceyville on 5/5/1864 and he died of these wounds two weeks later on 5/19/1864. He is buried at Alexandria National Cemetery, Alexandria, Louisiana -H. Evans]

     From a letter written by our young friend, S. L. Wood, we make the following extracts in order to show the spirit which is animating the young men from old Gallia.—Mr. Wood was one of the first to volunteer in the three months' service, from Gallipolis. At the expiration of his time, he re-enlisted for three years, and now again for three more. Such men may be killed, but never conquered, and are an honor to the county. As a citizen of Gallipolis, he should receive a share of the bounty for recruits, which we trust will be attended to, as he is expected home in a few days.

Camp of the 56th O. V. I., New Orleans, La., Jan. 18th, 1864

     We had a fine trip from Brashear city to this place, and passed through some of the finest country I have ever seen. I mentioned in my last letter something about enlisting in the veteran service, and I now write to inform you, that if this war lasts three years longer I am in for it. Indeed I have no idea the rebels can possibly hold their own half that time. You will say I might have waited until I got out of this, before re-enlisting, and that others at home had a better right to come. You must remember that this rebellion cannot be crushed by one man coming at a time, and then withdrawing for another to take his place. We must come all together, and the rebellion will be no more than a feather in our hands. Another reason I re-enlisted, I wish to get out of this Department. There is too much Yankeeism and red tape in it to suit me. We may be sent East, or to General Grant. Again, I have a brother who is, or was at last accounts a prisoner. I do not think I could be contented at home while he or any of our brave boys are in rebel hands. One thing is certain, I don't re-enlist for position or money. I am going whether three-fourths of the Company do or not. Charles Martin is going in the veteran service also.
     Orders have just come for our regiment to go to Madisonville, about 45 miles from New Orleans. I must close and be off.
     Yours,
     S. L. Wood

The Gallipolis Journal
February 25, 1864

[This letter was most likely written by Hiram L. McCarley, a corporal in Company A. - N. Elvick]

Madisonville, La., February 3d, 1864

Mr. Stewart—Sir:
     As time weighs heavily, and as we have nothing except the dull and monotonous routine of camp duty to engage the mind, I conclude that I cannot spend a few moments to a better advantage than by writing you a short note. Since we left New Orleans we have had little to do, and of course after leaving a bustling and crowded city, we will be quite lonesome for a while. Our encampment is on low wet ground, and I fear will soon become unhealthy. In fact it is already beginning to tell with considerable effect upon a portion of the brave "Old 3d Division." But I am glad that I can tell you that the health of the 56th is excellent. We have lost but one man to disease in the last six months. There is quite an excitement in camp about the re-enlistment of the old soldiers, and I think nearly every Regiment in this Division that can, will go. There are already five companies of the 56th about full, and we expect the Regiment will be full in a few days. We will see the end of this rebellion, and while we are in the field too, if we are not killed, which I do not think probable. The respect shown by the Government in offering such large bounties, and in giving us furloughs &c., is very encouraging.—It showes [sic] that our valor has been appreciated, and that we are not forgotten. We now know what soldiering is, and we know what we are going to do when we re-enlist—fight on until every rebel in Dixie, has laid down his arms and returned to his allegiance to Uncle Sam.—You may tell copperheads that if the 56th does not come home as veterans, they had better hole up, or some of them will be very apt to get muzzled.
     Respectfully yours,
     H. L. Mc.C "Company A"

The Gallipolis Journal
February 25, 1864

[The non veterans mustered out in November 1864. The regiment mustered out April 25, 1865. The veterans were home on furlough from May to July 1864. Before they went home on furlough, though, they had some heavy fighting to do. On May 5, the day this letter was published in Gallipolis, this regiment was on site during a riverboat battle on the Red River near Alexandria, Louisiana, when three Union riverboats were sunk. Before that, though, note the action in the entry following this one. N Elvick]

Quarters 56th O. V. V. I., Natchitoches, Louisiana, April 3d, 1864

Mr. Stewart: Sir:
     Since we left Berwick City, we have made one of the most rapid, as well as one of the longest marches that has been made during the war. We left Berwick on the 13th of March and arrived here on the 1st day of April, having marched a distance of 287 miles in 19 days, 4 of which we rested. On the 1st of April, our last day's march, the 3rd Division of the 13th Army Corps, marched 23 miles from 5:45 A.M. until 12:15 P.M. The 4th Division was about four hours behind us, and the 9th corps about the same time behind them. They came up between 10 and 12 o'clock on the 2d. Gen. Lee, with his cavalry arrived here on the 31st of March and thought to get some rest but in one half day the 13th corps overtook him and he had to advance. I think if we march 100 miles further our cavalry will have to be remounted for we will run their horses down.
     The old 56th is in good marching trim, (if we except a want of shoes) and our health is excellent. I do not think we have a man under hospital treatment. We do not know when we will be sent home, but we have a promise to go when the 24th Ind. returns. Its time has been out several days. We hope to be home soon.     
     Respectfully &c.
     H. H. S. Co. A

The Gallipolis Journal
May 5, 1864

[Editor's note: We are permitted to copy the following from a letter written by S. L. Wood of Co. D 56th O.V. who was in the battle on Red River.]

Camp 56th O.V.V.I., Grand Ecore, La., April 17th, 1864

* * * Since we left Berwick we have marched between 350 and 400 miles and fought two battles, the particulars of which you will have learned before this comes to hand. We left Natchitoches which is four miles from here, on the 6th and arrived at Pleasant Hill on the evening of the 7th, distance 35 miles. The morning of the 8th we started at day light and moved slowly for two miles, and had stopped to rest when the order came to move. We did so at the "double quick" and passed the 1st Brigade lying in the road. We went at this rate 6 or 7 miles hearing cannonnading [sic] in front all the time. At this time we were ordered to halt and camp.—The 1st Brigade and two batteries which we had also passed, came up in about two hours and went into camp. About 1 P.M. the order to move was given, and in a few moments we were on the way; marched 6 or 7 miles. We here found out that the 4th Division had driven the rebels, and forming a line advanced four or five hundred yards, found the rebels driving the 4th Division. We poured in a volley and the rebels fell back, leaving one of their batteries. We were then in an open field about one mile wide, with a rebel battery hailing grape and canister shot into us. We stood their fire for half an hour, and were ordered to fall back to a fence in the edge of the woods, which we did, leaving one poor fellow in our company dead with several of the regiment. The rebels advanced in plain view, and in three lines, some going to the right, some to the left.
     Schaefer was ordered to go back and inform Col. Ranger that the rebels were flanking us, which he did, informing Gen. Franklin also of it. A Brigade of our cavalry was ordered to the left to protect our flank, which they did, fired one volley and fell back. By this time the rebs were within 75 yards of us, pressing on very leisurely, carrying arms at a right shoulder shift, paying no regard to our incessant rain of bullets in their ranks. Our ammunition became exhausted, I did not have a round left. We were ordered to retreat, which we did every man for himself. It was now sundown and we retreated four miles leaving over 100 wagons loaded with ammunition rations &c., and about 22 pieces of artillery. The rebels were following us closely all the time and calling out to us to halt, but "nary halt" except those who gave out. At dusk we came up with the 19th corps, and formed in their rear. The rebels came on, but a few volleys from the 19th stopped them. We then started for Pleasant Hill, marched all night, reached this place next morning. Here we found Gen. Smith with about 7000 men of the 16 and 17 A.C.
     Our Division was again ordered ahead with the train. Gen. Smith remained with the 16th corps. The rebels attacked him about 4 P.M., but were repulsed at every point, and captured 600 prisoners. We marched nearly all of that night and finally landed at this place, where we are under cover of the gun boats. The 56th O.V. lost 40 men, our company two killed, one missing. It may be we will be home the last of May.      Yours &c.,
     S. L. Wood

The Gallipolis Journal
May 12, 1864

[Although the letter was posted on April 15th, 1864, it appears to have been written in the afternoon of April 9th. This was the Battle of Pleasant Hill. Their fortunes improved after the close of the letter and officially this was counted as a Union victory, although at a heavy cost. The regiment is not actually identified in this letter, but it is probably the 56th since they were one of the regiments there. The soldier is identified only as H. This was part of what was the Red River Campaign and it ended with this action on April 9, with the Confederates being the army that withdrew. The original objective was to have the Union troops capture Shrevport, but after this battle they reconsidered and withdrew to safer ground. N. Elvick]

Camp Ecore, Louisiana, April 15th 1864

Mr. Stewart, Sir:
     Since we left Natchitoches we have been rapidly passing through some of the most lively as well as the strangest scenes we have ever witnessed. We are sometimes almost inclined to doubt their reality but a glance at our shattered ranks irristably [sic] forces the conviction upon us, that it is not a dream, but a hard battle has been fought and we have been defeated, and sustained a heavy loss. At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 8th, we started from Pleasant Hill on the Mansfield road, the Cavalry having moved out the evening before, the 18th corps in front. About 9 o'clock we were ordered forward on double quick to support the Cavalry, which had been skirmishing heavily all morning, the enemy slowly retiring. At 10:30, to the surprise of all, we were ordered into camp while the firing still continued very heavy.—About 1:30 the 4th Division was ordered forward, and at 2:45 the 3d followed; the skirmish by this time had increased to a warm engagement. We moved at quick time, but as the train had been run to the front while we were in camp, the road was so completely blocked up that we could scarcely pass, and by the time we were to the front of the train, and even before, the 4th Division was badly cut up, their ammunition had gave [sic] out, and when we advanced into line nearly the whole Division was in full retreat. This at once convinced us that as the 4th was at least three times the strength of the 3d, it was worse than madness for us, numbering only 1,100 to attempt to turn the tide. But with a loud yell which could be distinctly heard above the roar of battle and the exultant shouts of the rapidly advancing line of rebels, we dashed forward through a thick wood, when soon the falling branches of trees, the bursting shells, and the whistling of grape, cannister [sic] and rifle balls plainly told us we were not on very safe ground. Groups of the 4th Division who had probably collected a few rounds from among the dead and wounded, could still be seen bravely trying to maintain their ground against the many thousands who were pressing them from all sides. A squad from the 77th Ills. rallied around their colors and Colonel after their ammunition gave out, and a great many of them were shot, after they had surrendered. At this moment the 3d charged driving them about 350 yards across a corn field. But here we were met by their support, and seeing we could drive them no farther, layed [sic] down, their fire passing over us. Their lines all this time, not withstanding the heavy fire of our artillery and the close and deadly range of our little line of Infantry remained as steady as a rock. When they began to move their flanking columns they faced right and left moving off with arms at a right shoulder shift as cool as if they were only on a battalion drill. So close were the two lines that we could see them falling by files and groups, so close and murderous was our range.
     At 5:55 the cry run [sic] along our line for 'more ammunition,' and with this their whole line charged us. Then commenced a scene that would beggar description. The road was full of teams, which had, in the eager haste of their drivers to escape, become entangled in their gearing, and for two or three hundred yards on either side the woods were full of flying cavalry, teams which had been cut loose from their pieces, and the infantry rushing pell mell to the rear followed closely by the victorious enemy, presented a scene of the wildest confusion. We were pursued thus about two and a half miles when we met the 19th corps, which had been ordered into camp at Summer Hill, and as dark was closing in, the enemy was checked. Had the day been one hour longer the whole army in all probability would have been taken. Col. Raynor collected around him a few of the 13th corps and fell back to Pleasant Hill, where we met Gen. Smith with a part of his force. The 19th corps fell back during the night and about 11 o'clock A. M. on the 9th the retreat was again commenced. Gen. Smith formed in (the) rear of the 19th corps to cover it. In the evening he was attacked, but repulsed the enemy with great slaughter.—Our retreat was continued to this place, where we have fortified and are awaiting an attack. Our loss is estimated at 1950. The enemy's is much greater. Their force is estimated at about 40 to 45,000. All throw the blame on Gen. Banks, which he undoubtedly deserves.—His train was run up within full view of the enemies [sic] lines, thus giving us no room to fall back, and when he engaged them, fought their whole force with a Brigade or Division at a time. We lost all the artillery we had on the field and not less than 100 wagons, loaded with rations, ammunition, and baggage.
     Respectfully &c.,
     H.

The Gallipolis Journal
May 12, 1864

[Not a letter, but this item was posted in the Journal on this date.]

    The 56th Ohio re-enlisted veterans arrived at New York on Thursday, from the department of the Gulf, on their way home on a furlough. This regiment has served through all the battles in the Gulf department, and has lost severely—Two hundred and thirty men are now in the ranks, under command of the senior officer of the regiment, Capt. Menninger. The field officers are all dead or wounded.

The Gallipolis Journal
June 9, 1864

Camp 56th Ohio Vet. Vols., New Orleans, La., Sept. 27, 1864

Mr. Stewart:
     Times are dull here. Nothing transpiring worthy of note. It is useless to attempt giving you any information concerning movements of troops in the field. I shall not confine myself to this subject. Grant has the rebellion by the throat, and intends to hold on until it is choked down, and will acknowledge the Federal power and return to its allegiance under the old flag of the Republic. But I wish to say a few words on the presidential election. I cannot say who in old Gallia is willing to vote against Mr. Lincoln, but I feel confident the man I am penning this epistle to will vote for Abraham.
     Democracy was born and bred in me by my forefathers, but I cannot see the true Democracy in McClellan to vote for him. I cannot see the point in taking out a well broken saddle horse at the foot of a steep hill, and putting in a young colt. In other words, taking out Mr. Lincoln and putting in McClellan. It looks a little curious to me in this respect. We have been guarding rebel prisoners for some time, and almost every one of them wants McClellan to be president, and why I cannot see, unless they think as I do, if elected he will make peace. I don't want peace until we can have a permanent peace, and that to my notion we have got to fight for. Therefore, I say elect Lincoln, and whip them so bad that they will be glad to acknowledge us as the lads that can make a peace by fighting. The rebels in this place raise a rousing cheer for George B. McClellan. So I say that I will never vote for a man that the lowest, meanest, dirtiest rebels in Dixie will cheer for, and I express the sentiments of nearly all the soldiers. Hurrah for Lincoln! Yours &c., H. L. McCarley, Co. A 56th Regt. O. Vet. Vols.

The Gallipolis Journal
October 20, 1864

56th Reg't. O.V.V.I., Algiers, La., Jan. 23, '65

Editor Journal:Sir:
     We noticed a piece some time since in your paper, written by a member of Co. A, who signs himself Harry, and feeling that we are required by a sense of duty toward our loyal people, let them be in the army or not, to set at rest the cavilings [sic] of a few discontented spirits, and say something in regard to the subject. It is a duty which I think all of us should take pleasure in discharging on behalf of the true and faithful ones who have stood the test of devotedness to their county and their country's cause.
     Those men to whom master Harry (alias Sturgill), has refference [sic] has [sic] seldom or never been known to swerve from the line of duty, nor can we say that we have ever known them to take advantage of their fellow soldiers. Now let me advise that gentleman if he has any private hatred for his comrades, (particularly Mr. George W. Tharp) to caress [sic] it in his library of knowledge, for such intellectual poodles are abominable in public. If said Harry wishes to know who I think deserves the most honors as a soldier let him write.
    A. F. D.  [? Andrew S. Drennan]

The Gallipolis Journal
March 30, 1865

[It isn't certain who wrote this letter or from which regiment it came, but the 56th was in New Orleans on this date. Terpsichore, the Greek muse of dancing and choral song, is the writers pseudonym and probably indicates he is looking forward to the summer's entertainment.]

New Orleans, June 30, 1865

Editor Gallipolis Journal: Dear Sir:—
     Supposing that a few lines from the Crescent City would not be objectionable, I will endeavor to note a few items. Business here is beginning to revive, and in the course of a couple of years everything will be as prosperous as ever. The levee is thronged with laborers both black and white, engaged in loading and unloading the different steamboats. Old Sol is making a near visit to this city, and but for the slight breeze always stirring, the heat would be almost insupportable. The warmest season is yet to come. The city is very healthy this summer, thanks to our "City Fathers" for that. Every exertion is made to keep the streets free from all filth and rubbish. In consequence of the warm weather nearly all places of amusement are closed. With the return of cool weather again, we will be crowded with theatricals of every description. The "Crescent City Dramatic Association" are [sic] to give an entertainment, on the evening of the third, for the purpose of raising money for the Lincoln Monument Fund. It is a praiseworthy effort, and the fact that Maj. Gen. E.R.S. Canby and staff (are) patronizing it, will fill the house to overflowing.
     The "old father of waters" is beginning to go down at last. It has threatened to overflow the city, but all danger is now past. There was an immense crevasse on the right bank of the river about seven miles below this point which threatened to destroy that part of the county. The military took hold of the affair and soon had the old gentleman in his bed again.
     A large portion of the 4th corps are [sic] in the city. There seems to be a great deal of discontent among the boys comprising it. They do not think it is right to send them to Texas. They say that they did not volunteer to fight the French, but that they came out to put down the rebellion, and now that they have succeeded in that, they want to go home. They express a willingness to come out and fight the French after they go and see their friends.—They assert that they will never cross the Rio Grande.
     There is [sic] a great many confederates in the city now. Generally speaking they seem to be very well satisfied with their lot, and are settling themselves down to steady labor, knowing that is the only way of retrieving their lost fortunes.
     Respectfully,
     "TERPSICHORE"

[This letter to the Journal arrived a few years after the close of the war and is an account of this battle from the writer's memory. N. Elvick]

CHAMPION HILL
     No one who helped swell the converging columns of Grant on the 16th of May, '63, as he tightened his deadly coil around the doomed city of Vicksburg, will forget the battle of Champion Hill, or, as it is sometimes called, Baker's Creek. Certainly no member of the 3d (Hovey's) Division of the 13th (McClernand's ) corps will be likely to soon forget it, and it is of this Division that I wish now to particularly speak. It was composed of the 11th, 24th, 34th, 46th and 47th Indiana, the 24th and 28th Iowa, the 29th Wisconsin, and the 56th Ohio regiments, and as I had the honor of being a member of the latter command, I will speak of it as "Our Division."
     We held the advance on the road leading from Clinton to Edward's Station, and were followed successively by the Divisions of Quinby and Logan. We came upon the enemy about 10 o'clock, posted on a heavily-timbered ridge, along the side of which the road ran for half a mile, and by an abrupt turn to the right, ascended. To approach this we were obliged to pass over an open field about 2,500 yards wide and commanded by the enemy's artillery planted on the ridge. We met the enemy's skirmishers in the woods and forced them back upon their advance line posted at the edge of the field. This line, with a battery stationed on the road, opened fire. Our skirmishers fell back, and our boys with a cheer, rushed upon the battery, capturing three guns and causing the rebels to limber up the remainder and get them to the rear with more haste than good order.—The rebel line gave way in disorder, and in a few moments we had cleared the field, flushed and exultant, were preparing to storm the ridge, little dreaming the reception [that] was in waiting for us. At this juncture the retreating line of rebels unmasked their artillery, with which the ridge was lined, and it opened upon us at point blank range. At the same moment the woods directly in front seemed ablaze with the fire of their infantry. Our lines wavered and stopped. Flesh and blood could not breast such an avalanche of missiles. Seeing their advantage, the rebel leaders orderd a charge. Out of the woods, within 150 yards of us, came the overwhelming hordes of rebels, yelling and hooting like devils, and delivering their murderous volleys as they came. Broken and decimated by their withering fire and reduced to little better than a heavy skirmish line, our boys could not bear up under the charge, as in heavily massed lines, one succeeding the other they swept down upon us, and the order was reluctantly given to fall back. Yet there was no panic nor thought of surrender. I think it would not be too much to say of the 3d Division on that day that every man was a hero. If they fell back it was only to save themselves from being run over and captured en masse by the ponderous masses of rebels which their own inertia forced at times almost upon our bayonets. Five times on that open field were our brave boys forced back, and as often did they rally and hurl their volleys into the living mass before them. At times it was almost a hand to hand encounter, but this we were too weak to risk. I never witnessed more marked instances of personal heroism than were exhibited under this trying ordeal. Many of the men begged of their officers to allow them to charge the compact mass which bore down upon us. I noticed in particular one brave fellow who, begrimmed [sic] with sweat and powder, and with tears pouring down his cheeks, begged piteously with his companions, loading and firing with energy all the time.—"Come on, boys," said he, "let us charge them. I know very well we can whip them." But personal bravery could not overcome the overwhelming numbers of our opponents, and in half an hour we were forced back across the field to the edge of the woods, where we made our fifth and last stand. Reinforcements were all that could save us.—These had been sent for when the danger first threatened, and the gallant Logan and Quinby, were vieing [sic] with each other as to who should be the first to succor us. As we formed our line at the edge of the woods, two of Quinby's regiments came up on the double-quick and threw themselves in front of the advancing rebels, and at the same moment we heard the cheers of the Division of Osterhaus on our left, who was driving the rebels pell-mell before him, and threatening the rear of the force which were opposing us. This turn in our favor soon changed the aspect of affairs. The rebels, seeing their danger, ordered a retreat, and the gallant Hovey in turn ordered a charge. The route [sic] was complete, and the rebels never stopped until they reached their works on Black river, from which they were dislodged the next day. The field was ours, but out of 4,000 of the 3d Division who went into the fight, 1,600 lay on the field dead or wounded.
     I have been led to place this matter upon record for the reason that it was the battle that decided the fate of Vicksburg, and that it has not received that description in general history which its importance demands. I have not endeavored to trace the part taken by any other Division save that to which I belonged. Headley, in his History of the Rebellion, speaking of this battle says: "Hovey's Division bore the brunt of the battle," but he scarcely says a dozen words about the battle. I may hereafter have some further incidents to relate of this battle, but as I have already occupied too much space, I will not at the present further intrude.
     O. J. D. [Oration J. DeWolf]

The Gallipolis Journal
May 23, 1867

Transcribed by Eva Swain Hughes