These letters were written by Francis (“Frank”) James Russell (1836-1900), the son of John Russell, Jr. (1793-1863) and Laura Ann Spencer (1797-1890) of Bluffdale, Greene county, Illinois. In the letters, Frank mentions his brother, Spencer (“Spence”) Gideon Russell (1828-1906). Frank was married to Sarah Ann Burkholder (1842-1902) on 28 January 1862 in Hancock county, Illinois.
Frank enlisted in Co. D, 16th Illinois Infantry on 24 May 1861. On 1 January 1864 he was mustered out of the 16th Illinois and placed on detached service as a clerk on the staff of Major General James Dada Morgan, commander of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, of the XIV Army Corps headquartered near Rossville, Georgia, where they remained until early May 1864. The XIV Army Corps included the 10th, 16th, and 60th Illinois Regiments as well as the 10th and 14th Michigan Regiments during the Atlanta Campaign. It appears that Frank never rose above the rank of private but his hand-writing skills were in such demand that he was detached from his regiment and permitted to work in headquarters where he had access to military information not known to the average enlisted man.
There is a letter housed in the Murray State University Library archives that was written by a soldier known only as “Frank” who mentions several members of the 16th Illinois Infantry Volunteers and who were encamped near New Madrid, Missouri during the time of the letter’s creation. See MS10-03. This letter was probably also written by Francis James Russell. I’m afraid Frank’s letters were sold off to various collectors years ago and since he only signed his name “Frank,” they are now “unidentified” as to authorship. Two recently came to me for transcription and I was able to identify them as his only because I had previously transcribed letters by him.
Letter 1
Headquarters 2nd Division, Reserve Corps,
Stevenson, Alabama,
(Sunday) September 27th 1863
Dear Anna,
I received the Chicago Times this morning but your regular letter did not reach me but is confidently expected this evening or tomorrow. We are still at this place and have been here since our first arrival so of course was not in the great battle [of Chickamauga]. None of the troops of this division except a portion of the Third Brigade were engaged—one regiment of which (22nd Michigan) suffered severely. It is reported that they went into the fight with about six hundred men and out of that number their loss in killed and wounded will reach two hundred and fifty, the majority of which were wounded. The Second (Col. McCook’s) Brigade were out there but with the exception of some slight skirmishing early in the engagement, were not in the fight and met with no serious loss. The First (Col. Smith’s) Brigade were stationed at Bridgeport to protect the pontoon bridges at that point, hold the enemy in check and dispute his crossing the river in case of a flank movement to get in our rear—an attempt which seemed at one time highly probable. The battle is said to have been terrible and to have exceeded in fierceness even that of Stone River.
Our losses have been heavy, but that of the enemy fully equal to ours in every particular and we still hold the position. The flower of the Rebel Army of the Potomac is said to have been there. Longstreet and Hill’s Corps and perhaps others, besides everything in the way of State troops that could be drummed together for the occasion. It was a grand attempt to crush the Army of the Cumberland by massing against it an overwhelming force. Though fighting the bulk of the Rebel Army, Rosecrans checked their advance and holds his ground. Taking all things into consideration, we have no cause to complain as to the result and may safely set it down as a decided victory. We may thank God that we did not suffer a terrible defeat instead.
Our army is in excellent spirits and are not in the least disheartened. They fought with a determination and valor beyond all praise. The greatest enthusiasm prevails for General Rosecrans. It is said that whenever he appeared upon the field during the battle, he was greeted with shouts and cheers from the men. He enjoys the utmost confidence of his entire army. He has never yet lost a battle and has ever been a fighting general.
Everything has been quiet since the battle. The wounded are being cared for. All that can with safety be moved are sent to Nashville. A large majority of the wounds are said to be slight and a very small proportion mortal. Full particulars of the engagement have doubtless reached you before this.
Don’t know how long we shall remain at this place (Stevenson), but know of nothing that seems to indicate a speedy change. The 16th Illinois are at Bridgeport. The boys of Co. D. were well when I heard from them a few days ago.
I know of nothing of interest. Had nothing to write at the commencement more than I was well, &c. I am really getting out of the habit lately of writing twelve or fifteen pages in a single letter. I used to do so with ease as many an old package of letters you have will testify, but since I have been at Headquarters, I have gradually grown out of the practice. It is all owing to having my attention directed to military communication where brevity is considered their chief qualification. A strictly military communication is written upon a single subject as brief and as much to the point as possible—to say as little as possible, and yet just enough. “Elkington is dead say and your dollar lost” is a very good illustration of the shortness of this class of composition. I have become so accustomed to this lately my private letters, I fear, seem as dull as they often are short.
Remember me with love to all. Does Pantine think as much of her cats as ever? And how are all the other nieces and nephews? I really don’t know the names of all of them. But kiss them.
Write all the news. Affectionately, — Frank
Letter 2
Headquarters United States Forces
Camp at Battle Creek
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
October 18, 1863
My Dear Anna,
I received your letter mailed 5th of October during the week. Our mail is received with tolerable regularity. I wrote mother last week when we were leaving Stevenson. As I wrote at that time, we were under orders for Anderson Cross Roads. Orders were afterwards received countermanding that, and sending us only as far as Battle Creek. The point we are at is at the mouth of the creek (empties into Tennessee river) some six miles above Bridgeport. Today we again received marching orders for the Cross Roads. We leave for that point as soon as relieved at this by other troops which will be [here] in the course of a day or two.
Since I wrote you there has been a new organization of the army. The old Reserve Corps [has been] knocked into flinders—consolidated with the other corps of the army. We are now First Brigade, Second Division, 14th Army Corps. Major General Thomas, Commanding Corps, and Brig. General Jeff C. Davis, Commanding the Division. General Morgan’s Brigade consists of the old Brigade (10th, 16th &c.) with probably one or two more regiments to be attached hereafter. He has not yet assumed command being in command of the U. S. Forces at this place, building bridges, repairing roads, &c. where he was placed before the new organization. Col. Smith will retain the Brigade until the General is relieved. There are none of the regiments of the Brigade here; they all being at Anderson Cross Roads and beyond, though they are still under the Generals orders to a certain extent, being the principal part of them, still in his jurisdiction. Have not seen the 16th [Illinois] since I wrote. Don’t know exactly where they are but somewhere between here and Chattanooga.
There has been no fighting since the great battle [of Chickamauga] and I presume there is no immediate probability of one. The railroad is in good running order to Bridgeport but not beyond. Supplies are taken from that point or from Stevenson by wagon train to Chattanooga so you can readily perceive that for the present there is no prospect of a further advance. Don’t know how soon it is expected that communication will be through to Chattanooga by railroad but probably sometime during the next month or two. We have had heavy rains for the last week but a prospect of fair weather ahead. All quiet as when I wrote a week ago.
The election in Ohio resulted as I anticipated—Vallandigham clear way behind. The soldiers will give him but few votes. Now and then one, but almost united enough to call unanimous. Val. has gone to his political grave and every patriot rejoices that it is so. Men of his principles in the northern states have done more to prolong the war than all other causes combined. They have been the secret foes of the government even while with false lips they profess to be loyal. Such men in the North public opinion should brand with deeper infamy than those who have the more manly honor to meet us face to face upon the field of battle. If our government was a little more severe; if it gave these grumblers even a little cause for complaint, I think it would be better for all concerned. If those sympathizers with the rebels could have a taste of their glorious [Confederate] government, it would be a blessing to the cause of the union. They don’t buy men into the army there but say go and he goeth, and no man says ought against it. No New York mobs rise up against the powers that be but conscripting officers with an escort of cavalry ride the country, not drafting now and then a man, but “pressing” into the service such as they see fit that are within the age prescribed. Nine-tenths of all the refugees have fled from their homes to avoid the reign of teror and one half of the deserters have been forced into the service by the conscripting officer and have left the first opportunity.
Your letters are good and mirror forth the heart of the writer. I really believe that few possess that gentle, confiding and loving nature which is manifested in all your letters, and am firmly fixed in the opinion that my wife is a pretty good sort of a girl.
How is Spence? Where is the Capt.? What is his address? I think there is but little doing now in Grant’s Department. They have worked hard and doubtless need rest. write all the news and if you have no news, alything else you think of. There is nothing of interest here that I have not already written. Will write again soon. Give love to each relative and acquaintance. Affectionately, — Frank
P. S. Would have written more but for the lateness of the hour. Will write you a good long letter next time, and try and write better. Love &c. — F.
Letter 3
[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Jim Doncaster and was transcribed and published by express consent.]
Headquarters 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 14th Army Corps
Camp near Chattanooga, Tennessee
December 7th 1863
Dear Anna,
Your letter of November 20th reached me night before last as yours always are, was gladly welcomed. I have also received yours of November 9th, one of your very best and such one as none but possessor of a good heart could write.
A week ago I wrote Spence from Chattanooga telling him of Brother William’s death ¹ and next day wrote [William’s wife,] Carrie. I was over the river yesterday where he is buried to see about have a fence placed around the grave but owing to the scarcity of lumber, did not succeed. There is not a board or even a rail anywhere around there, all having been picked up for one purpose and another. But I think it will not be molested as it is on a side hill and others of that division buried near. When I was there before, there was but one and it seemed so isolated that I felt uneasy, but now, since it is a kind of burying ground of the brigade or division, there is little danger in allowing it to remain as it is until removed.
Our division I have not seen since I left them a week ago yesterday (Sunday) to come in and am now unable to join the brigade in the field, and have to be content to remain back at this place in our old camp until further orders. All the books, papers, tents, baggage &c. were left when they started out. Besides, the brigade quartermaster & commissary are also here in force so I have plenty of company.
When I was in Chattanooga last Monday after I had got through my business, written to Spence, &c., I called upon cousin Spencer. It was very late though and I having to return could only make him a short call—a kind of run in and right out again. I told him of brother’s death and he kindly offered me any assistance in his power to render for which I thanked him, told him what I had done, and that there was nothing more that I could do for the present. We talked briefly of the old folks &c., and I left him with the promise that I would call on him at “a more convenient season.”
I saw Roswell Spencer’s Stephen ² there who is a member of an Iowa Regiment and from his dress I should think him a Lieutenant. I apologized for my rough appearance having just come off from the field and asked him not to judge me by first sight. I will visit him again when next I got to the city.
Our camp is near “Caldwell’s Ford” or as it is better known, at the “White House” and is on the northern side of the river four miles from Chattanooga. Immediately on the opposite side of the river is a hill on the river bank. At the north end of that hill was the hospital of the 3rd Division, 15th Corps. In the burying ground, of which, just on the hillside (at the north end) is brother’s grave. The hill commences at the mouth of Chickamauga Creek and extends down the river four or five hundred yards, the river running due north at that point.
You are a good girl for writing your long excellent letter of the 9th of November. I received it when I was out with the brigade to the front some few miles in Georgia. I assure you, such a letter after a hard day’s march is really reviving. May your brightest dreams be more than realized. It would be wicked did I not love you in return for the wealth of your affectionate heart. I have always fancied from a child that the man who possessed the unlimited love of a woman’s heart had thrown about him a shield penetrable by adversities fiercest storm.
Our division I understand has gone to Knoxville, Tennessee, with the 4th Corps to reinforce Burnside but are to return when the necessity for their presence has ended. The 16th Illinois are not with the brigade, being yet at Kelly’s Ferry. ³ I have not seen the boys since we left Stevenson. I hardly think we will get out of the service before the expiration of our term, except it be those who get a thirty day furlough on reenlistment. All such will go home April 24th. Some think otherwise and there are varying reports amongst the boys.
I suppose there is no doubt if two-thirds of the regiment should reenlist the whole will return 30 days before May 24th, but unless such should be the case, I think we will stay the full time. Of course I have no idea of entering the army again—at least not until I think there is a greater necessity for my doing so than at present.
The 10th Missouri have left here for Bridgeport. I saw Joe [Burkholder], your brother, who looked healthy and rosy cheeked. Write soon. Give love to all, &c.
Affectionately, — Frank
P. S. Lieut. [Joseph K.] Lloyd [10th Missouri] has gone home on leave of absence. Left three or four days ago.
¹ Frank’s older brother, William Augustus J. Russell (1819-1863), served as captain of Co. G, 10th Missouri Infantry. He was killed in the fighting at Missionary Ridge on 25 November 1863. The 10th Missouri was attached to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, or the XVII Army Corps in that battle. William was married to Mary Carolyn (“Carrie”) Pegram in 1845. See Letter Two below.]
² Stephen H. Spencer (1838-1873) was the son of Roswell Hopkins Spencer (1807-1876) and Martha Ann Henley (1820-1872) of Pleasant Valley, Iowa—just across the Mississippi River from Rock Island county, Illinois. On the outbreak of the Civil War he was among the first to enlist, becoming a private of Company B, Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battle of Fort Donelson, where he was wounded in the calf of the leg, the ball lodging in the flesh, where it remained until his death. Thus disabled for active service on the field, he was made secretary on the staff of General Grant, a position he continued to fill until the expiration of his term.
³ The 16th Illinois Regiment was on duty at Kelly’s Ferry on the Tennessee River where it encamped until January 1864. Here it was engaged in the arduous duty of unloading from boats the rations, forage, and ammunition sent forward to Thomas army, which lay at Chattanooga, 60 miles above. From December 20 to 31 the Regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and on New Years Day, 1864, left for Illinois on a furlough of 30 days.
Letter 4
[Note: This letter was written by Mary Carolyn (“Carrie”) Pegram (1826-1890), the daughter of Dr. John Coleman Pegram (1794-1840) and Caroline Pegram (179-1825). Carried married William August J. Russell (1819-1863).]
Hamilton [Hancock county, Illinois]
Sunday, [December] 13th 1863
My dear brother [in-law] Frank,
I received your kind letter a few days ago bringing us the sad news of my husband’s death. I thank you for writing to me. I was not prepared to hear of his death. I had thought he would be spared to lice to come home, having passed through so many battles unharmed. I cannot tell you how lonely I feel without him and if he can be brought to Bluffdale [Greene county, Illinois] and buried, I will feel better reconciled about him as that was his last wish. Will you, dear brother, promise me to try and assist Spencer to have him brought to Bluffdale and I will pay all expense. If you and Spence cannot do so, I will try myself and go for him. You know how I am situated with my children dependent on me to stay and take care of them, and I could not leave them alone as Juliet is in St. Louis with my brother George going to school.
The night before your brother was killed, he wrote me a kind, affectionate letter saying he thought he should either be killed or taken a prisoner to Richmond. [Capt.] Jo Lloyd [of Co. E] has arrived in Hamilton and brought me his valise, watch, and fifty dollars and his overcoat, covered with his blood. You can well imagine my feelings at this sight. I felt very grateful to Jo Lloyd and Captain [Morris] Frazee [of Co. F] for their kindness to your brother. You know, Frank, that persons often seem to know a great deal about others affairs, and some persons say the Doctor has left a Will, but I have not found any about his papers, and therefore think his estate will have o be settled by Law. What do you think of it? Please let me know.
Don’t you think Spencer is the right one to administer, or had I better have someone in Hamilton? I have thought Mr. Cushman would be a good man. What do you think of him? I wrote to you asking your advice in this business and think you will answer my letter.
I often think of you and hope the Lord will spare your life, and permit you to live to get home and permit you to live to get home and have many happy days with your good wife, and poor dear Mother. This is a sad loss for her. When you come home, come and visit us and write soon.
The children send their love to you. Your affectionate sister, — Mary C. Russell
Letter 5
Headquarters 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 14th A. C. ¹
Camp near Rossville, Georgia
February 1, 1864
Dear Sallie,
Your letter of January 18th has been received—a regular downright lecture for not having written. Why girl, I have written every week for the last ever so long. If my letters do not reach you, blame [Uncle] Samuel’s mail boys whom I more than half expect have been playing truant.
I really don’t know a thing to write you that I have not written twenty times over. I have heard nothing more said about the General’s going to Illinois, but think he will go unless something should turn up to prevent. Whether he will take Headquarters—his clerk especially, is another question.
When the 60th becomes veteranized, which will be shortly, what will be done with those who do not re-enlist—us transferred boys included—is “just what is the matter” and with us is at present, the richest theme for speculation. The general impression seems to be that we will be sent to the rear to do guard duty at some town or post.
Murfreesboro is the place currently reported and some are visionary enough to think Nashville will be the lucky place. To me it makes no difference where we go. If I should not remain with the General, I can get on “Detached [Service]” at a half dozen places by asking it, or I can remain with the boys of the old company. It would be glorious to get back to Nashville. It would be fun to carry a musket there—no long marches, no long rolls, no short rations, and in a place where we could enjoy the privileges of society. “Glorious,” I said, but mean it only in its civil signification for the word glorious according to “Revised Army Regulations” and “existing orders” means something vastly different, and at the mention of which, your thoughts turn to the ceaseless roar and din, similar to the noise of a thousand axes in a forest. But this last kind of glory we boys of the Old 16th [Illinois] have never had much acquaintance with. What the veterans may have in store, we must wait and see.
The second anniversary of our marriage has past and life the first, I was unable to attend, the causes of which then prevented not having yet been removed. And I am therefore again under the necessity of asking you to overlook the delinquency trusting that similar occasions in future will find me differently situated. It has also been two years since we met. But the past let us not recall, but look forward to the future which still possesses the same bright prospects of happiness as when we started on life’s journey two years ago. Our willing hands can yet build the same home that our expectations planned and wherever it may be situated or however rough its external appearance, it will possess a wealth denied to many a princely mansion—contentment and happiness.
I have thought that I had no desire for a heaven happier than I could make earth, and were I positive my earthly home would be a type of the eternal, with a heart full of gratitude for the assurance, I would ask no joys surpassing it, but willingly exclaim, “as my home is happy here, so may it be with one hereafter.” If God spares our lives, such a home is within our reach—will be ours. It is no idle fancy, no visionary dream, but a truth I feel sure will be fully realized. Wait until we get our log cabin with its huge fireplace and sparkling fire shining out upon the old musket and time-worn clock against the wall, the spinning wheel and loom in the corner, the host of cats and great watch dog sleeping lazily and friendly upon the hearthstone, the rough walls neatly covered over with “Quincy Heralds” and “Richardson Speeches” (fit for nothing else), the bookcase well filled, and files of loyal papers carefully preserved, the old family bible—to us doubly sacred as it recalls loved voices now silent that read from it the promises of mercy and commended us to the care of God—and I will show the world a home where feelings less holy than love enters not, and words less gentle than those of affection are never spoken.
Your letter of the 18th was the last I have received. I received one from Carrie of the 14th which I answered immediately, enclosing as per her request and order for the party holding brother’s will to deliver the same to Esq. Cushman. ² I received two numbers of the “Christian Times” by the mail of this evening.
Give love to all. Write all the news that is going on. Everything from Bluffdale [Greene county] or Hamilton and vicinity is interesting. Carrie wrote me that Spence called on Col. Todd. How is he? What is he doing &c.
Will write home again in a week at longest. Affectionately, — Frank
¹ Brig. General James Dada Morgan (1810-1896) commanded the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, of the 14th Army Corps during the Chattanooga Campaign and the early part of the Atlanta Campaign. He was originally the Colonel of the 10th Illinois. He was from Quincy, Illinois.
² Frank’s older brother, William Augustus J. Russell (1819-1863), served as captain of Co. C, 10th Missouri Infantry. He was killed in the fighting at Missionary Ridge on 25 November 1863. The 10th Missouri was attached to the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, or the XVII Army Corps in that battle. William was married to Mary Carolyn (“Carrie”) Pegram in 1845.
Letter 6
Ammunition train, Second Division, 4th Army Corps
Nashville, Tennessee
Sunday a.m., April 30, 1865
My dear Mary,
I wrote to you last Sunday (week ago) from Knoxville; today I write from Nashville, so you see we are considerably nearer home than we was. After I sealed my letter and had it ready to mail that evening, we received our mail and among it was your letter of the 6th, & yesterday, after we had got here, more mail was awaiting us. [There were] five letters for me—two from you, one of the 16th, & the other not dated but mailed the 24th. Laura’s also came to hand and then there was one from sisters Lizzie and Lydia. The money and stamps in your two last were all safe and quite acceptable—particularly the money. But I would not send any more for I think that we shall certainly get paid off here. And I have also stamps sufficient to last me for some time. I haven’t written many letters since we left Huntsville & I hope I shall not have many more to write.
We left Knoxville Thursday morning and arrived here Friday evening just after dark. We loaded our train Wednesday p.m. & expected to get off that night but did not. At Loudon we had a narrow escape from destruction. Just as we were about to cross the bridge over the river, two cars of our train ran from the track & were precipitated down the embankment thirty or more feet in height, rolling over and over. Luckily they were loaded with mules—nine of which were killed before they could be rescued from the wreck. Some soldiers were on the tops of the cars that ran off, but jumped off and luckily none of them were seriously injured. I was in the car second in the rear of the ones that ran off. As soon as I saw them going, I sprang out, though I should not have been hurt if I had stayed in as the cars uncoupled and left a portion of them standing unharmed about the track. This was the only accident we had and that did not detain us long. It was a fortunate one in some things for had it occurred upon the bridge, we should all have been sent to destruction; no human power could have availed us as the bridge is 80 feet in height above the water. I do hope that this military railroad transportation is nearly over for one might as well enter a battle and expect to come out unharmed as to make the transit of these southern roads. There is about as much risk to run in one as in the other.
The Division are encamped about five miles south of the city, Headquarters being near the rebel line of works on the Franklin Turnpike. I do not hear much said about going home since I have been here. There are rumors that we are to reorganize & prepare for a new campaign but where to, I am unable to tell. Some say to Texas but they are generally those old wise acres who always know everything or think they do. For my part, I can’t see any place to make a campaign to—no enemy to fight. Well, I ain’t going to worry my head about the matter. I have never expected to get out of the service much before my time expired & shall be happily disappointed if such should be the case.
Just as I have been writing, someone has come up with a paper & read an order from Secretary Stanton to the effect that all volunteer troops shall be mustered out by the 1st of June. Maybe it’s true but I’ll believe it when it all occurs, not much before. You see I’m one of the unbelievers now. Certainly it is, however, that we have gone to the rear & I fervently hope that the order I have mentioned is true in every respect. If that is the case, I shall be with you on the 4th [of July] and maybe sooner.
I was very glad you sent me Sarah’s letter as I was anxious to hear from them. I should think they must have received my letter by this time as i wrote while in Huntsville and directed it just as you told me. I would send you Lizzie’s & Lydia’s letters in this but had rather keep them until I have answered them which I shall do in a few days. Lizzie, I think, does not forget her indebtedness to you but she is negligent very & I shall remind her of her duty. In her letter to me she speaks of the ill health of a member of her family as one reason for her long delay in answering my letters, & that has probably been one reason why she has not written to you. A1! well, I trust this writing business is nearly over for I am getting tired of it, aren’t you? Though I shall still have some of it to do when I get home…But adieu for this time. Ever & only yours, — Frank
Spared & Shared 17 -- Saving History One Letter at a Time 
Hi, I was researching Sarah Burkholder Russell and came across this. Really cool to read about the details and the first hand account of going on during that time.
I wanted to ask is it ok to add this to a source page on family search? If I do.
I also skipped a beat of heart when I read about Joe Burkholder and the words, your brother. I am researching the Burkholder’s and clutch at anything I can find that gives proof of them being the right Burkholder ancestors.
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Sure.
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