Civil War Letters and Miscellaneous Records of

Joseph Denning

Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield,

114 Woodfern Rd.

Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053 (Jamtsfield@msn.com)

In Approximately 1978, Howard E. Steinruck very graciously allowed me to borrow assorted letters written by Joseph Denning that had been handed down within the family. I managed to photocopy all of the letters before I returned them and recently transcribed them for the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry Descendant’s Association.

I also had the opportunity to secure copies of letters deposited in the Schuylkill County Historical Society Library and some letters that were provided by Pat Fleming Land. In addition, I was able to secure a copy of the GAR War memorial book for the John Ennis Post in St. Clair as well as copies of the First and Second Lieutenant commissions for Joseph Denning.

Letters of Joseph Denning 1861-1863 to Margaret Ann Evans

Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield

Camp Cameron

November 7, 1861

Dear Maggie,

I take pen in hand to write these few lines to you hoping to find you enjoying good health and spirits as it leaves me at present. I arrived safe at camp and had a good old time with the boys, they are as lively as crickets. The ground was rather hard the first night or two, but has become softer since, or else I have got more hardened to it.

It is a little cool at night now. And we have got to lay pretty close together for to keep warm. I like it first rate here at present, for we are encamped in a very beautiful place. About two miles from town, and right amoungst the farmers. I am out nearly every day since I have been here roving from one Farm to the other. But I have to be mighty carefull that I don’t be ketched by the picket, for there is a picket goes out nearly every day for to fetch on the straglers that is running around without a pass. Last Sunday there was about fifty put in the guard house for being out without a pass. The soldiers are kept well engaged at present. They have got to answer the roll call at six O clock in the morning, and as soon as roll call is over they have got to go to the creek for to wash, and about the time they get back breakfast is ready, and as soon as breakfast is over they have got to put their tents in order and sweep the streets, so about the time they get done it is drill time, they have got to be in the field at nine oclock before the quarters in readiness. The drill ground is about a half a mile from the camp and they all march out there together. There is upwards of three or four thousand soldiers here, and they have got to drill from nine oclock till half Past eleven, and then they march home for dinner, and return at two oclock and drill till half past four. And then they have to make ready to go on dress parade at five oclock. They must have their clothes brushed, boots blacked, and their epolets and brasses polished, so about the time they get done it is about dusk, and then eat supper, play cards, and write sing whistle and dance till nine oclock, and then answer to roll call and go to bed in ten minutes, for after roll call the tat too sounds and out goes the lights and no more fuss till morning. Today I have been very busily engaged making pan cakes and a great big Apple pudding. I have been bunking in Jennings company nearly all the time I have been here, along with Cousin David and Santa Reese and a couple more. They said they would find the flour and Flour and apples if I would make it; so I agreed to it made next a delicious dinner, a dinner that nearly all of the rest of them envied us. I was mustered in today and about twenty four more, so that about fills our company. There is no telling when we will leave here, at least there is no talk about it at present. Give my respects to all inquiring Friends. Hoping to hear from you soon. So no more at present from yours Affectionately,

Joseph H, Dennings

Direct Camp Cameron

Care Capt. Siebert

Colonel Wynkoops Regt

Harrisburg

Write soon and lets hear how the people are getting along.

Denning Letters 1861-1861

Denning Letters #2 24 Nov 1861 David J Rees

Camp Cameron Sunday Nov. 24, 1861

Dear Cousin Maggie,

I sit me down to let you know I am wel and hope you will excuse me fore not writing Sooner. Joseph Denning stole me to rite to you but I dident know what to put in it and I asked him fore his letter So as fore me to have Something to tel you but could not come at. I wil let you know that we have had dome coald nights and as bene Snowing all this fore noon and the Boyes is all Saying they wish that they was down South where it could be warmer and fore my Self I would not care mutch to be their to although the boyes what I am with is all wel anough at nights onely in daytime when Setting about it is coald where there is no fier. I will tel you how we warm the tent. We take the pan what we wash the Dishes in and gets it full of the hot charcoal from the fier that we coock at. So you may see that Soldiers will do a great many things to try to make them selves cumfertable. Cousinyou said you was sory to say that some of our men when was at home was intoxicated you know them never was menta ils at eny time and fore that reason when coming home with a Soldiers suit they could not Show them selves anoughwith out. So you must excuse sutch as tem. So now I must close fore my fingers is coald. Give my best Respects to your Father + Mother + Harriet + to my grand mother and all who inquires of me and except my kind regards your self.

Your cousin David T. Rees

Denning Letters #3 27 Nov 1861

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863

Camp Cameron Nov 27 1861

Dearest Maggie.

I now take the pleasant opportunity of writing a few lines to you hoping to find you enjoying good health and spirits as it leaves me at present. We dident get to Pottsville time enough for the morning train. So we started in the afternoon train, and arrived at camp at nine oclock. Before we left Pottsville we got a telegraph dispatch that two men had left camp without permission and gone home to see their friends, And Charles Roorbach was told to stop back and take charge of them. I was to have stoped but I had some men to take over. If I had stoped I wouldent have been in a hurry about ketching them till they would have seen their friends. Williams Regt. Left on Last Monday, with a lot of Artillery men. So that we are all alone and a great deal better off. For we drill two hours a day less than when they was here, and don’t get up till daylight. There was one of Williams men left of in the hospital when they left. But he died last night, and is to be buried today, they say that he has been sick ever since he has been here. Jennings company is detailed to bury him, they are going to bury him in a little town about two miles from camp. But it will be very disagreeable for them, for it is raining and snowing both both, and is very muddy in the bargain. I hear there is a fair middling share of sickness at Campt Curtin, there was two died yesterday. But the doctor says that it is all on account of the Pork that they are getting. This camp is to be Broken up after we leave. They was putting up winter quarters but have stoped them now. I see in this mornings paper that we are to go to south Carolina on Saturday. But I don’t hardly think that we will get off this week. I am glad to hear that we are going south, for it will be much pleasanter this winter.

Dearest Maggie I hardly know what to write about for there is nothing of importance going on here at present only the same old thing. Last night we had a regular Circus here, there was plenty of dancing and singing going on. The boys got a hold of a Darkey and made him dance, but they kind of sliped up, for he took them all down. The first step he dident show out much, so one of there buddys got up and showed of, and they cheered him like everything. So the darkey got up again and made a regular show of them. There is a little boy here about ten years of age in one of the companies, and he can take them all down in the singing line, and making speeches.

Dearest Maggie I want you to keep in good heart and spirits and don’t despair, For I think that you will see me at home in the spring and then I think it will come all right, for I think the war will be over against then, Give my respects to all inquiring friends, Hoping to heare from you soon again. So no more at present but

Remain Yours Affectionately

Joseph H Dennings

Direct---------

(Crossed out)Camp Cameron

(Crossed out)7^th Regt Pa V, Colonel

(Crossed out) (Looks like-Hbg ??? 7th Cavalry

In care of capt Newlin, Harrisburg

Direct Joseph H Dennings

Camp Cameron

Care Capt. Newlin

Wyncoops Regt

Harrisburg

Pa

You must excuse my poor writing, and write soon, Give my regards to Mrs. Wagner

Denning Letters #4 29 Dec 1861

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863

Camp Crittenden

December 29/61

{graphic of eagle perched on mountaintop with American flag. Rock is inscribed “The Constitution and The Laws)

Dearest Mag,

I received your kind and welcome letter and was very glad to hear that you was enjoying good health and spirits as it leaves me at present. I would have wrote sooner but I thought it was hardly worth while till we got to our destination. We left Camp Cameron on Wensday afternoon. We got paid off, before we started. They paid us in the morning, and marched us away as quick as possible so as not to give the men a chance to get drunk. We paraded through the town before we left. And went to the Capitol, and there we received our Flag. The Govonor delivered a Speech to us concerning the difficulties of the Country And the probable interference of England. He said as far as he was concerned, he defied them to proclaim war. And that he spoke for Pennsylvania. And he said he was opposed to the release of Slidell and Mason. And that if the Government released them that he would call them to account about the affair. He made a very good speech concerning the difficulties that we would have to encounter. He said that we was leaving Mothers sisters and relations and friends. For to mourn our loss, if we never returned. But he thanked god that we would all return safe to our Homes again, and all those that dident. There friends would know that they died for a just cause. We took the train about half Past five oclock that evening and traveled all night. It was very beautiful traveling, For the moon shone forth with all its beauty and splender. The railroad runs along side of the River for about twenty five miles. And the Canal runs across the river in several places. The Canal is run across in a big box or bridge sometimes as far as a quarter of a mile in length [sic]. The rafts of timber passes in under the canal. And the boats passes above. It was very nice traveling only that we had for to stop so often on account of the road being a single track. It was a very beautiful sight for to cross the Allegany Mountains. We crosed [sic] them that next morning about daylight. There is four or five tunnels on this road. The one of them is a mile and a quarter long. This was one of the most barren countys that I ever passed through. There was nothing to be seen, only now and then a town and that loocked as if all the people had deserted it. The towns where something like new Castle or some of them places. Only a great deal blacker because they burn the soft coal. This coal make a great deal more smoke than wood does. We got to Pittsburgh about five oclock next evening. We had to stop in the cars for about three hours. And then we went to City Hall, where the Citizens had prepared Supper for us, to which we done justice. After supper, we was marched down to the boat where we took up our quarters. There is two companys allowed to each boat, Jennings company and ours are together in the one boat. We laid in Pittsburgh from Thursday night until Saturday afternoon about three oclock when we started out and went down the river about fifteen miles, and tied up for the night.

Pittsburg is a great business Place, Only it is so awful black. There is a regular cloud of smoke all the time. It fairly darkens the Sun sometimes. And the houses and Streets are as black loocking as the coal works about St. Clair. You cant see very far for the Smoke.

We started next morning, but dident go very fast on account of the water being so low. It started to rain a little and got so dark and cloudy that we couldent run the next night, so that we had to lay over till we got a little light so as they could see to guide the boat. There was nothing of any importance to bee seen excepting a few villages and coal works along the river Untill we got to Cincinnatti, But we dident stop there, Cincinnatti lays on one side of the river and Covington on the other.

Cincinnatti is about one of the largest cities in the west. It is about six miles in lenght [sic] along the river. I wish we could have stoped there a few days for I would have liked to have had a good look at the place. We pased [sic] through there about twelve oclock, and then wwe had about a hundred and fifty miles to Louisville. The river got a great deal larger after we left Cincinnatti and a great deal beautifuller. It was a very beautiful sight towards evening when the sun was going down. The sun shone in the water and it made a beautiful reflection, and the river runs so strait that you could see for miles ahead. We got to Louisville about eleven oclock at night, and laid there till next morning. When I was sent out on Patrole for to fetch some of the fellowsin that got off of the boat without permission.

I took three men with me, And started out to find the boys, but I dident look very much for them. I wanted to look at the town. We traveled over a great part of it. It is a very large place. There is any quantity of soldiers around here. We traveled around so much that it got dark before we knowed where we was. And then we made tracks for the boat, the boat was there, but our regiment had left just after dinner for the other side of the river. So we stoped [sic] in Louisville over night. Next morning we left Kentuckey and crossed over into Indianna, where we are now encamped for the present. This is one of the muddiest places that I ever saw, the mud is up to the ankles all the time. It freezes at night and thaws in the day time. It is as good as a circus for to be here now. For we have all got our horses, and there is a great time learning for to ride. The boys are all sore and stiff with riding. There is some cursing and swearing going on now. And you ought to be here for to see some of the boys get pitched off into the mud, and sometimes horse and rider both go down.

But still they get along a great deal better that what I expected. We have been kept so busy these last few days that I couldent find time to write, I can hardly find time now, but I have to make time.

I expect we will stop here till we can ride a little better before we leave. And then we will go over into Kentuckey again. There was a regiment of Cavalry left here today for Kentuckey, they are Ohio Cavalry. They was encamped a little liece from us.

I had a great dream last night, I dreamt that I was home with you, and was huging you up to nature, but I woke up and found out how much I was mistaken. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year, so no more at preent, from yours affectionately.,

Direct Joseph H Dennings

Co F 7^th Penns. Cavalry

In care Col Wynkoops

Camp Crittenden

Louisville Kentuckey

Denning Letters #6 13 Jan 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863

J.H.D.

Camp Crittenden

January 13^th/62

Dearest Maggie

I received your Kind and welcome letter and was very glad to hear that you was enjoying good health and spirits as it leaves me at present.

We are still here in Camp Mud yet: But do not know how long we will stop here. There is a report going round the Camp that we are going to leave here this week. The men are improving fast in learning for to ride. They aint so awkward as what I thought thay would be. We have plenty for to do at present. We answer roll call in the morning at about half past six. And then we feed our horses and clean them, and then go to the creek and break a hole in the ice for to get a little water for to wash, so you can think it is very pleasant this cold wether for soldiering. The whether is very changeable here, sometimes it is middling cold, and the next day it will be nearly as warm as summer. On last Friday and Saturday it was very cold, and on Sunday morning it was warm as Summer, the ice had all melted away, and the water was as warm as if it was summertime.

There is two regiment here that came from Virginia last week. They are the first and second Kentucky, they lost a good many of their men while they was in Virginia, some was killed and others was taken prisoners. They are a going to leave here this week for Lexington. Samuel Winn has been appointed Corperal in this Company with a couple more. I come very near forgetting for to tell you what we have to do. After washing ourselves, we get our breakfast. And as soon as we get our breakfast we have got to saddle our horses and get ready to go to water. We have over a mile for to go to Water. It takes very near an hour for to water. After water we have got to drill two hours or until dinner time. We get our dinner and lay around until two oclock when we go out to drill again, and drill until four oclock, when we go to water again, and as soon as we get back, we feed our horses and clean them off a little. And then we get our supper and have a little sociable chat until roll call comes about eight oclock. Answer roll call and then go to bed. So you can see that we cant get much time for to spare. After supper we have a little time but there is no use trying to write any or anything else, Dear Mag, you mustent be uneasy because you don’t hear from me so often, For we are about one thousand miles from home now, and it takes some time for a letter to come and go. But you needent be uneasy for I will write as often as I can. I am very sorry that you spent sucj a miserable Cristmas But I expect you enjoyed yourself much better than what I did. You say you wouldent have such beaus as Mary and June has, But I expect they must be satisfied with the likes of them for the present. You say Ned was tight on Cristmas, that is nothing more than a good many more was. You ought to have been with us on the boat, and then you would have thought it was Cristmas. There was a bar on board of our boat, And you ought for to see the whickey flew, they charged ten cents a drink. I know one man that spent thirteen dollars for drink. And some lost a great deal playing cards, they played cards from morning till morning again, you could hardly stir for the card players. But you mustent say nothing about this to any one.

I have top close this time for I have received a order to report myself at head quarters, so no more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon

Yours affectionately

Transcribed by John J Amtsfield, 114 Woodfern Rd, Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053 on January 21, 2003 from a 1978 photocopy that was made from the original in possession of Howard Steinruck.

Denning Letters #5 23 Jan 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863

Camp Crittenden

Jan 23^rd, 1862

(Graphic of Mounted US officer with plume in hat, horse rearing slightly while officer points a saber. The legend says “McCLELLAN”)

Dearest Maggie,

I received your kind and welcome letter this evening, and I now take the pleasant opportunity of writing a few lines to you hoping to find you enjoying good health and spirits as it leaves me at present. We are still encamped here yet in mud, But are a going for to leave here on Saturday at least we have marching orders to the effect. If they don’t be countermanded.

We have had some awful whether here for the last week or so. It started to rain awful, and then it turned into a regular thunderstorm. And it thundered and lightninged terrible all night and rained awfully all night. The next morning when we awoke some of the boys was laying in the water and was all wet, the lower side of our tent was drowned out. And it has been raining more or less for the last three or four days, the river has raised terrible, I guess it must have raised from 12 to 20 feet in the last few days. And the mud is awful here. It is just as much as a person can do for to get along, and then you have to be carefull that you don’t stick fast or lose your boots in the mud. The other day there was a couple of fellows came in drunk and they lost their boots in the mud. Today is about the only fine day that we have had since we have been here, that is to be pleasant all day, it was just like spring. We have received our arms now. We aint Cavalry. We are mounted riflemen. For we have received Rifles and cartridge boxes, instead of Carbines. The rifles are every bit as heavy as the Sunday soldiers had at home. So you can imagine what kind of Cavalry we are, But still they are a long way better than the carbines that we sent back. They was old muskets with the barrels cut off. We are a going for to try them tomorrow. Our Battalion are a going for to shoot By Companys tomorrow. I guess there will be some empty saddles, for they have never tried these horses with the Rifles yet.

They have never fired a load off yet, I don’t think my horse will be anyways alarmed. For he is one of the ugliest and poorest horse in the Regiment, to look at when there is no one on his back, but as soon as I get on his back he is like a young colt, there is hardly a horse in the Regs that can beat him running, and he is one of the greatest Jumpers in the field. He will Jump over anything that you run him against. The other day we was out catching mules and horses, and there wasent a horse that could Jump and run with him.

Dear Mag, Since I started to write we have received orders for to be ready for to march on sunday morning.

Dear Maggie. I am very sorry to hear that Mrs. Wagner has been enjoying poor health, But I am very glad to hear she is getting better. You will be so Kind as to give her my best respects. You say you have had good sleighing. I am very glad to hear it. For I haven’t seen any snow here of any account since we have been here. It is more like spring here than anything else.

Dear Mag, You dream about me so much. I am very glad to hear it. For I Know you think Something about me, or else you wouldent dream about me so much. Don’t you wish that your dream would have proved to have been the original siting aside of you, and kissing you so lovingly. You say that you was very glad to hear that Sam Winn was promoted. And that you was glad to hear that Jo Dennings was promoted. I only wish that I was, Sam has been appointed Corperal, and I have been appointed Sergeant Major of the 1^st Battalion. One of the busiest positions in the Regiment. Any one that is promoted is promoted to a Commissioned officer. All other offices is appointments.

It is a long way for to come here. Mr. Jennings is a little sick at present, but I guess he will soon get better.

Dear Mag, I wish I was at home for to have a little talk with you, and to enjoy an old evening talk with you, but as it is we must be satisfied for the present. But I guess the war will soon be over. And then we will have a nice little time of it.

Dear Mag, I must close for I have some business to attend to immediately. For this is one of the busiest positions in the Regt, So no more at present,

From Yours Affectionately

Jo,

[In different handwriting is written one word as if a second party wrote it for spelling] Sleighing

Transcribed John J Amtsfield, 114 Woodfern Rd, Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053, January 21, 2003 from a 1978 photocopy of the original in possession of Howard Steinruck

Denning Letters #7 8^th March 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863

Camp Wood March 8^th 1862

Dear Mag,

I received your Kind and welcome letter yesterday and was very glad to hear that you was enjoying good health and spirits as it leaves me at present. We left Camp Thomas on the 27^th of Feb at 9 oclock in the morning for Munfordsville. We traveled about eighteen Miles the first day and encamped in a beautiful field along side of a beautiful creek. We got to camp in good time and pitched our tents and fixed things Comfortable. This was the Place where old Abe Lincoln was raised, and we burnt the rails that his Father split. At least that is what the people told us all around there.

We had to lay over the next day for to get our horses shod, a great many lost their shoes on the way. And we was mustered for pay also, but it wont do us any good, I am afraid, for we have no blanks for to make out our pay rolls [sic]. But I am as well satisfied, for if we don’t get any money, we cant spend any. But I am afraid a good many wont have much to spend when pay day comes, for the Sutler will have the largest portion of it. The day that we laid over was one of the finest days that we have had for many a week. But the next morning was a stunner, it rained like the mischief, but we had to strike our tents, and march through a drenching rain all day, we encamped about four oclock, and it was still raining, and was as cold as the old Harry, we had to wait some time before the teams came up. But as soon as the teams came it wasnent many minutes before the town was built up.

We soon made some hot coffee and got some supper, and then fed and unsaddled our horses, and cut some firewood for the night. It rained all night, and was still raining in the morning a little when we received Orders for to strike tents and march. The boys dident like that kind of nonesence. And the way they swore and damned the Colonel to hell and back again was no ones buisiness [sic]. But it was no use Knocking it had to be did. But before I go any farther we had a very solemn affair to attend to. One of the Privates of Jennings Company was found dead lying aside of his comrades. They heard him groan and kick, and got up to see what was the matter with him but against they got a light he was dead, he just came out of the hospital before we started and wasent very strong yet. We buried him before we left in the field where we encamped, they made a square box and put him in and the company followed him to the grave. They buried him according to military stye [sic], as soon as he was buried we went on our march. His name was John Canfield, he was from Ashland. We had to leave the Pike at this place and take to the mud road, and a mud road it was, we started of the pike here and went about a mile and waited for the teams to ketch up. And then the rain poured down in torrents. Some of the teams dident get twenty yards from the pike, there they stuck up to the axles in the mud, they doubled the teams but it was no use they couldent move them abit, some of them got along that wasent so heavy loaded by doubling there teams. And the small creeks raised like the mischief. There was one creek that we had to cross that when we crossed it with the regiment it wasent more than up to the horses Knees. We got about a dozen teams across and then it began to raise, it raised so fast that in about an hours time, they had to swim their horses across, so you can imagine how it rained.

We encamped in a field, and waited very patiently for the teams to come, but a great many waited in vain. There wasent more than half of the Regiment that had their tents. And the other half hadent their tents or anything to eat along with them. Towards dusk when they saw there was no sign of their baggage coming, the Captain’s ordered their men to lookout for Quarters for themselves. They soon scattered themselves through the country. Some found quarters in houses, some in Stables some one place, and some an other. Next morning there wasent more than half of the Regt to be found. You could see them Coming in, in all directions. But there poor Horses I pitied the worst. There they stood the most of them with their saddles on since the morning before without anything to eat or anything else till their owners came in in the morning. And it was still raining yet but not very fast, just drizling [sic]. We had just traveled three miles. So we had to make for the pike again. But the road to the pike was much better than the one we came the day before, we started for the pike about ten oclock, and got along first rate. When we struck the pike we was just three miles from where we started the day before. The teams that couldent crop the the stream returned back to the pike the way that they came, they unloaded part of their loads, and then returned after the other. It cleared up after we got on the pike, but got very cold. We traveled about four miles on the pike, and then we turned off the pike again and encamped for the night, there was no water inside of a mile of the Camp. As soon as the boys got their tents up they went out foraging and fetched plenty of straw in to lay on. The Colonel issued orders that everything should be packed on the horses in the morning ready to start at nine oclock. Such as tents, stoves, pipes, Shovels, Picks and everything that could be packed on them was carried. They looked like a lot of packed camels. We got to Munfordsville in good time and pitched our tents and are quite comfortable . But the most of the teams dident get in till the next day. (This is a regular one horse town. Something like Wadesville. The reasonthat we had to leave the pike was on account of the bridge being burnt down be the secessionists. We are encamped along side of the Green River, we use the water out of the River for cooking. From where we are encamped you can see where the rebels had there entrenchments on the other side of the River. (There was a small battle here some few weeks ago. We are bound for Nashville in a couple of days. There has four of our men died since I wrote to you last. Joseph Jones from Mount Hope died on last Wensday at Bardstown he wasent able to come along and we had to leave him at the Hospital. And a lieutenant died also. This last march took a good deal of Knocking through the rain and mud.

You say that Persilla has a nother child and that Tom is the dady. James Metz told me she was going to have a nother child but he dident know for sure you was going to be the Father. You say if you was Toms wife you wouldent stop with him a nother day. But you must remember that womans flesh is very tempting. But still he is hog enough for anything of that kind. I must close by Sending my best respects to all inquiring friends. And my kind love to you,

Joe,

Direct Joseph H. Dennings

In care Col Wynkoops

7^th Reg. Penn. Cavalry

Louisville

Kentucky

Direct that way and then the letter will be forwarded to where the Regiment will go.

Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield, 114 Woodfern Rd, Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053 on January 21, 2003 from a 1978 photocopy of the original in possession of Howard Steinruck.

Denning Letters #8 4^th April 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1816-1863

Columbia Tennessee April 4^th 1862

Camp Negley

Dear Mag,

I received your Kind letter the other day but haven’t had time to answer it yet. I was very sorry to hear that you were in such pain But I hope you are as well as what I am, and then you will have no occasion to complain. I haven’t time to tell you about our march. Only that we are separated from the rest of our Regiment. Our Battalion is about forty miles ahead of the rest of the Regt. We are attached to General Negleys Brigade, and there is some talk of us being pushed on to the advance. I only wish they would. It would please me more than anything else they could do with us.

We are going to lay over to morrow for to get provision. And I expect we will be on the march the day after. We are only about twenty miles from the advance now. And they expect a big fight down here before long. There is a power of troops here, there all on the move. We are in the rear yet, but I think we wont be in the rear long.

Theere is no mail running from here. That is the reason that I dident write. Major Wynkoop has returned and has took command and Major Given goes back to Nashville to Morrow, and he is taking the letters with him. Our boys are all in good health and exilent spirits. They all like the idea of being moved on to the advance.

I must close by sending my Kind love to all inquiring friends. You must excuse bad writing this time for I only had about five minutes to write. But I will write as soon as there is a mail route opened. You can direct to Nashville. Hoping to hear from you soon again. So no more at present

From yours affectionately,

Joe,

Joseph H. Dennings

To Miss Maggie E.

Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield, 114 Woodfern Rd, Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053 on January 21, 2003 from a 1978 photocopy of the original letter in the possession of Howard Steinruck.

Denning Letter #9 30^th April 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863

Camp Morehead Tenn.

April 30^th 1862

Dearest Maggi,

I received your Kind and interesting letter last evening and was very glad to hear that you are enjoying such good health and spirits as it leaves me at present.

I am very glad to hear that you enjoyed yourself so well at Ashland, but I think you staid longer up there than what I could for I never for I never liked the place at all. I think it is one of the ugliest places that I ever was in. I had a dream the other night that I was with you and had a long conversation, and when I awoke I found it was only a dream. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to Know that My letters are so interesting to you. But I think you are complimenting me too much. You say I must not be downhearted because we aint neared the advance. You must know that we have a great deal more to do, and it don’t amount to anything. But if we was on the advance we would be in a little more danger, but we would gain a great deal more honor, but as it is it cant be helped. We was down to Pulaski last Week scouting around but dident see anything of any account. We was away five days and I had a very pleasant time of it. There are a great many down there that goes in for secesh middling hard. But they are straight up and down. They don’t go behind the bush to tell you their principles. I got acquainted with several down at Pulaski and got treated very well. they wouldent charge me anything for the vituals that I eat, but invited me to call again as soon as possible, Which I intend doing as soon as I get the chance. We helped to fetch some secesh prisoners up that was Captured at Huntsville. They was new recruits just Coming into the field. They had no uniforms yet There was about one hundred sixty of them and 30 of them took the oath, but the rest wouldent. The rest we guarded to the railroad station to be sent to Nashville. There was some fine loocking men amongst them. There was one Major and several Captains and Lieutenants Amongst them. There is nothing going on here at present and I don’t know to write about. You say that you would like to be down here and see me on a march, I don’t think you would know me if you was to see us pass. For we are such a comical set of fellows that you could hardly tell one from the other.

We heard that Will Evans was shot and I was very glad to hear it contradicted. I dident believ it when I heard it. I guess his mother is nearly crazy about it, but tell her not to fret herself to death for nothing. For a person might be in a dozen fights and never be none the worse. I think that the war will soon be over, at least for us. So no more at present from yours affectionately,

Joe

Right Soon.

[Transcribed by john J Amtsfield, 114 Woodfern Rd., Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053 on January 21, 2003 from a 1978 photocopy of the original in the possession of Howard Steinruck]

Denning Letter #10 23 May 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863

Columbia Tenn. Camp Morehead

May 23^rd 1862

Dear Mag,

I will give you an account of our last trip down to Alabama and back. We left Columbia on Saturday the 10^th at about two Oclock. We dident Know where we was a going until we got on the Pulaski pike and then we dident Know only that we was going to Pulaski. There was a large train along with us and we thought that we was to guard the train. we got to Rickland creek about 12 O clock at night and it took us till seven in the morning before we got all the train over. Nothing transpired till we got to Pulaski and went into Camp pretty well used up for sleep. We left Pulaski next day for Rogersville but got on the rong road and had to travel five miles out of the way. we traveled through the woods and up and down hill until we got on the ridge of the mountain and then it was middling level but there was no water of any account we traveled about 30 miles and went into Camp along side of a nice creek, we started next morning about daylight on our march and took several prisoners on our way. Just before we got to Rogersville Sam Winn saw a couple of Rebels scouts and he came back and reported and four of Company A wnet along and they took them prisoners. These two took Sam for one of there own men, they was out foraging and scouting the Country and dident expect any of the Yankees around that section of the Country. We was all over dust and looked Just like their own men until it was too late for them to discover their mistake or else I guess they would have had sam at least that is what they say. They are armed first rate they have double barrel shot guns and the navy revolvers and the best kind of horses. When we got within site of the Rebels at Rogersville, they reported that we was attacked in the rear when orders came for us to go back to the rear. But it was only a faint so as to give them time to cross the river, we marched back about two miles and found out it was nothing after all. So we preceded on our march again and Came in site of the pickets but there was only three or four there now and they all left but one, the advance mad a charge on him but he was off like a streak of lightning. Our horses being nearly worn out they couldent follow him, we made for the ferry about four miles from the town. But got there a little too late. The advance got there and fired a few rounds into them before the Colum got up. They was in the boat about two hundred yards out in the river when they hollored for them to stop, but they worked the oars for there life. there was 9 or 10 working at the oars when our fellow fired into them, but after the fire there was only two men working the oars. The others was either killed or wounded, they opened on us now from the other side of the river the bullets whistled around our heads like everything. The River is 13 hundred yars wide. We kept up the fire for some time till the Infantry and two pieces of Artillery came down and they opened on them, and they left in short notice. They killed two horses and wounded two of ours, and one of Capt. Jennings men was shot slightly on the tip of two of his fingers but not to hurt a great deal. There was one of the Kentucky Cavalry wounded slightly the balls all whistled over our heads they shot too high. We burnt one of there ferry boats and then went back to town and went into camp. Next morning a party went down to the River with the Artillery and some of them went over in little skiffs and fetched there ferry boats over. We stoped at Rogersville two days and scouted the Country around and ketched a few straglers runing around the Country. We started for Florence, but Col. Starkweather went the day before with a few men for to draw them on but they had all crossed the River before he got there. He got there a little before dusk. Just as they was watering there horses on the other side of the River, they threw a couple of shells right in amongst them and scattered them in every direction. We laid at Florence one day and then started for home on a different route. There was about four thousand Infantry one thousand Cavalry and six pieces of Artillery. I think there was at least five and six thousand of us in all, we had the advance. The Infantry had it hard some days we traveled 30 miles through the dust and they kept up very well.

We left our old camp on the 10^th and got back on the morning of the 20^th pretty well used up for sleep. But our horses are the worst. We traveled about two hundred miles. But are all right for a nother trip again. We was the first Yankees that they saw in that section of the Country, and the young ladies said that we dident look so horrible as what they said we did. They thought that the Yankees was going to eat them all alive when they would come, but they found they was mistaken. They said that we was better loocking than their own men, and wasent such awful creatures after all.

We haven’t received any letters for a long while now, And I guess you are the same. Maybe you thought I was lost because you dident here from me sooner. But soldiering is a very uncertain life, one day you will make your calculations, and the next thing you know you have to pack up and be ready with 15 minutes to start off, you don’t know where you are going till you stop, and then you don’t Know how long, maybe you will be off again in an hours time somewhere else, at all hours and at all times. Hoping to hear from you soon. Hope you are well and all your friends. Give my love to Mrs Wagner and Mrs Evans and the rest of the family and to all inquiring friends

Direct Joseph H Dennings

In care Maj John E. Wynkoop

1^st Batt 7^th Pa Cavalry

Columbia

Tennessee,

[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield, 114 Woodfern Rd., Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053 on January 21, 2003 from a 1978 photocopy and previous transcription done by same from the original in possession of Howard Steinruck]

Denning Letter #11 17^th June 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864

Camp Cooper Shelbeville Tenn.

June 17^th 1862

Dear Maggie,

We left Columbia on the morning of the 29^th of May at 4 Oclock, provided with 12 days rations. We took the Pulaski pike and crossed Richland creek and encamped about 4 Oclock. Making 24 miles. There was our Batt. Of Cavalry, 5^th Kentucky Cavalry, 79^th Pa. Infantry, and four pieces of Artillery. 30^th Started at 4 Oclock and passed through Pulaski and took the Fayetteville pike and encamped at 4 Oclock making 22 miles over a very rough road. 31^st started at 4 Oclock and arrived at Fayetteville and proceeded 2 miles other side of town and encamped in the wqoods at 3 Oclock, and joined Turchin’s Brigade. We are encamped about a mile from the river. Some of the boys went down to the River to Swim. But one of the Ohio Cav got the cramp and drowned before assistance could reach him. They hadent found him last night yet. One of the Kentucky Cav shot himself accidently last night through the leg. June 1^st Got orders to Cook 2 days rations and get our horses shod and be ready to move in the morning. Started to rain about 9 Oclock but dident Continue very long, just enough to settle the dust. When we go out on a trip we never take any tents along. Only our blanket and Gum Coat, and our saddle for a pillow, And the heavens for a roof. 2^nd Started at 4 Oclock nothing transpiring on the March of any account, only one of our men shot himself accidently through the heel, but not dangerously. We got to Salem about and encamped about dusk, having traveled about 23 miles over a very rough road. We was rear guard and an awful position it is. It started to rain about 10 Oclock but only rained enough to settle the dust. 3^rd Had Reville [sic] at half past one and started at 2½ for Winchester where there was reported to be a lot of Rebel Cavalry. Our Battalion was sent out after them at 2½, and the rest of the Army started after us at 4 Oclock. When we got within two miles of the town we saw Rebels galloping off through the fields towards the mountains. But just as we was going to charge into the town those four men came back and reported that there was about 40 Rebel Cavalry in the edge of the woods at the foot of the mountain. And that they Came very near Captoring one of them. The one that was in advance. But we had no time to attend at present. We made a charge into town at full gallop at different routes and took possession of all the roads leading from the town so that no one could escape, and one Comp. surrounded the Court House in the Center of the Square. But they had nearly all left the night before for the outskirts of town, and they scattered like sheep for the mountains in every direction. But there was a few that hadent left. But we captored the principle man that has been doing all the damage through this Section of the Country. Burning Cotton, Captoring our Couriers and sneaking about the woods and mountains pitching upon small squads whenever he got the chance. We got him and 4 of his men that was with him, besides several more of his Company. He is a preacher, Captain Tremble is his name, he lives in Winchester and is one of the most popular men in that place, and the rest of the prisoners belongs there too. But you ought to have seen the fuss the Women made when we marched them to the Court House, they screamed and cried as if the world was coming to an end. But he has got a spunky Wife. She took it very hard at first but soon came to her sences in a little while and talked very pleasantly. And said that we was a well behaved lot of Gentlemen as she ever saw. And very politely asked 3 or 4 of us to have breakfast, but we declined. After we found that the enemy wasent in town we sent I Company back to where those four men was chased, but they had skadaddled leaving 2 horses all ready saddled behind them. We sent out scouting parties and caught a few prisoners, and got several horses saddled with the owners arms across their backs, the riders having left. It is impossible to tell them unless you just happen to ketch them in arms, for they have no uniforms of any kind, and you cant tell them from Citizens. The rest of our force came up now and we proceeded on our march without meeting anything of importance. The people was half skeered to death when we came into town so early and at such a speed, they wasent aware of us coming and it took them by surprise. They thought the Devil was coming to take them all. We encamped at Cowan a little town of about 2 houses and 3 pig pens. 4^th Started at 6 Oclock to cross the Cumberland mountains. The 1^st mountain is 16 miles from the foot of the mountain on this side to the foot of the mountain on the other side. And one of the roughest roads I ever saw. I thought the mountains at home were bad enough but they are no circumstance to these. Nearly perpendicular and so awfull high, you think that you will never get to the top of them. We captored 3 Scouts on the top of the mountain, and 4 more when we was going to descend the other side. They reported a large force at the foot of the mountain and said we would have fight. When we got to the foot of the mountain the advance came in site of the Rebel pickets and fired into them puting them to flight. The Artillery was put in position and everything was in readiness when we saw them coming towards us. They thought that we was only a small party scouting around the Country. And they thought they could make us skedaddle. But when they came up to the right distance the Artillery opened on them. The Cavalry made a dash at them full tare, And away they went half skeered to death. They throwed away their Guns, Pistols, Sabres, Saddle bags, Blankets, and everything that was loose about them. We was after them yelling and hollering like tigers. We chased them over five miles untill our horses gave out. There horses was fresh and they had a little advantage over us. But they wouldent have had mush if we would have been on the right. The Kentucky had the advance and we had no right to pass them unless they retreated or we could flank the enemy. We run through and a past three companys of them that dident go fast enough. But our Major had to account for it. the road was strewn for miles with their accoutrements of all descriptions. We had two men killed and 4 wounded they was Kentuckians. There was 4 of our men hurt by their horses giving out and tumbling down and the others riding over them. We killed and wounded somewhere about 18 to 24 of them and took about 40 prisoners and their baggage and wagons, Some says there was more killed and wounded, but I think that is about as near as I can come to it. We caught nearly all the prisoners. We got several horses that they had left. It was getting dark and we went into Camp. 5^th Started at 6 Oclock next morning for Jasper where we expected to meet them. But the people along the road said that they went like mad men without arms or any hats on there heads. Some of them had their arms in slings, others had their heads tied up and some they had to hold on there horses. When we got to Jasper the people said they went through saying that the Yankees would ketch them all. They ran some of these horses to death they laid along the road next day. They went 16 miles before they stoped. The people through this section of the Country are nearly all Union people. We encamped 4 miles other side of Jasper, and sent out Scouting parties and Captored some of the Straglers. The best thing that was done was to collect some money and Cattle and provisions from the Rich Secesh and give it to the poor Union people that the Rebels had robed I must cut it shorter or else you will get tired reading it. 6^th Started next morning at 4 and proceeded down the Chickamauga valley captoring an odd stragler now and then untill we got to the foot of the mountain. Started up the mountain and it was like going up to the Heavens. Encamped on the top of the mountain. 7^th Started at 4 and Captored 3 Jews with a two horse buggy and a 1 horse carriage carying mail. One of them was in our Camp at Columbia some 10 or 15 daysAgo pedling Watches. We had to lock both wheels in going down the mountain and then was in danger of going over the edge. We encamped this side of Tennessee River opposite Chattanooga in the rear of the mountain, encamped about 11 Oclock in the forenoon and carried water and started to make coffee when we was ordered out. We proceeded to the top of the mountain overloocking Chattanooga, and then fell back in the rear when the Artillery came up. The Artillery was put in a position, And we was sent down along the river 3 miles to reconnoiter. The Rebs was entrenched and fortified. They fired the first shot, and then the music began on both sides and was kept up 3 hours until it got dusk. We had 2 men killed and 5 wounded. We dismounted a couple of their guns, but couldent tell what other damage we had done. 8^th Artillery and Infantry opened on them and forced them to abandon there works and retreat burning a couple of bridges after them to stop pursuit. The firing was kept up 6 hours. The Rive is half a mile wider at this place. We dident cross over there was no boats or anything else. We wasent idle in the meantime. We went out and Captored a small party of about a dozen with there baggage and a 2 horse team. They said they was going home but we took them for safekeeping. We started to recross the mountain again and encamped in our old Camp where we encamped the night before. We had an awfull time geting up the mountain. Some of the teams stalled with the empty wagons. It was 12 Oclock at night before we got all the teams up the mountain. We fed our horses in the morning, And had no feed for them at night or next morning. It was hard to tie them up to a tree without a mouthfull of feed. 9^th Started next morning 6 Oclock and gave our horses a drink of water for breakfast, proceeded down to the foot of mountain and turned our horses into a clover field to graise for half an hour, until the teams would ketch up. Started again and took a different route. Captoring about 40 head of Cattle belonging to the Rebels that they had to leave behind. We encamped about dusk and had half feed for our horses night and morning. 10^th Started next morning at 7 and came across a lot of pork belonging to the Rebels at about 9 Oclock, and likewise a lot of Feed. Fed our horses and proceed on march. Nothing of importance transpiring until we reached Sheldville where we are still stoping for a few days. We got here on the evening of the 12^th. We traveled through several towns coming back. We are 44 miles from Columbia. They are nearly all union people here. You will get tired reading this letter it is so long, so no more at present. From yours affectionately

Joe,

Write soon. Direct as before. I have received your letter, but cant answer any questions this time. I am well and hope you are the same. Give my love to all.

[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield, 114 Woodfern Rd., Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053 on January 22, 2003 from a 1978 photocopy of the original in possession of Howard Steinruck]

Denning Letter #12 3^rd August 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864

[TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE: The correspondence that is being transcribed not only tells the story of the American Civil War through the eyes of a soldier, but it also chronicles the courtship of the soldier, Joseph Denning and his future wife Margaret Ann Evans (Maggie) and as such since only one side of the correspondence is available, the larger meanings are open to interpretation and also to misinterpretation.

Letter #9 demonstrates the beginning of a complex game of courtship, commitment, jealousy, gamesmanship and lively bantering which continues through the remainder of the letters when Joseph Denning reacts with uncharacteristic sharpness to a sleighing account in Ashland.

This bantering is extremely familiar to members of the family as it is a hallmark of family relations down to the present day consisting of good natured but sharp parries, thrusts and ripostes. Family members understand that it is a sign of affection and secure humor and know where the line is and almost never cross the line into incivility.

One other cautionary note is that terms of common usage today do not have the same meaning of the same terms in years and ages past. For instance “making love” today refers to physical sexual intercourse whereas fifty or more years ago the term applied to artful flirting, more the seduction rather than the result and even then the seduction was not necessarily intended to be physical. It is not to say it did not happen, but that common usage was that it was flirting even into the 1950s.

The fact that the gamesmanship in the letters was artful on the part of both parties is the fact that in 1863 while on leave Joseph Denning and Margaret Ann Evans were married on July 5, 1863 in Saint Clair, PA at a time when Lee’s Army was bearing down on Central Pennsylvania and immediately following the Battle of Gettysburg and the raiding of Stuart’s Cavalry and other detached units of the Army of Northern Virginia.

The by play is poignant from the standpoint of a soldier being exposed to death and knowing that he was exposed to great harm and a woman at home pressing for, if not a commitment, at least reassurance. From Denning’s letters it is apparent that both parties feel the same way and yet there is a clear reluctance to make promises or commitments because of the uncertainties of war. For me, as a descendant I find the complexities of the relationship almost as riveting as the history being described in awesome detail. John J Amtsfield, January 22, 2003]

Manchester Tennessee

August 3^rd 1862

Dear Maggie,

You are aware that our communication was cut off at Murfreesboro. Therefore it was impossible for me to write to you any sooner. The communication has been open for the last few days but I haven’t had any opportunity of writing to you for we are kept very busy Scouting around the Country every day and out on picket nearly every night. We left Tullahoma on the 26^th and made a dash into Manchester but there was nary a Rebel there. We got here in the afternoon and then the General threw out pickets all around the town so that no one could escape and then all the Citizens was notified to be at the Court House as soon as the Bugle sounded. As soon as the Bugle sounded and the Citizens assembled together the General made a speech to them. We was sent about a mile out of town to a mill to take posession of it. There was a lot of Flour stowed away there and the Rebels was making preparations for to get it way but we saved them the trouble. We got 988 Barrels of Flour 496 lbs flour and some Corn Meal and a Couple Nice hams. It took us all night to haul it to the depo. We was very much in need of it. For we have been living on quarter and a half rations since our communications was cut off. But we get along just the same on half and quarter rations and a little better than if we had full rations. For as long as it is in the Country we are bound to have it at any cost. It is all one to us whether the Government gives us any rations or not for there is no danger of starving in a Country like this. Where nearly all the young girls Smokes and chaws tobacco. If you go to a house the first thing you notice is some Young Lady with a pipe or a cud of tobacco in her mouth chewing and spiting about just like a man. On the evening of the 27^th Captain Davis and a part of his men were out on picket on the McMinville road, and next morning they was surrounded and nearly all taken prisoners by the Rebel Texan Rangers. The Rebels got between the pickets and the Camp and then cut them off Captoring the Captain and 14 of his Men. We heard the firing at daylight and was all up and in the saddles in a couple of minutes. We was drawn up in line and was expecting to be attacked every minute, But we dident know what all the fiting was about until three of our horses came into Campfull jump without the riders And in a couple of minutes several of the boys that escaped came galloping into Camp and said that the Captain and the rest of the boys was captored by being surrounded by about two hundred Rebel Cavalry. We was waiting very patiently for them to attack us. They would of attacked us if it hadent of been for Reville so early in the morning. They thought there was only 4 or 5 hundred of us that was taking the flour away. But when they heard the Bugles and Drums they knew there was a large force and they drew back a little. After the Gen. got tired waiting for them to attack us the 15^th and 16^th Regular Infantry and our Cavalry was sent out to reconnoiter and see if we could see anything of the Rebels. After we got out about 2 miles we came to a house and found one of our men that was wounded and they had to leave behind. He was shot in the mouth the ball passing behind and on the left side of the neck inflicting a very serious wound. We went out about two miles farther to where they had been drawn up in a line expecting us to come and attack them and we was expecting them to attack us. But as soon as they found out that there was a large force of us they left in a hurry. After scouting around the Country we returned to Camp to get our breakfast about 4 or five Oclock in the afternoon. There has been great excitement here lately out Scouting in the daytime and in picket nearly every night. But the excitement is beginning to wear off a little now and we get a little more rest. All the men that was taken prisoner are released on parole of honor and are at Nashville and are going to be sent to Camp Chase to do guard duty. The Captain they kept and sent him to Georgia to pine life away. They don’t parole officers anymore. We are going to remain here, our Camp equipage is coming from Tullahoma today. And this is a much nicer place. There is more young ladies here and they are more sociable. I am making love to a grass widow, her husband is in the Rebel Army. I think I have told you all the news this time.

Give my regards to Mrs. Wagner and likewise too all inquiring friends. We haven’t received any mail yet since our Communications has been cut off. Our postmaster went to Nashville to get the mail but the 3^rd Batt. Got our mail and we got theirs. But we expect it today. You must write as often as you can spare time. I haven’t received your letter that you wrote me about the flood yet. Bit it may come in this mail. So no more at present hoping to hear from you soon.

Joe

Direct Manchester

Tennessee How is recruiting going on

[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield, 114 Woodfern Rd., Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053 on January 22, 2003 from a 1978 copy and a contemporary transcript that I did in 1978 from the original in possession of Howard Steinruck. Note that the photocopy of the highlighted portions is missing and the words were taken verbatim from the 1978 transcript]

Denning Letter #13 11^th August 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864

Camp At Manchester Tennessee

August 11^th 1862

Dear Maggie,

I take the pleasure of addressing a few lines to you. I received your letter dated the 26^th of June the day after I wrote to you and was very glad to hear from you and all the rest of the folks. But I am sorry to hear that you don’t feel well and am troubled with such a Nervous Headache, but I hope you will be enjoying good health and spirits against this reaches you. You complain of not receiving any letter from me for the last four weeks and that you have wrote 3 to me since you received my last. You know that we are so situated sometimes that we don’t see or get the opportunity to send our mail regularly. But I always try and write to you, whenever an opportunity offers itself, therefore you mustent think hard of Me because you don’t hear from Me more regularily. What has put it into your head to think that I am tired of writing to you. I don’t remember of ever Mentioning anything in my letters to you that I was tired of this Correspondence between us, or ever even hinting anything of the kind. If I have it is more that what I am aware off. And you say that you hardly know how to take me. And would wish me to answer a few questions in regards to our future Happiness. As it regards the future I cant make any promises for fear that it wouldent be satisfactory to us both. I haven’t the least notion for setting down in life yet. I wish to see some of the Country before I tie my self fast, or make any promises that would creat unpleasant feelings hereafter. But Dear Maggie if you wish to carry on the correspondence with me the same as we have been doing you are at liberty to do so. But I will make no promises concerning our future well ware until I come home, If I am spared that pleasure. If you wish to keep up the Correpsondence upon those conditions I am satisfied. But I don’t wish you to excuse yourself of other Gentlemens Company, if you see anyone that you like better than me. You are at liberty to please yourself. You say it is the General impression of the people that we are engaged and that you are anxious waiting my return which is not far distant. I don’t know what can have put such an idea into their heads as that. You say you haven’t forgotten what I said about Love. I am glad to hear that you have such a good memory. Dear Mag, I don’t wish you to deny yourself the pleasure of other Gentlemens Company on my account. You can enjoy other Gentlemans Company without Creating any unpleasant feelings between us. I don’t wish you to think that you are not to enjoy yourself on my account. You can enjoy in such a manner and with propriety that no one will talk or take the least notice of it. But Maggie I think you ought to know My sentiments towards you by this time, by the correspondence that we have held since I have been away. Supposen I did Love you. I wouldent tell you so, the way that I am so situated at present, For there is no telling what a day may bring forth at the present state of affairs. Therefore I have been very much puzzled in trying to answer your questions. I think it was very cruel in you to ask such strait forward Questions. For it has puzzled me extremely to answer your letter, And then I aint sure as it will be satisfactory. But I have done it as best I can.

I aint much of a Love writer. I cant paint things like some people. Oh my Love, and darling angle How I do Love you and so on, that aint my style of doing things. I don’t know what has made you suspicious or doubted my fidelity towards you, but I guess you have reasons of your own for it. I must close or I will tire you by my nonsense. But I wish you to let me know in the next what you think of it, if you think it worth while writing to me. If not I wish you to let me know. I am glad to hear that the people have got the war fever, for it is a fever our Government is very much in need of at present/

The rest of our baggage has come and we are encamped in the woods on the outskirts of the town in a very beautiful place alongside of a Couple Nice young ladies, but rather hard secesh. There are any amount of troops passing through here and going to McMinville, there is between 25 and 30 thousand there., And from the appearances of things it looks as if there was going to be some pretty hard fighting in this section of the Country.

There was four of our men carying dispatches to McMinville and when they was returning they was fired into by a party, and two shot. One shot dead and the other one shot through the arm in two places. The other two escaped and made there way to camp on foot. As soon as they was fired into they jumped off there horses and took to the woods, the brush being very thick they couldent ketch them. We sent a party out but the Rebels couldent be found, the wounded man was found and sent back to McMinville. There is nothing of importance going on here at present and I don’t know what to write about. Dear Maggie I don’t want you to take it hard in the way I answer your letter, for I don’t wish to make any binding promises concerning our future welfare until I get home, but you are at liberty to please yourself. Your questions were strait forward and it puzzled me very much to answer them. But I guess the War will soon be over and then we can have an understanding of things. But until then I can promise nothing. Hoping to hear from you soon again. Give my respects to all inquiring friends, And my kind love to yourself,

Joe to Miss Maggie A. Evans

[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield, 114 Woodfern Rd., Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053 on January 22, 2003 from a 1978 photocopy of the original letter in the possession of Haward Steinruck]

Denning Letter #14 Undated Tullahoma (July 1862)

Joseph Denning Letters Undated Tullahoma (July 1862)

[Transcriber’s note: This letter was not transcribed in 1978 and the photocopy is extremely faded so portions are difficult to decipher because they are so faded out. I did the best I could. JJA]

Camp [Duffield] Tullahoma

Tennessee

Dear Maggie,

We had a very pleasant 4^th of July at Shelbeyville. The Citizens of the place gave us a very nice dinner at the Fair ground. In the morning the Stars and Stripes was raised on the top of a very large pole that was erected in the public square fronting the Court House. We was marched to town about 9 Oclock in the morning and after raising of the flag we took up our line of march as follows for the Fair groundThe Artillery 1^st Infantry 2^nd Citizens 3^rd and the 1^st Batt. 7^th Pa Cavalry Brought up the rear. After reaching the fair ground we took our positions, and then the proceedings of the day Commenced. Band playing singing Reading declarations of Independence, Speeches, And then the dinner spread along on the green grass for six to eight thousand people. We made it disappear in short order, but there was plenty of it there and some to spare. After dinner Band playing singing V.C. After that we preceeded to a large field and started to drill, we drilled for about three hours, after the Infantry and Cavalry was done drilling, the Artillery drilled for awhile. We went to camp very well pleased with our days pleasure.

On the morning of the 5^th we got marching orders and left Shelbyville about for 10 Oclock and arrived at Tullahoma about six in the evening and went into Camp along side of one of the nicest springs that I have seen since I have been in the service.

The Colonel told us to get supper and be ready to march at 8 Oclock in the evening. We left a 9 precisely on route for Allisona about 8 miles distant. The Colonel took us to the right road as he thought and told us to press a man to go with us at the first house we came to and show us the road, we traveled a long way out of the way, the Col. Put us on the rong road and we traveled until daylight before we reached Allisona, we traveled at least 25 Miles over one of the roughest roads in the Country one of our teams upset and broke the Wagon. There is 25 or 30 houses at Allisona and only 2 families living there. We went down too protect a new bridge that getting built across the Elk River. The 8^th Kentucky Infantry was guarding and helping to put it up. And it was reported that there was about 15 hundred Rebel Cavalry advancing onto it to destroy it.. And we with 2 pieces of Artillery was ordered there to their support. We laid their two days and scouted the Country around for Miles where the enemy was reported to be, but never saw nary one of them. We started back to Tullahoma on the morning of the 8^th about 10 Oclock, and got dinner at Tullahoma and started out on an expedition two hours after arriving. There was our Batt. Of Cavalry 2 pieces Artillery and part of two regiments of Infantry. We arrived at Hillsborough about 2 Oclock in the morning and made a dash into the town, but there was no Rebels there. We scouted the Country around but couldent see or hear tell of any there. About daylight we tied our horses fast and laid down in an open field and went to sleep, but as soon as the Sun arose it shone right into our faces and wakened us up and made us feel very bad. We got breakfast and then moved into the woods to encamp in the shade, but just as we was going to dismount we got orders to go to Pelham and Hobarts Cove each 15 miles distant. I Company was sent to Pelham and a nother to Hobarts Cove, and the rest was sent out scouting around the Country. We ran around the Country until six Oclock in the evening when we got to Camp pretty well tired up. We got supper and then was ordered to saddle up our horses and go back to Tullahoma. We left about half past seven and arrived at Tullahoma about 1 1/2 Oclock in the morning pretty well tired out for sleep. We unsaddled our horses and laid down and went to sleep, and slept till a nice old time and got up as fresh as young bucks. We started for Shelbyville at 2 Oclock in the afternoon and get there about 9 Oclock at night. We had a very hard tramp from Allisona to Tullahoma 8 miles, Tullahoma to Hillsborough 16 miles. Hillsborough to Pelham and back 30 miles. Hillsborough to Tullahoma 16 miles and only had about two hours sleep and that was worse than none at all, besides all the scouting we done along the road. So you can think what a nice time we had of it. we had no sooner got to Shelbyville than we was ordered back to Tullahoma with all our traps and baggage where we are still stationed. But we sent back to Shelbyville the other day and from there too Fayetteville. Company A went one way and Comp F another way. Comp. F had a man shot very bad in the side, they was fired into while passing through a ravene from the top of the mountains, they caught the man that shot Wm. O. Jones. Jones has a family living in Ashland. They thought he would die, but he is recovering very fast and I think he will get over it, his family must feel very bad. We have been cut off here below on account of the Rebels pitching into Murfresbury. I cant tell you nothing about it for you will have seen it in the papers before now. There is a power of troops coming in here every day there was two Regiments left here to day for Murfresbury, and the 5^th Kentucky Cavalry. We haven’t any news about the fight up there, we heard that the 3^rd Battalli9n was all taken prisoners. But we will have the News tomorrow the train started up today. I don’t know where we will go to yet. There is some talk of us going back to Nashville to join the Regiment. But it is only Camp talk. I think our services will be needed down the in the section of the Country where we are now. Give my respects to all inquiring friends and my kind love to yourself.

So no more at present

From Yours Affectionately

Joe

Direct as before

Write soon.

[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield, 114 Woodfern Rd., Neshanic Station, NJ 08853-4053 on January 22, 2003 from a 1978 photocopy of the original letter in the possession of Howard Steinruck]

Denning Letter #15 22^nd August 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864

Murfreesboro Tennessee

August 22^nd 1863

Dear Maggie,

I received yours dated August 7^th and was very glad to hear that you were enjoying such good health and spirits as it leaves me enjoying the same blessings. I received your letter a day of two before we left Manchester and hadent time to answer it until now. Dear Maggie I am cery sorry for writing such an answer to your letter, but I thought we had better understand each other first as last. And then there wouldent be any unpleasant feelings hereafter existing between us. But I am very glad you wrote as you felt so as we will understand each other for the future. You needent be uneasy about me taking offence for what you said. But I wrote am afraid my last letter wont meet your approval. But you mustent take any offence at what I said. For I dont wish to hurt your feelings any. But I wrote as your Questions were, rather strait to the point. I don’t suspicion as you have any other Gent in view or not. And if you have I cant blame you for I know there hasent been very much love in my letters.

So Jake Parvin is raisinf a squad of men for Wren Company, and has recruited between 40 and 50 Men. And John Krebs about the same number. I heard John Krebs men joined a Company at Schuylkill Haven, and that John wasent going. I expect there was a great time in Saint Clair when Jake Parvin’s crowd left, for they was nearly all the ladys men about town. I guess the girls will feel quite lonesome now. But they must spark the Old Married men to Keep up their spirits, but they must mind their wives don’t get jealous and give them a flogging. I am very much pleased to hear your sentiments concerning the young men that folds their arms and stays to home and lets the Country go to ruin. They aint fit to be called young men at all and ought to be Drummed out of town. The Young girls ought to ketch them and kiss them to death for being such cowards.

You wish you were a young man so you could shoulder your musket and endure the privations and hardships of a soldiers life, and the Victories and glory that must eventually fall to same. And some are shot down without their friends ever hearing anything about them, either good or bad or indifferent. You seem to be in good spirits about the war coming to an end soon. But I think the worst of the fighting is to come before long to. For it seems to me if our army was retreating farther back every day, if we keep on we will get home after while. Buell’s Army is Coming up this way. But I sincerely hope the war will come to an end and peace be restored once more so we can live in peace and harmony once more. And as you say I hope we may meet in bliss and not in sorrow. I am very much obliged to you for sending me the names of the boys that enlisted with Parvin for it is some satisfaction to know who went. And there is some I had no idea would go. Your cousin Dave is enjoying all the health vigor and patriotism a soldier is entitled to. Tell Mrs. Winn Sam is fat as a hog she would hardly know him he has grown very stout and hearty and is enjoying excellent health and spirits. She would be surprised to see him, soldiering agrees with him exceedingly well.

Soldiering agrees with anyone that is healthy and don’t expose themselves unescessarily. Tell Mrs Winn that if there is anything I can do to accommodate her I will do so with pleasure and be happy to accommodate her.

We left Manchester on the 19^th at 6 Oclock in the morning and arrived at Murfreesboro about 9 Oclock at night after a march of some 32 miles. We was delayed a little on the way by two of our wagons breaking down. This is a very beautiful town, some very nice buildings and well laid off. We are encamped very near the place where the rest of our Regt. Was captored. There is between 3 and 4 thousand troops here. We was sent out to Lebanon on the evening of the 22^nd to reconnoiter and see if there was any force in the section of the country. It was reported that Morgan was there with his force, that he had retreated from Gallitin after the fight there. But he was about 20 miles from Lebanon. We marched there and retuned right back pretty well used up. For we was out the night before on a wild goose chase and dident get back till dinner time, and went out again in the evening at 7 Oclock and dident get back till the next day about 1 Oclock in the afternoon. It is about 30 miles to Lebanon from here and there and back would make 60, besides the Knocking around the night before till dinner time. So you can imagine how we felt, sitting in the saddle in the sun and dust dodging from one side to the other. It is laughable for to see a lot of Cavalry going along on a long march when they are pretty well worn out. You will see nearly all of them sleeping going along as unconcerned as if they was in bed, sometimes the horses will make a stumble, and they will wake up like a shot. The least excitement and they are wide awake and wont feel the least bit sleepy, but as soon as the excitement is over they are dodging away again. The other night one of the boys Carbines went off accidentally in the ranks. And it would have done you good to see the way they all had their guns ready, and felt as if they had been asleep for a week, but as soon as all was quiet, dodge away again.

I expect you have seen in the papers the fight that was at Gallatin the other day, there was some of our Regt. In it. I expect you will see all about it before this reaches you. The other two Battalions are nearly all Captored Killed discharged or wounded. I don’t think they can muster 2 hundred effective men in both Battalions. We have 317 Officers and Enlisted men in our Battalion. But I guess our turn will come one of these fine days when we least expect it. But if we are apprised of them coming, they wont have an easy prey to deal with. They will have to lick us before they can say they did, and that well to. For I don’t believe in giving up as long as there is any show at all. Give my regards to all my inquiring friends. And my Kind love to yourself.

So no more at present hoping to hear from you soon if satisfactory to your wishes, if not, I wish you would inform me. Give my respects to Mrs. Wagner.

Joe

To Miss Maggie

Direct Murfreesboro

Denning Letter #16 1^st October 1862

Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864

Camp Near Elizabethtown, Ky

October 1^st 1862

Dear Maggie,

I take the most favourable opportunity of addressing a few lines to you hoping to find you enjoying the same blessing. I wrote to you when we cam to Bowling Green giving you all the particulars up to the time that we left there, but it is rather doubtful whether you received it, for Communication has been cut of since. We have had quite an exciteable time since. We have been knocked and run around so mush that I cant give my account of our marches but I will try and give you a little insite into our transactions for the last couple of weeks and have you judge for yourself. We have been attached to several Brigades and Divisions since, but it only seems that we are hangers on at present for we are everywhere and no particular place at any time. We was the rear guard of Genl. McCook’s Division coming from Bowling Green to Cave City, we got to Cave City about eleven oclock at night, where the army halted, for we had ketched up to the Rebel Army and had to advance with a little Caution. The next morning we was ordered to the advance of the whole Army and marched to a small place called Barnwalla where the roads branched off when we halted. And sent out scouting parties and succeeded in Captoring Several prisoners and had a small brush with the enemy.. But we had to fall back onto our reserve. We had one horse shot through the neck. The men escaped uninjured, we got about 30 prisoners and 1 team and several horses. The Cavalry was about 3 miles in advance of the Infantry and Artillery. Next morning Scouting parties were sent out in different directions and Company D happened to be the unlucky Company. They came in site of the Rebel pickets and made a charge onto them and put them to flight but they dident chase them very far for the cornfields and fence Corners were lined with rebels drawn up in line ready to receive our men. They fired into our men Killing one man by the name of Artman and wounding several horses. Our men returned the fire killing two of the Rebels and wounding 3. Our men fell back a little and formed line of battle, And the Rebels also formed line of battle expecting us to attack them. Reinforcements was sent out but neither party was eager for bringing on a contest. For we dare not attack them for they was tne to one, but if they would have attacked us we would have showed them fight. The other Companys was sent out on the other roads and were more successful, they succeeded in bringing in quite a number of prisoners till dinner time. When they was sent out in the afternoon and was very successful. Company F was the most lucky Company. They happened to fall in with part of Genl. Bragg’s staff and succeeded in Captoring quite a number of Officers and Soldiers. The Rebels never dreamt of us being in that section of the Country and Came stragling along very unconcerned never thinking about the Yankees. The people through here are nearly all the right stripe, they try and give you all the news they can. They told the boys to hurry up and they would overtake the Rebels baggage train and several officers. The boys put spurs to their horses and soon came in site of the Game. As soon as our boys Came in site of them they Started to yell and hollow like Indians and the road being very dusty the Rebels thought the Old Boy was Coming, they was half skeered to death and prayed for our fellows not to fire. There was a house raising there And the rebels stoped to look in a little. And the people that was raising the house had quite a stock of the Creature, and the Rebels took a drink all around and wasent in a very big hurry for they dident think there was any danger. You can imagine they was pretty well skeered when one man captored five of them. We got belonging to Genl. Bragg’s Staff, 1 Colonel, 1 Major, 1 Doctor, 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant and six or eight of their baggage train and baggage besides about thrity men that were guarding the wagons. Captored a great many straglers besides. Our men shot one man that fired his gun and wouldent halt but they hadent time to stop to see whether they had killed him or not, for we was very near the Rebels pickets and about 8 miles from our own Camp. And only about 40 men and as many prisoners to take care of, so that we had to get at a double quick. The Couple of days that we lay there we Captored about one hundred prisoners. The Rebels are a miserable looking set of men. They have such poor clothing that it makes them look awfully hard. They have two wagons to a Regiment and don’t Cary<