Civil War Letters and Miscellaneous
Records of
Joseph Denning
Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield,
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
Letters of Joseph Denning 1861-1863 to Margaret Ann Evans
Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield
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
Joseph H, Dennings
Direct
Care Capt. Siebert
Colonel Wynkoops Regt
Write soon and lets hear how the people are getting along.
Denning Letters 1861-1861
Denning Letters #2
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
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863
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
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)
(Crossed out)7th Regt Pa V, Colonel
(Crossed out) (Looks like-Hbg ??? 7th Cavalry
In care of capt Newlin,
Direct Joseph H Dennings
Care Capt. Newlin
Wyncoops Regt
Pa
You must excuse my poor writing, and write soon, Give my regards to Mrs. Wagner
Denning Letters #4
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863
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
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
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
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
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 7th Penns. Cavalry
In care Col Wynkoops
Denning Letters #6
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863
J.H.D.
January 13th/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
There is two regiment here that came from
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,
Denning Letters #5
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863
(Graphic of Mounted
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 1st 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,
Denning Letters #7
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863
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
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
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
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
7th
Direct that way and then the letter will be forwarded to where the Regiment will go.
Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield,
Denning Letters #8
Joseph Denning Letters 1816-1863
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
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
From yours affectionately,
Joe,
Joseph H. Dennings
To Miss Maggie E.
Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #9
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863
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
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,
Denning Letter #10 23 May 1862
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863
Dear Mag,
I will give
you an account of our last trip down to
We left our old camp on the 10th and got back on the morning of the 20th 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
1st Batt 7th Pa Cavalry
[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #11
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
Dear Maggie,
We left
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,
Denning Letter #12
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
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,
Dear Maggie,
You are
aware that our communication was cut off at
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
Joe
Direct
[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #13
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
Camp At
Dear Maggie,
I take the pleasure of addressing a few lines to you. I received your letter dated the 26th 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,
Denning Letter #14 Undated
Joseph Denning Letters Undated
[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]
Dear Maggie,
We had a very pleasant 4th 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 1st
Infantry 2nd Citizens 3rd and the 1st Batt. 7th
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
On the
morning of the 5th we got marching orders and left Shelbyville about
for 10 Oclock and arrived at
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
So no more at present
From Yours Affectionately
Joe
Direct as before
Write soon.
[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #15
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
Dear Maggie,
I received
yours dated August 7th 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
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
I expect
you have seen in the papers the fight that was at
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
Denning Letter #16
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
Camp Near
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
Joe. To Miss Maggie Evans
Denning Letter #17
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
Camp Near
Dear Maggie,
I take the
pleasure of addressing a few lines to you hoping to find you in good health and
spirits as it leaves me enjoying the same blessing. It is some time since I
heard from you, I think you must have forgotten me entirely, or else I would
have heard from you ere this. Maybe you are Corresponding with some other Gent
and haven’t time to keep up the Communication between us so regular, it such is
the case I must excuse you this time. To change the subject I will give you a
little account of our late proceedings since I last wrote to you and went to
Pain lick Bridge Our teams went to
{a small piece of paper as follows may or may not go with this letter.
P.S. The mail is going off this morning and I haven’t time
to finish this letter but I will do so in the next. We are at
Direct
My kind love all all inquiring friends and my love to your self. So more at present, yours affect-----
[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #18
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
“””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
Dear Maggie,
Your very
kind and wellcome letters of October 12th, 21st & Nov
15th came duly to hand and was welcome received. I was much rejoiced
to hear of your welfare and hope that it will contunie through life. It has
been so long since I res’d a mail that I was quite overwhelmed with joy, for we
all felt like lost sheep upon the mountain. But since we have received a mail
and heard from home we aint like the same Soldier boys, You wouldent believe
what a difference it makes in a person. You say you like long letters, but you
are corresponding with a Young Gentleman that aint much of a letter writer. He
often times writes very lengthy epistles, but there is very little in them to
interest the person that peruse them, but he tries to make them as welcome and
interesting as circumstances will permit. I will answer your letters this time
and in my next I will give you a small description of our proceeding in my next
letter. I would have written to you sooner, but I have been Kept so much
engaged that it was impossible for me to respond to you at an earlier
opportunity. I hope you will forgive me for not being more punctual. But I am
placed in a very confined position when we get into Camp for a few days. For it
is very seldom that we are stationed at one place more than a day or two at a
time, and then we have the whole business of two or three weeks to straighten
up in thosecouple of days. And you can imagine we have had a busy time of it
while we are at it. It is now after 10 oclock at night, every one but the
guards has retired for the night. I must change the subject or you’ll think I
have got to be a Preacher on Military affairs. Miss Mag, I think you are
flattering me when you say that my letters were so dear and interesting when in
my estimation they were quite the Contrary. But they may not appear the same in
my eye as in yourn. I only wish that your wish was reality in regard to my
being at home, But I sincerely hope that the day aint far distant when our
wishes can be realized. But it don’t do for a Soldier to long for that loved
place Called Home. For that is the great trouble with about one third of our
Army. Home fever is the worst enemy that we have got to encounter. A Man that
will give himself up to thinking and longing for home, wont be very long before
he will be an occupant of some Hospital. And then he had better be at home than
be an expence on the Government. If he was at home he would be of benefit to
his family or friends. You say I dident say whether I was well or not. When I
get sick I will let you know all about it. The only fever that I am afraid of
getting is the Love fever for it rages very severely in some parts of this
climate. The other day I came as near catching it as rolling off a log. There
was a nice young Lady standing standing at the Gate watching us pass, and She
looked so bewitching and charming that I couldent resist the temptation of
exchanging a few words with her. So I rode out of Ranks and Saluted her with
one of my charming smiles and how do you do Miss. She returned a reply so
complimentary that I took advantage of the opportunity of her free and innocent
reply, and made myself quite old friends. Just ehn her mother came towards us
and I reached out my hand and said Mother hope your well, quite well my son,
releasing my hand. Well to cut a long story short. I asked Mother for her
daughter, Mother said yes, she was proud for her daughter to get such a
noble looking youth. So says me darling a Kiss to bind the bargain, So I gave
her a loving kiss with the understanding that she was not to get married until
the War was over, and then shook hands warmly with the old lady, and rode of
promising to pay a visit providing we encamped near at hand. But as luck would
have it we traveled until near
I have seen
Wm McCarty’s wife some time ago she is a very good looking young woman. I am
acquainted with her Father, he used to live in
Miss Mag, I
feel quite sorry for asking you whether you was married or not, but I thought
you wouldent take it amiss being as it was from a person you know. But I guess
it dident displease you very much. You think I would like to hear of you being
married, Well I would providing you would get a suitable Husband. For I would like
to see you happily married for I think you would make a very good wife
providing you would get the right kind of a man. You mustent take offence at
what I say concerning my remarks in regard to you making a good wife. But you
say that you are going to wait until the war is over and your man comes home.
Indeed I wasent aware that you had a “Lover” in the Army. But nothing is
uncertain now days. Well I will have to stop all jokes this time. I am very
sorry to hear of the death of Grandmother, but she is much better off in that
world where they know no grief or trouble. It becomes my painfull duty to
inform you that Samuel Dunlap died in the Hospital at
Give my Kind Love to all inquiring friends and my kindest love to yourself,
Hoping to hear from you soon again,
Joe
[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #19
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
Continued
Dear Maggie, I now
improve the opportunity of finishing my unfinished letter which I sent to you
this morning. You say there is rebesl in
We cant expect to be victorious in every angagement. We must look for reverses as well victories. For there is just as good men in the Rebel Army as there is in the Federal Army. For they are all of the Same blood, with one exception, and that is this, there is a slight mixture amongst a great many of the Southern people of African blood. You will see some that are very hard to distinguish what they are. I don’t think I would like to raise a family amongst a lot of darkies Squeaking and bawling around the premises, but if it wasent for the darkies in the South here These Southern people would Starve to death.
That news about Bill Creager astonishes me exceeding much for I never suspected any such transactions as that from Mr. Creager. For I have know him for several years and always took him to be a very nice Gentleman. But this is a very deceptive world that we live in, and is getting worse every day. That was a very serious affair if it is true, but I hope there is no truth in it. Still I don’t see how he escaped them as well as he did.
Why I had no idea that the opposite party was so much opposed to our men for speaking their sentiments. If the dident like it they ought to have got out of heaving distance and shown there good sence and manners by not interrupting a public Speech. But you cant expect nothing more than a grunt from a hog. And it shows there ignorance if nothing else. Mag be careful you don’t hurt anyone when you get one of those desperate Fits upon you. For I would be very sorry to hear of you crippling a poor fellow being for life. But I hope you will do nothing serious until the War is over. The people seem determined to keep up the marriage fever at home, and it is well they do or our stock might soon run out. So many young and noble Youths dying and getting killed in the Service every day. I am only sory that I dident tie my self to some nice young lady several years ago. For if I would have got married when I was 18 years of age I would have several Young soldiers by this time. But there is a great mistake in getting married, two thirds that marry, marry just for the sake of getting married they never think of the future only when it is too late and that is what makes so many unhapy and miserable families. And the other third marries for true love and they live happy and lovingly through life. That is providing one or the other don’t marry above there spere or positions. That Boy Joe Dennings aint so bashfull as some people think hes is. I don’t think you are very well acquainted with him or else you couldent talk in that Style about him, for he has cheek enough for a whole Company when it comes to his task, but he generally mixes sufficient prudence with his cheek to make it both sociable and passible in the presence of the weaker sex. Who could blame him for tendering relief to a Nice Young lady that was in misery, especially when he had the remedy to give her relief. I think I carried my last letter to the post my self, for I am post master and everything else for the last three months. Who ever opened it dident make a fortune out of it, and all the contents of it wouldn’t make there fortune. There is no possible chance of getting home for the distance is too great. But if anyone gets a chance I think I will be one of the number.
I don’t know how the cold weather would agree with me if I was there, I think I would need a bed fellow to keep me warm at night, for we have got to double to keep warm down here, And I don’t know of Any one who could take a liking to me for a bed fellow. But I hope the War will soon be settled so as we can live in harmony and peace once more.
I am sorry to hear of the death of John Farne for he was a very nice young boy, his parents must take it very hard for he was just coming into Manhood. Also Edward McCabe his Mother will go nearly crazy on his account. But we must look for such things in time of War for that is part of its horror. We cant all expect to return safe home again. There is some that will have to bite the dust. And there will be many fond friends to mourn their loss.
I am glad to hear that you were so well pleased with Mr. Jones sermon in Sunday and agree with him in regard to the Honer of the soldiers. I think if you were a man you could make a very patriotick Soldier. When I heard that John Davis & Will Atkison had gone to War I said that they were poor subjects for soldiers. I don’t see what use there is in Will Atkison going again for he aint robust enough to stand the hardships of a soldiers life. I am very sorry there will be no one left home to take you girls sleighing. I guess some of Curtins picknick Men will be left to attend to the business, if there aint you will have to go it alone.
[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #20
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
From, Head Quarters, 1st Batt 7th Penna Cav
Dear Maggie,
I received
you very welcome and interesting letter yesterday, And I now improve the
present opportunity of answering it. Hoping to find you in good health and
Spirits as it leaves me in the enjoyment of the Same great bessing [sic]. Your
very kind letter found me in very good Spirits, But not in ardent spirits. I
had almost gave up looking for a letter from you, for it has been so long since
I heard from you, that I thought that you had forgotten me entirely. But I find
there is one Spark of love or friendship yet left within your bosom. I had
almost came to the conclusion that it had all vanished, but I am very happy
that I am disappointed for once. You speak of provision and clothing being such
an enormous price, and nothing but shin plasters going. You ought to be very
thankfull that you are not in this Section of the Country, where there is no
employment of any kind at all, And things are about three prices. The little
time that the Communication was cut of from
And from present indication I think that the Southern
Confederacy cant long have place in history, for Starvation and famine are fast
staring them in the face. And by taking everything into consideration I cant
see how they can much longer
We have had a small fall of snow lately but it never amounts to anything in this section of the Country. Unless to make it very disagreeable and unpleasant under foot. One day it snowed two, three or four inches and next day the Sun comes out and makes it disappear like chaff before the wind. I don’t like this climate quite as well as the North. For it aint so healthy or pleasant as the North, for there in the North the weather is more regular, not so changeable. Which makes it more healthy and pleasanter than some parts of the South. I sincerely hope that you may enjoy and entertain yourself through the Sleighin season this Winter. And hope that you may have a Gallant gallant, So that you can enjoy yourself pleasantly, until the return of some of the Soldiers boys. Christmas will soon be here, And the majority of the young ladys lovers are away from home battling with the enemys of their Country, Which will deprive them of a Christmas Kiss, but they must be resigned to their fate. But I hope you may have a happy Christmas and a merry New Year. Something that I think I will be deprived of this Year of our Lord. But I hope the future will be more the merrier. I would like very well to be home on Christmas night to accompany you to the Exhibition, I think that we would have a pleasant time of it, but we must be resigned to our fate. I am very proud to hear that you spent Thanksgiving day in such a Christmas way in giving prayers for the brave defenders of our country. You must be very careful how you speak in regard to the Bee hive, or else if Annie or Jane hears you, you will be called to account and may have to fight a duel with your fingers nails. For they are both very spunky girls, and would fight like tigresses.
I am very sory to hear of the death of Mr. Mateer for he was a very good and worthy citizen, and his family will feel the loss far more that the community.
Indeed that was a very melancholy and sad affair that happened. The young vaigrant or rascal ought to be severely punished. The young rascals should not be permitted to have firearms, until they are old enough to know how to use them, for there is no telling what the young rascals will do. You say Bill Sigler was acquitted without a trail. I was under the impression that is was Bill Creager. I was astonished when I heard of it, for I knew Bill Creager for years, and always had a good opinion of him. Sigler I am not acquainted with as I know of. I may have seen him, but nothing more.
I was astonished the other day when I got hold of the Miners Journal and saw the Marriage Notices, and saw that of Miss Hughes for that was something I never dreamed of, but I wish her luck. And think that she is a very nice young woman, and will make a good wife for some poor man. And hope that she may have a poor womans luck. A good husband and a house full of children.
I think if you young fols keep going on with the Marriage fever the way that you have of late, there will be no possible show or chance for the Soldiers on their return home. They will have to Start and stir up all the old maids and get them into Matrimony.
My “lady love” lives rather to far away for me to pay her a
visit at present, for the Country is swarming with bush whackers, and it is
rather a difficult matter to get outside of the pickets, only when you are
going in some scout. But I generally try and make love to some young lady or
another wherever we stop or go. I am like the sailor in every port a lass. I am
about making love to a
Mrs Foster dident make a very long stay of it in St Clair
this last time. I think you people dident treat her right, or else she wouldent
have been in such a hurry to go back to
Give Lottie Brick My Kind Regards. Also Mrs Wagner and the rest of the Evans family.
We left Camp on the morning of the 11th provided
with three days cooked rations in haversacks. We took up our line of march at
daylight towards
Genl. Stanley said he never saw Cavalry drive an enemy so
fast in his life before. He said he was astonished the way we advanced so fast
against the enemy. After feeding we all moved onto this by road about 3 miles
and encamped over night. We wnet up to the advance to the remainder of our
Regt. When we was ordered back to guard the readr again. We spent a very
disagreeable night of it. For when we was ordered back to the rear, we was told
that we would only remain about half an hour, and dident make any arrangements
at all for sleep. I made a fire in the gutter and then got a wide fence rail
and lay across the gutter a side of the fire and soon fell asleep, without any
covering at all only me overcoat. I was awakened by the fire, for one of the
boys had piled a lot of rails on the fire, and when I awakened I was nearly
wasted by the heat of the fire. We left next morning a little before daylight
and had six miles to go to
The old 7th Charged brilliantly through the town scattering the Rebels in every direction. But the Rebels loss would have been much greater iof the 1st Batt. Had been there in time. But there might have been some dead Pennsylvanians. The 2nd & 3rd Batt. Are not very well disciplined. They aint so used to the bullets whistling past their ears as the first is. We are accounted the best disciplined Cavalry in this department by every officer that has reviewed or seen us drill.
The balance of the Cavalry od this department envys us. And dislikes us very much. But they have to own up that we are the best disciplined, and fight like devils when there is an opportunity and fear nothing.
We had two
horses shot, was the only damage done. We went fdown the
We might have captored nearly the whole party of Rebels at
There was two Companys of the 4th
Joe,
[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #21
Joseph Denning Letter 1861-1865
Mr. Joseph H Denning
Dear Sir i should
have Write to you before now But as i did not know where you was or in what
Regt. Until lately i got your Address. i should Like you to Wright to me on
Receiving this letter. at the time you Left with the Armey from
May God Spare your Life
Yours Respectfully
From your uncle
John L. Smith
Direct John L. Smith
Simsons
Row
[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Head
Quarters of the Rgt.
Sergt. Maj Joseph Dennings
Dr Sr
With extreme pleasure I again
resume my pen in order to address you as you informed Sergt. [
[Page 2]
Moreover we are So highly
[fancied] as to have the privilage of enjoying the company of Mrs Warfield and
family. May the Saints have mercy upon poor [2nd Lieut. James H. B.]
Warfield [Co. L] he looks quite blue beneath the eyes. He is under arrest and
is awaiting his court martial. His pay was nullus and when his wife came she
took charge of his papers and went to Gen Stanleys got him approved and has
started for
I suppose it is useless for me to try to give you the particulars about our last scouts which no doubt Sergt Boon and [Michael] Breckbill [Co. D] have given you at full detail and would not be much surprised if they exaggerated some what. I wish you could have been along the charges were brilliant- exciting and successful. The second charge made at River was led by Capt. C[harles]. C. Davis the bold brig could not ride fast enough and consequently was compelled to fall out. (So it is said however in my poor estimation there was not much compulsion more of a free will and anxious to do so. He has tendered his resignation weather he can succeed or not I am unable to say. I think he would do for Infantry where they tread slow for he is with out doubt a poor order.
[Page 3]
March 17th Gen
Rosecrans inspected the Cavalry and as usual the 7th formed the
right. As he came along he says- is that the old Seventh. The Regt made a fine
appearance new clothing arms in good condition and the majority of the horses
were lately drawn. And when the column moved the horses became restless and
pranced along as if proud of their riders. Without bragging of our own
appearance the boys of the 7th Cav [weigh] a horse a little better
than any cavalry Regt in the field, especially the 1st Batt. Everytime a fight is apprehended the boys
rush for Long John [John E. Wynkoop] (as they call the Maj for short) if he
were here to lead us we charge the gates of hell such remarks as those are
common among the boys when out on the field how soon can you expect to come
back to the Regiment and how do you get along with the fair sex; is the touch
gentle and soft-does she whisper that into your ear which in spite of all manly
resolutions make your knees knock together and your face turn crimson, beware Jose
that they do not sink the irristable fangs into you. I learn that David Price
[1st Sgt.,
[Page 4]
John S Cole [Chief Bugler of
regiment] requested me to inform you that he is well and wishes to be
remembered to the Maj. When you are making some of your
I have the honor to be very respectfully you obt servt.
U. C. Hartranft
Joseph Dennings
Sergt Maj
Denning Letter #22 13th April (1863)
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
April 13th (probably 1863)
(Graphic of man in frontier garb who is clearly a soldier with a woodsmen’s rifle with a woman in a hooped skirt standing in a glade with an older couple sitting on a log. A conestoga wagon is in the background as is a large old farmhouse. The legend reads “We hope to meet again”]
old friend’
I wright to inform you that I am well and that I received yours at about this 7 and was glad to hear from you. You say that you can not geat them books I named,. I want you to teach me sum books of that still. I don’t care wat is the naim of the books as long as they are theater books for I want them of sum knod to prove a argument that me and sum of the boss have had.
Say old fellow you don’t try to see if the yars my men will list but you ar all the time trinethe younf ladies mind if I can not see upon you I can hear wat you ar doing. I have heard that you ar going to geat married to a young lady in St. Clair. It beats me out that every young man go home to recruit for Unkill sam geats married. You did not tell me wether Penter kely is going to get married as no I think he must be after the gals im stid of the boys.
Say old laid you mist all the fun. Thar was a divel of a sprey in camp on count of Captain Davis. Davis been premoted to mager, thar was a gentel mans wife in camp and she said that she was from PA pa and she up and drink with all the officers of the F seventh Cavalry, it was agtent Warfeels wife she drinked to much that night she was not sober.
The boys is all out towards franklin now. They have sum fighting to down thar.
Joe you wond not beleav the reports that is fliing hear every dayu the rebels is coming to attack us and then the orders is to be in readiness to fall back at any moment. The enmy is trublin over pickets every day or near and every time we go out searchin. We have to drive then a head of us but thay wild show fight avery half mile. With us Dave Rees is out on this count Dave Price is hear and William Thomas and Peat Clark and Martin Cann---
Denning Letter #23
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
Hd Qrt. 7 Regt Penna Cav
Dear Dennings
Your more than kind communication arrived yesterday. I was on picket at the time, consequently I did not get it until today, and my promptness in replying, must assure you of the pleasure and satisfaction in which yours is received.
We have changed our Camp. We are now located on one of the most beautiful spots in all nature- and in musing over the beauties that is presented to our view, so profusely lavished upon us by dame Nature, we are lost and ready to exclaim, peace is again in its reign-joy and happiness has taken place of the iron monster war-all seems like a dream.
But those pleasant musings are the idle fancies of the moment – on raising the head your eye is brought to bear upon the numerous inhabitants of the Soldier – that dot this beautiful green sword – and the long lines of sore backed horses with all the necessary implements of war hanging around and about you. Arranged in military array – and thusbrought back to realize the fact in which we in reality exist – we are ready to exclaim, that it was but a dream – As all those military arrangements – and the stern greetings of our superiors in command are no idle fancies.
War is upon us in all its horrors and desolating tread – and perhaps before this is finished, the booming of the Cannon, and the rattling of musketry may be heard – the groans of the dying and the shrieks of the wounded, As a natural consequence must accompany the same, for such is war.
Well Joe – I hardly know what to write, to most interest you – from the fact, there is nothing doing – but watching the Moovements of the Enemy which, by the way, Keeps the Cavalry busy – as you are able to testify from sad experience – The pickets on the different roads leading from Murfreesboro have become quite friendly – the have ceased firing on each other by mutual agreement – on the Shelbyville Pike our pickets are in sight of each other about three hundred yards apart, they come together erry day and echange papers, yesterday I went out to the outpost called to them to come down and exchange news – three of them started at once – came down and shook hands – talked about an hours they said their Regiment had been on picket about a month. That they had strict orders not to fire on us, so long as we were on our posts and wanted me to tell the boys that relieved us that they should not fire on them &c. They belonged to the fifteenth regulars –
I got a letter from Maj some time ago stating that he would do all that lay in his power for me for which I feel verry grateful, in his bestowing such kindness – The Captain is verry confident that Rank will be commissioned, also he (Rank) feels verry confident of the same, he has already taken quarters with the Capt.
I wrote to
the Colonel – at the same time I last wrote to the Maj. I also wrote to
The Capt. And myself seldom speaks – only as business may require – he shuns me in all instances, well he knows his treatment has been far from gentlemanly towards me, but let him do his best, all the officers in the Regiment are perfectly horror struck in the Manner he has proceeded – they have come to me one after another, asking what they could do for me &c.
My health is much better than it was when I last wrote you – I am again on duty – my fundament is like a tortoise – it has drawn its head in – let me hear from you again soon and believe me as Ever your Friend
C.W. Boon
You never say a word about coming back, are you agoing to remain there forever – wind up your business – I am anxious to take you by the hand, and welcome you in the field – My Kind regards to the Maj. Good Knight
Boon
[Transcribed by john J Amtsfield,
Camp
Near
Col. Geo C. Wynkoop
Sir.
Orderly
sergt. Joseph Dennings of my company [unknown] to me for a certificate of his
rank, date of appointment &c. Sergt Dennings tells me too that Sergt
Vandusen has been commissioned over his head and on my recommendation; in which
of course he is mistaken as I have recommended no one and could not recommend
anyone but Sergt. Dennings in my company notwithstanding any friendship for
Sergt. Vandusen! and [word cut off bnut could be then] Col. Sipes tells me that
he has just received a letter from you stating that you had sent Sergt Dennings
name to the Governor to be commissioned. Joseph Dennings was appointed 1st
Sergt. Of
Respectfully Your Obt Servt
Heber S. Thompson
1st
Lt Commanding
7th PA. Cav
Col. George C. Wynkoop
7th Penna Cav
Pa
Transcribed (December 26, 2002) by John J. Amtsfield from a
copy of a letter filed at the Historical Society of Schuylkill County,
Denning Letter #24 27 May 1863
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1864
Head Qtrs. Cavalry Forces
Camp near Clear Spring
Dear Joe.
I write in haste. If you will accept I will be able give you a 1st Lieutenancy in one of my companies. I am satisfied that a transfer is not necessary. By being commissioned as Lt. would muster you out of the 7th. If you desire it, write or come on at onc, and I will send your name into the Gov. for Commission.
See Serg. Kelly and tell him that I perhaps will be able to give him a Commission also, whether he will accept. Both of you had better come down if you can. You can call upon the Gov. or Adjt. Genl. And they will explane to you that there is no necessity of a transfer, You will be prompt in reporting in person or at once by letter.
Tell Lt. Jones to get authority from the Gov. to raise a Company for my Regt. He will have no difficulty in getting the power as I want one or two companies to fill up. As I have sent home some of the Emergency Companies.
Direct Yours very truly
Via
Comd. Brigd.
[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #30 September 22, 1863
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1865
Dear Mag
I write in
haste. We have just returned from the front. I joined the Regiment on the 19th
some 10 miles south of
We was the advance on our left flank yesterday when the
Rebels advanced in force and tried to flank us, when a sever battle took place
and the Rebels was repulsed with great loss. Capt. May of our Regt. Was shot
dead on the spot. They advanced this morning and we fell back to
The names of the men killed in our Company were John Ward and Oliver Brennan. Wounded Jack Williams from Ravensdale slightly in the right shoulder, flesh wound Dan Ring from West Wood slightly. Dan Cinch slightly and George M. Boyer slightly.
We arrived here safe and sound and have had several pops at
the Rebs. You must excuse short letter third time. As I had to borrow the
paper. Our teams are now across the River (either in
I remain your loving husband
Tell our folks that I haven’t time to write. We are
dismounted laying in line expecting orders to move out every minute. And I took
advantage of writing a few lines to you. Write soon. Direct
[Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #31 Partial October 1863
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1863
[The portions of the letter transcribed include pages 5-24, the remainder of the letter is not apparent.
….other obstacles. Company I or McAlister had got of the
road about one hundred yards in the thick woods and into a big pond of water,
and every time they would try to get out they would get on the pond of water.
When we came along then one of them halted us, and we thought it was a picket
until they told us they was lost. We hollered and waited until they got out on
the road when we started on again, And I had a difficult time in crossing the
creek. We arrived at Camp at
Oct 2nd. We dried our clothes through the night
and had a few hours sleep. Fine morning, Sun Shining beautiful. Had Coffee and
potatoes for Breakfast. And found out which way the Regt had left and started
out in fine suit at
Oct 3rd.
Left Camp at daylight on the Rebels track up the
October 4th.
The rest of the troops moved out at daylight in the morning and Comp. H
of our Regt was on picket, when 2 Rebels dressed in our uniform rode up to our
2 pickets on the outposts, and our men halted them and then they asked our boys
what they were doing and they told them they was on picket. When each of the
Rebels drew a revolver from under their overcoats and fired into our men
killing one of our men by the name of Jospeh Smith instantly. His partner then
pulled up and shot the Rebel that shot Smith and the other one took leg bail
back to where his comrades were dressed in our uniforms, there was about a
dozen of them in our dress. The news came in to us and we started out in
pursuit some 2 miles but they had fled, and we returned and went on our journey
after burying Smith in a grave yard close by and marking his name Comp and
Regt. On his head board. Our boys swore vengeance on every man they caught in
our uniforms. The Rebels captured a great deal of our uniforms and put it on.
They took McMinnville there only being some 5 or 6 hundred troops there without
any resistance at all. And destroyed everything in the town, burning all
Government Stores, and Robing all the Stores belonging to the Citizens. Besides
robing the Sick and wounded in the Hospitals. They tok everything the sick and
wounded had to eat. They ruined every business man in town, and broke up things
generally. Every man nearly had some of our clothes upon them, and every man
that was taken with any of our Clothes upon him was stirped of it and made to
go along without any pants, Blouses or Jackets upon them. It was well we hadent
the advance or a great many of them would never have been taken prisoners. For
some of them had to be stoped from doing something rash after the Rebels had accomplished
there work at McMinnville just before we caught up to them. We came upon there
rear some 5 miles from McMinnville and drove them back some 2 miles, and
darkness coming on we was compelled to give the chase up for the night. We went
into camp at
Tuesday 6th 1863. Left all unwell and Sick
Soldiers back at
Wednesday 7th 1863. Wilders Brigade had the
advance and moved out at daylight with the other Brigade of our Division.
General Mitchels Division took another route for the purpose of heading the
Rebels off. We lay in Camp until one oclock and in the meantime sent all sick
and unwell men back to
If we would have been up there would have been a different
tale for to tell. For we have five Regiments in our Brigade and two of them
number nearly as much as some Brigades do. The Rebels fought desperately and
very determined but was forced to skedaddle with heavy loss. Darkness coming on
we was compelled to give the chase up. The Rebel loss, as near as can be
estimated, was 150 Killed and wounded. Some 14 commisionsed officers and 240
Enlisted men taken prisoners. Besides capturing 3 pieces of Artillery and
dismounting one. Our loss as near as can be ascertained was between 40 and 50
Killed and wounded. The enemys Cavalry charged into Wilders Mounted Infantry
and were mowed down like grass. There is no end to the firing of those seven
and sixteen shooters, they are always ready. Distance traveled miles. Distance from Mufreesboro to
Shelbyville 25 miles. Shelbyville to
Thursday 8th 1863.
Monday 12th. Left Camp at daylight on the
Hunstville pike and got into
Tuesday, 13th. Went to join our Regt. In the
morning son after daylight, but they had left Camp for Maysville, overtook them
2 miles from
And all of there bravado vanished as soon as they heard the
Yankees were coming, some of them had been very boisterous and bold a few
minutes before. The Rebel Rody reported in the neighborhood with some 8 hundred
men being cut off from Wheelers Command. A Scout being ordered all sick and
unwell Men and unserviceable horses were picked out and sent back to Deckerts
Station. Started on scout and took a circuitous route and scourerd the Country
for Miles without meeting any body of Rebels. Tood a few straglers through the
course of the day. Passed through and encamped 2 miles from Meridianville on
the Pulaski Mud road. Went into Camp at
Wednesday 14th 1863. Left Camp at day light and
came back onto the main pike and proceeded some 4 miles towards Shelbyville
when we took a mud road that turned to our right which led to
Thursday 15th. Left Camp at daylight for
Friday 16th. Fine Morning. Sent out along the
river some 2 miles and brought in a lot of flour from a Mill and got some of
the Colored folks to bake binskits out of it. Balance of our forces came up and
about 12 N. and encamped one mile other side of the town. Removed Camp to where
the balance of our Brigade was at
Saturday 17th. Fixed up quarters as comfortable as possible with the probability of remaining here for some time to come. So as to give our horses a little chance to recruit up, one Company for Picket & one for forage. Weather fine lay in Camp all day.
Sunday 18th. That Blessed day of rest, set apart
from all the rest for the poor Sinners to return there thanks to the Allmighty.
But rest there is none for the poor Soldier, for he don’t know half the time
the time when it comes, for every day is alike to him. A Scout ordered out, one
Company from each Regt in the Brigade Making 5 Companies in all under the
Command of the Major of the 5th
[Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #32
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1865
Camp Near Maysville
My Dear Wife.
It is with pleasure that I improve the favourable opportunity of addressing a few lines for your personal and passtime. I had expected for to have received a letter from you ere this, but am doomed to disappointment. I was out on picket, and was relieved yesterday evening, and was expecting a letter for sure when I came in, being as we had received a mail, but nary letter did I get. I have only received three letters from you since I have been away, and almost begin for to think that you have forgotten me almost entirely. I have written quite a number to you, and always try and write as often as circumstances will permit. We are Right constantly engaged in trying to fix up our accounts for the last few months, which we haven’t had an opportunity for to do heretofore, on account of being on the move all the time. Our Regiment are all out on a three days Scout with the exception of those that were out on picket, Guarding train, and some that are dismounted. I happened to be on picket and hadent the pleasure of going along, if there is any pleasure in it at all. But I have the pleasure of communicating a few lines to you, which, I sincerely hope will meet with your Kind favour and approval. For if you feel as I do, I know that my few lines will be very acceptable, if they are not very interesting. For I love to hear from you as often as possible, every day if it could be arranged and wasent to much trouble and inconvenience. But twice a week at Least if Mrs. Denning and Kind Providence will permit.
I promised you in my last to give an account of our doings &c. But I hardly know where to begin, for it is so long that I have nearly forgotten all of our doings, on account of being so busily engaged, that is forgotten the dates, but not the particulars of the Scouts and Marches.
I think I
gave you all of the particulars up to the 26th of October inclusive.
Tuesday October 27th/63 Lay in Camp. Usual detail with the exception
of a Scout ordered out at six oclock in the morning under the command of Major
Jennings with about 80 to 100 of our Regiment. They took out in the direction
of
Wednesday 28th 1863. Lay in Camp. Usual detail.
Scouting party returned at
They
captured a wagon loaded with Clothing and other articles of wearing apparel
that were going to some Rebel Soldiers across the
Friday 30th 1863. Lay in Camp. Rain pouring down in torrents. Detail went to Paint Rock for Rations. I was out on duty at Brigade Head Quarters. Gathering up lumber for to build a Shanty for Brigade Commisaries Stores. Distance 6 miles.
Camp
Near Maysville
P.S. You can see where I left off writing on account of the
change of hand at the 31st. I was ordered out on duty and hadent
time to finish until to night. There was no officer fit for duty in Camp, at
least the complained of not being well, and I was ordered out on duty the day
following with forage train, and the following morning I went to Paint Rock at
or soon after daylight, where I arrived at 11 a.m. taking several families
negroes that were making their way towards Nashville. Several sutlers
accompanied me up, and one came back with me having five teams loaded with
Stock. I had four wagons and loaded them with horse shoes, nails and telegraph
wire. Started for or left Paint Rock at about
[Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #33
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1865
In Quarters at
Dear Wife,
It is with
extreme pleasure that I improve the favourable opportunity of addressing a few
lines to you. Hoping to find you in good health and Spirits as these few lines
leaves me at present. I would have wrote yesterday but was out on duty foraging
and dident get time. I wrote a letter to you on the 27th of last
month which I hope you have received ere this reaches you. We are still
enjoying ourselves in the City, and are very much pleased with our quarters For
the weather has become very cold these last few days, as cold as they ever get
it in this section of the country. We have had some ice, and the other morning
it commenced sprinkling a little snow, but nothing of any account. The majority
of our forces have left here for to guard along the banks of the
The boys are geting very familiar with some of the fair sex,
for occasionally you will see one sprouting around with one of the gentle
little creatures clinging on his arm. And cuting quite a dash. On Sunday
Afternoon I took a stroll around the City, went up to the basin and examined
it. And then passed an hour or so in looking at the different Gardens buildings
&c. And at last went and called at the mans house that I got the peach
brandy of the night we made a charge into town Some two weeks ago last Sunday
evening. But he wasent at home, but his wife was there and I stoped and had a
few minutes conversation with her. She is from
We are pressing all the darkies for to chop wood for the forces in and around this place which saves us a great deal of labor.
I had to leave of writing to day after I finished the first page for to make out some enlistment papers for a couple of darkies, that we had mustered into our Company as Under Cooks. They are mustered and have to go through the same process as we have to become Cooks in the Company And for to draw their pay. One of them has been with us since March.
I must
close this time as I have other business for to attend to immediately, which
cant be put off. The boys are all in very good health and spirits and very much
pleased with the City of
Give my Kindest regards to all inquiring friends. My Kind love to all of the folks. Hoping to hear from you at the earliest opportunity. I remain your ever true loving and most affectionate Husband,
Joe
[Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #25
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1865
Lynnville,
My Dearly Beloved Wife.
I received a letter from You to day dated the 5th of this Month And was most happy to hear from You, for I have been Anxiously and eagerly looking for a letter very day – And You Can have no idea how pleased I were to day when the welcome visitor Came so punctually to hand. And You Can bet the Contents were eagerly perused with the utmost extreme joy and pleasure – And I am so pleased to hear that you are improving in health and Spirits once more, and beginning to be Your self once again, For there is nothing gives me more pleasure that to Know that You are in the enjoyment of good health and spirits. And I would love to be home with You once again, and never have occasion to leave You any more, But live in peace and harmony once More. But I suppose I have no occasions for to tell You my thoughts or feelings upon that I won’t for I have no doubt You are already familiar with them, as my wife - From all accounts the baby must be very cross, as You don’t know whether he is sick or not. But as long as he is cross then is no immediate danger of his being in poor health. But I am very sory that he gives his dear Mamma so much trouble and inconvenience, and only hope it lay in my power to relieve You of part of it – But hope an and be of good cheer and don’t give way to despair and the time will soon pass round when our wishes will soon be realized –
I received three letters to day – one from Ellen, and in which she said what a quiet little baby we had – Just the Contrary from what my dear loving wife says. But I suppose if she had to Nurse him, she would be most likely for to alter her tone – She said You and her were going to Port Carbon on the following day to see Will Cliffs Child. I am thankful and pleased to hear that my letter arrive so punctual and regular and that they are not delayed upon the way. I’ll venture to say You are wright, when you say I must think of You often, or else I wouldent write so often. But these last few days I have put it off on account of having no postage stamps, expecting I would receive Your letter with some in, which came in todays Mail, And which I was pleased to get. For I borrowed until I got ashamed of myself – But the other day I run against a person that had a few to spare, And I bought them of him.
Dear Peggy. I thought I would get You to acknowledge to the truth, if I only took the proper way to do it. Do you remember saying in One of Your former letters that I were doing You great injustice in saying that You were very irregular in writing &c. And now You Come down and say that You deserve the scolding I give You about it. And say the more a person puts of writing, the more negligent they become. And that such has been Your case at times, please excuse me if I touch You at times, for I do it all in fun, and wouldent hurt Your feelings Knowingly for the world. For I suppose my letter of the 27th is still fresh in Your mind, if it aint You Can easy refer to it, Which I cant do to Yours, for I generally destroy them as soon as Answered. Dear Peggy. I suppose I will have to be more Careful in the future how I make use of expressions, that are not very becoming, or else You will surely think I am becoming very much demoralized. But you need be under no apprehension or uneasiness on my becoming profane. For You can rest assured I will never become so profane as to bring the blush of Shame upon Your fair brow in the presence of Any one. Although I may say things to my dear loving Peggy, that I would never say to Any one else – But the expression suited so well that I couldent hardly help but make use of it.
I was to
Columbia Yesterday but I dident think of inquiring how Saml. Thomas was getting
along, for I was very busy and forgot all about it. I guess I need not tell You
how pleased I am to hear that Clay, John and Allen Came if so fortunately, and
are safe at home now for the worst of the fighting is still to come Yet. And I
dread to hear tell of it, for thousands must fall upon both sides Yet. I
suppose Will Fosters wife must feel very much disheartened. And old Mrs Foster
will nearly break her heart – it is awful but such is the fate of war. Dear Peggy. If there is Anything I would
like to see, it is to see Charlie Johnson aboard of _______, I guess they must
have a double bed Cord, That report about our Regiment losing so many men is
false, For one of our boys received a letter from Sergeant Wilson of our
Company, and he says the 3rd Batt. Had a fight and was surrounded,
and that our loss was 14 killed and wounded. Besides a few who were shot
accidently. Co F had 2 killed and 2 wounded. Patrick McLaughlin an old soldier
was killed, we have a new recruit by the same name from St. Clair. And John
Deaner reported killed, but don’t say anything about Deaner, until You hear for
sure that he is dead. For I hate false reports. Dave Williams a new Recruit
from
Joe,
Two kisses for baby and Mamma.
P.S. I would have wrote last night, but I was late getting home, and have a tremendous head ache, and was glad to return to my humble Couch as soon as possible.
There was two trains of Rebel soldiers went up Yesterday morning loaded as full as they Could possible stick inside and on top- The one train had 19 cars- Beisdes there is more or less going up every day.
Genl. Blair Command crossed the Tennessee River on day before Yesterday at Chattanooga in which is reported some 20,000 Strong- They are from Missouri – There is going to be a severe battle fought down at Atlanta in a few days – A Couple of Horses were stolen stolen in this vicinity a few days ago. Also a lot from Pulaski, for they were up here to day in search of them through the Country. Sipes says there way only 1 killed in Comp. F and that was McLaughlin. I am sorry I wrote You what Davis said about so many being killed and wounded, for he makes things generally worse than they are –
Joe
[Written sideways in each margin are:]
[Left Margin] P.S. Direct
[Right Margin] Direct
[Transcribed by john J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #27 Undated P.S. (1864)
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1865
[The entire body of this two page document is labeled
“Confidential P.S.” and either is a
second post script to letter # 25 or was an attachment to another letter that
is not included in this group. Personally I tend toward the latter possibility.
It was a very difficult letter to transcribe because the second page where
Denning ran out of room, he simply overwrote 5 entire lines sideways over the
body of the letter and even then wrapped around to the top margin upside down.
Denning’s praise for the reception at
Confidential
P.S. A Young Lady has written to me, requesting me to send her my address to this place by express, and beging for me to be so Kind as to accept a box of the best that there Market affords.
But I have wrote back to her declining to accept of Any such Kindness upon Any Conditions whatever. I told her not to send Anything to me, as we Could procure whatever we needed in this section of the Country. I Cant see what possessed her to make such a propositioning for She Knows I am a Married Man, and has a wife and Child at home. Nut she is one of than Noble and Most gracious of women, that cant do enough for the poor soldier, and would put her-self to any inconvenience, if she thought she could possible do a soldier a Kind favor. For she has been the Soldiers firm and true friend ever since this damnable rebellion began. And has labored incessantly to Comfort and Console the sicke and wounded to the best of her abilities, whence they happened to pass through their city.
For our
whole Regiment has taken supper there three times, besides every other Regiment
that has happened to pass through the City of
P.S. I must stop for want of room. She say I must let my wife Know everything, And not keep any secrets from her. What do you think in regards to the matter. She writes a long letter and very interesting- and in about the same style as the few lines I have written for you. Good night and one sweet kiss. I have had no chance to talk to Dave, he told me his wife have moved to Port Carbon.
{Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #36
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1865
Head Quarters
My Dearly Beloved Wife
I improve a
few leisure moments this Beautiful morning in addressing A few to You in hopes
that they may find You in good health and Spirits As they leave me at present.
It was sickening warm these last few days. And I was wondering how the boys on
the front stood it. On the 29th I was sent out on a Scout to
overtake some guerillas some 8 miles from this place Who were feeding the Stock
at a Mr. Wests, But against I got their they had flown. They went away up on
the top of a big mountain for to feed. One of the darndest places to get to,
unimaginable, nothing but briers, and so thick at places You couldent get
through. We got to where they had fed on the mountain, but they had flown, we
followed there track some 9 or 10 miles when we lost track of them. But came
upon JohnT. Harris of far famed notoriety of this Section of the Country who
they have been trying to Ketch for a long time. He was at the house when he saw
us coming, and run out the back door, but we dident see him. And searched the
house, When they told me he was at the house about ten minutes before we Came.
But they dident know which way he had gone. I told the boys to go out into the
fields and look into the weeds and through the fence corners. And they scared
hi8m up in the middle of a field in a thick piece of Weeds some 6 hundred Yards
from his house. We returned to Camp then with our prisoner where we arrived
about
Those
guerillas that we were after which two men from
Would you believe it I almost fell in love with a married woman the day I was out bringing those parties in. Only she was most to old, for she is a woman that just suits my fancy.
Colonel
Sipes was here day before Yesterday and left Yesterday morning for
I don’t
like this warm weather, for it must be terrible down in
Joe
How is baby,
[Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #37
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1865
Head Quarters
My dearly Beloved Wife,
I hasten to pen a few lines this evening in hopes that they may find You and our dearest little Willie in good health and Spirits as they leave me at present. I received one of Your short Epistles Yesterday, which gave me the greatest of pleasure to learn that You and Willie are in such Good Health. For there is nothing in this wide and dreary world that gives me more pleasure than letters from You, unless it was Your dear self for I so long to Clasp You to my arms and again wisper words of cheer and love in Your ear once again. I received Your slip of paper in references to Officers. And I think I have Came to the Conclusion to take advantage of it as soon as I can Succeed in getting paid of. For it suits my Case exactly. I heard from Sergts. Price, Sigmund and Capt. Garrett. I believe they have succeeded in getting paid. We received an order to day prohibiting Officers from Visiting Nashville unless they get an order from General Rasseau. I was going up to day, but the Colonel had pressing business that called him up there. So that I couldent get off. I think he will succeed in bringing a pay master down with him to pay off the Command. Dear Maggie. There is no news and I am at a loss to know what to write. But I must tell I had a pleasant time last evening. I was out at a candy pulling as they call it, at Mrs Louisas and had quite a fine time in general. There were only a few present which made it much nicer. Dearest it looks like rain this evening and is as dark as pitch. So You Can Better imagine I would like to be Home to night. There is nothing in Your letter that I can answer, so I will close this evening by sending my best respects to all inquiring friends. And my kind love to all the folks, and a half a dozen sweet kisses for You and Willie. I remain Your ever true and loving Husband
Joe
Write soon and give all particulars So good night and pleasant dreams
P.S. We received forty severn Recruits to day, all are Year Men. They are coming more or less every day, and I don’t know what we will do with them. And from all accounts there are a great many back Yet. I don’t think they will ever have occasion to fie a Gun of at the enemy, unless some raiding party happens to Camp this way.
One of the 12th Tennessee Cavalry was asleep on the top of one of the freight Cars Coming here, And rolled of the top when the Cars was running and nearly killed himself. There was a couple of horses races Yesterday. But I have no money to bet so that I dident go to see them. Has our May got married Yet.
So good night, and God bless You,
Joe
I don’t Know what has became of our Ellen lately.
[Transcribed by John J. Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #28
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1865
Gravelly Springs
Hd. Dvs. 7th Regt Penna Cav
Friend Dennings
Bad luck to you – you are a citizen – I wish that I was one too, but as the old saying goes – a fool for luck and a poor man for babeys. I class with the latter I suppose – however I am going to make a grand and desperate effort to get out in the spring – By the way, don’t you think that I am a christain – I am not doing unto you, as you have done unto me – but am doing as I would be done by – For instance if I had been mustered out of the Service and went home – mingling with my friends – and enjoying all the comforts to promote lifes happiness I should not forgotten you – but should of wrote – and have you realize, if possible, the enjoyment of civil life – of Friends Home Comfort &c. But I am inclined to think you are somewhat selfish – forget all your old comrades in Arms as soon as you commence to realize the Society of friends – and the comforts of home home sweet home.
There has
been a great change in the Regt. since you left us – All the old Officers – with
three or four exceptions , has been mustered out and new ones made in their
place – Capt C.C. McCormick is our Col Andress Lt Col Deacon Dartt, Nulon and
Greeno Majs. I could not name one half on the line Officers from the fact I do
not Know them. But there is one Man that I do know who has lately received
promotion and his name is Mr. C.W. Boon Esq. Capt.
But I have already wrote more than I designed on commencing – I thought that I would drop you a note – merely to jog your memory that I was still in the land among the living – able to consume any amount of hard tack and Bore [ ]
Remember me kindly to all the boys – Jones – Jennings – and who ever else there may be in your vicinity belong to the 7th Remember me kindly to all your friends – and let me hear from you – and I subscribe myself as ever Your Friend
C.W. Boon
Capt Co “H” 7” Pa Cav
2’ brg 2’ Div Cav Corps
[looks like} M. h. M
[Transcribed by John J Amtsfield,
Denning Letter #29 Envelopes
Joseph Denning Letters 1861-1865
1- Addressed Miss Maggie A. Evans
Saint Clair
Penna.
Letter has a three cent stamp and
is postmarked
2- Addressed Miss Maggie A. Evans
Saint Clair
Letter has a
three cent
3- Addressed Miss Maggie A. Evans
Saint Clair
Return address is Jno E. Wynkoop
My Commdg. 1st Batt, 7th
Letter is marked
[postage] due 3 and was postmarked
4- Addressed Miss Maggie A. Evans
Saint Clair
A return address is listed in the
bottom left of the envelope as; Jno E. Wynkoop Div Maj 7th PA
Cavalry. In the upper right corner is written “sol. Letter. It is marked
[postage] due 3 and written on the left side is”Examined”. The postmark is
5- Addressed Maggie A. Evans
Saint Clair
A return address in the lower left
corner reads: Jno E. Wynkoop. Maj 7th Penn Cavalry. In the upper
center of the letter is written Solder letter and it is marked in the upper
right corner [postage] due 3 with a postmark of
Headquarters
John Ennis Post No. 47
Department of Pennsylvania
Grand Army of the Republic
Personal War Sketch
of
Comrade Joseph H. Denning
He was born on the thirtieth day of
July, A.D. 1839 in Wadesville,
I first
entered the Military Service of the
I was first
discharged at
During my
period of service I was promoted successively to positions of Sergeant Major,
Orderly Sergeant, Second Lieutenant and finally at time of discharge I occupied
the position of First Lieutenant. The time of this discharge was
The first
battle in which I was engaged was that of Falling Waters
Some of the most intimate of my Army comrades were William J. McCarthy, Heber S. Thompson, William Jenkins, Samuel Winn, Llewellyn Llewellyn, George Reese, George F. Steahlin and John B. Jones. Continued on Page 318
Sketch continued from Page 73
{edit. note: different handwriting and initials at end indicate a third party author}
Joseph H Denning
In addition to the promotions mentioned on Page 73 it should be added that comrade Denning was promoted to the rank of Captain. He would have become Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment, the Colonel having come all the way to St. Clair for winning his consent but unfair treatment prompted his refusal and so he did not return.
We append a revised list of the battles of some, not all, of the battles in which Comrade Denning was engaged. To enumerate them all would be a long list indeed.
He was in
the engagement of Falling Waters,
Comrade
Denning was on recruiting service at
Transcribed