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11th Vermont Infantry (aka First Heavy Artillery, Vermont Volunteers)
Correspondence
Henry H. MorganPatrick Station Petersburg, Va January 27th 1865 Mr. Thomas Ryan, I left Capt Burrows valise at the office when I took leave of Washington. If you will see that it is sent to the Express Office together with other packages remaining there, I will recompense you for your trouble. I arrived at the boat that day just in time. At 3 o'clock on the following day (P.M.) I arrived at City Point and 8 o'clock that evening found me in camp with my regiment. The cars run from City Point to this Station and within 1/2 mile of our quarters. We are nearly on the left of Grant's line. The enemy's lines are but a short distance from us. The Pickets being but a few rods apart at some parts of the line, are near enough to converse. Papers are exchang-ed occasionally and some of them are coming in every night. There is but little firing in front of us, that having played out on both sides. I think we get more of their soldiers by that means. In some places the rebel pickets and ours go out between the vedettes and cut wood together, They get along very well with one exception. The Johnnies steal our boys axes, like fourty, for the reason probably that they have but a very few. Jan 30th. I will try now and finish my letter providing I am not inturrupted again. I have been very busy for a few days and can not get time to write a letter much. I am act. Q.M. Sergt. for a short time. Am with Lieut Clark. It is some work to make out his returns this month. He makes all the Requisitions for the Cos. and all the Comdg. Officer has to do is sign them. I was down to City Point the other day to get C.C. and G.E. The Q.M. Sergt has been sick all fall and winter: is not well yet. The Sergt who has been acting is home on furlough, will be mustered as Lieut. coming back. I suppose for a few days we have had no mail or papers on account of the Potomac or something else being frozen up. I have heard sveral shots from the pickets this evening and learned it was Jonnies who fired at others coming into our lines, but thet did not file very low. Ten came in, I understand Is there any mail for me at the office? I wish you would take charge of it when it comes, and forward it to me. I have received no papers since being here. I would like my trunk forwarded and pay charges. Let me know when it goes, as I wish to write father. How are matters going in Washington? I have not time to write a long letter now. Give my respects to Capt. Nesmith and also the boys. This is not exactly H.Q. in the rear. A fellow may get waked up some night when it would be most inconvenient. I am H.H. Morgan, Batty "M" 1st Vt. Arty.
Source: The Ed Italo Collection, First Vermont Brigade Memorabilia.
Letter written by Henry H. Morgan, of Lyndon, Vt. Mustered in as Private and Musician in Co. M 1st Vermont Heavy Artilery on Aug. 19, 1863. Promoted to Corporal on August 1, 1864. Transfered to Co. D June 24, 1865. Mustered out with regiment on Aug. 25, 1865.
Mentioned: 1st Lieutenant Charles W. Clark of Montpelier, Vt. Mustered in as Commisary Sergeant on Sept. 1, 1862. Promoted 2nd Lieutenant Co. G March 29, 1863. To 1st Lieutenant Nov. 2, 1863. mustered out June 24, 1865.
Mentioned: Sergeant Frank Anson of Halifax, Vt. was the Regimental Quarter Master in January, 1865. Mustered in as Private Co. E on Jan. 5, 1863; Promoted to Commissary Sergeant Jan. 17, 1864; To Quartermaster Sergeant Sept. 1, 1864, to 2nd Lieutenant Co. A May 22, 1865; Transferred to Co. C, Mustered out June 24, 1865; Commission as 1st Lieutenant Co. A June 26, 1864; Mustered out Aug. 25, 1865.
Mentioned: Captain Nesmith stationed in Washington D.C. is either:
Arthur S. Nesmith of New Hampshire. 1st Lieut. & R.Q.M., 3rd N.H. Aug. 10, 1861; Resigned Nov.15, 1862; Re-entered service as Capt. A.Q.M. Vols. July 22, 1863; Mustered Out July 6, 1865.
Clarence Eugene Nesmith of New Hampshire. Private 1st Mass. Light Art. Aug. 4, 1862; to Jan. 8, 1863; Capt. C.S. Vols. (commissary & subsistance) May 18, 1864; Bvt. Major Vols. Nov. 30, 1865 for faithful service in the sub dept; Mustered Out Dec. 8, 1865.