Civil War Letters: A Primary Source Study Emily, Brady, and Olivia

1 Guarding the Potomac July 1861-February My Beloved Mary You complain of not receiving my letters in proper time. I fear there is something wrong in the intermediate Post Offices. I have written a lmost every day since I left home, if they do not reach you, I cannot be responsible for the malfeasance of the mail carriers. My health is good and so is that of Willie. The condition of my com mand is good. The enemy is hovering about us in considerable strength, perhaps t hree times as great as that of my command. Not withstanding their insolence I will resist any attack from that side at all hazards. -- and I think I will whip them badly if they attack me in position -- Being in command I am engaged in active duties night and day, a s I am determined not to be surprised. Yesterday about 1200 of the enemy were visible crossing the Catoc tin mountain Eastward. They appeared, however, more like plunder ers than a fighting party. They had with them a large drove of cattl e. The enemy since the battle of Manassas Gap, has become exceedi ngly insolent -- they are preparing to burst through our lines and cross the Potomac for the purpose of carrying Baltimore, Washington, &tc. This game may look well on paper but t hey run against some obstacle in the shape of a snag. My Dear Wife I have not time to write you a love letter as I would like to do, but will tell you all when I get to see you, which I hope will be soon. You see I am in the post of danger -- therefore in that of honor. I will write you every day or cause Willie to do so. I have just captured a secession spy laden with important letters. I wi ll send him to Genl Banks. The letters fully disclose the plans of the en emy. Love & kisses to all the babies. My kindest love to you & Eddie -- Your ever true husband Jno. W. Geary

Author and intended audience The intended audience was for his wife, Mary. It was also written to inform his sixteen year old son, Edward. Edward was from Geary’s first wife, Margaret. The author of this letter is John White Geary. Geary studied law, yet joined the militia at 16 to become a lieutenant. Geary was also with his son, Willie, the drummer boy.

Local and National Situations Locally, Geary appears to be in danger. He states that, “they are preparing to burst through o ur lines and cross the Potomac for the  purpose of carrying Baltimore, Washington, &tc.” (“They” being the enemy). Geary was currently a colonel, and his command seemed to be good, as was his and his son, Willie’s health. Nationally, their enemy seems to be having the greater strength against them. Around this time Ulysses S. Grant is given command of federal forces in Southern Illinois and Southeastern Missouri as well.

Bias and questions There was no true bias stated in the letter. Geary was fighting a war against an opposing side. There was no real bias. Question 1: How old do you think Willie is? Question 2: Geary states, “… and I think I will whip them badly  if they attack me in position.” Do you think their militia could actually do that?

3 To Gettysburg and Back January -- September 1863 My Dearest Mary Our daily intercourse as far as written matter is concerned has been cut off, and suspended for several days, during which time we have been winding our weary way from Fairfax Station to this place and Stafford Court House. The mud has no bottom -- 10 horses cannot move a cannon. I wish some of the "winter campaigners" from the north were here and I their commander for about a week. I would make them think that there is no fun in it. The First Division of our Corps is at Stafford C.H. The 2nd & 3rd Brigades of my Division are at the Chopawamsic River, 5 miles south of this place. The Artillery Brigade is also there. The first Brigade is at this place. I have made my head q[uarte]rs here for a few days for the purpose of recovering from the carbuncles on my back. I have one very bad one just now but I think it will be better very soon. I will write again from this place before I go to Chopawamsic. Had it not been for the heavy and continued rains which have made it impossible to move, some movement would have been made ere this, but now it is impossible. There are many things I would like to say about the "situation" but dare not. Love to Eddie, the Willies and Mary, and all other friends. I am dearest one ever faithfully and truly Your loving husband Jno W Geary Dumfries, Va. Jany 28th 1863

Author and intended audience The author is once again John Geary. The intended audience is his wife, Mary. He also adds the audience of his son Eddie and the Willies.

Local and national situations Locally, Geary talks about how his men and him are trying to move a cannon. It seems to be tough, as all of the men are weary. Geary refers to it as, “The mud has no bottom.” Nationally, there is political pressure in the North. At that time, Lincoln badly needed victories to boost Northern morale.

Bias and questions Once again, there seems to be no true bias. Although, the North really is trying to overpower the South and win as many victories as possible. Question 1: What does Geary’s quote, “The mud has no bottom,” mean? Questions 2: What is the “situation” Geary is hinting to?

6 Through Georgia and the Carolinas September 1864-April 1865 My Dearest Mary Four days ago our Corps started after Joe Johnston. We went only about 15 miles when he agreed to surrender, and did surrender. So we marched back to this most beautiful city. Peace, sweet peace is made and to- morrow we set out for Richmond and Washington City on our way to home, sweet home. And now we can truly say, " Johnny comes marching home" in the language of the song. Thus you see I had the honor to participate in the last campaign of this ever memorable struggle. All is joy and gladness here among all classes. The glory and honor be to God, to whose great name we ascribe all praise. May He protect us during the march homeward and give us a joyful and happy meeting. Kiss the children. Give love to friends. Ever your loving husband J.W.G.

Author and intended audience The author is John White Geary. The intended audience is to his wife, Mary, once again. He also tells to give love to the children and friends.

Local and national situations Locally, Geary is now marching home after a surrender from Joe Johnston. There is joy throughout their men as they joyfully leave war. Nationally, the Battle of Petersburg in Virginia was going on in Sutherland’s Station. The Civil War is slowly coming to an end.

Bias and questions There is no bias at all in this letter. Only joy from Geary’s men is present. Question 1: Do you think Geary will be sent out to war again, since the Civil War didn’t end until May. Explain. Question 2: Does it seem like the journey back to Richmond and Washington City will be as peaceful as they claim? Explain.