Woodfil Civil War Letters
The following were provided to me by
. Thank you Donna!
3 letters from Daniel M. Woodfill
2 letters from Samuel Gregg Woodfill
Discharge papers for Daniel M. Woodfill, re-enlistment & discharge papers for Samuel Gregg Woodfill
Convalescent Barracks near Munfordsville, KY, Feb 26, 1862
Dear Father and Mother;
I again take the pleasure of addressing you a few lines to let you know how I am getting along by this time. The 37th and all other Regts. here, started to Bowling Green this morning, and with a sorrowful heart I parted with Brother Sam, and started back to the Barracks, while he took up the march to Bowling Green.
Sam washed up all my dirty clothes, which was a great favor as I was not able to do it myself.
He has been kind to me in many other ways, and I think I was very lucky in meeting him when I did. I as sorry that the 57th Ind. marched so soon for I would have like to have staid [sic] with Bro. Sam a few days longer. The 6th Ind. is on a forced march to Bowling Green, and it was expected that they would get there last night. I think that the rebels will make their next stand at Nashville, and the Union troops are rushing down to take them before they have time to get ready for us. It is the opinion here that the rebels can not make many more stands, and that the war will not last long. I think that if our troops still meet with success they will soon put the rebels in subjection and bring the war to a close. I hope it will be so.
I am gaining strength as fast as possible and am now able to run around, but I am going to take good care of myself for awhile. I am at present in our tent at the Barracks, there are a few 6th Ind. boys in the tent, the others are all 37th Ind. boys. Cousin Will Ryker is with me. He also is writing home. He had the measles and is not yet stout enough to march with the Regiment. All the other Shelby boys are with the Reg.
I have not heard from home since I got Jareds letter which you wrote some in. Sam and I wrote a letter home about a week ago. Yesterday was a fine day and the sun shone like spring. Today is also a fine day, but a little cool.
Sam G. received a letter from his wife on Saturday last. They were all well. The great victory at Fort Donelson put the Union soldiers in fine spirits. We can once in a while get hold of a Louisville paper and get the news. I am anxious to get the news again. We are looking for more good news from our advancing columns.
As we can get no more postage stamps I will have to send my letters hereafter without paying the postage. Hoping to hear from you soon. I subscribe myself D. M. Woodfill
Chattanooga Tenn.
Sept. 27 1863
My Dear Parents
This is the first chance I have had to write since the Battle. I knew your [sic] would be anxious concerning me, and I take the pleasure of writing to you and again to tell you that I came through the Battle safely.
The 6th Ind. went into the engagement at just half past twelve on Saturday the 19th and was under fire untill [sic] long after dark.
The fighting was terrific and at short muket range; consequently our losses were heavy.
Col. Baldwin who was commanding the brigade is supposed to have been killed; if not he is badly wounded and a prisoner.
Our 1st Sergt. Willis H. Ryker is wounded in arm.
Sgt. Wm. A. Lyon wounded badly in side.
Sgt. S M. Storm wounded dangerously in breast.
Corpl A. L. Joyce wounded mortaly [sic] in breast.
Corpl. McKindred Bundred wounded in arm
Wm. R Ryker wounded in arm
Wm McCarty wounded in arm
Thomas Copeland wounded in hand
Jno. W. Anderson wounded in arm and leg
Michael Connally killed
Buell E. Spicer killed
Alexander Joyce killed
George W. Rowleson killed
This list is not complete as I can not think of the names of several who are either killed, wounded, or missing.
The engagement was revelwed [sic] again on Sunday morning, the enemy making the attack. On Sunday our loss was not so heavy as we had temporary breastworks made of logs, and the evening failed to drive us at any time during the day.
We (Johnsons Division) fought on the left center, having been detached from Wm. Crooks Corps to support Thomas Johnsons Division was not shaken or shattered although fearfully cut up.
You will get more details and a better description of the battle than I could here give you in the papers.
The Battle was forced on Rosecrans before Burnside could reach him. They brought Longstreets Virginians again as overwhelming numbers expecting to crush the Army of the Cumberland and regain Chattanoga [sic]. They failed in both but as they hold the battlefield, the victory will be claimed by them.
Many of my brave comrades have fallen--fell fighting bravely in a good cause.
How thankful should all be who have survived the storm of iron and lead. I feel that nothing but the protecting hand of Providence could have shielded me from the many dangers passed through.
I saw Brother S.J. yesterday. He is well. His Regt. has not engaged in the later fight being Provost Guards in Chattanoga [sic].
Give my love to Brother and Sisters and ask them to write soon.
I remain Your Obt. Son
D.M. Woodfill
Blains X roads Tenn.
Jan. 13, 1864
Dear Horace:
You [sic] very welcome letter of Dec. 12th 1863 was received a few days ago while out on picket duty. I was very glad to hear from you as it had been some time since I had the pleasure of geting [sic] a letter from you. I write with a pencil for the simple reason that I have no ink: and if I can get enough to address the envelope I will regard myself extremely fortunate. I am glad to know that you going to school. I hope you will improve your time well. Always try to excell [sic] & you will be certain to improve fastly.
The Veteran's of our Brigade (Hazens) are ordered to get ready to start home. I have not re-enlisted, and if I remain in the same state of mind that I now am, I will not do so soon. But I am afraid that Bro. Sam will.
A detachment from this Regt. is runing [sic] a mill for the benifit [sic] of the Brigade. Tom Copeland, Matt Hillis and Garnet Land and Will Cope are out there from Co. A. With the meal & flour we get from the mill, we have full rations.
We are all anxious to return to Chattanooga, but it is not settled that we will return.
Cousins Willis & William Ryker are both absent. Willis is our Orderly Sergt. He is at London East. Tenn. William R. is at Nashville. Will McCoy is yet at Knoxville in the Hospital. His address is the 2ns. Pres. Church Hosp. Knoxville Tenn. Perhaps his folks do not know where he is.
I was very glad you sent me some stamps, for I had been out for some time.
Send me Jareds P.O. address. I wish to write to him.
I have not heard from Cous. or John Kiser lately.
Write to me again soon.
Very Respectfully Your Bro,
D. M. Woodfill
Dandridge Jan. 16, 1864
We left the cross roads and marched 28 miles to this front. We are now about 30 miles from the North Carolina line. [illegible sentence]
Wilis H Ryker & Wm. R. have arrived. Also, Sergt. Lyon & Priv. W.H. Steele of Co. A. D.M.W.
Head Qrs. 57th. Ind Vols.
Blue Springs, East Tenn. April 18, 1865
Dear Brother
I will write you a line to let you know how I am prospering. I am well and in tolerable good spirits. We were all rejoicing a few days ago when the sad news came of the assassination of President Lincoln and Secretary Seward which cast a damper over all loyal hearts. There is not more than one in a thousand of the soldiers that rejoice, there was two in the 2nd. Div. They were arrested and put in irons immediately. General Stanly says if any are found rejoincing, shoot shoot them down. I am in hopes of peace soon, yet I cannot help this sad feeling which has had possession of my mind since the death of our President. We are camped in President Johnsons old neighborhood. The citizens here speak well of him, and they think he will be harder on the Rebels than Lincoln was. Write soon and tell me what you think of the end of rebellion. And when you think the soldiers will get out of service. We have so many rumors in camp that I cannot believe any of them. We have not had any mail for a few days. High water has taken off some R.R. Bridges. We had inspection this morning. I dont know what to write and I had better stop awhile the mail will not go out till tomorrow.
Bulls Gap Tenn. April 21st 1865
Brother Mack
I did not get to finish this the next day as you will see from the date. We marched then to this place & waiting transportation by Rail to Nashville Tenn. We do not know what all this means but I cannot help thinking it is a homeward move. Though all news is kept from us in that respect. Our mail came through yesterday but all old news. None later than 12th April & now later papers only Knoxville Whiz, and nothing in it. I think it would not do to let the soldiers know if peace is made they could not be controlled. When they heard of Lees Surrender they fired nearly all night it sounded like a battle was going on. I must close. Write soon.
Your Brother Sergt. S.G. Woodfill
It is thought we will get off tonight.
Nashville Tenn. April 28th 1865
Dear Brother Mike,
Yours of date April 21st just rec'd. Was glad to learn that you was well. This month has been quite an eventful one in our nations history. Today brings us the news of the Surrender of Johnson and his Rebel Army. The old soldiers are the marriest set of fellows in the army. In fact every body is rejoicing over the prospects of coming peace. Though the gloom of our sad bereavement is still overshadowing the people. It seems like I can miss some dear friend or comrad & it is so for our late President was the peoples man.
We came here by rail from East Tenn. We are camped near the Northwestern R.R. 3 miles from Nashville & I think we have the nicest camp I ever saw with the best of springwater handy & a good grove but thin enough to be dry and airy.
I think if all goes well as for the past few weeks I will get home by harvest at least I hope to sooner if possible. I was in the city today. It has improved so much I hardly knew where I was. The business portions resemble Indianapolis.
My family were all well a few days ago. I also heard from Mother, they were well too, and getting along very well.
I have not heard from John G. since you wrote. What is he doing now days. I hope I will be home by that eventful time you speak of this fall. Give my respects to all enquiring friends.
Your affectionate Brother
Sam
To all whom it may Concern:
Know ye, that Daniel M. Woodfill, Sargeant of Captain Lieut James C. Whaley Company (A) Sixth Regiment of Indiana foot VOLUNTEERS who was enrolled on the twenty-sixth day of August one thousand eight hundred and Sixty one to serve three years or during the war is hereby discharged from the service of the United States, this 22nd day of September, 1864 at Indianapolis, Indiana by reason of expiration of term of service. (No objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist.)
Said Daniel M. Woodfill was born in Jefferson County in the State of Indiana, is eighteen years of age, five feet ten inches high, light complexion, gray eyes, black hair, and by occupation, when enrolled, a farmer.
Given at Indianapolis, IN this 22nd day of September 1864.
James C. Whaley
1st Lieut.
To all whom it may Concern:
Know ye, that Samuel G. Woodfill, Corporal of Captain Timothy H. Leeds Company (G) 57th Regiment of Indiana Infantry VOLUNTEERS who was enrolled on the fourth day of November one thousand eight hundred and Sixty one to serve three years or during the war is hereby discharged from the service of the United States, this 31st day of December, 1863 at Blains Cross Roads, Tenn by reason of re enlisting as a Veteran. (No objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist.)
Said Samuel G. Woodfill was born in Jefferson County in the State of Indiana, is twenty years of age, six feet -- inches high, dark complexion, blue eyes, dark hair, and by occupation, when enrolled, a farmer.
Given at Chattanooga Tenn this twelfth day of January 1864.
Timothy H. Leeds
Captain
To all whom it may Concern:
Know ye, that Samuel G. Woodfill, Sergt of Captain Rhoads Company (G) 57th Regiment of Indiana Infantry VOLUNTEERS who was enrolled on the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and sixty four to serve three years or during the war is hereby discharged from the service of the United States, this Twenty Second day of November, 1865 at Indianapolis, Indiana by reason of [illegible]. (No objection to his being re-enlisted is known to exist.)
Said Samuel G. Woodfill was born in Jefferson County in the State of Indiana, is twenty years of age, six feet -- inches high, dark complexion, [illegible] eyes, dark hair, and by occupation, when enrolled, a farmer.
Given at Indianapolis, Indiana this Twenty Second day of November 1865.
E. Murphy
1st St. USA
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