Franklin County: Sam Taggart to Captain John Taggart, April 22, 1864 — Letters

Summary

Taggart talks about regimental organization and the sighting of Confederate pickets.

Dear John,

I wrote while in Washington, but neglected posting my letter till I arrived at camp. I overtook Col. Dale in Washington, and we both went to Brandy Station together on Tuesday. Our camp is about four miles from the station. The boys were rejoiced to see us, and the regiment begins to assume the appearance of a complete organization. Recruits are arriving daily; and I fear we will be compelled to move before we are quite ready. I remember seeing the 116^th at Chancellorsville. It was the regiment that dropped their muskets there to save a battery, when nearly all its horses had been killed. The boys dragged out the guns by ropes; and I remember how we cheered them as they passed us. We have a jolly set of Irishmen in our brigade. I have a detachment of the 88^th & 69^th N.Y. under my control on picket, and their conversation is amusing. They are very friendly, and if any of them draws a canteen of milk, I must have my share of it. Yesterday afternoon and last night Rebel pickets were seen a short distance in front of our posts; but they have not attempted to molest us yet. We have had most beautiful weather for the past few days; and so far as the condition of the roads is concerned there is nothing to prevent an advance of the army at any time. Bob is well and is getting along first rate. I haven't got my company organized yet, I was only one day in camp before being ordered on picket; but I will have things fixed as soon as we return. All my men have not yet joined the regiment. I have distributed what postage stamps I had to others who needed them, and want you to send me a supply. I promised Mary Jane to go out to Your house before I left; but as my departure was sooner than I expected I couldn't go...I looked for Bob as we passed Manassas junction but did not see him.

Give my love to all at home

Your Affectionate Brother

Sam

Apr. 25^th We returned from picket yesterday, and have been issuing ammunition and making other preparations. All well so far. I wish you would get my "Oriental Glee and Anthem Book" from Mr. Sherratt and send it by mail. Also a copy of "Columbia's Guardian Angels." The latter you can get at Mellon's, or if they haven't a supply yet Mr. Sherratt has a copy he doesn't use. Your Affectionate brother, Sam

Dear John,

I wrote while in Washington, but neglected posting my letter till I arrived at camp. I overtook Colonel Dale in Washington, and we both went to Brandy Station together on Tuesday. Our camp is about four miles from the station. The boys were rejoiced to see us, and the regiment begins to assume the appearance of a complete organization. Recruits are arriving daily; and I fear we will be compelled to move before we are quite ready. I remember seeing the 116^th at Chancellorsville. It was the regiment that dropped their muskets there to save a battery, when nearly all its horses had been killed. The boys dragged out the guns by ropes; and I remember how we cheered them as they passed us. We have a jolly set of Irishmen in our brigade. I have a detachment of the 88^th & 69^th N.Y. under my control on picket, and their conversation is amusing. They are very friendly, and if any of them draws a canteen of milk, I must have my share of it. Yesterday afternoon and last night Rebel pickets were seen a short distance in front of our posts; but they have not attempted to molest us yet. We have had most beautiful weather for the past few days; and so far as the condition of the roads is concerned there is nothing to prevent an advance of the army at any time. Bob is well and is getting along first rate. I haven't got my company organized yet, I was only one day in camp before being ordered on picket; but I will have things fixed as soon as we return. All my men have not yet joined the regiment. I have distributed what postage stamps I had to others who needed them, and want you to send me a supply. I promised Mary Jane to go out to Your house before I left; but as my departure was sooner than I expected I couldn't go...I looked for Bob as we passed Manassas junction but did not see him.

Give my love to all at home

Your Affectionate Brother

Sam

April 25^th We returned from picket yesterday, and have been issuing ammunition and making other preparations. All well so far. I wish you would get my "Oriental Glee and Anthem Book" from Mr. Sherratt and send it by mail. Also a copy of "Columbia's Guardian Angels." The latter you can get at Mellon's, or if they haven't a supply yet Mr. Sherratt has a copy he doesn't use. Your Affectionate brother, Sam