July 1986 Collage and September 1986 Collage
From Shelby County Ancestors, Shelby Co. Hist. & Gen. Society, Shelbyville, IL Vol. 3
Birds Point Camp Lyon
Jan. 7th 1862
Dear Ann, I have not received an answer to my letter that I have written from Cairo. We left & came to this place on Christmas & I shall always remember that day. We had to carry our luggage up the steep & slipry bluff. It was a terrible job. I imagined our little ones setting by that fire that night cracking nuts. I am in very good health myself, but the health of the company is every thing but good. We have about 13 in the hospital & altogether about 30 unfit for duty. We have lost one man by death with the measles. He had a bad constitution, he lived about Mt. Auburn. James Turney had the measles, is about through with them. Wm. Turney has been with us about two weeks. He is going to stay with James until he gets entirely well. He with the rest of our sick went to the Mount City Hospital this morning. His parents need not be uneasy about him. We are going to leave here tomorrow for Cape Girardeau some distance up the Missipi. Mr. Ward has been to see us the other day. I went with him offer to Cairo to see John. He is a perfect skeleton. He said he would go up & see you all when he gets able. I have seen the grave yard of the infantry, counted nearly 100 graves. One Iowa reg. lost upwards of 20 men in 4 weeks. It is asserted by those that have reason to know that we will draw our pay tomorrow before we leave. Since we have arrived here we have been out scouting. The night after the secesha tried to get hold of the City of Alton (a steamboat) at Commerce a little piece up the river, but did not find any armed secesha. We were nearly 24 hours in the saddle but Lady Morgan was a firy coming home as she was going out. The particulars of our scouting Wm. Turney will tell you when he gets home. I sent the children some pacans by him which I have gathered here. We will draw our parade suit as soon as we arrive at Cape Girardeau. We have drawed our sabres & our carbines & pistols are on the way. A fire broke out here the other day & burnt down the barracks of one company of Cav. Almost entirely some of them lost their saddles, blankets, swords & pistols. We have had no snow here yet. The weather is very mild, we had at Cairo but on the day following it turned to rain, since then it has been cloudy pretty much all the time. Four gunboats went down the river today towards Columbus. We heard the firing down there distinctly. James Crutchfield has been sick, but is better now. I understand by Bills letter to the boys that you had the measles.
I hope however that you may be restored to health soon. Take good care of yourself & the children. Rest assured that I never lay my head upon my pillow but that I think of you all. I look forward to the day when peace & union shall be once more restored & if I shall meet you & the children alive again I shall be sufficient rewarded for
a lifetime of hardships & danger. Write to me as soon as you can.
Yours affectionately,
Michael Freyburger
Camp Lyon Jan. 10, 1862
Dear Ann,
I received your letter a few moments ago and I now hasten to reply. I heard with sorrow of your sickness and my most tender sympathy is with you. You generally give up to quick and I trust you will recover before long. Take good care of yourself & the children. We have received our pay, but contrary to our expectation we had to pay for our saddles which the government furnished us. The amount for the saddle was 32 d. Philip has paid me ten dollars on that note. Thom Crutchfield paid me 20 for Uncle Wm. We have not left this place yet on account of the boat not arriving. The day I wrote you my last letter 2 reg. of infantry left here & some cavalry to attack some seceshs some 15 miles from here. While they were marching in the dark they were fired into by the rebels. Four were killed on the spot about 11 wounded. It is supposed that some were killed by our own men in the hurry of the moment. The rebels made themselfs scarce immediately. I saw one of the wounded men come in, he was shot on the top of the head. The blood had run in streaks down his face. 5 of the poor fellows were buried yesterday. 1 died of his wounds since the night of the scrape. There is every endication of a forward movement. We are looking for a large number of troops from St. Louis. Several re. have gone down the river, every man that can be spared from Cairo, Fort Holt, this place have marching orders, and it is supposed that Columbus sill be attacked. It has been so foggy here for a few days that boats can scarcly run on the river. I think you had better sell your hogs as soon as you can for fear the cholera will get among them. The capt. is not here at present, when he comes I shall see if I can come home. I do so as soon as possible. It I cannot come will express by money & uncle Wms. As soon as you get this letter write to me about your mother. This is the first trouble I have seen since I left home. My prayer to God is that you may recover, but if he has decreed otherwise & I should not see you again on earth I cherish the fond hope to meet you again where the word good bye is never heard, where sickness comes not, where the wicked cease from troubling & where the weary are at rest. I have inquired tis impossible now to get a furlough at present. I will send my money home by Mr. Miller who will leave it at Lufkins on the Friday. I expect we will leave for Cape Girardeau. I try to come home as soon as I can. May God bless you all. Tell the children to be good & mind their mother.
Yours affectionately,
Michael Freyburger
Cape Girardeau Camp Fremont Jan. 15, 1862
Dear Ann,
I shall address this letter to you hoping that you are recovering from your illness. I shall continue to hop until I am informed otherwise. We left Bird Point on last Sunday & arrived here on the same day at 3 o'clock p.m. We like this place much better than any place we have been yet. Birds Point was almost as muddy as Cairo. We could scarcly get our forage from the boat on account of the mud. Four men belonging to our regiment at the Point were shot while cut on picket. Three of them were shot in the head, one through the heart. The camp they belonged to were from Knox county. I saw them after they were killed, they all layed as though they were asleep. This town boast of about 5000 inhabitants. It is built almost entirely of brick and was no doubt a place of considerable business. It has five very large mills. There is a fort on one of the bluffs. This place has been settled by the French almost one hundred years ago. The larger portion of our camp is lodged in a five story mill. And about 30 of us are nicely housed in a cooper shop and you may depend upon it we feel our selfs very much at home. There has been cold weather here for this latitude, but we would call it pleasant winter weather at home. On last Monday it snowed here about 2 inches deep on a level. The weather has moderated. Our horses look remarkable well considering that they lived on half rations for a week before we left the point. I have heard nothing of James Turney since we left. The report about Columbus is to uncertain to say any thing about. Some of our gunboats went down there and we heard the firing very distinctly. We are looking with great anxiety for the mail this afternoon. Let me conclude by advising you to look upon the bright side of the picture, take everything by the smooth handle, prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Tell the children I often think of them. Take good care of them while they are sick.
May God take care of you all.
Yours forever,
Michael Freyburger
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ILLINOIS ARCHIVES have indexes on men who served in Illinois units during Indian Wars, Mexican War, Civil War, and Spanish American War. They will search one index and report on two soldiers per request. The archives will also check a census record for one request. No self-addressed stamped envelope is necessary. The address is: Illinois
State Archives, Archives Bldg., Springfield, IL 62756
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CIVIL WAR LETTERS OF MICHAEL FREYBURGER
OF SHELBY COUNTY, IL.
from Shelby County Ancestors, Shelby Co. Hist. & Gen. Society, Shelbyville, IL
Vol. 4 No. 1
Cape Girardeau
Feb. 12th 1862
Dear Ann, I have not received a letter since I came back, but I am looking for one every day. I am determined to write you as many letters as you send me. I am in good health. At present we have but one man in the hospital, he is bad off. One man will be send home on a sick furlough tomorrow. Since I returned Nelson Powell has send me a letter, he is at Paducah & well. at the time he wrote. A few days after I returned we went scouting to Bloomfield. The streams were up. The roads bad. The bridge across White water was washed away, consequently we had to take a round about road & cross on a ferry boat. The infantry that went with us remained at this place. Five miles this side of Bloomfield we left 25 Cav. to protect the bridge. We started from the Cape about 12 OC traveled all day & until eleven 1'clock at night. Stopped for about 3 hours. Then we started again & arrived at Bloomfield a little after day light. We went into town at a break neck gait, seemed almost deserted. Pickets were to every road leading out of town & addition to these they were about 15 men on picket 9 miles south of this place. They belonged to Co. A from Edgar. The boys acted very careless, they took the saddles from their horses some went into a house close by to get their dinner (some say they were asleep) when a body of seceshs came on them. They put on the saddles as quick as they could. The seceshs fired on them, didn't hurt a body however. Our boys returned the fire, they say some of them were unhorsed.
One of their number was dispatched to carry the news to the town. He proceeded however but a short distance, when he saw about 40 rebels placing themselfs on the road to cut off their retreat. When the rest came they were determined to cut their way through.. They formed in a column & went through at full speed. The secesh could not stand so furious a charge. They gave away & formed on the side of the road & as our boys passed, they peppered it to them. When our men passed they returned the compliment. We had one horse killed on the spot, another badly wounded in the shoulder. The riders consequently fell into their hands & are missing, one man was badly wounded, one ball passing in above the upper lip cutting off the end of his tongue & shattering his jaw bone consider-able. He had the ball cut out of his neck when he came to town. One ball passed through his wrist another through his thigh. He is however the right pluck & says he is not done with yet. One ball passed through his overcoat. The rebels took him to a house about 2 miles off & the Capt. shaking hands with him on leaving expressing the hope that he might recover. His horse was also slightly wounded, but came to town without the rider. Another man had a ball pass through the cape of his coat.
That night we staid in town had pickets placed around it. I lodged in the courthouse, that night. Not having slept any the night before, had a good appetite for it. I wrapped myself in my blanket and commanded myself "to the loved ones at home" to the care of God. I enjoyed the best nights sleep I had since I left home. The next morning we started homeward about 10 A.M. & 3 or 4 of us arrived at the Cape at 10 o'clock that night not feeling in the least fatigued a distance of 60 miles over bad road.
At least 10 -boats loaded with troops have went down the river. One regiment of infantry have left this place. Some of our boys heard the cannonading at Fort Henry. We are all in the finest spirit. It now looks as though the war was agoing to be carried on in the proper manner. When we shall be called away from here, we know nothing about. Next to , write yourself. I think Hap might write me a few lines. He might write to me about the horses & cattle. I am anxious to hear from old father Sconce, give in my best respects. I will conclude with the hope that this may reach you in good health, Hugg & kiss the little ones for me. Don't forget to tell Mother that I still thank of her.
Yours until death. Michael Freyburger
Feb. 12th in the evening
In my letter I forgot the main thing as soon as the pickets came to town our men mounted their horses & went the distance of nine miles and in a half hour found some of the rebels at the mill. They started to run, some were overtaken & as the boys said some were left driving against the fence. One of them received two balls through the thigh. They brought him to town so we left him. We brought in some twenty prisoners. Since we left that place the seceshs took possession of the place. They also destroyed the bridge across Caster Creek & chopped down the timber across the road. It is said they are about six hundred strong with some artillery. On our return home we met a man that lived near this place where the pickets were attached. He had his two boys killed by the rebels & they shot them through the crack of the house & he did not know what came of his family. He wanted the major to send a body of men with him to bring in his family but he would not do it.
There are at present about 80 persons in town who had to flee from the wrath of the rebels. Our carbines are on their way to this place & before long we will take on the scout to Bloomfield when you will hear from us. The weather is now very pleasant. Night before last it did not freeze at all. Last night it froze slightly. The blue birds were singing this morning & the weather seems like spring. I have nothing more to write to you at present. So fair you well.
Michael Freyburger
Cape Girardeau Feb. 15th 1862
Dear Ann, This is the third letter I have written since I came back & Have not received an answer yet. Since I wrote to you last we have been out scouting once more. Nothing happened worthy of notice. The man that was wounded from our regiment iJ recovering very fast. I saw the ball that was out of his neck. It was almost as fat as a quarter of a dollar. He has one ball in his arm. The other two have been taken prisoners & are down at New Madrid. We have but one man here in the hospital, four are at home on sick-furlough. We have lost six by death, the last of which was Waller. He was on picket guard when he took sick. I went to see him the same evening but he was speekless. Two days afterwards I went to see him again, he could speak, but was not at himself, I asked him if he knew me, he answered certainly. He clucked at his horse & asked me who was going to take his place & kicked as though he was spurring his horse. He died the night following.
Our troops have been passing down the river as though they were going to deluge the country with them. About 10 boat loads of prisoners went up the river. We are all in highest glee on account of the success of the union arms. Mr. Ward & Mr. Middlesworth went past here a few days ago on their way to fort Donaldson. We have received marching orders. We leave here tomorrow for Commerce 15 miles below here. It is said seven thousand of our troops are down there now. I suppose we will march on to New Madrid. The news has arrived here that Columbus has been vacated & my opinion is that there will not be much more fighting done in the west. I would not be surprised if I did so come home in time to help the boys plough some corn, if life will last. Be sure and tend well to them heifers, take good care of the calfs. Let the boys break up the hog-pen next to Bills. Plough it twice & put it in potatoes & if John is able to furrow let him do it. Never send him cut by himself. Let him be careful & not turn to short around. Take good care of little Willy & Eddy. Tell Willy he just go to school & learn. Tell him papa often thinks of him. I am anxious to hear from old father Sconce. I have nothing more to write to you at present. I forgot to say that I was well, have never been sick since I have been in service, always fit for duty & ready for my rations. I have the highest hope that I shall return again, but whether I do or not, one thing you may rest assured, that I shall not do any thing that you need to be ashamed of. I shall try and serve my God & country. Our pay day will come on some time about the first of next month. Let me conclude by asking God for his choisest blessings upon you. Tell mother that her boy is all right. Let the children know that their father never lays his head upon the pillow but what he thinks of them all. So farewell to you all.
Yours as ever Michael Freyburger
Continue to direct your letters to this place until otherwise directed.
Camp off New Madrid 10th March 1862
Dear Ann, I received your letter dated the 12thFebruary at Commerce on the night of the 27th. We left on the next day for this place. Ten of us, I amongst them were detailed the first day to act as flanke-s. The next day I with two others were detailed to act as Orderlies for Col. Grossbeck acting Brig. Gnl. of the 1st Brigade. The first evening our advance guard came up so close to Jef. Tompson that they got his dinner that he was having prepared. He had several pieces of artillery planted at the end of a bridge across a slough, but for reasons known to himself he left. The next day a few miles this side of Sikeston he made a stand when the infantry came up with him. There were some shots exchanged and our caval. which were some distance in the rear heard of it & made a charge, Jef, taking to his heels. He had his artillery taken however & two prisoners. One driver was killed, he being a boy of about 17 years, & it is said a nephew of Jef. himself. He was thrown off of the horse. They also took a flag.
I have one of the wrappers of one of his cartridge which I intend to bring home. He was pursued about 19 miles & it has been reported by deserters that his· horse died 5 minutes after he arrived at this place.
We arrived here on the third with the whole army. Our reg. however came here the day before to reconnoiter. They approached as close as a half of a mile. They were welcomed with some shells which hilled one horse. In the day that the army arrived we marched up in line of battle, the artillery in the centre. Their shells & balls fell around us tolerable thick. They threw one about as large as a 15 cent water-melon (do you know how big that is) well it weights about 64 lbs. One ball struck before us & threw the dirt in every direction & ever after that Morg. would watch the smoke raise from their cannons, but she never moved. One shell I saw about 300 yds before it struck the ground.
That day we had one man killed & 3 wounded. The man that was killed had his entrails taken out & one thigh taken off. He belonged to the 39 Ohio. Another man was struck on the shoulder while lying on the ground some others had their hats knocked off. We were drawn out again, but retired before we were saluted by them. They last time we were taken out, we marched up within less than a half mile. We drove in their pickets, there was considerable fire of musketry, but how much harm we done I know not. Our artillery done some fireing. I heard one shot strike, it made a tremendous racket & it is said they knocked the wheel-house of a boat into fits. One shell bursted not far from me. One piece struck above my head amongst some limbs & another close to my mare's feet. But a miss is as good as a mile. In the last attack we had 2 men wounded.
It is probable that you would wish to know how I stand it. I was as cool as a cucumber & I thought nearly every body was in the same fix. These different attacks were made for the purpose of engaging their attention here while some of our forces went down below to take Point Pleasant 7 miles from this place. After a short engagement the place was taken with a considerable amount of grain, also a steamboat with 400 barrels of four. Our forces are so well fortified at that place that the seceshs are not able to take it again, for they have tried it on two different occasions. We could take this place without any trouble, but we would not be able to hold it on account of their gunboats. The rebels have fortified an Island above called number 10.
As soon as our gunboats arrive at this place we will take this institution without any trouble & I think without the loss of much life. A few more regiments have arrived here yesterday. With regard to the force that is grew I am not positive, but I do no think there are more than 12000 infantry here, about 3 reg. a f. cav. about five batteries of artillery. The weather here is very fine now. It is one of the best countries around here, I ever saw, but it does not look as well as it did when we first came here. The most of the rails have been burnt, nearly every body has left. We see fine times here at present, as well as our horses. Good water is very scarse, as we can't go to the river. They would just as likely as not shoot at us last night we went the grand rounds with the general. We had to go a distance of about 12 miles. Our business is to carry dispatches to the different head quarters & carry orders in time of action. I don't know what our camp is doing as I have not been with them since we have been here. I have not seen a paper since we left Commerce. I have no doubt but what we will be, discharged by the middle of May. I have the strongest hope that that I shall see you again however we will leave that to the disposer of all events. May the blessings of God rest with you.
Yours as ever Michael Freyburger
Just now there is some firing down at the fort.