1865 January 19 Camp Russell

My own dearest Mother

Hip. Hip. Hip. Hoorah, three
cheers and a vieva. I've got good news for you. I'm comng
home on a furlow shure. What has hitherto been a thing
of fear and doubt with me, is now a cert^'a'inty. Col. Birdseye
has promised me a furlow, and I am coming home with him
next month, most probably, in three or four weeks, perhaps
I shall go as his orderly, if so, I may possibly stay with
you more then fifteen days; at any rate John Morse offered
me five dollars for my chance. You must have heard
ere this of Friend Chapman's death. David Decker heard
that he was in the hospital sick, and came down to
Winchester to see him; but found to his dismay that he had
been dead several days; his, seems to us to be the most sad

[p.2]
death; of any that has occurred among us: it is truly lamentable
situated as he was. the only son, and only brother; he was a
genial, good-natured boy, and was beloved by us all. I feel
truly to symphathize with his bereaved friends at home, at his
early death; he was indeed speedily fallen; another victim on
his country's altar; yet it is a noble death; for "greater love
hath no man, than to lay down his life for his friends."

As I sat in my little cabin the other eve, preparing
my simple repast of hard-tack and salt-horse, the Colonel
brought to my tent David Decker: imagine my surprise at
seeing him before men, as of old, in propria persona; we
had quite a little visit, during the conversation Birdsye
asked me if I would like a furlow home. I readily responded
Yea, my lord; he said I could have one soon, but if I would
wait until next month, I might go with him. I told

[p. 3]
him I would wait then; so you may put it down as a
settled thing. (Providence permitting. deo-volente.) that I shall
make you a visit next month. I supose you rec'd.
my letter from Orderly Cole, as well as, all our camp news.
don't the folks make quite a raid on Mr. Erdman and Cole.

Finally, after much tribulation, the long-looked-for
box on one fingered mittens has arrived: they came too, in
an opportune moment, as it is quite cold weather with us
at present, and I think it was the very next day after they
arrived, we were ordered down to Harpers Ferry to guard
two batteries of artillery, and a five mile wagon train:
then indeed, did the mittens come into use, and the Ladies
Aid Society, was kindly thought of, by many a brave
cavalier: as Quarter Master of the company, the box came into
my care during Mr. Erdman's absence: knowing what was

[p.4]
the contents I took the responsibility to open it, and by the
approval of Lieut. Bell comanding our company, I distributed
them to the Fayetteville boys in all three companies. (F.G.&H.)
the most of whom are in our co. H. I also saw that
the packages were delivered, and sent Herbert Lord's to him
in the 22nd N.Y. Cav: he was here yesterday, by the way.
he comes over here often and makes us little visits each time.
he is soon to be promoted to Sergt. Major. which is a good
position: Herbert will be home on a furlow, about the
same time I intend to come: we intend to have a good
time, if we ever do get in F. again.

I have been so very busy making my shantie
that I haven't written as regular of late as I intend to here-
after, please pardon the digression and write soon and often
to Your loving and affect. son Hervey.

[Written in left and top margins on page 2:]
Addison Cunningham has returned from the hospital looking first
rate, he has since been detached to Custer's Hd. quarters, and has got a

[Written in top margin on page 3:]
good easy position: tell his mother about it. H.E.E.

1865 January 5, Camp Russell

Dearest Mother,

I had intended
to have written you long ere this,
but I have been kept so very busy,
and on the constant qui vive, of
late, that it has been almost
impossible. After receiving your
last, stating that James was on
his way towards the front, I had
been looking daily for his appearance;
finally; a week ago today, after
I had given up all hopes of seeing
him, he turned up. He came
in the morning and staid nearly
all day, as he had walked from
Winchester, three miles - he had quite
an appetite; we went to work
and cooked up some salt-horse, &c.
and had the satisfaction of seeing him
[p.2]
eat a good sub^'s'tantial meal; he
vowed it was the best one he
had partaken of in a long time
but still you know we dident
believe him. towards evening
Birdseye, James and I went down
to Winchester, where I staid all
night with him, and saw him
off the next morning; it seemed
quite singular to eat again at a
table, and sleep in a bed with my
clothes off, after five months absence
from them; as it was I slept awful
cold between the cotton sheets, and
caught a head cold, which I
haven't yet got over.

James said it was quite
different here from what he
had supposed, but in what
respect I don't know, he will
probably tell you all about his
experiences and impressions while
among us, when he returns.

[p.3]
When he went to Winchester Col.
Birdseye lent him a horse, and
by a good deal of urging we at
last got him to ride, but it was
with fear and trembling, as he said
it was twelve years since he had
been in a saddle. We let the Col.
go ahead and make several calls
while he and I walked our horses
to town; I don't think James would
make much of a Cavelier, he
would hardly keep his seat in
some of our charges, or endure some
or our raids. Colonel B. is going
home about the 15th and in the
presence of James and myself, he said
I should accompany him. Herbert
Lord was over here to-day. he goes
home to-morrow, John Morse is going
in a day or two. so you see that
about all of us boys are likely to
get home this Winter.

Well what do you think of

[p.4]
Peace? Do you believe there is
much of any thing in it?

Mr. Erman is quite hoeful
he says "he wouldent be surprised
if peace was declared to-morrow,
because when such moral victories
as was gained in the Senate last
week, takes place, - the abolition of all
serfdom - there will be no need of
any more with shot and shell."

God grant that we may
speedily have a peace on honorable
terms and or not other.

We have been having
some most awfully cold weather,
the coldest that has been known
here in years by the oldest inhabitants.

Last Wednesday we had a grand
review of all the Cavalry Corps. here in
the valley. we all passed before, and were
inspected by Sheridan in person.

I have been very busy indeed
drawing this months clothing for the Co.

I am trying to get every thing squared
up, so as to come home with nothing
to weigh on my mind.

[Written in side margin on page 4:]
I wish you would send me Elliot's address if you can get it
I haven't heard a word from him. Please write soon to your affect son
Hervey.

Lieutenant Colonel Mortimer B. Birdseye

1865 January 3 Camp Russell

Dear Mother

As Orderly Cole is going home on a
furlow tomorrow, I embrace the opportunity to send a few
lines to you; he and Mr. Erdman go this time, when they get
back, some one else will have a chance to go; perhaps I
may be able to come and make you a fifteen day visit before
Spring, but I will have to work it pretty sharp, for all
the boys are crazy to get home this Winter.

We moved here a day or two ago, and have gone into
Winter Quarters; we are awful busy, building our log
shebangs as we call them; it is an amusing sight to see
a regt. build their quarters, making fire-places, and chimneys,
chinking up between the logs, etc. we shall probably remain
here three or four months, perhaps until along in May --
We have had some stormy and very cold weather for a few

[p. 2]
days past. New Year's Day was the coldest we have had.
James and Lizzie gave me a good account of
theirs and your presents, you must have had a gay
time; I think Lizzie in the long run had her
share; tell Ira I want hm to write me a long
letter and tell me how his skates run, and what
he got in his stocking Christmas. The day I recd.
your last with Ira's, I rec'd one from Jennie
with one in it written by Nellie Rice, thus you see I
am favored with lots of little folks letters.
I think I am going to have easier times hereafter
then I have been having; Lieut. Bell comdg. our co.
tells me not to go out on raids with the Co. but
to remain back and attend to the Co. property; The
last time we were out there were three sets of
equipment lost, $90. out of his or somebodys else

[p.3]
Jacket; it is utterly useless for me to go out on
these raids with the boys. I am not supposed to
do any fighting, and unless there is grain or forage to
be issued, (and there scarcely ever is) my presence is
not necessary; it will save me a good deal of
hard rideing. A.L. Cunningham has been heard
from, he got in one of the hospitals at Winchester and
has been sent back either to Baltimore or Philadelphia.

How did the boys succeed with their Concert?
did you attend? Did they realize much for the
soldiers families? I hope my family (wife and brats all
included) will get their share. Excuse the brevity
of this, roll call has just blown and I must close.
Please write me soon, and tell me what was going
on during the holidays.

From your affect son Hervey

1864 December 26 Camp Near Winchester

Dearest Mother

Your last is received! We have just come
in from another long raid or ride down the Valley of about
one hundred and thirty miles, as soon as we arrived in camp
most of the boys received their mail of several letters each.
It almost gave me the blues to not get any, and I nearly
came close to the cracking thinking [?] on folks at home had forgotten
your "Soldier boy". There was four long weeks that I didn't
hear a word from any one; but on Christmas Eve the long
longed for missing came to hand; yours with the V. one from
James and Lizzie, one from Jennie and one from Mrs. Lent with a Hamilton
paper! I tell you they made me a good Christmas present. I
heard news enough to last me a week. I am feeling as
good as ever, and if anything a little better: The money you sent
was a god-send indeed. I had been without some time and had

[p.2]
to borrow a little: I would have had enough if I hadn't lent
$5.00 to A.L. Cunningham, he, by the way is absent from the Co.
and has not been heard from in several days; he is probably
in Winchester. The V. you sent came at an opportune
time. Yesterday (Christmas) I left the co. for a little
while. I went with Barnes out in the country where
he was acquainted, we had quite a visit with two
young ladies, who were most awfully secesh, but they
got us up a big dinner; it did seem strange indeed
to sit down and eat on croc[k]ery. On our last
we went quite a distance below New Market. we went
by the place where we had our second fight and where
we got whipped; there is a reb. hospital near the battlefield.
Mr. Erdman went in and learned from the surgeon that Wm. P.
Abbey was brought in the day of the fight but died the
next morning: poor Bill. he and I rode side by side most

[p.3]
of the day. it was quite cold, and I lent him the gloves you
sent me (reserving for myself a pair of buckskins I purchased at
Elmira; he was wounded through the left lung; the boys
carried him almost off the field, but the reb. infantry made
us hunt our holes so fast that they were obliged to leave
him; our co. was dismounted in the woods. I took command of the
horses, and there I was not in so much danger; but when
our boys retreated I was obliged to take the horses back to them;
one poor fellow says he owes his life to me; Passed Capt.
Remington as I went back with my horses; the bullets were
flying uncomfortably close, and when I returned the Capt. was
wounded; some of our boys had balls go through their clothes
and strike all about them. On our last raid down the
valley we went below New Market, and halted for the
night. we did some pretty tall foraging on the rebs, about
there, you son if he knows himself, procured all that

[p.4]
was necessary for him and his horse to eat; but, just after
reveille, and fortunately, after the boys had "saddled up"
the rebs broke through our picket line and charged right
into our camp in three columns; we were in our
saddles in a second, and ready for them: it did seem quite
amusing to me, to see those Jonnies come down on us, so
full of hope, but we never budged: They wavered, and
then it was our turn to charge, and with yells we "hurled
them back"' and I participated in my second Cav. charge.
They captured all of our artillery, and ambulances, and about
thirty of our boys , but we soon retook all, and fifty rebs
besides. They stripped our men and acted so mean that
some of our boys didn't take any prisoners. They drop[p]ed them.
Our boys are feeling quite discouraged about their commissions.
The Copperheads have been put in command, and they are privates.
They always have been. Write soon. From you affect. Son Hervey.

Letter accompanied with an envelope postmarked 6 Jan. Washington, D. C. and addressed to:
Mrs. Emily E. Goodrich
Fayetteville
Onon. co.
N.Y.


The "second fight" was the expedition to Lacey Springs as described in the Official Records. Brig. Gen. George A. Custer, Commanding Officer.

1864 December 13 Camp Russell

Dearest Mother
almost every boy
that hears from home, tells me that you
have not heard a word from me in a
great while now -- I know there must be
some mistake about it; as near as possible
I've tried to write to you and James once a
week; the letters may not reach you, but
I have written and sent them; last Saturday I wrote
to you both, it is now Wednesday, and I am at it
again, and I am going to direct this in such a
manner that I think it will reach you. in your
next please let me know if
you have yet receiv. mine
of last Saturday. It is not very convenient writing
this cold weather, or I would try to write longer
and oftener, and besides my paper, and money both
have given out entirely, and hence you see that
I labour under some disadvantages.
There is nothing of importance going on
[p.2]
here: our brigade is on the extreme right of the army
we are doing picket duty continually; once in a while
we are sent out on a raid or a reconnaissance;
we expect to go into Winter quarters every day --
but you know a Soldier lives in expectancy; we
have had some very cold weather within a day or
two; the inhabitants say that it has been the coldest
they have known in years. I have been
particularly busy for two days past. it has been
the time of our monthly issue of clothing, and the boys
required quite an amount; yesterday I went over
to the 22nd Cav. to see Herbert Lord. I had a pleasant
little visit, and what was better I got some bacon and
sugar: Herbert came over and I reciprocated the visit
last evening. we went up to mr. Chaplain Erdman's
tent, and together with Mitchell, had quite a little chat.
By the way, Erdman has received his Commission,
and is Chaplain of the 2nd N.Y. Cav. with the rank
of a Captain: while Mitchell, Morse, Bolster, Capt. Morse, and
Galliway, are nothing but privates, and were yesterday
relieved of their commands; They have had a great
deal of responsibility, have tried to do all the
work of forming, and regulating the Companies, all
this they have done for $18. per month.
[p.3]
We are to have a Lieut. Bell over our com.
The other Com's. have the Copperhead officers appointed
by Gov. Seymour. They have sent in their
resignations, and the other boys expect to be
mustered as officers "in a few days" but that
has been the saying every since we left home.
I believe I had rather have my position,
and labor and pay. then all of their expectations,
and expenses. I never felt better, nor so
well, in my life. I am as fat as ahog, and
still grow fatter, and cheeker. I tent with
Jessie Barnes: whose wife is being this Winter
with Julia Morse. I wish you would step up
there and tell her that Jessie is wanting to
hear from her. There is no news of any
importance to write, and as I am ordered up
to the Quarter Masters dept. on business I must
close. I will reiterate my requests, that you
would write soon and send a few small bags,
and about five dollars, in green backs.
From your affect. son
Hervey.

[the above letter is accompanied by an envelope addressed to:
Mrs. Emily E. Goodrich
Fayetteville
Onodaga Co.
N.Y.


Box 40

1864 December 3rd Camp Russell

Dearest Mother
Perhaps you
think (and with good reason too)
that I have become quite negligent
in writing to you of late; but if
you know all that we have been
through, and how busy we have been
since we came here at the front,
you would not wonder greatly at
it. We have been in two battles
on two raids, and on picket duty
every other day: besides this my
duties have been almost doubled
since our first fight. we lost two
Sergts. and hence I have had to do
besides what devolves upon me as Qr.
Mstr. Sergt., those also of a duty Sergt.
[p. 2]
We have just come in from a long
raid over into Western Virginia.
we crossed the Blue Ridge twice
and have been four days in the
mountain. Our division (the 3rd)
Gen. Custer's left here at 12 o clock
Monday night. we rode all night
through woods, mountains, across rivers,
and into ravines, and it was as black
as a Jacket, and you could hardly see
your hand before you: by morning
we were well among the mountains
of the Old Blue Ridge. and such
beautiful scenery I never saw before.
to see the sun rise among the peaks
in that high elevation, will well
pay one for a hard nights march --
In and about Lost River, the scenery
very romentic. There is a lofty
summit on one bank of the stream,
[p. 3]
and in the other one the wildest,
most rugged stratum of rocks I ever
saw. they throw Harpers Ferry completely
in the shade. Captain Vandecaarr and
other officers that knew said that they
over hang more than those at
Niagara Falls. one point was particularly
picturesque. There was just room enough
for the column to march between the
rocks and the river; a few feet up, and
painted in black paint was the words
"Lost River." some of the boys thought
it was no wonder the river got lost
in such a wild country. We left camp
with only two days rations, and was gone
four days. hence it was necessary to do
some very tall foraging. In one place, our
company alone froze on two hives of honey,
but we got pretty hungry for all of that.
Our division went out to act in
[p. 4]
conjunction with another that had gone
before, for the purpose of cooping five
thousand rebs. in the mountains, but
as usual they got wind of it and took
leg. Good many of our horses
played out, some of them cast shoes and
got lame, but my critter carried me
through bully. he is a gay horse, about the
best in the Com. A. L. Cunningham's horse
gave out, but it was more his fault than his
horse for he took no care of him; I have
lent him some money and he has not been
able to pay me yet. I am almost dead
broke, if you will send me five dollars
and trust me until A.L.C.
pays me I will be very much obliged.
You ask me if I have to go into battle?
I have been in both the fights we have
had: by strict military law I would be
obliged to go into action but it is customary for
the Qt. Mstr. & Comissary Sergts. to remain in the
rear. It is all very well to talk of being brave
and of displaying valor, but old soldiers tell
me "It's played out." for these rebs do shoot strait
if I can save any bullets holes I propose
to do so.
[written in side margin on page 3:]
If you do not hear from me quite as often or so regularily as before do not
be at all anxious, for Mosby often intercepts the mail between here and the Ferry.
[written in side margin on page 2:]
On the 26th I supose I was entitled to vote for Abe Lincoln or "any other man."
when Uncle Noble returns please make the necessary settlement with him.
[written in side margin on page 1:]
We think we shall go into winter quarters soon. And if Sherman is successful and
negotiations are opened this Winter we shall have no more fighting to do.
H.E.E.
D.K.E.
[written in the top margin on page 1:]
Please write soon and send me the money
and a few bags. from you ever loving
son Hervey

[The above letter is accompanied with an envelope addressed to:
Mrs. Emily E. Goodrich
Fayetteville
Onon. Co.
N.Y.

the letter is postmarked Dec. 8, Washington, D. C.

1864 November 9 Camp near Harper's Ferry

Dearest Mother
We left Camp Stoneman Sunday morning instead
of Saturday. rode through
Washington and made by night
twenty one miles: we saddled
up early in the morning and
rode all day in the rain
and brought u by night
a mile and a half from
Frederick City we made
twenty nine miles that day,
yesterday we came here
within four miles of the
Ferry, about twenty five miles
we are laying W here to day
[p.2]
to get our horses shod and
recruit up generally; also to get
rations and forage. It has rained
two days and is quite threatening
to day. It has been quite a hard
ride, some of the boys, and quite
a number of horses have given
out. I have felt Just old
gay all the time. I never
enjoyed better health. I will
ride all day, and never
get off my horse once,
eat my hard tack and pork,
lay down at night and sleep
like a log. I grow fatter and
still more fat. my cheecks
stick out like a squirrels
chops full of nuts, and best
of all I don't get the blues.
tomorrow morn. at day
[p.3.]
break, we start for the Valley.
There are five hundred of us,
and we are well prepared for
the Johnnies if they see fit to
show themselves. I cant write
more now as I've got to
issue four days rations of
forage. write soon and don't
fear that I will not be well
cared for. I tent with Jessie
Barnes, a cousin of John
Morse's wife. he and I make it
go first rate. Addison Cunningham
is feeling quite tired from his ride
but I guess he will come out all
right. your loving son
Hervey
Direct
Com. H. 2nd N.Y.V. Cav.
Washington D.C.
[written in side margin on page 2]
Don't direct to Camp Stoneman any more.