To Capt. Christopher T. Dunham from a friend [Atkins], written January 22, 1865.
Title
To Capt. Christopher T. Dunham from a friend [Atkins], written January 22, 1865.
Description
Christopher Theodore Dunham was born Sept 24, 1836 in Berkshire, Tioga County, NY. He moved to Freeport, Stephenson County, IL around 1856 and in 1860 was elected county surveyor. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted as a corporal in Capt. Atkin's company in the 11th Illinois Regiment of the Union Army. He transferred to Noleman's Calvary Company and was mustered out July 5, 1862. He returned to Freeport where he again enlisted under the President's call of July 1. 1862 and was elected Captain of Company F, 92nd Illinois Volunteers. With his background as a surveyor, he was detailed as Topographical officer on the staff of Brigadier General A. Baird, commander of his regiment's division. He married Sarah (“Sadie” or “Saddie”) E. Cummings September 22, 1862 in Freeport, Illinois. In 1864 he was tendered by Governor Yates the commission of Lt. Col. but turned it down to remain on staff duty. He was also attached to HQ 3rd Div. Army of Kentucky and HQ 1st Div. Reserve Army Corps. After returning to Freeport he was again surveying, but in 1872 was admitted to the Elgin Insane Asylum, where he died January 27, 1878.
Date
January 22, 1865
Rights
Midway Village Museum
Format
jpeg
pdf
Identifier
2013.70.34
Text
2013.70.34
Hdqrs 1 Brig 3 Cav. Div. M.D.M.
Near Savannah, Ga., Jany 22, 1865
My Dear Captain:
I have your esteemed favor of the 31st ulti from Chattanooga and am glad to hear from you.
Permit me to return you my thanks for your interest in forwarding recruits to the 92. I hope they will get along soon. There are many that enlisted a year ago who have not yet reached the regiment.
We were ordered to move some days ago, but the steady rains here made it impossible, and we have just received an order that the movement is indefinitely postponed You have no conception of the state of the roads here. We are surrounded by rice plantations that are nearly
Page 2
all under water. The roads are pretty good away from the [coast], but it will be almost impossible to move from this point during the rainy season. I should not be surprised if the main part of the army should go north by water transportation; it certainly must do so, if Grant desires the co-operation of this army in the spring’s campaign in front of Richmond.
Our march through Georgia was grand—beautiful roads, plenty to eat, and just sufficient fighting to make it interesting. We were very fortunate, and always whipped Wheeler whenever we met him. At Waynesboro Baird’s Division was right back of us, but did not get into the fight. I had a long conversation with Genl Baird. He is just the same as ever and I like him more & more. I have not seen him since
Page 3
the fall of Savannah. We were to move with the 14th Corps on the proposed expedition, and if it quits raining and we go ahead I will probably see him frequently.
By the recommendation of Genls Kilpatrick and Sherman I have been appointed by the President Brevet Brg Genl U.S.V. This gives me the pay of a Brg Genl and I am yet in command of the 2nd Brig. If you are ordered to join the command I will of course give you a place on my staff or assist you to any staff appointment I can But I think you would find it more agreeable and pleasant to remain with Capt Merrill. Please remember me to him
Page 4
Hard work & [want of forage has broken down my command until I am utterly discouraged. I never saw animals in so bad a condition as mine are at present. I heartily wish I was attached to the infantry
My regards to your wife. Let me hear from you often
Sincerely your friend
Smith D. Atkins
Capt C.T. Dunham
Chattanooga
Hdqrs 1 Brig 3 Cav. Div. M.D.M.
Near Savannah, Ga., Jany 22, 1865
My Dear Captain:
I have your esteemed favor of the 31st ulti from Chattanooga and am glad to hear from you.
Permit me to return you my thanks for your interest in forwarding recruits to the 92. I hope they will get along soon. There are many that enlisted a year ago who have not yet reached the regiment.
We were ordered to move some days ago, but the steady rains here made it impossible, and we have just received an order that the movement is indefinitely postponed You have no conception of the state of the roads here. We are surrounded by rice plantations that are nearly
Page 2
all under water. The roads are pretty good away from the [coast], but it will be almost impossible to move from this point during the rainy season. I should not be surprised if the main part of the army should go north by water transportation; it certainly must do so, if Grant desires the co-operation of this army in the spring’s campaign in front of Richmond.
Our march through Georgia was grand—beautiful roads, plenty to eat, and just sufficient fighting to make it interesting. We were very fortunate, and always whipped Wheeler whenever we met him. At Waynesboro Baird’s Division was right back of us, but did not get into the fight. I had a long conversation with Genl Baird. He is just the same as ever and I like him more & more. I have not seen him since
Page 3
the fall of Savannah. We were to move with the 14th Corps on the proposed expedition, and if it quits raining and we go ahead I will probably see him frequently.
By the recommendation of Genls Kilpatrick and Sherman I have been appointed by the President Brevet Brg Genl U.S.V. This gives me the pay of a Brg Genl and I am yet in command of the 2nd Brig. If you are ordered to join the command I will of course give you a place on my staff or assist you to any staff appointment I can But I think you would find it more agreeable and pleasant to remain with Capt Merrill. Please remember me to him
Page 4
Hard work & [want of forage has broken down my command until I am utterly discouraged. I never saw animals in so bad a condition as mine are at present. I heartily wish I was attached to the infantry
My regards to your wife. Let me hear from you often
Sincerely your friend
Smith D. Atkins
Capt C.T. Dunham
Chattanooga
Original Format
Letter
Collection
Citation
“To Capt. Christopher T. Dunham from a friend [Atkins], written January 22, 1865.,” Midway Village Museum - Digital Collections, accessed April 19, 2024, https://midwayvillagemuseumdigitalcollections.omeka.net/items/show/32.