Robert Sealy to his father Richard Sealy on February 21, 1862 from Fort Donaldson.
Title
Robert Sealy to his father Richard Sealy on February 21, 1862 from Fort Donaldson.
Description
Robert “Bert” P. Sealy was born in the town Castle Cary, Somersetshire, England, on January 13, 1835 to Richard Sealy (born c. 1804 in South Welton, England) and Maria Louisa Champion Sealy (born c. 1803 in Wells, England). His family (including 2 brothers & 1 sister) moved to Rochester, New York around 1843. They later moved to Geneva, NY and final settled in Rockford, IL in 1855. He enlisted (along with brother George) in Company G, 45th Illinois Volunteers and entered the army as a 1st Lieutenant. Since Robert was an officer, he was able to have his wife Helen (referred to as “Nellie” or “Nelly”) with him in the camps, away from the battles. He was involved in the siege of Vicksburg, and as a commander led the first regiment into the city. After the fall of Vicksburg he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He moved away from Rockford to Council Bluffs, IA in 1868, and at some point he and his wife adopted a daughter, May Sealy. He died March 14, 1888.
Date
February 21, 1862
Rights
Midway Village Museum
Format
jpeg
pdf
Identifier
2013.70.51
Text
2013.70.51
Fort Donaldson July 21st 1862
Dear Father
Drs Richings & Strong are here and to return tomorrow & kindly volunteered to take mail matter for us. I have no additional news. since Monday to tell you, except that George & I are both well, & ready for another March just so soon as we get orders if you can see them they will give you more acurate [sic] accounts of the Battlefield then [sic] I can by writting [sic] we recd letter from Home to day [sic] or George did I recd two from Nell, she says she will be Home at Rockford about the 8th of March. does not like it up there very much. she says she has not heard from Rockford yet. if you dont [sic] know how to direct, it is Wyocena, Columbia County Wis I wish Mate would write her as she feels as though that is her home & feels anxious to here [sic] from there
We dont [sic] know where our next move will be. probably Nashville Clarksville is evacuated so Nashville is the next stand point for the Rebels. We are all anxious to have the War ended since this battle
Page 2
I have had enough of it God grant I may never see another such o sight and I certainly do not wish to participate in one although at the time I did not fear or have a feeling of any kind excep [sic] anxiety for the good behavior of my company & when the trial came they were not found wanting, they are a brave band, and will follow me to the Cannon Mouth if need be. I shall never feer [sic] if called on again in battle
Have no fears for your two Boys, for I feel confident that we shall come out of this safe and if it is the will of the Almighty that we shall fall in our county defence [sic] let his will not ours be done we will try and keep you posted as to our movements, though Mail facilities are doubtfull [sic] with us. write us often for letters from home are great comforts to the Soldier in the field. Direct to Cairo & forward untill [sic] we inform you to change
Good Bye & May God Bless us all is the Prayer of Your Devoted Son
Capt R.P.Sealy, Co G 45th Ill vol
Fort Donaldson July 21st 1862
Dear Father
Drs Richings & Strong are here and to return tomorrow & kindly volunteered to take mail matter for us. I have no additional news. since Monday to tell you, except that George & I are both well, & ready for another March just so soon as we get orders if you can see them they will give you more acurate [sic] accounts of the Battlefield then [sic] I can by writting [sic] we recd letter from Home to day [sic] or George did I recd two from Nell, she says she will be Home at Rockford about the 8th of March. does not like it up there very much. she says she has not heard from Rockford yet. if you dont [sic] know how to direct, it is Wyocena, Columbia County Wis I wish Mate would write her as she feels as though that is her home & feels anxious to here [sic] from there
We dont [sic] know where our next move will be. probably Nashville Clarksville is evacuated so Nashville is the next stand point for the Rebels. We are all anxious to have the War ended since this battle
Page 2
I have had enough of it God grant I may never see another such o sight and I certainly do not wish to participate in one although at the time I did not fear or have a feeling of any kind excep [sic] anxiety for the good behavior of my company & when the trial came they were not found wanting, they are a brave band, and will follow me to the Cannon Mouth if need be. I shall never feer [sic] if called on again in battle
Have no fears for your two Boys, for I feel confident that we shall come out of this safe and if it is the will of the Almighty that we shall fall in our county defence [sic] let his will not ours be done we will try and keep you posted as to our movements, though Mail facilities are doubtfull [sic] with us. write us often for letters from home are great comforts to the Soldier in the field. Direct to Cairo & forward untill [sic] we inform you to change
Good Bye & May God Bless us all is the Prayer of Your Devoted Son
Capt R.P.Sealy, Co G 45th Ill vol
Original Format
Letter
Collection
Citation
“Robert Sealy to his father Richard Sealy on February 21, 1862 from Fort Donaldson.,” Midway Village Museum - Digital Collections, accessed April 26, 2024, https://midwayvillagemuseumdigitalcollections.omeka.net/items/show/44.