Elias and Margaret Monfort Civil War Letters

Excerpts for Discussion Nov. 26, 2013



The following letters are available at the Duggan Library Archives, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.). Page images and background information are also online,
as are more transcriptions of Elias Monfort's and Margaret Monfort's letters.



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Maggie Monfort, letter to Elias Monfort, 23 Jan. 1862, folder 1, box 1, Elias Riggs Monfort Collection, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Molly Murphy, HC 2017.

Glendale Female Col.  January 23rd 1862

Dear brother,

When you read this you will probably be on your way to Virginia. And I shall be at home thinking of you. Shall I ever see you again? It may be that you will return, or it may be that God has designed that you shall fall on the battle field if this is the will of God we must submit, but I shall earnestly beseech him every day to spare you and return you to us again. and if my prayers will avail anything. there shall many go up to the throne of grace. And  liable as you are to be killed almost any moment. should you not always be prepared? Are you prepared?  I fear not. Do you not think you ought to be? - - - Then when will you prepare yourself by humbly falling at the throne  of God and asking him to pardon you and direct you in the way in which you should go? If you do this you will be so much happier. My dear brother I know that you do not expect to die unprepared but now is the time. You may never have another chance, for God says “Boast not thy self of tomorrow for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” tomorrow may never come to you. Your life may be ver before tomorrow. Oh then why not prepare so that if such be the case you may be ready to meet God and render a good account of the talents he has committed to your keeping. Now dear brother do think about this matter.  I beseech you. And if I should never meet you again in this world, let me hope that I may meet you in heaven. A ransomed soul. Do not think I would have [you] fear death.  and shrink from offering up your life for your countrys bell.   all I want is that when called upon to leave this world you may be able to feel that you have a home in the skies and a friend in Jesus who can never be taken from you. But I hope that you may be spared through the whole and be instrumental in bringing peace to our distracted country. Be careful of yourself and your men. do whatever you consider your duty to yourself and your country. but keep yourself out of unnecessary danger. Be kind to your men. If you see one wearied with his heavy burden, lighten him if you can. if you see anyone hungry share your bread with him, and whenever you see any way of helping any poor soldier do it and you will make them love you more. and wish to assist you in any way they may be able. And now dear brother I have no more time and all I wish is that you may do your duty and take care of yourself. Write as often as you can.

Goodbye. your affectionate sister

Maggie C. Montfort

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Elias Riggs Montfort, letter to Maggie Montfort, 5 March 1862, folder 1, box 1, The Elias Riggs Monfort Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Madeline McElroy, HC 2017.

Camp Milroy March 5th /62

Dear Sister

Your letter was received and read with much interest. Though it produced rather an unpleasant sensation it gave me a fit of the blues, I think you have a great deal of impudence to ask me how I enjoyed the 22nd of February out here in this God for saken wooden country after inummerating the splended review & the Grand Parade and the brilliante illuminations of the city [.] The happy spectators crowding about the city through the mud regardless health and future happiness only thinking of the present. I will However answer your question on that unfortunate day the Bloody Seventy Fifth might have been seen winding its way carelessly over the Laurel mountains wet to the skin from the rain which poured down incessantly from Eight in the morning till between 9 & ten then it began to freeze & hail after dinner it seemed as if all the Elements were indeed combined to stop yet on we went regardless of any thing but to reach a good camping ground and sending a thousand curses at those who were the causes of our being placed in [crossed out: under] these unfortunate circimstanses[.] That day I carried one knapsack & two guns besides my own traps making a load of about sixty pounds [.] Boots would not save a mans feet from being wet on that day as clothes became saturated and watter would naturaly run in them. With all the excitement of the march I kept "cool" rather to cool to be comfortable.

12 o clock and all is well [.] I have just ordered the guard out and the third relief to their posts and am now waiting for the Corporal to come and report As the weather is very disagreeable and I am Officer of the Guard[,] I have obtained permision to remain in my quarters only going out once an hour [--] twice if nessessary to see that all is well and report such in the guard book [.] Captain Morgan and Lieut. Crampton are sleeping in the same tent [.] Even the raging storm out side does not distirb their quiet slumbers O that I could do the same "for my sleepy eye lids are batting batting for my pallet poor" [.] You cannot imagine what a happy felling it is to lie down at night even in our poor couches without fear of being distirbed intil breakfast is ready. Please give my best regards to Sallie and tell her I should like to here from her if she does not intend to answer my letter tell her to write and let me know, Remember me to Miss "O" Sister [Weckly] [.] I have just been out and find the weather has again changed it is snowing quite hard but the Snow does not have much effect on the mud of which our camp is full. Please send me some stamp &c Give my love all my friends.

Your Affcete Brother

E.R. Montfort.

In this I send you a bunsh of winter green the woods are carpeted with them in many places

ERM

[Note that the dried plants are still with the original letter in the Duggan Library Archives.]

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Elias Riggs Montfort, letter to Maggie Montfort, 15 April 1862, folder 1, box 1, The Elias Riggs Monfort Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Diane Jackson, HC 2017.

Montaray Highland County

April 15th, 1862.

Dear Sister,

It seems almost an age since we heard from you or home. We have got into camp once more after some severe marching and sleepless nights. We left our beautiful Camp near Huttonsville on sunday the Sixth of April. I was in command of the rear guard. I was ordered down to the Quarter Master's department one mile & half below camp to force some waggons in to service to assist in hawling our traps over the mountains. I did so and returned to Camp having marched three miles we then started started for [chief?] mountain twelve miles distant when we arrived at 4 oclock P.M. when we camped the night[.] We arose bright and early on Monday Morning started at 7oclock for the rebel camp camp on the Alleghania Mountains. Which was evacuated by them on the 5th @ distance of twenty five miles. When we started the sun was just beginning to show himself above the the tops of the trees a slight breeze was blowing the air was soft [and] balmy but a little cold[.] we were fresh and traveled fast at about ten oclock [A.M.] we passed over the Green Briar River a splended stream a very strong currant so swift that is almost impossible to ford it and it roars like a tornado[.] after crossing the River we passed a beautiful meadow then began to ascend the Green Briar Mountains here truely is a wide field for the artist[.] Indeed the rough passes the rugged clifts the will [wild] and romantic forests which spreads from noth to south east to west as far as the eye can reach where the ax had never been where none but the hunter or the Indians had ever trod. The roaring of the pines the singing of the birds and the beautiful landscapes rendered our march rather a pleasure than a burden & we hope the frosts & snow had ceased for the season but alas how vain are all our hopes[.] In less than on hour the whole temperature was changed [.] it began to rain hail snow & freeze[.] we passed on down and then began to ascend the alleghania[.] the ice began to collect on the road & trees so that the roads were almost impassable[.] we finaly arrived at the camp cold & stiff & very tired[.] we went to bed early & were ordered on in the morning to crab orchard where we arrived at 4oclock a distance of 12 miles[.] it still continued to hail & rain in the morning[.] we went out forageing and captured a secesh mail[,] three days rations of flower[,] feed for horces &c[.] we returned at night having traveled 12 miles[.] the next day we were ordered off on a scout to Franklin Pendletown County Va[.] here we had a horse shot & captured 12 stands of arms one sword &c a distance of 30 miles in two days march & the 13th we started at one oclock for Montaray where we arrived at at 10 oclock on the 14th we had a ficht at this place two men wounded[.] the Enemy [repulsed]. We crossed the potomac twice in our march in haste.

Yours truely,

ER Montfort

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Elias Riggs Montfort, letter to Maggie Montfort, 6 May 1862, folder 1, box 1, The Elias Riggs Monfort Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Cody Reister, HC 2017.

 

Camp at Shaws Fork 6 1/2 miles

from McDouel & 3 1/4 from Top of Shanandoah

Mountain May 6th, 1862

Dear Sister

I received your kind letter two days since But on account of heavy marches have not found time to do any thing for myself The Skirmish you speak of was between company D & company G. on our side & about 1500 Rebels on the other side it was very warm for about two hours & a half the two companies stood their ground nobly one man had to have his leg amputated an other recieved a ball in his breast passing out under the left arm. An other had a ball lodged in his belt plate tearing all to pieces an other had three balls pass through his haversack We left Monterey on the 30th of April arriving at McDouel at 3oclock P.M. here we remained one day[.] on the morning of the 2nd of May we left McDouel for Shanandoah Mountain and reached Shanandoah at 2 P.M. where we remain until morning sleeping on the ground on the cold top of the mountain.

Franklin Pendleton county May 12th

While writing the above an order came to strike tents as quick as possible and fall in line of Battle this was done in less than ten minutes I rolled this sheet of paper in my blanket & it has got very dirty but it is the only sheet in the company & I must use it we left Shaws fork on the 6th Early in the morning we marched to Shanandoah Mountain 3 1/2 miles When there we recieved orders to fall back to Shaws fork as the Enmy were advancing in large number we did so where orders came to continue our retreat to Calf pasture ridge 9 1/2 Miles from Shanandoah Mountain where the General came up & ordered the 75th back to support Captain Highman battery of Artilery a distance of 6 miles where we threw shot shell & canister among them & scatered them in evry direction we then came back to the bluff where we were ordered to retreat to McDouel 6 miles from shaws fork to the bluff & 6 to McDouel making a distance of 37 1/2 miles traveld in one day The next day we were drawn up in line of battle all all day at 5 oclock we were ordered to attack the Enimy we marched up a terrible hill & attacked them[.] the 75th fought desperately until half past nine when it was so dark that we could not see the Enimy[.] we lost in killed 9 instantly several afterwards & 43 wounded[.] Our company lost two killed Henry Nickle & Jacob Coleman both of Franklin Ohio[,] three badly wounded & 5 flesh wounds[.] The wounded or badly wounded Sergt Henry Jacobs & Trygood Hurt. & Phillip Nickle[.] slightly were Louis Eckerle of Glendale Frank Elsessor of Lockland Jacob Loop of Franklin Thomas Hermanson an old man. the Louis & I enlisted on the Hamilton turn pike. the wounded are doing well now the same night after the fatigue of battle we were ordered to retreat & did so all night it was a terrible march in the morning we recieved reinforcements of three regiments & 4 comanies of cavelry & one of artilery under Genl Schauck but still continued our retreat we arrived here yesterday morning pitched our tents recieved an other reinforcement of 4 thousand men one regment of cavelry & 5 batteries of artilery &c a part Gen Benkins driver who will arrive to day with the remander we drove the rebels back to day & they are retreating in disorder[.] in haste we go on picket tonigh

ER Monfort

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Elias Riggs Montfort, letter to Maggie Montfort, 12 June 1862, folder 1, box 1, The Elias Riggs Monfort Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Ethan Hopkins, HC 2017.

Mt. Jackson June 12

Dear sister,

I have heard from you twice or three times since we have been [up?] on the march [.] We left Franklin on the 25th of May & have been marching ever since we are in a desparate situatuon now in the way of clothing & c[.] We marched first to Peters burgh a distance of 30 miles then to Morefield 10 miles then to Strausburgh 55 miles there we engage the enimy & drove them back taking a great many prisoners & one piec of cannon [.] we then followd the retreating rebels as far as Harrisonburgh a distance 47 miles then hearing that then [Ewing?] had made a stand 5 miles farther on [at?] a place called Cross Keys we pushed on & attacked them & fought them all day sunday the 8th Monday we drove them back 7 miles where they succedded in crossing the shamadiah at Port republic & burning the brigde which stoped us[.] shield fought then on the other side but was whiped with a loss of 1,000 killed & wounded our loss of sunday was 600 killed & wounded the rebel loss was double ours[.] they left them scatered in the woods we found them on the march Monday we then fell back to HQ 12 miles & then 25 miles farther to rienforce sheilds if possible[.] on the march we have captured over 8 hundred prisoners but Jackson has got away

get the map & look [up?] our course[.] in haste[.] I will give you full particuler when I have more time

Yours Affectionately

ER Montfort

Write twice a week or more so that I may have some thing to keep my spirits up even if you do not hear from me

ERM

Send me some stamps

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Elias Riggs Montfort, letter to Maggie Montfort, 14 June 1862, folder 1, box 1, The Elias Riggs Monfort Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Mason Cheng, HC 2017.

Mt Jackson June 14, 1862

Dear sister -- I promised you a minute detail of our march and late fighting which has hardly eased yet but lack paper & time all I can do is to let you know that I am on this side of Hades[.] We are now in a beautiful country the valley of the Shanandoah which is layed wast[e] by the fates of war. You at home cannot realize what it is go to bed with out supper & get up in the mourning & have to go to some quartermaster & beg a little hard bread or salt Pork for to fill the mouths of hungry children This has been done by men worth over fifty thousand dollars[.] money will not keep a man a live in this country[.] since we have been on this march I have seen 3 thousand horses turned in on a wheat field all most ready to cut & pastured there for the might they would utterly destroy the whole field of grain per haps one Hundred acres in the field. We have marched nearly two hundred mieles since the 25th of May & I am completely used up[.] we are & very short rations now[.] I succeeded in getting 10 lbs of flour to day at 20 cts a pound & had it baked[.] it cost after being baked 50 cts per lb & we were glad to get it at that[.] when I can get some paper I will write more[.] write soon & oblige

Yours Truly

ER Montfort

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Elias Riggs Montfort, letter to Maggie Montfort, 21 June 1862, folder 1, box 1, The Elias Riggs Monfort Papers, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by J. T. Silvers, HC 2017.

[Note that this letter was written on a "U. S. Military Telegraph" form.]

Camp at Shawsburgh June 21st 1862

To Dear Sister

I again notify you that we are not done with marching we have since I last wrote traveled 47 miles makeing in all since the 25th of May 45 miles on foot through mud & watter & with only half rations & some days none. Our regmt now cannot muster over 200 men for a fight 5 captains 2 1st Lieut & 8 2nd Lieut & one field officer which is Major Reily. Col McLean has been promoted he is in command of the 2nd Brigade of which the 75th forms a part. The Brigade consists of the 75th 82nd 73rd & 55th O.V.I. U.S.A. Major Reily was appointed Grand Marsall which left us with out a field officer for two weeks One company has no companies officers[.] the capt is sick at Claysville Md. the 1st Lieut at Athens ohio the 2nd Lieut at Newcreek[.] the Regt is in a very bad fix & would not be able to meeet the same number of the Enemy there are at least 50 men that have no shoes & as many more have no blouses or blankets Genl. Traum is a poor excuse for a Genl. or we would have caught Jackson and captured his whole command. Lieut Crampton writes to me that he delivered the money I sent but forgot the watch he has my watch when you write tell me what he said of me & of what we had to undergo also what you are doing[.] at the time I am writing it is 25 minutes past 9 oclock It gives me the blues to think of what you may be doing this week & I am in va marching all day & sleeping on the groung at that with no blanket & raining half the time

Write Soon

Yours affectionately

E.R. Montfort

[The following was written in the margin of the letter.]
I picked this piece of Paper up on the road with about a dozen others dropped I suppose by the opperative.

 


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