Monfort papers, for discussion

Elias Riggs Monfort, letter to Mother, 17 Aug. 1861, folder 4, box 1, Elias Riggs Monfort Collection, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.)
Transcription and research by Jennifer Gilly, HC 2018.

You may think strange of me for not writing to you before but I have writen to sister & Frank & Father & I thought a letter to any one in the family was the same to all & I know that any of the others had more time to write than you. I am enjoying the best health I could wish, I was weighed on monday & weighted one hundred & fifty three pounds. I am getting fat. It is very cold in these mountains at night. it is nothing strange to see frost here in the morning And the people here say they often have frost in evry month in the year. We had a sham battle here the other day one of the most comical things I ever saw. our mess & the sargents mess we had a stove pipe battery & the sargents had some barrells for guns. They fought for a long time we took their battery & they took our fina ly one man fell down as if he were killed & then we had as surgical operation. we raised quite an excitement & all the officers turned out. Even the col[onel] took a good laugh at us the[re] were 27 rifled cannon arrived here last night “en route” for Huttons ville. I thought there will be a large battle there in a fue days. it is only 12 miles from here and three miles from there is a camp of 21 thousand rebbles [sic] under Genl. Lee who has just arrived from western Va and is strongly entrenched in the mountains. Genl. Renolds has about 12,000 men at Huttons ville & has communscation [sic] with 20 000 more in different directions by telegraph who could all be there in 6 hours. I do not think our regt. will ever see a battle unless it is in intercping [intercepting] the retreat of the rebels some where. some of our scouts one of whom was in my mess left camp last monday week where gone about 12 days during which time they was 50 miles the succeeded in passing the enimies [sic] pickets by cralling on hands & knees two miles saw all that was going on in the enimies [sic] camp & succeed in taking a colonel & Leut. Col. prisoners who were taking dinner at a farm house in sided of their lines. one col. tried to hollor [sic] & give the alarm but thew [they] told him if he attempted it again they would kill him on the spot They lay in the bushes all day & at night passed the pickets & came to camp which was 15 miles with nothing to eat for two days & nights. we have 1,080,000 rounds of cartrage which [are?] at rich mountain & 4,000 stands of ammo 4 cannon &c. I am call for special duty and will have to close.

Ethan Brown, letter to Kate, 24 Oct. 1861, folder 2, box 1, Elias Riggs Monfort Collection, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Brayden Smallwood, HC 2021.

Your kind letter of the 12th inst was received in due time and the contents thereof afforded me much pleasure. Yes it almost made me homesick; don’t you know that it is very unkind to write to me about the “peace & comforts of Home”? But you did not intend wrong nor do I mean to say that you did any, but you made me kind o’ think of that long deserted place. We have moved our camp thirty miles down the Miss since I wrote to your sister Emma and to find a smaller & more comfortable camp. There are no other soldiers here now but our Regt. And that fact contributes some to the Comfort of the Camp, for in this business the old Adage “the more the merrier” will not apply. Soldiers of different Regiments will quarrell and that causes trouble.

There is some talk now of our spending the winter at this point. Should we be ordered to do that, we will have a nice time freezing & starving alternately night and day. About three weeks since when we were on our march to [Chapmberville?] I met a man at [Payton’s?] who told me that the River very seldom is ever froze over at that place in winter but I have since concluded that that man either knew nothing about it or wanted to deceive me for it is cold enoug now to convince me that before one month we will have hard freezing weather ie judging from the way things go “down in America.”

I have been unwell for the past week not dangerously but sick enough to confine me to my quarters I am happy to find my self much better tonight, though. Soldiering agrees with me pretty well; of course we are compelled to endure somethings that are not “so pleasant” but they afford a good topic for conversation. when [over?] & also put us in a condition to enjoy comforts the more when we find them.

I received a letter from Chas the other day he tells me that he thinks seriously of going into the service himself I am in some accounts sorry to hear that but still, I know he can do service and I think it is the duty of every man that possibly can to enter in and settle up this business with Jeff & & his followers, though I have long since despaired of ever again seeing the Glorious United States as I have seen them under one government. We may vanquish them in every battle for three years and yet if seven of the states persist in refusing to unite with our government we will not be able to force them in. A rebellion of one or even two states might be suppressed but our rebellion has now assumed too massive a form to be manageable. You inquire about our chaplain. We are supposed to have one. At least I have been introduced to a man who was called Chaplain but have never yet seen or heard of his officiating as such in this Regiment, he has been absent in [Ciniti?] for the past two weeks. Our Captain is also in Cincinnati at present, expect he will be absent about two weeks. When he returns maybe I’ll get a chance to go down to America. I have the whole charge of our Company now and a heavy one it is, for we have about the worst company in the Rgt and for the past three days they have been unusually bad that is made bad by some brandy that was captured the other day by a scouting party. Soldiers seem to throw off all restraint and those who at home would not touch liquor will here get drunk at every opportunity -- & consequently be disgraced by being sent to the guard house. -- I have two such cases on hands for tomorrow. One a Corporal he will have his office taken from him & the other forty-eight-hours on bread & water. You may be sure it is no pleasant task to see men who I think as much of as I do of our soldiers treated this way -- but we must have discipline & to have it must resort to such means at the above. Why don’t [Gureton?] write to me? he needn’t wait for me. Write good long letters -- you can’t imagine how much good it does me to get a letter now days. Excuse this letter it’s pretty cold & I’m writing with my gloves on. These canvas houses are not as warm as some other kinds that I have seen.

Elias Riggs Monfort, letter to Joseph Glass Monfort, 22 May 1862, folder 3, box 1, Elias Riggs Monfort Collection, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription by Mia Katzenberger, HC 2020.

Camp Constable Va
McDouel Highland co
May 2nd 1862

Dear Father,

Yours of April 22nd came to hand yesterday together with sisters of the 24 & one from Frank of the 16th I was very glad to hear that you received the money safely as I have been very anxious for some time past in regard to it. I am very glad you are pleased with my economy I am sure though that I could not be other than economical in this country. I am also temperate as there is no liquors of any kind to drink in this country if I were ever so fond of them. Yet I am not I can not imagine what there was in my last letter so plausable as to merit public inspection. I do not think there is much danger of the officers or men of the 75th Regt becoming dissipated in this country You ask if our Chaplain preaches, he has not preached in W Va but once & that was in Neuburgh [Newburg] on the B.&O. R.R. in a church and has not even visited the Hospital. & never thought of going in to the mens private quarters. There were some men in company C members of his own church that complained quite bitterly about his not visiting them while sick in the Hospital. I have nothing in the world against him only I should like to hear a sermon even once a month or six weeks to remind us that there was such a thing as a civilized country on this globe if for nothing else. We are very much fatigued indeed having marched over 186 miles since the sixth day of April. We have been scouting for three weeks daily one of waggon trains has been cut off [and?] destroyed at Williamsville 25 miles from here we were sent out to accertain the truth of the statement we left Monterey at six oclock P.M. Saturday evening we traveled all night over the roughest road I ever saw we arrived at W----- at 10 A.M. Sunday morning distan[ce] traveled 35 miles & if we had been attacked we never would would have retreated an inch we found the waggon train completely destroyed burnt to atoms accept the iron & some wheels which had the spokes & fellows [a section of the outer, curved part of the wheel into which the spokes fit] cut in two with an ax we found 3 men dead & two wounded the train consisted of 30 waggons & one hundred 20 horses loaded with provisions which were taken from the citizens of the valley there were one sergt & 10 men in command of the train the sergt was wounded in 7 places twice in the right arm once in the leg twice in the breast once in the back of the head once in the left hand & once in the penus, the ball taking efect about the center & passing out the end he is well the the wounds are all slight the other man was wounded in three places
[the letter continues with cross-writing on the first page]
we found in the valley 500 head of cattle & 26 horses belonging to prominent cesesh that are in the army which we took to camp we returned to camp in two days much fatigued & retired early I find I can stand more fatigue in bed than on a march
Your affect

Son

ER Montfort

I have come to the deliberate opinion that it is time for one of us to write and as I have waited in vain to receive a letter from you I propose to open the ball myself. The fact is Gordon I have been postponing a letter to you for many weeks but each postponement has seemed to block my purpose more and more and lest said letter should not be written at all, I have determined to spare you this infliction no longer. I regret to hear you have been suffering of late from an injury induced by a fall from your horse—this occurrence is specially unfortunate at this time when as I understand you have the refusal of a position as Captain on Gen’l Granger’s staff. But be in good cheer my friend—it might have been worse—you might have lost a limb or broken one—and it is quite possible though you cannot at this time realize the glories of a Captain, you may recover to find yourself a general [two stars drawn in text]. Stranger things have happened, and I may instance the appointment of Fred . Moore, Colonel. ——

Congress again convened and the members prepared to rush matters during the short probation that remains to so many of the Republicans. It seems to be understood that liberal appropriations will be made to cover the remainder of President Lincolns Administration – Are snubbing the Vallandighams & Coxs daily and have inaugurated their session in fine style. -- Porter - Court Martial & McDowell – Court of Inquiry in full progress. Prospects are that McD. will clear his skirts of many serious charges damaging to his reputation. Case of Porter doubtful – chances against him, though he has splendid Council. Reverdy Johnson being one of them. Many facts coming to light which may throw the responsibility of the disasters in Virginia and Penninsular campaigns on very different shoulders from those now made to bear them.

Gordon since we last saw each other a great calamity has befallen us. Ethan Brown is dead. No event of this attrocioius rebellion has occasioned me to great sadness of heart as the fate of my much esteemed and much loved friend. I know Ethan was the bravest of the brave – that in any bold and dangerous exploit of his regiment his services would be in requisition, and that the fearless young patriot would march to the cannon’s mouth if duty required it. I feared his intrepid spirit would sacrifice him one of the first victims of the war. Great was my joy and gratitude when I heard of his valient deeds and manly bearing in battle and that he came out unharmed. And when the tidings came at last that he was wounded the gratifying assurance was given that his recovery would be certain and speedy.

But my first forebodings were at last to be realized. The unwelcome intelligence came my friend was dead; his wound had proved fatal. I was wholly unprepared for it. I had not expected to lose my friend so soon. But it was the decree of Heaven and we can not bring him back to us. Any panegyric from me would be entirely superfluous. Ethan made few enemies and drew around him hosts of friends. Kind genial open-hearted and generous to a fault – forbearing and liberal-minded in dealing with the weakness of a friend or the meanness of an enemy – the perfect Gentleman in all his intercourse with others. Ethan commanded universal respect and esteem: and with such high and uncommon attributes of character, I may safely say there were none admitted to the privilege of his friendship but that loved him. Ethan is dead. I mourn his loss deeply, as I have sorrowed for none since the death of our lamented young friend Marshall [Crapsey?]. They were two of the best friends I ever had or expect to have in this world, this world of cold indifference and selfishness, when the great multitude of our fellows are constantly striving to overreach and destroy each other and so few are champions of truth justice and charity.

Our friend Metcalf too is another victim of this Hell-born treason of the South. Never so intimate in my relations with Metcalf I esteemed him very highly and was very sad to learn that he too had received his death wound while nobly defending his country. Gordon our friends have gone forever, but we have the consulation though it may not diminishour grief, that both died for the cause of truth and justice – died the “bravest of the brave” among heroic legions of defenders of their country. God grant a rich and abundant reward may be theirs in the Spirit World. But I have not tried to say all I would – and yet my letter is very long, for which I ask your indulgence

Write me soon as your convenience will permit – my delay has been from no forgetfulness of you or wrong intent.

Give my kindest regards to all the members of your family – this time include Emma – it is time the affair between the Philo & Hespinian Societies which interrupted our friendship should be forgotten. At least this is my opinion and I hope it is hers.

As ever, Your friend truly

[S. T.?] Brooks

Elias Riggs Monfort, letter to Maggie Monfort, 9 Jan 1863, folder 1, box 1, Elias Riggs Monfort Collection, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription and research by Trey Sparks, HC 2017.

Your welcome letter came to hand today bringing with the fond recolection of the happy past when I had the pleasure of engaging with you all in the festivities of the winter holow days. It would have have done me good to have been with you all. You ask me how I spent my Christmas & New Years days. I scarcely knew when they passed by. In anticipation of Christmas dinner the Captain sent Lieutenant Ruckman to Aquia Creek landing to procure some thing if it was possible. He purchased one pound of butter for 75 cents and priced some other articles among them a goose which $3.00. It had been cooked in Washington and brought up in the river but he concluded he would not get it and came back so I had hard crackers, salt pork, coffee for breakfast. Pork crackers Butter for dinner. Butter crackers & Pork for supper. You can readily imagine how we enjoyed these rare luxuries of life which are so rare to us. Surely Ike must be a happy man to have such a family as he took to the Bible Panorama on his family and complimentarey ticket. Col Constable with 3 captains the Adjutant [and?] two Lieutenants have either sent in their resignations or will immediately because they cannot endorse the President's proclamation. this leaves open a wide field for for the ambitious [juniors?] do you not think so. We have warm political fights on the Negro question in this Regiment and ambition prompts us not to fight to hard for fear of changeing the minds of our Superiors and thereby keeping them in the way of our promotion. Do not say that we do wrong in this for what are men worth in the army who are are continually poisoning the minds of their men and creating dissatisfaction among them. And if for no other motive than the good of the Cause I consider it my duty do all I can to get rid of them.

I was on out Post Picket duty yesterday & do not feel much like writing now and you must excuse all mistakes as I kneed rest and can not of cause do justice to this letter. There is nothing more of importance to write at present. We have heard that Rosencrantz was successful at Murfrees borough] & hope it is true when you write tell me I received a letter from cousin Edward Riggs at Elizabeth N .L. He is well & enjoying his holow days finely Is George at Glendale now[?] if so please tell him to answer my last letter if he can find time. Has Frank [crossed out: joined the army yet] returned to returned to Crawfordsville as yet if so I will write to him in a fue. Tell Sallie to write if her ma is willing

Elias Riggs Monfort, letter to Maggie Monfort, 2 Feb. 1863, folder 3, box 1, Elias Riggs Monfort Collection, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.).
Transcription and research by Kirstin Biggs, HC 2017

Yours of the 21st and 22nd came to hand in due time. We have had a terrible time for two or three weeks marching about in the mud & rain. With no place where to lay our heads & not knowing whether we would march in the next hour or not. We march to morrow to Brooks Station. You have a mistaken idea of our laying quiet because the Army is appearantly doing nothing. We are not in winter [ie winter quarters?] nor yet likely to be this winter I wish we were in the Army of the South west as we then would have a milder climate to contend with which would be much pleasan ter & we would in nearer communication with home & friends. As well as a better opportunity of displaying our abilities and distinguishing our selves.

Captian Friend and Dr Straden arrived last night safely. I happy to hear that Col Reily has such an oppinion of me I hope I merit it. I have the satisfaction at least of knowing that I have always tried to do my duty. And often under very trying circumstances. Col Reily is man who never speaks anything but the truth. Never flatters & you I think can rely that on all he says, he means.

Col Constable I think did as much as any one man could do to injure this Regiment. He has avowed his sentiments in reguard to the presidents proclamation far & wide among the men & said & does more to discourage them than you can imagine. Saying that he pittied them because they could not get out of the servise & glorying in his own advantage over them & saying that he would go if he was dismissed in disgrace. That he was willing to be a marter to his princepals & his opinion of freedoms of speech

As far as I am concerned I can heartily endorse any thing that the President will proclaim. I am in the Army now subject to his orders & will obey them. Whether right or wrong is none of my business. A subordinate officer in the army has no right to have an opinion or pass a remark on the orders of Superior officer. His duty is only to obey. Grumble you may but go you must. Please tell George to write to me as I have not received a letter from him for two months & & I am anxious to hear from him.

Adjt Hopper's resignation has been returned & Lieut Col Constable & Capt Dishelen are suspended. A punishment in the Army much worse than to be under arrest & they feel it bitterly. The Col says he is moraly & politicaly damed & He does not care what they do with him now. I wish they would dismiss them & send the Col to Fort Lafaette as a political prisoner until the war is over

I think there is some movement on foot now from the looks of things. But can not tell what.

I hope you will keep up your style of writing also tell me all the little scrapes the girls get into as they are interesting to me. The roads are in some places three feet deep in mud & almost impassable we can not make but a fue miles a day. If the teams make three they think it good traveling with six horses or mules to a wagon.

Elias Riggs Monfort to Margaret C. Monfort, May 8, 1863, folder 3, box 1, Elias Riggs Monfort Collection, Duggan Library, Hanover College (Hanover, Ind.)
Transcription and research by Asumi Oba, HC 2018.

Since I left home we had a very active time we left camp at 4 A.M. on Monday Apr 26. marched three days 60 miles around in the rear of Fredericksburgh where occurred one of the most desparate fights of the war where in 15 minutes we lost 6 commissioned officers Col Reily wound & prisoner Adjt Gano missing Capt Morey & Capt Watkins wounded & in the hands of the Enimy Lieut Haskell wounded severely Lieut Crozet missing, And one hundred & thirty five men killed wounded & missing the old 75th looks thin Genl McLean shed tears [strike out: the other] yesterday speaking to the regt