Papers exclusive property of William Madison Randall Library at UNCW Transcriptions done by Rebecca L. Zimmer

Edward Hall Armstrong
son of Thomas J. Armstrong, owner of plantation in Rocky Point, NC
student at University of North Carolina
enlisted in Co. G, 3rd Regiment NC troops
engaged at:  Sharpsburg  Seven Days  Gettysburg  Spotsylvania Court House (where he was mortally wounded)

FOLDER 1 ITEM 1

Receipt of sale of slave named John for Eight hundred fourty dollars 1859 from J.L. Moore witnessed by George Morrow and William L. Moore FOLDER 2 ITEM 2 (school paper of EHA)

“The Classification of Mental Phenomenon” Phenomenon is a term usually applied to things visible in nature, which have not been fully explained, and therefore require attention. Hence “Mental Phenomenon” refers to whatever is found to exist in the mind which demands the attention of the Philosopher. The powers of the mind are divided by Reid into the Understanding and will under which he includes, the contemplative powers, such as , judgement, reason, memory, perception, conception, sensation and taste; and the Will, which comprehends the active powers, as the passions, emotions, affections and all those powers which cause the mind to act. This division is objectionable on the ground that the distinction is not clear. Some of the powers as memory, judgement, perception +c are active and must be exercised in almost evry act of the Will, and the powers of the Will must also play some part in evry act of understanding and according to Reid’s own acknowledgement “The two powers concur in every operation of the mind.” There is another division of the powers into Intellect, Sensibility and Will, adopted by Hamilton, which seems to be the one usually preferred by most Philosophers. In this division Intellect comprehends the powers of perception, memory, judgement, reason, conception, and all the powers termed by Reid contemplative, except sensation, and moral faculties, which are assigned to Sensibility. The powers included under Intellect and Will are active, those under Sensibility are passive. The term faculty in its general acceptation is synonomous with power, but there is another meaning given by Hamilton which limits faculty to the powers which are natural and active, in distinction from those which are natural and passive, and called capacities. Operations are the name given to the various modes of thinking, of which the mind is capable, they are actual and distinguishable from faculties which are potential. States are according to some the modes or modification of the mind and are both active and passive. The objection to the definition above is that states are strictly passive. The Faculties as they are powers of the mind do not seem to be distinct from it, but they are as we will see by comparing them distinct from each other for instance memory and judgement, are both faculties but are yet very different. It is plain as we will see by observing that all the powers, concur in each operation, because we can think of no power that is exercised seperate from all the others, as an example, in sensation, the is an exercise of perception, in conception of sensation. Consciousness is a general faculty which is, in its restricted sense, the knowledge, which the mind has of itself, and its operations, but in its more extended sense it includes what it knows by means of the other faculties. It gives us a Knowledge of our Personal Identity; but it is not, as some say Personal Identity itself. 1861

FOLDER 3 ITEM 3 Chapel Hill Apr 16 th 61 Dear Pa We have been in a fever of excitement here, since we learned that Fort Sumpter had been attacked. Evry new arrival brings further news and when the mail arrives evry one is striving to be first in the Office. We have heard with considerable pleasure that Fort Sumpter has at last been captured, with no loss whatever to the Southern army. This is truly a glorious result for the first Battle and I do truly hope that victory may perch on the same banners in evry succeeding strugle. To day I read Lincoln’s Proclamation, he calls for troops from all the states that have not yet gone out of the Union. We must fight; there is nothing else left us, but to decide on which side we will fight; North Carolina must now go out of the Union. We learned by this evenings mail that some of the Wilmington companies had gone to take Fort Caswell and that others were constructing batteries at Federal Point which commands New Inlet and all this by order of the Gov. Report said that The Orange Light Infantry were ordered to go down and take the Arsenal but it is contradicted. I understand that the Arsenal has been taken already. Taking all these things into consideration, I think my college course is neccessarily near an end, especially as Lincoln has ordered out 75:000 troops from all the states. Latin + Greek will be of very little benefit in war and I think that it is unbecoming me as a citizen of New Hanover to remain at college while the other young men are at the Forts and exposing thereselves on Federal Point, to the hardships of military life I feel that it is my duty to give up college and come home, go to Federal Point and form a company and prepare myself for the worst. If the war should soon close, I can easily enter my class again next session, and go through and get my diploma but if it should not; what I should learn from now until I am called away will be of no benefit to me. The excitement is so intense that I am unable to study. Write soon and notice particularly what I said as regards leaving college. Your Son E.H. Armstrong

FOLDER 4 ITEM 4 Chapel Hill Apr 18 th 1861 Dear Pa Having been awaiting anxiously a letter from you for some days and not receiving one I have at last determined to write again. The Excitement here is intense. The mails are anxiously looked for and evry one seems excited at the news constantly coming in. We heard the other day as I told you in my last that the Wilmington Companies were all on duty. Since that we have heard that all the Forts in the State are occupied. News came to day that the Southern Confederacy had furnished Guns and 20:000lbs of powder for Fort Caswell and Federal Point, and that a demand for 2000 men had been made by the Wilmingtonians or Gov. Ellis. Is it possible that New Hanover has to ask for men? What are the country people doing? Ought we to be here while men are going from other parts of the state to defend our home? I think not. I see by to day’s paper that Gov Ellis and also the Kentucky Gov. refuse to aid Lincoln and have informed him that he can get no troops in either of these states. Gov Hicks of Maryland has proved traitor to the South and informed Lincoln that he will furnish his quota of troops. Gen. Scott has resigned his commission and offered his services to the state of Virginia. Virginia has seceded. What will N.C. do now? The Orange Light Infantry (of this place) will be ordered off tomorrow or next day to Fort Macon. The Orange Guards of Hillsboro are ordered to the Arsenal. There was a Secession Flag raised to day at Hillsboro. The ladies of the place raised it and Miss Anita Nash made a speach on the occasion. Hurrah for the daughters of N.C. Would that the men were as zealous as they. Please write and tell me all the news. If my services are needed (and I suppose they are as they have not men enough to occupy all the posts) do not hesitate one moment to call me home but write immediately and I shall be ready to perform any duty assigned me. You are too old to go and our family ought at least to have one representative in the army. A diploma even if I could stay long enough to get one (though I have no idea that I can) would not be acceptable if I knew I had neglected my duty to my country to get it ... Every Southerner ought to be drilling daily and on military duty in order to prepare himself for Lincoln and his hordes. my services? No never I must yeild to the call of duty and proceed some to the scene of carnage. There was a talk to day of calling for volunteers at the flag raising to go to Reaswell or the Point if that call had been made I should now have been packing up my clothes +c (to leave here 11 o’clock to night) instead of writing to you at the present time. If much more war news comes you need not be surprised to see me at home at any moment. I would wish your permission but if I should not have time to get it: you can not blame me. I think I am old enough to take upon myself any responsibility. I shall soon be of age. I ought to be able to know my duty now as I will be then, nevertheless I wish to consult you, and if I were forty years of age instead of twenty I should do the same. “Honor your parents” is one commandment of the ten which I do not remember ever to have broken. I have obeyed you in all past times and shall endeavor so to do in future. But I think that you could at least grant this one request. That is let me come home and go to Federal Point. I would go to war very reluctantly if I knew you were not willing. But when you should tell me “go and God be with you and do your duty” I could there go with a light heart and cheerful spirit, and in the heat of battle when the swords and bayonets are glittering in the Sunlight and balls whising in evry direction my mind would run back to your parting salutation, then my arm would be strengthened for the conflict and I could march on with redoubled energy. I would know that should I escape death and come out from the conflict safe and sound you could rejoice with me over the victory, and when I should see my countrys flag waiving triumphantly in the breze I could look on it with just pride knowing that I bore a part in placing it in its high position but if on the other hand I should be numbered with the dead I could remember when dying that I left a father mother brother and sisters who would have the blessings of freedom in a country on whose altar my blood had been spilled and in whose defence my life would been sacrificed, and would shed the tear of sorrow over my grave and could say while weeping he never disobeyed me but went where his country called with my sanction. Send me ten dollars and tell me to come, and you shall never regret the day. Hoping to see you in less than a week and even within that time to be standing guard on Federal Point. I remain Your obedient son E.H. Armstrong

P.S. Since the above was written I have read the proclamation of Gov Ellis calling the legislature together. He says union each defence of our hearths and firesides is our first duty. The Virginia troops are ordered to proceed to Washington City to take Gen Scott out of Prison, as the ‘City’ is well defended we may expect much bloodshed next week. Please call me home immediately, it will be too late when the fighting has commenced and I have no time to drill. If you have any desire for my safety, and I know you have call me home and let me prepare myself. It is impossible to study when such news is arriving all the time. Call me home. your EHA

great warlike preparations are making over all the North New York has agreed to furnish 25:000 troops.

FOLDER 5 ITEM 5 Camp Fayetteville Sept 8 th 1861 Dear Ma Yours not dated was received some days ago, and expected to have answered it ere this, circumstances prevented. On Tuesday last I was taken with Fevers again and had one daily until Saturday when I succeeded in checking it. We worked hard at Ship Point and fortified the whole place nearly, when orders came to leave there for this place which is about half way between Yorktown and Ship Point. I went on the march, but as I was unable to carry my knapsack, The Lt had it put on the wagon. We left Ship Point about 2 P.M. Friday evning I was soon taken sick but continued on March about 4 miles when I commensed vomiting. Lieut. Lewis then got a loaded ox cart to take me in. I tumbled in on top of the load composed of valises cots +c and I assure you it was sweet riding although the road was rough. It is the first time I have had a ride since I left home. I had a hot fever all night but next morning felt better, I am now well again. I am unable to tell you for what purpose we are placed here but it seems that our Genl intends making a forward movement in direction of Newport News or some other place. The water we get here is splendid. We are encamped in a Chestnut and chinqupin grove and first it quite a pleasant place if it was not for mosquitoes. You may tell Thom to save is eggs for if I should be so fortunate as to get home I can there eat them. Yesterday we were paid ten dollars each but as it was in five dollar bills it will be of little service here as it is impossible to get it changed. I will try to write more next time but I must beg to be excused To day. Give my love to all. Your son E.H. Armstrong

FOLDER 5 ITEM 6 Camp Fayetteville Oct 2 nd 1861 Dear Pa Yours of 22 Sept came to hand last night and was read and reread with great pleasure. I am sorry to hear that you are afflicted with your old disease. The Cholic. I had hoped that you had finally recoved from it and am in hopes that you may before this time be perfectly well. I hate to hear bad news constantly from N.C. It is certainly very discouraging to hear that citizens of N.C. are taking the oath to support Lincoln. I hope they may get straight down about Hyde soon. Genl Hill left us last week having been ordered back to N.C. He goes I understand to take charge of the coast defence. If it be true, you need have no fear as to the security of the coast if a little time is given him. He will put those Wilmington boys to handling shovels + spades in earnest. They may just make up their minds to work whether they get any salt beef and bread or not. They are now experiencing only one of the privations of a soldiers life viz bad fare. They have never yet been shut up in encampments in the boiling sun with nothing to protect them from its rays but a tent. They have never yet been on forced marches with slight supply of provisions. They have not yet seen hospitals crowded with the dying and dead and seen their fellow soldiers buried in rude pine boxes without lining or covering which one could scarcely call coffins when they see and feel all these things and that at a distance from home they can then begin to realize what a soldiers life is. As regards the Cavalry. I wrote to Uncle Ned yesterday asking all the particulars about Nicks company. So far as Capt. Edmonsons company is concerned I have no objection whatever to it. I should be glad to get in a cavalry company of some kind, at any rate, when I next go into service for I am confident that I should enjoy better health. Will Capt. Edmonsons company receive recruits? Can you succeed in getting a better horse? I think from what I have heard of Mr Elliot he will be a suitable teacher. I think it would be much better to employ him than a young man who could be of service in the army. I am sorry that Mr Picket and his neighbor are compelled to leave their homes to take care of their negroes. People in this vicinity suffered greatly from Yankees stealing their negroes killing their stock, burning their houses +c. On Tuesday night week Capt. Ashe of Co. F. and Lieyt Lewis of Co A. were ordered to take one hundred men from the regiment and go on a scout in the direction of Newport News. I was on guard at the time and was consequently prevented from going. They left our camp at night about 9 oclock and marched until about 2 when they stopped to rest. They started again at day break and went within a mile and a half of Newport News when they stopped and went into ambush to wait for the Yankees coming out after wood. but the Yankees had heard of their approach and did not come. Our men started back about 10, oclock and arrived here Thursday pretty tired. Bordeaux of Co B. has gone home on a furloh. If you see him you may send the overcoat I wrote for by him instead of Moore provided Bordeaux returns first. Write soon Your E.H. Armstrong

FOLDER 5 ITEM 7 (pencil, very light, hard to read)

Camp Rains Oct 20 th 1861 Dear Pa Yours of the 14 th came to hand last night and was a very agreeable visitor. You will notice that I have moved once more. On the 7 th Oct just about dinner time our Officer came around and ordered us to prepare for a march. after eating a slight dinner we soon got ready and left our Camp about 2 p.M. We first marched about 7 miles to York Point where we were to encamp. While the Col was looking for a suitable place a dispatch came ordering us to “Harrods Mill” we wheeled about and marched back to this place about 11 miles distant from York Point but only 3 miles from Camp Fayetteville making a march of 18 miles to go three. We arrived here about 12 m on the evning night that we left. There was no time then to raise tents so we lay down and were soon asleep. The reason assigned for the change was this Genl Magruder first ordered us on he left wing but soon after remembering that our time was nearly out he gave us the centre which we now occupy. On the morning after our arrival it commenced raining and rained almost continually for three days leaving us time enough on the 8 th to raise our tents; we got pretty wet but tha did not make much difference, as we were soldiers. Since that time we have been making up an old Mill dam in order to dam the water across to prevent the Yankees from crossing. During the last two days our company has been detailed on Telegraph duty viz cutting poles putting them to their places and digging holes. Yesterday I was in the crowd. We dug holes from “Bethel” to this place, about 9 miles. We first walked down to Bethel amd after looking over the field a few minutes took our spades and shovels and went to work. We got back to Camp about sun-set. Making yesterday a march of 18 miles besides some hard work coming back. Bethel Church is still standing unharmed though the battle was fought all around it. Since the battle it has been turned into a ware house for Pork forage +c. Our pickets fasten their horses all around their. I saw the log on which Winthrop was standing when he fell and also saw his grave. I should have cut some sticks but saw no way of getting them home. Last night volunteers were called for to go on a scout about Newport News. About 115 went only 3 of our Co went as they were tired from yesterdays work. I was strongly tempted to go bu I felt rather tired after our work. We have a Yankee in our Guard House, who was taken by our pickets a few days ago, he pretends to be a deserter and does not feel willing to fight on either side. He says there are about 4.500 troops at Fortress Monroe. He says that a soldier was taken by their men who professed to be a deserter from our forces. They put him in ranks but soon after caught him tryin to spike a cannon wherupon they sent him to the rip raps. I am sorry to hear that Alex is so bad off. I hope he may improve but I should not think it advisable for him to join the army agan this winter as you say there is a considerable difference between Officers and privates but you will never know how great the difference is until you join the army. Nick has certainly had bad luck. I should have remained had I been him and let Ransom try his hand. I may perhaps send my Valise to Wilmington by Express directed to Uncle Thomas. You may tell him that if I send it He will know when it comes from Mas letter cam to hand with yours. I will answer soon Direct as before Your Son E.H. Armstrong Bethel 22 Oct 61 The former part of this letter was written sunday morning. on the same evning Col received an on order to march here immediately about 5 oclock P.M. 20 th the long roll beat us to arms. We fell in ranks without our blankets but were ordered to get them and though supper was almost ready yet we did not stop to get any. We marched immediately here supposing that a fight was awaiting us but no fight that night. I found hog bed near to the battlefield, which I appropriated to my own also Sunday night. is quite comfortable. Yesterday about 10 o’clock a wagon arrived bringing us something to eat you may be sure it was a welcome visitor. On Sunday nigt our scouting party returned. They saw 11 yanks, but did not capture any. Four of the party remained behind and joined a scouting party of Georgians. One of these a friend of mine from Co. D our Regt was shot through the some Yankees his name was Whitick I have not learned the particulars of the skirmish. Yesterday Cobbs legion in it. I saw several friends. On sunday night - The Ala 9 & th NC Regts were placed in the breastworks near our old camp and remained There until yesterday evening looking for a fight. Col Lee Read a dispatch last night that we would be attacked certainly today, it is now 5 P.M. No attack. We occupy the Bethel battle ground. E.H.A.

FOLDER 5 ITEM 8 Yorktown Oct 25 th 1861 Dear Ma Yours came to hand the other day. I answered Pas at Bethel but you see by this that we are again at Yorktown. We arrived at Bethel sunday night an attack was constantly expected while we were there but none was made. night before last when we was sleeping soundly a while after midnight we were ordered up to prepare to march here we were ordered to send trunks and evry thing before hand so that if an attack on us all our things would be safe. We send off evry thing and yesterday at 1 oclock P.M. left Bethel for Yorktown about 16 miles distant. The roads are miserable wagons are scarcely able to get along so it took us until dark to get here after getting nothing to eat. went to sleep and slept soundly till morning. The march yesterday was hard on each man carrying weight equal to four lbs – 4 ½ lbs each. An attack was expected on Yorktown and all the troop from all parts of the peninsula were ordered here we being nearest the line of the enemy were the last to get here. A few has been laying round about but no attack has yet been made Our Regt is again ordered back to Bethel We will leave in a few hours. Our tents will be left here as it would be difficult to get them back here if we should have to retreat so let com Rain or Shine, frost or snow we shall have to take it I suppose some arrangement will be made to get us something to eat and we must be satisfied with that. Tell Pa to tell Uncle Thomas to take out my valise sent to him by expense. The freight is unpaid. I heard with pleasure of the fight and victory near Cusberg I hope we may succeed as well in evry encounter. We shall probably have a fight shortly and I believe we shall be victorious. Our position at Bethel is rather a dangerous one, as it is certain the enemy, if they attack us will attack with a tremendous force. Our distance from there is only 8 miles. In the skirmish of which I made mention to Pa about 100 of our men met about 600 of theirs the army sent a company in time to attack. Our boys finding the force so large fired a few shots and retreated. They suppose some of the enemy were killed some say 13 only one of ours is wounded and he is doing well. Write soon My best to all Your son E.H. Armstrong

1862

FOLDER 6 ITEM 9

Goldsboro. March 26 th

Dear Pa, Yours was received last week just before I left Virginia. We had been expecting to fall back for some time and on saturday evening last we received orders to march on arriving at Brooks Station we were agreeably surprised to hear that we were destined for N.C. We left Brooks Station sunday morning and I was left in Fredericksburg to attend to baggage. The day before and after riding two night on boxes with scarcely any sleep we finally arrived here this morning. I found on my arrival quite a number of troops, rumor says about (30,000) thirty thousand. I saw Willie Davis this morning he says that Nick Armstrong is now in his Regt. they are stationed here. Our Brigade compose of the 1, 2, 3 Regts N.C. State troops 3 Regt Ark 30 th Va and Crookes battery from Va are all here or will be in a day or so. I do not know the intention is may be that we will have a fight shortly in retaking Newberne, or rather New Boston as it is now called by the Yankees, or we may be going to defend some other place I learned to night that that Daniel E. Sickels with his brigade has arrived in Newberne They are said to be landing cavalry artillery wagons +c I was on picket guard the night before we left and I could see the lights of the steamers in the river and could hear the drums beating from 9 till 12 oclock on the Maryland side of the river. I suppose Sickles was there embarking for N.C Capt Williams sends his respects, he was taken sick to day supposed to be with Pneumonia though he is not yet very sick. I hope he will be up in a day or two. If you can find a copy of Hardee’s Infantry Tactics at home you will please send it as soon as you can. we are now within a mile of Goldsboro as you will direct your letter to this place. Yours Respectfully E H Armstrong

FOLDER 6 ITEM 10 Richmond Va May 15 th 1862

Dear Pa, I arrived safe in Goldsboro on monday last and found the Regt still encamped where I left it. I found them all expecting orders to move but none had been received up to the time I left viz (Monday Evening) Capt Rhodes as you are possibly aware left some of his sick men in Fredericksburg. Thy when that place was evacuated were sent here and I was sent on Monday to bring them to camp also the young man Ketchum who lost his leg by the R.R. accident arrived at this place Tuesday night and found the place in some excitement on account of the near approach of the Yankees. The citizens of Petersburg also seem frightened. I was busy yesterday getting the men ready to leaveand have finally succeeded and shal leave on the Carrs this evening for Goldsboro. There is a general rush in the Provost Marshal’s Office, Surgeon General’s, Gen Winders and in the Transporation department. Citizens that is ladies are leaving the city in numbers. I believe the men are prevented from doing so by the authorities. Norfolk as you have learned has fallen. The Merrimac has been blown up and all our naval force small though it is has been entirly destroyed. Falling back seems yet to be the order of the day and retreating the only movements our troops are capable of executing. Tuesday evening the Yankees were at City Point about 10 or 11 miles from Petersburg. They have advanced up the river since and yesterday evening were about Eleven miles from here endeavoring to raise the obstructions which oppose them. There were five vessels in the crowd among which was the Moniter. I learn that the obstructions are rather poor and it is probable that before antoher day they will be near enough to shell Richmond. They are making up companies here to board the boats when they arrive whether it will amount to any thing or not I cannot tell. Waggon loads of books and papers belonging to Government were sent off yesterday evning and I noticed waggons loading up with boxes +c at the War Department just now. Some seem to think that the city will be given up without a struggle others that there will be a bloody fight before it is surrendered. Nearly all concur in the Opinion that Richmond will soon be in possession of the Yankees Some however still hope. So you may expect in a few days either to hear of the surrender of this place or of one of the bloodiest battles that has ever been recorded. I have had no news from the Generals today, but I suppose we shall soon hear something. All the steamers about the city Viz Curtis Peak Northampton and have been sent in order to render the obstructions more effective. So it goes. I have nothing more to write. Write Soon Your Son E H Armstrong

FOLDER 6 ITEM 11

Camp near Richmond June 18 th 1862 Dear Pa, I have been awaiting anxiously a letter from you for some time but as yet I have waited only in vain. I have not heard a word from you since I left about the 12 th of May. I received a letter from Mary last week but it did not contain any news of interest. Perhaps a slight sketch of the proceedings of the “Third” might be a little interesting to you so I will let you know something of our proceedings. We arrived here first on the day of the battle. The Tuesday following we went on picket near the lines of the enemy. We had then slept out for three successive nights in the rain every night and with nothing to eat but raw meat and ships Biscuit on the first day of picket duty our company advanced three or four miles beyond our lines expecting to meet the Yankees every minute but returned to our position without seeing any. Just as we got in position however they gave us a volley my company (on the left) returned the fire. The right being too far off. We afterwards ascertained that our men killed one Yankee in that fire on the same day Capt Parley’s Co Capt Meare’s Co and Capt Mallet’s Co were under fire all of them killing one or more yankees during the night it rained tremendous: but on pickets neither Officers or men are permitted to close their eye during 24 hours no fires are allowed and we suffered considerably from cold. I had my hands full during the whole night, next-day we were relieved and fell back about a mile to be ready to assist in case of immergency. We remained in the rain then for four days with nothing to eat but raw meat and crackers and for over 24 hours we were without that even. on the sunday followinf we were on picket again . that day we fell in with the yanks again captured two and probably killed some more of us hurt we then returned to this place pitched our tents and rested until Saturday when we started out again. We went on pickets again last sunday, and foung the Yankees again. Capt Williams Co was then under fire for the first time they shot it finely. Asa Murray, son of David Murray, killed a Yankee and got his gun. Several others were probably killed but as the fighting is all done in the woods we never go beyond our lines to see whther we kill them or not unless they are nearby. sometimes we wound them and they keep such a noise we have to go in to them. One mane belonging to co I was wounded in the skirmish Sunday being so far the only one hurt in our Regt. Our Regt.tho (1 st N.C. Col Stokes) and the 44 th Georgia captured about twelve during the day. Col Stokes has a Lieutenant and four men missing who were probably captured. They were not from our part of the state. Three Georgians were wounded. Col Stokes men may be lost in the woods and may yet come in. The fighting was done in thick woods evry man concealing himself behind a bush or a tree which accounts for no more getting killed. We were endeavoring to bring on a general fight but the Yankees retired to their batteries and night coming on prevented us from storming them. I was raining and lightning tremendously during the greates part of the time. We are again in camp but may be called to make another trial at any moment. Your Son E. H. Armstrong

FOLDER 6 ITEM 12

Bivouac 15 miles from Richmond Near the battle Field of the 27 th June 29 th 1862

Dear Pa, I wrote you last per per. Alex Bannerman which I suppose you have not received as he has not yet gone back that I know of. On the 25 th we moved our camp about four miles from Richmond and on that evening we went down into some Rifle Pits near the right of our line while some of our forces were engaged in front. The fighting was continued until dark. We then went back to our Camp and remained there until 1 oclock A.M. when we pushed off to the left of our lines rather to the north of Richmond near Mechanicsville. We halted about 8 oclock A.M. and remained in the shade until evening when we were ordered forward. We commenced advancing and soon the shells from the enemy’s batteries commenced showering down amongst us. We were tumbled and tossed about evry way until nearly dark. When we were ordered to charged a battery . Our Brigade compsed of the 1 st N.C. 3 N.C. 44 Geo and 48 Geo charged about a mile across a feild we came up under a shower of shot-shells Grape +c. We got under the battery at a Mill Race between us and it and a kind of swamp so that were were unable to get to it. We laid down awhile and then retreated. In that Charge Co (G) lost two killed and six wounded our officers except Major Savage came over unhurt, he was wounded in the hand Capt Williams lost – RS Ownsby killed. Col Stokes of the 1 st N.C. and Lt Col McDowel were wounded. Major Skinner and Capt Jos. A. Wright of Wilmington were killed. Obed Scot and the three Robigtechs were wounded also Frank M cIntire of Capt Hines Co. On the 27 the big fight took place. Lt Hardee Fennel received a flesh wound that evning. Thos Tate M cIntire of the 20 th Regt was killed just in front of us on the 27 th . Col Ivison of that Regt was wounded Lt Col Faisson killed. Our Regt was held in reserve on the 27 th but came out with some killed and wounded. We were never exposed to fire all the time and had to lay down in a piece of woods within from 50 to 300 yds of the fight. Thom Tate M cIntire was killed as his company advanced less that 50 yds in front of our line. The fight continued until after night. We drove the Yankees from the field as soon as possible we will pursue them again. Bob M cRae of the 7 th was shot in the leg Col Campbell was killed. I do not know the loss of our Regt. or any other you will see it in the papers. Hoping to be successful in this fight and to hear from you soon. I remain your son. E.H. Armstrong

Killed A.S. Ownby Missing

FOLDER 6 ITEM 13

THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA To Edward H. Armstrong Greeting: We, reposing special trus and confidence in your patriotism, valor and military skill, do hereby commission you a Second Lieutenant in the Third Regiment North Carolina Troops, (Infantry) to take rank from the 1st day of July 1862, and we do hereby vest you with the authority appertaining to said office, to the end that you may promptly and diligently perform its duties, as prescribed by law; in the discharge of which all officers and soldiers under your command are required to yeild you obedience.

In Witness Whereof, HENRY T. CLARK, Speaker of the Senate, ex-officio OUR GOVERNOR, CAPTAIN-GENERAL AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, hath signed these presents, and caused our great seal to be affixed thereto. Done at our City of RALEIGH, on the 19 th day of August in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and in the Eighty-sixth year of our Independence.

Henry T. Clark BY THE GOVERNOR, Plowhen Private Secretary

Registered on page 46 Book of Records, Adjutant-Gen- eral’s Office, N. C. Troops.

J.G.Martin Adjutant General.

fee of $2 due private Sector

FOLDER 7 ITEM 14

Camp near Fraziers Farm July 6th 1862 Dear Pa, I write to inform you that through the mercy of God I am still alive and unhurt. I wrote you on sunday last after the fight at Mechanicsville and Cold Harbor whether you have received the letter ir not I do not Know. However I will state that the first fight took place at Mechanicsville on the 26 th . On the following day we were held in reserve at Cold Harbor still our Regt. suffered considerably That day. We rested a day or two until the Bridge over the Chicahominy was rebuilt when we crossed in pursuit. On Monday evning there was a fight though we were not engaged. But on Tuedsay evning we came in for our portion. Our Regt. was ordered to Charge a battery under a heavy fire of evry kind of shot and shell. We made the attempt but were halted at a fence and ordered to lie down which we did. Whil there I saw Capt Parsley wounded. Col Meares must have fallen near the same spot. I did not see him fall but saw him a short time before. I fell in with Capt Williams Co and remained with them until after the fight closed. The yankees held their position but retreated that night. Our company lost two killed and seven wounded in the first fight and Five killed and thirteen wounded in the last. Sergt Lee of Co (K) was killed, John Moore, Bob Lee, Bob Williams Major Kenan and Mr Eli Hall are here. You will probably hear all the news before this reaches you. I trust I may never see another battle. I am concious of having done my duty so far still I have no desire to see any more bloodshed. However if I have to go in again I shall try to do my duty. I had my blanket shot on my back while lying down in the last fightwhich was the nearest I came to being hurt. hoping that the war may soon close I remain your affectionate Son Edward H. Armstrong

FOLDER 7 ITEM 15

Camp near Richmond Aug 4 th 1862

Dear Pa, Your letter written at Mr. Cannons came to hand but no box has yet arrived brining vegetables or Peaches, apples or anything else. I passed the 20 th Regt. Saturday evning and saw the Chickens in coops brought from N.C. The sight costs nothing and that seems cheap enough. Our own Regt. receives Apples, Peaches, Hams, Irish Potatoes, Vegetables and evrything of kind even Watermelons they leave home Thursday and they get them Saturday. I wrote you week before last to send me a box and I suppose you have not yet received my letter. Peaches sell here readily at 1C per doz Chickens $1 to $1.50 a piece so you see it takes money in a hurry Col DeRosset arrived last week bringing 450 conscripts with him. We have (47) in our company I am afraid they will be considerable trouble. Capt Hines did take command of the 1 st N.C. at Mechanicsville after the fall of Messrs Stokes and M cDowel and the Major. Capt Brown Senior Capt took command on the following day. Capt Hines will be Major or perhaps Lt Col of the Regt when they reorganize. I am yet O.S. Lieut Bell resigned in May as yet his place is not filled. I am glad to hear you are succeeding so well in the salt business. I wish you had commenced sooner I approve of your plan of keeping Monnie and Bobbie at Greensboro and I wish you could get a good teacher at home Tommie and Willie are loosing time now an Education would be of much moore value to him than anything you can give them. Especially in times such as will follow this war. My love to all. Send me a box if you can. Hoping to hear from you again soon. I remain Your Son Edw H. Armstrong

FOLDER 7 ITEM 16

Camp near Orange C.H. Virginia August 26 th 1862

Dear Pa, Yours came to hand last week. I guess John Lillington would suit very well if he could stand the marshes, liquor is so scarce that he could not get enough to hurt him. If you send him or anyone else fit him up with a canteen haversack and good shoes before he starts. So far as the books are concerned I fear they will never reach me as we left Richmond two or three days before the writing of your letter. We left Richmond on a Tuesday and arrived at Orange Court House that night where we remained until Sunday when we moved down here about 1 ½ miles from the place. Where we will go I do not know I think though we will leave for Culpeper C.H. this evning. When there I cannot tell. I have written on to one of our Sergts in Richmond to look out for my boots and perhaps he may get them. I received a letter from Monnie and from Bobbie last week. They were both getting on very well. If you cannot get anyone to send except one of your own boys you can probably supply their place at the works with a hired one. Our forces are advancing and the enemy retreating whether we will ever overtake them or not I cannot tell. Our Brigade is not joined with the main body of the Army. Our men have had nothing to cook in since our arrival here last week and for the last two days nothing to eat. Our Wagon train came in this morning bringing tents cooking utensils +c I have been eating at Donnate Houses at the rate of $ 1.00 an $2.00 per day. I am at present Acting Adjutant of the Regt. so soon as the Adjutant arrives I shall be releived All are getting on very well. Write soon direct to Orange Court House and it will be forwarded. Lt John Cowan, Brother Col R.H. Cowan will be coming on soon perhaps you had better send the boy on with him. Your Son Edward H. Armstrong

FOLDER 7 ITEM 17

Thos J. Armstrong Swans Point Camp near Gainsville Sunday, Aug 31 st 1862

Dear Pa, After a tedious march of some 70 miles we have at last arrived here near the lines of the Enemy. After reaching Orange C.H. we remained there some days and left for Culpeper Court House on the day after I wrote to you last. The march was over a very hilly Country so you may guess how we all feel. We marched in the day time and cooked at night durning the march. Our men are not wearied out completely but are very sore from marching over the rocks. although I have first-rate shoes, while quite a number of the men have no shoes at all. Yesterday and day before our forces contended warmly with the enemy near this place some 6 or 8 miles distant. The people seem anxious for us to come, and the Ladies of Warrenton gave us a hearty welcome yesterday in the shape of something to eat. Mr. Van Bokkellen of Wilmington is with us again, as he was in the march around Richmond. We will probably march for the Battle Field tonight or tomorrow morning. When you will hear from me again I cannot tell. Write to the girls for me. I have not time to write myself. My love to all Your Son E. H.Armstrong

FOLDER 7 ITEM 18

THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA. TO Edward H. Armstrong GREETING:

We, reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor and military skill, do hereby commission you a Captain in the Third Regiment North-Carolina Troops, to take rank from the 17 th of September , 1862, and we do hereby vest you with the authority appertaining to said office, to the end that you may promptly and diligently perform its duties, as prescribed by law; in the discharge of which all Officers and Soldiers under your command are required to yield you obedience.

In the witness thereof, ZEBULON B. VANCE, our GOVERNOR, CAPTAIN-GENERAL and COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, hath signed these presents and caused our Great Seal to be affixed thereto. Done at our City of RALEIGH, on the 10 th day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four, and in the eighty-eighth year of our Independence.

ZBVance

BY THE GOVERNOR: R.H. Battle, Jr. Private Secretary.

Registered on page 42 Book of Records, Adjutant Gen- eral’s Office, N.C. Troops.

R.C. Gatlin Adjutant General.

Duplicate. Original issued Oct 18 th 1862

FOLDER 8 ITEM 19

Camp near Winchester Va October 17 th 1862

Dear Pa, Yours of the 9 th Oct came hand to night and was gladly received and eagerly perused as it was the first time I have heard from home since we left Orange C.H. which was about 27 th Aug. Last night we were roused from our slumbers to cook rations and be ready to march by daylight. We pretended to cook but did not get through before the cooking utensils were ordered to the wagons. We were ready for marching and expecting a fight but as yet we have no orders. Though I expect we shall soon be ordered off to meet the enemy somewhere. Where I cannot tell. I received my boots just before I reached Maryland but they had fallen out of the box and the wagon had run over the heels, so that I cannot wear them until they are repaired. Last week Andrew J. Williams Lieut Co (K) died at Sheperdstown of Typhoid Fever with which he was attacked about the time we entered Maryland. He was decently buried, and his funeral preached by our Chaplain, who was there at the time. Col DeRosset is said to be improving. There seems yet to be some doubt about the death of Capt. Rhodes. He was reproted dead immediately after the Battle. I was attached to Parsley’s Co during the fight and consequently did not see Capt Rhodes during the time. Soon after the fight Orders were received to make appointments to fill the vacancies occasioned by deaths. I prevailed on Thom Armstrong who was there in command to defer the appointments, giving as an excuse that no one knew Capt Rhodes to be dead. Lt Rhodes urgd that there was no doubt about the Capts death, and wished the appointments made. I then desired it put off because Thom was a relation of mine and I did not wish to be appointed by him. I succeeded in deferring the appointment until Maj. Thurstons return where at the request of Lt R he appointed me Captain. as I stated in a previous letter I still had doubts about the Capts death and last night I heard that Sergt Hill of our company remained on the field with the Capt until the Yankees took him (Hill) prisoner and carried him to the rear. When they took him the Capt was laying on the field with his leg broken above the knee joint and there they left him. Whether he died on the field, or was taken off and then died, or is still alive, is yet uncertain, and may remain so for some time. My health is very good and I find myself fully able to eat my rations viz. (1lb beef and from ¾ to 1 lb flour) per day. Sometimes we do not get that, nevertheless we get along pretty well. Clothing is scarce and some of our men are yet barefooted. The weather is getting quite cool now and our men a great number at least have no blankets. I received a letter from Mollie also one from Bobbie but conveniences for writing are so scarce that I have not answered them. You will please state to them in your letters the reason I have not written. I like you wish to see this war at an end. So far through the providence of God I have been through four fights – besides skirmishes – and have come out unhurt while others much better than myself have fallen. For this protection I believe I am indebted to your prayers and in a great measure to the prayers of my Mother now in heaven. I believe that prayers offered up by her while living, in my behalf are even now being answered. I try whenever I go into battle to put my trust in God asking him to take care of me through its dangers and if I must fall ro take me to heaven. If I were a Christian such as Rev John Jones it seems to me that Battles would not deter me. Pray for me and I hope yet that I may get through to the vicutudes of this Campaign and see you all at home once more. if I cannot I hope to meet you in the world to come. Give my love to all and my respect to all the neighbors Aunt Mary – Uncle Thomas and all enquiring friends. I heard previous to the reception of your letter of the ravages of teh Yellow Fever in Wilmington. It must be terrible equal almost to battle. I learn by a paper of later date than your letter that Dr Love os not yet dead which I hope is true. Please have me some drawers made also some shirts (colored) and some socks if you can get them abd send them to me with my Blanket undershirts by the first opportunity. I need my undershirts very much now and am unable to get any here. Where is Dr Freeman? I wrote you a letter sometime since in which I enclosed you my Commission as 2 nd Lt. Have you received it? I have some money I would like to send you but no opportunity offers. If you ever receive any from me you may appropriate as you see proper. I have no postage stamps so you will have to pay the postage on my letters. Write soon and give me all th news. Direct to E.H. Armstrong Co (G) 3 rd Regt NC Troops Ripley’s Brigade D.H. Hill’s Division Richmond Va

If you direct as above they will probably reach me otherwise not. Your Son Edw H. Armstrong

FOLDER 9 ITEM 20

Camp near Fort Royal Va Nov 8 th 1862

Dear Pa, Since I wrote you per Mr Howell we have been moving almost steadily. The day after I wrote you last we took up line of march passed through Berryville and on the second day crossed the Shenandoah River and Encamped some 5 or 6 miles distant at Upperville on the Eastern side of the Mountains having crossed them at (Ashby’s Gap). We remained there until Sunday morning. The preacher had just given out the doxology when orders came to March. The Evning being close upon us We were soon in line of battle expecting a Cavalry charge Evry minute and continued to fall back until the evning when we formed a line on the mountains on each side of the Gap. We then awaited the approach of the Enemy. Our position was a splendid one. We had our artillery on the mountains, where we could open on them at a long distance, and it was almost impossible to climb the mountain at all so I think the Yankees would have had a warm time Charging our batteries there. We remained there that night but at break of day next morning we retreated, came down by the River and took up the vally on the Eastern side. We came to Fort Royal. Formed line of Battle, and again awaited their approach for two days. Evning before last they drove in our Pickets. We got ready for battle but they did not attack us. Night came on, and we moved our forces across the Shenandoah again quietly and we are now in line on the Western side of the River. Our Regt is now supporting a battery. Whether we will fight here or not I cannot tell. Our Division is the only troops I have been speaking of above Jackson Longstreet are still about here but I do nopt know where. O the night of the Fifth I was on Picket with my company, as is usual I was not allowed any fire. It sleeted during the night and I had men out there poorly clad, with neither shoes or blanket. I had a blanket myself and was tolerably well clad except shoes and I suffered from the cold. You may therefore imagine what those poor fellows suffered at least Ten of my company are barefoot and it is in about the same proportion through the army. Yesterday morning it commenced snowing and continued until some time during the night. We had not protection from it except our blankets and such rude shelters as we could make, as for myself I took it just so but lay near enough to the fire to keep warm. Thom Armstrong is a little sick has chill + fever I believe The snow is melting quite fast. Let Me Know if you Recd the money sent per Mr. Howell. Give my love to all, My Respects to Mr Miller and all old friends about home. Direct your letter as before. Furloughs are doubtful this winter. We may be kept here all that time (that is in the West) if so we will have enough to do without going home Write Soon Your Son EH Armstrong

FOLDER 9 ITEM 21

Camp near Gordonsville Va November 26 th 1862

Dear Pa, As you perceive by the heading of my letter, our position has changed since I last wrote you. We left our camp near Strasburg on Friday last and after a march of 17 or 18 miles Encamped the first night near Woodstock on the second day we reached New Market and one the third marched about fifteen miles crossing the Massanutta Mountains, the view was beautiful, we could see a great ways in the valley below even in the town we passed through Early in the morning. On the second day at Mt Jackson I met Willie Davis. He is an ambulance driver quite a safe and Easy position. He looks fat has whiskers and has much more the appearance of a man than I have. While passing through Mt Jackson I noticed a rude school house with the following Sign. “Stonewall Academy, Mount Jackson Va” you may judge from that in what estimation our Stonewall is held by the youths of that vicinity. We left the Staunton road at New Market and there took the pike road leading to Gordonsville. On this third night we Encamped just under the Blue Ridge and on the following morning, by the crack of day we were again on the March. we had to cross the Blue Ridge that day by the Rattlesnake Gap soon we commenced ascending the mountain on on on we went passing on one occasion the same place Seven times in succession being on the Seventh time about five miles distant from it by the road while in reality we were scarcely half a mile. That would have been a dreart march had it not been a novelty. We had crossed mountains before but never by such a winding road and never such high ones before. You might be a half or three quarters of a mile ahead of a man and yet you could toss to him a peice of bread by simply throwing it down hill a little. There are places in that road where the sun has never shone. the frost remained on the ground through the mountains during the day. The only habitations visible during the march were some Huts made of logs and covered with boards rocks being used instead of nails to hold them on. Just as the above was written the Adjutant informed me that the Major wished to see me. I accordingly called on him and he read me and order from Genl Hill stating that men from Cos (G) (H) + (K) 3 rd NCT had been found today with no Shoes or Sandals on and ordering the Commanding Officers of said Companies to be put under arrest consequently Thom Armstrong the Officer Commanding Co H and myself are under arrest, and confined to our quarters. Last night Genl Hill issued and order that the Commanding Officers of Companies Should get the green hides taken from the beeves to be Killed and have their men to make moccasins. If any man was found without shoes or moccasins this morning the Commandind Officer of the Company was to be put under arrest. I accordingly went to work and had shoes made or rather moccasins for Evry man in my Company who did not have shoes. This morning evry man in my Company had either shoes or moccasins. I am able to prove this by all my Sergts and Corporals and some of my men. This morning quite a number of men were sent off by the Drs to go on the train to Hanover C.H. they not being able to march. The men I sent off were either shoed or moccasined. One however I learn cut his moccasins off just about the time he left camp. Gen Hill saw him no doubt without shoes and without Engaging any farther immediately ordered me under arrest. He has ordered the Major Cmdg our Regt to prefer charges for disobedience of orders and we will I guess be brought before a Court Martial and tried on those charges. I make this full statement of the matter because you will probably hear of it and unless you know the particulars might be uneasy about it. We will soon march for Hanover C.H. so report says and may possibly go farther south even than that. I received per Evan Robinson your letter my shirts drawers +c. I am much pleased with the drawers and would like to have something of the same kind again. If Genl Hill has me shot you will probably hear of it pretty soon otherwise I will write again as soon as possible. Major Thurston has written a communication to Ganl Hill asking permission to withdraw the charges. Whether the Genl will consent or not I do not know so far as I am concerned. An investigation of the matter will show that Genl Hill is entirely too hasty in drawing his conclusions. Especially for a man of ordinary intelligence, because he sees one of my men without shoes he immediately puts me under arrest for disobedience of orders without finding out whether the shoes were made or not. Write soon. Your Son EH Armstrong

1863

FOLDER 9 ITEM 22

Bivouac near Fredericksburg Jan 2 nd 1863

Dear Pa It seems that you have entirely neglected me since I wrote you on the 26 th Nov. stating that I was under arrest as I have not heard a sylable from you since. I wrote you just after the Fight and expected ere this to have heard certainly from that letter, but so far no reply has reached me. Yesterday we went down on Picket for the first time since the fight. Our lines extend to the bank of the Rappahannock on the south side, while the Yanks come to the river on the other side. We could see each other plainly and might have conversed with each other had it not been contrary to orders as the river at this point is not near so wide as it is at our house. My Hd Qtrs were in one end of a Negro house on a Magnificent plantation the property of a Mrs Taylor. I had only three posts to attend and consequently had a right nice time. Thom Armstrong connected with my company and had more comfortable Quarters and besides had the company of some ladies, refugees from Fredericksburg who were staying in the family residence. After visiting my posts last night I dropped down to see Thom. who I found enjoying himself to the utmost in the parlor. I called out The Officer of the dayis approaching which brought Thom out double quick. I laughed at him for getting fightened and he invited me in, I of course accepted, and after an introduction, which was altogether on one side as Thom did not know the ladies names) I proceeded to Enjoy myself as much as possible. One of the ladies was about 16 and nearer like Ginnie Hines than any other being that I have ever seen, except that Ginnie is much prettier. Thom did not pay very particular attention to her however and I tell him it was because he was afraid I might tell if he did. He paid his respects to a Married Lady whose husband was in Employ of Government and loke Thom away from his wife. They sympathized with each other very much. Thom braged on his wife as usual, and she on her husband, and if their evidence can be taken these two are the finest looking people in the world, excep you , who I except and Mr Bordeaux for Ma’s benefit. I did not sleep much last night as the Lieut in my company was sick and I had no one to relieve me. I am in fine health + Spirits as usual I weigh 170 pounds, so you may imagine I do not suffer much, although we only get beef + flour. My Christmas dinner was of the same old material and had I not been invited to have Egg nogg I could not have recognized Christmas. I have been expecting the servant I wrote for but have not yet seen him. please send him on. When are you coming? I have been looking for you but have not seen you yet. Mr James Monk was up week before last. He has returned, you will only lose about five days if you come. Our Wagons are going out to Guinneas Station evry day and you might meet with some of them. Send me the servant immediately if possible I need one badly.

My love to all Your Son E. H. Armstrong

FOLDER 9 ITEM 23

Camp near Port Royal April 15 th 1863

Dear Pa. Yours of the 8 th is before me having come to hand this evning. I am sorry to learn that you are getting on so badly at Swans Point and I think under the circumstances that it would be advisable for you to attend to your business there in person for a time at least. Your stock should be taken care of at all events for if provisions increas in value in the same way that they have during the past twelve months a ham will be almost a fortune. Thomas Armstrong informs me that he received a letter from you written at Hallsville which I suppose is the of which you spoke in your letter of the 8 th . We have had another Brigadier assigned to our Brigade. His name is Brig Gen Colston. He is quite a fine looking man and makes quite an energetic officer. On Sunday last I was on Picket again for the second time since my return. I received the Philadelphia Enquirer sent over by the yankees in return for a Richmond paper which we sent them. The process of sending them is as follows viz: we make a small boat of a piece of plank, put on a sail and a rudder, pin the paper fast to the boat and set her off. The river is almost a quarter of a mile wide but yet these boats cross over. The enquirer of which I spoke above contained the particulars of the situation about Washington N.C. and seemed hopeful that Gen Forrest would make his way back without being captured. It gave an account of some trials there going on before the U States District Court, the charges being treason It seems there is a society (Scout) organized for the purpose of abducting Lincoln; in favor of North Western Confederacy; and for the purpose of resisting the Conscript Act. It seems that the society had gained pretty large proportions. Detectives were on the look out, got into one of the barns in which they meet , secreted himself, heard the proceedings, hence the trial and arrest. They seems to look forward to conquering us with as much hope as ever. One of the Yankees said to our Picket the other day I Well I suppose you are going to have a New General in Richmond soon – Who said our Picket – Gen Starvation replied the Yankee. There was more truth that Poetry in the reply and so far as we were concerned there was nothing to laugh at. How does Thommy come on kissing the Girls? Is he as fond of the amusement as ever. I believe I have entirely recovered from the itch and I am glad of it. I believe I would rather get another furlough for the purpose of getting married than to get the itch to get one. Mose keeps well so far and is of very great assistance to me. I don’t know how I could get along wothout him. My love to all. Write soon Your Son Edward H. Armstrong

FOLDER 9 ITEM 24

Thomas E A Thomas Th

Among the gallant generous heroes, who have offered themselves upon the altar of Southern Independence and have nobly perished in the cause of Southern freedom is sadly yet gloriously enrolled the name of Capt Thomas E Armstrong of the 3 Reg of N.C. Troops who fell at the head of his company while urging them on to victory in the hotly contested action at Chancellorsville. This telling of his fall sent excruciating pangs to the hearts of relations and devoted friends. They are consoled by the reflection that he perished nobly in a noble cause. His country owes him a debt of gratitude for much hard and dangerous service rendered in our national struggle. All the contests in which he was engaged are not known to the writer but he bore himself gallantly and honorably through four of the famous actions “around Richmond” through the second fearful struggle on the Plains of Manassas, through the trying scenes of the battle of Sharpsburg, through the first battle of Fredericksburg, and finally met his fate on the 3 rd of May on the field of Chancellorsville. All honor to the gallant dead who perish in our defense. Capt Armstrong was in the prime of life and in the flush of promise and of hope, truly beloved by all his freinds for the amiable gestures of his heart who will ever cherish his memory as a duty amd as a sad yet grateful pleasure.

FOLDER 9 ITEM 25

In trenches May 4 th 1863

Dear Pa. We have been marching and fighting since Wednesday last. We left Camp Wednesday about 11 oclock my company numbering about 50 at the time. We came to Fredericksburg. formed a line and remained there during Thursday. Friday morning We were around about 5 oclock and by daylight were on march for this place. we marched until we came to the first line of battleand halted there until nearly night. Early Saturday morning we set out again. Saturday Evning we commenced the fight about 4 oclock we drove the Enemy before us. captured several pieces of artillery, took a good many prisoners the enemy from . My company about Seven Killed wounded Saturday Evning. About 11 oclock Saturday night the attack was renewed by the Enemy. The fight was by moonshine about lasting 30 or 40 minutes. Yesterday (Sunday) we attacked the Enemy again. Drove them from their Entrenchments but they fought desperately. Poor Thom Armstrong was walking in front of his company leading it forward gallantly under a perfect hail of bullets him. Then for the last time alive He got his position in the breastworks. The Yankees firing terribly all the time. The Enemy flanked the breastwork and retook a portion of it. Poor Thom fell shot through the right Eye. I did not see him when he fell but saw him after he was dead and had a detail made to take out his body. He was buried yesterday Evning. You will probably learn all the particulars of the fight Ere this reaches you. Thank the Lord I am still spared. I have not received a scratch Except from bushes when we were going through the woods. Capt Jim Brown now commands the Regt; I am second in command. I lost my only company Office yesterday. I am unable to learn whether he was killed or wounded My company now numbers about six men. The others were either killed wounded taken prisoner is terribly Decimated. We are all completely worn down last night I made my supper in Yankee coffee and sugar and Yankee crackers. I gave letters to Dr. Wood showing what I own which you will get in case I am killed. Thom home with in case any thing happens to me. If you never see me collect what is due me and pay what I owe. I would have paid this but the

***letter ends; page missing***

FOLDER 10 ITEM 26

On Picket near W. S. Ford May 9 th 1863

Dear Pa I am now seated on a Yankee bir cloth dressed in Yankee breeches writing on Yankee paper with Yankee pen & ink and using a Yankee portfolio. You are Ere this aware that a trrible battle was fought at Wilderness church and Chancellorsville on Saturday and Sunday May 2 + 3 rd and at Fredericksburg on the 4th, all of which resulted in a complete victory to our arms. I wrote you on Monday morning 4 th , but I fear that Mose has lost the letter. He lost one I gave him but does not know who it was to. On Wednesday April 29 th we marched to Fredericksburg and formed line of battle. The Evning havng crossed there the night previous. The shell fell near us on Wednesday night and also on Thursday, but no damage was done. It rained nearly all the time which made it very disagreeable. Early on Friday morning we set out marching towards Kelleys Ford the Evning having affected a crossing there. On Friday Evning we reached a point on that line where some brigades had been fighting during the Evning. We loaded our pieces and prepared for business, but the enemy did not contest the ground very strongly and we were not put in. We marched until late Friday night, Encamped, were up again Early Saturday morning and off again. We marched over a rough road through almost hog paths and by a very long uncircuetous route finally arrived near Wilderness Church. here we formed a line of battle about six oclock and attacked the enemy. We took them completely by surprise and drove them before us like sheep. We captured Artillery-horses hitched, took officers horses Captured quite a number of prisoners and killed and wounded some. They ran so fast, we could scarcely overtake them. G Ormsby was the only officer wounded Saturday Evning. Our loss was very small About 8 oclock we halted fell back a short distance reformed our brigades and laid down to rest. About 11 oclock the Enemy attacked us by moonlight. It only lasted about a half hour. I scarcely knew with what success as we were then in the second line. They shelled us terribly for a while. Early on Sunday morning we changed our position in line. soon the ball opened. shell Grape shot + canister flying all around us. soon the command forward was given and off we went marched over brush and felled trees until we came in sight of the breastworks here the enemy opened upon us a terrific fire and our advance being over trees cut and piled together it was to obstruct our advance. It was about impossible to move forward. Still we pressed on and gained the breastwork. Many a poor fellow fell before we reached the works and many others afterwards. Poor Thom Armstrong was killed at the works. The ball passing through his head, just above the right eye Sgt Bloodworth was also killed the same morning. Thom was leading his company over the brush spoken of above when I last saw him. He acted gallantly and died at his post. He has gone on to his reward. His body was buried on Sunday evning near the field. His sword watch +c are in possession of his friends. I wrote to cousin Annie Jane, a few days since communicating the fact of the his death. Our loss was about 230 killed wounded and missing to our Regt On Sunday I ate dinner on Yankee butter and sugar. I afterward got some tea and coffee. Sunday Evning we attempted to charge a battery but did not succeed. On Monday we had some very heavy skirmishing Tuesday the same Wednesday we advanced as skirmishers came upon the breastworks of the enemy and found them deserted but was lying around in profusion to which we helped ourselves. Wednesday Evning we came down to this place to stand picket, remained here Thursday. Yesterday we went about 7 miles to support a battery and were ordered back. It has been raining constantly. I pulled off my boots on Thursday night having worn them nine days. We also laid aside swords and pistols and I assure you it was a while to get out of harness having worn it so long. I tore my clothes off of me and had to make a requisition on a Yankee Haversack. Mose tried to come to me Monday morning but the Yanks commenced shelling a little and he skedadled. He is with me again and has shirts enough picked up to supply any body. It was reported Sunday that I was killed and you will probably hear it ere you receive this. Tell Mollie I saw George about two oclock Sunday he was all right Write soon Your Son Edward Armstrong

FOLDER 11 ITEM 27

Camp 3 rd N.C.Troops near Hamilton Crossing June 3rd 1863

Dear Pa. I received a short note from you just after the late battle, answered it; wrote to Monie, and also to Mollie and have not heard a sylable from you since. We are now encamped near where we were when I wrote you last. But this evning we received orders to have three days ration cooked and be ready for marching so I presume we will not remain here long. Whether we are going to move forward of Backward I do not Know, though I am inclined to think that our march will be towards Culpeper C.H. You will probably learn by the Paper the direction of the move before you hear from me again. If we advance as we surely will: a short march will bring us in reach of the Enemy very soon and a bloody battle will be the result. I am rather suspicious that we have remained still so long. Evry one expected an early move, either in one direction or the other. We had a review last week of our Divisi (now commanded by Maj Genl Johnson) by Genl Lee. The old Gen seemed in fine health and Spirits: and from the hearty cheers sent up by our men after this review, I should judge that they are again ready to follow him to Victory. Vicksburg so far as we know, is yet standing and I hope it may continue to hold out to the End. If it falls, however we must look upon it only as one of the chances of war and strive to avenge it here Our Army of N.V. has never yet been defeated should it ever be the result will be terrible for the army must be totally disorganized and literally cut up before it will yeild to any force. The results of the late battle as of all our battles was nothing. Hooker was defeated recrossed the river. lost some Artillery and Horses (which would have been a serious loss but they can easily replace them) and some 10.000 or 15.000 men perhaps even more. Men however are no object to them as they are as easily replaced as horses. They are now on the oposite side of the river and have totally recovered I suppose from their late disaster and are ready either to advance or to meet us in case we advance. Being Officer of the Day I spent the morning cleaning up a place + fixing seats for preaching. Our Chaplain named the church but I presume that will be the only use he will make of it as we will no doubt move before sunday. Gen e E has had several conversations with me of late on the subject of babtism He contends that I was not babtized by an authorized minister and hence it is necessary for me to be babtized again. He does not think baptism essentially necessary to salvation if no oportunity os offered, but in case there is oportunity he thinks it very important. He contends that neither the Methodist or EPresbyterian churchs have the “Apostolic succession” or regular Ordained Ministry from Christ down. He says that Hesby was a regular minister of the Episcopal church as were also Coke and Asbury. But no one can make a Bishop but Bishops. No Bishops ordained Coke and Asbury but they took up the name of Bishops themselves. As they were not ordained Bishops, they did not have power to ordain other ministers here then the chain was broken. The ministers they ordained were not ministers, from the fact that they C + A not being ordained Bishops themselves had no power to ordain others. In the methodist church I think it is yet true that no one can ordain a Bishop but the Bishops. Who then Ordained Coke and Asbury? If they were not ordained as is now the custom by the regular Bishops why may not Dr. Deemsor any other minister who is admitted to Deacons or Preists orders assume the title of Bishop and proceed to fill the positio accordingly. Either Coke and Asbury were not Bishops and consequently the ministry is an unordained ministry. Or else the form of the present day may be deviated from at pleasure. If the ministry is unordained they have not the right to administer babtism. The form at least seems to be important and is so recognized by evry church. If babtism is important it should be performed by those authorized to administer it. I have given you above the views of Mr P on the subject. I have no beeks to refer to to find out anything relative to the matter, and I have never taken the pains while at home to examine the subject, in fact, I never thought about it before it was brought to my attention by him. If as he says Coke and Asbury were the first Bishops of the methodist church and they were not ordained as Bishop by those having authority to so ordain: then they of course had no authority to ordain other ministers and consequently those ordained as ministers by them had no authority to babtize. This being the case the babtism as well as the ministry is unauthorized. What do you think of the above? Maj Parsley with whom I Lieut sends his respects, and says he is endeavering, to take care of me and train me up in the way I should go. Tell Bobbie I will write her as soon as I learn she is at home again. Give my respects to all old friends and let me hear from you soon Direct to Stewarts’ Brigade. Johnsons Division Ewells Corps Army N.V. be particular also in mentioning the Regt. I fear you have not been very particular in direction or I would have heard from you before this affectionately Your Son Edward H. Armstrong

FOLDER 12 ITEM 28

Monday On March 8 miles south of Culpeper C.H. Dear Pa. We have just halted for ten minutes and I determined to drop you a line in order to mail it at Culpeper C.H. We left Hamiltons Crossing on Friday Morning Marched about 4 mile this side of Spotsylvania C.H. halted and camped on saturday we again moved off but a small fight having commenced at Fredericksburg, we halted to await the result. The Enemy giving way we again resumed the march. Sunday still continued marching and late in the evning crossed the Rapidan River at a ford below Rapidan station. Camped last night near the ford and this morning again set out for Culpeper. It is reported that the Enemy have fallen back to a point near Warrenton. We may be going on again to fight a third Manassas Battle or we may be going to try Maryland again. Time will show. I have only recd one short note from you since the battle of Chancellorsville. My love to all, We are called to attention I must close E. Armstrong

FOLDER 12 ITEM 29

Camp near Sharpsburg Md. June 19 th 1863

Dear Pa. As you are no doubt aware we are again in Maryland. On the Evning of the 17 th we arrived near Shepardstown, camped for the night and yesterday evning marched through the town and camped on the Maryland side We forded the river in the same place that we did on our retreat last Sept. Gen Rodes Division is said to be at Hagerstown. Brig Gen Jenkins comdg Mounted Rifles is reported at Harrisburg Pa, Gen Longstreet is reported at Leesburg. What we will do cannot yet be told. Hookers army is said to be in poor condition to advance and we may be able to make an extension raid into Penn. Evry thing is kept secret and it is utterly impossible to find out anything. It was reported yesterday that Lincoln had issued a proclamation urging the militia to come out and resist the invasion, assigning as a reason that his army was utterly unable to withstand us in its present condition. I do not anticipate a very pleasant time over here my self. I rather think that we shall find an Enemy to contend with that will keep us busy. We took all the Artillery the Enemy had at Winchester and a number of fine horses. Consequently that branch of the service in in fine condition. Our Wagons are also in good condition and the fine clover fields afford excellent pasturage for our horses. I saw as I passed the Shepardstown cemetery yesterday, the grave of Capt. E.G. Meares, one whose death I can only recall with a feeling of regret, and when I remember the sad result of our last invasion I can but feel sad. Many of our best men now rest near us but their graves are unmarked and nothing is left to show whare they fell. Mose desires to be remembered to all hands and wishes you to state to Dick that he is about to take a swim in the Potomac and says that if he visits Baltimore he will tell him all about it on his return home again. He also desires you to state to Dick that in the last fight he picked up a fine Blue yankee overcoat, which he humors with the name of “Millroy”. That being the name of the Yankee Genl who we defeated so badly around Winchester. Gen Hooker furnished Mose with Shirts and Millroy with overcoat, and he seems to be perfectly satisfied with their presents. I have only received one short note from you since May 2 nd , and there is a strong probability that I shall not hear from you again until this campaign is over. Yesterday candy, Segars, tobacco, cakes +c +c were issued in small quantities to the troops. They were the remains of Yankee Sutler Stores. I shall trust this to its fate, hoping it may reach you though I doubt it. Give my love to all Very Respectfully Your Son Edward H. Armstrong.

FOLDER 12 ITEM 30

Bivouac near Carlisle Pa. W.S. June 29 th 1863

Dear Pa Yours of the 10 th came to hand yesterday evning being the 2 nd letter I have received from you since the fight of May 2 nd . As you have probably learned we are now in Pa We have passed through Middleburg, Green Castle, Mercersburg, M cConnelsburg, Londontown, Thomastown, Chambersburg, Shipensburg +c. Our army has been held in check and have destroyed but very little private property. We have taken horses cattle and provisions whenever we have found them paying for them in Confederate Money at market prices. The people have treated us kindly though they look very sour at us. I was left with my company as Provost Guards at Mercersburg Pa. after we had taken the place. The army had passed through and we were left behind to guard the place until the provisions were taken out. I talked considerably with the ladies. They thought we had acted much better than they expected and even better than their own soldiers. They are yet strong for the restoration of the union. One of them told me that I had the mark of Cain on my brow which I would bear to my grave. I simply replied that my conscience was easy on that point. I treated them just as well as possible, and they seemed favorably impressed with us. Some thought that I had been left behind to burn the town and children came to me and asked if such was tahe case. I assured them it was not. Some ladies wished to pass my lines, which I could not allow and they became very much enraged said some pretty hard thingsbut it did no good. I finally got permission from the Genl to let them pass and did so. The ladies in this state are decidedly the hardest looking people I have ever seen. The people live generally in small untastely houses but have large and fine barns. Mose is yet with me. He has been persuaded by citizens to leave me but refused to do so. He applied at a house in Mercersburg for something to eat, but the lady told him she did not cook bread for him and he left. He was gazed at so much in walking the streets. That he was very much disgusted. Some of the people treat him very kindly but I have no fear of his leaving me. I see by the Philadelphia Enquirer that we burned Mercersburg such is false and all other reports of that stripe may be put under the same head. Some of the people seem to want peace under any circumstances, others say they must have the union restored. We may be about to attack Harrisburg some Twenty miles distant and then for Baltimore and Washington City. Hooker is reported at Leesburg. Yesterday some ladies of Chambersburg called on Gen Lee and asked him where Hooker,s Army was; Gen Lee answered that he supposed Gen Hooker would prefer to have that kept secret. When we took Winchester the ladies called on Genl Ewell for a speach. Gen Ewell call referred them to his battalion Gen Early. – Early said that he had never yet been able to muster courage to address one lady much less a concourse. We are resting to day, evry body is tired down from marching. Rhodes is now near Harrisburg, and we will probably move on in a day or two.

***letter ends; pages missing***

FOLDER 13 ITEM 31

On Picket near Hagerstown July 10 th 1863

Dear Pa. I wrote you a short note immediately after the Winchester fight and also one on Monday or on Tuesday of last week when near Carlisle Pa. On the 28 th of June we left camp near Carlisle and went down to Shipensburg thence in an Easterly direction to Gettysburg where the Enemy were said to be in force. On Wednesday July 1 st the Battle was opened two miles west of Gettysburg by Heaths Division and Penders Division if A.P. Hills Corps. Rhodes Division of Ewell Corps came up during the day and those three Division drove the Enemy beyond the town capturing a great many prisoners. About night our division came up after marching about 25 milesduring the day. Longstreet came up during the night and by Thursday morning our Army was in position around The Hills occupied by the Enemy. Longstreet took the right A.P. Hill the center and Ewell the left. The Enemy after leaving the field on which they fought Wednesday fell back to the east of town and occupied the two Hills which might be termed Mountains, here they fortified Themselves during the night of Wednesday. The position itself was almost a Second Vicksburg Their artilery positions were Splendid, and on the whole it seemed almost impregnable. We took our position on the extreme left Wednesday night. Evry thing remained quick until about 11 o clock Thursday when the most terrible cannonade I ever heard opened on the right and continued during the day. About 2 o clock PM (Thursday) the cannonade opened on the right left, and about six o clock our Regt moved forward to the conflict, we soon engaged the Enemy on our left they vacated their Breast works, which were occupied by our troops but our Regt got into position on the top of a Hill, a ravine in the front, and the Enemy in breastworks in the oposite hill, here we fought them continually from about 6 o clock until about 9 ½ o clock, when by common consent the firing ceased. Our Ammunition gave out during the fight, but we replenished from the Cartridge boxes of the dead and wounded. We removed the wounded after the firing ceased and prepared for a renewal of the fight next morning About 3 ½ o clock AM Friday the firing again commenced and continued without intermission until about 10 oclock when we were moved to the left and placed in position to charge a battery. Our Regt then consisted of 5 Officers 5 or 6 com Officers and about 10 men, with this small number we moved forward with the rest of under a terrible fire losing one officer two or three com off and seven men. The lines of the Enemy protected the battery and we were compelled to fall back We held our position until night and then fell back to the position formerly occupied by our troops when we attacked them on Wednesday. They fell back on Friday night toward Baltimore and as they would not attack us on Saturday we moved off towards Hagerstown to prevent them from getting between us and the river. We are now about 3 miles from Hagerstown awaiting further developments. Our Regt carried in 290 men and lost 212. My Company number two Officers 6 non com officers and 26 men. Of these Lieut Metts was wounded in the right Lung supposed to be mortal. The Six non com officers were wounded and 4 privates killed, + 13 wounded for a total loss of 24. My company now numbers 7 men or Quite a number of the wounded will die Lieut Kelly son of Isaac Kelly Esqr of Duplin is shot through both lungs supposed to be mortal. Capt Albritton Lieut Lane. Adj James were wounded + hauled off in Ambulances. Most of our wounded were left in the hands of the Enemy includins Lieut Metts + Kelly. Lieuts Garason + Potter of Wilmington were killed. Major Parsley Lieut Cowan Ward McClamy, Stone, + Lyoon and myself escaped. Tis is the third time that I have been 2 nd in command of the Regt after a fight. I was struck three times on Friday, once in the head the ball knocking my hat off and sticking to it. Again in the charge between the shoulders and again on the side. I have two of the balls now in my pocket. I was hurt but very little all the balls being spent balls. I learned yesterday that Capt J.F.S. Van Bokkelin had died in Richmond of Typhoid Fever. He was one of the best Officers I have ever known, poor fellow he is gone. I also learned that Lieut Sidbury had died you may still look for stiring times in this vicinity. We have just been ordered to move Your Son Edward H Armstrong

***Top of Page*** 3 our is estimated at 20.000 the yankees acknowledge a loss of 42.000

FOLDER 14 ITEM 32

***FRAGMENT***

Orange C.H. and place. As luck would have it I was put on duty that night with my company to pile up rails to make entrenchments next day. The night was dark and I knew nothing of the country and consequently had quite a disagreeable time. We worked until about 2 A.M. Sunday morning and then went to sleep. Sunday + Monday we spent in digging trenches which are now about comple We are still expecting a fight somewh een Fredericksburg and Orange C.H. ther on the Rapidan or on the Rapanhannock. We have had frost two or three times and the nights are quite cool yet we have nothing to cover with and sleep on our oil cloths. I am looking where to find us. is as yet the nearest point on the and probably will be until the next engagement is on. Yesterday there was considerable cannonading in the direction of Madison C.H. up the river. I have not yet learned the cause. The Enemy are reported moving up the river perhaps a general engagement shall come off up that way. I learned yesterday by letter from Lieut Metts now recovering and is a prisoner sons Island near Sandusky Ohio hat Lieut T.J. Kelly died of his wounds on the 9 th day of July 1863. Seven days after he was wounded, Lt K is a son of Isaac Kelly Esqr of Duplin. I met Col Thompson day before yesterday he had just returned from you. Your letters come quite slowly Dr. Hookers has just returned from Wilmington but did not see you. You must keep quite close. I know of nothing more to write Give my love to all and tell them to write soon Your Son Edward H Armstrong

FOLDER 15 ITEM 33

Camp near Orange C.H. Va August 17 th 63

Dear Pa I have waited long and anxiously for a letter from you but as yet have received nothing. All remains great here. I see by the papers that Greensboro F. College has been burned but I have not heard a word from either Monnie Bobbie or Uncle Frank since it occurred. I received a letter from Uncle F some days since stating that he had heard I was killed at Gettysburg and had been mourning me as dead for some time until Bobbie returned when he learned that I was safe. I have just written to Capt G.B. Baker + 2 m Raleigh N.C. enclosing $4300 to buy from the state 4yds Army Cloth and pay express freight to Wilmington. You will please enquire frequently at the express Office for the package and take care of it for me. It is directed to you. If it does not come soon let me know or communicate with Capt. Baker on the subject. I shall write with more length in a day or two. My love to all Your Son Edward H Armstrong PS Please send me some Stamps E.H.A

FOLDER 16 ITEM 34

Camp 3d NCT near Orange C.H. Va Aug 2263

Dear Pa, I am now in about the same fix as a man with only one shirt: when wash day comes: I have only one pr shoes and they are worn out, and I sent them off this morning by Mose to have them mended, consequently I am barefooted until they return. I have finished up my business nearly and now may have some leisure to write letters. I received a letter from Uncle Frank the other day stating that the College had been burned. What do you intend doing with Monnie and Bobbie now? Evry thing remains quiet here yet and it seems probable that it may remain so for some time. Meade has fallen back to the Potomac Just as the above was written I was interrupted and consequently delayed writing until to day Aug 28 th 1863. Yours of the 21 st is at hand. It arrived last night and brought me the first news since July 23 rd . I cannot say that I approve of your course in going back home. If you had remained at the So River you would be far enough to get further in case Wilmington is taken. You speak of remaining even if the Enemy take the place. You must never think of that. Evry thing both negroes + produce will be taken from you and in order to buy anything even with the money you will be required to take the oath of allegiance to the U.S. You have no idea what people now endure who are left inside the lines since our raid into Pa. The Enemy have become more cruel. They are taking Evry thing. If you remain outside their lines you may take the negroes with you and you can with them make a living where ever you go. So far as houses furniture +c are concerned if they destroy them they will be but little loss. The land will remain and when peace is restored you can again occupy it. If you can manage to feed and clothe your family during the war, and lose not more than 2/3 of your property you will do well. Look at Uncle Ned’s condition even when the Enemy only paid him a short visit, and think what it would be if they had remained permanently. If you can get me some Socks and some calico or merino or woolen Shirts please do so. I am about out. I want dark Colored but light shirts. Calico would do but something a little heavier would do better you know what I want them for. You can get the material in Wilmington and have them neatly put up at home I have undershirts enough. I bought ten and paid $30.00 for them. I sent $90.00 to Richmond the other day to buy two pr shoes. 1 for Mose and 1 for myself and really I do not believe the amount will be sufficient. I need some drawers also. I shall send Mose home before long to bring them on to me and get some clothes +c for himself I also need a brown colored hat if you see one to suit me buy it and I will forward the amount to pay for all as soon as possible I understand hats are worth $50.00 in Richmond. Any light color preferred to black. A hat does not stand any chance in the field the rain soon makes them leak and then they are almost useless. Maj Parsley may possibly go home on the return of Col Thuston and I may send Mose by him We are now getting a few furloughs but there is no chance for me. I have only one officer with me and he did not go home last winter and has sent up a furlough. Lt Metts is wounded and in the Yankee lines and my other Lieut is at home and has been since March last. Evry thing is very high here we pay 40cts per lb for beef from the Government, 12 ½ cts for flour, / $1.00 per day for corn, $3.50 for butter, $2 or $3 “ “ for chickens, and lard and bacon are “never comeatible” Yesterday we were Reviewed by Genl Ewell our Lt Genl. He has only one leg or rather one wooden leg but can manage to get along very well on the march he usually travels in his carriage. Gen Johnson our Division Comder is lame also having been wounded in the leg at Alegany mountain from which he has never recovered. We will be reviewed in a few days by Genl Lee. Give my love to all Your Son Edward H. Armstrong

FOLDER 17 ITEM 35

Camp near Orange CH Sept 8 th 1863

Dear Pa, Yours containing stamps and one written provisions to it both came to hand last week I was on Picket the latter part of the week and even at the time I received your last which accounts for the delay in answering it. On returning from Picket on saturday we were soon called out to our usual drill ground to watch the execution of ten of the men who deserted some weeks since Our Division was formed in square one side open The Prisoners were marched in in charge of the detachment of 120 men who were detailed to perform the execution. The music playing the dead march They marched down. The Prisoners were then made to stand facing the detachment while the sentence was read, by the Officer of the day. Prayers were then offered and each Prisoner was then marched to his stake. The detachment was then divided into ten squads one to each Prisoner Bandages were bound over theis faces. The command was given and soon they were hurled into eternity. They were all baptized by Mr. Patterson on saturday morning and were praying when they were shot one was a son of Mr John Futch of Rocky Point and another was named Rayner from Holly Shelter 5 men were from Company K and the others from Co H. It was a terrible sight and God grant I may not be called to see any thing of the kind again. Most of them were good soldiers amd brave men. This being their first act of disobedience. Horrel of Bladen is said to have my Pistol, he has not yet been arrested Hanson Futch one of the party was so badly wounded when taken that he has not yet stood his trial The news from Charleston is not at all flattering. Evry thing is quiet here yet. On Picket the other day I took my meals at the house of a very clever gentleman and met there quite a fascinating young lady. She is extremely pretty and very entertaining She gave me some music on the Piano (the first I have heard since I left home) and was very agreeable. If rations and clothing were not so high I don’t know but I might have indulged the idea of proposing a matrimonial alliance provide she would agree to be a party to the contract. I think I shall go to see her again This week. By the way I was passed off to her as a married man by a friend of mine for about a day and I did not attempt to correct the impression. She found out the mistake however and sent me a boquet for bearing the teasing so well. No doubt that will strike Mollie as extremely ridiculous. The idea of my coming into camp with a boquet in my hand. I sent to Richmond the other day for 1 pr boots and 1 pr shoes. The boots cost me $75.00 and the shoes $50.00. What think you of that? My love to all EHA

FOLDER 17 ITEM 36

Camp near Orange CH Va Sept 10 th 1863

Dear Pa, As Maj Parsley is going home this morning I have determined to send Mose. I wish you to send on by him one pr pants, 2 Shirts, 2 pr drawers some socks and 2 towels. Calico shirts will answer my purposeand are not as liable to become lousey. I spoke of a hat some time since if you have bought on for me you can send it by him. I wish the pants to be grey color but it does not matter whether they are country made or not. I received a note from Capt Baker of Raleigh, he says that the cloth was all gone before my letter reached him, but he has filed my requisition and will send the Cloth to you as soon as it comes. I have given Mose $15.00 which will possibly pay his expenses home If I am able to save some money I will send you some to square up for what you send me. With boots at $75.00 shoes at $50.00, Pants at $75.00 and rations in proportion it is a hard matter to save any thing. You may send me also a couple of handkerchiefs. Please have the shirts made neatly if you have the made at home. I doubt whether I can get home again before next Christmas year

My love to all Your Son Edward H Armstrong I want Mose to come back as soon as possible, say 14 days

FOLDER 17 ITEM 37

Camp near Mitchels Ford Friday night Sept 25 th 1863

Dear Pa Yours per Mose came to hand this morning also the Cake for which I am very much indebted to someone. We enjoyed it extremely and all concurred in the opinion that it was very good. Mose left the hams which will I assure you be a great treat at Orange CH distant about 20 miles I borrowed a horse and sent him back after them this morning. He will probably return tomorrow. We are now in Camp again awaiting the movement of the Enemy. He seems to move slowly possibly he may be awaiting news from the west. Thank heaven we are again victorious in Tenn Braggs victory has given cheerfull spirits to and bright countenances to the despondent. The death of Gen Hood the gallant leader of the brave Texans is a great loss to the A.N.V. “Hood is on your right” has often made us confident when moving on to the field of battle. We felt there was no danger of being Flanked when supported by the gallant Texans but he is gone after assisting in the most decided victory that has yet crowned our guns. The Corps of Lieut Gen Longstreet has gone west and as you see by the papers took part in the late great battle. We have yet the Corps of Ewell and A.P. Hill besides the Cavalry of Stewart Hampton + Fitz H Lee. Our while force number upwards of 60,000 men and is daily increasing by the return of sick and wounded from the Hospitals. We are sufficient strong with our Earth Works to sustain ourselves against 100,000 and I have no idea that the force of the Enemy yet numbers so many as that. Charleston seems to hold out still. In fact the Yankees seem disgusted with their attempts. Ditching may accomplish the work however and Charleston may yet be theirs. I wish I could be at home for a time at least, I would like to visit the old homestead once again but seems that I shall not get the oportunity soon. I heard yesterday what has become of my shawl and Blankets also some Company papers + books which I sent to the rear last winter for want of transportation. Gen Stoneman captured them in his raid around Richmond last spring. I have yet ten Blankets which will get me through this winter. The nights are quite Cool now and our cover is very light. } Saturday morning Mose returned last night and I had fried ham for breakfast this morning. It was delightful. I expect to dine on boiled ham and greens My pants are about Six inches too long but I have secured the services of a tailor to alter them. They were also rather full around the waist which he will also alter. I am very much pleased with the whole lot but the prices were very high. Unless some thing is done for the currency we will be bankrupt. I am happy to learn that we are about to have a navy and do hope that it is so but I fear it is a mistake. We have been dicieved so often in regard to these things. That I it seems almost useless to put confidence in reports. And Ma thinks I will be fine looking when I get to be as large around as Mr Bordeaux. Thank heaven There is no probability of my being so large soon. I am smaller now than when I returned home from the Peninsula and there is no probability of an incease in size so long as the war continues at least. Tell Monnie if she wants an elegant and I think almost real description of a battle she can find it in Victor Hugos Novel “Les Misérables” Second volume – title – “Cossette.” The first ten chapters of “Cossette” contain an admirable description of the battle of “Waterloo” and it is nearer like battles generally than anything I have ever seen except the reality. The whole series is quite entertaining and I would advise to purchase it. Cousin Barb owes me a letter. Mose tells me that you have a fine crop I hope you may be able to save it all for we shall certainly need all the corn that Govt can furnish next year. Our Cavalry and Artillery Horses took leave for want of a more abundant supply now I have just had some forks and poles cut and have quite a nice bunk up. My bed tick has been filled with grass and I expect to enjoy a pleasant nights rest. I am glad that Mose was so thoughtful as to suggest the propriety of sending the bed tick. We are now very near the Yankee Pickets. They can be easily seen by walking out a few hundred yds from our camp. They are on one side of the Rapidan and we the other. The river is about the size of Turky creek at the bridge. No shooting is carried on on the Picket lines. Evry thing is quiet. The weather feels like winter. I have now 37 men present in my company I am the only officer present. So chances of going home are very gloomy. I am sorry to hear of so much sickness you live too comfortabey. We havent as much sickness in our Regt as you have in your family and many of our men have got several Blankets to protect then from the weather I havent been sick any yet, and I hope I may escape without any sickness. Tell Ma I shall expect her long letter as soon as she has leisure to write. Tell all to write. Give my respects to all my friends and let me hear from you often. Your Son Edward H Armstrong

FOLDER 17 ITEM 38

Camp 3 rd N.C. Troops Oct 4 th 1863

Dear Ma, It is sunday night. The day has been quite a dull one. This morning I heard a Catholic Priest go through some of the religious ceremonies of that church which to me seemed rather a curiousity than a species of worship. Tomorrow I go on Picket again for 24 hours so tomorrow night I shall be on duty. Our Chaplain Mr Patterson is now in Wilmington. He has gone there for the purpose of baptizing Maj Parsleys child. So our sabbaths pass without preaching. I see by the papers that Warrn Esq has married Me Miller. Were you at the wedding? Mollie tells me in her last letter that somebody to be married cautions me not to tell but she does not tell me the name. I presume I will not tell until I know at any rate. Who does she allude to do you know? Mose tells me that you remarked to him when at home that I wrote as if I was in love with Miss Kyper but still continued to write to Duplin. Now I would like to know who told you that I write to Duplin? Possibly you allude to a letter I wrote to Miss Dix or Miss Dixon O do not know which letter was directed to Hallsville. I shall certainly expect and explanation of your remark in your next. But suppose I do write to Duplin is that a reason why I shouldn’t love Miss Kyper too if I feel so inclined? I think not. I havent seen her now for some time and I presume I shall not see her again soon, probably never. Are people still getting married at home as usual? Will there be one left for me by the time the war is over? I guess not, but I am satisfied if others marry they will have to take care of them. That is my consolation. I am just as far from being married now as when you last saw me and unless something happens to change me very much, I shall remain so. In a few years more I shall be too old and possibly by that time I shall be so near the shape of Mr Bordeaux and Pa that I shall be entitled to be considered handsome by persons of similar taste to yourself. Then there will be no hope I shall have to plow the weary road of life alone. Yes I remember one chance You cannot guess who it is. It is your old friend Miss Liza Potter, she I think always admired Pa, and possibly if I get to looking like him she might admire me. What do you think of the match? Would you call her daughter? Write me the long letter which Pa spoke of in his last. Give my love to all and let me hear from you again soon. Your Son E.H. Armstrong

FOLDER 18 ITEM 39

Camp 3 rd N C Troops Oct 30 th 1863

Dear Pa, It has been several days since I last wrote you and though I have not yet heard from you yet I felt bound to write again. We are now in camp and most of the men are building quarters. Some seem to thinkwe will remain where we are for some time to come but I am under the impression that we shall surey move up towards Fredericksburg as the Enemy must necessarily winter in that neighborhood if they winter in Virginia at all. On Monday morning last we crossed the River and went out to Bealton Station to guard the wagons hauling iron. We had some skirmishing with the Enemy. Our Division lost 26 men – 5 killed + 21 wounded of the 26. Our Regt did not lose any. I understand the cloth for officers has reached Raleigh and I presume Capt Baler will send my cloths to you by express. I received a letter from Monnie and another from Bobbie both seem dissatisfied with Spartanburg, Bobbie especially so. I havent yet received the long letter promised by Ma. She does not seem very prompt in correspondence perhaps she has forgotten that she owes me a letter. I wish I could have been home about the time of Presbytry, I understand that you and Ma teazed one of your visitors continually. If I had been there I might have shared the teazing perhaps at any rate I would have been willing to endure part of it for the sake of being at home. How does Mollie get on? Do Willie and Tommie improve much at school? How did you enjoy your company at Presbytry? I understand you had quite a number with you at that time. Did Jim Isler preach? How did you like him? Mose has been very unwell this week but seems better to day. I hope he will soon be well. I have found another substitute for Coffee Viz Acorns parched and ground. They resemble Coffee in taste more than any substitute I have yet tried. Suppose you buy them. Coffee is worth$11.00 per lb here + sugar $4.00 so you may be sure we don’t indulge. We havent eaten anything but beef + bread for the past month until to day. I bought a half Gallon Aple butter this morning at $4.00 and find it eats quite nice. Apples are worth from $3.50 @ $4.00 per doz and evry thing has recently gone up. If this 12 mos longer I don’t see how we shall manage to live. I must now stop to make out my Muster Rolls. Give my love to all, write soon and give me a good long letter. Affectionately Your Son Edward H Armstrong π Same Date I have just finished my roll and the mail has arrived bringing a letter from you + one from Tommie dated Oct 26 th 1863. I am sorry to learn that you still continue to have sickness amd hope this cold weathermay cure the crowd. I heard of the Death of Sheriff Van soon after it occurred and was truly surprised to hear it. Who will be the next sheriff? Who did you vote for for Congress? It is impossible now to send anything across the river in the way you spoke of. Our troops are beyond the River and consequently whenever we get in sight of each other we shoot. I think you might have a letter written by applying to M cPeake Wilmington N.C. or some of the people who are engaged in manning the Blockade Direct it to J.R. Bruce + Co enclose it in another after + direct that to some firm in Nassau and it could be sent from there to N York. I understand from Mrs Metts that though the influence of Mr Kidder Jim Metts a Lieut in my company is able to get as much money as he wants He is in Prison Johnsons Island near Sandusky. If possible learn where Alex was when I last heard from I do hope that the report in regard to his death is untrue. If I knew where he was then perhaps I might get an oportunity of writing through Flag of truce. Give my respects to Mr Van Bok and ask him to remember me to his lady. John was one of my best friends and I can say without hesitation that he was the best company comdr I ever saw. Perhaps if you would apply to him he could tell you some way by which you might communicate with Alex. I am glad to hear that my Shirts are all safe. Please take care of them until I send for them. I do not need them at present. You should be Thankful that you have some thing to pay tax on and give that tenth cheerfilly to the Govmt. If I was worth one million dollars to night I could give it evry cent freely + fast until I could make money enough to buy something to eat if this war could by that means be ended. People at home have no idea of the suffering endured by the soldier. He works for $11. per month not enough to buy his tobacco and often when he recieves letters from home he finds that his family is suffering for something to eat. He of course has nothing to send. Besides this frequently his rations are short, sometimes he is without any thing to eat, barefooted, and compelled to keep up over stony roads where the ground is frezing and often at night when he is continually nocking his feet against the rocks. Finally the column halts and camps. The poor fellow is tired down he has no ax to get any wood possibly he is near th Enemy and cannot have any fire. He has no blanket and consequently he must mark time all night to keep warm. The following morning he is marched doubled quick five or six miles with nothing to eat to fight the Enemy gets into the fight and is killed or maimed for life. – What then? His family are left alone to get through the world as best they can. Subject to the changes of the extortioner. What has induced this man to endure all this? He was patriotic and enlisted for the war? Who id the gainer? The man at home who is coining money. Such as Wm Moore for instance. The meanest man in the confed army has done more for the Govt than he has and yet that poor fellow will have to work – if he survives the war – for a mere pittance His family will not be able to enjoy the liberty he has fought for on account want of money. Perhaps I shall have to oversee after the war is over for some man that I wouldn’t associate with before and why, because I went into the service and he hired a substitute and made a fortune. Money makes the man go still and will be after the war The men that can show the most dollars and not the one who can show the most scars will be the man after the war. Soldiers are even now treated with contempt evry where and I presume the feeling in that may well increase but theirs one consolation the poor devil will feel thankful that he has done his duty. Don’t think from what I have said that I am sick of the job by no means. I think we have yet more suffering to endure. We have yet seen nothing compared to what we will see before the war closes. All I ask is to be spared safe + sound to the end. I am willing to endure ten times what I have endured and fight if necessary 7 years yet, to see the confederacy recognized and the Yankees separated from us. Still I have bu tlittle hope of seeing it through many battles are yet to be fought and perhaps I may fall. You are yet able to take care of all hands and if they can escape without suffering I shall try to be content. I have some men in my company now barefooted but I hope we shall get some of the shoes brought into N.C. We who pay so dearly for liberty ought to enjoy it. I see no chance of going home but I cannot complain some of my men have not been home since they enlisted. Give my love to all

Your E.H. Armstrong

***on the back of last page***

Camp 3 rd N C Troops Oct 31 st 63

Dear Tommie, Your letter came to hand to day. I am glad to hear that you go to school but sorry to know that you got whipped. You must not pry into my secrets I so not think I can afford to tell you who I love you might tell. Study hard and learn all you can you will find ample oportunity for putting your knowledge to a use when you come out into the world. Especially learn to write well. You can then be sure of making a living. Now is the time if you do not improve it it will soon be too late. You may perhaps by the time you are eighteen be thrown into this war. If you improve the opportunites now afforded you may perhaps be able to secure a promotion. Not that it is disgraceful to be a private far from it but it is more agreeable to hold a commission. Be kind to all people, especially all soldiers write me again soon Give my love to Willie and tell him to learn to write Your Bro E H Armstrong

FOLDER 19 ITEM 40

***big chunks missing***

Camp Nov 6 th 1

Dear Pa, I presume a word from will not be objectionable although I write you all quite often. I am to night very comfortably situated in a nice log cabin all alone. In fact I feel like a Bachelor to night instead of a soldier. My house is covered with boards but I had no nails and I am rather afraid it will leak when it rains. The chimney – quite a nice one by the way – is built is built of clay which is quite plentiful here the cracks and chinks tight. I have a good fire and a good straw bed and shall certainly make the most of it, and try to take a good nights rest. If peace was declared and I had such a cabin as this down about the Old Bordeaux House with some body to pour Coffee I think I could get along quite nice. By the way Col Par me a present of some coffee to day and I ha for supper with my bread. It went quite Col P brought my blanket shirts. If you bad way for under shirts I would advise you to have a blanket cut up and try them. They are fine. I saw Capt O W Carr of the 46 th Regt to day he is in very bad health and spoke of resigning – He has not been able for duty since August gets but little better. Envelopes are worthe $4.00 per pack here consequently I shall have to give you one turned. Why don’t Ma write that long letter? I am anxious to receive it. Tell Mollie I have been able to learn nothing yet in regard to the matter of which she spoke in her last. Do Tommie + Willie much at school? We are now only about a mile from the R Road and if you stay in the army now would be a good provided you would bring some saddles with

slim. Give my love to all and write soon Your Son Edward H Armstrong

FOLDER 20 ITEM 41

Camp 3 rd NCT near Orange CH Nov 13 th 1863

Dear Pa. I do not now remember the date of my last letter but I think it was written in my log hut near Brandy Station. I slept in my house only one night after building it. On the evning of the 7 th about sunset we received orders to to be ready to march as the Enemy were in force at Kelleys ford on the Rapanhannock. We were soon ready about dark orders came and off we marched for the ford distant from camp about 8 miles reached there about 10 oclock halted about an hour faced about, marched back, possibly by our camp again about 2 oclock continued on our march to the neighborhood of Culpeper where we halted about daylight and formed line of battle. For the purpose I suppose of holding the enemy in check until our trains + stores were south of the Rapid Ann. We cut logs and threw up breastworks and remaind in line until dark on Sunday when we again marched off towards the Rapid Ann. We crossed that River – wading – at Racoon Ford about 2 oclock AM Monday morning marched about two miles this side and camped – that is built fires and went to sleep – here we remained until after day monday when we marched off to our old camp at Mitchels Ford. About 2 PM Monday we received orders to march down to Germann Ford – moved off – In the snow marched about a mile and received orders to return. – Come back pitched tents, and had quite a comfortable nights rest, which was especially agreeable as we never closed our eyes during Saturday night and not until about 3 oclock Sunday night. Tuesday morning my company was detailed to go with Lt Col Parsley across the Rapid Ann after corn. I was deployed as skirmisher to protect the wagons while our men were gathering the corn. The Yankee Cavalry made their appearance but did not venture very near. One came up quite near but one of my men shot at him and he made tracks for the rear. We got several loads of corn and recrossed the river about sunset. Wednesday we remained quietly in camp. Thursday – yesterday – we marched about 12 miles down from our present encampment about 6 or 8 miles from Orange CH and to day I am having a chimney built to my tent. We lost at Rapanhannock Station when the Yankees crossed one battery and several hundred men belonging to Hokes NC + hays La brigade. At Kelleys Ford we lost quite a number of men belonging to Ramseurs + Battles Brigades. The Enemy are rebuilding the RR + will probably advance again as soon as they complete it to Rapanhannock Station. I would not be surprised if we have a terrible fight here now before the 1 st day of January. Meade will probably attempt another “on to Richmond” we must foil him. Mose is still unwell thought better than when I last wrote. I am having my pants altered to day. I sent by Capt Laughton to N.C. for a full supply of clothes but I understand the Advance did not bring them in he last cargo. Capt Baker writes me that no more cloth has been brought in so I suppose I shall be under the necessity of getting a $400 uniform if I get any. Evry thing – even buff + flour – is getting higher – I don’t know what we shall do before long. Mas long letter has not yet been received. Tell all that owe me letters to write. Give my love to all. Your Son Edward H Armstrong

FOLDER 20 ITEM 42

Raleigh NC Nov 27 th 1863

Thomas J Armstrong Esq. My dear Sir There have been several new magistrates appointed for New Hanover County at this office yourself among the number. The Certificate will I suppose be sent to you at Wilmington. I should be very glad if you would qualify at Decauter Court or if it will enable you to vote for Brother Neal for sheriff as he will be a candidate before the court. You can subsequently at any time you please resign the position Trusting that you will be at court & qualify, I am very truly Your friend + sevt Eli W Hall

Nov 30 th Your is just at hand I have introduced a bill for the relief of Keeper of Jewig – your certificate of appointment or gesture will be forwarded to the Cerk of the County Court

FOLDER 20 ITEM 43

QS send me some Stamps if you please I cannot buy any here Camp 3 rd NC Troops Dec 4 th 1863

Dear Pa Perhaps you have learned that we had another engagement with the Enemy near Bartletts Mill or Mine run on the 27th of Nov. We left camp on Thursday night the 26 th marched down to our entrenchments and bivoucaed there for the night. on Friday morning we moved of marching down the river toward Germana Ford, crossed Mine Run at Bartletts Mill and proceeded slowly on our way, our Division being the only troops on the road. About 12 o clock the Yankee Skirmishers fired into our line we fronted toward them threw out Skirmishers and formed there in heavy force in line of battle only a short distance from the road our Skirmishers contested the field with theirs for some time when we withdrew and formed our line paralell to + in rear of the road Our Artillery was then put in position and we waited their attack some time, as they did not seem inclined to do so, about 4 o clock we moved forward soon found the Enemy and drove him before us for some time until they opened their artillery when we halted and held our position Our brigade was on the Left of the Division and the 37 Va Regt on the left of our brigade our Regt being on its Right. The Enemy were superior to us in numbers and to prevent him from Flanking us the 37 th was moved by the left Flank leaving a Gap between its right and our left. The Enemy found this Gap and got in between the two Regts but by falling back we prevented them from capting us. My loss was 15 wounded None killed. Lieut Ward of Duplin was again wounded in arm + thigh. The casualties in killed wounded + missing in the Regt will reach 100. On Thursday night after the fight we crossed Mine Run again and formed line of battle on the western bank of that stream, where we remained until wednesday morning, when we again returned to camp. The Enemy having crossed the River again on Tuesday night. We remained in camp until Wednesday night when we marched down to Hurtin Ford remained there until Thursday morning and again returned to Camp. It is said that our Division fought two Corps if the Enemy in the fight spoken of in this letter. I recd yours Ma’s + Tommies yesterday and will answes as soon as possible. Lieut Clarke of my Co was wounded in the late fight which leave me again without any other officer. I learn that Capt Langdon carried my cloth to Wilmington if so please get it and take care of it until I can send my measures Write Soon Your Son EH Armstrong

FOLDER 20 ITEM 44

Dec the 20 th 1863

My dear uncle again I will trouble you with a few lines Since Hinton has entered the Service O have Sold my Land in Brunswick because I could not make support Farming without healp my husband first bought the Land and paid half the money for it I have Hinton and myself pad up the balance and I have Sold it and bought a House and Lott in Town the day that I Sold my Land my horse died which compels me to borrow a little mony I lost my horse and four of my fattening Hogs will you be good enough to lend me two hundred dollars I have the promise of a good school after Christmas which I think I will take if I live uncle Tomy if you please don’t refuse me fo I am obliged to raise the mony and cannot healp my losses I will use evry effort to pay you as quick as I can I could have got the mony from uncle Iez Hand but he hand just sent to L.C. for a large quantity of corn and did not have it if I cannot go to my near relations for a favor in distress who can I go to do uncle Tomy healp me out of this Scrap and I will never trouble you any more in this world if you will be good enough to lend it to me please send it in a letter to Mrs McCalebs by the middle of next week don’t think hard of me nor shun me for I have felt enough of the pangs of Poverty to have a sensitive heart Your Niece with much respect M. A. Wright

FOLDER 21 ITEM 45

***fragment***

Longstreet and A.P. Hill are up and you my look for hot times soon. 70.000 enlisted are reported at Harrisburg. The enemy have fortified all their cities and may make a desperate resistance. God grant that we may be successful and that this may be the finishing stroke of the war. I weighed yesterday and only weighed the same that I weighed when I was at home I received a letter from Mollie yesterday but shall not be able to answer it you will let know that you have heard from me. Until this campaign is over I can write to you not for any thing times we 23 dust

I hope we may go through safe. wednesday we crossed the Potomac River for the last time. perhaps such is the case with me. I am the only officer Regt who has been through all I have so far escaped wound. God grant that I may get through safe in the future but If I must fall I hope to meet you in heaven Give my respects to all my friends and let me hear from you as soon as possible. Give my love to all the family, Your Son Edward H. Armstrong

FOLDER 21 ITEM 46

Jan 3 rd 1864 Dear Thomas I am sorry that it falls to my lot to write such a note to you but as there is no other source from whence my help comes I must unwillingly apply to you. You are aware that Hugh has been here for the last two months almost help up of course I am obliged to be with him until I see a change for better or worse. It is a rare thing for me to sleep all night tho for the last too or three days he seems a little better he is not so swollen but still ahs fever + pains in his limbs I could not get a Dr to do anything for him altho his Captain sent word to employ one. Harry was at the road when Marthat carried the last corn she had or could get having to walk 4 mile there and back untill Smith worked up the road when he was good enough to carry it + then walk back to get the meal this she has been doing during the time Hugh has been in sercice she expects to be confined evry day + by carrying she came very near to miscarrying last monday now they cant get potatoes nor any thing like eating. I have spent nearly all the money I have only a little not collected I have had to feed my self for some time I still expect to do I hired a small boy until Martha gets able to be up I have done all in my power to feed + clothe them untill I am nearly destitute. Hugh will return to his company next week if he gets no + if he can wear shoes but fearful that he should not go I will take it as a particular favour that you would use your influence with Cap Bouie to let him have his money + clothes I have written to Ky to get them but avails nothing Hughs clothes are so thin + they have drawn since Hugh left + his shoes are all to pieces if he goes to Town he will have to go barefooted tho he could not wear any for the last two months + I had to cut the socks from top to toe + lace them up Martha gets up I shall go to Hanover + now Thomas if you will be so good as to let them have something to eat it is the request of Hugh + Martha not mine. Hugh says he cant apply to any other relation for he wont get anything + now Sunday I have to walk to Smiths to get not more than a peck of meal there all + if it is ground he carried it on his back 7 mile to oblige Martha I am unable to take these walks + I wont do it after I go more particularly to mail this letter. John Vernon only made 10 bushel of corn for Martha She requests me to say to you that she would be glad you would let her have a single 60 to plow + haul wood & for the truth of this you can ask Sharp or any man or woman in this place Sharp has been kind to them but he is now very sick May God bles you T E Armstrong

FOLDER 22 ITEM 47

***photo of EHA*** Wharton 119 FAYETTEVILLE ST RALEIGH, N.C.

***on reverse***

Mrs. W. N. Lucas Care of T. J. Armstrong. Rocky Point Pender County North Carolina

[upside down]

T J. Armstrong B1.98 Rocky Point

FOLDER 22 ITEM 48

Richmond Jany 11 th 1864

Dear Pa, I arrived here this (Monday Morning) having remained all day yesterday at Petersburg. I bought you a splendid Lock this morning for $35 and forwarded it by express to you at Wilmington care of W. D. Smith Esqr. I could not get the screws ir nails to fasten it in with but you can have them made. You had better get the lock and fix it on immediately for it don’t pay to loose meat when it is worth $3.50 I leave for Camp tomorrow morning at 6 I had some pictures taken to day but could not have the sword +c taken as I did not have any with me. I will send the pictures per Mose unless an earlier oportunity offers. I wish I had remained at home a day longer I would have reached this place just as soon. Did Thommie succeed in overtakinf Amos? If any letter comes to Wilmington fo me please send them on. I attended church twice yesterday but did not appreciate the sermons on account of being very sleepy. Tell Ma to let cousin Annie know that I did not return home saturday night. I understand they are not expecting me at camp, probably the detail has gone to Wilmington for me, if so it is only to late. Let me hear from you soon, My Affect, Your Son Edward H. Armstrong

FOLDER 22 ITEM 49

Camp 3 N.C. Troops Jany 14 th 1864

Dear Pa, I dropped you a short note on Monday evning in Richmond which I suppose you have received again ere this. I reached camp on Tuesday night about 7 o clock after a march of about 9 miles ae are camped only about 6 miles from Orange but I missed the road and walked 9. Sgt Hill of my Company left for home last night. I sent my pictures by him. The one in small case for cousin Julia Davis the others (one for aunt Mary, one for Ma, one for cousin Barbara.) Sgt Hill will leave them with cousin Mary McCaleb. I found my Company in tolerably comfortable quarters we are still building. Rations are quite scarce, the men are getting ¼ lb meat per day, and bad bacon at that We had not meat enough for break fast this morning and have none left for dinner we eat only two meals per day and our rations will scarcely justify that. I presume the scarcity is for want of transportation. We bought a turkey weighing 13 lbs this morning for $15.00, which is I believe cheaper than meat at present prices Cols Thruston Parsley + others told Mose when I left that I had gone home to get married he would not believe it but when I returned I acknowledged it and Mose is now satisfied that I am married. He says if I had told him that that was my business he would have gone with me. You may send on the box as soon as you please. You may send some pepper, and some good vinegar sauce, +c +c. I will send Mose to Gordonsville as soon as I know you have forwarded it. We are only about 14 miles from there. I have been put on a Regt Court Martial, but we do not meet for some time yet. Our Regt goes on picket tomorrow for 5 days. I fear we will have rather a disagreeable time. Our men are getting furloughs now at the rate of 8 per 100 present for duty. The men are pretty well clad and look quite well. The snow is on the ground yet. Give my love to all and write me again soon Your Son E. H. Armstrong

FOLDER 22 ITEM 50

Camp 3 N. C. Troops January 26 th 1864

Dear Pa, Yours of the 19 th inst came to hand this morning. I am glad to learn that the lock came safely to hand, and hope it may prove invaluable in protecting your smoke house. I shall send Mose to Gordonsville tomorrow for the box, I hope that it may be there by that time. If the axes arrive I shall have me a house built immediately though I am now quite comfortable in my tent as I have a chimney to it. Furloughs are being granted at the rate of 12 per 100, so that all the men will get home before the expiration of the winter months. I notice there is a movement on foot to have the Gov call an extra session of the legislature of N.C. with the intention of calling a convention to decide whether the state will go for Union or not. If this convention is called and the Army is allowed to vote, I firmly believe the state will go back. Evry thing is quiet here. The troops are kept busy building roads, picketing, standing guard +c +c. The wether to day is quite pleasant and I hope will remain so, but I must think that we will again have snow in a few days. Please subscribe for me to Weekly Wilmington Journal. The daily is now taken by several of the officers of this Regt, but it seldom ever comes. I understand that Genl Meade of the Yankee Army is now in command at Newberne if that is the case I would not be surprised to hear of an advance in that direction soon I notice that W.N.H. Smith of N C has introduced into the house a bill to allow all men who were raising provisions previous to January 1 be exempt by furnishing Substitutes. If that is the case Uncle James will still be clar. What is cousin Tom doing? Is Cousin Rachel still in the notion of taking his place? Richard Bordeaux has gone home on furloughat last. Col Parsley will be home again next week. I wrote Mollie a day or two since. You may remind Ma that she owes me a letter. As there has been a Post Office established called the Army Northern Virginia you will here after please direct your letters as follows 3 rd N.C.T Steuarts Brigade Johnsons Division A.N.V. I believe I have nothing more to write

Very Respectfully Your Son Edward H. Armstrong

FOLDER 23 ITEM 51

***life insurance bond***

FRONT

North Carolina FIFTY Greensboro Mutual 50 Life Insurance and Trust Company November 1, 1861 This is the certificate that W C Donnell has Deposited FIFTY CENTS in this Company payable to him, or CENTS Bearer, in current funds, when Certificates to the amount of one or more Dollars are presented. Treasurer

FOLDER 24 ITEM 52

Camp 3 NCT On Picket Feby 8 th 64

Dear Pa, My box came to hand last week. I assure you it was proved to be a very great treat to us. The sausages were a little spoiled but we managed to eat them without any serious difficulty. The puddings were highly appreciated and the hams were as usual fine. You will perhaps learn before this reaches you that the Enemy effected a crossing at Martins Ford on the morning of the 6 th . We (Steuarts Brigade) were on our way down to this point to relieve the picket then on. About 9 oclock we heard the artillery opening and thought that some cavalry force was perhaps trying to make a dash but we soon found out that a corps of the enemy was crossing and we were then ordered to double quick to the breastwork and if we did not the Enemy would have them before us. We dashed on reached the works and occupied them. The Enemy being then about half a mile distant Skirmishers were thrown out and engaged the skirmishers of the Enemy. All our troops occupied the breastworks and our artillery shelled the Columns of the Enemy as they crossed the hills in our front. I was detailed to take charge of the skirmishers from our Brigade and was consequently in the fight all day. aro About dark our skirmish line charged the Skirmishers of the Enemy driving them back. They immediately threw a line of battle forward on our Skirmishers, but we repelled the attack. I had about 80 men under my command of whom I lost 4 wounded two mortally None of our Regt were hurt My Company was not engaged nor any of our Regt except the Skirmish detail I was struck once on the cape of my overcoat but was not wo hurt. I was the only off from our Regt in the fight. The Enemy recrossed the river in the night of the 6 th , all is quite now. I am just ordered off again and must close Your Son E.H. Armstrong

FOLDER 24 ITEM 53

On Picket February 11 th 1864

Dear Pa Yours of the 4 th came to hand this morning. I wrote you a short note on the 7 th after the skirmish of the 6 th . I stated in that that that my box had arrived and its contents disposed of. I shall be glad to receive another soon. You may send it on as soon as your please. Evry thing is quiet here now and I presume the yankees will remain on the other side of the river until Spring. Our total loss was 4 killed + Twenty wounded. Seventeen Yankee dead were buried by us. We captured 40 Prisoners. One Yankee General is reported killed by the prisoners. I am glad to learn that Mollie has gone to College again and hope she will endeavor to improve this time. The house we occupied on Picket was burnt down this morning, we have proposed to pay the owner its Value. I do not know how much he will Ask for. I will write again when it is more convenient. My love to all

Your Son Edward H Armstrong

FOLDER 24 ITEM 54

***very faint, most illegible***

Camp 3 rd NC Troops February 14 th 1864

Dear Pa I answwered your last, received some five days ago while on Picket since which they notice. We returned to camp yesterday

Thom leaves tomorrow morning for home to be absent for 20 days. Please send me a pr pants by him.

I have written Monnie + Bobbie but have received no answer Write me as soon as you can

Your Son E H Armstrong

FOLDER 24 ITEM 55

Camp 3 N C Troops Feby 28 th 1864

Dear Pa Dr Wood Leaves on Furlough tomorrow morning and as the oportunity is a good one I will again write although I have heard nothing from you since Mose left. Please send me by Mose a rope or old strap of some kind to bundle up my blankets with don’t send anything much acount for it will certainly be lost. This evning we recieved orders to be ready to move as the Enemy were moving up the river towards Loberty Mill”s. It is now about 9 P.M. Sunday night, no further orders have yet come but they may come before day I would be pleased to see snow on any thing in the shape of water falling before day Money above the denomination of $5.00 is almost worthless. I have not drawn my pay for January nor February nor do I intend to draw if I can avoid it until after the 1 st of April I have been thisfar compelled to borrow about $60.00 to keep me along. If you have any spare change in the shape of $5.00 or under you may send me a little by Mose. Tell him to keep evry $5.00 he gets as he comes back and pay his passage in denominations above that amount I am almost entirely without Pants, but if you have received my other letters you will of course send me a pair by Mose. Dr W will return in about 25 days you can send me by him any thing most you may have to send at that time. Let me hear from you as often as possible, you write too seldom.

Your Son Edward H Armstrong

FOLDER 24 ITEM 56

Camp 3 N. C. Troops March 9 th 1864

Dear Pa, Yours of the 3 rd inst is now before me. I think often bonding sufficient to pay taxes I should take two for three but I should certainly get clear of the $1.00 notes as they become almost worthless I have not drawn any pay since December nor do I intend to draw until after the 1 st of April. I have had to borrow some but not enough to amount one months pay I noticed the death of Mr. Thos H Lowe in the paper before the reception of your letter His eldest son Levin lost his arm in the battle of Sharpsburg That family has been unfortunate. I have had one of his men in my Company who were effected with dropsy like Amos. They were sent to Hospital for a short time, and when they returned were put on duty, and have now entirely recovered. Regular exercise seems to do good. I have been very busy during yesterday and to day as I am commdg the Camp of the Brigade during its absence on picket Mose seems delighted with his trip home. He says that Ma questioned him a good deal but he made no answer as he knew I would find out what he said. Has Ma concluded yet what she did say in regard to the daughter? I rather think she owes me a letter Write more frequently

Your Son Edward H Armstrong

FOLDER 25 ITEM 57 ***part of letter missing*** Camp 3 N.C.T. March 28 th 1864

Dear Pa I havent heard a word from you since Mose’s arrival why don’t you write me oftener? I always answer you letters promptly and some times write ½ doz times without recieving an answer Mollie writes quite seldom + in fact all my correspondents seem dilatory about writing. I hope there will be a decided improvement on your part for there is certainly room for it. Gov Vance’s speach has been the topic of conversation here for some time nea evry body seems pleased with it fact I have heard no objection un against it. Peace: Peace: seems the ruling principle with a go many look upon candidate he will undoubtedly recieve Army heavy vote I fear in fact that he will recieve a large majority of the Army Vote. Yesterday about twelve oclock it commenced snowing and continued to snow until some time last night. The snow this morning was about 12 inches deep on a level and very fine for snow balling. Our Regt attacked the 1 st NC this morning about 9 oclock fought them for some time when we found it to our interest to join together as we were attacked by three Va Regts the fight continued between our Regt and 1st NC on one side and the 37 th 23 rd and 10 th Va Regts on the other until about 1 oclock when we mutually closed. Du ring the fight the excitement for the mastery as if we had been in a regular engagement. Quite a number of prisoners were taken during the fight. The losses in killed and wounded were slight. Col Brown of the 1 st NC comdg his Regt was for a while in the hands of the enemy and had his Coat torn off during the fight our forces recaptured him About 1 oclock we received a dispatch from Col Morhead, about 2 miles distant, comdg Daniels Brigade stating that he had been attacked by Battles Alabama Brigade + was about to be overrun and asking us to march over and assist him as Dobe Brigade was about to assist We immediately formed the Virg with marched over but we got th had succeed Battle and were again in camp. We then marched about a mile farther with the intention of attacking the Stonewall Brigade, but when our Skirmishers reached their camp we found it deserted. They being then about a mile distant fighting Gen Doles Brigade of Georgians Not being able to get up a fight we returned to camp and rested ourselves preparatory to resuming hostilities tomorrow morning. We will certainly have to fight tomorrow or give up our camp. I have been at it since morning and I feel quite tired. has been issued this week is only a ration like the allowing us to buy an unless it is chas shall be compelled to send Mose home from the fact that I will be unable to feed him. I shall dislike very much to send him back. My love to all, Write soon Your Son Edward H. Armstrong FOLDER 26 ITEM 58

Camp 3 N.C. Troops March 30 th 1864

Dear Pa Yours of the 22 nd inst is now before me having come to hand last night Last week we had a snow about 12 inches deep and since that time we have had very bad weather, but it is nevertheless very acceptable to us as it defers the commencement of the Spring Campaign which will undoubtedly prove the bloodiest of the war. Lt Gen Grant now in command of the Army of the Potomac designs taking Richmond this Spring and we of couse will be expected to prevent him. Blood must flow in torrents many a gallant man must offer his life as a sacrifice in less than 60 days. I feel quite hopeful although the Yankees do actual expect to see it taken Gov Vance came on to the Army last week and on saturday evning delivered an address to Daniels Brigade and a large concourse of other soldiers Gen Lee Lt Gens A. P. Hill + Ewell Major Gen Rhodes Johnson J.E.B. Steuart amd Brig Gens Stafford Walker GH Steuart + others were on the stand with the Gov. The speach was full of anecdotes andso far as reasoning was concerned was much after the manner of the speach delivered by him at Wilkstown Evry body seemed to appreciate the speach and I think that the Gov did the service much good by his visit many soldiers who were desponedent were evidently cheered up and are better purposed for their duties On Sunday the Gov paid us a visit of a few minutes. On Monday he received all the NC Troops of this Corps. and after service again addressed Ramseurs Brigade and a huge mass of other troops. The Gov speach was very fine After he closed Maj Gen Early was called out and stated in a few words that his talking days were over. That fighting was none of his business that the Campaign would soon be open and we would then find him ready. He closed by advising us to select Gov V- unanimously Gen J.E.B. Steuart next responded to a call made on him stated that he had commanded N.C. soldiers and that there were better soldiers in the army. Gen Rhodes was then called out, he remarked that he had never attempted a speach but once and that was when his divisions raised the captured Flag at Carlisle Pa last summer That he had wrote down but if we would go with him then this summer he would finish the speach commenced there then. Gov V then again took the stand and read some passages from several Yankee papers told several anecdotes + closed. He is now in A P Hills Corps Mollies letter came to hand last night I will answer soon We are now getting only ¼ lb meat per day and consequently only eat two meals per day on small slice of meat per day meal but we make out very well on it. I am willing if necessary to live on 2 ozs provisions we can by that the Yankees Write soon

Your Son E H Armstrong

FOLDER 26 ITEM 59

***HANDWRITING!!!***

Confederate States of America Point Cape Fear Office, 15 March 1864 This will certify, That Joel Settose has paid at this office One Thousand Dollars, for which amount Registered Bonds, of the Confederate States of America, bearing interest from this date, at the rate of four per cent. per annum, will be issued to him, under the “act to reduce the currency and to authorize a new issue of notes and bonds.” approved February 17, 1864, upon the surrender of this Certificate at this office. A F Pemler Depository

Opposite side, on one end:

Joel L Moore executor before me declines tax levl assigned to T Armstrong JS Hines to levl

FOLDER 27 ITEM 60

Haw River (Alamance Co.) N.C. April 5 1864

Captain, Your last letter to me of the 8th ulto has not recieved my earlier attention because I have been about a considerable feast of the last month, attending the Court of Onslow and Jones Counties. The blank forms for the due the deceased members of your Confederacy and fee that claimed by the living members which you requested me to prepare and forward to you are inclosed. It may be necessary for me to inform you that settlement with the representatives of the deceased soon must be made between the Administrators or Executives and Mr Rhodes who is himself our Administrator. Rhodes does not pay each a dollar to the living of the deceased not even to a children except at his friend for the look of this State requires Administartors to pay debts of a higher to first. For instance if Capt Rhodes died by which I am informed is the case, his Administrator is bound to discharge these debts before he does accounts and these Bounty claiming are in the nature of accounts. The proper way to proceed safely is for the living of all the deceased persons to have some diseased person take out letters of Administration when the estate of their ancestor, or husband, or whatever the relationship may be, and warrent Rhodes, the Adm of Rhodes. He will speed the during all the case, but in all settlement, between the personal representatives of deceased person, there are certain forms and requisitions which must be adhered to. Rhodes the Adm rejects the circumstances, and delays attending such a settlement as much as I do or as much as any man can regret it, but Capt Rhodes left a large number of living and members claiming of which I do not suppose Capt Rhodes himself ever had any knowledge while living have suddenly sprung up as if by magic in different parts of this State, and even in another State, and to shield himself from fraud the Adm had resolved to pay no more debts and even living until judgements are given against heresay which of course he cannot control. I saw him myself last week, and was informed of some of the circumstances. I even tried to him the payment of the Bounty closing, and we opened as to the immediate necessity and justice which seem to demand their payment and I know of no speedier in sofar neither fee for the necessary of the sum due the deceased man, there for their having to have administration taken out when the estate and then to warrent Rhodes the Adm for the amts. I act generally as his financial agent and often in the capacity of Counseller and Attorney amd he has given me explicit instructions to pay no money out until judgements for the sums have been rendered by a Competent Court. The Adm. is driven to this apparently hard course to protect himself from being sued and made to suffer, if he makes improper payments. You will see after the above recital the difficulties he labors under and any good longer will corroborate my new opinions tracking the line which I have applied to the subject. The present form for collecting the Bounty due the living men must be followed in every separate case of each man drawing Bounty. Your own Certificate must be given and the oath taken subscribed by the claimant before each person duly authorized to administer the second, an official Certificate of which authority must be appended to the paper and the declaration and affidavit must be supported also by the declaration and affidavit of some disinterested party to the facts set forth in the claim. Then the whole body of the claimants may official some trusty friend as their Agent or Attorney to prosecute the claim against the Administrator, who will have to pay the costs in every case decided against him. The form which I send you is a precise Copy of the form, as near as the circumstances will allow, required to secure the payment of Bounty to deceased soldiers by our State Government. And if this State is then particular in requiring all claims to be properly authenticated, an Adm also is bound by oath and Bound in double the amt. of the value of the estate can not be less cautious. As I have previously stated the Adm. Mr. Rhodes Esqr regrets as well as myself that he is under the necessity of putting the men to such trouble, still it cannot be avoided. You will understand that this Certificate must be made in each case separately. With these instructions, I presume you will be able to fix the claiming for the surviving soldiers, in the shape required. If you should feel at a loss, at any time, how to proceed if you will let me know wherein you require aid, I will cheerfully extend it. The form for the Bounty owe the deceased men, had better be filled out, by your Certificate, and then forwarded to the Adms, in Executing of such dead persons, and they can follow at the track marked out. Can you tell me what became of Capt Rhodes watch, and sundry papers he had with him? also what has become of his valise and other property that he had in possession? Dr Walker handed me over one hundred and Sixty odd Dollars in money, and a check for upwards of one hundred Dollars which is all of his personal estate that came to my hands. Did he not have money on deposit in some Bank at Richmond? I most earnestly request you and Maj Ennett to devise some plan by which the Black horse may be sent home to us in Onslow, as I cannot get a man to go after him. I am willing to pay any thing like a reasonable sum for his return to use at my farm in Onslow, and I beseach you and Maj E. and Capt R’s other friends to use your best endeavors to have the horse brought to N.C. You may say to Sarg. Wood that I will have the money expended by him for the secrecy of the horse, when stolen, refunded, if I can get the Consent of Mr Rhodes for the value of the horse here in so much greater that he could well offerd to pay that sum if he got the animal again in hand. Present my kindest regards to Maj Ennett and say to him that I want to know whether he intends to run for the Legislature or not, if so, whether in the Senate or Commons. _ I hope not the latter, for I should dislike to oppose him , or have him oppose me . (?) Ask him how our mutual friend W. W. Holden Esqr, late Editor of the Standard now Candidate for Governor, will run in the Army of Northern Va. I want the truth _ none of his “I’m afraid he will get some votes,” +C. +C. Ask him answer how he takes the suspension of Habeas Corpus and if he stands up to Gov. Brown and Vice President Stephans, and the Georgia Legislature! If he will answer all these questions I shall get tolerably long letters. Very Truly Yours, F. D. Hoover To Capt. E. H. Armstrong, Co. G. 3rd “C. C. Troops” Stuart’s Brigade, Johnston’s Div. “A. N. V.”

Form of Certificate for Surviving Soldiers Certificate of Service of Soldier. I certify that J. Smith, a soldier of Comapny G. Third Regiment, N. C. Troops, enlisted on the 1st day of Jan. 1864. under Capt. E. H. Rhodes and that he had recieved (as much or more as the case may be) A Bounty from the State of North Carolina, and that therefore there is now due the said Soldier the sum of $- under an ordinance of the State Convention providing for the payment of the sum of $50 Bounty to all enlisted men Substitues excepted natives or citizens of the State of North Carolina, and that the said Bounty was drawn from the proper disbursing officer by the late Capt. E. H. Rhodes, who failed to pay it over before his death. The forgoing Certificate I make on honor. John at Stile, Capt. Comdg. Co. G. Third Regt. “N. C. Troops”

Declaration and Affidavit State of North Carolina (or Virginia) County of Onslow (or Orange) March 4th 1864, This day came before me, Jas. Browne, one of the Justices of the Peace (or Judge of Probate Court, or Commissioner of Affidavit, as the case may be) in and for said State and County. John Smith, who make the oath in the form of law, that Capt. E. H. Rhodes, dec’d, late Commanding officer of Company G 3rd “N. C. Troops,” justly owed him the sum of Ten Dollars (or more) which the said Capt Rhodes had received and failed to pay over to him the said John Smith, as the balance (or the sum as the case may be) of the State Bounty due him the said John Smith by the State of North Carolina, under an advance of the State Convention of No. Car. providing for the payment of State Bounty to Soldiers from that State. And the said John Smith make the oath farther that this claim is just, and that the noted amount here claimed is due him, by the late Capt. E. H. Rhodes, and that he is there fore entitled to collect the same out of his estate. And also appeared at the same time. Jacob James, who make the oath as aforesaid, that he knows John Smith the claimant and that he also knew the late Capt. E. H. Rhodes, and that the facts set forth in the foregoing affidavit of the said John Smith are true and the said Jacob James solemnly swears that he has not interest whatever in this claim. And further the claimant, the said John Smith, hereby appoints his trusty friend David Southly Attorney to prosecute this claim, and to receive and receipt for all money found owe therein. John Smith Jacob Jones

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were seen to and subscribed before me, on this 4th day of March 1864, and I certify over my oath of office, that I know the aplicants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. Jas. Brown, J.P.

Certificate of letter of Court. State of North Carolina (or Virginia) County of Onslow (or Orange) I, Richard Rue, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, for the State and Court aforesaid (or Commission of Affidavit for the State of North Carolina, in cued for the State of Va) do hereby certify that Jas Brown, whose genuine signature is affixed to the foregoing affidavit, it now and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace for this County duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts as such. In testimony whereof I have hearto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Onslow C. H. this 5th day of March 1864. Richard Rue Clerk of (seal of office) C. Court of Onslow County

This communication has expanded to such an extrodinary proportion that I deem it inexpedient for want of time and space to add the form for the collection of the Bounty owe the deceased men. You can prepare one yourself from the foregoing form making any such alterations as the facts require. For instance in your new certificate, you certify to the fact and time of the death of the soldier, and that he died in service, omitting no thing from the present form of certificate that is necessary to be there. In deed I do not know that you can do then write your certificate to the facts, and send it to the Adms, or Executors for the seeming, and let them prepare all the declarations and affidavits This would be much more convenient as the civil officers seeking to constitute authenticity can be more easily got at. Besides it will save you and myself adeal of trouble and expense, for I would not prepare such a lengthy statement, and write out all the affidavit necessary _ unless it was for a soldier (whom I will aid without charge) for a man to ask by who is not in the Army for less than one Thousand Dollars. But I will give the soldiers of your Command my professional advise and aid in this matter free of charge. Since writing, I received your letter of 30th March apprising me of the sale of the black horse for $800, in new issue to Mr Van bokkelen, of Wilmington. Which Van bokkelen is it? Yrs +c. F. D. Hoover

FOLDER 28 ITEM 61 Camp 3 rd N. C. Troops April 8 th 1864

Dear Pa Yours of the 31 st is at hand. Since I last wrote we have been having very bad weather. We had snow again last week and on Monday we had a sleet which lasted until Wednesday morning changing occasionally into rain. We came on Picket Monday and yesterday (Thursday) the first pretty day we have had. This morning (Friday) we had a sermon from our chaplain the Revd. Mr. Patterson. We have fine weather today and the roads are drying very fast. I should not be surprised if the Yankees cross in a few days if the weather continues so good. I have been managing to get rations for Mose by allowing him to wash for Lt Metts and unless they prevent me from doing so I shall keep him. I know of no chance to get the procisions you offered me and shall consequently have to do without them I get along very well on the small rations allowed us, so far, but I don’t know how I shall make out when we get to marching. What in the world does Mollie mean? As exchange is going on I suppose Maj will return soon. I see byt he papers that A. J. Brown has returned. Metts of my Company has not been exchanged yet. Unless your next letter reaches me very soon our first big fight will be over before it comes All seem to be of the opinion that the Campaign will open about the 10 th . Some think that Gen Grant will cross near our present position say Morton’s Ford, but others think he will try Harkers route via Chancellorsville. All seem to dread the approaching struggle, though they feel hopeful of success. We all feel that though Grant may be driven back beyond the Rapid An, yet our lives may be lost in the struggle. Such feelings of course make us wish the day deferred as long as possible. I should hate very much to fall now after so many battles have been fought but perhaps it may be as well now as any time. We cannot live over 40, or 50 years more any way, and we would probably hate to die as much then as now. I have not been able yet to draw a cent from the Govt and have consequently had to borrow about $100. If any thing should happen to me you will see that it is paid of course. Excuse my writing as it is done in soldier style sitting (flat on the ground) and using my knee as a desk, Give my love to all Your Affectionate Son Edward H Armstrong

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION***

Friday Morning May 6 th 1864

Dear Cousin Eddie Yours was gladly received after eleven days travel I intended replying last Saturday but there is always so much to occupy my mind in town that I had to defer on account og the big fire in Wilmington before this. The loss was estimated at six million You certainly must know there was a quantity of cotton consumed, from all accounts it was a brilliant sight. Mr Bill Moore’s case for killing Davis was decided last week. As it has been talked of a good deal, probably you have heard the particulars You might have imagined the decision, as Moore was a rich man, but there was no evidence, only his say so, You know it was said it was done in self defense I saw your Uncle John Benneman last fiday Evening on my way to town, he looks as pleasing as a basket of chips It was the first time I ever saw him, to know him, he is quite a nice looking gentleman, he was at the Hotel all the week You ought to hear me teasing Sister. There has been so many troops passing recently that it keeps me constantly thinking of the grand entertainment you spoke off being near at hand What an awful affair it is going to be, even if we are victorious, I dislike to think about it, but it is best to look on the bright side always God grant that you may be one of the fortunate ones Your Aunt Mary says there ought to be a petition sent up to honor the bold 3 rd NC Regiment this time as it has been their lot to be forgotten. She has a bottle of nice wine for you; If you number among the wounded She intended sending it to you by your man Moses , but didnt happen to see him She says she would like so much to see you in that new Uniform on dress parade She says she dont reckon the baby is pretty enough to to be named after your Intended, or at least she knows you would not think so. I think it is quite a sweet little creature that it applies very well as she is not sweet and not pretty It is now reported that the Negroes that were taken at Plymouth are to be sent to Wilmington to work on the fortifications, It will be quite a relief to farmers that have Negroes there, if they are released, As they need them so much now on their farms I was at a picnic last Monday at Hilton near town only a child affair there was some few grown people Dave was flourishing around, he had the Ladies riding his horse. Flora and Him had a considerable ride Mamma says you are good at guessing His health is pretty good but he is not Infantry, he is a nice young fellow about twenty onstead of a widower is a general favorite. Need to tell you Thom Davis N C has joined the church Sister is very much afraid he will fall through as he jumped during an excitement We have not seen him since The weeks papers, says the engagement has commenced in Lee’s army What glorious news, if it should be the winding up of the war Hurry and write, so we can hear all the particulars We haven’t heard whether your Dr Wilkes has been advised to quit the Ambulance and go to the Company again As he appeared to be in perfect health I expect on the first march he will cave in, his feet are peculiarly affected. Dont forget what thoughts should expecially occupy your mind, When danger is staring you in the face From your Sincere Cousin Julia

P.S. I will purchase the contents of the sweet missive if you will only take a reasonable sum in gold When last heard from Your Uncle George was in fine spirits I’ve delivered all your Aunt Mary’s messages as well as I remember She says you are a darling boy Affectionately Anne

FOLDER 28 ITEM 62 May the 8th 1864 Sir after my respects to your Self and family Mistress Mary M. Woten requests me to Relay to you about Some corn whether She can buy Some or borrow if borrowed to be delivered in Wilmington in Oat She wishes to get 50 or 100 bushels you will oblige by droping her a few lines at Whites Creek Bladen cty. yours Respectfully M. W. Anders

FOLDER 29 ITEM 63 ***triangular tears at top and bottom of page***

Camp Hospital Saturday, May 14 th 1864 Mr. T. Armstrong Esqr My Dear Sir I write to you at once at the request of you Son to inform you that he is was wounded 1 st on the 10 th slightly, not sufficient however to coerce him to leave the field in the 12 th _ he was wounded twice _ 1 st in the left arm _ 2 nd a slight wound in in the top of his head. The wound in the left arm is a severe, tho not a serious one _ sufficient however, to cause resection tho not amputation. The wound in the head is slight _ one wd not have been noticed but not for the one recd in the arm. Your son is much better this morning & we trust thro’ God’s mercy will improve rapidly day by day. Of course he will have to go to an Hospital, just as soon as he can be sent to the rear. Possibly the arm may be of some use when after he shall have recovered. Indeed we all hope so Nearly the whole of our Regt has been captured & this has been the fate of all the Brigade Brigadier of nearly all Our Division Gen Johnson was likewise captured. Your Son met with the same fate had he been wounded some 4 or 5 mil fore the Regt was taken by the enemy Tom Davis Rodes Div. Provost Guard did not of course go into the fight & consequently not taken or wounded. Your son Mick, Tom & Billy Davis, on the 11 th they were then unhurt. The fight by the blessing of God is still going to move forward You may hope that God may continue to fight for us & in His own good time give us the victory. Your Son Steward sends affection and love to you, to his mother & to each member of the family. You will allow me my dear sir, tho’ personally unknown to you in the flesh to offer you my congratulations upon your Son’s safety from death & captivity & also allow me to assure you of my regard. With respect I am your friend & Geo Patterson

FOLDER 30 ITEM 64

Dispatch from A A Van Bokkelin Richmond May 15 Col. Thruston learned L James, Capts Brown Armstrong and Parris; Lieuts Ward, Craig, Casteen, Ormby and eighty men wounded. Lt. Col. Parsley, Maj Ennett, Capts Cantwell, Cowan, Thornton, Lieuts Darden, Lane, Mallett, Stokely, King, Gurganus, M cClammy, Pickett, Capin, Darden, Barrow, Lowdermilk, Lyon and one hundred and eighty – men captured. Wounded doing well. Capt Thomson 1st N. C. safe.

FOLDER 31 ITEM 65

Battlefield near Spottsylvania Court House Va Hospital 2 nd Corps Army of Northern Va May 21 st 1864 Dear Mother I seat my Self to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well at this time Hoping these few lines may find you Enjoying the Same good blessings of Health. The Fighting commenced heare in this Army on the 5th of this Month and is Still going on our Regiment was all taken prisoners with the Exception of afew on the 12 th of this month master Edward ec was all taken but foure + himself makes five master ned was Slightly wounded on the 10 th in the rite Breast the Ball did not Enter but Bruised Smartly and on the 12 th he was Severely wounded in his upper Left arm and was Resected and Since he wished that he would of had it taken off and the Doctor thinks now that it would have been best to had taken it off but they are agoing to try to Save it now knight before last it commenced bleeding and they begin to think that his arm would have to be taken off now at this time he seems to bee in good Spirit but he is helpless he cant walk nor he cant Rid we had him to treat two miles + ½ an A Sitter we get the best that the country afords for him to Eat also for Lt Craig & Sgt m ccree give my Respects to Moses & Lewis Aunt Dealey & tell my sweethart I shall write to her the first opportunity & she is well major Ennetts & colonel parsleys Boys wil be on Shortley and I Shall probabley Send a letter by them we have a great many wounded in our Hospital Some with one leg off & Some with one arm more than I ever saw I believe it was supposed before this fight commenced that peace would be made but I dont See any Sine of it yet it is now thought that our Troops is moveing down towards Fredericksburg no more I want you to write Soon as you get this and give me all the news I hope to Remaine Your Affectionate Son untill Death tell Miss Mary that I saw her brother Thomas twise Since the fight commenced he has not been in the fight he was on Provost guard

FOLDER 32 ITEM 66

Hallsville NC 25 May 1864

Thos J Armstrong Dear Brother I last night rec ed yours per Parson Jones. I had been to Mile + when I reach home just at night Parson Jones was at T Hales + had brot the letter + a verbal report that you had heard from My boys, which was the first intelligence I have had. I hear further last night by Hale who had been to Kenansville that Dole Interio had written to his Sister that my boys were Safe on 15 + that Co since then I new 2 of the Co are wounded. My dear brother I can Simpathize with you abt Edy. my poor boys have felt the Sting. I hope Edy will if possible push home it would seem if Nick had not got home when when he was wounded he must have died + the longer Edy stays the weaker he will likely be. poor fellows what they have to undergoe. what an awful war how in humane how brutal it has no paralel I Suppose. My family is up let me I have been Sick again with my old indigestion 10 or 12 days not been able to plow. better now. I rec ed the salt its yet at I thought I had written you last before I bonded $400 to pay taxes bal I understood Mr Sprunt to exchange for new issue. I am afraid to buy the for fear that the Yankees will get all again. but I sought to be at Something to make money. I am sorry to hear of your misfortune with poor his family. E J Hale was at Petersboro + has since died poor old mother She has her cap full of Sorrow as well + hundreds of others Your Affectionate Brother E Armstrong

***Reverse***

Hallsville NC 26 th May

Mr T.J Armstrong Ville Reading NC

FOLDER 32 ITEM 67

Hallsville 27 th May 1864 I am in recipt dear Brother of the letter Sent you by the Chaplian, he also rote me the next day after writing to you. Edy did not forget me. I often receive verbal messages from him by his men going home. the Chaplian saw Edy was much better the morning he rote me at the Same time I rec ed a letter from Nick. he + Larry + Wally were then Safe 15 th Inst he had herd of Edys being Slightly wounded in the head but not of his Severe wound. My dear brother we have a greateal to be thankful for for thousands have falling in the battle to rise no man on earth. if it should be our poor fortune to have all our dear boys Spared to us how thankful we should feele. but I realy fele alarmed all the time So much have fighting I have to write you hast to send to Kenansville to mail our mail did not goe on account of these parts of the Yankees were advancing on us again all terribly well Your affectionate Brother E Armstrong

FOLDER 33 ITEM 68

***is really 1864; EHA’s last letter***

Hospital near Spottsyl vania CH Va May 28 th 1863

Dear pa If you have seen any reports of the battles or received Mr Pattersons letter you are aware that I was severely wounded on the 12 th . I had a hemmorrage of my wound a few days since and came very near dying for loss of Blood I am now getting on tolerably well. My wound is running copiuosly I ly on my back all the time and as you see lying as I do with the use of only one hand I can write but very little. Mose is still with me though our Army has moved and left us withing the Enemy lines. We may perhaps be taken prisoners yet I shall send this by a man who will flank the army + go by Lynchburg Sgt R. C. M cRee is here with me. He is a son of Dr. M cRee. Our surgeon does not think he will live Lt Craig son of M. B. Craig Esqr of Wilmington is here with me he is getting well but Dr Furroman knows it By the Blessing of God I hope to see you all again some time If not I trust to meet you in heaven. E H Armstrong

FOLDER 34 ITEM 69

Hallsville NC 8 th June 64

T J Armstrong Dear Brother I rec ed your letter + also copy of poor Edys. what an awful thought he so Severely wounded and left in the Yankee lines as a matter of course with all the rest of their Yankee meaness they will I fear Take him + take Moses away from him with no Sucker a+ Seeking but what they see proper to give but Surely our Heavenly father will check them in theyr mean + wild Carnach be for Such cruelty Shall be done to so many of our poor wounded boys. I do very much regret that Edy when first wounded had not been Sent to Charlotesville or Lynchburg where you could have access to him although painful to move at Such a time Mary its not So dangerous as after wards + if he could get to Charlotesvile he would have been in the hands of a good + Skillful band of Physicians + been at one of the pleasantest places to be found almost. we can but hope now that the Yankees will be So hard pressed that they will not return that rout + he be Still left in the Care of his Drs + nurses. what an awful war how unchristian like how brutish it seems to me its Mockery for the people of the Confederate or United States Britain or France to talk of being a Christian or Civilize people to allow such a cruel brutish war as this to go on in this time + generation. England or France could stop it reason + fewer could stop it here, but nothing but fight seems will Satisfy the abolitionists we are all up but not well. I hope this may find you all well + in reach of better intelligence of poor Edy. Your affectionate Brother E Armstrong

FOLDER 34 ITEM 70

OBITUARY Departed this life on the 6th of June, of wounds received on the 12th of May, in the engagement near Spottsylvania C. H., Capt EDWARD HALL ARMSTRONG, of the 3rd Regiment of N. C Troops, aged 23 years and 26 days. In the fall of this noble youth is strinkingly exemplified the familiar saying, “Death loves a shining mark.” His departure adds another to the lengthened catalogue of the truly generous, highminded, free-will offerings placed upon the altar of our country’s liberty. In the summer of 1860 he espoused his country’s cause by active service in the field; and from that time until the fatal 12th of May, 1864 he with comrads in arms have been ever in the thickest of the fray. Both the campaigns in Maryland witnessed his heroic bearing, his exposure amidst danger and death, and his fortunate escape unharmed. But after wearing an apparrently charmed life amidst the missiles of death for three years, he was destined, in the mysterious providence of God, to receive his “last furlough” amidst the disasters of the 12th of May. Edward Hall Armstrong was a paragon of manly beauty, and of purity and loveliness of character. It might be truly said “none saw him but to admire, none knew him but to love.” It is difficult to conceive of the noble form as crumbling again to dust; and indeed it is more grateful as well as more natural to regard the true Edward Armstrong, not as resting in the silent grave, but as having ascended far above the din and discord, pain and anguish of this “cruel war,” and entered into the haven of eternal peace. Let those who mourn their own temporary loss, reflect upon his eternal gain, and let them anticipate a happy reunion with him in “the beautiful world.”

FOLDER 34 ITEM 71

Oct 11 th 1864 Camp 3 rd Regt NCT ANV Mr Armstrong Reflected sir your Compliments was presented to Co. G. 3 rd NCT by the politeness of Mr Terry which was hapily read by my self and all the Co for which we Tender you our Best thanks for your compliments to inform you there is only my self and one more member of the Co presant are had a fight with the yankees the other day + Soot four of er one hundred the others missing Either kild or prisoners you also wished to know if co G was in kneed of any thing Let you know it & we should have it sir we are of of Course under obligation to you for your kindness But it is more than one could Ecspt of you if our necessities Required it But we are Doing very well at the present time for are marching all the time we having one of the hardest times Seen Even Soldiers Even aid have are no moving Every Day I Respectfully ask of you to Excuse the imperfections of thie Letter as I am Broke Down from marching We have only one days rest in 2 weeks I close by Subscribe my Self yours With Much Respect W. A. Riggs

FOLDER 34 ITEM 72

Hallsville NC 28 th Dec 1864

TJ Armstrong My dear Brother I rec ed your very welcome letter a few days Since + was glad to here from you + here all were again well. we are tolerably well brother I feele great Solicitude for you all now. what is to become of Wilmington + and all of you + your Section of Country I have made up my mind that we shall in all probability be withing the Yankee lines soon. our continual reverses discourage me as to there being any chance to hold Wilmington or any of this Section of Country. our only trust is in our Gov if he is for us + we Stand firm + we shall succeed but without his aid his kind assistance we are all doomed people. I know not what Calutation to make. I fear to make a Single move about any thing almost to try to make a living. Brother Speculation + Extortion is bring us down fast. property has this our first tax + debt to pay. My taxes I shall not be able much longer to Stand I fear. did you take your pay for that Salt of not I want you to get it from Mr A Sprunt. I suppose I have Some money there yet I heare. I fear you have +c need your horse + I have kept in hope that I could get one + return yours. but have not been able to do so yet. but will if I can I am fearful the Yankees will get him Your affectionate Brother E Armstrong

FOLDER 35 ITEM 73

Petersburg Va., Jan 12 th , 1865

Bro Armstrong, After having got my nerves quieted a little and somewhat recovered from the fatigues of my journey to this place, I am constrained to write to you this by first epistle from the army. After leaving you I had a very pleasant time till I reache Bellfield, about forty miles from here, where I had to hire a vehicle in which to finish my trip, I left Bellfield on Thursday, expecting to get here on Saturday, but my hope like that of the hypocrite was cut off and I thought myself fortunate in getting through by Sunday midnight, with unsteady nerves + achinf bones. Such roads I have never seen in all my life The one to Conf Point can not be compared with the on eover which I came. I concluded life to be made up of up’s and down’s, + that I had seen my full share. In fact I had enough “down falls ’ in life” while passing over that road to warrant me in expecting a bright smooth future. The mud here has one quality to recomend it, it sticks very close to you. I think if I had a friend who would stick half as close, I should be blessed above all others. My quarters are “at the front” though not “in saddle.” I am quartering in our front line in full view of the enemy, whose big guns + rifles are moving continually in my ears, but even in this short time I have become so accustomed to the sound that I scarcely take any notice of it. I have not preached yet to the Brigade. Indeed their present position “at the front” is very unfavorable for service of a religeous character, being unable to attend preaching except on Sunday. I had an interview with Genl Seales this morning, _ he promised to do what he could to have me a chapel built, and afford me every facility in his power to assist me in my work _ for which my heart says, “God bless him” We have many “good hearts + true” in this Brigade, among the foremost of whom I number my messmate Capt. Silers. We have already had many hours of pleasant conversation, + I anticipate good to myself if not others as the result of my appointment to the Army. When I look around and see the guilt + corruption of the great majority, however, my heart almost sinks within me, and I am ready to cry: “God who is sufficien for these thing.” It is a herculean task I feel its weight, + by the grace of God I will deliver my Soul of their blood by preaching as faithfully as I can, heaven to the good, and hell to the wicked. The army is some what disaffected and if we should be so unfortunate as to be unsuccessful in the spring as the soldiers say, “We shall go up,” but if by the blessing of God, we can hold our own, or get the advantage, we may yet come off with flying colors. Praying that God may have you in his holy keeping + his belssings be on yourself + family I am dear brother Yours truly W. H. Moore

Address your answer to – Rev, W. H. Moore 22 nd Regt., N.C.T., Seales Brigade Petersburg Va.

FOLDER 36 ITEM 74

Swans Point Jany 1st 1868

State of North Carolina New Hanover County Know all men by these presents that I Thomas J. Armstrong of the County of New Hanover and State of North Carolina for and in cosideration of the sum of Five Thousand two hundred and fifty dollars to me in hand paid by R A Corbett and A B Corbett of the abovesaid State and county, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, in five promisary notes made by the said parties all bareing date January 1st 1868 and payable in five equal installments of One Thousand and fifty dollars each, the first payable the first day of January A D 1869 For one Thousand fifty dollars the second payable January 1st A D 1870 for One Thousand + fifty dollars The third For One Thousand and fifty dollars payable January 1st 1871 The fourth For One Thousand and fifty dollars payable January 1st AD 1872 The fifth for one Thousand and fifty dollars payable January 1st A D 1873 do hereby lease unto the said R A Corbett and A B Corbett their heirs and assigns All my lands lying and being in the aforesaid county of New Hanover known as the Swan Point amd Red Hill plantations also the field known as the Bordeaux field, with the privelege of all the out lands, the boundaries of which is as follows Beginning at or Near the mouth of a small crick that emties in the NE Brach of Cape Fear river adjoining the Oak Plantation and now owned by the heirs of the late C B Miller Runs thence Five degres West to a corner adjoining the late lands of R M Bordeaux thence to Turkey Creek thence down the various courses of said Creek to the said Northeast River thence up the various courses of said river to the beginning. To have and to hold the aforegranted premises to the said R. A. and A. B. Corbetts their heirs and assigns For the term of Five years from the first day of January AD 1868 to the first day of January AD 1873, that I am “lawfully seized in fee simple of the abovegranted premises to the said Rubin A and A B Corbetts, to their that they are free of all incuberances, that I have good right to lease the same. To the said R A + A B Corbetts. And that I and my heirs executors and administrators will warrant and defend the same premises to the said Corbets their heirs and assigns for the space of five years The said Corbets agree to and with the said Thomas J Armstrong that the crops made each year shall be bound for the annual payment of each note as they fall due of One Thousand & fifty dollars each. The said Corbetts further agree with the said Thomas J Armstrong to clean out the ditches Repair the fences and to return the place to the said Thomas J Armstrong or his heirs and assigns on as good order and condition as they receive it, they have the pivilege of letting out any of the woodland lands to be cleaned especially on each side of the avanne and within the present enclosures. In witness whereof I the said Thomas J Armstrong have hereunto set my hand and seal Witness T J Armstrong for T. J. Armstrong

***three stamps adorn the end of this letter***

FOLDER 37 ITEM 75

General Instruction for the Picket along the River

A Map of the River from Summerville Ford to Mountain Run useth the nearest and best roads to the Fords and important post indicated should be furnished to each Brigade commander. The line of the breast works with the portions for batteries, should be marked; as also the several houses with the names of the proprietersto serve as land marks. All the posts should be numbered, and if practicable, the numbers of the posts should be marked on a nook or in some other suitable manner. The Brigades will be marched to their quarters the Regiments to the Fords and the detachments to their posts under cover, if practicable. A chain of intermediate posts as Signal Stations will be established between each Ford and assailable point and the main body at intervals of 250 or 300 yards running back, and in each position as to be in view of each other if practicable. The reserves of each post will be located, if practicable, out of sight of the enemy, but of course within easy hailing distance, and whenever possible within sight.

Duties of Officers and Men

The commanding officer of the line will ascertain whether his flanks are fully protected by post of adjoining pickets. He will communicate with the commanding officers of the adjoining lines, learn from them the condition of the same and the whereabouts of their Hd Qts. He will send to both flanks information of anything important that transpires, will visit his line before evening, and again at dawn sending reports to Brigade Hd Qts. Officers in charge of posts will visit them at least three times during the day and twice at night sending two reports of their visits to officer in charge of the line. They will see that the sentinels have proper instruction amd will report to commanding officer any singular orders the sentinel may receive or any different from those imported to themselves. Those in charge of posts on the Flank will communicate with officer in charge of nearest post of adjoining picket line. The commissionered officers will post each relief, and see that the proper instructions are transmitted, will keep an eye on the sentinel, will visit them once during the relief and always report to the Officer in charge of the post anything of importance noticed by the sentinel or any deriliction of duty. None but the N.C.Officers and the relief will be allowed to go to the vidette. They will see that their men wear their acoutrements day and night. Sentinels will always walk their posts and promptly report by calling for the N C Officers anything unusual they may notice during the day or hear at night. They will hold no communication with the enemy and will not allow them to approach within good range, but immediately fire upon them. No one will be allowed to approach this bank of the river except the Officer of picket commanding Officer and staff and any General Officer, all others to be halted and Corporal called. They will not stand near the fires. Signals : At each signal station, at Fords and at assailable points there will be erected a pole with wet straw attached, which will be set on fire in case the enemy advance in olutely. Sentinels will also fire their guns. They will do the latter in case of any demonstrations. Minor Matters will be transmitted by the usual Messengers. Messages will be sent to the Corps Hd Qs from along the entire line as soon after dawn as possible. Roads should be plainly cut and staked out so as to avoid the possibility of missing them. They should be so laid out as to save distance if possible. Special Couriers should be stationed at the different fords. As good shelters should be erected as possible for the comfort of those not walking post, and in cold weather sentinels and videttes should be relieved at least every hour and never allowed to set down or go near the fire whilst on post

FOLDER 38

EDITED, Typed Copies of:

FOLDER ITEM 4 4 9 21 9 23 12 30 13 31 18 39 28 61 31 65 33 68

FOLDER 39 ADDITION 1

EHA’s Military Records, Includes:

Pay Stubs Muster Rolls of 3 rd NC Troops, including one which indicates EHA’s death Roll of Honor Records of Promotion Quartermaster’s Account Records Requisitions

FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 25

Camouflage Against Raiders – Page 236 Mrs. Rachel Pearsall Found in Women of the South in War Times compiled by Matthew Page Andrews Civil War

this is a copy of a handwritten version, copied from: Andrews, Matthew Page. Women of the South in War Times . The Norman, Remington Co., 1920. FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 1

Chapel Hill Nov 10 th 1860

Dear Ma Your very kind and affectionate letter of the 3 rd is before me and contrary to my expectations contained very little with respect to Sarah Isabella. I had been consoling myself with the prospect of receiving in your letter a rich and brilliant description, and failing in this: I suppose I shall have to wait until my return home, when I can see and judge for myself I should guess from your description however that she was decidedly the ugliest baby in three counties: for you remember you said she looked like Dr W and Pa: now though they are both very respectable looking men, and look not at all alike: Still I think that a baby that looked like both together would be very homely. What kind of a chap is that that Mollie has jumped up now: Can he plow? What does he do? Who is he? Where did he come from? If you do not write me any more this session please tell Mollie to write and answer all the questions asked above and also enclose to me in her letter a lock of his hair. Ask her how long she thinks she can like him? Tell her not to mary at any rate before the Presidential Inaugration for if the South Secedes she may have to part with him. Is mary going to have any pretty girls to visit her next vacation? If she is let me know, for you know I am very fond of standing at a respectable distance and looking on. By the way I had almost forgotten to tell you to thank Aunt Sarah . (That was a very hard name to write) for me for those Brandy Peaches which she gave you. Disunion is uppermost in my mind just now, and even though I know it is of no interest to you Still, I cannot refrain from saying something about it. Here it is decidedly an unpopular measure among the Citizens but equally as popular among the students, some of the latter came out today with blue cockades on their hats; according to the fashin of South Carolinians. Hoping to be with you soon I remain Your Son E. H. Armstrong

FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 2

Yorktown Va July 9 th 1861

Dear Pa As you will see by the head of this letter I am finally at Yorktown. I arrived here late Saturday evening. We were delayed at every point on the road. At the Weldon the train had just left, we got off on an extra train and arrived at Petersburg the following morning We left Petersburg that evening about 6 o’clock and arrived at Richmond after dark. We could not get a passport at Richmond time enough to leave the following day and were compelled to lay over there that day. I am now a member of The E Guards which I expected to join when I left home. Most of the company so far as I can judge are very nice men. There has been quite a lot of work done here since the arrival of the regiment, but still they work Axes and spades are the principal weapons used on drill, throwing up embankments and felling trees is the order of the day. As to food we are very well provided the boys relatives send provisions very often. All seem satisfied except that they prefer fighting to working. So far as fighting is concerned I am unable to say whether we shall have any here or not but if there is any to be done I hope we shall be allowed to take a hand. I am here with the expectation of getting into a fight and if we do not have one I shall be disappointed The boys say that so long as the 1 st NC Regt remained here there is no danger of a fight, but as soon as the Yankees hear that it has left they will pitch in. There is no news so I will close, send me the Journal as often as you can. You might spare the weekly very well my love to all

your Son E. H. Armstrong address Co. A. 1 st Regt N.C. Volunteers. Yorktown Va.

FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 3 (fragment, page 3 on missing)

Camp near Richmond August 11 th 1862

Dear Pa, Yours date not remembered came to hand a few days ago and on Saturday two very welcome visitors in the shape of a box and barrel arrived. The barrel of apples were unhurt But the box was almost ruined the tomatoes were mashed up with the bread so that none of the latter was fit to eat. The hams are fine. It is the best meat I have seen in some time. The greens were almost runied The corn and other things were good, so that I did not lose any thing but the bread. I treated our company and all the officers with the apples and have some left yet. I gave away a good many of the tomatoes and some of the corn and yesterday I eat the best dinner I ever did eat in camp Bill of fare: Ham, Irish Potato Corn boiled corn and tomatoes som bread squashes and apple Dumplings. We are no ways near perishing now having had such good fare so recently. On Tuesday morning last we again set out for Malvern Hill the scene of the last conflict with the yankees We expected to have another fight with them on that occasion but were prevented from so ding by their retreat some two hundred were taken prisoners I learn after we left We went there to fight and as they were gone we came back on the same evening Capt Williams was in command of the Regt on that occasion. Col DeRosset was taken sick and the Brigade then fell to the command of Major Thruston and the Regt to Capt Williams. While on the march I received my appointment as a Lieut. Co. G. 3 rd N.C.T. and had I gone into a battle was just in line to go in as Lieut instead of sgt My appointment states from the Malvern Hill fight July 1 st 1862. Have you heard any thing from my boots? What

FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 4 is an EDITED typescript of the above letter

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 5; original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 2) Bivouac near Port Royal Va Dec 5 th 1862

Dear Pa, Gen Hill has not yet had me shot so I have determined to write again though I have not received anything from home in some time. As I informed you in my last, Major Thruston addressed a note to General Hill asking to withdraw the charges. Gen Doles approved it and stated that from his personal knowledge of the officers concerned he knew they would not intentionally disobey orders. Gen Hill received the note I suppose + read it, but neglected to answer it and let us remain under arrest for seven days. He then wrote to Gen Doles stating that if he was satisfied that the officers did not intend to neglect the comfort of their companies he might release them from arrest, which was accordingly done. If we were in camp where such things might be attended to, I should demand a Court of Inquiry. As it is I suppose I must let it pass. What are you going to do with your salt money? Would it not be adviseable to purchase property in land after you have paid you debts. I understand that salt makers are coining money and I suppose you are in the midst. Whare is Mollie now? Tell her George A. has been appointed a Lieutenant in the 5 th Regt N.C. Troops, Iversons Brigade. I saw him about two days ago on the march from Orange CH here, he is quite a fine looking fellow. Why does Mollie stay so long in Raleigh? Well from what I am able to learn we have defeated the Yankees again. Their object was while we were in the valley to push down and take Richmond by the time we could reach Orange CH. Gen Lee worked Longstreet down and sent Johnston to assist him and check them until Jackson, DH Hill, AP Hill and Ewell could get here. The Yankees did not attack them however and we are now here ready for any emergency. Whether we will have a fight or not I cannot tell. The Yankees are on the other side of the river in force. We are distant about sixteen or eighteen miles from Fredericksburg. Still living in the woods without shelter and today it is raining and very cold. We have not yet received clothes for our men, though we expect them in a day or two. Capt Parsley has now gone to Richmond after them, I have not yet heard from Mr Powell and his box, though I hope they may get here soon. How does WE Fergeson Jr get on, can he eat potatoes yet? When you eat the Big Gobbler Christmas think of me, if nothing happens I expect to dine on beef and bread as usual that day. Whether I shall get home again or not I cannot tell. Furloughs seem quite doubtful. If any are given I shall try to get one, but unless we fall back farther I doubt very much whether I or anyone else will get one. If you conclude to come to see me you had better get some blankets to bring with you or I am afraid you will freeze. Where is the boy I wrote for? Send me one as soon as possible for I am sick and tired of present arrangements. You cannot send out an enlisted man to get anything and consequently I have to eat what the commissary feels willing to furnish and sometimes it is extrememly difficult to get anythin. Send me a boy by some means or other. I am perfectly willing to pay his hire. Clothe him well, give him a good haversack and canteen and send by him two towels, a comb and some soap. I want him to carry my eatibles, blankets +c. for I find plenty of employment in attending to the wants of my company on the main. Gen Jackson has issued an order against any straggling and states that now is a splendid oportunity for dropping incompetent officers from the rolls and recommends that whenever a man is found straggling, the commanding officer of the company be dropped immediately. So you see that an officer must attend strictly to his comapny and to do so must drop back occassionally and notice his men. So far I have had no trouble whatever. I am very strict with my men which saves them and myself both any trouble, as they know what to depend on when an order is given. Yet I desire to be able to attend to my business and to do so must have a servant to wait on me. Amos Israel or Mose would suit me very well. I want one that can stand hardships, and that will attend to my wants without any trouble. You can probably hire a boy in the place of one of yours or could hire one for me directly. If you do get me a good one. One that is healthy for if he is sickly he will be a burden instead of an assistance to me. Capt Northrop is yet in Wilmington perhaps you might send one by him if not Capt Ewell or Lieut Radcliff will soon be coming on, send by them or if you conclude to visit me bring him yourself. You might come here in two days. I should be glad to see you but very much surprised. Give my love to all. Your Son Edward H Armstrong

Direct as before, Doles Brigade, instead of Ripley

FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 6

Camp near Fredericksburg Dec 18 th 1862. Dear Pa. Thanks to Providence I am spared through the dangers of another battle. I have again the privelege of writing to you. On Friday morning last we were aroused from our slumbers by the long role, + soon were on the march for Port Royal, where the enemy were said to be landing. We set out, marched about 3 miles, + found it to be a mistake. We about faced, + came back to camp where we rested peacefully until nearly night, when we were again raised up + off we marched for Fredericksburg. The march that night was one of the hardest I ever saw. It was through by roads + plantations the roads being jammed with wagons, trains + artillery, some mired down, broken + capsized Tho, on we went, men falling down on the rough roads, some running, some cursing + so on. At times you would suppose you were following your Reg + find it to be only a body of stragglers + your Reg away ahead, there for double quick. Thuis passed Friday night. We stopped to rest a short time about 8 miles from The Battle Field remained there until morning, when the sound of cannon near by told us we were near the field of conflict + that the bloody strife had already commenced. Soon line was formed, + again we were on the road for the field. As we drew nearer + nearer, the evidence of war became more apparent. Ambulances with dead officers + wounded men thronged the road. Committees of citizens for care of the wounded were to be met every where. Slightly wounded men from the field, with various accounts of the progress of this battle were on their way to hospitals, + occasionally prisoners in their blue uniforms muddy from head to foot were to be seen. Soon the Shells from the Yankee batteries told us that we were on the field, line of battle was formed, + we lay down, + awaited patiently our turn to mingle in the bloody conflict. Soon an order was given to advance, forward we went, + halted in some trenches by the roadside. There we remained until nearly night when the enemy opened an incessant fire of artillery. Then came Gen Hill riding in front of the line, + ordered us forward again on we went, but were soon halted, + ordered to lie down. We remained there until night, when we retired to our former postition. On the following morning, about day, we took our position in the 2 nd line of battle + remained thro Sunday. Brisk Picket firing was kept up during the day, + in the morning the enemy entertained us with shells. Our loss though was only one man killed. Next morning (Monday) an attack was expected, accordingly we marched down, + took our position in the front line on a crest of hills, the Yankees being in open flats below + about 3/8 of a mile distant. Our pickets + theirs were very near each other, but agreed not to fire that day. When we got into position we looked for an attack immediately, but still the enemy put it off. Gen Hill remarked to Gen Doles when we got into line, that he would rather see the Yankees advance upon us in that position than to see the face of a pretty woman. They knew better than to advance, + we remained there until 10 oclock A M before any movement whatever was made. About that time we saw a flag of truce approaching. It was a request for permission to bury the dead but was rejected because sent by Gen Franklin instead of Gen Burnside. Before the reply came however the letter corps came up with their letters, ready to take off the dead, but had to return without them Couriers continued to dash about over the field, but both parties still remained quiet, + all though the calm then existing was indication of the near appraoch of a terrible storm. Every thing soon became quiet in our neighborhood, but on the right + left they kept up an occasional artillery fire. In the evening we saw horsemen approaching with a white flag. It was another request for permission to bury the dead. It was sent irregularly the 2 nd time + was again rejected They dashed back however, + soon had the request from Burnside himself which was granted. They gathered up about 75 of the dead, + by that time the hour for hostilities had arrived again. When the letter corps retired carrying with them, the dead bodies collected, night was then approaching. During the night, the wind blew very hard, + before day it rained. The yankees took advantage of this + instead of the dark columns which confronted us on Monday morning, only the dead bodies they had left unburied behind them now remained to dispute the field. We sent out skirmishers, + found the enemy were on the opposite side of the river. About 11 oclock we moved off, + came to this place to camp where we still remain. I had 1 man shot accidentally in the foot while we were in line of battle. I have been patiently awaiting the coming of a negro for some time, but as yet none has made his appearance. Please send me 1 immediately, also 2 towels + 2 hhdbfs I sent to W. D. Smith Esq per A H Vanbokkellen $100 for you Thom Armstrong sent $200.00 which he wishes you to take + send to his wife immediately. What became of my other Blanket shirts? Suppose you come on to see me. We are near the RR. only 9 miles distant. Come + bring with you a negro man for my benefit, + bring my shirt some socks + drawers. Hoping to hear from you soon. Yr Son. E. H. A. P. S. The boots I received before were too short. Get French to make me a pair fall large, let them be longer + higher in the instep than the others + they may suit . E. H. A.

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 7, original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 3)

Bivouac near Fredericksburg Feb 11 th 1863

Dear Bobbie Yours date not remembered came duly to hand, and as a good oportunity offers just now, I will endeavor to reply. During the last few weeks the weather has been splendidly disagreeable in one sense, as is has been cold and snowy all the time. The Yankees wouldn’t cross during the time which rendered the weather pleasant, as we would by far prefer, bad weather to a fight. I sent up a furlough last sunday week ago and as yet have heard nothing from it. I shall be compelled to stay however even if it is granted as I have no other officer now present. Lt Metts is now at home settling up his Father’s Estate. Lt Rhodes father and mother are both sick and he yesterday obtained a furlough for twenty days and left this morning for home. I am now all alone in my camp I have a comfortable fire in my tent and now enjoying myself finely (if such can be done in camp) We have got clear of Lice, or rather the officers have. The men have not succeeded yet. During the campaign in Maryland, we camped frequently where the Yankees had been. We had no clothes to change as we lost evry thing in te South Mountain fight, and all hands from Brigadier General down got full of Lice. Yesterday I had a treat in the way of cake, made by Capt Van Bokkelen of our Regt It was fine. Mollie writes that she has picked me out a sweetheart at Greensboro, but that you are opposed to my getting married. Well if I get home your objection may avail something but if I get a sly chance I am afraid I shall disappoint you. Tell Uncle Frank to write immediately. I am anxious to hear from you all. Tell Monie to write I a always ready to hear from you. Thom Armstrong got a furlough some days ago and has left for home. My respects to all acquaintances. Love to Aunt Marion and family.

Your Bro EH Armstrong

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 8, original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 4)

Camp 3 rd NC T near U.S. Ford May 14th 1863

Dear Mollie I received from Monnie and Bobbie each a letter some few days + since they spoke of the approaching Commencement and their probable return home soon I will not write them again until I hear of their arrival. You have learned ere this the particulars of the late battle. I see by yesterdays paper that Lt Anders is wounded. I do not know how badly. On Tuesday evning, the Rev Mr Patterson D Wood Adjt James Sgt Bordeaux and ,yself visited Thom Armstrongs grave. Mr Patterson had the Episcopal Service over his remains. I do not know whether any effort will be made to move his remains home or not. I presume not for the present. I notice in the Washington Chronicle of the 9 th that E F Pridgen of Co “H” 18 th NCT is wounded and in hospital at Washington City, perhaps he may be a relation of Miss Hannah. Col Purdee, a clver gentleman and gallant officer was killed. I saw one officer Major M cKern of Genl Trimbles staff shot from his horse. He was dashing up and down the line amid a perfect shower of bullets, but soon alas! he was shot in the head and fell to rise no more. Sge W m Bloodworth of Co K was also killed. My Company lost three killed and 22 wounded. The loss of the Regt was about 230. We are now near W States Ford and are having the wounded Yankees carried from our Hospitals and sent over the river. The Yankee Surgeons came over on Sunday evning to attend to them. I saw several Yankees on Tuesday evning unburied I met with George on Sunday May 3 rd just after the fighting had ceased for the day. He was on the plank road near Chancellorsville. I spoke to him. He was all right then and I presume got through safe. We are now at work making out Muster Rolls again I have not received any pay Since my return and am consequently out of money. I do not know when we will get paid again. There seems to be som irregularity about the matter. I shall have some fresh pork for dinner today which cost only $1.12 ½ per lb. Some grease out of hams at only $1.50 per lb. You can see that we may live easily without money at such rates. Our Division is now commanded by Gen E Johnson Lt Gen Jackson is dead. He was badly wounded on Saturday night was taken with Pneumoniaof which he died. Gen AP Hill now commands our Corps. I think he will probably be made Lt Genl. We would all like to be at home again but there is no probability of it. The war is now as far apparently from the end as it was in the beginning. Write soon

Your Bro Edward H Armstrong

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 9, original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 5)

Camp 3 rd N. C. Troops Near Hamilton Crossing May 26 th 1863

Dear Pa, I received your letter some time since writing in answer to mine written on battlefield. Since that time I have heard nothing from you. Mr Bordeaux was up last week he took up Thom’s remains and buried them in a coffin. He wished to carry him home, but circumstances prevented, and he then buried him in the same place. Dr Larkins was also up. I had a short conversation with him but as he was desirous of visiting the 1 st Regt I did not have the oportunity of seeing much of him Yesterday I visited the 43 rd Regt (Col Kenans) saw a number of old friends. Thom Davis among them. They are not very anxious to fight not more so than the rest of us. Gen Hill seems to have satisfied them in the campaign in N.C. We are now in Camp. Evry thing is quiet and may remain some time yet. Though I must say that I anticipate active iperations very soon. Hookers army is said to be reinforcing and ours has increased enough probably to cover our loss in the late fight, so that we now have about as many as we took into the fight at Chancellorsville. The news from Vicksburg of day before yesterday is somewhat cheering, but I believe the place will be taken ultimately. I see no prospects whatever of a cessation of hostilities. Richmond is yet ours, but it is impossible to say how long it will remain so. Suppose the Yankees advance an army by way of the Peninsula, another by way of Suffolk, and another by way of Orange C H or Fredericksburg. How will we meet them? They have immense numbers of men and certainly numbered two to our one in the last fight. They have men enough scattered about to make another army of 50.000 men and if they advance in the way I spoke of we will most certainly fall back to Richmond That place will be defended stubbornly but still it may fall. If it falls it will be a misfortune to us, but we can still fight on. We must be successful in the end, but when will the end be? The south will be as I believe a desert from one end to the other. All property will be destroyed and the whole country a wilderness, before this thing ceases. The Yankees have set their heads on our destruction and are resolved to subdue us. Though they perish themselves in the attempt. When the present administration expires I think a new system of of carrying on war will be inaugurated. They will then put in other Generals and prosecute the war with vigor. We may yet be reduced to an unorganized body of bushwackers, but that will not occur in many years yet. We can hold out for several years with our present army, though we may be driven back in evry engagement, yet we will inflict on them a loss greater than ours and finally after they get tired fighting the affairs will be peacably settled Very few of us will witness the settlement, but some that come after us will. The country will be about where it was when the old revolution ceased. Children will be brought up in ignorance, and evry thing will again be in a rude state perhaps some other nation may take charge of both parties and resuce us again to the position of colonies. Time will show I am not at all discouraged, though you might think so from reading the above. I would not accept a discharge from the army now if it was given me. I shall share in the victories and defeats, until I am perhaps called to go with many better men who have preceded me. I am as firmly resolved now as at first to go forward in the path of duty regardless of consequences. If I fall I should prefer to be buried at home, but if circumstances prevent I can rest with the others on the battlefield Our loss in the late battle was heavy as far as Officers were concerned. Jacksons loss is equal to a number of men but I belive that others will now be brought forward capable of filling his position. Gen A. P. Hill and Gen Ewell are spoken of as his successors. I have been payed off and have settled the accounts spoken of in my last letter to you, so that I am now about square We are now livin tolerable well but at an expense of about $80.00 per month Eggs are worth $2.50 per dozen and evry thing in proportion. At 4 o clock this evning our Division is to be reviewed by Genl Lee. I have nothing worthy of note to write. The Enemy had a balloon up yesterday. Give my love to all,

Your Son Edward H. Armstrong

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 10, original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 6)

Camp 3 rd N. C. T. Near Orange C. H. Va August 7 th 63

Dear Bobbie, Yours complaining that I have not written you came to hand yesterday. If you knew of our oportunities for letter writing you would not complain. Now imagine yourself at Hamiltons crossing on the 3 rd day of June and at Winchester on the 15 th at McConnelsburg Pa on the 25 and Carslisle on the 22 nd Gettysburg on the 1 st July. There a three days fight then a retreat, then a Hagerstown on the 12. There throwing up breaat works for tro days. Then fording a river up to your shoulders nearly, then tearing up R R. Then another march to this place and you will have time for very little time for any thing save marching and besides during this time include heavy Picket duty, and also the Winchester fight. I wrote you Monnie + Mollie altogether in one letter perhaps you have not received it. I wrote Uncle Frank some a few days ago which makes three letters I have written him since I heard from him. You will please call his attention to this fact. I wish you to calculate how many letters you should write me for evry one I write you , and when you have determined let me know. I am happy to learn that your friend Miss Webb has again returned, and I hope you may continue to find as much pleasure in her company as heretofore I received a letter from young Anders yesterday. He writes as if he might be in love and even intimates that you have something to do with the matter. How does Monnie come on? Did she catch and beaux in Bladen I understand she knows who my sweetheart is, ask he to please let me know whe she is in her next. The war seems to be no nearer the end than when it commenced. Grants Army is said to be reinforcing Meades and on to Richmond by way of Fredericksburg will soon be the tune again I see no chance of going home soon, possibly not before next winter year provided I am not wounded or killed. Or perhaps I may be so unfortunateas to be taken prisoner, in which case I will have the oportunity of Spending awhile in prison. Give my love to Aunt Marion, and tell Uncle Frank + Monie I shall look for letters from both of them. Let me hear from you again Soon.

Your Brother Edward H. Armstrong

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 11, original FOLDER 46 ADDITION 7 ITEM 8)

Camp near Orange CH Sept 18 th 1863.

Dear Mollie, Yours is at hand I would be pleased to be with you when you have the visitors of whom you spoke, but cannot be and I think it extremely probable that I will not be with you soon. Lieut Clarke of my Co left on furlough a few days since but I can see no chance for me and even if an oportunity offersI can scarcely raise the funds You did not speak of Mose’s arrival so I presume he had not reached home when you wrote. We have been in line of battle, or rather in in reserve on Monday and Tuesday of this weeknothing was done however. To day we have had quite a storm – got orders to move – took down tents, – rain came on again – got wet – pitched tents – and are now cooking rations preparatory to another move Something must be in the wind. A fight may be at hand. I am unable to say I miss Mose very much and want him back as soon as possible. I have just got an order to get ready for inspection. It seems that something of the kind is always at hand. Tell Bobbie I will write her next. Let me hear from you soon

Your Bro Edwd H Armstrong

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 12, original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 10)

Camp 3 rd N. C. Troops March 8 th 1864

Dear Mollie. Yours of the 3 rd per Mose came to hand on sunday night. Mose arrived safely bringing with him my Coat + Pants a bucket and some cakes, but had to leave the box in Richmond to come on by express as he was unable to get it on the train. I am very much pleased with the pants and they reached me just in time for I was nearly naked. The coat will prove a valuable piece of property this summer. The cakes were excellent and were soon disposed off Return my thanks to Mrs Faumian for the Pepper + Coffee sent me. They will come in play quite often. Our Brigade has gone on the Picket for 7 days and I was as fortunate as to be detailed by the Genl to take charge of the Camp the prisoners the sick and the detailed men with the Brigade Reserves. There are about 400 men in the Camp beside the prisoners and it keeps me busy to keep things straight Three (3) of the prisoners are to be shot Friday the 11 th . You may tell Jennie H. I would much sooner marry than have my head severed from my shoulders, especially if I get a wife that would send me a new uniform about once in six months and a box of hams and other good things, about once a month. It is not the marrying that I fear so much but taking care of a wife on $130 at Confederate prices. Mose tells me that Pa is decidedly in favor of me marrying provided some one else will forward boxes. Have you seen the programme marked out bu Col Dahlgren of the Yankee Army, for his followers? It is decidedly the most fiendish plot ever brought to lightsince the beginning of this contest I think the indications are that the Black Flagg – no prisoner policy will be eventually taken up by us, as the Yankees have virtually taken up this line of conduct on Dahlgrens Order. Evry thing os so far quiet since the return of Gen Kilpatrick, but cannot remain so long. I do hope we may have snow soon and thereby delay the opening of the Spring Campaign as long as possible It is the general impression that we will attempt to make another Campaign in Pennsylvania as soon as possible. Our Officers are now getting furloughs for the second time. I shall not apply my self as is would be a waste of time + money to go home now. Write me again soon

Your Bro E H Armstrong

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 14, original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 11)

Camp 3 N. C. Troop March 16 th 1864

Dear Bobbie I beleive I owe you two letters though I am not sure. Week before last we were marching forward and backward on the “Stone Road” between Vidersville + Chancellorsville trying to intercept Genl Kilpatrick on his return north. He made his escape however, without meeting with us. Last week our Brigade was on picket again at Mortons Ford. This time the Yankees made no disturbance. Evry thing is perfectly quiet here but we expect active operations early in the spring I hope we may be successful this summer in conquering a peace. I stated in Moneys letter that I enclosed the lock of hair asked for but I did not do so though I intended to when I wrote but on examination I found my hair too short to get any. When it grows out I will do as you requested. Rosenbalm a member of the 37 th Va Regt was executed last week, in presence of our Brigade Two others are in the guard house under sentence of death. We are to have inspection tomorrow. Mose returned from home a few days ago bringing me some hams and since that time I have been living very well Write again soon

Your brother Edward H Armstrong

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 16, original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 12)

Swans Point May 19 th 1864

Dear Money + Bobie We have just recieved a dispatch from A. H. Vanbokelin Esqr informing us that your poor brother’s wounded to what extent he does not say he gives the names of an a number and Says the wounded are doing well. I felt that something had befalen him as he is always so prompt to write after a battle. I must say I feel relieved as I was fearful he might be killed so I spare you I felt much excited when I saw Mrs M cCalebs boy riding up quite brisk. I knew he had bad news. I ast no questions but broke the envelope feling a dred to read it, but as he is wounded and doing well I hope he is not seriously injured. I expect to go to Wilmington tomorow where I hope to learn the particulars. I feel sure Mr Vanbokelen will write me so soon as he learns the worst, do you get the weekly Journal Regular I subscribed for it for you some time since so that you might get it before it comes to . We have no name of intended every thing is very dull and every boddy anxious to see the end of the struggle between Lee and Grant. Grant places no value on human lief and will therefore hold on until public opinion requires him to hold up desert It is now friday morning quite a dark clowdy day has every appearance of rain we have had fine showers for several days past. our crop is small yet, but If we have seasons have a prospect of a good crop of corn my love to all Your Pa TJ Armstrong

The dipatch from A H Vanbokelin is as follows Richmond May 15 th 1864 Col Thruston learned Adj James Capt Armstrong and Parris Liue Ward Craig Casteen Ormby and eighty men wounded Let. Col Parsley Maj Ennett, Capt Campbell Cowan Thornton Lieut Dardin Lane Malett, Stokely King Gurganus, M cClammy, Pickett Capin Anderson Banon Landermilk Lyon and one hundred and eighty men captured Wounded doing well Capt Thompson 1st NC, safe

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 18, original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 15)

Hallsville NC October 1 st 1864

Dear Cousin: I have received 2 letters from you since I wrote to you the first of which, I received a few days before I got a furlough, while at Winder Hospital. I then thought I would wait until I got home to write, but when I got home, I was sick, I could not write. I had my furlough extended last week to the 25 th this month I am about well but am weak yet from my sickening I have not enjoyed myself as home as well as I expected as I have been sick most of the time + confined to the house. We heard here a few days ago that Early had been defeated + that his army was scattered + that he had lost besides his killed + wounded, a great many prisoners + 46 pieces of artillery but afterwards we heard that this was untrue + that Early had only lost a few prisoners + 3 pieces of artillery the news from Georgia is very good. I hope Sherman will soon be compelled to leave Atlanta if he is forced to leave then I believe we will have peace this winter as for I am about certain that Gen. Grant will be whipped whense he attacks the army of Gen. Lee. there was a report in the paper yesterday that Grant was moving part of his force to the North side of James River, I hope if there is any more fighting to be done about Richmond, or Petersburg, this campaign that it will be done before the 25 th . I hope you will answer this short letter as I can not think of anything to write that I think would interest you.

your affectionate cousin Thomas

FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 19 (original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 17)

LOUISBURG FEMALE COLLEGE

Mr. T. J. Armstrong, Dear Sir: The following Report of the Scholarship and Deportment of Miss B. S. Armstrong, is made for the Quarter ending March 20, 1868.

In this institution three grades of Scholarship are recognized” The Scholarship of those in the FIRST GRADE is very good, and their relative position is denoted by the numbers, 1, 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3. The Scholarship of those in the SECOND GRADE is good, and their relative position is denoted by the numbers, 1-4, 1-5 and 1-6. The Scholarship of those in the THIRD GRADE is respectable, and their relative position is denoted by the numbers, 1-7, 1-8 and 1-9. Those who fall below the THIRD GRADE, will be required to review their studies, before they will be advanced to a higher class. In DEPORTMENT, these pupils are marked EXEMPLARY, who have no unexcused absences or violations of rule during the quarter; thore VERY GOOD, who have not more than 10; those GOOD, who have over 10, and not more than 25; those TOLERABLE, who have more than 25, and not more than 40; and when this number is transcended, prompt amendment will be essential to continuance in the School.

Junior Class.

LITERARY STUDIES POSITION IN GRADE Geometry 1 Latin 1 History 1 Composition 1 Bible 1

5 5 General Average, 1 Grade, First ORNAMENTAL STUDIES Piano, Music, Guitar, Vocal, Drawing, Painting, Needle-work, Excused Not Excused T. M. JONES, President. Absences from Church, “ “ Prayers 5 “ “ Recitation 10 Deportment, Exemplary

LOUISBURG FEMALE COLLEGE.

PRIVATE REGULATIONS

No system of espoinage is countenanced or practiced. Each pupil reports the number of times she may have violated each rule, and the violations for each quarter are denoted by the number prefixed.

1. The pupils will rise at the first bell. Three-quarters of an hour before prayers will be allowed for the toilette. Half an hour after prayers for morning walk.

2. The rooms are to be ready for inspection at 8 o’clock.

3. The pupils are not to converse in a loud tone on their way to and from the dining room, or during meals.

4. No boisterour talking, laughing or romping is allowed, at any time, in any part of the building.

5. During study hours, each pupil is to remain in her own room, unless when summoned to recitation, or called out by some officer of the Institution.

6. The pupils are not to converse during study hours, in their rooms, on their way to and from recitation, nor are they to write letters, nor to engage in any, except such as pertains to their assigned studies,

7. The pupils are not to visit each others rooms between the bells at night.

8. The pupils are not allowed to make communication, by word or sign, in the chapel or recitation room, without special permission of the teacher.

9. The pupils are not allowed to visit the parlors, except when called to see company, nor the music rooms, except in discharge of College duties, nor the dining room except at meals, nor the kitchen at any time.

10. No package, letter or message is to be delivered to the pupils of the Institution by those residing in town. All communications with town must be had through some officer of the College.

11. The pupils are not to go beyond College bounds, unless accompanied by some officer of the Institution.

12. No pupil will be allowed to spend the night in town, and visits in the day will be regulated by the wishes of the parents and the discretion of the Faculty.

13. All defacing of the walls or other College property is strictly forbidden.

14. Dancing is forbidden. The wearing of jewelry is restricted to one breastpin.

15. At the last bell at night, all lights must be extinguished and all conversation cease.

16. Perfect propriety at divine service is specially required.

17. The pupils are to throw nothing from the windows, and have no communication therefrom.

18. No pupil is to purchase anything on credit under any circumstances whatever.

19. At prayers, recitation and church, the pupils will sit in alphabetical order.

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 20, original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 18)

Wilmington, N C Jan 6 th /85

Dear Sister Bobbie Since writing to You I have gotten a position in the Wheeler + Wilson Machine Office. I like it very well especially in bad weather, before I was canvassing with books of course that is not so confining and, then again it is very unpleasant work for cold weather so I am glad I got a place even if I do have to be confined I have no idea whether I will keep the place long or not. You wanted me to write You all about Aunt Marions death She was taken sick on Sunday the 14 th of Sept + complained of feeling real badly on Monday morning in fact She had a hot fever on Tuesday She had a chill + after that we thought She was getting better until Sunday morning She seemed to be sleeping still we had no idea She was very ill until about three hours before her death. The Dr said She was first completely broken down of course it was hard to give her up still I think She is better off. Bud and Sister Annie were down week before last week Bud was looking quite well + so was Sister Annie, but I heard last week Bud was suffering with severe headache You know he often has sick headache. I received a letter from Sister Monnie last week saying that Cousin Tommie was quite sick poor fellow he certainly has a hard time of it. Wilmington was very dull during Christmas week infact it did not seem much like Christmas to me although I received some real nice presents. I imagine Jimmie + Tommie had a real nice Christmas Give them my best love + a kiss a kiss for Willie also. I do wish you could move down to Rocky Point to live it certainly would be nice if I did not go to see You often I would know You were near me so I could send You little things occasionally any way. Cant You make some arangement to move of you possibly can do so at once. Well I must close hoping to hear from you soon I remain your Affectionate Sister Bell

P.S. If any of Your friends would like to get a Wheeler & Wilson No 8 sewing machine I would be glad to send them one

FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 21 (fragment) ded for the Captaincy of Co. G. and have to day commenced acting in that cpacity. Thom is also Captain of Co K and Lt Vanbokkelen of Wilmington is now Captain of Co D. None of us of course have received commission yet but we have been recommended the other officers of Co G are as follows A. H. Rhodes Lt James J Mitts of Wilmington 2 nd and Lewis J Henderson of Onslow Jr 2 nd The one all men all seem very pleased at my appointment and if there had been an election (which cannot be) they would no doubt have given it to me The office is a responsible one and one in which one may see considerable trouble. Nevertheless from my knowledge of company business I hope I may get along tolerably well. Things are now mixed up on account of the late fight and will never be got straight until we get into Camp. Ask Mr E. W. Hall if you see him to write an obituary notice of Capt Williams death. He need not be sparing in his praises, for he was a brave man and one of the best men in the common acceptation of the term that I ever saw He was so far as religion was concerned (I think) a Universalist and died I suppose in that belief, with which he seemed perfectly satisfied. Another of our company died from wounds received in the late battle (which makes nine we have lost by that fight To day we have investigated more thoroughly the number of killed and wounded and missing and find it amounts to 633 quite a number of the missing were no doubt killed or wounded we cannot ascertain, as the enemy took and held that part of the field. Your son E. H. Armstrong

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (fragment) (also FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 23, original FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 19)

Rapid Ann until we fell skirmishers of the enemy. We fought them where we found them and afterwards gained our desired position at Mirio Run On Saturday morning we commenced fortifying our line but our fortifications are very different for have ever seen so I will give you a description of them. We just cut up stakes like cording wood and prop them with others then we fill up the space between the stakes with logs, to make the work. Men firm we then fill up with dirt, digging it with Confederate shovels made of peices of plank in shovel shape. We succeeded in making our work strong enough to resist Minnie balls by Saturday night. On Sunday it rained all day and was very cold. On Monday the Enemy opened on us with their artillery but did not injure us much. The wether was extremely cold but novertheless we worked all night with our

Culpepper supposed to be filing back me again,

Your Brother Edward H Armstrong

FOLDER 40 ADDITION 2 ITEM 26

Copy of Bible records: Barbara Susan Armstrong Pearsall and Edward Dickson Pearsall family

FOLDER 41 ADDITION 3 Photocopy of typescript of reminiscences Thomas James Armstrong made of his childhood

FOLDER 42 ADDITION 3a Notarized statement of transcription by Stephen Carroll Pearsall, 1978, regarding photocopy in FOLDER 41

FOLDER 45 ADDITION 5 ITEM 10 Photocopy of reminiscences of Thomas James Armstrong’s childhood

FOLDER 46 ADDITION 6 ITEM 3 Original of Thomas James Armstrong’s childhood reminiscences

ADDITION 5a is a check written by Thomas James Armstrong 3 June 1868 for fifty dollars

FOLDER 44 ADDITION 5 ITEM 1

S. Hospital Richmond, Va. Dec. 4 th 1863

Capt E H Armstrong. Sir The descriptive list in my possession does not state what sum of money is due me for clothing. Nothing is stated by you about clothing on the list you sent me. The Q. Master will not settle with me until you give your statement. Please send me a correct list giving particulars about clothing and every thing due or against me. Very respectfully, Your obd Serv t, N. S. Owens Co. G. 3 rd No. C a.

FOLDER 44 ADDITION 5 ITEM 2

Confederate States of America, SUBSISTENCE BUREAU, Richmond, Va March 15th 1864

Sir, Your Return for Sept + Oct 11.2 consolidated has been received in this office. + retained until papers called for are furnished

By direction of the Commissary General. Very Respectfully, Lt. J. J. Metts Your Obedient Servant, A. A. C. S. J-. W. Brewey 3rd N. C. Regt Major U C. S. on reverse:

Confederate States of America SUBSISTENCE DEPARTMENT

Lieut J. J. Metts A. A. C. S 3rd N. Ca. Regt

FOLDER 44 ADDITION 5 ITEM 3 (probably an enclosure with FOLDER 44 ADDITION 5 ITEM 2)

Lt J. J. Metts, A. A. S. C. 3rd Regt. N. C. Troops at Bunker Hill, Charleston Front Royal +c. Va.

Returns for Sept + Oct. 1862 consolidated. Return of Provisions rec’d + issued (Form 1) + Summary Statement (Form 6) are wanted. J. W. B.

FOLDER 44 ADDITION 5 ITEM 4

[NOTIFICATION.] Smallpox General Hospital, Lynchburg Va Apl 23 18624 Sir: You are informed that , in accordance with General Orders, No. 69, A. & I. G. Office, Sgt. Private L. A. Avery, Company I, 3 N C Regiment, Stewarts Brigade, has been furloughed by the Board of Examiners for Sixty days, to go to Catherine’s Lake Onslow Co. N. C Captain Commanding Co. Regiment. Capt. R. Kemper Sr Srvg Bd Ex

FOLDER 44 ADDITION 5 ITEM 5

2nd corps Hos near Spottsylvania CH. Va. June 5 th 1864

My Dear Mother This evening as I have leasur time I thought I would ocupy that time in writing to you. My health is very good I believe and I am now at the Hospital with Captain Armstrong. He is very low indeed + will hardly over it (his wound) He first had his arm bone resected. But the Drs after several days thought it best to take it off which they did four days ago. and now the Doctors all say that He has passed all hope. He call me to his Bedside last night + told me how he wanted his business fixt He Says that he feels saticfied to die, believes that he is prepared for death. He told me to be a good boy, and try to meet him in heaven. I have been siting up with him four nights, and am nearly worn out. the capt has a Lady Friend Who sends him fruit and such other little necessarys as she can get. Dr. cromwell has wrote to his father yesterday but not knowing how long it will be before he may get it. I think it best for you to send to the Postoffice + get the letter + send to his father. You need not write to me as it would be impossible for me to get your letter.

Your Affectionate Son Moses Armstrong

FOLDER 44 ADDITION 5 ITEM 7

Farmville, Va June, the 29 th 1864

Mr. T. J. Armstrong I suppos you have heard of the death of your Son (Capt Ned) he was wounded on the 12 th of May his arm was resected but the Docter finding that it would have to be amputated done likewise he lived six days after long suffering a gradual sloath from the wound and chills and fevers. I was with him all the time and would have taken his remains home but it was impossible to get off from here as the roads are cut. I had him buried in a coffin and the grave marked that he might be moved at any time I have been trying to get home ever since he died but have not been able on a count of the rading parties. I will be at home as soon as the way is open He died the 6th of June and I have been trying to get home ever Since but have been Stoped. I have got all his papers and will take good care of them and take them to you. I remain your Servant Moses

FOLDER 44 ADDITION 5 ITEM 8 (original letter is FOLDER 46 ADDITION 6 ITEM 1)

Bogue Swamp, N. C. Mar 21/67

Dear Pa, I wrote to Ma last, but although neither of you have written, I cannot refrain from writing, not because I have anything of importance to communicate, but I have a favor to ask. Please write a sketch of your life and send it to me immediately. I mean a mere outline. Commence by a description of your father, residence, manner of living, description of your mother, her parents names and residence, the numbers of your brothers and sisters, and their respective ages, in what years your parents died, where you all went, what business you first went into and in what year, when married, the places where you have resided; copy from the Bible, the births of your children and times of decease of those that have passed away. If you know of anything of your grand-parents or great – grand-parents +e. Do not neglect to mention every thing about the education of both you and Ma. Where and when you first saw Ma and addressed her. Please do not fail to write this immediately and send it. There is no news. My love to all. Your affectionate daughter. Monnie

N.B. the sketch of Thomas J Armstrong’s life is located in this collection, as are several copies and transcriptions of the sketch

FOLDER 44 ADDITION 5 ITEM 9 (original letter is FOLDER 46 ADDITION 6 ITEM 2)

Swans Point NC Nov 30 th 1870

Dear Tommie I have delayed writing you for some time hopeing to get Something to market So as to make a remitance , but Mr French is useing his engine to get off peas, so that at present we cannot get what cotton we have ginned, our crop has turned out about ¼ of a crop truely almost falier but I am truly pleased + glad it is no worse the peas crop is not yet off but if the weather keeps favorable I hope all hands will get of their crops and sold by Christmas I am anxious to see how all turns out and will know by that time or before what amount of money I will probably be able to get from the I am urging them to get of their crops as once the Colt is in fine order and spirits old Grey has mended some but I dont think he can be fattened . I have no idier how I shall farn another year the negroes are dilatory & idle We are all staying closely at home except Bell I expect she is going to School in Town, but I have not been their of late & do not know. We all stayed at home Fair week not one of us went to the Fair. Cal & Dan were convicted for entering our house and sent to the penitentiary for 4 years. We have a verry time Scarcely any visitors at all Frank Hines was here fair week he has been quite Sick and looks badly, Says he is offered a fine School at Jacksonville Onslow County Mr Carr has been at Mr Hines undert the treatment of Dr Satchwell about 4 week he left for home a week ago no better, we have not heard from him since he seems to be sinking under a Speedy consumption. We have not heard of City since the Girls came down, he was verry at that time. Mrs Mira Bordaux will be moved about Christmas say 23 dec I do not member of any thing of interest to write you

your Pa T J Armstrong

FOLDER 45 ADDITION 5 ITEM 11

Mose – Spottsylvania Court House June 1864 1- 1 watch 2 - 4 - $5 00 Gold pieces 3 - papers

Mose’s Letters to his Mother + Capt Edwards Father

Mose 1 watch 4 five dollar gold pieces – Aunt Bobbie, Monnie, Mollie + His Friend to whom he was indebted – apologies, gold piece for each Mose promised to go back after Uncle Edward’s baby He died Dr. Paddison – Episc Minister of Wilm Uncle E lived weeks after being wounded Old Army Pistol given Father afterwards by Mr Jum Moore

***JANE MOREY COLLECTION*** (original FOLDER 46 ADDITION 7 ITEM 7)

Camp 3 rd NC Troops Sept 8 th 1863

Dear Mollie. I received you letter stating that you had had pound cake for supper. Well I havent had any pound cake but I had the pleasure of seeing one of the prettiest little creatures the other day that it has been my good fortune to meet during life. I have just spoken of her in my letter to Pa and if I make her the subject of this letter you will conclude she must be uppermost in my mind, which won’t be very far from right. We your curiousity is now slightly aroused and you want to know her name but I cant tell you. She is brunette, quite tall, black hair, but shaw! I can’t describe her except by saying she is one of the nicest, prettiest most agreeable ladies I have ever met with. Do you know the Misses Simmons of Jones County NC? A friend of mine who is quite intimate with them and who by the way, has agreed to act for me as I am not able to get home, says they are quite pretty. He has given me to one of them but as yet I do not know which one is so fortunate as to be the recipient of such a gift as your humble servant. In reading the Bible the other day I noticed that when Abraham wished Isaac to marry, he sent out his servant to get him a wife and I noticed particularly that the servant took great pains to let the gentleman (whose daughter he wished to get as a wife for his young master) know that Abraham was rich and that all he possessed would be given to Isaac. Perhaps if my friend who is acting in my stead at home would get posted on that point as regards the young lady – I would not be very hard to trade off but when it takes all a man can raise to pay for beef and bread to say nothing of clothes, I do not think it advisable to marry. I would not care anything for property if the war was over, “our” government established, evry thing moving on in the ordinary channels. Tomorrow our Corps (Ewells) will be reviewed by Gen Lee. I suppose most persons think that some movement is on hand, but I do not know what. I owe Bobbie and Monnie each a letter which should be answered tonight perhaps I should answer them but it is getting quite late now. Give my love to Ma and all the children. Remember me to Mr + Mrs Miller Cousin Molly Mr Hines and Junior and all other friends. Tell Monnie about the young lady I met the other day E Armstrong

FOLDER 46 ADDITION 7 ITEM 9

Camp 3 rd N C Troops January 24 th 1864

Dear Mollie, You have probably learned ere this, that I reached Camp in safety on the Tuesday following my departure from home. I found my Regt nearer the RRoad than when I left it, but still far enough to give me a good walk. We are again in Winter Quarters and were it not for this miserable Picket Duty, we might congratulate ourselves on a nice time until spring opens. Meades Army is also in Winter Quarters and both parties are quietly awaiting pleasant wether when the booming of Cannon and the rattle of Musketry will again arouse us from our lethargy and call us forth once more to battle for our cause. God grant us a successful Spring Campaign for if that is lost I fear the country is lost. Rations are becoming more plentiful and as furloughs are being granted at the rate of 12 per 100 the men seem better contented all hoping soon to arrive at home. Desertion does not seem as prevalent as heretofor and I hope there will continue to be a change for the better. Tell Pa if he can get the cloth please to have me a pr pants made If he gets my uniform at M cCormer you can make the pants by the pr cut by him. I have been expecting a letter from Pa all the week, stating that he had forwarded my box but as yet I have not received any thing from him. I am expecting a perfect feast on the sausages puddings +c. I do wish they would come I have written Pa twice since I left. How would it do to put in the jar of peaches, if you have them. I think we could make out to eat them. Have you heard from George again yet? Have my types arrived? If so please dispose of them as I requested in my letter to Pa. Capt Cowan received a nice box yesterday and we are to have part of the contents for dinner. To day I am promising myself a treat. Write as soon as convenient Give my love to all Your Brother Edward H Armstrong

FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 1 (date must be wrong as the war had not begun yet; this is the only place where it fits)

Monday Nov 2 d 60

Dear Mollie I wrote you yesterday but neglected to send the letter off this morning Mose is worse to day. I have been out and got him a place in a negro house about ¾ mile from Camp where he can be comparatively comfortable. The Dr does not think he could hold out to go home or I would have sent him this morning. Our Asst Surg will visit him evry day and I can see him quite often Your Bro E H Armstrong

FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 13

Lidd Hospital near Richmond Va June 7 th 1864

T J Armstrong Esq My dear sir I hasten with great pleasure to acknowledge your very kind letter of the 31 st Ilto which was yesterday received. Please accept my thanks for the same. We heard from your son Edward last Saturday night, & it gives me unfeigned joy to be able to say that he was doing very well & I hope in due time he may be restored to good health & that too, withstand the loss of his arm. The Hospital in which your son now is is in of ground The alry of the enem at times, so that we cannot get at it with any convenience or safety. The not wh was rec d & to which I have already referred was rec d by chance nay. Sh d we get any further intelligence of your son I will at once communicate with you. The bleeding to which Mose refers in his late letter to you, is the one, I presume, which occured a night or two before our army moved. It was hoped by the Surgeon that there would be no recurrence. In such case his arm would not have to be amputated, & as he is now reported to be bled I suppose that your son will have his arm to him. Letters that have been directed to Edward I have sent to you at Wilmington thinking they wd be safer with you than with us. As I said just now I will advise you if I have any news whatsoever from the Capt He is one of my best friends, & a young gentleman for whom I have not only the greatest respect & regard but a real affection & every thing that concerns himself or his welfare affords me deep interest He has always been a good friend of mine & I do fully reciprocate his good news his good time to give us mile however do what is best for us. I pray God that your son may soon be able to come to you & that tho not in the same shape as when he was last with you, still able however to be of much comfort to you & all yours. With kind regards & best wishes for yourself & for yours I am my dear sir, with many thanks to you for your kind letter Your Faithful Frd Geo Patterson

FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 14

Camp at Half Way House R. + P. Turnpike September 7 th 1864

Mr. Armstrong, Dear Sir, I take the liberty of requesting you to give me information concerning your son Capt. E. H. Armstrong. He is my best friend, one whom I dearly love, and any news about him would be very acceptable to Your obdt Svt A Hill Patterson Co. “H” Richardson’s Battery 3d Artillery

FOLDER 47 ADDITION 7 ITEM 16

Louisville, Ky. December 26 th , 1865

Mr T. J. Armstrong, I take the liberty of sending you my photograph, flattering myself with the thought that it will be acceptable to the father of my dearest friend and indulging the hope that I may be favored with his in return for I do trust that you have a copy of those features, upon which I so often gazed with so much fondness. The gap which his death made has never been filled, and no companion however dear can Supply his place. He indeed was a friend “sticketh closer than a brother. I design making this city my home, and if you should pass through at any time, would be happy to meet with you. Wishing you a happy New Year I remain Your obt. Svt. A. H. Patterson No 299, 6th Street