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Hd. Qurs. Co. “A” 129th Regt. Ills. Vols.
Behind the Fortifications, June 17th 1864
My Dear Wife

Yours of June 9th came to hand last night, & I read it this morning.¹ As I may possibly get an opportunity to send a letter to-day, I hasten to write.

I am most happy to learn of your good health. Do not think it hard that our mails are not regular. Could you but know the difficulties that have to be surmounted, you would be surprised that any letters reach you.

We moved forward at noon on the 15th about two miles, & sent out a Regt. of skirmishers and commenced to drive the Rebel lines. We advanced our lines about 1-1/2 miles, the left of our Regt. resting within 150 paces of the Enemy’s works and the right protected by a ravine & hill in front about 200 paces, the 79th Ohio & 70th Ind. on our right.² The 70th [Ind.] was not so well protected, & they lost about 70 killed & wounded. The 79th Ohio lost about 40, & our loss was about 20.³ I did not learn the loss in the 102nd & 105th [Illinois], but it was not heavy.⁴ Our Division has lost heavily again. The loss in our Regt. was all on the left: Henry Hornder of Co. “G” killed; Hoffman, Co. “B” killed & Stahl, Co. “B” mortally wounded; & Sergt. Deborn, Co. “K” killed.⁵ A few of the wounded are serious but most of them slight. I have not learned all their names. Col. [F. C] Smith, 102nd Ills., slightly wounded; Major [Z. S.] Reagan, 70th Ind., severely.

We fortified all night on the 15th & all day yesterday. We were ready for a hard fight to-day, but last night the enemy withdrew, how far no one knows, but their rear guard throws solid shot nearly to our lines.⁶ Our skirmishers are 1-1/2 miles in advance.

The Lord has again signally cared for us. On the evening of the 15th, the shot & shell fell all around us in torrents. The bursting of the shell was close enough to burn the faces of the men, & yet none were hurt. Let us thank God for his mercies. We are all well, & will probably advance this morning. There is heavy cannonading on our left in the direction of Marietta and the river. Alf [Huetson] has just come, & I will close & send by him. May God bless you. Give my love to all. Good bye.

Your Affect. Husband
J. F. Culver

1. Mary Culver’s letter of June 9 is missing from the Culver Collection.
2. On the 14th, with a cessation of the rain, Sherman ordered his army commanders to advance skirmish lines and crowd the enemy, but not to assault them in their fortifications unless “some specially favorable opportunity should occur.” Thomas pushed forward the right of Palmer’s corps and the left of Howard’s into the re-entrant angle between Pine Mountain and the Confederate works to the east. Next day, the Rebels having evacuated Pine Mountain, Thomas sent Hooker’s corps forward. Butterfield’s division was deployed into the line of battle at Gilgal Church, forming east of the Sandtown road. Covered by a strong skirmish line, General Ward advanced his brigade, took possession of two hills to his front, and thrust into the woods beyond, driving pickets and sharpshooters from Cleburne’s division before him. Ward was now ordered to attack and hurl the Confederates from the breastworks pinpointed by his scouts 600 yards to his front. The bluecoats surged forward with fixed bayonets and dislodged the Rebels from their advance line of rifle pits, but were unable to carry their main line of works. O. R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXVIII, pt. II, pp. 324-325, 367.
3. In this fight, known as the battle of Gilgal Church, the 70th Indiana lost three killed and 46 wounded; the 79th Ohio 16 wounded; and the 129th Illinois three killed and 15 wounded. Ibid., pp. 367, 374, 377.
4. The 102d Illinois lost 13 wounded and the 105th Illinois had seven killed, 40 wounded, and one missing in the action of June 15. Ibid., pp. 355, 361.
5. Henry K. Handler enlisted in Company G, 129th Illinois Infantry, on Sept. 22, 1862, as a private. He was killed near Kennesaw Mountain on June 15, 1864. Compiled Service Records of Union Soldiers, NA. William Hoffman, a 23-year-old farmer, was mustered into service on Sept. 8, 1862, as a private in Company B, 129th Illinois Infantry. He was killed in action near Kennesaw Mountain, Ga., June 15,1864. August Stahl, a 26-year-old farmer, was mustered into service on Sept. 8, 1862, as a private in Company B, 129th Illinois Infantry. Wounded near Kennesaw Mountain on June 15,1864, Private Stahl died in a military hospital at Resaca, Ga., five days later. Henry F. Dibbern, a 29-year-old millwright, was mustered into service on Sept. 8, 1862, as a corporal in Company K, 129th Illinois Infantry. He was promoted to sergeant on May 13, 1863, and was wounded in the arm on June 15, 1864, dying the next day in a field hospital at Burnt Hickory, Ga.
6. The Confederates’ left (Hardee’s corps) found its position untenable, and on the night of the 16th abandoned its position and retired into a new line of earthworks behind Mud Creek, three miles to the east. Schofield and Thomas followed Hardee, their skirmishers clashing frequently with Rebel cavalry seeking to slow their advance. Cox, Atlanta, p. 100.

Head Qurs. Co. “A” 129th Regt. Ills. Vols.
In the Field, Near Marietta, Georgia
June 14th 1864
My Dear Wife

As an opportunity offers to send mail to the rear, I am happy to be able to write. We are still lying behind the fortifications on the same line we occupied a week ago. The army has been in motion and fighting, but the centre has not advanced over two miles.¹ We have heard fighting all along the line each day. It has rained almost incessantly for 13 days, so that you can imagine the conditions of the roads, almost impassible. We are still held in readiness to move at a moment’s notice.

The weather is clear and pleasant to-day & very beautiful after the season of cloud and storm we have had. The wet weather has produced some sickness, as must be expected, mostly diarrhea. I was quite unwell yesterday but am much better to-day. The most I can complain of is weakness; I hope to be all right to-morrow. There is only one or two sick in my Company, & they will soon be well. Harry McDowell, Allen Fellows, Capt. Hoskins, Dr. Johnson, and Lt. McKnight have been here for a little while, but all have gone to write home. Allen’s health is much improved. We have no late reliable news; I look for a mail to-day with news from Home.

I recd. notice yesterday that Lt. Smith has recd. a Leave of Absence for 20 days, and I presume he is Home ere this. It is very probable that Tom Wilson will see a long term of service in some penitentiary, if, indeed, he is not shot.²

It was so wet all day Sabbath [the 12th] that we had no services of any kind. The mail came in the afternoon and brought your letters of the 30th May & 1st June.³ I was very happy to learn that you are well. Chaplain Cotton is liked much better than he was a year ago. I have not seen or heard from Bros. John or Sammy since I last wrote, but presume they are well. I hope the Sabbath school is still prospering. I wrote a long letter to them on Sunday and enclosed it to you; I hope it may reach you.

McCartney of Co. “B” was not wounded,⁴ both he and Saml. McGoodin are well. I should like to see Bro. Tom [Murphy] & hope he will spend the summer with you. I am happy to hear that Mother [Murphy], Maggie and the children are well. Kiss them for me.

Col. Case was not injured in any of our battles. Wm.. F. Miller fills Frank Long’s place as sergt.⁵ Hoskins has never recd. his commission [as major] yet. I wrote to John Dehner on Saturday last about it, & hope he may be able to give it some attention.

There has been some fighting all along the line this morning. We learn nothing here and have to depend on the papers for our knowledge of results. Our troops hold Marietta.⁶ The cars came through Sunday, & we hear their welcome whistle daily now, about three miles to our left. If our communication with the rear and our supplies can be kept uninterrupted, we will soon see Atlanta. The enemy have tried to break our lines several times but have been every time repulsed.⁷

Nate [Hill] is well. We have not heard from [Chris] Yetter lately; I would not be surprised to hear that he is home. Nate wishes to write, & I must hasten to close as we have only one portfolio between us. Remember me kindly to all. Let us praise God for his continued mercy. May our Father in Heaven preserve you in health and bestow upon you all needful blessings. Tell Bro. Joe Dehner I shall expect to hear a good account from him in regard to the Sabbath School.⁸ May God give him Grace & make him instrumental in doing much good. May all the efforts made in that direction be signally blessed of God.

I feel that God is doing a great work in the hearts of many of my Company. Oh, may he help me to discharge my duty and set a Godly example before them. I most earnestly desire their conversion. Pray for them and ask the churches to pray for them, also the Sabbath Schools. May Holy angels watch over thee, and our Father keep thee in perfect peace.

I remain through Christ, as ever
Your Affect. Husband
J. F. Culver

P.S. Get the Bible Society to send me a dozen testaments by Lt. Smith. We need them very much. Many have been lost during the Campaign.

J.F.C.

1. Reinforced by Blair’s XVII Corps which had arrived from Decatur, Ala., General McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee of the left advanced, occupied Big Shanty on the railroad, and found the Confederates strongly posted on Brush Mountain, with Noonday Creek to their front. General Thomas had divided his Army of the Cumberland into three columns. Palmer’s XIV Corps on the left, in contact with McPherson, inched its way ahead on the road to Newton’s Mill; Howard’s IV Corps in the center and Hooker’s on the right felt their way toward Pine Mountain. Schofield’s Army of the Ohio was on Sherman’s right and pressing slowly closer to Gilgal Church. Brig. Gen. George Stoneman’s cavalry guarded the “army group’s” right toward Lost Mountain. General Johnston to cope with Sherman’s move to the east had massed his infantry on the Gilgal Church-Brush Mountain line. Hardee’s left was at the church, Polk’s corps extended from Pine Mountain across the railroad to the Acworth-Marietta wagon road, and Hood’s on the right was massed behind Noonday Creek and along the foot of Brush Mountain. Cox, Atlanta, pp. 95-96.
2. Thomas J. Wilson, a 22-year-old farmer, had been mustered into service on Sept. 8, 1862, as a private in Company A, 129th Illinois Infantry. Private Wilson was detached on Jan. 30, 1864, and detailed as a teamster in the ordnance train, Third Division, XX Corps. Private Wilson was mustered out near Washington, D.C., June 8, 1865. Compiled Service Records of Union Soldiers, NA.
3. The subject letters are missing from the Culver Collection.
4. William McCartney, a 44-year-old farmer, was mustered into service on Sept. 8,1862, as a private in Company B, 129th Illinois Infantry. He was detailed to the brigade brass band on Feb. 2, 1864, and was mustered out with the regiment on June 8, 1865, near Washington, D. C. Ibid.
5. William E. Miller, a 24-year-oid farmer, was mustered into service on Sept. 8, 1862, as a private in Company A, 129th Illinois Infantry. He was promoted to corporal on Jan. 20, 1843, and to sergeant to rank from May 20, 1864. Sergeant Miller was mustered out with the regiment on June 8, 1865, near Washington, D.C. Ibid.
6. J.F.C. was mistaken about the occupation of Marietta by Union troops. What he should have written was that Union troops held Big Shanty on the Western & Atlanta Railroad. On June 11 the Etowah bridge was opened for traffic, and next day “the whistle of the locomotive was heard at Big Shanty, notifying friend and foe that Sherman’s supplies were now close in rear of his line.” Cox, Atlanta, p. 97.
7. The only major counterattack made by the Confederates since the beginning of the campaign had occurred at Dallas on May 28. This thrust started as a forced reconnaissance, and the Confederates were repulsed with heavy losses. The key to General Johnston’s strategy was to goad Sherman into making suicidal assaults on fortified positions.
8. Joe Dehner was a 24-year-old clerk in his father’s Pontiac store. In 1860 Joe was living with his wife and infant daughter. Eighth Census, Livingston County, State of Illinois, NA.

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The first page (or pages) of this letter is (are) missing. [June 10, 1864]¹

 

I apprehend that for bold, daring, and careful and successful movement, it [Sherman’s Atlanta campaign] has never been equaled.² We have advanced our lines over 100 miles through the heart of the Enemy’s country, through some of the strongest natural fortifications in this country, in a period of 40 days.³ To guard a base of supplies from Louisville, Ky. to this place is of itself a herculean task, it being very nearly 500 miles.⁴

The next mail will bring us the result of the Baltimore Convention.⁵ We have but little doubt, however, but what it will present the name of Lincoln for the Presidency. Illinois has by her Legislature denied us the privilege of suffrage at the coming Election. I ought not to murmer, perhaps, as the members of the party to which I have so long subscribed [the Democratic] were wholly instrumental in withholding from us the right to vote. We will certainly remember their charity should we be permitted to exercise the rights of citizenship again.

The Cleveland Convention has proved itself a mere farce.⁶ I did not think the North contained such a body of arrant political knaves. They have made no pretensions to either truth or consistency.

I feel very anxious to hear from Mother [Culver], & know what arrangements have been made for her comfort. The only word I have had from home was through Bro. Wes, who had opened my letter in Mother’s absence and answered hastily.

I am sorry to hear that Miss Shellenbarger is not in good health. I have not yet been able to learn definitely anything about Bronson.⁷ I fear the report of his death is too true. We have no further news of our wounded. I feel very anxious to learn where they are that I may send them their descriptive Rolls, so that they can draw the pay due them.

I expect Chris Yetter up shortly unless he should get a furlough home, I need him very much, as I am so very closely confined. I have to depend on Green to procure our rations;⁸ he does very well, but a great deal is wasted.

I have not learned yet whether Thomas Hill has paid the $100 due me from Shellenbarger on my notes in Lawrence’s hands. Please give it a little attention. I presume the letter of the Freeport Insurance Co. will set the transaction with David Cox all straight. We should know something by this time of the settlement of Father’s estate. I will write to Mother to-day if I get time. I would also like very much to write to the Sabbath School & to a number of friends in Pontiac, but I will have to wait until the close of the Campaign.

I do not often have as good opportunity for writing as I have this morning. I found a cracker box & the Orderly furnished me some ink. My pen I have carried thus far safely.

In a letter Nate [Hill] recd. from his Bro. a few days ago, he says Henry Greenebaum is married. I wish him much happiness if it be true. I think it is a mistake, however, as he did not expect to be married before summer.⁹ Perhaps his intended decided, as a lady I could name, that “summer was too warm,” &, not willing to wait til fall, they have hastened their nuptials.

Rumor says Lida Remick & Mr. Crook or Brook are to be married very soon.¹⁰ “May I be there to see.” I am glad that Sis and Remick have settled. I have feared that should she marry a man who was disposed to examine closely into the settlement of her estate, there might be some serious trouble. The settlement is as nearly right as it can be made, & I feel satisfied she has lost nothing. I hope she enjoys married life and may be ever happy. Abbie [Remick] seems to be surrounded with a world of trouble. The trials may make her a better woman.

I hear cannon booming off to our right and occasionally to the front. I have heard no reply from the enemy yet. It is singular the Rebs use so few cannon.¹¹ Some of their prisoners say that every time they open a Battery we either knock it all to pieces or capture it.

Alf Huetson was here yesterday. He is now first Asst. Topr. Engr. at Corps Hd. Qurs. He enjoys life finely & has a very pleasant position. Nate [Hill] has lay down and is fast asleep. Cannonading is becoming more general all along the line. It is the time of day for the ball to open if they intend to do anything.

Bro. John’s Battery [M, 1st Illinois] moved to the front of our line last night, but they have not gone to the front yet. They have been in reserve ever since Resaca.¹² I think probably it is our turn now for awhile. We have been on the front line ever since the Campaign opened.

The Band have been playing almost constantly for the past few days, making it very pleasant. And the evenings are so beautiful, the moon & stars have shined brightly; music on earth and music in Heaven. How natural and easy for the mind to wander upward for the thoughts to centre around the throne of Grace. God has been most bountiful in blessings to us. Let our hearts praise him.

Night before last, we sat upon the fortifications singing until quite a late hour. The Chaplain came up, & we invited him to pray. It brought back so many dear remembrances of by-gone times. I have enjoyed very much of God’s presence and love in my heart, & I hope by his Grace to do his will and carry out His design in placing me here. The pleasures & comforts of Home often cross my mind. The Love of a Dear Wife and friend are ever present with me, but God will in his own good time restore me to them if consistent with his will. I will work on, cheerfully trusting to him alone for results.

I feel much anxiety at times for your approaching trial.¹³ May God be with you and deal kindly with you. I would that circumstances were such that I could be with you, but there is no certainty of that. “Trust in God. He will never leave thee or forsake thee.” “Sorrow endureth through a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” I earnestly hope that the pleasures of maternity may more than counterbalance all your trials. May the desires of your heart be granted and the richest blessings of Heaven rest upon you.

Kiss Mother & Maggie for me. I know Mother [Murphy] will take good care of you; be cheerful and, if possible, contented. In my letter of yesterday, I told you of the arrangement I have made with Allen Fellows to furnish you with what money you may need.¹⁴ He wrote to his wife also, but I think did not get his letter off. Remember me kindly to all.

Here comes the news that Richmond is taken.¹⁵ A dispatch, it is said, to Genl. Sherman. All the Bands of this Corps are assembling. There will be a tumult here shortly; the boys are dancing already. We will know certainly very soon, but we hear so many rumors that I cannot credit them. The taking of Richmond was only a question of time, but we did not expect it so soon. Our latest news from there, however, was the 28th of May, & there has been time enough since to fight several hard battles.

It is dinner time. I have endeavered during the forenoon to write while at leisure, with the hope to contribute to your happiness and add pleasure, and, if possible, profit to the perusal of my letter. You have already received assurance of my love and desire for your happiness. You have still as ever the confidence and affection of a true heart. Accept therefore all I have to give, and may we under the blessings and direction of Our Heavenly Father live to enjoy each other’s society, [&] be useful to all around us in being the instruments in His hands of leading many to Christ, and when life is over meet with all our love around His throne in Heaven.

“There shall be no night there.” Rev. 21-25

And I will betroth thee unto me forever. Hosea 2-19

The Lord will give grace and glory. Psalm 84-11

Also – Rom. 8-28, Psalm 25-10, Matthew 12-20, Gal. 6-9, Isaiah 9-20, Rev. 3-11, John 14-3, 1st Peter 5-4, Rev. 21-3&4.

Your Affect. Husband
J. F. Culver

1. Internal evidence suggests that J.F.C. wrote this letter on or about June 10, while the 129th Illinois was posted at Mt. Olivet Church.
2. Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign is considered a classic by many military historians. Sherman’s skill in employing a superior force to flank a foe out of a succession of formidable defense lines and Johnston’s ability to conduct a successful retrograde are still studied in military schools and colleges.
3. The 129th Illinois had broken camp at Wauhatchie, Tenn., on May 2.
4. Sherman’s greatest fear was that Maj. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest’s cavalry corps, based in northeast Mississippi, would raid into Middle Tennessee and destroy the single track Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, severing his supply line. To keep Forrest occupied in Mississippi, Sherman ordered out a series of expeditions from Memphis.
5. The regular Republican (Union) party met at Baltimore on June 7, and nominated President Lincoln for a second term. Andrew Johnson of Tennessee was selected to replace Hannibal Hamlin of Maine as Lincoln’s running mate. The platform was broad enough to accommodate the diverse elements constituting the party. Randall, Civil War & Reconstruction, pp. 612-13.
6. In Cleveland, Ohio, a convention convened on May 31 attended by a few disaffected Radical Republicans under the sponsorship of B. Gratz Brown and Wendell Phillips. Maj. Gen. John C. Fremont was nominated for the Presidency and John Cockrane for the Vice-Presidency on a radical platform. In accepting the nomination, Fremont violently criticized the Lincoln administration. Ibid., pp. 611-12.
7. William H. Bronson, a 25-year-old jeweller, was mustered into service on Sept. 8, 1862, as a private in Company A, 129th Illinois Infantry. He was detailed as company nurse, rejoining the unit on Jan. 25, 1863. In the spring of 1864 he was hospitalized with tuberculosis at Chattanooga and was given a medical discharge on April 10, 1865. Compiled Service Records of Union Soldiers, NA.
8. Albert Green, a freedman, had attached himself to J.F.C.’s mess. This was a common practice during the Civil War.
9. Henry Greenebaum on Aug. 14, 1864, married Carrie Hart of Chicago. History of Livingston County, p. 633.
10. Lida E. Remick, the daughter of J. W. and Sarah DeNormandie Remick, married Edgar Cook of Pontiac. Ibid., p. 649.
11. Private Grunert noted in his diary that on the 10th there was heavy firing “in the afternoon, and that on the 11th, firing was heard throughout the day.” Grunert, History of the 129th Illinois, p. 72. Union artillery with its better equipment, superior organization, and customary inexhaustible supply of ammunition usually more than held its own against Rebel cannoneers.
12. General Howard’s IV Corps, to which Company M was attached, on June 10 took position on the left of Hooker’s XX Corps, occupying ground in front of Pine Mountain. General Schofield’s XXIII Corps was on Hooker’s right, and General McPherson’s Army of the Tennessee was being deployed on Sherman’s extreme left across the Western & Atlantic Railroad. Company M had last been engaged near New Hope Church on June 1, when a Rebel battery sent several shells through the embrasures into the emplacements. Adjutant General’s Report, State of Illinois, Vol. VIII, p. 666.
13. Mary Culver was seven months pregnant.
14. The subject letter is missing from the Culver Collection.
15. There was no truth to the report that Richmond had been taken. On May 26 the Army of the Potomac crossed the Pamunkey River to find General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia awaiting it behind the Totopotomoy. Grant then moved to Old Cold Harbor and, reinforced by a corps from the Army of the James, the Army of the Potomac assailed Lee’s troops on June 3. Repulsed with frightful losses, the Federals had entrenched. From June 1 until the 12th, the two armies faced each other along the Cold Harbor lines, 10 miles northeast of Richmond.

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Hd. Qurs. Co. “A” 129th Regt. Ills. Vols.
In the Field, Ga., June 7th 1864
My Dear Wife

Your letters of 22d, 25th & 27th have just come to hand¹ with the Sentinel of 20th May, and 3 New York Tribune & 3 Nashville Times, with a letter from Sarah Williams. I have read none but your letters yet, as I am informed we can send our mail at 5 P.M. We have Genl. Inspection at 3 P.M., &, as I do not know how long it may last, I hasten to write before.

I am most happy to hear that you are well. Our Father has been very kind to us. The God of Battles is truly our God. I dare not attempt to answer your letters at length, for I have not time. I wrote to you on Sunday, [the 5th] & sent it back yesterday.

We have moved to a new line and fortified, but I find it impossible to locate myself.² No one seems to know where we are, but it is not over 7 or 8 miles to Marietta.³ We have heard nothing of the Enemy since they fell back on Saturday night and Sunday, except by rumor, & I do not put sufficient reliance in them to give them as news.⁴ We are strongly fortified here, & it would facilitate matters very much if the Rebs would attack us.

I was on Picket with my Company last night & had Harry McDowell with me. He is in a terrible way about the mail, as this is the first we have had since his return. I hope it has brought him all he has anticipated.

Our men are all out of sorts about all the newspaper accounts of our Battles. The New York Tribune says, “Ward’s Brigade of Indiana Troops” and also, “Col. Case’s Regt. of Hovey’s Indiana Troops.”⁵ No paper except the Nashville Times has given anything like a true statement. When the Campaign is over, I may have an opportunity to give you a full account.

I have been interrupted, & the hour of INSPECTION has arrived. Harry Mc[Dowell] wishes me to say that he is well & hearty, “never was better.” The Brig. Band is playing. The weather for the past week has been constantly wet, & I wonder that more of us have not been sick. Nate [Hill] & I had a good dinner, beef & vegetable soup, but we have gone hungry several times since we left Wauhatchie. You can scarcely believe that the boys could work on 2 & 3 of those small Hardtack with the small pittance of meat allowed, & yet we are very well. We are on 2/3 rations, & sometimes much less.

I can give you but little news. We know nothing, except that everything moves along as well as was anticipated. We will undoubtedly have a severe Battle before we reach Atlanta.

I heard from Chris [Yetter] yesterday. He is acting Ward Master in one of the Hospitals at Kingston. His face is still quite sore, but he sent me word he would be up with us as soon as he could get away from the Hospital. I do not know where Lt. Smith is; the last I heard of him, he was expecting to go Home & was improving very rapidly. Harry recd. a letter from Mrs. Smith to-day making inquiry about him. If he is not at home, he is most probably at Nashville. I felt certain I should get a letter from him to-day. We have a number of letters for him, but do not know where to send them. I have not heard from any other of our wounded boys. They were sent to Chattanooga & Nashville.

Nate is waiting for the portfolio to write. I regret very much to hear of Mr. Barr’s degeneracy,⁶ & hope most earnestly it may not have a serious effect upon the Sabbath School. May our Father in Heaven bless the children. I will write to them as soon as I can. Kiss little Mary & the baby for me & give my Love to Mother & Maggie. Continue to write often. God has been most bountiful in his blessings to me. Let us still praise Him & continue to trust Him. May his richest blessings rest upon you.

Your Affect. Husband
J. F. Culver

1. Mary Culver’s letters of May 22, 25 and 27 are missing from the Culver Collection.
2. General Thomas on June 5 ordered the XX Corps to cross Allatoona Creek at Mason’s Bridge and take position on the ridges “in the angle between the road to Big Shanty and the one leading south, to the east of Lost Mountain,” its right to rest on Allatoona Creek. Hooker’s corps marched as ordered on the 6th, and, after advancing about five miles, Butterfield’s division took post on the Sandtown road at Mt. Olivet Church. From the ground occupied and fortified by the 129th Illinois, Pine Mountain on the left and Lost Mountain on the right could be seen. O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXVIII, pt.II, pp. 324, 367,387; Ibid., pt. IV, p. 415.
3. Marietta was eight miles southeast of Mt. Olivet Church.
4. The Confederate Army of Tennessee since the morning of the 5th had been posted with its left at Lost Mountain, its center near Gilgal Church, and its right anchored near the Western & Atlantic Railroad. The Southerners were throwing up breastworks and felling timber. Prisoners captured by Butterfield’s pickets identified the enemy to their front as belonging to Cheatham’s Tennessee division of Hardee’s corps. O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXVIII, pt. III, pp. 616-617; Ibid, pt. IV, pp. 428-429.
5. Units constituting Ward’s brigade in addition to the 129th Illinois were: the 102d and 105th Illinois, 70th Indiana, and 79th Ohio. Brig. Gen, Alvin P. Hovey commanded the First Division, XXIII Army Corps, a unit in Schofield’s Army of the Ohio.
6. Samuel Barr was a 31-year-old Pontiac baker. In 1860 he was living with his wife Emma and their one-year-old daughter, Eva. Eighth Census, Livingston County, State of Illinois, NA.

Head Qurs. Co. “A” 129th Regt. Ills. Vol. Infty.
In the Field June 5th 1864
My Dear Wife

We are lying behind the 3rd or 4th line of fortifications in the mud to-day.¹ It has rained very hard for several days and the mud is, as a matter of course, plenty. We keep out of it in our tents by laying limbs of trees, first, and leaves upon them, with our rubber blankets on top of them, our tents over us, and two woolen blankets to cover us.

We have thus great reason to be thankful for the comforts we enjoy on this Holy Sabbath. It has just ceased raining, &, hoping that some opportunity may offer to send mail back, I have sat down to write to you.

Our supplies come to Kingston by Rail Road and from there by wagon, so that this weather may prove a serious hindrance to our forward movement. We have been so long on the extreme front lines that we know but little of what is transpiring in the rear, yet our rations come regularly and in abundance.

We are about 2 or 3 miles further to our left than when I wrote on the 3rd inst. We have heard but little heavy firing since, though there is still the constant roar of artillery on our right and left & some little on our front. We are now about 1-1/2 miles behind the skirmish line, and everything seems quiet to-day. A little bird is singing near, a very sweet strain, and there are some indications of its clearing up.

Nate Hill & I bunk to-gether; he is well. Harry McDowell spent a couple of hours with us this morning. We have heard nothing of the sick and wounded lately, except that some of their names are mentioned in the Chatanooga papers as having been among the wounded.

I have not heard from Bros. John or Sammy since last Monday [May 30]. They were both well then. Saml. McGoodin is well.

I have recd. no letter since the one brought by Harry last Sunday [the 29th]. There has been but one mail since. The Leader of the Brig. Band started to Chicago with the body of Dr. Potter this morning. If I had known it, I might possibly have sent a letter with him. If we remain here all day, there will probably be an opportunity to send mail out. I saw John Lee yesterday, he was well.²

I know but little of the progress we are making. Rumor says that our lines on the left are advance[d] to within 4 or 5 miles of Marietta on the Rail Road.³ What the design is I do not know, but we repose confidence in our Leaders and trust all to God.⁴ Our Campaign thus far has been a complete success. The enemy on retiring have gathered up everything that could be of any use to them, and the entire country through which we pass is almost deserted. We see but few citizens, and prisoners say that all have been conscripted into the Rebel ranks.⁵ Our Army is full as large to-day as it was when we left Resaca and is rapidly increasing by reinforcements.⁶ I presume ere this the 100,000 new tendered by the North West are all in the field. Most of them were out the last accounts we had from the North.

We had a Chattanooga paper of the 2d yesterday, but no Northern papers since last Sunday. The latest I have had was the New York Herald of the 23rd May. This state of things will not last long, however.

I have every reason to feel thankful for the kind care “Our Father” has exercised for me. My Faith is still strong as ever in His doing for me all that is necessary for my protection and happiness, and much more than I deserve. If you are in good health, you are doubtless at this hour in the Sanctuary of God hearing his word expounded. My mind reverts to the time when to-gether we listened to the ministrations of the Gospel of Christ, and also to the many times that in much meakness I attempted to expound God’s word to the people of Pontiac. I often imagine myself there again and think of much I might have done to bring others to Christ that I neglected. And the dear children of my Sabbath school, many of them have passed from youth to manhood and womanhood and are scattered far and wide. I shall never see all of them again this side of Eternity, but my heart still yearns after them, and I earnestly hope all may be brought into the fold of Christ.

Remember me kindly to all that remain. The many new scholars that have been gathered in will not know me, yet I feel a very warm interest in all of them. Perhaps when the Campaign is over, if God spares my life, I may get to see them. It seems a long time since I was at Home, almost two years, and it will be fully that perhaps before I get there. Do you write to Mother [Culver]? I have not written since we left Wauhatchie and have depended entirely upon your keeping her informed of my whereabouts. My health continues to be very good, and for which I try to be very thankful.

May the riches of God’s Grace ever [be] upon our hearts. Let us strive to live aright that we may be acceptable in Our Father’s sight. He will care for us and protect us, and under whatever circumstances we may be placed still be assured that “He doeth all things well.” If in your power, render Mrs. Burns [Byrne] & others, the wives of the men of my Company, some assistance.⁷ Do not let them suffer. If we had been paid off before the Campaign opened, they would have plenty; as it is, do what can be done for them. Give my love to Mother and Maggie and Remember me kindly to all. May Holy Angels guard thee.

Your Affect. Husband
J. F. Culver

1. Sherman’s cavalry on the 3d had occupied Acworth on the Western & Atlantic Railroad. On June 4 Butterfield’s division, including the 129th Illinois, was called to the front to occupy the breastworks erected the previous day by Hovey’s soldiers. That night the Confederate army abandoned its New Hope Church line, and retired to the new positions selected by General Johnston’s engineers, covering an 8-mile front from Lost Mountain on their left to Brush Mountain on their right. O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXVIII, pt. II, p. 384; Cox, Atlanta, pp. 92-93.
2. John S. Lee, a 38-year-old blacksmith, was mustered into service on Sept. 8, 1862, as a private in Company G, 129th Illinois Infantry. Private Lee was severely wounded in the shoulder at Peachtree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. On returning to duty in the winter of 1864-65, he was detached to the ambulance corps, 3d Brigade, Third Division, XX Corps, as a blacksmith. Private Lee was mustered out with the regiment near Washington, D.C., June 8, 1865. Compiled Service Records of Union Soldiers, NA.
3. Sherman’s cavalry at Acworth, on the railroad, was within 12 miles of Marietta.
4. General Sherman’s primary mission was to destroy the Confederate Army of Tennessee. A secondary assignment was to capture Atlanta, a key railroad, industrial and supply center. Rather than attempt costly frontal assaults on Confederate breastworks, Sherman had skillfully employed superior numbers to flank the Rebels out of a succession of fortified positions. General Johnston each time had succeeded in disengaging his army and redeploying it across Sherman’s line of advance.
5. In addition to large numbers of Georgians who had either volunteered or been conscripted into Confederate service, many of the remaining local men between 17 and 18 and 45 and 50 had been called up in late April and sent to camps of instruction to be organized into regiments of Georgia reserves.
6. On May 31 the effective strength of Sherman’s “army group” was about 112,000, whereas on April 30 this figure had been about 135,000. Maj. Gen. Frank Blair’s XVII Corps, 10,000 strong, was en route to reinforce Sherman, and on June 5, it reached Rome, Ga., having marched from Decatur, Ala., on May 27.
7. Mrs. Byrne was the wife of Pvt. Francis Byrne of Pontiac.

Camp in the Field
Near Dallas Ga. 5 June 1864.
Dear Sister Mary:

I commenced a letter to you yesterday evening but a shower intervening prevented me finishing it. I must confess to some delinquincy in writing home of late: but will do better hereafter circumstances permitting. I am happy to have the privilege of acknowledging the receipt of another letter from you. Mother’s of the 20 may and yours of the 23, reached me at the same time – six days ago. It is needless to say they were very welcome. I saw Frank last Monday, and he let me read one or two of your late letters. Frank was quite well. The 129th have been in no engagements since then. As I was writing to you yesterday evening I said “the rebs are still lying intrenched before us”: but I can not write this now, for during the last night our honorable foe “sloped” and up to present writing (as the newspaper correspondents say) 10 oclock A.M.- nothing has been heard of them. I an unable to conjecture whether they will make a stand at Maryetta, or go still farther.

We will be in Atlanta, I think, by July 4th at the farthest. The news from the Potomac, so far as we get it, is encouraging. Our army here is being greatly strenghtened by reinforcements. As near as I can learn it numbers now all told, 200,000 effective men. This part of our [lines?] is already on the move toward Maryetta. We have just been ordered to hold our Battery in readiness to move at a moments notice. Sammy is well. He wrote to you day before yesterday. It has been raining all morning untill now. Weather here has been generally fine this spring.

Mollie, how do you pass your time now? Frank says you take lessons in music and mother says you help her to make [gardens?]. How do you progress with music? It is piana you are using, I suppose. I have a glee book here, but do not sing much, No one to sing with. If I were up home for a week or two I would bother you a great deal to sing for me. I have not had the pleasure of singing with a young lady once since leaving home. Write me often and tell me everything.

With love, Mary, I am
As ever
Your Affect. Brother
W.J. Murphy
Battery M 1st Ill. Arty.
2 Div. A.C.
Chattanooga Tenn.

Hd. Qurs. Co. “A” 129th Ills. Vols., 1st Brig. 3rd Div. 20th A.C.
on the Battle field, Ga., June 3rd 1864
My Dear Wife

We commenced moving from the centre to the left of our lines June 1st. The first evening we spent very pleasantly being sufficiently in the rear not to be disturbed by the roar of cannon or the roll of musketry.¹

At 2 o’clock P.M. yesterday [the 2nd], we moved to the rear of a Fort to repell an attack by the enemy who had made two charges at that place. Just as we broke camp, the rain came down in torrents and soaked us to the skin. We lay about two hours in position, but no attack was made.² We were then moved to the left of the 23rd Corps, where we are now lying in line of Battle.³

Shortly after taking our position here, the enemy opened a Battery & commenced shelling us. Most of the shells passed over us and no one of our Regt. was injured. Dr. Potter of the 105th Ills. & Brig. Surgeon at Nashville was killed by a shell.⁴ There was no other casualties. It was very wet & damp last night, but we are all getting along finely this morning.

We left Corpl. Chritten back sick June 1st. From all I can learn everything is going full as well as was anticipated. The enemy is still losing ground, while we are steadily gaining. This is the 9th day of the Battle. It would be a great relief to get beyond the noise & tumult of the Battle Field and rest for a short time, but all seem perfectly willing and anxious to stand up to duty. A few days will make a vast change in the aspect of affairs, and I confidently expect to give you the joyful news of the enemy’s complete defeat and route before many days. The Troops are rapidly coming up, and the line of Battle is being so rapidly changed that the Enemy will not have time to fortify.

My health is still good, for which I feel very thankful. God has been very good to me and has bestowed upon me all needful blessings. He has been truly “My Father.”

I have recd. no letters from you since Harry’s [McDowell] return on Sunday last though we have had one mail since. Let us unite our voices in praise to God for his numerous blessings and for so specially caring for us. Kiss Mother and Maggie for me. Remember me kindly to all. Be of good cheer and trust all to “Our Father” who doeth all things well. May his grace richly abound in our hearts and prepare us for the discharge of every duty and every change that awaits us. Committing ourselves with all we have and love to Him, I remain as ever

Your Affect Husband
J. F. Culver

P.S. Nate [Hill] wishes you to tell his mother that he is well. Allen Fellows is still at Kingston. I have not heard from the wounded since I last wrote.

1. General Sherman, finding his way barred by the Confederates, employed his superior forces to begin a gradual shift to the east toward the Western & Atlantic Railroad. General Johnston’s Army of Tennessee moved in the same direction to keep between Sherman’s “army group” and Atlanta. On the afternoon of June 1, troops of Maj. Gen. John A. Logan’s XV Corps, which had been posted on the Union right, relieved Hooker’s corps in front of New Hope Church. The 129th Illinois, along with other units of Butterfield’s division, pulled out of the line and marched to the northeast several miles, halting for the night in rear of the sector held by the XIV Corps. Grunert, History of the 129th Illinois, pp. 70-71; O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXVIII, pt. IV, p. 362.
2. Hooker’s corps on June 2 took position in support of General Schofield’s XXIII Corps, which was deployed in line of battle and had crossed Allatoona Creek. Here the Federals encountered Confederates behind breastworks covering the forks of the Dallas-Acworth road. Cox, Atlanta, pp. 89-92.
3. Butterfield’s division on the 2d marched to the northeast toward Acworth in support of Hovey’s division, the XXIII Corps., and camped for the night near Morris Church on the army’s left. O. R., Ser. I,Vol. XXXVIII, pt. II, pp. 324, 383.
4. Surgeon Horace S. Potter was killed on June 2, while selecting a site for a field hospital. ibid., pp. 26, 358.

Camp in the field near Dalis Ga.
3rd of June 1864
Dear Sister Mary

I received yours of 12th ult. at Kingston and was glad to hear from you. I did not received the one you directed to Springfd for me We staid at Kingston 3 or 4 days. and I saw Frank several times. the 129th are on our right now but as we are in the line of battle and do not know when we may get into a muss. I cant leave to go over there. There is only 1 section of the Battery in position at this point. the other two are about 1 1/2 miles to the left, Jack is with them and I have not seen him for three or four days.

The weather been very warm and sultry lately, but yesterday we had two or three good showers, which has cooled the air very much and to day it is quite comfortable.

We are in the woods here and can not see the “Rebs” untill you are right onto them. But we soon find out that we are not over 100 miles from them if we show ourselves above the breastworks by a friendly “whiz” it is not over 400 yards to their breastworks. We have not been pushing them any lately and it is the opinion here that we will not untill Grant is heard from again. We have not anything from him lately.

I must say that was queer onion seed that you sent. It is powder. I put it into a shell and sent it with your respects to “Jonnie Reb”.

I received a letter from Thos. a few days ago. He was well I do not know of anything more that would interest you I had some photographs taken in Springfield and they never reached me I wrote about them some time ago and expect to have some more soon Write as soon as you receive this. I had to borrow this paper to write on as I had to put my knapsack in the waggon and it is in the rear we had to leave all our things except blankets untill this campaign is over, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t here from me regularly. Is H. Thayer in Pontiac yet. I wonder if he received my letter,

As ever your Bro
Sambo