Military Resource Center
Military Resource Center
- Headquarters, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Corps
- Southfield, N.C.
- April 30, 1865
Dear Parents,
The rebels have surrendered everything east of the Chatahoochi River and our forces are being distributed as the Generals commanding deem proper. The Army of the Tennesee and the Army of Georgia march north to Richmond and thence to Alexandria or Washington, to be mustered out, I presume. Schofield's Army of the Ohio remains in North Carolina. Paine's Division (colored) are on the march for Goldsboro and have halted a this point for dinner. It is expected when we arrive at Goldsboro the brigades will be distributed, one going to New Bern and one to Wilmington and the other remain at Goldsboro. I don't care where my brigade goes to. I have been assigned to duty according to my brevet rank and have all the rights and privileges of a Brigadier Genera), everything but the pay. That remains as before, a colonel's pay only.
The pontoon bridge over the Muse (?) River was taken up yesterday and we had to wade the river. It was about breast deep and it was real fun to see the boys come through, such hollering you never heard. Just as if they were making a charge. One of my staff fell in head over heels off his horse and such a yell as went up then.
The rebs appear to take things very cool. One, a member of the legislature, Hon. William Smith, I met today. He has just signed a call for the citizens to meet to devise means for bringing the state into the union again so as to have everything go on harmoniously. We thought the suffering had been so great the past year everybody would be glad enough to receive the protecting folds of the Stars and Stripes once more. I think so, too, that most everybody has seen enough of war. But if any have not, all they have to do is to make their wishes known and they can have a little fight any time they desire.
Just give my regards to all inquiring friends and hoping you are all enjoying yourselves very much over the news of peace, I am as ever,
Your son,Delavan
- Headquarters, lst Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Army Corps
- Goldsboro, North Carolina
- May 14, 1865
Dear Parents,
Your very welcome letter of the 30th of April arrived today, which shows that communication with the north is at last getting systematized. Before this, letters have been three, four and sometimes five weeks reaching me.
I have just returned from church (Episcopal ), the second time I have been to such a place since I left Worcester last October. The congregation was small, many members refusing to attend I hear because the Pastor mentions the President of the United States as worthy of the Almighty's special favor. There are two other churches in this place, Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal. The latter is run at present by "American citizens of African Descent" and a loud time they have too, preaching every night and Sundays thrice during the day and night. Two colored chaplains are running the concern.
The prospects are quite favorable for our remaining at this point until the civil government of the state is reorganized. Meetings are being held throughout the state by those who are willing to renew their devotion to the Union. All yield a passive obedience but many say boldly ìwe are subdued, not converted." "Perhaps we may learn to love the Stars and Stripes but we certainly do not love them now." Companies of from seventy to one hundred men have been sent to the different counties in the state under discreet officers to disperse guerrillas if any should be found and to organize "house guards" from the most loyal inhabitants. These guards take the oath of allegiance and are furnished with arms and are to act as a sort of police, keeping order, and preserving the peace. They are to be subject to orders from military commanders in the state also, and if they answer the purpose for which they are intended, it will obviate the necessity of keeping troops in the state except at a few central points.
Major Cronkhite of the 121st N.Y. Vols lost a leg during the closing up campaign near Petersburgh I see by the papers. If you can obtain any information as to how he is getting along be sure and send me word.
You ask about my wound. The hearing of my right ear is quite seriously impaired. This and the unpleasant sensations experienced in opening my mouth is all that I feel from the effects of the bullet. I do not mind either, however, very often and feel well satisfied to find myself at the close of the war in as good condition as I am. I did expect to get stove up before the thing was through.
If four weeks is time enough to go west, Mother may have things ready to go next fall, for I think even if I do not leave the service, I shall be home as long as that; and prefer if the time is not too short, to go there with her instead of going elsewhere.
I presume Valetta and Valerie are going to school in this beautiful weather. I have been expecting a letter from them for some time and shall continue to expect one for four weeks longer and then
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Letter of: May 14, 1865if it is not here conclude that they have forgotten how to write. If they want to know what to write about, I would like to hear about everything and everybody in town, Tuscan, Worcester, East Worcester, South Hill, West Hill, Decater, Maryland, etc. The schoolmistress, who is she? Is she good looking? Who goes to school? Who gets good lessons? And who gets whipped? I know it is not right to tell tales out of school, but soldiers you know are entitled to a great many privileges that are not exactly right.
I saw in a Cooperstown paper a little account of a fight in Tuscan where several were severely injured. Who were the parties? And how did it happen? Valerie may write about that and Valetta the other items. What were the particulars about William Bates' death? Mother writes he was murdered? All I have heard was that he was shot by guerrillas while asleep. Was he on picket or did the guerrillas surprise their camp?
And while I am writing all this trash I guess I will give you (the children) a word or two of advice. Mother says you are living in Tuscan. Now not more than a hundred miles from Tuscan I have heard little girls swear like troopers and also seen little girls with great big cigars in their mouths puffing like a steam engine. Of course I don't expect to find one of you with a "long nine" in your mouth when I come home. Neither do I expect to be greeted with a volley of oaths, but I wish to say to you "Be very careful in forming your habits this summer that you do not get any bad ones."
You will have to be much more watchful where you are than you were on the quiet hillside. Many more temptations to overcome, and many more vices to avoid. But I have no doubt with the home teaching you have had you will pass through in safety and fervently trusting and hoping I remain as ever,
Delavan
- Headquarters, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Corps
- Goldsboro, N.C.
- May 21, 1865
Dear Parents,
Everything and everybody are moving quietly along at this point. The parties that went out in the adjoining counties to raise home guards to act as a local police force had good success, organizing a company of about fifty men in each county. These men took the oath and are furnished with arms and a small quantity of ammunition. This week an officer has gone to each of the same counties to learn the standing and predelictions of the justices of the Peace. I presume there will be an order issued for those who have not been too bitter against the government to continue in the administration of their duties.
Gen. Schofield has issued a very wise order for the government of Freedmen until the restoration of the state government. I send you a copy of the order that you may see how easily a department commander can arrange affairs. To have obtained a law embracing those principles would have taken years.
He has also issued an order stating that no rations will be given away to citizens after the 31st of this month. Since we have been here I think we have been feeding from this post three of four thousand people. Seven hundred came in on one road in one day. Many of these owned farms of from three hundred to a thousand acres. The loss of their personal property of course makes it inconvenient for a time, but if they have any spunk at all they will get through this summer some way.
The citizens are feeling quite sad over the news of Jeff Davis' capture. Notwithstanding the untold miseries he has heaped upon the South they still feel for his welfare and have all the while hoped for his escape. I presume it is for the reason that he is the only thing visible that remains of their cause. It would be a little consolation also amid so many defeats to say "Oh, you Yanks could whip us five to one but you were not smart enough to catch Jeff Davis."
Do you take the World now? If you do I wish you would send me a copy occasionally. It is very seldom we get anything but the Herald here and that not very regularly so I hardly know how or what is going on in the North. Write more about the home news also and in your next letter I wish you could mention how much money I have with you and how it is disposed, and also whether you could invest to an advantage if I send you money through the summer. With a little trouble I can get my pay at any time when I have a month's wages due, but I hate to bother with so little unless you think it better.
Delavan Bates
- Headquarters, lst Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Corps
- Goldsboro, North Carolina
- May 28, 1865
Dear Parents,
How rapidly the days and weeks run by. It hardly seems a day since I mailed a letter for home and here seven have passed and I am writing again. It is so pleasant here I hardly notice the fleeting days as they pass. All it lacks is the social circle to make me perfectly contented.
For several days Col. Holman (?) of the 1st Regiment and Col. River of the 10th together with myself have been examining the officers of this brigade preparatory to sending a report to the war department in regard to their relative merit, what rank they are qualified for, whether they wish to remain in the service or not, etc. Every brigade in the army is being examined in the same way. I presume the Secretary of War desires this knowledge to assist him in reorganizing the army. I think I shall signify my willingness to remain a short time longer if my services are desired, although I feel many times as if I ought to soon enter upon some business that I can follow through life. What would you advise me to do?
Cherries and plums are just beginning to ripen. I have not tasted any yet but shall go out in the country this week and get some. Strawberries are gone already. We had several dishes and with nice sweet milk (we keep a cow) and white sugar. Oh, how delicious!
I find that martial law works first rate even in time of peace in this country. Last Wednesday evening one of our neighbors came home slightly intoxicated and as customary with him commenced breaking in the doors of his house, smashing things to pieces, beating his wife and raising the devil generally. My guard arrested him, brought him over to headquarters and just for an experiment I had him tied to a tree standing near, his hands above his head and his toes resting on the ground. It rained quite severely during the night and in the morning his fighting propensities had entirely oozed out. Upon letting him down he confessed he felt the enormity of his crime and promised to go and sin no more. I think his conversion is genuine.
How is the railroad progressing and when do you expect it will be completed through out the valley of the Schenevas? I want to get off the cars at Worcester next time I come home. My kind regards to all. Write often.
Delavan
- Headquarters, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Corps
- Morehead City
- June 4, 1865
Dear Parents,
It is with haste I scratch off a few lines in place of my weekly letter. We have just arrived at this point from Goldsboro. My Brigade occupied all the posts on the coast from here to Roanoke Island. I think I should make my quarters at Beaufort. Shall go over tomorrow and see how I like it. I will write more particulars as soon as we get located.
D. Bates
- Headquarters lst Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Corps
- Beaufort, North Carolina
- June 18, 1865
Dear Parents,
I hardly know what to write for today's letter. The first one or two weeks stay at a place is quite interesting. Then as the novelty disappears it is so monotonous one hardly knows whether he is dead or alive. And now the war is over and no anticipations of future campaigns and battles it is doubly tiresome. I am half inclined at times to resign. My command is so widely separated there is no opportunity for brigade drills or reviews and I have nothing to do with the exception of acting upon such official business as may be passing through the military channel up or down. I derive much consolation, however, in knowing that I have the most desirable location in the state for a summer residence. Gen. Terry I hear has been assigned to the command of Virginia relieving Gen. E. 0. C. Osst (?). Every man in the corps will feel a deep regret in parting with the hero of Fort Fisher. He is a good soldier and a perfect gentleman.
Many regiments of the second division of our corps are being mustered out and I presume those that are not will be transferred to some other corps leaving the colored division by itself to garrison the state, or eastern part of the state rather as long as troops are needed here (which I think will be all summer) and then head for Texas.
Gov. Holden is busy at work appointing justices of the peace and organizing county courts. His proclamation which you will doubtless see in northern papers is well received by the inhabitants.
The thermometer stands at 90 degrees most of the time in this place, occasionally running up a little higher when the sea breeze is not felt. I went over to Morehead City last evening in a small sailboat. Started for Beaufort about nine o'clock, the wind went down, there was a calm. Not being prepared for rowing we drifted along with the tide until three O'clock this morning when we managed to reach the port. Although I cannot say I admired the style very much, yet it was far from being unpleasant as the night was lovely--everything so still and quiet and bathed in a flood of silvery light from the moon looked like some fairy picture. The sea also when disturbed sparkled as though filled with a thousand gems. A person with brilliant imagination and good command of language could write a very interesting article upon such a scene, but my ideas and feelings tend so strongly to the practical and worldly side of affairs that I was all the while thinking of how we could get in port and thus failed to notice one half the beauties of the scene.
But I must close this uninteresting scribbling and I presume you will not care. I hope I may have more ideas next week.
Delavan
- Headquarters, lst Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Corps
- Beaufort, July 2, 1865
Dear Parents,
I received today a copy of the Journal of June 16th, the first item I have received from the north since your letter of the lst of June. The paper was very welcome but a kind letter containing a few words from Father or Mother would have been prized much more highly. I presume father is so busy this summer getting ready to build that kitchen he has but little time to think of anything else and I'll bet he will do more hard work this summer than he has before in ten years. And mother too if she doesn't stop weaving I don't know what will become of her. The children of course find plenty to do running around the neighborhood with an occasional visit to Ursula's or up to the lake berrying.
I guess however you know as much about what is going on at home as I do and I will tell you a little about myself and surroundings. Would you like to know what I am doing? Just nothing at all individually but a great deal through my command. From five to seven hundred men at work at Morehead City every day loading and unloading cars, steamers, sloops, etc. It is fearfully demoralizing to the troops. They think as they see the white troops leaving every day for their houses that the colored soldiers are retained on purpose to do this dirty work.
The colored citizens of Beaufort intend celebrating the Fourth in the old fashioned style. The white folks haven't got over their subjugature yet enough to feel very patriotic although I see in New Bern they intend having a slight demonstration.
I think I shall take a sail down to Cape Lookout for my entertainment. I have been talking of going down ever since we have been here but never got farther than Shackleford Banks, the long sand bank you see on the map between Cape Lookout and Beaufort. I expected to find some pretty shells there but so many visitors had been there before, all of any beauty had been taken.
I have a nice little yacht at my disposal and can go sailing whenever I choose. I am afraid I shall be good for nothing when I get out of this business. It makes a person so lazy going two or three years without working any and always having the slightest wish obeyed without a question from anybody. It will be quite a task to change my whole life as I shall have to do and I don't know but the best thing I can do is to remain where I am a few months longer.
Delavan
- Headquarters, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 10th Corps
- Beaufort, N. C.
- July 9, 1865
To Valetta and Valerie,
Oh, such a pleasant time I have had today. Shall I tell you all about where I have been and what I have been doing? I will, for I know it will be very interesting to you to know how I amuse myself so far from home.
Well, early this morning I went over to Morehead City and there found Gen. Paine, Capt. Soeke, and Lieut. Graves from New Bern also Col. Revere and lady and Lieut. Simpson and lady all ready for a visit to Fort Macon. We embarked on the "Goliath", a government tug, and were soon steaming along toward the Fort. Upon arriving there we met Col. Poor, the Commandant, who very courteously showed us all the interesting points of the work as the prisoners' cells, the magazine, the flank casements for enfilading the moat, the 10 inch Columbiads, 100 pound Perrot guns, 24 pound Howitzers, and any number of 32 pounders. We saw in many places the effects of Burnside's shells when he bombarded the fort after New Bern was taken. In one place a 32 pound shot broke two bars of railroad iron placed as a protection to the walls and entered three inches in the solid brick. Another shell came very near penetrating the magazine.
After examining the fort as long as we pleased the gentlemen went down to the beach and had such a delightful bath in the surf. And then re-embarking we started out to sea. It was very calm and we went out three or four miles. Yes, I guess it was ten miles as we went far enough to see the light house at Cape Lookout very distinctly. All of the sailors threw a line over but no fish was foolish enough to bite.
When we returned to Morehead we found an excellent dinner at Col. Revere's awaiting us to which I can assure you we did ample justice. By this time it was four o'clock and time for the review that had been ordered to give Gen. Paine (he is our division commander, you know) an opportunity to see the troops. There being no good ground nearer than Carolina City--a station two miles above Morehead--the regiments marched up to that place. The review passed off very nicely and Gen. Paine thought the troops looked first rate and much better than he expected to see them after so much hard labor at Morehead unloading vessels, handling coal, railroad iron, etc. The 30th bore the palm in general appearance and marching.
By this time it was dusk and myself, Lieut. Davidson and Randall were soon in our little yacht returning to Beaufort and now I am in my cozy arm chair writing to my dear little sisters all about my day's adventures. Will they write me an account of where they went, what they saw, and what they heard on the fourth of July to repay me?
And as I have another page to fill I think I will give you a description of my travels on the fourth. I have been very anxious to visit Cape Lookout since my sojourn in this vicinity commenced. And so as the fourth had to be celebrated in some way why not go to the Cape? Everybody was willing and so we went, Dr. Chalfant and his wife, Mr. Blakeslee and Miss
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Letter of: July 9, 1865Respass, Mr. Respass and Mrs. Richards, myself and Miss Richards. A goodly stock of provisions, a large demijohn of water, a few bottles of wine and any quantity of watermelons made up the load and away we went with a nice breeze. Only once we ran aground and then all of the men pulled off shoes and socks, jumped into the water and soon shoved the boat over the shoal. The remainder of the way to where we landed it was very pleasant.
The tide being low we could only sail to within three miles of the lookout. All concluded to foot it the rest of the way rather than return without visiting the lookout. So we had dinner and started overland. We had a delightful walk going over to the seaside and then along the coast a mile or two gathering beautiful shells and enjoying the sea breeze. Once there we ascended the tower (180 ft. high) and took a view of the surroundings. It was a beautiful sight, a boundless expanse of water extending just as far as the eye could reach and dotted here and there with the white sails of some passing vessels. Cape Lookout at our feet running out about three miles into the sea. Shackleford Banks extending a long distance to the right and a continuation of the same bank far up to the left separating the ocean from the inlet that we came up. The lighthouse itself is a very interesting structure. A large iron pedestal running through the centre which supports the lantern, supported by eight feet mason work of brick around the outside with room however for stairs between the pedestal and brickwork. The rebs endeavored to undermine and blow up the house during the war but through their inexperience in the business only succeeded in demolishing about forty feet of the stairway, which formerly was iron but is now replaced by wooden steps. Another act of vandalism was the taking away of the large reflectors. I saw these while at Raleigh stored away in one of the galleries of the capitol.
But time glided swiftly on and we had to return to our boat, and oh what a tiresome walk. Nothing to interest us on our return. We dragged our wearied limbs along over the hot sands and if ever I was thankful it was when I lay myself down on the bow of the yacht. Eight o'clock.found us gliding into the harbor of Beaufort. The colored population were just closing up their day's celebration with fireworks, but we were so tired instead of stopping to see them we hurried home and in just three minutes after reaching home I was snugly in bed. It was two days before I got fairly rested, and Mrs. Chalfant's face was burned almost to a blister. I picked up a lot of beautiful shells for you which I shall try and bring home the first time I come.
Delavan
- Headquarters, 3rd Divison, 10th Army Corps
- District of Beaufort
- New Bern, North Carolina
- July 16, 1865
Dear Parents,
I have yet another change to record in my ever varying experiences. I am in command of the 3rd Division, 10th Army Corps and District of New Bern. This is, however, but temporary and will extend but thirty days or until Gen. C. J. Paine returns from home where he has gone on a thirty days leave. My quarters are in New Bern. I don't like the place as well as Beaufort. There is no sea breeze to temper down the rays of a July sun, and the mosquitoes are very troublesome also.
When Gen. Paine returns, Gen. Duncan is to have a leave, and after that will come my turn. This will make it too late in the season to go west and Father must go in my place. Won't you go, Father, in September? You have never been from home but little and are situated now so that you can as well as not. Now if you will I won't send up my application for a leave until you return and then come home and spend the time all in Worcester and Cobbleskill. Write me soon whether you will go or not--and you must not say no--and I will make my arrangements accordingly.
I received your letter of July 2nd and also the one wherein you mentioned about the money. I am very happy to hear you have got rid of all those anxieties and misgivings about my being killed that weighed you down so during those long years of bloody war. And do hope you will enjoy the happiness arising from a contented mind during your remaining years.
I do not think we shall go to Texas this summer as troops will be needed at such places as New Bern and Morehead City as long as the government has any property or is transacting any business at these places. Write soon.
Delavan
- Headquarters, District of New Bern, North Carolina
- July 23, 1865
Dear Parents,
I am now fairly settled in my new location and every thing is running smoothly. I have much more business to perform than I did with my brigade. A great many residences were abandoned in this place just before Burnside took possession, the owners going farther up in Dixie. They are now returning and endeavoring to obtain their property under the amnesty proclamation. Of course each case has to be examined separately to see if it is not included in the exceptions of the proclamation and it takes much time.
I have a very nice house to live in, one of the abandoned ones worth seven thousand dollars. I board out, get first rate fare at eight dollars per week--at the hotel they charge 21 dollars. It is quite healthy here at present. The weather is very warm. This morning had quite a severe thunder storm and the clouds appear very threatening and occasionally a low rumble is heard as if another storm was approaching. There is a billiard table in one of the outhouses on this lot and I go out and roll the balls every now and then. On this table is the first ball I ever struck in my life. It is quite an interesting game but takes much practice to become in any way proficient.
The civil authorities are getting along very well, taxing however pretty well to commence with. How are your taxes now? They must be as high as 4 or 5 percent on the valuation, are they not? Ellen writes that Harm (?) has to pay five hundred dollars. I guess there must be a heavy town bounty to make them at that figure. Is the railroad finished to Worcester yet? And where is the depot to be? The 121st I see has reached home. How many returned of those that went with me and what are their names? Write all the particulars of their return.
Yours, etc.Delavan
- Headquarters, 3rd Division, 10th Corps
- New Bern, North Carolina
- July 30, 1865
Dear Parents,
Do you remember where I was one year ago today? It was between six and seven o'clock a.m. July 30th 1864 that I received the first and only taste of rebel lead that I have had in three years service. Oh, but that was an awful morning, between the hours of four and six I would not have bet five dollars on my being alive at the end of the next half hour. But two such hours as those were worth two years of common life. Today although a very nice sunny quiet sabbath is but a blank compared with my experiences on that day. Experiences, however, that I do not care to have repeated but once in a life time.
The work of reconstruction is going on slow but sure in this state. Gov. Holden makes all the appointments of Justices of the Peace, Mayors, Common Councils, etc. The magistrates are to administer the oath of allegiance and make out lists of all the legal voters and about the lst of October a convention will be held to reorganize the state government. All acts of the state government subsequent to the secession of the state are declared illegal and are of no effect. The old state money is worth twenty five cents on a dollar. The bonds issued during the rebellion will be repudiated which will make the state taxes much lower than in northern states. The great loss for these states will be what has been taken from them during the rebellion, pay for which has been mostly confederate notes and bonds which are of no value whatever.
We are having plenty of North Carolina fruit now, consisting of figs, peaches and melons. The thermometer stands at 105 degrees in the shade. In the sun 120 to 130 degrees and there has not been a pound of ice for sale in two days. Just imagine how cool we keep.
Do you hear anything from Col. Kidder or Major Cronkhite since the regiment was mustered out? How do the political parties stand now? Who sustains Johnson and what platform does the opposition stand on?
Delavan Bates
- New Bern, North Carolina
- August 6, 1865
Dear Mother and Sisters,
Your very welcome letter of July 24th was received last night, the first I have received dated since July 2nd. Of the papers Mother mentioned, I received one "World' and two "Journal". I think father will go west. If however he does not deem it advisable, I will try and reach home by the middle of September. I am very glad to hear the cars are running to Worcester as they are so convenient. Mother must go much oftener than heretofore to Ellen's. Ellen is so lonesome.
You need not feel at all uneasy about my getting out to sea for I never venture out of the harbor or Bogue sound, a body of water connecting with the harbor which has a narrow strip of land between it and the ocean.
A terrible accident occurred a few days ago just off the mouth of the harbor at Morehead City. The steamer Quinnebang (?) having on board discharged soldiers ran on a shoal and sunk, and many were drowned while endeavoring to reach the shore. Awful was it not, after passing safely through the dangers of a dozen or more battlefields to be drowned just as they were starting for home.
In going to my boarding place I have to pass a colored church. This morning about 7:00 a.m. on my way to breakfast as I approached the church, the most unearthly set of screeching and howlings that I ever heard in my life met my ears. Upon arriving at the church I found that the members had assembled at that early hour for love feast and were closing up with prayer and thanksgiving. And such a time as they were having, a dozen campmeetings in full blast would not be a circumstance. The design appeared to be to make all the noise that could be made by the number assembled, and with hollering and singing and clapping of hands and stamping of feet and crying and yelling I think they must have succeeded admirably in its execution. The blacks exhibit the most enthusiasm in the religious exercises of any class I ever saw. And for the information of the children I will say that the little girls with their Sunday clothes on look just as neat as any little girls I ever saw. They take a great deal of pride in having good clothes, those that can get money enough to get them with.
Do not look for me till I write positively when I am coming. Write often.
Delavan
- Headquarters, District of New Bern
- New Bern, N. C., Sept. 20, 1865
- Special Orders No. 30
Bvt. Brig. Gen. Del. Bates is hereby relieved from command of the troops in the vicinity of Morehead City and assigned to the command of the Post of New Bern relieving Lt. Col. Bairustine.
By command of Bvt. Maj. Gen. C. J. Paine
- New Bern, North Carolina
- December 3, 1865
Dear Sisters,
Your interesting letter of November 26th is received. I shall leave this city on Tuesday for Roanoke island where my regiment will be mustered out. Then we shall go to Baltimore for discharge and final payment. Last Wednesday I was in Wilmington. While there I saw General Grant who is on an inspecting tour through the South. Father asks why General Paine was mustered out. It was for the same reason that I am now. His services were required no longer by the War Department. Military is "played out" in this state, but three regiments are to remain in the entire state, one colored and two white, and it is expected that two of these will be mustered out before Spring. I send some more photographs. The little girls are Doctor Chalfant's children. They lived at my Headquarters last summer. Sophia the little one was a real interesting little girl. Direct your next letter to Worcester, Otsego Co. New York. I expect to be there in a few weeks.
Delvan Bates
- Salisbury, North Carolina
- March 4, 1866
Father,
I can now give you a slight idea of my location and business. Mr. Snydam and myself have entered into a partnership with Messrs. Owen and Sofield, formerly sutlers of a northern regiment but since September 1865 merchants of this place. We have two stores in operation, one large three story brick store in this town and one country store at Catawba Station 50 miles west on the Morgantown railroad. We have a stock of about forty thousand dollars on hand and if we have the success we are hoping for we will make money, but like all other questions there are two sides to it and we may lose all we invest. I presume that I shall take charge of the store at Catawba although the details of our business are not settled yet. The name of the firm is Owen, Sofield & Co.
We each have the privilege of drawing twelve hundred dollars from the concern per year for expenses and I have been thinking that if you choose to buy a farm worth four or five thousand dollars I would keep my expenses down so as to furnish you with two or three hundred dollars a year to help pay the amount that you would have to run in debt. If you conclude to do so just inform me at any time and I will make my arrangements accordingly. It seems quite good to get behind the counter again and I prefer it much more than soldiering, although I miss the little roll of greenbacks that used to come around regular every thirty days.
The weather has been very fine since my arrival here. But few frosty nights have been seen and gardening is rapidly progressing now. Please write soon all the news that has been heard of in Worcester since my departure. Direct to this place until you hear from me again.
Delavan Bates
- Catawba Station, North Carolina
- June 3, 1866
Dear Sisters Valetta and Valerie,
Your kind letters of May 20th are received. I did not think you had forgotten me, but your long silence led me to suppose that you found a more pleasant may to pass your time than in writing to me. Now you have commenced please answer each of the letters that I write you (beginning with this) and I will inform you of everything of interest that transpires in my experiences. Last week I was in Salisbury three or four days. I had a very pleasant time. I went down for the purpose of being initiated in the Chapter degrees of Masonry. I have joined the Free Masons so that I may find friends wherever I travel.
I have been to church today. It is not such a church as you went to the day you wrote, but an old log one. The people, however, appeared to be real good and were intelligent and well behaved. Most all of them came on horseback. What would you think of riding behind father on a mule to meeting? I saw a number of little or rather big girls do this the other day at a burial.
You are improving very well in your writing and I hope to see a continual improvement all summer. Every word and every letter, try to make a little better. I don't, but that is no reason why you should not. Nothing looks better in a young lady's writing than to have the letters all made well.
Our business goes on very well. My health is first rate and hoping to hear from you soon I subscribe myself as ever your affectionate brother.
Delavan Bates
- Salisbury, North Carolina
- October 2, 1866
Dear Father,
Yours of September 21st is received. The check I sent you in my last letter you will notice was payable to S. A. Bell, A.A. Surgeon, U.S. Army. I cashed it for him which accounts for my having it. You were right in supposing that I had no further claims against the government.
Business is very dull and as the corn and wheat crops are short and these articles are the main source of income for this country, I fear we shall sink money this fall and winter so trade must necessarily be dull. I shall not be surprised if I find myself home a year from today, the same as I left four years ago--without a cent in my pocket. It will be mighty rough if this should prove true, but such things will happen in the best of families sometimes.
The state election comes off soon. No excitement in this vicinity, although the radicals (a party organized by W. W. Holden, a disappointed politician) in some counties are making quite a stir. Working hard and continually hoping for the best, I remain as ever,
Your son,Delavan Bates
- Salisbury, North Carolina
- November 18, 1866
Dear Father,
Your letter found me in good health and spirits as usual, although badly disappointed in my anticipations of southern life. The time passes very pleasantly and if this adventure does not prove to be the "mistake of a' lifetime" I hardly think I shall regret it much. Some days when trade is very dull it will make a person feel a little blue when he adds up the liabilities that are to be met on or before a certain day and knows that if they are not met, he is ruined, but on the whole I do not think I have passed nine months of less anxiety since leaving home in 1862 than those just passed. During the war it was life or death--now it is only wealth or poverty. And to guard against the latter contingency I shall keep my expenses down so as to be able to send a few dollars home occasionally.
If we could have as good a trade as today's for one year I would not take 10,000 dollars for my interest here. The cash receipts amounted to 200 dollars besides forty or fifty dollars barter. Yesterday, however, to balance this we only took in 25 dollars. A year's trade of which kind would leave me without one cent in my pocket and perhaps 20,000 or 30,000 of liabilities hanging over my head.
Our store at Catawba Station is doing very well but since Owen and Sofield left the firm we have been obliged to leave it entirely in the hands of a clerk and in all probability we shall close it up the lst of January as our rent expires at that time.
I presume you are having plenty of hard frosts and perhaps snow by this time. I have not seen a particle of ice yet. A few slight frosts is all we have experienced.
Yours affectionately,Delavan Bates
- Salisbury, North Carolina
- December 19, 1866
Dear Father,
I was very happy to receive your letter of December 9th and in reply write you the same as I did Ursula a week ago that I am glad you have purchased as desirable a farm as you have and desire that you use my money the same as if it was your own, first paying for the land and secondly--if you intend it for a life residence--beautifying and adorning the same. I wish you would inform me in your next letter whether you can pay for the place and stock it as it ought to be. And if not how much money added to what you already have would do the same.
The President's message is received with general favor here and if Congress would only act as he desires the Union would soon be restored to the condition it was in prior to the rebellion. I send you a paper containing the views of the North Carolina Legislature on the "Hesvard (?) Amendment". It is an able document and I think reflects the views of each of the Southern States.
Please tell Mother to write a little in every letter for she always gives me the latest news when she writes. My love to the children and kind regards to all. Hoping to hear from home soon I remain as ever,
Your affectionate son,Delavan Bates
- Salisbury, North Carolina
- June 3, 1867
Dear Mother,
Your letter with Valetta's and Valerie's arrived yesterday. I was very happy to hear that you were all well and also that you had received the bill that I sent you in my last letter. Valetta wants to know when I am coming home. I think now that I shall be with you in July or August although I am not certain. If I do come I shall not return to this place. I have had an offer for my interest here which I accepted and if the person does not back out I shall come home to stay. Spring or rather summer is far advanced here. We have had strawberries, cherries and other early fruit in abundance for several weeks. Garden vegetables we have had for a long time. Tell Valerie I am very much obliged for her news items and would like, the same every week. Ask her and Valetta to write me what to bring them when I come and if you desire anything please let me know and I will oblige.
Your son,Delavan