Frank B. Knause was from Marshall, Calhoun County, Michigan. He enlisted at age 18 in Co. E of the Sixth Michigan Infantry as a corporal on 1 July 1861. He was mustered into the service on 20 August 1861. He re-enlisted on 1 February 1864 at Port Hudson, Louisiana. He mustered on 23 February 1864 and served until 15 September 1864 when he was discharged at Jackson, Michigan.
There are 41 full or partial letters in this virtual archive. One was written in 1861, two in 1862, eight in 1863, seventeen in 1864, and the balance in 1865.
The first letter has the handwriting of two different members of the Knause family on it. The first part of the letter was written by John W. Knause in November 1861 from Holyoke, Massachusetts, to his brother Frank in Baltimore while serving with the 6th Michigan Infantry. The remainder of the letter was written in pencil by Frank to his sisters from Baltimore in December 1861. The second part of the letter may have only been a draft that Frank did not send.
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Holyoke [Massachusetts]
November 24, 1861
Dear Brother Frank,
What on earth is the matter with your pen. I have written over a week ago to you and no answer yet. I feel uneasy about you. Don’t delay to answer this immediately. I fear you have been sick. If I don’t hear from you by next Saturday, I shall write to the Capt. of your company.
I am going into business for myself with one of the best workmen I ever met with. Think we shall meet with success. Our folks are all well as far as I can learn.
Yours in haste. From your affectionate brother, — John W. Knause, Holyoke, Mass.
Baltimore, Md.
December 1861
Dear Sisters, Libbie & Lou,
I received your kind letter and was (as usual) tickled almost to death to hear from you & I will answer your anxious inquiries. Relating to my cough, the first thing, my cough died a natural death without the help of Doctor or medicine & I am now as tough & healthy as I could wish to be. I eat all of the rations that Uncle Sam allows and sometimes wish for more. I have just returned from a three weeks tramp up on the Peninsula & I will try and give you a graphic description of all that I have seen & done.
Four weeks ago next Thursday we received marching orders and the following day (Friday) we started at 7 P.M. on the steamer Georgia for — we did not know where. It was a dismal, wet, rainy night but our company had comfortable quarters aboard of the boat. We went down the Chesapeake till we come to a place called the Muds and there we entered the Pokomoke river. The boat run up this river about 50 miles to a little town called Newtown & there we landed. We were in camp at Newtown till Sunday morning when we struck our tents and marched all day. We marched 15 miles that day, took one Rebel Battery without shooting a single gun, & encamped at Oak Hall. There we met with a sad accident.
One of the men that was on guard went to pick up his gun & in picking the gun up, it went off and killed another man in Co. H. His name was Allen Baer. ¹ The ball entered his neck just below the ear & cut the jugular vein. It killed him instantly. This cast a sad gloom over the camp. The next day he was buried — the whole regiment went to his funeral. Poor fellow. He is buried far, far from friends & home. He had a brother in Co. H & his brother felt awfully about his death.
Capt. [Smith W.] Fowler was searching for arms & ammunition in a secesh house & the lady of the house opposed him. Says she to him, “Sir, I’m a Lady of Virginia, I would have you to know, & I am for Jeff Davis.” Fowler replied sarcastically, “Madam, I am a gentleman of the U. S. of A. & I am for Abe Lincoln & I am going to search this house” & he searched and found a Rebel Capt, concealed in the garret & he took the Virginia Lady’s husband a prisoner & made him swear allegiance to the U. S. Wasn’t that rich? From Oak Hall we marched to Drummondtown — 23 miles in one day. This time we took two batteries without fighting.
Pouguateague, Franktown, & Costville.
¹ Allen T. Baer (1837-1861) and his brother Henry C. Baer served in Co. H, 6th Michigan Infantry. They were from Charlotte, Michigan county, Michigan. Allen was killed by the accidental discharge of another soldier’s weapon on 18 November 1861 at Oak Hall, Accomack county, Va.
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Baltimore [Maryland]
January 9, 1862
Dear Father,
I received your kind letter today and I was glad to hear from you. I thought you had quite forgotten me, it was so long before I received an answer to my letter. Please write oftener to me. We have not received any pay yet, and when we do get paid, I am going to send what I can spare to [brother] John. He wrote to me to send him all I could spare. He says he has got to raise some money & I think that Karstadt can wait 2 months longer without feeling it and I know that John needs the money & he shall have it — all that I can raise.
I received a letter from [sister] Mary yesterday. She and [her husband] Harlie is well. I suppose you heard that Harlie has bought out his father and gone into business for himself? Mary sent me a New Year’s present for which I am very thankful. It was a pretty Gutta Percha tumbler which shuts together. I carry it around in my pocket and when I want a drink of water, all I have to do is to take it out and pull it just as you would a telescope & drink.
I am glad you told me where [sister] Libbie is stationed for I have wanted to write to her but could not for I did not know where to direct. I suppose you got the package I sent to you with the letters. I thought I could save postage and I did not have a cent or a postage stamp. When I heard from John last, he was visiting at Frankfort. He wrote that all of the folks were well but Aunt Lucy. She was quite unwell. Uncle Lambert is keeping tavern in Frankfort. I wrote a long letter to Grandpa Wyant today. I got to thinking of him and I thought I would write. Maybe he would be pleased to hear from me. Do you remember Angeline’s husband? …. [end of letter missing]
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New Orleans, La.
October 27 [1862]
Dear Libbie,
I wrote a letter a couple of days ago and I find I have not sent it yet. So I am [paper crease] more words and put in to let you know that I am getting better. I am almost entirely well and in a few days will be as tough as ever if I don’t have any pull backs. We are suffering from the cold. We don’t have any snow but we do have a terrible cold northwest wind that pierces us to the bone and our canvas houses are little better than no protection al all. The boys have a good turn of the ague and fever. I am not plagued with it much. You know I served my apprenticeship at the ague in Michigan.
I am in pretty good spirits and if God spares my life, I will try and be contented. Give my love to John W. K[nause] and all of my Aunts & Cousins. A good shre for yourself.
Write soon to brother, — Frank B. Knause, Co. E, 6th Michigan, New Orleans, La.
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Camp Dudley ¹
New Orleans, La.
January 28, 1863
My Dear Sister,
The box you had the kindness to send to me I received yesterday and for the things, accept my grateful thanks. I cannot do more to pay you now but perchance the time may come when I can return in some way your kindnesses. You don’t know how much good those things are doing me. Everything (but the doughnuts in that cunning little teapot) kept nice. The doughnuts got musty. The large cake kept nicely and was not bruised a particle. And the housewife you made for me is handsome and I think a great deal of it. Mary’s peaches were splendid and the jelly, cake & cookies were tip top. The dried beef and butter are not a bit behind. The tea came very acceptable as I cannot go the coffee that they make here. The apples and popcorn made me think of home. I am very thankful for that Testament from Coz. Mary. It was just what I wanted. You don’t know how thankful I am to you all.
You see I have been so sick that I could not stomach the things they cook here. If I did eat a piece of fried pork or drink a cup of coffee, I would have to throw it up again. But now a little tea and some crackers and butter go first rate. Indeed, I thank you ever so much. But enough of this.
My health continues to grow no better very fast and sometimes I feel so weak and feeble that I can scarcely raise myself. I have got a bad cough. I caught cold and it settled on my lungs and I just cough sometimes so that I cannot sleep. I feel a good deal better today than I have felt in a good while, and I hope I will soon get well. The Doctor wanted me to go to the hospital but I did not want to go. I was afraid I would get low-spirited if I went there. As long as I can keep my spirits up, there is a prospect of my getting through. But just as soon as I allow myself to get low-spirited, why I will get down sick.
When I get so that I cannot write for myself, I will find some way of communicating the same to you immediately. But don’t worry about me till you hear that I am sick abed and in the hospital. I will write as often as once in 2 weeks to you & Mary or John. I would write oftener but it so unhandy to write here that I almost hate to write.
We were all sorry to part with our old commander, Major General Benjamin F. Butler. I think he has done better than any other General in the field. The people of New Orleans feared Old Ben but they loved him, and while he was here the citizens kept a civil tongue in their heads. Now it is different. Since the arrival of Banks, the citizens are as saucy and independent as though we were not here. When Butler was here, they did not dare to come out in the street and hurrah for “Jeff Davis.” If they did, they knew that they would go to Fort Jackson for 3 years, and that was serving them just right. I wish he was coming back to take command of the Department of the Gulf.
I got a letter from Father with his and Mother’s and the baby’s picture in it. He was getting along finely then and his health may continue good and may he enjoy many years of happiness yet on earth. I do love him so much for he has been a good and noble Father to us. When I hear some of the boys tell how they have been whipped and abused at home by a drunken Father and deprived of the privilege of going to school or to Church, I always think of what a kind Father we had and then my thoughts will wander off and sometimes grow very bitter when I think of how I repaid his love and kindness by being as ugly as sin could make me. Ah, Libbie, if I could only have those younger days to live over again with my experience. I would lead a far different life. It is with me as with a certain writer — “experience has made me a sadder but yet a wiser man” — and during the remainder of Father’s life, I shall strive to make it pleasant and render him happy as I can. “Man proposes and God disposes.”
[end of letter missing]
¹ The camp of the Mounted Rifle Rangers, Massachusetts Volunteers, was located on the corner of Canal and Claiborne Streets in New Orleans and was named in honor of Colonel Dudley of Massachusetts who served as the Inspector-General of the Department of the Gulf.
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Camp Sherman
Kenner’s Plantation ¹
March 31, 1863
My Dear Folks at Home,
Tonight I again find myself seated to write you a few lines. I have just finished a letter to Libbie and I have got one more postage stamp left and I have come to the conclusion that you want to hear from me worse than anyone else and so I am going to try and tell you how I am getting along. I am pretty well and in good spirits and seeing that I can’t get my discharge, I am going to get well and do the best that I can. I hope that you will get along all right. I am doing first rate but I must close for tonight. — Frank
[April] 1st. I had to close my letter rather abrupt last night for my candle went out and left me in the dark. Today I have been fishing but I did not catch any fish. I left the Hospital on the 29th and came up to camp. Our present encampment is located 13 miles from New Orleans at a small place called Kenner. The railroad lays on one side of our camp and the Mississippi river on the other side. The cars go to the city twice a day and boats are going up and down all the while on the river, but notwithstanding all of these things, it is very lonesome here.
All of our regiment have gone up to Manchac Bayou on an expedition (all except a few sick ones left here in camp). They have had a fight with the rebels and the latest news we got from them was rather dubious. Two companies of the 177th New York Regt. were captured by the rebels and one of our iron-clad gunboats. Our Colonel is in command of the expedition and if he don’t look out he will get captured with his whole Brigade.
Blackberries are plenty and as big as a good sized plum. We can buy a quart of them from the Niggers for a piece of bread or a piece of meat and I tell you, they do good. I wish that I could send you some for your supper, but of course that is an impossibility. Alligators are plenty and the boys go out hunting them every day. I myself have eaten a piece of alligator tail but I must confess to you that it is not a very desirable dish. Our boys killed one last week and eat him. Corn is up a foot high and Irish potatoes are as high as the corn.
We are camped in a field where the white clover is up to my knees. All the rose bushes are in blossom and in fact, it is just like summer here now. There are 5 large plantations here in a row that have been confiscated and they are now worked by free darkies and Uncle Sam pockets the profits. This is as it should be and I like to see them go into it in this style.
The Inspector General says that he is going to move the Michigan 6th Regiment down to the city of New Orleans when they come back. I for one think that it would be healthier for us all if they would keep us here in the country where we could get all of the fresh air that is stirring. Still if we go to the city, we will have good warm quarters and we will get better living and have a better chance to get our letters and to send letters home.
Give my respects to Mr. Grant’s people. I want you and Mother to write to me real often for a letter from home is a cheering thing to the poor soldier and there is no one on earth that I love to hear from so much as I love to hear from you. You must not look for a letter from me again very soon for my postage stamps are gone and I can’t say when I will get any more. We have not got our pay yet and we don’t expect it till we get our 4 months pay. I guess I will have some then to send home to you. Butter is 50 cents a pound. Eggs 75 cts. per dozen. Cheese 30 cents a pound. Potatoes 8 cents a pound. Apples 5 cents apiece and every thing accordingly.
Well as it is getting late I will close. Give my love to all with a good share for ourself and Mother and little sister Carrie. You must write to me as often as you can. Tell Frank Sweet that I have written twice to him and he has not answered me. My love to you & Mother. Kiss little sister Carrie for me and please do write to your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Co. E, 6th Mich. Vol. Infantry
Camp Sherman, New Orleans, Louisiana
To his parents, B. & T. Knause, Marshall, Calhoun Co., Michigan
¹ Duncan Farrar Kenner (1813-1887) was an American sugar planter, lawyer, and politician from Louisiana. He served in the Confederate Congress. In 1864, he served as the chief diplomat from the Confederate States of America to England and France. Following the capture of New Orleans in 1862, much of Kenner’s property was confiscated and his slaves were freed.
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Addressed to Miss E. E. Knause, Frankfort, Herkimer Co., New York
Baton Rouge, La.
May 23d 1863
My dear sister Libbie,
I have delayed writing to you for a long time because I wanted to hear from you before I wrote again but as I had not received any letters from you in the last mail, I thought that I would write for you might be anxious to hear from me. You will see by the heading of my letter that I am at Baton Rouge, but my regiment is at Port Hudson. The reason I am not with them is because I am shaking with the ague about twice a day on an average. The doctor ordered me to take my knapsack &c. and go with our regiment but our Lieut. (2d Lieut. C[harles] H. Watson) told me that I was not able to go and that I must not go. He said that the doctor was a fool or else he was drunk. So I was left on the boat and I came back to Baton Rouge where I am at present and shall stay till our regiment comes back. I think that Port Hudson must fall in less than a week. They are fighting there now.
Our regiment is the advance regiment and consequently have the most fighting to do, and the most picket duty. I feel in pretty good spirits and if I could only get this infernal ague cured, I would come out all right. Lieut. [William Henry] Dickey ¹ is promoted to the post of regimental adjutant. He makes a good officer and I like him first rate since I found out that it was not his fault that I was reduced to the ranks. I have found out a little about my being reduced. Capt. [Sylvester] Cogswell sold my position to another man for $10 & then he has played hypocrite with me ever since and made me think that it was Lieut. Dickey’s doings. I am just finding out Capt. Cogswell but he can’t fool me again. No sir. He knows pretty near what I think of him and he has been trying to smooth it over again by offering me the position of Corporal but he won’t have another opportunity to reduce Frank Knause. But enough of this.
I have seen the famous Illinois Cavalry which comes from Grant’s Army down here and scared the Rebels so. There is a good prospect for a speedy termination of the war, don’t you think so. Cheer up, Libbie. I will soon be with you and we will have some right merry good old fashioned times. Won’t we have glorious good times when that tall sunburnt soldier brother of yours jumps into the rooms, or rather room, and gets his arms about your neck and won’t you be tickled to hear him tell his yarns and stare at his mustaches. Eh?
Well I must close for I have not got much paper to spare and a slight tweak of the ague tells me I must close. Give my love to all and let me know as soon as possible if [our brothre-in-law] Harlie was at Fredericksburg and whether he is safe. Love to [brother] John. God bless you all. Please write soon to your affectionate brother, — Frank B. Knause
Co. E, 6th Michigan Regt. Vols. To follow the Regt. Kenner, La.
P. S. I don’t believe that we will stay here long. If we do, I will write to you and let you know. Till then, you had better direct letters as above. — Frank
¹ William Henry Dickey (1840-1902) joined the 6th Michigan Volunteer Infantry as a 1st Lieutenant in August 1861. The 6th Michigan participated in Major General Benjamin F, Butler’s expedition against New Orleans and was one of the first regiments to occupy the city. It also participated in the Battle of Baton Rouge and was recognized for exemplary service during the Seige of Port Hudson for control of the Mississippi River. While the 6th Michigan Infantry served garrison duty at Port Hudson, the 84th United States Colored Troops (USCT) was formed out of the 12th Corps de Afrique Infantry on April 4, 1864. William H. Dickey was commissioned Colonel of the 84th USCT in recognition of his management and leadership skills. He led the 84th USCT during the Red River Campaign and saw significant action near Morganza on November 23, 1864. The 84th continued to serve with duty in the Northern District of Louisiana and the Department of the Gulf until it was mustered out of service on March 14, 1866. He was brevetted Brigadier General, US Volunteers on March 15, 1865 for “faithful and efficient services during the war,” and, at the end of the war, he returned to Kalamazoo and resumed his career as a lumber merchant and commercial traveler. (bio by Thomas Fisher; submitted to Find-A-Grave)
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Baton Rouge, La.
June 8th 1863
My Dear Sister Libbie,
Your kind letter with Mary’s enclosed came duly to hand, and I was very glad to hear from you once more. I am still at Baton Rouge — not very well — but in the best of spirits. Our regiment is at Port Hudson fighting Rebels but I don’t think they will stay there much longer. I think Port Hudson will fall long before you get this letter and then I think all of the Western Regiments in this Department will join Gen. Grant’s Army leaving the Department of the Gulf for General Banks and his Eastern men to take care of it.
There is nothing to be seen in Baton Rouge but sick and wounded soldiers and paroled Rebels. I hope this war won’t last much longer for I want to come home. Won’t we have such fun? You & Louise & Frank Sweet & Frank Knause. We will have our boating parties, hunting, fishing &c. etc.
I don’t know but I think I would like to go North of Marshall 20 or 30 miles and buy me a place and build a nice house and settle down near to Father. You know he is getting old and will need someone to take care of him in his old age. We must always help one another and try to do as we would be done by. I feel as though I would get through this war all right and get home all right and if I do, what a great benefit it will be to me. Now since I have been out into the world and learned to think unselfishly, I can see many places in my life where I have done very wrong, and I find upon sober reflection that in many places where I have blamed others for doing wrong, it was me that done the wrong. The more I think of my past life, the more fault I have to find with myself. I have done wrong all my life and now while I live, I must try to rectify my many faults. I have read my Testament most through and when I finish that, then I shall take the whole Bible and study it. I think every man had ought to study the Bible and live as near right as he can and not pick it to pieces to patch up a doctrine that will suit him. I believe in the whole Bible though there is some parts that I can’t understand and I believe that those parts which we can’t understand were not made for us to quarrel about. But enough sermonizing.
Baton Rouge is not so healthy as it used to be last year. The Small Pox has made its appearance here but I think the doctors will get that stopped. I don’t fear it much for I have been vaccinated. There is not much fever here and I guess we will have a pretty healthy summer if nothing happens.
You talk just as though you thought I was crazy to get married but you don’t know Frank Knause if you think he is anxious to get married. Why how in the world could I get married? I have no way to support a wife and then again, even if I had a way to support a wife, I know of no one who would suit me. I like Jennie Beecher very well (or at least I used to) but she is too much of a doll and then she is too gay to mate with a person of my moody disposition. Such a woman as I would have — one who would make me happy — would have to be possessed of the following qualities. She would have to be amiable (no scolding allowed), Lady-like, gentle (not tame, a little spirited), a good singer, well educated (not a regular blue), neat in person and about the house. A good cook and a smart worker. Always happy (one that don’t know what the blues are) and a good Christian &c, &c.
You see I would be hard to suit and you can make up your mind that Frank Knause, like his illustrious brother John W., would be glad to get married if he could ever find one who suited his taste exactly. But he may live until he is 40 years old before he can find such an one. And when I do find one of that kind, I will immediately begin the siege and if she ever surrenders to me, I will invite all of my friends up to see me spliced. Don’t fear for me Libbie. I will let you know always in good time and listen to any suggestions you may make and we will drop the subject of marriage till next time.
We expect a cavalry raid here and if the Rebel Cavalry do come, they will get whipped. Give my love to all who may think enough of me to inquire. I have not received John’s photograph as yet. If he has not sent it, make him do it. Love to all & write soon.
Your affectionate brother, — Frank B. Knause
Co. E, 6th Regt. Michigan Vol. Infantry, New Orleans, Louisiana
To Miss E. E. Knause, Frankfort, Herkimer Co., New York
~ 8 ~
Baton Rouge, La.
July 10, 1863
My Dear Father,
I have at last got hold of a sheet of paper and though it is small, yet it will serve me for this time. I am well and feel pretty good. I guess all of you at the North feel pretty good over the news. Vicksburg and Port Hudson are ours and the Mississippi River is opened — Glorious! The Rebs might just as well be hunting for their last ditch. I think that this war is about over with for they cannot hold out much longer in Richmond when their supplies are cut off. With Vicksburg and Port Hudson in our possession, we can soon end this war. We have a rumor here that Gen. Lee is captured. Also his whole army cut to pieces and Jeff Davis running for his life. It is too good to believe.
Well, Pa, why don’t you write to me? I have not heard from you in a long time. Please write to me oftener and longer letters. I would like to be at home with you but I think it won’t be long before I will have the blessed privilege of sitting with you at home and telling you some of my adventures. I was not in the fight at Port Hudson but my regiment was in the fiercest part of the battle & siege. I was left sick here at Baton Rouge in charge of the officer’s baggage. I am now ready to rejoin my regiment.
I heard from Libbie and she says [sister] Mary is with you in Michigan. Give her my love.
I must now stop writing for I am acting Sergt. of the Camp Guard in a regiment of convalescents and I must go back there for they will want me to pass them out. Much love to Mother & kiss dear little Carrie. Kiss all Mary’s children. Much love to you all & please do write to me as soon as you get this. Much love to you. Tell Frank Sweet to write to me. Please write soon to your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Co. E, 6th Michigan Vols., New Orleans, Louisiana
P. S. Excuse haste. I will write more soon.
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Port Hudson, La.
July 28th 1863
My Dear Sister Libbie,
I wrote you a long letter only a few days ago but I will try again today for it is raining and I don’t know what to do to keep out of mischief. Lieut. [Charles] Watson has kindly given me a sheet of paper and permission to write upon his table in his tent where there is no one to disturb me. Isn’t he kind? I think a great deal of Charley as we all call him. He is so kind to me — almost like a brother — and he is the bravest officer in our regiment. Indeed, he is almost too rash. Perhaps you remember that Miss Watson who used to go to school in Marshall at the same time I did, when you & John & myself were boarding at Angeline’s. It is her brother. Now I don’t want you to think of Charley for you can’t have him.
There, it has stopped raining and the sun shines forth clearly and everything looks fresh and nice. Oh, how I do wish you could be here to view some of the scenery of the Mississippi River about this place. It is magnificent but I fear I will tire of it before we leave Port Hudson.
I think I told you of our being re-organized into Heavy Artillery. Well, we are to drill here and when we are become proficient in our drill, I suppose we will be sent to Mobile or some other good place. We may stay here 6 months. We may stay here until our time expires. No one knows unless it be the Almighty and he knows everything.
My health is improving fast and our Surgeon — C[harles] V. Mottram — says that this is as healthy a place as there is on the river.
I have had quite a notion of re-enlisting in the Veteran Vol. Corps for 3 years longer. They are making us some tempting offers but then I think of Father & I cannot make up my mind to stay 3 years longer from home. Father is getting old and it is my duty to look after him and take care of him. You know how much he thinks of me and if he thought I was not coming home to stay by the 20th of August 1864, it would sorely grieve him and might shorten his days. [Sister] Mary writes me that he talks of me continually and is making all sorts of calculations as to what he is going to do when Frank comes home. Would it not be very cruel in me to disappoint him. And then again, I am looking out for my own interest. If I stay in the Army 3 years longer, I will have spent the best part of my life in forming vagabond habits and why should I do as much as that? I confess I like the life of a soldier because a man always has something to eat and decent clothes to wear, money to spend, & he has no work to do of any consequence. He can lay down on his blanket and laugh at a poor working man who with hard knocks, scarcely earns the wages of a private soldier. But on the other side of the question, we have what more than balances the good things. A soldier must have no mind of his own. He must see everything in the same light that his Commanding Officers do. And he must have no feelings nor must he scruple to rob a fellow mortal provided he is ordered to do so. He must learn to think that there is no virtue in Woman and also to think that water is meant only to wash in — whiskey being the only palatable thing for a soldier to drink. Such is the American Soldier of today.
Well, we will drop soldiering with the understanding that when Frank’s time is out, he is done with it and money cannot hire me to suffer the abuse & privation a second time. Capt. [Sylvester] Cogswell was just in and he says I must tell you that if the old Grannies that have been left at home are not equal to the task of putting down the Copperheads, that you must arm yourself & put yourself at the head of a band of women and put them down yourself. He says he thinks a few like you could do the business effectually.
A division of Gen. Grant’s Army have gone by here. I think their destination was Mobile. They were a fine body of men — all Western Tigers. They were in the siege of Vicksburg and of course could sympathize with our boys but would have nothing to do with the Nutmegs. Port Hudson is naturally stronger than Vicksburg, they say, & they think we done a big thing when we captured it. Indeed, I think so myself, and though I was not present myself, yet I brag considerable of what we done.
Well, Libbie, I don’t know all that I have written but I guess it don’t amount to much. One thing I guess I have not written about & that is love & marriage. I think I will have to postpone that question indefinitely for I won’t harbor any such an idea and I know you won’t & I can’t make you see the beauty of married life so I give up in despair. But you don’t know how much good it would do me to see you married to a good, steady young fellow like [our brother-in-law] Harlie [Hurd]. Give my respects to all pretty girls & the homely ones too for who knows what I will do.
Much love to Aunts Betsy, Lucy, & Carrie. Also to all my cousins. Accept a good share for yourself & write soon to your affectionate brother, — Frank B. Knause
Co. E, 6th Mich. Regt. Artillery, Port Hudson, Louisiana
To sister Libbie Knause, Frankfort, Herkimer Co., New York
~ 10 ~
[Partial Letter to Libbie from Port Hudson, La., 13 August 1863]
…make a decent looking letter if I try ever so hard. Now today I feel in fair spirits and my writing looks accordingly. But when you see a letter all blurred & blotted from me you can make up your mind that I don’t feel in very good spirits. I don’t know anytime when I sit down what I will write about that will interest any of you but after I begin a letter I write just what comes into my head first.
Well, don’t you think that we have at last got the Rebels in a tight place? You know that the Union Army has been likened to a huge Anaconda which had its victim enclosed in its coils and was about to crush out all life. Well the great Union Anaconda is tightening and the vaunted Confederacy lies crushed and bleeding at the mercy of the conquerer — the huge snake which they designate Yank. If our generals in Virginia were only of the same stamp as General Grant or General Rosecrans and would follow up the advantages they have gained, we would soon put the treason down and send their leaders to the place reserved by Satan for traitors like them. When we think of the amount of misery and suffering they have caused, why it seems to me that an eternity of suffering and torture will scarcely be enough. But then an eternity — what is it? Forever and ever. Human minds are too small to grasp such a vast — such an awful subject. Where is thought leading me to? But a moment ago I was writing about war. My thoughts like everyone else’s will wander from one subject to another.
One thing I always love to think about and that is of you and Mary and John. I am so glad that all of my family — or our family — can read and write and have a pretty good education. Now my education is the poorest of any in the family but Mary’s and she has as good an education as most girls have. And like me, she might have had a better education — but no! she knew more than Pa did and she thought she was abundantly able to go through life with what she had.
I think some of going to school after I get home and going through a course of study. I find myself deficient in Arithmetic, Geography, and Grammar, and I think one year of hard study will bring me around all right. I study evenings now. I have borrowed an Arithmetic & slate and have begun at the Tables of Weights, measures, &c. and I am going as far as I can alone. And if I can find anyone to teach me, I will go clear through the book and I intend to learn it too.
I am in tip top good health at the present time and in very good spirits. I feel very much encouraged when I think how fast my term of enlistment is expiring — only 12 months and 7 days more and I will be a free man. Free to do as I please and under no obligation to go where I am ordered. I will be as good then as Lieut. Wm. H. Dickey or any other shoulder strapped gentleman of that kind. Oh, I do so long for that day to come when I can cast aside my soldiers clothes and walk up and down the street without going to a certain brave Capt. and asking his gracious consent. I love my country but not enough to overlook the airs put on by these men who have been raised to their present positions by the Privates and who now betray the confidence placed in them by treating Privates worse than dogs. But their race is nearly run and they will be kinder and more considerate as our time passes for they know it won’t do to use us too hard for there are some men who won’t “forget and forgive.” But enough of this nonsense of mine. It won’t interest you.
Navigation is fully opened and boats run up and down the [Mississippi] river at all hours night and day. My comrade has got a furlough for 60 days and he starts for home on the next boat up the river and I am going to send this letter by him. He will probably mail it at Cairo or St. Louis. He is going to see Father and take some things from me to him. I think I wrote you of his getting wounded here at Port Hudson. A piece of shell struck him in the left arm below the elbow making a Compound Commutated Fracture — a frightful wound and very dangerous. His arm was marked by the Doctor for amputation but the Surgeon of our Regiment told him he would try to save it and his arm is now most healed up and entirely out of danger. His name is Freeman Upham.
Well, Lib, I must close my letter and go to writing to Father. Write to me soon and write me as long a letter as this and I will be satisfied. Give my love to all of my Aunts & Cousins. Tell John to send me some Gold pens if possible. Much love. Write soon & a long letter.
Affectionately yours, — Brother Frank B. Knause
Co. E, 6th Mich. Vols., Port Hudson, Louisiana
[to] Miss E. E. Knause, Frankfort, Herkimer county, New York
The fragile and tattered condition of this special order ordering Frank to detached service tells us that he carried it in his possession for a long time. The order was written in the month following the re-designation of the 6th Michigan from an infantry unit to a heavy artillery unit after the fall of Port Hudson. The order was written by Lt. William J. Edwards of Niles, Michigan. Edwards enlisted in August 1861 and was appointed 2d Lieutenant of Co. K in September 1862.
~ 11 ~
Head Quarters
6th Michigan Heavy Artillery
August 21, 1863
Special Order No. [unnumbered]
Frank B. Knouse [Knause], Co. “E” is hereby detailed for daily duty at the Adjutant’s Office to report immediately.
By order of E[dward] Bacon, Lt. Col. Commanding Regt.
Wm. J. Edwards
Lt. & A. Adjutant
~ 12 ~
Camp at Port Hudson, La.
January 21st 1864
My dear Sister,
I suppose it is about time I was writing to you again as I have received two letters since writing you last. I have been thinking what I could write about but I can think of nothing — only thought. Last evening I sat gazing out of my window and while thus occupied, I fell into a rather mournfully pleasant train of thoughts. The landscape which my eye rested upon was one of extreme beauty (to me at least). I was looking across a dark and rugged ravine towards the Post Ordnance Depot which stands upon the opposite hill. To the rear of the magazine and on the outer edge of the hill is a dense wood which formed a very pretty background. On this side of the magazine, beneath the shade of a venerable Magnolia “whose leaves were as green as summer ever saw Maple leaves in the North,” stood a single tent. On one side of this tent at a little distance from it, lay “piled up in pyramidical piles” huge cannon balls and shells. They having been quite recently varnished black, the rays of the declining “God of Day” made them glisten in a very agreeable manner. This side of the piles of balls there burned a bright fire by which a soldier, whose original home is supposed by me to have been Afric’s sunny shore, [was] leaning upon his gun seemingly deep in the mysteries of thought. There I have given you the scene as nearly as I possibly can and in flowing language. But honestly, it was just such a scene that set me thinking, and what do you think I was thinking of? Well, I was thinking of the good old time of yore called up in all probability by reading over your letter. Engraved indelibly upon the retina of memory’s eye is the good old scene of home on a Sunday afternoon. I can never drive the scene away from me, nor do I wish to. I wish I could tell you all my thoughts but it will only take a deal of paper and an extra exertion while in the end it would not amount to much. I have got into such a habit of thinking that I can hear no one speak while I am thus dreaming away my time, but I don’t have much time to dream away now days.
I have been very busy — writing and drawing ammunition around the works for General [George Leonard] Andrews has got a “big scare” on and I am flying around in a hurry to get things prepared so as to give the Rebels a good warm reception when they come. I don’t think — or I mean I do think — that the Rebels will never try to retake this place. If they do come, they can never come in unless they come in as prisoners. We have got things fixed admirably and I predict an awful slaughter of Rebs if they try us. I can’t think of anything to write tonight.
I am glad you are all well though very sorry to hear of Aunt Carrie’s loss. I hope you had a very good time eating your Christmas turkey. I believe I wrote you of our loss — chickens, I mean. Poor Biddies — their fate still rests in oblivion. But as it is getting late tonight and my candle is just about expired, I will finish in the morning when I will in all probability have something more interesting to write. Good night. — Frank
~ 13 ~
[Addressed to Miss E. E. Knause, Frankfort, Herkimer Co., New York]
Port Hudson
January 24th 1864
My dear Libbie,
I did intend to have finished my letter before this time but have been so very busy on those everlasting Ordnance Returns that I have scarcely had time to think and much less time to write any of my thoughts.
Well, I have a little less than 7 months now to serve Uncle Sammie — as you choose to denominate the individual in question — and I sincerely hope that [brother] John will not draw one of the prizes in the coming lottery. I don’t want any of my relation in the Army. I think my term of service had ought to answer for John and myself. I have had an easy time so far and have not been sick so much of the time as I expected. I am well and just as fat as ever. My face is just as round as any pumpkin or cabbage head you ever seen. I am happy to say also that I am in fine spirits and when I say that, I mean that. I am as happy as a clam. I don’t know what I would have done many times since I enlisted if it had not been for my buoyancy of spirits (by the way, is the word bouyantsy spelled right and do you think that the word best expresses my meaning?).
Sometimes when I am writing I put in a good many big words before I think and when I read the sentence over (if I happen to think and read it over) I can see where I think I have made mistakes but I don’t write a letter over the second time. If I seat myself to write a letter, I write just what comes to mind first, and I always try to put it in as simple language as I know how. I am not a believer in the “highfalutin” and I never use it — only when writing to some silly love lorn damsel. I know you would laugh heartily if you could see some of the letters I have written. I have often (in my letters to girls) manufactured beautiful moonlit nights with many bright stars gemming the azure dome &c. of cloudy nights when the rain was pouring down in torrents and the wild wind whistled in tones that were anything but pleasant to a soldier. I like to write letters to such girls. It is such fun to read their affectionate answers, and after 3 or 4 letters from me they generally want to exchange pictures and then I know that my joke has gone far enough and I always stop writing when they ask for that. But you of course don’t care to know any of my correspondents. But I will tell you of one. That is Miss Mollie Holbroocks. Perhaps you remember my telling you about my writing to her and asking her to correspond. Well she does write to me now and she has helped me pass my time quite pleasantly.
I have laughed quite a deal about her letters. Maybe “perhaps” you will laugh with me some day over some of the fine ideas emanating from her brain, but to tell the honest truth, I think she would be a sensible woman if she was not quite so green. She is a pretty good writer (pen-woman) and then she signs herself (or her letters) — “from a Northern Sylph” Mollie. So very neat, so charming. Really I do declare I am quite taken by her style. And then in a very naive manner informs me that “Pa has so many hired men it is absolutely a bore.” Poor girl. Why has not kind Providence provided a line of telegraph from her Paternal mansion to my arms so that she could be sent like a lightning flash to my arms for rest, peace, happiness &c. etc. But then, as I was saying before this last eruption, enough of nonsense (and poor Mollie).
We have been expecting that the Rebs were coming down here to make a meal of us some morning and just for expectations like these, just because of them, I have had to draw ammunition from one end of the fort to the other and I have drawed till I have got at the greatest calculation one Dahlgren 9-inch shell to every Rebel expected in. General [George Leonard] Andrews is a Massachusetts man, I guess, because he is scared so easily. There is at present 3 western regiments here at this place; viz: 1 Regt. Illinois Mounted Infantry, 1 Regt. Cavalry Illinois, and the gallant old 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery. Those Illinois boys said when they come here they would scare old Gen’l Andrews and they have succeeded but too well.
I have written about enough for this time so I will only add a few words and close my lengthy nonsense. Please give my love to [sister] Mary. Kiss [her children] Willie, Lizzie, and Harlie for Unk. and Oh! I forgot my moustache. I had it shaved (mowed). Give my love to Aunts Betsy, Carrie, and Lucy. Don’t forget to reserve a good share for yourself.
From your affectionate brother, — Frank B. Knause
Battery E, 6th Michigan Arty. Regt., Port Hudson, La.
[to] E. E. Knause, Frankfort, Herkimer Co., New York
~ 14 ~
Port Hudson, La.
February 25th 1864
My dear Father,
I thought best to write you a few lines to let you know that I was well. I will not get away from here so soon as I expected I would in the first place. We will not start from here for two weeks yet. I guess we will start here about the time you will receive this. The reason we can not start for home now is because there is no money enough here in this Department to pay us off and we will have to wait till the gunboat arrives with the money. I heard that we were going to get 65 days furlough. I hope we will for I want to visit New York State and I would like to stay with you a month.
The Adjutant General of this post says that our regiment is the best regiment in the United States Army. I don’t know how or what the people of Michigan think of our regiment but I know that we are called the best regiment in this department.
I want you to be sure and get my name registered in Marengo so that the bounty will be sure. I intend to let you have the money I get from Marengo. Capt. Cogswell says that Marengo pays $200. I hope I will have good luck and get it for it (the $200) will be a great help to you. I think I can save about $600 if nothing happens to me, and that will be money enough to give me quite a start in life. Give my love to Mother and kiss little Carrie for me. I hope soon to be home and have a good visit. I will suppose you will want to hear my adventures. My regards to all who may inquire after me. Much love and affection for you all at home.
From your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Battery E, 6th Regiment Mich. Vet. Vols.
Heavy Artillery, Port Hudson, Louisiana
February 27, 1864
Father — I broke open this letter to let you know that I have been exposed to the Small Pox. We have had a boy (Black) to cook for us and he has been complaining for several days. This morning he was too sick to get our breakfast. I went and got our doctor to see him and he says that our cook has the Small Pox. I can not bear to see him suffer but I can not take care of him all through his sickness so I am going to send him to the Small Pox Hospital this afternoon. I have been working around him all forenoon and of course I have been exposed to the disease. So I will write on the back of this for you to read in the open air for fear of the Small Pox. — Frank
Read this in open air for fear of the Small Pox. — Frank
P. S. I am well, tough & hearty.
~ 15 ~
[This partial letter — a diary really — chronicles Frank B. Knause’s return to his regiment from a Veteran’s Furlough in the spring of 1864]
….We were lucky in their being hitched on ahead of us. I wandered around in the dark to find out the extent of the damage and loss of life [in the train wreck]. I found two men killed. One man was horribly mangled and plenty hurt in some way. The cars that contained the Brass Band stood up on one end and the appearance of the Band boys when they emerged from the top of the car where we cut a door for them. I say their appearance was ludicrous in the extreme. Their instruments were all banged up and they looked decidedly used up. The boys that were killed were brothers — veteran soldiers — and were just returning to their regiment from their Veteran Furlough. We built large fires on both sides of the track and pretty soon the wreck was begun on. I went back into the car and got settled down and had a good sleep (I suppose).
Monday, May 3rd, 1864
Got off from the scene of the accident by ½ past 9. Arrived at Centralia [Illinois] about 3 o’clock P.M. My stomach feeling low. I paid the sum of 50/100 in greenbacks to get it put in order. Mailed a letter to Libbie and Father. A man had his leg cut off by the cars just below Effingham. Left him there. He did not belong to ours (6th). Passed some very pretty little towns about dark. It snowed for 2 hours after we had started.
Tuesday, May 3d, 1864
Arrived at Cairo at 4:30 A. M. Wrote to John and Louise. Went down town, mailed the two letters, bought me some household furniture in the shape of a tin cup for the purpose of coffee. We were ordered from the cars to some barracks down town. I did not march down with the company but staid with the baggage. At 10 o’clock A.M., I slung my knapsack on my back and started down the railroad track. It was a terrible hot day and I sweat like a good fellow under my load. After walking about a mile or more, I seen a lot of soldiers over in a cattle pen. I met a man, asked him if he would be kind enough to direct me to the barracks where the 6th Michigan were quartered [and] he pointed to where the cattle pen was. The simple gesture of the man spoke eloquent volumes. Barracks? Bah! Pig sty. Never-the-less, Frank, you must come to a pig’s level. What would the elegant Miss — say if she were to see me wallowing. Stole some lumber from a lumber pile that was handy and built me a pen — a new pen on the remains of an old one. Phoenix like it rose from the ashes of the old one.
Wednesday, May 4th, 1864
Wrote a letter to Billie Sweet and one to Gillie Smith. Spent the last money I had. Yea, the last “picayune” slid for provisions. Spent a miserable day wandering around from point and I have come to the conclusion that Cairo in Egypt is a gay place for mud. The principal crop raised is speculators. Thieves seem to thrive but it is a little too near Kentucky for many Niggers. At 4 o’clock P. M. I hailed the appearance of the [steamboat] Leviathan with joy. At 4:30 P.M. we were ordered on board and assigned to the Hurricane deck. It was sunset and a gorgeous one at that. A few clouds overhead that let down some pattering rain drops. There I stood drinking in all the rich beauty of the scene. The river boats were plying about busily, the cars just starting out on the levee, men shouting here and there, wagons prattling over the paved slope of the levee, peddlers everywhere. Above was a rainbow arching over from one side of the river to the other like some huge culvert, joining seemingly the busy shores of Illinois with the green shore of Kentucky.
Thursday, May 5th, 1864
Left Cairo last night just after dark, stopped at New Madrid this morning for wood and to let off a passenger. Passed Fort Pillow, the scene of the massacre, at 6 P.M. It has a very desolated appearance. Passed four men standing on the river bank. They waved their handkerchiefs for a boat but their were discovered to be dressed in Rebel uniforms with guns and the Capt. of the boat would not stop. Probably Rebel deserters. A very pleasant day only a little breezy. The trees are all green and present quite a contrast to the snow storm we had in Illinois the other day. Arrived at Memphis at 12 o’clock tonight.
Friday, May 6th, 1864
Got up pretty early this morning and went up into the City of Memphis for a walk. The square looked very pretty. A fountain was spouting up jets of water and about 200 squirrels were playing around fearlessly. They were very tame and looked and acted as thought they belonged there. Two or three deers and a young fawn completed the list of occupants. After refreshing my tires senses enough with the scene, I returned to the boat and to breakfast. Did not leave the boat again although Lieut. [Charles] Watson very kindly offered to pass me off. Left Memphis at ½ 11 o’clock A. M. Landed at 2 o’clock P.M. to wood up. The man who owned the wood pile only asked $11 per cord at this place. Captain Craig, Officer of the Day, put a Secesh woman ashore for wearing a Rebel badge and singing “Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag.” Wooded up just above Helena. Arrived at Helena at 9 o’clock P.M. Put ashore a lot of freight and passengers. Went on guard as a private. Was on the 3rd Relief.
Saturday, May 7th 1864
Left Helena at 1 o’clock last night. Got to White River Landing at 7 o’clock A. M. While we were “tied up” here at this place. 19 Rebel deserters came in and gave themselves up to the gunboats. They were from Forrest’s guerrillas. Left White River Landing at 9 o’clock A. M. Passed another group of Rebel deserters about 30 in number. They signaled for a boat but our Captain would not stop. Stopped just at dark and put an Officer ashore. Borrowed $5 of [Charles L.] Kappes. ¹
Sunday, May 8th 1864
Arrived at Vicksburg this morning. I did not get off from the boat. The Captain and Mate of the boat were arrested for overcharging a little Assistant Surgeon who was going to his Regiment (the 4th Wisconsin). The Captain was fined $100 and had to pay the little Surgeon back what he had overcharged him. Crossed the river and landed below Vicksburg and opposite from it at the mouth of the great canal that was to have made Vicksburg an inland city. This canal is sometimes called Williams’ “folly.” Took on a lot of wood. Left this landing at ½ past 11 P.M. At 3:30 we passed the former plantation of the Arch traitor Jeff Davis. I never looked upon a lovelier place. It is a little “paradise.” It now belongs to the U. S. Govt. and is carried on by contrabands. Passed Grand Gulf at 6 o’clock P.M. All is desolation about Grand Gulf. Some two years ago [26 May 1862] when coming down from Vicksburg on a transport, our regiment was fired into at this place by a Battery of Rebel Light Artillery so of course this place was interesting to us. ² Passed Rodney just at dark. It is a very pretty looking place with its huge bluffy background. Would make a very pretty landscape for a painter to practice upon.
Monday, May 9th 1864
Passed Natchez sometime in the night last night. We arrived at the mouth of the Red River early this morning just as the sun was rising. Our boat stopped in the stream and hailed the Flag Ship. Asked them to send on board and get dispatches. A tender from the Black Hawk came in answer to one hail and took the dispatches and we went ahead. Passed Bayou Junica at ½ past 6 A.M. Bayou Junica is the place where there were so many of our boys taken prisoners November 8th, 1863. They were up there after corn and cattle when the Rebels came down upon them and took them by surprise and captured 20 men from the Regiment — 6 men from our company.
The trees begin to look natural with their drapery of Spanish moss. We arrived at Port Hudson, La. about 10 o’clock A.M. and were going to run by without stopping. When we came within range, however, we were fired at which was equivalent to saying to us, Land and report. We did not stop, only a moment. I shook hands with [Sherman] Ainsley and Bob Pierce [of Calhoun county]. We backed out into the stream and the boys on shore cheered lustily for the Veterans and we cheered back again for the Wide Awakes as they styled themselves. Landed at Baton Rouge just above the city and took on wood. Left Baton Rouge at 4 o’clock P.M. We passed some of the finest plantations in the south. Saw two large fires just after dark.
Tuesday, May 10th 1864
Arrived in New Orleans about 2 o’clock A.M. Went to bed after we got there. Got up early in the morning and went up in the City. Came back at noon and got my dinner. Went up after dinner on patrol after all stragglers from the Regiment. Found about twenty of the boys and sent them back. Went up to Paul Millers Brothers Beer Garden. We cracked four bottles of old port and rested a little while. Finally went back to the Iberville and found our regiment all on board — recruits and all waiting for us. Started at 4 o’clock P.M. and raced till we got clear above the city with the steamboat New Orleans. Before dark, we had left her out of sight. Went to bed at dark on the Hurricane deck. After I had laid down, it rained like everything but I took it cool. Oh how I did pity some of the recruits. They looked as though they were thinking of home.
Wednesday, May 11th 1864
This morning is a very cold and uncomfortable morning. Arrived at Baton Rouge at 10 o’clock A.M. Just stopped and that was all. Saw some cabbages for sale also some radishes &c. Passed the Jennie Rogers opposite Prophet’s Island. Arrived at Port Hudson at 12 M. Got off at about 2 o’clock P.M. Marched up to our old Company Camping ground and unslung my knapsack. Went in with Homer Olds for the present. Recruits were assigned to the different companies. Went on guard on the 3d Relief. My post was at the lower Magazine near the river. My orders were to allow no one near it that was smoking and allow no one to enter with their boots on. Sam told me that he seen Frank in the city. He said that she wanted to see me very much. Am sorry that I did not know it sooner.
Thursday, May 12, 1864
Yesterday when we got here I received one Valentine and two letters. The Valentine was from Egeria. I like to froze on guard last night. While Freem[an Upham] and I were engaged in building our bunk, Captain came up where we were and asked me if I had been on guard. I told him I had. Well, he said, you need not go on again. You may go down and help George on the Muster & Pay Rolls. Of course I was not sorry to learn that I was to do no Private’s duty. The cavalry come in tonight and reported the Rebs coming in. A man was drowned in the Mississippi this P.M. He was a recruit. ³ Wrote to Jennie O’Hee, Frankie Greene & Libbie.
Friday, May 13th, 1864
Traded my gold pen to James Johnson for his. Was detailed for guard but Captain said I should not go on. Went over to headquarters and got some Muster and Pay Rolls. Worked on the rolls most all day. Wrote to Kate Sweet. Mary Garrison “Egeria” and Louise. Mailed 7 letters tonight. Felt unwell most all day so I took a good dose of Physic tonight.
Saturday, May 14th 1864
Sick all day. wrote to John and Father and George White. Bought twenty postage stamps of Will Blashfield and have $1 worth beside.
Sunday, May 15th 1864
Went out on inspection with my knapsack packed and slung on my back. After inspection, Capt. come and delivered the keys to the Magazine to me and told me that my duty would be to take charge of the Magazine and all ordnance & ordnance stores appertaining to Co. E. I immediately took an inventory of ammunition and ordnance stores for which Capt. S. Cogswell, Co. E, 6th Mich Vols. Heavy Artillery is responsible. Reported to him the entire amount. Was ordered to draw twenty rounds for each of our Howitzers. 1 twelve pounder & 1 twenty-four pounder. I drew from the Ordnance Depot (Post) therefore the following ammunition. 18 rounds canister, 24 pounder Howitzer and 24 rounds canister, 12 pounder Howitzer. Filled shell in the Magazine the remainder of the day. Got a big spot of tar on my nice pantaloons.
The Rebels came up as far as the Citidel last night, shot three Negroes who were on guard there, captured twelve Negroes and their commanding officer, burned down Doctor Noyes’ Saw Mill and killed a number of white men who were working for him. All this was done right under our noses and the Nigger General would not allow us to send them our compliments in the shape of a few shells. Heavy skirmishing going on about one mile from the powder works. Rumored that we have the Rebs surrounded.
Monday, May 16th, 1864
Spent the last money I had for pickles & candles. Got a letter from Billy Sweet. Answered it immediately. Turned all the cartridges in the magazine to prevent the powder from caking. Swept out the Magazine. Went back to my quarters and laid down for the rest of the day. Received a letter from “Egeria.”
¹ Charles L. Kappes enlisted in Co. E, 6th Michigan Infantry in May 1862 at New Orleans at age 28. He accidentally drowned at Skipworth Landing, La., on 25 July 1864.
² The Rebel Light Artillery were under the command of Capt. James Hoskins. HIs “Brookhaven Light Artillery” manned four 6-pounders on the bluff behind Grand Gulf and on the night of May 26, 1862, as the Federal Fleet commanded by Commodore David Farragut steamed passed the city, the artillerists opened fire on unarmed transports, scoring hits on the Laurel Hill.
³ The recruit was Gardner Lilly of Co. A. He enlisted on 5 January 1864 at Athens for three years. He was 21 years of age. Regimental records state his date of death was 10 May 1864 but Frank indicates it was Thursday, 12 May 1864.
Knause’s sketch of “F” Redoubt left me perplexed as its location as it did not seem to coincide with maps of the Port Hudson fortifications in existence at the time of the Battle of Port Hudson. An interpreter at the Port Hudson National Park Site provided me with the following explanation and a map of the fortifications constructed after the battle. As can be seen in that map above, Redoubt “F” is shown in the line of works at the lower right and reasonably coincides with Knause’s rough sketch.
“After the siege of Port Hudson the Federals kept a garrison at Port Hudson until July 1866. During the time of their occupation the U.S. Army built their own set of garrison works. Your sketch is of one of these redoubts in this set of works. This redoubt is now in the backyard of the site manager’s residence, which is not generally open to the public. It is near the intersection of the West Plains/Port Hudson Road and the Port Hickey Road.”
~ 16 ~
Addressed to Miss Libbie Knause, Marshall, Calhoun Co., Michigan
Port Hudson, La.
May 20th 1864
Dear Libbie,
It is after roll call but I am going to stay up most all night. I have volunteered to go the “Grand rounds” with Captain Cogswell. We will not start til 12 o’clock. Now I will tell you what the Grand rounds are. Grand rounds is supposed to be the Officer of the day and his staff on a tour of inspection. He is obliged to visit all the guards at the post and all the camps. At his approach, the Sentinel crys out, “Who goes there?” The reply is “Grand rounds.” Sentinel. “Halt. Advance Sergeant with the countersign.” Then the sergeant advances the countersign which, if right, the Sentinel will reply to by saying, “Advance rounds, the countersign is correct.”
We will have about 15 miles to ride. The night is calm and beautiful, the moon sheds a silvery etc. — you know the rest better than I can tell you. We will have to visit the Grand Guards outside of the Fort. There is a little spice to an adventure of this kind from the fact that the woods about this place are swarming with guerillas. Day before yesterday, they come up as far as the Saw Mill and drove in our Grand Guards. Our whole Regiment fell out to their guns and I got my position in the magazine ready to serve out some of Uncle Sam’s canned fruit, which is rather indigestible in its nature. I have also some grape which is much of the same nature.
We got our pay on the 18th — one month and ten days of monthly pay and my 2nd installment of Bounty amounting in all to $66. Of this amount, I have got $39 in notes (on interest) and a watch worth $25. Beside this, I have $15.75 in money making a total of $79.75. I have made by speculating $13.75 in two days. I am going to send you in this letter $5 for spending money. I wish I could make you a present of more but I cannot do it this pay-day. The next time we get paid off I will send you some more. I would send you more now but you know I have got to make a payment on that place that I and [brother] John are going to buy. I am going to put my money into a place and “when this cruel war is over,” I am going to have a girl about your size, age, and name (if it is not changed) come and live with me for I am not going to get married right away. I care for none of your sex outside of you and [sister] Mary and Mr. Sweet’s family. Don’t imagine I am in love with Kate or Louise, for I am not. I love Mrs. Sweet as much as either of her daughters. She has been more of a Mother to me than one that I have called by that name. I love Lou and Kitty almost as well as I do you and Mary. I would not dare to write this to Mary for with her jealous disposition, she would magnify this mole hill so that it would be a mountain of mammoth size.
I don’t know what to think of that Town Bounty of mine. If I thought Pa had not got it, I would send him some money. If he has got it, he won’t need anything, but if he has not got it, he will need some money.
My health is tip top and my spirits as good as usual.
P. S. This is “part first.” Part 2nd I mail with the money and the conclusion of this letter. — Frank
~ 17 ~
Addressed to Miss E. E. Knause, Marshall, Michigan
Steamer Leviathan
July 27th 1864
Dear Libbie,
We were fired into on the 24th while on the steamer Clarabell by a Rebel Battery of 5 or 6 guns. I am safe. None of our company are hurt. Two men were mortally wounded. One of them died of his wounds and the other was burnt to death on board the Clarabell when she burnt up. I will write you full particulars when I can get some paper. I lost all I had — all my photographs, that nice portfolio, all my paper, the nice housewife ¹ you made for me &c. I have nothing — only the suit I have on and a few clothes I left at Vicksburg. We had a terrible time — horrible. By the great mercy of God, I am spared. Give my love to all & tell them I am safe. Write to me & direct to Vicksburg as usual.
Affectionately & in haste. Written on my knee. — Brother Frank
¹ A housewife was a sewing kit — usually home made — used by soldiers in the field for making minor garment repairs.
~ 18 ~
St. Charles, Arkansas
July 31st 1864
My dear Libbie,
I have begged a sheet of paper and I am going to write to you and you must inform all of our folks and every body else of any whereabouts and tell them how I am getting along. First I am well and feel in pretty good spirits.
We left Vicksburg on the 23rd of this month on the steamer Clarabell. Companies E, F, H, & I on the steamer Clarabell and the other 6 companies on board the steamer Kate Dale. Our boat was a slow concern and we got behind on Sunday the 24th. At 10 or 20 minutes past 9 o’clock as we were steaming slowly along about the center of the river and ¼ of a mile from the shore, a Rebel Battery of 3 or 4 guns opened on us from the shore. They fired about 75 rounds of solid shot and shell at us and kept up an incessant fire of musketry. For 45 minutes we stood it and finally got out of their range. There were about twelve men wounded — four of them seriously. Sgt. [Lorenzo] Haight, Co. F, had his foot shot off. ¹ [John] Winslow, Co. I, was struck in the thigh with a solid shot from a 6 pounder cannon. [Daniel J.] Morrison, Co. C, was shot in four or five places. He has since died. Crumb, Co. F, was struck in the shoulder with a splinter. Freem[an] Upham, my chum, got a Minié bullet in his heel. I can not mention the others for I have no room.
Well we were obliged to land the boat just above where we were fired into for the boat was in a sinking condition. The Rebels moved their Battery up opposite us and before we knew it, they were giving us a second dose worse than the first. We did not save a single thing and barely saved our lives. One man perished in the flames. A cannon ball knocked down the furnace and set the boat on fire. We waited for a gunboat to come up and about dark the Louisville, an ironclad, came up and shelled the opposite shore but the Rebs had gone. Well, we had to march that same night back to Skipworth’s Landing and after laying around there a day or two, we got on board the steamer Leviathan and came up as far as White River Landing & changed our quarters again on board the steamer St. Patrick and come up White River. We were obliged to lay up every night on account of low water and such a crooked river. One day we got stuck on a bar and had to work all day to get her off. We had to unload about 200 horses to get the steamer over the bar and just so it has gone ever since we left Vicksburg.
We have no blankets or tents and sleep in the heavy dew with no covering. I have only one shirt to my back and yesterday I went in swimming and washed my shirt and let it dry while I was in the water. When you write, direct your letters via White River Landing to St. Charles, Arkansas. Billie Sweet’s regiment is only 90 miles up the river to Duvall’s Bluff. I expect Will down to see me. My respects to all — especially to Ada. Tell her how to direct a letter to me. If she has written, I may not get her letter. Write to me soon. Love to Father & Mother, Mr. Sweet, Uncle Adams, Louise &c. Write. — Brother Frank
¹ Lorenzo Haight enlisted in Co. H, 1st Michigan Infantry, 4/20/1861, at Ypsilanti, for 3 months, age 21. Mustered in 5/1/1861. Mustered out at Detroit 8/7/1861. Enlisted in Co. F, 6th Michigan Infantry, 8/18/1861, at Saline, for 3 years. Mustered in 8/20/1861. Sergeant, 8/21/1861. Re-enlisted 2/10/1864 at Port Hudson, Louisiana. Mustered in 2/23/1864. 1st Sergeant 5/20/1864. Discharged at Vicksburg., 1/2/1865, on account of wounds received in action 7/24/1864 on steamer “Clara Bell.” Medical report lists Lorenzo as having his right foot shot off by a solid shot, requiring amputation 3″ above the ankle.
~ 19 ~
Morganza, Louisiana
August 8th 1864
My dear folks at home,
I received your kind letter of July 13th containing Carrie’s photograph and I am very much obliged to you for it. I don’t think her picture looks quite as good as she does, however it will do till I come home when I can see the little original every day.
You will perceive by the heading of my letter that we are again at Morganza, Louisiana. I do not think that we will stay here long. I am of the opinion that we will go to Mobile. We have a dispatch here from Commodore Farragut which says that he has taken one Rebel Ram and two forts. There are about 30,000 soldiers encamped here at Morganza and they are not here for nothing. I guess we will be in Mobile in less than one month’s time. You will see how near true my guess is in time.
Since I last wrote you from Vicksburg, we have been traveling. We left our camp on the 22nd July and left Vicksburg on the 23rd. On the 24th July (Sunday) we were fired into from the river bank at Caroline Landing by a Rebel Battery. They were posted in a bend of the river and as we came along, they opened on us with two 12 pounder howitzers and one 20 pounder Parrott. We were 45 minutes under fire and got about 75 shots into the boat. 3 shots went through the hull and one shell bursted in the hold. Beside the artillery, there was about 250 Rebel infantry pouring into us with their rifles. I never was in quite as close quarters. Our boat (the Clarabell) was found to be in a sinking condition when we got by the Battery, so we ran in on the opposite shore to repair the boat. Well as soon as we got to the shore all the boys got off the boat except the sick and wounded (no one was killed but several were wounded) and we were ordered up in fighting trim and had to leave all our stuff on the boat (knapsacks & clothing &c.). While we were off on shore, the miserable, contemptible Rebels moved their battery up opposite our boat and before they [we] could get the wounded off, commenced shelling the boat. The second or third shot knocked down the furnace on the boat & three minutes after she was in a blaze all over. One poor fellow who was badly wounded could not be got off the boat and he burnt to death. Do you think the Rebels have souls or hearts? ¹
That night we marched back to Skipwith’s Landing — a distance of 8 miles. I was just about exhausted. I lost most everything I had. I have to beg writing paper every time I write a letter. I lost all my photographs and that nice housewife Libbie & Louise made for me. I cannot sew on any more buttons. I feel very bad about my pictures and that housewife. Also that large comb mother gave me when I first come away from home. I shall do nothing about my Bounty. I will leave that for you to manage. I see that there is a call for 500,000 more. They had ought to take every able-bodied man from 18 to 50 years of age. I am glad the $300.00 commutation clause has played out. I want to see some of those good people of the North who are continually crying “War, War to the bitter end.” I want to see them come down here among us and help is with the pleasant little job. We would rather have their deeds prove to us their sincerity. I don’t like to hear them shoot so much with their mouths. Let them all shoulder a good U. S. musket and “face the music” of the death singing Minies and we will soon have peace upon honorable terms. We are all tired of this war but we don’t want a dishonorable peace. When peace is declared, it must be upon our terms. Such is the feeling of the army.
Well, I was going to tell you of my travels and I find I have digressed from my subject. We staid at Skipwith’s Landing two days and then embarked on the steamer Leviathan for up the river. The next day at noon we arrived at White River Landing and changed our quarters from the Leviathan to the steamer Saint Patrick. That night or afternoon we steamed up the White River till dark when we laid up for the night. The next day at 10 o’clock we got on to a sand bar and had to unload our boat before we got off. Laid by the sand bar all night. Finally the next day we got to Saint Charles, Arkansas. Here we stopped for a few days. One day & night it rained and we laid in the rain without any tent or anything else. I had one lousy blanket to cover myself with and I share[d] it with three other boys less fortunate.
About the 1st of August we started back here and got here tonight. I am well and tough, and feel very thankful that my life has been spared. Much love to all. We expect pay soon. When we get it, I will write oftener. Write to me often. Love to Mother & Libbie. Kiss little Carrie for me. Take good care of your health, Pa, and don’t work too hard. Write soon & direct letters as below.
Your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Co. E, 6th Michigan Vol. Heavy Artillery, Morganza, Louisiana
P. S. Only one man from Co. E was wounded & that one was my chum — Freeman Upham. He was wounded slightly in the heel. If the ball had went a half inch nearer, he would have lost his foot. You remember he was wounded badly in the arm at Port Hudson and now — poor fellow — he has got it in his foot.²
¹ The Clara Bell was attacked as she made her way around a bend in the White River by members of Cameron’s Battery (4th Louisiana Artillery) on 24 August 1864. The 9 August 1864 edition of the New York Times ran the following account of the destruction of the steamboat Clara Bell provided by a member of the boat’s crew:
“The steamer Clara Bell left Vicksburgh on Saturday July 23, with four companies of the Sixth Michigan Infantry, bound for White River. We passed on our journey until Sunday morning about 10:30 o’clock, when, opposite Ashton, we were opened upon with four pieces of artillery, supported by infantry, supposed to number about, five hundred. We were under the fire for about forty-five minutes. At one time the boat was reported sinking, and the whistle was blown and the bell rung as a token of surrender, when the firing ceased. When it was subsequently ascertained that the boat could be kept afloat, she was started ahead again, when the firing recommenced with terrible effect. The confusion on board was very great. Everybody rushed to the opposite side of the boat, and, with water in the hold, caused her to careen so as to become almost unmanageable, but was finally gotten out of range, with three shots through her below the water-line and any number above; but as the lower ones demanded our particular attention, we had very little time to count the other. Suffice to say, they were numerous.
We landed at Caroline Landing to repair damages and send across to Skipwith’s Landing for a gunboat, knowing that the battery would cross the point and be ready for us in the next bend above, or about Grand Lake. So we concluded it was best to send for assistance. The tin-clad No. Eleven, hearing the firing, came to up, but could do nothing, the rebels having the longest range guns, so she returned for the iron-clad Louisville, but before she could get there, the rebels brought their guns up on to the bar, opposite the boat, and opened on us again. Before they brought their guns in sight, however, they came out to the water’s edge three different times, as if wishing to communicate with us, which would not be allowed by the Colonel in charge of the troops on board. After that they ran their guns out on the bar, and opened so quick that no person had time to save anything. The officers and crew of the boat lost everything except what was on their backs. The firing was kept up until after the boat was in flames, caused by the bursting of a shell in the texas, when the rebels set up a shout, saying, “Remember Red River, Shreveport and Alexandria!” and stopped firing. They then moved their guns away.
At the first time we were opened on, thirteen soldiers were wounded, two mortally, one of whom I believe died; the other was burned with the boat. None of the crew were injured.”
² Freeman Upham (1842-1902) enlisted in Co. E, 6th Michigan Infantry at the age of 19 on 20 August 1861. This Regiment was later changed to the 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery, in July of 1863. He was promoted to full Corporal on April 27, 1865. He mustered out on Aug. 20, 1865, serving for exactly four years to the day, in the Civil War.
~ 20 ~
[Addressed to Miss E. E. Knause, Marshall, Calhoun Co., Michigan]
Camp 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery
Fort Gaines, “Mobile Bay” Alabama
August 24th 1864
My dear Libbie,
It has been quite a long time since I have had an opportunity of writing you & now I have no time to write. Oh I have such a heap of business accumulated. I wish I had a clerk. I will write to you & let the business drop for a few moments.
We left New Orleans about the 18th. I don’t remember the exact date & my memoranda is not handy (it was last Friday we left). Saturday we were knocking about in the Gulf on the Transport Steamer Suanee. We failed to make the blockading fleet before dark and in consequence were obliged to lay to all night — out of sight of land. We had a very rough night — the wind blowing almost a gale. I was perfectly at home and really enjoyed the huge rolling waves, though I knew we were in much peril — I could tell by the anxious looks of the Captain and Pilot. Sunday morning I was awakened by the cry of the lookout, “Land ho!” I got up and looked and could just discern a low black line which I suppose was wooded land. About 9 o’clock we got close in to shore and found that we were at Pensacola instead of Mobile. We had drifted by the Blockading fleet during the night. As soon as the Captain of the boat found out where we were, he put about and soon the grim walls of Fort Barrancas were out of sight astern. Sunday afternoon we came in sight of Mobile Bay. A white smoke hung over Fort Morgan & an occasional flash and report showed us our enemy. We took a Pilot aboard from a gunboat and ran down the channel which forms the entrance to the bay.
About 3 o’clock we came to an anchor just out of range of Fort Morgan and about one mile from Fort Gaines. Here we laid till dark when the steamer Planter came out to take me ashore. We were obliged to wait till after dark to land because the channel was right under the guns of Fort Morgan & if we attempted to get ashore by daylight, they might possibly have given us a few shots. In going ashore Sunday night, we got aground on a sand bar in easy range of Fort Morgan but they could not see me. We worked all night to get the old Planter off the bar and finally got her off but her steam pipes got stopped up with sand & we came very near being “blowed up.” At last we got to the pier where we were to land & lost no time in getting ashore and making up my bed in the sand. I was so completely exhausted that I nearly fainted with just the little exertion it required to spread my blanket.
About 8 o’clock Monday morning, I waked up and the first thing that saluted my ears was the heavy booming of our monitors. I got up, folded my blanket and went up on the fort where I could see & there our fleet and all the land batteries in the rear of Fort Morgan could be plainly seen and from appearances, I should judge they were making a grand attack. Monday night I witnessed the splendor of a bombardment and the inside of the fort all on fire. I never seen anything half as beautiful. I could see four or five mortar shells in the air at one time and they looked like shooting stars. Almost every shell would burst right in the fort and every little while one would burst in the fire there and send the sparks flying way up in the air. I staid up till about 2 o’clock and watched them, but I could not stay any longer — my eyes could not and would not stay open.
Tuesday morning the Johnnies hoisted a white rag and at two o’clock they made a formal surrender — one Brig. Gen’l [Richard Lucian] Page, who commands the fort, and five hundred men. ¹ I don’t know how many officers. The Rebels spiked all their cannon and destroyed all their powder after the surrender. Our flag now floats over Forts Morgan, Gaines, & Powell and all the entrance to Mobile is effectually closed. I heard that our regiment was to garrison Fort Morgan. You may expect soon to hear of the fall of Mobile. We have not lost over ten men from our side on land & have captured all the strongest places. We lost one monitor [the Tecumseh] and all her crew — about one hundred and fifty men from our Navy. To Admiral Farragut belongs all the honor of the capture of these forts. He came the same game over them he did at Forts Phillips and Jackson below New Orleans. He ran the gauntlet of their fire. I think he is the best fighting man in the United States and he is no politician.
Well, I won’t write any more about the news here for you will read more in the newspapers about it than I could tell you in a year.
I have a good time bathing in the salt water every day and all the oysters I can eat. I only weighed 125 pounds when I came here and I think I have gained ten pounds in five days.
About promotion, I think I stand a fair chance of being Sergeant Major in a few months for they can’t make their papers without me and I won’t clerk for them at Headquarters without they give me the position.
I got quite a large mail the day before I left New Orleans. I got eight letters. One from Lou, one from Frankie G., two from you, one from Gill Smith, one from Pa, one business letter, and one from Ada. Ada wrote me a splendid letter & she wanted me to correspond with her. I answered her letter immediately but I was in such a hurry and I had been up all night the night before, I fear I did not write as good a letter as I should have written. I also wrote to Lou because I knew you would hear from her that I was well. I answered Frankie G’s letter because she stated specially in her letter that she did not like a delinquent correspondent & she urged me to write as often as I could. She told me all about your visit to Battle Creek and she said you told her that you heard from me once a week. Says she wishes she had a brother like me. Thinks that I am a very good boy to write as often to you. I think I don’t write often enough to you and if I was where I could, I would write you twice a week.
If you can send me some postage stamps I wish you would do so for I have to beg now every time I write. I think Pa must have my Bounty by this time so you can send me $2 worth of stamps. You know I lost all I had — paper & everything else. So if Pa gets my Bounty, you can fix me up a small box & send it by Express to New Orleans, La. & I will send over for it by some of our officers. If you send a box, I will tell you what to put in it. I want 2 dark blue flannel shirts, about 4 lb. chewing tobacco — best fine cut. Pa can buy it & you can pack the box at home. One long portfolio — as long as this sheet of paper at least — and filled with about $5 worth of the best kind of paper.
[remainder of letter missing]
¹ On August 8, 1864, a 10,000 men and 200 cannon Union task force arrived to challenge Brig. Gen. Richard L. Page’s 400 men and 26 cannon Confederate force. Union task force staff summoned Page and told him to surrender; he replied that he would defend the fort to the end. Federal troops then moved their works closer to the outdated fort for the next two weeks. Then on August 22, 1864, heavy Union cannon fire replaced the lighter cannon fire of the previous two weeks. For the next 12 hours, 3,000 Union cannon shells were thrown at the fort. This Union cannon fire started some fires in the fort and threatened to ignite the Confederate powder magazine, and so the defenders put the powder kegs in the cisterns. On August 23 Brigadier General Richard Lucian Page unconditionally surrendered the fort because his troops had little usable gunpowder. Indignant, he broke his sword over his knee instead of surrendering his sword to the Federals. Page’s situation was further worsened when he was suspected of destroying munitions and works within the fort after he had agreed to surrender. [Wikipedia]
~ 21 ~
Camp 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery Vols.
Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island, Alabama
August 28th 1864
My dear folks at home,
Here we are encamped upon the sandy shores of Dauphin Island in the far off state of Alabama, Forts Morgan & Gaines in our possession, and the door of Mobile about half opened for us to enter. I saw our forces make a grand attack upon Fort Morgan and it was a grand sight. After dark the land batteries opened the ball and showered some eleven-inch shell down upon the devoted heads of the Johnnies. One shell containing Greek fire burst in the fort about 10 o’clock and soon we could see that it had set something afire. I sat and watched the mortar shells till about 2 o’clock A.M. and then I had to go to bed. I could not possibly keep my eyes open any longer. The next day the Rebs surrendered and spiked all their guns after the surrender was made — also wet & spoiled all their powder. Every man in our regiment thinks it is shameful and if they would only turn that Rebel general over into our boys hands, I fear they would have a hanging.
You may expect soon to hear of the capture of Mobile as we have got the two strongest forts there is in its vicinity.
Our regiment is to garrison the two forts (Morgan & Gaines). A rebel infernal machine — or torpedo — blew a boat all to pieces in the bay and killed three or four men of our forces. There is a gunboat here with a machine on it (called an Erickson devil) made for the purpose of picking up torpedoes. She has picked up several infernal machines already. ¹
I like this place here very well. I cannot say how well I shall like Fort Morgan. We are going to move over there sometime this week. I think I shall like it very well. I am very busy at present. I have the company muster & pay rolls to work on., besides the returns for clothing, camp, & garrison equipage to make. Then I have got the account of every man’s clothing to copy in the company clothing book & the company descriptive book to copy. Besides all this, I have to copy orders, make details, and write letters of transmittal & advice. Also to write letters to all of you at home. I am busy all my time and if my letter has many mistakes or the writing don’t look as good as usual, you will know why. I can’t stop to write long letters to anyone. I write the oftenest to [sister] Libbie and the longest letters because she has time and can write oftener to me & she can always tell you where I am and all about me. As soon as I get some of this business off my hands, I can write oftener to you and longer letters but at present it is almost impossible to write to anyone. I don’t no more than get down to write a letter before I have to put my letter aside and copy an order.
We expect soon to get our pay and I am going to send $100 to Libbie to keep for me and if anything happens so [brother] John don’t send the money to pay Butler, you can use the money I send home to pay him & give Libbie a mortgage or your note. I don’t care how long you use the money only so I could get it if I was ever in need of it. If you get that Bounty of Townsend, you can keep what you want to use & give the rest to Libbie. She will pay my debts and I have written to her if she gets money from you to send me a box. I expect to get $200 (two hundred dollars) Town Bounty. If you don’t get only one hundred ($100) dollars, I don’t want her to send the box I sent for.
Captain [Sylvester] Cogswell is soon to be Major of our regiment. ² He is the best friend I have in the regiment and I think that perhaps I can get home on recruiting service the first time a recruiting party is sent from the regiment. My promotion is a sure thing if nothing happens, but it will be some time before there will be a vacancy at Headquarters. Don’t say anything about this to Uncle Adam’s folks or to anyone but Libbie.
I am well and in fine spirits. If Libbie sends me a box, I don’t want her to send any shirts as I can get them here as cheap as you can at home & she need not send me a portfolio for I am going to the City as soon as I am paid & I will buy my portfolio there. Tell her not to send the box anyway till you hear from me again. You will help her fix up the box at home anyway and you can put in anything you please. I would like to have you put up a crock of grated horse radish for me but I don’t want you to spend too much time. I know you are as busy as you can be. I shall send you all some presents from New Orleans. When you see Grandma, remember me to her. Give my love to Uncle Adam’s folks and all inquiring friends. Much love to Mother and dear little Carrie. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Co. E, 6th Regt. Michigan Vols. Heavy Artillery, Fort Gaines, Dauphin Island, Ala.
[to] B. & T. Knause, Marshall, Calhoun Co., Michigan
P. S. Enclosed you will find a piece of the Rebel flag ³ that used to float over Fort Morgan. Keep it for a trophy. — Frank
¹ For a good description of the John Ericsson invention, see The “Devil” or the Ericsson Obstruction Remover, as you prefer. A letter written by Admiral David Farragut to Secretary of the Navy Wells on 29 August 1864 described the efforts being made to clear the torpedoes from the entrance of Mobile Bay though he does not mention the use of the device. In the letter he provided the names of the five seamen who were killed and the nine seamen wounded by the explosion of one of the ten torpedoes that were being “removed to the shore.”
² Sylvester Cogswell entered the service as First Lieutenant of Co. E, 6th Michigan Infantry on 19 June 1861. He was promoted to Captain of Co. E on 18 October 1861, and was promoted to Major of the regiment on 23 August 1864.
³ Unfortunately this letter no longer includes the remnant of the Rebel flag that flew over Fort Morgan just prior to the fort’s surrender. That tokens of the flag were kept by Union soldiers is confirmed by the existence of a “flag relic” from Fort Morgan that was recently sold at auction. That relic was authenticated by a note from Fleet Surgeon James C. Palmer who claimed it as a token.
~ 22 ~
Headquarters 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery
Fort Morgan, Alabama
September 7 [1864]
My dear folks at home,
I received a letter from you just after I had sent you my last which was about a week ago. I was very much surprised to learn that you had not received more letters from me. I have written to you as often as once in every two weeks and sometimes oftener than that but I cannot write so often now for the following reasons. My postage stamps have most give out and we are not paid & no money in the Pay Department at New Orleans to pay us so I can get no stamps — only what I beg from the boys. My second reason is no time. I always have had plenty of time but for the past week or two, I have been up to my eyes in business. You see the Sergeant Major was taken sick about the time the monthly press of business came at the Adjutant’s Office and there is no one in the regiment who understands the business but Frank. Well, I went to help them and done all the work of a clerk for the company at the same time. I tell you, you can not imagine the perplexity and trouble, but I have mastered it all and I have got through the worst press. I like to be just as busy as a bee for when I am busy & my mind is occupied, I am quite happy.
Well, here we are at Fort Morgan and I guess we will stay here for one while. We have been ordered to garrison Forts Morgan and Gaines and I guess we will garrison Fort Powell also. I cannot say truthfully that this is a pleasant place, but I like it very well because it is very healthy. Far as the eye can reach in one direction stretches the ocean & in the other direction, I can see nothing but white sand banks in drifts, like I have seen snow drifted in the North. Along down the beach are stretched soldier camps in front of our camp and on the extreme point of land that extends into the Gulf is Fort Morgan. This fort has been the scene of five battles. It was built by the Spanish a great many years ago. It was captured from the Spaniards by Frenchmen, then retaken by the Spaniards. In 1833, the Americans built the present fort which was taken by the Rebels at the commencement of this rebellion and now is retaken by our gallant Navy and Army. We do not apprehend an attack from the Rebels. For my part, I feel just as secure here as I would at home. We have not moved into the fort yet but expect to move in as soon as the rubbish is removed.
I am in splendid health and pretty good spirits. And now I want to tell you something that I don’t want you to tell anyone but Libbie. I am acting Sergeant Major and have helped the Colonel out of a bad place and I have been very highly recommended to the Col. [Charles E. Clarke] for a commission. My recommend was Capt. [Sylvester] Cogswell. The Col. has not said yet whether he would recommend me to the Governor of the State but Capt. is working to gain this end. Capt. is my firm friend and I know he will do all for me what can be done. Now I have only a faint chance for promotion and can not hope for much. Therefore, I don’t want it mentioned for I may be disappointed. Capt. told me that he had forwarded a recommendation to the Governor of the State but his recommend will not get me a commission without being supported by the Col. and he [the Col.] thinks that he ought to promote his sergeants first. I think I will get a commission before the war ends anyway.
We have Rebel news direct from Mobile which says Atlanta is taken and Gen. Sherman has moved on beyond that place to Jonesborough or Jonesburg. Write to me as often as you can. I am going to buy John’s share of the place. Will you give me an estimate of what you think he has expended on it. Much love to Mother and Uncle Adam’s folks. Remember me to Grandma. Love to Libbie and all the rest. Kiss little Carrie for me. I shall send home some money to Libbie as soon as paid. Also some money to help you along.
I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Co, E, 6th Mich. Vols. Heavy Artillery, Fort Morgan, Alabama
~ 23 ~
Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, Alabama
October 4th 1864
My dear folks at home,
I wrote to you week before last and since then have had no letter from you but our mail has been very irregular and I suppose you have written me a letter as usual so I will write you a short letter while I have time. I am in good health and pretty good spirits. Have plenty writing to do and am so busy during the day time that I hardly stop to eat my meals. I think I wrote to you about my being recommended by the Col. for a commission in the regiment. We have not heard of the recommendations yet but the probable chances are good. Capt. [Sylvester] Cogswell is well. He has just received a commission as Major and we will have a new Captain.
About the box of things I sent for, I expected you would get the full bounty and would have plenty of money to work with. But I did not calculate to have you send anything and I don’t want anything if you did not get the $300.00. I would like very well to be home to help you this winter and then if the good Lord spares my life, I expect to be home. This war can not last one year longer. The Rebels are completely disheartened. Up to Mobile, the Rebel soldiers have mutinied and one whole regiment of Rebs ran away into a swamp — called the “Nigger Swamp” — and as fast as the Rebel authorities go there after them, the mutineers shoot them down. It is thought here that we could take possession of Mobile without a fight. A Rebel general in the rear of Baton Rouge is just about to surrender his whole force. He says he thinks “the Confederacy is about played out.” I think so too, don’t you? Well, I must stop and go to bed. If nothing happens to prevent (God willing), I shall write you a long letter next week when I get yours. Write as often as you can. Much love to you all. Kiss the little one for me.
Your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knauss
Co. E, 6th Mich. Hy. Arty., Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, Alabama
P. S. I heard that the paymaster was on his way here. As soon as we are paid, I will send you the $30.00 you wanted. I will send the money by mail, I guess. Write soon. Affectionately your son, — Frank
~ 24 ~
[Addressed to Miss E. E. Knause, Marshall, Calhoun Co., Michigan]
Fort Morgan, Alabama
November 12th 1864
My dear Libbie,
It has been some time since I heard from you and something must be the matter or I know you would not remain silent so long as you have. I am beginning to get impatient to hear from you and the money I sent home. I sent $40.00 by Express to Marshall in Father’s name with directions to him to give you $20.00 for your use. Then on or about the 18th of October I sent you $5.00 in a letter. I feel easy enough regarding the money sent by Express but the money I sent by mail I guess was lost as the mail that my letters went in was robbed between here and New Orleans. I sent by mail $13.00 as follows — $5.00 to you for some photographs, $4.00 to [sister] Mary for [her children] Willie & Lizzie’s pictures, $2.00 to Father for a present to little Carrie, $2.00 to [brother] John for his and [his girlfriend] Matt’s pictures and some postage stamps. Besides all the above I sent $1.00 for a friend of mine to John for postage stamps. If the mail was actually robbed, I will lose $14.00. I hope you will get the money all right, however. It is not known how many letters were robbed.
I am as well as usual — still very busy — and continue at headquarters as clerk. I have been on the Election Board for the last week but finished up yesterday. Our Regiment voted as follows: 346 for Lincoln and 23 for McClellan. Battery G, 1st Michigan Light Artillery stationed at Navy Cove went 87 for Lincoln and 6 for McClellan. I mention this because it will give you an idea how soldiers vote. I and a young fellow from Battle Creek by the name of Joseph Weeks were clerks for the election and I must say I never want to be clerk for another election — especially where 19 different counties are represented. I never had such a job in all my life. Of course I voted for Lincoln.
Major [Sylvester] Cogswell still remains here picking up evidence to be used in his case. Our Lieut. Col. is now under an arrest for being absent two days without leave and I would not be much surprised if they dismissed him for this trivial offense. If Lieut. Col. Clark comes in command again, I understand that I am to be recommended for Adjutant of the Regiment. But if on the contrary he is dismissed, I shall lose with him all hopes of a higher grade. I am pretty well satisfied to remain as I am — a private — because I know that I am capable of a higher office and I know that all the regiment knows the same thing and as long as everybody knows that, I am honorable and deserving. I had as soon be a private on short pay & poor rations with my character all right as to be a 2nd Lieutenant in fear of dismissal and ruination.
Yesterday I witnessed for the first time in my life a military execution, and such a sad solemn sight I never wish to witness again. The condemned man’s name was John Carroll. ¹ He was an Irishman — I should judge about 40 years of age and about 5 feet 7 inches tall. At 11 o’clock A.M., our regimental line was formed and as the brigade to which we belong came marching by, we took our position in the centre of the brigade and marched to the grave yard where the execution took place. When we arrived there, we were formed in a hollow square thus [sketch] and ordered to open ranks twenty paces to the rear which left us in nearly this shape. The small mark [sketch] indicating the grave of the condemned man. At 12 M. the procession came in view. First the Officer in charge of the execution, next the detail who were to execute the man, next came the prisoner in a cart, looking as calm and unconcerned as nothing unusual was going to happen. On each side of the cart walked a guard. To the rear of the cart came the chaplain [and] the company to which the prisoner belonged bringing up the rear. A band of martial music lead the whole procession.
The course taken by the procession I will mark [arrow] and then you can get an idea. The front rank faced about and he passed all the way round the square so that all soldiers could get a fair sight at him. All the time the martial music with muffled drums beating a continuous roll inspired the ranks with a shivering kind of awe.
At the place marked this [sketch]. The cart halted and the prisoner jumped out lightly. (I forgot to mention in the procession the pall bearer six men just ahead of the cart with a pine coffin on their shoulders.) The bearers deposited the coffin a little in front and to one side of the grave (marked +). The platform from our regiment detailed to shoot the man grounded arms and marched to the front facing the prisoner and the chaplain preached the funeral sermon. While the chaplain was preaching, the guns of the detail were loaded. As soon as the sermon & prayer were over, the detail resumed arms, the prisoner took his last look on earth, and then kneeled on his coffin. His eyes were bandaged, the commands were given in quick succession and a rattling volley told us that he (the prisoner) was no more of earth.
Nine bullets pierced him — three of them going through his heart. We closed ranks, faced to the right, and filed around by the body. I have often read of military executions but I never realized one half the horror in reading it — it is brutal. The man that was shot yesterday declared his innocence to the last and certainly he did not act as though guilty of a crime. He was charged with shooting a woman and being ringleader in a riot at Brownsville, Texas. Whiskey was at the bottom of the affair.
Well, my letter must come to a close. Give my love to Lou, Jennie, and uncle’s folks. Write to me soon and don’t forget the photographs, and my housewife. I want you to be sure and make me a nice housewife and put in a fine pair of scissors, stock it well with buttons, thread, pins & needles.
Do not forget the photographs for they are my company and such a comfort.
I received four quires of paper and two packages of envelopes you sent me for which I am very much obliged to you. Please do write to me oftener and when you have no paper to write on go and buy some and I will pay for it when we are paid off. I will help you right yourself and set you all straight in pecuniary matters.
With much love, I remain as ever, your affectionate brother, — Frank B. Knause
Co. E, 6th Michigan H. A., Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, Alabama
¹ John Carroll served in Co. D, 20th Wisconsin Infantry. He was executed on 11 November 1864 by firing squad. [Source: Civil War Union Soldiers Executed] A book entitled, Order of Execution” by Dennis R. Moore published in 2006 chronicles the trial and execution of John Carroll — an illiterate Irish Catholic who was placed under arrest on 20 November, 1863, while serving as part of the provost guard of the occupied city of Brownsville, Texas. Ten days later, he stood trial before a court martial tribunal without the benefit of an attorney to aid him in his defense. He was quickly convicted by a mostly Protestant officers tribunal and sentenced to death. It was a year before he was finally executed.
~ 25 ~
Fort Morgan, Alabama
November 15th 1864
My dear Father,
It has been some time since I could say I had time to write. I have not much time now but I shall write you as much as I can. I got a letter from you on the 11th but I was very busy on the Election Returns. I was clerk for election and as we have some 18 different counties represented, you may imagine what a job I had. We had to write out every candidate something like this:
For Sheriff (or whatever the office) of ____ County, there were one hundred ballots cast of which John Doe received fifty votes and Richard Roe fifty votes.
I never see so much writing. Well, we worked at it steadily till it was all done. Our regiment cast three hundred and sixty-nine ballots of which there were 346 republican votes and 23 McClellan votes. The 7th Michigan Battery or Battery “G,” 1st Michigan Light Artillery, cast ninety-three ballots of which Lincoln received 87 and McClellan received 6 votes. The boys were all peaceable and came up to the polls with sober faces. I tell you that we — the soldiers — realize the importance of re-electing Abraham.
We have all sorts of rumors down here. I will mention one or two of them. First, we heard this morning that McClellan had carried six states. Second, we hear that Generals Grant, Sheridan, and Weitzel have been whipped and their respective commands cut to pieces and all but dispersed. Don’t you think we are encouraged by such pleasant news?
I am well and as tough as a brick. My health is excellent and spirits “ditto.” I begin to see an end to this war and if the Lord spares us, I think that in about one year from now we will all be at home. I have been expecting a commission from the state but I am not particular about it — only for one reason. If I should get a commission, I could procure my discharge and then after I got home, I think I would not muster on my commission. I have staid about long enough in the service and I want to come home and stay with you now and help you. I know if I was home, you would not work so hard, nor Mother either. I think I would make a change in the programme about the place. I don’t think [brother] John will attempt to sell out to any person outside of the family. If he ever tries any such thing, he will hear from me. Grove Garden shall never leave our family. You bought it for a home and it shall be all yours while you live and I hope that you will be spared to enjoy it many long years yet. The place never shall go into stranger’s hands while I have life, health, and a pair of hands. It may be that I can buy it of John in the course of a year or so, and I would just as soon put my money into the place as to put it into any bank because I know that any amount of money could be invested there with safety.
Give my love to Mother & Carrie. Kiss the little one for me & when you write, let me know if you got the money I sent you by mail $2.00 for Carrie. Love to Libbie. Write soon & direct as before to your affectionate son, — Frank
~ 26 ~
Fort Morgan [Alabama]
December 7th 1864
My Dear folks at home,
Though I do not feel very well today, I feel as though I must write you a few words if no more to let you know that I still remember you and think of you. I have been quite sick but not so sick as to go to the hospital. I am feeling much better today and if I get no additional cold, I will be as tough as ever in a few days. There is nothing of any importance to write about. All is quiet here. I am again in the Adjutant’s Office as Clerk and I have plenty of writing to do when I feel like work.
We have news of the election of Father Abraham and we feel very thankful to think that it is as it is. I believe that if McClellan had been elected on the Chicago Peace Platform that the country would have gone to the dogs or it would have caused a bitter war at the North. I am happy when I think of our great victory at the polls, and taken in conjunction with Sherman’s brilliant movement into the heart of the so-called Southern Confederacy, I think that it must be the beginning of the end. All the news we have goes to show that they are despairing and it needs but a few more blows to finish them completely. Even now we hear of “internal dissensions” in this model new Government. I am waiting patiently. I know the day can not be far distant when we shall rise from this, our trouble, and become the first nation on the face of the earth.
I earnestly believe that a year from today will see the Volunteers of the Army discharged and on their way home. The Government is now recruiting soldiers for the Regular Army from the volunteer regiments. Quite a good many from our regiment talk of enlisting in the Regular Army. As for myself, I think I have seen enough of soldiering and I can be contented to settle down for life. I am satisfied that I have done my duty to the best of my ability and when the Government needs my services no longer, I can enjoy citizen life with greater pleasure knowing that I have suffered and denied myself many comforts to support the government.
When we whip the Rebs and peace (an honorable peace) is proclaimed upon the basis of Union, I guess the Cops [Copperheads] will feel a little ashamed of their violence. I am sorry that [brother] John is mixed up with the Copperhead Party, but I think he has a right to his opinion and so long as he honestly thinks the Democratic Party in the right, he is justified in voting their ticket. I voted for Abraham Lincoln and I think my party in the right of course. But if McClellan had been elected, I should have felt myself bound to support him and the laws he might have made.
Well I must close for I want this to go in today’s mail. Write to me often. I try to write to you as often as once in two weeks. Give my respects to all who inquire.
Much love to Mother and Libbie. Kiss little Carrie for me. Don’t work too hard in the cold weather and get sick. Write to me often. I remain as ever, your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Address: Adjutant’s Office, 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery, Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, Ala.
~ 27 ~
Fort Morgan, Alabama
December 23d 1864
My dear folks at Home,
Having a little spare time, I will write you a few lines. I am pretty well and in pretty fair spirits, but I am not satisfied with the way my mail comes to me. I have not had a letter from [sister] Libbie nor one from you for some time owing to the fact I suppose of my being detached from my company.
Co. E has now got marching orders and will leave Fort Gaines for Mobile tonight or tomorrow morning. I still remain at Mobile Point (Fort Morgan) and I guess I am likely to stay here so that in future you will be very careful in directing my letters to me in the following way. Adjutant’s Office, Headquarters 6th Regiment Michigan Heavy Artillery, Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, Alabama. I may be ordered to rejoin my company but in case of such an event, I will let you know immediately. The Captain commanding my company wants me back in the company and he will do all he can to get me returned to my company. I think I would prefer staying here to tramping around the country, but as a soldier it is my duty to rejoin and remain with my company if I am ordered to do so by the proper authority.
The officer commanding the regiment orders me to stay here and here I am going to stay till I am ordered back by some general. Be very careful in directing your letters so that I may get them. Our mail is very irregular at the best, but when it comes, I like to hear from you. We heard tonight that General Sherman had taken Savannah. I sincerely hope this may be true. Mobile can not hold out a great while if besieged with any vigor. There are only 5,000 troops at Mobile and they are principally militia. Deserters from there come in almost every day and surrender themselves to our forces here. They are much surprised at out treatment of them and say that they supposed we would force them into our army as soon as they came inside of our lines. Their officers have told them this story and they believed it. Both refugees and deserters write in saying that there is much suffering at Mobile and the approach of our army will be hailed with joy.
You mentioned in some letters that you were going to send me some papers, I have received none yet.
The weather here for the past two days has been very cold. We have been having one of those keen Norther’s peculiar to the Southern Sea Coast. Today it has been freezing all day long. Tonight it is somewhat warmer.
I am in a hurry tonight or I would write you a longer letter. You must take good care of your health and not expose yourself unnecessarily. A Happy New Year to you all. Much love to Mother and a kiss for Carrie. Love to Libbie. Love to you all. Write soon and often.
I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Adjts. Office, Headquarters 6th Mich Regiment Heavy Artillery, Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, Ala.
~ 28 ~
Fort Morgan, Alabama
December 28, 1864
My Dear folks at Home,
Tonight it is cold and uncomfortable out of doors but I have good shelter and I trust I am duly thankful for the same. I do not feel much like writing tonight but I want to write you one more letter in good old 1864.
The past year has sped rapidly, bringing its joys and sorrows. Do you realize that I have been a Veteran for most one year! I never knew time to pass away so rapidly as the last four months have gone. I suppose the reason of its passing so quickly is because I have been very busy the greater part of the time and I have not many idle hours to sit and mope and regret my re-enlistment. I am now studying phonography or in other words, short hand writing such as is used by newspaper reporters. If I succeed in mastering this study, I will have a trade worth at least $75.00 per month to me. To be sure, I would not expect to work at it unless I should be forced to. I think some of studying for the law if I live and nothing happens.
My health is generally good but at the same time I think real hard farm work would not agree with me. I don’t think I could get toughened to it, and then after all, Pa, a profession is so much better than a trade. I have about given up all ideas of getting a commission in the Army, for I think that the war will close before a year rolls around. Everything looks encouraging and I am pretty sure that the Rebels cannot hold out more than one year longer. I think if the Lord spares my life that next Christmas will find me at home with you.
The expedition that started from here some time ago are twelve miles out from Pascagoula and about sixty miles from Mobile. They have captured one million feet of good lumber which I guess was the principal object of the expedition. Rumor says they are fortifying Pascagoula for [a] base to work from in the future. There is not such a large force there as was supposed to be there in the first (I mean U. S. forces). I learned from good authority that our entire force there only numbered about 6,000. If such is the case, no attack on Mobile will be made.
The force that left Pensacola on a raid has returned. The cavalry force from Baton Rouge have also gone back. I suppose all these great demonstrations were merely to keep a large Rebel force at Mobile to prevent them from bothering Sherman on his way to the coast. None of the troops that went on the expedition from here have returned yet. Therefore, we do not know for certain whether this is an advance on Mobile or only a feint.
[On] Christmas day a number of the soldiers here got on quite a spree which terminated sadly to one of their number by the name of [John] Flood [of Co. G]. This young man was on guard duty at the wharf. The night was dark and stormy but soldiers are never excused from duty on account of bad weather. At 9 o’clock he was posted and left alone in a maudlin state, about half oblivious as to where he was. When the guard was to be changed, Flood could not be found anywhere. It was thought he had crawled away to some warm place and went to sleep. Nothing was heard of him till this morning when his body washed ashore. He had been drowned — probably fell off from the wharf and was too cold to struggle or call for help. Poor fellow. He had served two years & nine months of his time and in three months more would have been discharged. He was a good soldier — that is, he always done his share of the duty.
Well, it is time to close this letter. Please write to me often. Much love to Mother & Libbie. Kiss for little Carrie. My respects to all inquiring friends. Write soon. Take good care of your self. Tell Libbie to write. Be sure and address my letters as below.
I remain your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Adjutant’s Office, 6th Regt. Mich. Heavy Arty., Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, Alabama
[to] B & T. Knause, Marshall, Calhoun county, Michigan
29th Dec. All well and feeling pretty good. No mail from any of you yet. — Frank
~ 29 ~
[Addressed to Miss E. E. Knause, Marshall, Calhoun Co., Michigan]
Fort Morgan, Alabama
January 4th 1864 [1865]
Dear Libbie,
I have nothing much to write about today but I suppose I must write my usual weekly letter to you, even if I get none from you. I know you have written to me but your letters are delayed somewhere and I have not heard from you since December 12th ’64. Do you wonder at my finding fault. We look for a mail today and I look for a letter from you, if from no one else. I have had only 3 letters since Dec. 12th. One from Father and two from Willie Sweet. Rather dull holidays for me, I assure you. I expected to be very busy this week on our regimental returns but we have not got to work on them yet because five companies of the regiment are away on that expedition and we have no way of communicating with them. When the aforesaid expedition left this place, it was rumored that they were to join a large force at Pascagoula and then proceed to Mobile. Yesterday a steamer came from Pascagoula and reported the expedition as engaged in procuring lumber and rafting it down Pascagoula River to the ocean. The Post Quartermaster says that our boys have had two or three insignificant skirmishes.
The officers here at Mobile Point got up a Grand Ball on Monday evening and the city of Pilot Town furnished the females for the occasion. The ladies were to be brought down here on a platform car, drawn by a mule. Just after Old Sol had hid his head in the West, a few shivering, awe inspired privates might have been seen standing near the place where this bevy of beautiful females were to stop. After vainly waiting for the space of an hour or more, our expectations were raised to their highest pitch (for I was among the number awaiting a sight of the famous females) by the sound of a series of loud guffaws, and sure enough, in a few moments emerging from behind a sand hill they came, on foot — indian file — and such a sight as burst upon our bewildered vision. Imagine for a moment twenty women — the fleshiest one about as “fat as a match” — with their faces, some of them long and some of them short, but not a round faced one amongst the lot. I assure you, it has never been my good luck to look upon such a lot of parchment-skinned, lantern-jawed, toothless, grey-headed, spindle-limbed, old horridens among these civilized, highly educated, chivalrous, patterns of the human race who inhabit this Sunny South. I can describe them no better. They made their entree on foot for the reason that some of the shoddy wearing humans, known and commonly designated “Privates” had placed obstructions on the track.
Jan. 6th 1865
I was interrupted in my letter on the 4th and I have waited in hopes we would get a mail & I would hear from you but no mail has come yet and I will finish my letter to you & write again soon. I am well & in fair spirits. Give my love to all inquiring friends. Please send me some postage stamps if possible. Write soon. Love to our folks. Yours as ever.
Brother Frank
~ 30 ~
Fort Morgan, Alabama
January 15, 1865
My dear folks at home,
Your letter of Dec. 28th 1864 has just come to hand and I am very happy to hear from you to hear that you are rid of that pest — Fan Mensch. You must have had a letter from me long before this time. I am well and I have never thought of re-enlisting in the Regular Army. A soldier’s life is a dog’s life at the best, and I know it. I shall stay my time out in my regiment and then, if my life is spared, I am ready to come home and begin life. So far my efforts have not been crowned by success but then I have not been so much of a spendthrift as some of the boys that I know of. I might have done better since I have been a soldier and I hope to do better in future.
About the breeding mare, I am glad that you will keep one for me because I want one, and and soon as we are paid off, I will send you what money I can spare to buy one. My expenses here have amounted to over $60.00 since last pay day. I have indulged myself in several unnecessary comforts which I would not have done if I had thought that I would stand in need of such much money. I bought myself seven yards of Navy flannel to have a coat made. The flannel cost me $7.00. The cutting, trimming, & making costs $4.00 more. Thus you see for one article of comfort, I pay $11.00. I buy myself a pound of butter once in a while an pay 80 cents for every pound. Occasionally a mince pie for 40 cents, a plug of tobacco $1.50. A pair of shirts, which cost me $8.00. Washing at the rate of 30 cents per week, and besides all these little expenses, comes my mess bill &c. If I had lived entirely on government rations and not bought myself any clothing decent to wear, I might have been so much ahead. I manage to save my Bounty every time and I shall try and save some of my wages.
I expect a better place soon where my wages will be $26.00 instead of $16.00. The only trouble with me is this — when I am around among the officers and coming into daily contact with them, I will be looking as neat as possible, and even soap costs money. Well, the Tattoo is beating and I must say good night and finish in the morning. — Frank
Monday evening, January 16th 1865
Have passed a very agreeable day today. I had an invitation to go out to Sand Island for a pleasure ride. Capt. Stark and a few of us (two more beside myself) went. I enjoyed the trip very much because I am confined to the office so closely that the rolling motion of the boat was delightful.
Last night we had considerable excitement here in the Fort. It was occasioned by a part of sailors from the monitor Chickasaw. The sailors got drunk and went to shouting, fighting, singing &c. and when Col. Clark ordered them to desist and go on board their boat, they refused and gave him saucy words instead of obedience. The Provost Marshal then ordered our guard to arrest the ringleaders. The arrest was made but it took some stubborn blows to force them into the Guard House.
After they got in to the Guard Quarters, they drove the guards out of the house and threw bricks at our boys. Human nature could not stand such abuse, as the sailors heaped on our boys, and the Officer of the Day finally gave the order to “load at will” and fire upon them when they got too saucy. At the first opportunity, our boys put a couple of bullets in amongst them and after that they were quiet enough till all at once they had a big fire blazing on the floor of the casement and there was a ton of powder just in the next casement to them & connected with this room by a wooden door. We were thus placed in jeopardy by a lot of drunken, foolish men. The fire was quenched before any damage was done. At 12 o’clock in the night, the officers of the Chickasaw sent off a Guard of Marines and we sent the unruly sailors aboard.
Well, Pa, I have written you all I could think about. Now I want to speak of [sister] Libbie. As soon as her school is out, she must go East. No use of thinking about her staying in Marshall any longer. As long as she stays there, she will be subjected to all manner of mean things, and if she is removed now she will feel much better. Since I have heard of this very last attack on her, I have been nearly crazy. I can bear sickness, fatigue &c. very well, but I cannot bear the thought of you at home suffering. I have written to John telling him all about Libbie’s affairs and I asked him to advise her. I am so far away that it is almost useless for me to attempt to advise her anything.
Well, I must close. Give my love to Mother & Libbie. Kiss for Carrie and tell her Frankie will come home as soon as possible. Don’t fear that I will re-enlist in the Regulars — I can’t see the point — not for forty furloughs and fifty bounties on top of them. I am all right. If I live to get home, I will stay there. Write to me real often.
With much love and many thanks for your “Happy New Year’s.”
I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Adjutant’s Office, 6th Michigan H. A., Fort Morgan, Alabama
~ 31 ~
Fort Morgan, Alabama
January 24, 1865
Dear Libbie,
This is the 5th letter for this month and as it is to be an extra, I fear it will not be a very good one. I am well and in pretty fair spirits and hope that you are feeling better than you did feel some time ago. When you write me again, tell me how near your school is to an end — or in other words, about what time you will be released from your chains. I hope for your own sake that you have not got a great while longer to stay in Michigan — especially in that lonesome neighborhood, because I know you will have the blues a good share of the time you stay there. I am sorry that you cannot stay there longer on Father’s account. You know that it is much better to have some of us near him but then it won’t do for you to stay there any longer. I am sorry that you ever thought of remaining in Marshall but then what has happened cannot now be helped and perhaps it is all for the best. As for Vernor, you must forget him entirely. Never acknowledge even to yourself that he has caused you any regret. As soon as your school is out, you will take what money you have and go to Frankfort & live with [sister] Mary and stay with her until you get yourself a situation. Don’t give an inch for anyone. Keep up good courage. I will help you.
I will tell you what I wish to do in the Spring or on next pay day. I want to send Father about $125.00 to buy a horse & if I do send that much to him, I cannot send you any money. Now the question in my mind is whether you will need the money, or any money. I want you to tell me honestly, if you can possibly get along till I can send —- just here I was interrupted —– you some money from my next pay after my next pay. Can you get at the meaning of that obscure sentence?
Now I will tell you the cause of my interruption last night (today is the 25th). I heard a loud murmuring sort of a noise and upon going to the door I heard a body of soldiers upon the march singing the chorus to the John Brown song. The night was clear and cold and the music seemed at the time exquisite. The words as we go marching on were — at least seemed to be — very appropriate. As the song was concluded I heard some of the boys say, “There comes our boys home from the expedition,” and sure enough, it was the five companies from our regiment. Of course I had to visit the boys of Co. “E.” Well now, who do you think enquired for me at Pascagoula? Scuyler Montgomery, my old desk mate at the Marshall Union. I would have been very happy to have met him. He came to the company and asked for Sergeant Major Knause. Who could have known anything about me, or who could have told him that I was Sergt. Major?
You know the story that was published about Oscar Burgess that you wrote me about. Burgess thinks that I started the story & that I wrote the letter that was published. I want Father to take the enclosed specimen of my handwriting and satisfy Burgess’s people that I am innocent of such contemptible tricks as that. I have tried to be a friend to Burgess but he has repelled every advance I have made toward friendship. Oscar was young and a good many of he boys tried to abuse him. I took his part because he was the weaker party.
While the company was at Pacagoula they got a mail & among the letters & papers there were 3 papers for me and at least one letter of which they managed to lose and I am minus the documents. One of the boys says, “Two of the papers were Marshall Statesman & one a Frank Leslie’s” that George White sent me from Marshall. The letter was postmarked Battle Creek and was directed in a “lady’s hand.” I know who the letter was from and am sorry that it got lost.
Well, again, Libbie, when you go to New York State, I want to advise you on one point. When you ask [brother] John for anything, ask him for advice rather than money, When you need money, send to me. If I have not got any, I will borrow some and send to you. You will remember that John is about to be married and you know a wife or a husband has much to do, in a case of sisterly or brotherly love. I will not get married till I see you snugly settled anyway & it may be that I will never marry. At the best, I am not crazy to get married. You may defend your sex to the best of your ability but I honestly think that not one woman in twenty is worth ten cents. It is as much as I can do to think decently of some women in Marshall. There is a few, indeed, that I respect and love, among them is Jennie, Lou, Mrs. Hattie C., and a few people of that sort. As for girls near my age, I have concluded to drop them all but Frankie Greene. I like to correspond with her because her letters are not copied love letters and she does not write much about love — bah!
Well, my letter is drawn out to about the usual length and I will close. I wrote to Father on the 16th & will write again tomorrow eve, if nothing happens. Don’t get to feeling discouraged and try to be as happy & contented as you can. With very much love to Father, Mother, Carrie and yourself, also to inquiring friends, I remain as ever, affectionately, your brother — Frank B. Knause
Adjutant’s Office, 6th Michigan H. A., Fort Morgan, Mobile Point, Alabama
~ 32 ~
[Addressed to Miss E. E. Knause, Marshall, Calhoun Co., Michigan]
Fort Morgan, Alabama
February 1865
My dear folks at home,
It has been a long time since I last wrote you, not having written since January 13th 1865, but I have been just as busy as I could be in making out Returns and Reports of one kind and another. And as I wrote to [sister] Libbie regularly once a week, I knew that you would hear from me through her letters. I have scarcely time to eat my meals. It is nothing but work, work, and write, write from morning till night, and all the pay I get is growls and curses. But then I don’t mind it much. I have only two years more to serve at the longest and perhaps we may be discharged sooner. In my opinion this war is nearly played out and when Gen. Sherman gets possession of Branchville and the Johnnies are compelled to evacuate Charleston and Richmond, then we can begin to calculate on coming home in time to help you in your work. By the way, Pa, I have got lots of things to talk about and can never think of one half of them to write them.
I am well and in pretty good spirits, firstly. Nextly I hope that you are (all of you at home) well and enjoying yourselves. I got a letter from [brother] John last night containing an invitation to his wedding, which he says is to take place on the 22d inst. at the residence of the Bride’s people. John also mentioned that he thought some of going to Brazil to work if the company would give him $10.00 per day. Query. Why does John think of leaving his wife so soon after marriage? Now I have been thinking all along that he would be happier married than single but I fear that he is doing a wrong thing. Well, I don’t know anything about it and so will say no more about it. I have not heard from [sister] Mary in a month and I have had no letters from Libbie or from you in about three weeks. You must write regularly to me — one a week or once in two weeks — but do not expect to hear from me as often as that unless I get some more stamps soon. I must tell you of some recommendations that the present commanding officer has made for commissioned officers of the regiment.
Capt. M. of Co. B requested him to recommend myself and a musician by the name of Hall but the Col. said that he would recommend no one but non-commissioned officers of the regiment. So you see I am subjected to the mortification of seeing stupid ignoramuses who know not how to spell their own names correctly and write their names in this way X — men whom I know to be my inferiors and for whom I am obliged to write letters &c. Well I am glad I have no more than two years to serve. There goes the bugle for “Taps” so goodnight. I will finish tomorrow if I have time. I’m going to write as long as the Col. sits up but when he gets up then I must come to an abrupt close.
Is Libbie still annoyed by the P– affair? I hope she is enjoying herself. I heard that Mr. P– gave a concert in Marshall — and Libbie attended. I infer from that that she has resumed her good spirits and takes matters cool as she should. She must go to New York State when her school term is out for she will have no peace in Michigan as long as she lives near Marshall. Today has been a calm and very pleasant, sunshiny, warm day. Heretofore we have had some very severe weather. Most all of this week there has been a norther blowing and it was disagreeable in the extreme.
Prices are very high at present in this vicinity. Butter is only 80 cts per pound and the price of a pair of boots is almost fabulous — $15.00 being the very lowest price for them.
February 12th 1865. As I told you last evening I was obliged to come to a short stop. I have been reading this letter over and I find I have made a good many mistakes, but you will overlook them I know, for this has all been written after a hard days work and I am tired and disgusted with writing and have no heart to take pains, and make my letters look nice. Notwithstanding today has been Sunday, I have been busy every moment.
Our forces are concentrating at this point and we are looking for a combined movement on Mobile from this place and Pensacola. It is not known for certain, yet, whether our regiment is to take the field this spring as infantry or whether we are to remain quietly in good quarters for the summer.
Well, I think I have written you quite a long letter and as it is now late, I will only say a few more woods, and close for this time. We have not yet been paid and there is no signs of a paymaster. I don’t want any pay till we get another installment of bounty and six months pay. Give my love to all who may inquire after me. Much love to Mother and Libbie and the usual kiss to Carrie. Tell her she must hurry and learn to write to Brother Panky. You must not expect to hear often from me until I get more time and more stamps. Tell Libbie not to look for her accustomed letter this week but if I can borrow another stamp, I will write to her next week.
Hoping to hear from you soon and often. I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Adjutant’s Office, 6th Michigan H. Artillery, Fort Morgan, Alabama
~ 33 ~
Fort Morgan, Alabama
March 3rd 1865
Dear Folks at home,
Your kind letter of February 5th has come to hand. It found me very busy and I cannot take the time [to] write you a long letter in reply. I am very busy working from 7 o’clock A.M. till 9 o’clock P.M. and the worst of it is that there is no prospect of getting caught up on the work. The present commanding officer writes two long general orders every day and three or four letters, in addition to the Returns and Reports which I have to make. I am obliged to copy the orders and all of the correspondence first passes through my hands for revision or correction. The Col. relies so much on me that I find my position of a false nature. He thinks that I know enough to correct his ungrammatical expressions when in fact I am even a worse grammar scholar than he is. I try to make him aware of this fact, but he will persist in sending the rest of the boys work to me to see if it is done correctly. I find myself very much behind in grammar and sometimes in spelling. I don’t like to stay here in the office [and] would rather be to my company. There is too much responsibility and care falling on to my shoulders here and then I have no time for exercise or my own correspondence.
Company “E” is at Fort Powell doing picket duty. Major [Sylvester] Cogswell has not been re-instated — at least we have had no notice of such a circumstance. Col. Bacon, who was dismissed at the same time has been “honorable discharged.” The part of the order relating to his dismissal having been revoked by the President.
I am well and as tough as a boiled owl ( might add). I have not enjoyed much better health in my life than I am enjoying at present. I weigh about 145 lbs. and measure about 5 ft. 10 inches in height.
In one of [sister] Libbie’s letters she asked me if Oscar Burgess really had a commission. I would say in reply that the said Burgess has no commission, has never been recommended for any position — not even the position of 7th Corporal.
I have now six months pay due me and $50.00 Bounty. I can not say when I will get my pay as I was mustered “on detached service” on the company rolls and could not get my pay even if I was with my company when they were paid. I am going to try and send home one hundred dollars when I do get my pay and you can buy a good mare, paying the $100 down and try to get one year’s time on the remainder. I think quite likely the war will be ended in about six months from now.
We have just had the news of the capture of Charleston, evacuation of Wilmington, and the probable evacuation of Richmond. Bully for our side. Bully for Sherman and hurrah for his Peace Commissioners. There is a very large expedition about to start from this place for Selma and Montgomery via Mobile. Co. A of our regiment will accompany the expedition as far as Mobile. They will take with them six 10-inch siege mortars. It is thought that more of the regiment will go — about 5 companies. I will be obliged to stay cooped up in this old prison-like fort.
The 24th day of this month I will be 22 years old — most old enough to think of marrying, don’t you think so? Well, I don’t intend to get married till I am as old as [brother] John is.
You must not mind what Uncle Adam [Mensch] or Aunt Maria say. You know they will soon get over their pet and be as good as pie. They used to think me too much of a gentleman when I refused to work for Uncle Adam for nothing. Then I was lazy. I think I have demonstrated the fact to the contrary. Now I am a perfect gentleman. Curious how much I have changed, isn’t it?
I would state in regard to the sea shells Mother spoke of my getting, that they are very scarce and since so many soldiers come here, it is impossible to get any. Sometime when I can get a chance, I am going to New Orleans and when I do go, I will get some sea shells for you all. For about $5.00, a person can buy some of the most beautiful shells in the market. I have often thought that I would buy some of them, but always at such times I would be entirely out of money.
Well, I must close. Much love to you all and a kiss for little Carrie. Write soon and often and don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear from me quite as often. I must close for I have eight letters of my own to write today. With much love and my best wishes I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Adjt’s Office, Headquarters 6th Michigan Heavy Artillery, Fort Morgan, Alabama
Remember me to Libbie.
Col. has given me today to write letters for myself. Excuse the bad writing. I cannot stop to write a readable hand (in haste). — Frank
~ 34 ~
[Addressed to Miss E. E. Knause, Marshall, Calhoun County, Michigan
Forwarded to Frankfort, New York]
Ordnance Office
Fort Morgan, Alabama
April 2nd 1865
My dear Libbie,
Well, again I am going to try to write you though I shall not agree to take particular pains with my letter, and in fact, will ask you to excuse all mistakes on the start, because I have been up all night last night working & have not slept any for the last 36 hours. You see we have all of the ammunition to furnish to this expedition and only us three green clerks to issue. Last night we took out onto the wharf & loaded on to a schooner seventy ton of ammunition. 10,600 lbs. of powder forming a part of the said ammunition. The Lt. Col. of our regiment, being the highest commissioned officer present, is in command of this post. He is also Depot Ordnance Officer. Most of our officers being detailed away from the command, Col. Clark has all of his business to tend to himself, and has no Adjutant General not Ajt. O.O. to help him. All of the projectiles that are shipped from here have to be handled over about a dozen times before they get to their final resting place on the decks of the ship and the fatiguing labor can easily be imagined by you. I do not have any of the manual labor to perform myself but at the same time, I have to be present and tally the number of boxes and watch everything to see that all is right. I have been trying to tell you how hard I work. Now let me tell you how I fare in my mess.
Today for dinner we had baked potatoes, saur kraut, fresh beef, friend pork, pickles, bread & butter, coffee, flourm gravy &c. The Col. has just made us a present of a lot of fresh oysters (taken from Bon Secours Bay this morning) which we intend to have for our supper. Some warm biscuits, tea &c. for the same meal are to be set before us. This is about the way we live.
The Sergeant Major of the Regiment has a commission & as soon as he gets his discharge, a new Sergt. Major will be appointed. [I] should like the position, but think that I stand no chance of getting out of this office. The Acting Adjutant said that he would do his best to have me appointed to fill the vacancy. The pay is about $26.00 per month and the position is a good one.
Our forces are having a siege. Spanish Fort (belonging to the Johnnies) is closely besieged. The Rebels fight desperately & give us shot for shot. Companies A & K of this regiment form a part of the besieging army. They have a battery of eight 10-inch mortars.
The Rebels made a sortie from the fort & captured about 30 men of the 7th Vermont Veteran Infantry. Wounded men begin to pour into the hospitals & the picket station at Navy Cove receives numerous stragglers from the rear of the Army every day. Appearances seem to indicate a severe battle in which we must have been worsted. There are so many rumors afloat that the whole truth of the matter is scarcely attainable. At least two of our monitors have been sunk by torpedoes & the others dare not move up the Bay for fear of being destroyed by these Rebel infernal machines.
Maj. General Canby is in command of the expedition & all are confident of his ability to command. Mobile must fall sooner or later.
Enclosed I will send you a pretty good thing that I cut out of the Army & Navy Gazette. You can keep it for me till I come home & then I shall want it for a scrap book.
Here I am past 22 years of age talking the same as a boy of 12 would about a scrap book, but then I don’t believe I am 22 years old in my feelings. I know you don’t feel much older than you did when you were twenty. When you send me the paper & envelopes I sent for, I would like to have you send me a box of Gillott’s 303 steel pens.
Well, I am very tired & hope you will excuse me for this once. I guess I will try & fill this sheet because I must send it in a separate envelope on account of some photographs I wish to send home to be put in my album. The two photos represent, one a smart young fellow, & the other a gentleman who claims a sort of family relationship to the long eared animals in the army sometimes called mule for short. I can not enter into any explanatory remarks in regard to my friends at present, but at some future day when not so far away, I will tell you all about them.
What in the world does Lou busy herself about since Uncle Abe has grafted all the young men into the army. By the way, does John T. Vernor’s age exempt him or did he have to sneak for Canada?
We have had no mail here for a week. The last mail that came I got one letter from Father and 3 (don’t tell anyone) love letters — gay, don’t you think it was?
What have you made up your mind to do? Are you going to New York State or are you going to stay in Michigan? It would be better for you in New York State & if Mother’s sister is going to live with our folks, she could take care of them if they did get sick. You know that I sympathize with you in regard to the trouble you have had, & would be glad to have you leave Marshall, only I did not want to have our folks left so entirely alone for fear that both should be taken sick & suffer for want of proper care.
I shall endeavor to send Father money every time we are paid off so that he may live comfortably. I am anxious to get the bargain made for that animal so that Pa will not have to weary himself going to town & lugging a great heavy basket of vegetables. If I live & have good luck in some kind of business, I am going to fix Grove Garden up handsomely & make Pa just as happy as he can be on earth. As soon as I have some money to spare, I will buy [brother] John’s interest in the place and always keep it in the family as a home for us.
Grove Garden with a few artificial charms added, would be a perfect gem of a home & then if I did not want to stop there, why our folks will always be there. Father will never leave nor Mother & as long as property is in its owners hands it will never go to ruin. I intend to add that piece of land which now belongs to Nelson to our place as soon as it can be bought at a reasonable price.
You must write to me and state the exact day that you intend to leave Michigan so that I may know how to address your letters. John is at last married and you have not told me how you like your new sister. However, I think you gave me a lucid description of the —- I mean our new sister, and at the same time you told me how you liked her. One thing certain, she makes John toe the mark & I like her for that.
The 3rd Michigan Cavalry is expected here. Will Sweet belongs to Co. I of that Regiment & won’t we have some jolly good times if he gets here.
I must close my lengthy letter & try to get a wink o’ sleep.
Much love to our folks. Mother, Father & Carrie. Kiss Carrie for me. I am going to try & send her a present next pay day. Even while I am writing this, there comes to my ear the dull heavy boom — boom — boom across the still waters of the Bay, giving evidence of a fierce determination to put down this rebellion by the capture of Mobile & other valiant deeds, so that I can soon come back to you, the same identical, affectionate brother, — Frank
Address Headquarters 6th Michigan H. A., Fort Morgan, Alabama
Adjutant’s Office. Positively no more at present.
The remainder of this letter I mail with this part today. You will find enclosed two photographs of some of my acquaintances — names are on the back of the cards. Will call these two letters (or one letter) No. 14.
~ 35 ~
Ordnance Office
Fort Morgan, Alabama
April 4th 1865
Dear Folks at home,
Your kind letter of March 5th reached me last week & you have my thanks for the stamps contained in it. I was very happy to hear from you & to know that you were all well & in such good spirits. It made me feel more contented to stay here to know that you were doing so nicely. I can not do much tonight toward writing you a letter but I have to improve every spare moment. I used to think we were busy in the Adjutant’s Office but we never had quite so much to do there as we have to do here at present. We have been furnishing the expedition with ammunition and ordnance stores. We have sent tons of powder & death dealing missiles to the front & still they come for more.
April 5th. This evening I again resume my pen to finish my letter. I am at present in excellent health and I think I am getting fat, but I have to work hard from about 9 o’clock A.M. till 6 o’clock P.M. with only time enough at noons to eat my dinner. Generally I have about 4 evenings in the week to myself. Sunday I never work unless compelled to do so by special order. I told the Col. that I would not work Sundays unless in a case of necessity. He laughed & asked me if “conscientious scruples” held me back from work on the Lord’s day. I told him that I was brought up by Christian parents & that they had learned me to regard the Sabbath as a day of rest & moreover, that I thought six days was long enough to work in one week. He has said no more to me about it since.
Mobile is not taken yet & I would not be very much surprised if the expedition was obliged to come back disappointed. Our force meet with stubborn resistance from the old men & boys of Mobile & have begun a siege at Spanish Fort. Our stock of ammunition here at the Depot is about exhausted.
We hear all sorts of wild rumors about the Rebels laying down their arms & coming to terms. One report has it that the whole right wing of Lee’s army had surrendered. You know I don’t believe any such stories & I don’t believe this war will close inside of one year. About next New Years we may possibly be at home but not sooner. Some of the boys offer to bet any amount of money that we will be at home by the 4th day of July.
I hear that the pay of the Army is raised to $20.00 per month for privates. I hope this is so. Our prices for clothing has raised 50 percent. A pair of pants now costs us $4.75 where formerly they cost us only $2.10. This is over one hundred percent but all clothing has not been raised so much. When this month is up, we will have eight months pay due us, but if we are paid we will not get more than four months of our pay. I have now $178.00 due me from Govt. (or will have when this month is out). Of this, I am owing nearly, if not quite, $100.00. After paying my debts, I will have about$78.00 to send you. But as there is no sign of a paymaster, I will wait till I get some of the Greenbacks in my hand before I talk of sending any of them home. I want to send you enough so that you can pay about $75.00 down on that animal. You must have a horse of some kind this summer.
I hope that your hops may turn out well. You will not have much of a crop the first year will you? Not enough to pay for the picking of them.
The Sergeant Major of the Regiment has a commission & I am talked of as probably the one who is to take his place. Several of the officers have asked me if I was going to be the new Sergt. Major but I could not tell them for I don’t know whether I will get the place or not. I feel as if I had ought to have it for it has been promised me several times. If Col. Clarke don’t promote me, he will do me a great injustice, because I have done all the work of two different Sergt. Majors on a private’s pay & now he must promote me or send me back to my company. I will spoil all of my work if he tries to make me work.
The drums are beating tattoo & I must close with very much love to Mother & a kiss for little Carrie. Write me as often as you can. With much love, I remain as ever, your affectionate son, — B. Frank Knause
Address — Adjutant’s Office, Headquarters 6th Regt., Michigan Heavy Artillery, Fort Morgan, Ala.
~ 36 ~
Ordnance Office
Fort Morgan, Alabama
April 19th 1865
My Dear Father,
Yours of April 4th is at hand, and I was very glad to hear from you though sorry to hear that you were suffering from a cold. You must be careful of your health. I beg of you not to expose yourself too much to the weather. I am well and in fine spirits. Since I learn that the recent good news is authentic, I feel almost jubilant. Col. says “Glory to God in the highest” & I only re-echo his words. Still do not you expect me home sooner than next New Years Day because if you do, you may be disappointed. I feel certain that if nothing happens out of the way, we will be discharged by “next New Years Day.”
We are very busy here just at present & I do not have time to write so many letters to [sister] Libbie as I did have. I got the Col. to give me a short vacation over to my company at Fort Powell and I staid over there two days and two nights. Had a very fine time indeed. The boys gave me a hearty welcome & it seemed so good to get back among my associates — those with whom I had served in the ranks, side by side. I almost hated to leave them again to come back to this dungeon-like old prison where I have to work so hard. I have asked to be sent to my company several times but as clerks are quite scarce, I am always answered in the negative. Our boys at Fort Powell have nice times and not much duty to do. They have good living such as fresh oysters, eggs, fresh meat, soft bread, &c. Captain Lawler — at present the commanding officer of the company — is a fine man & he looks out for the interests of the men under his charge. The boys think a great deal of him.
I have just been helping clean some fish for our breakfast and in the head of one fish I found this little stone, or shell. Maybe it is a pearl. You can ascertain from some jeweler and if it proves to be worth anything, sell it and you may have the money.
We have not been paid yet & I guess we will have to wait some time for our pay. Perhaps I can send you enough to pay cash for a horse on the spot. It will be owing entirely to the amount paid me by the paymaster.
Enclosed you will also find a sample of Rebel shin plasters fresh from the Confederacy — or the ruins of that part of the country once called the Confederacy.
Well, it is late & I must go to bed. Give my love to Mother [and] a kiss to Carrie. Write me as often as you can. I hope soon to be with you again. One year ago today I was at home with you.
With many wishes for your good health, prosperity, &c. my dear Father. I remain affectionately your son, — Frank B. Knause
Address as usual. Mobile was taken some days ago. I suppose you have heard all about it by this time. — Frank
~ 37 ~
[Addressed to Miss E. E. Knause, Frankfort, Herkimer Co., New York]
Ordnance Office, Fort Morgan, Alabama
May 8th 1865
Dear Sister Libbie,
Your letter of April 18th has just come to hand and I am glad to hear from you once more. You do not write me so often now as you did but maybe you are too busy. I have been so busy — Oh dear, sometimes I am almost crazy. I don’t know what I shall do now. The principal clerk left today to go to New Orleans to muster out of service, his term of enlistment having expired, and I am left alone to carry on the business with only one assistant and he is so dumb and don’t try to learn anything. If you only knew how much trouble I do have, you would be more thankful for my letters, but one letter a week is like a constant visitor and you tire of them. I have about made up my mind to write to you one week and to [sister] Mary the next, thus you can both hear from me as often as you do now and you will both feel more satisfied with me.
I received my pay (six months only) on the 1st inst. It amounted in all to $159.75. After paying my debts I had a little over $50.00 left. I sent $50.00 to Father, also a box of underclothing, and after paying the Express charges, I have only a few paltry dollars to buy my tobacco and paper postage stamps, &c. Well, Father can now buy himself a “horse of the feminine gender” and it will save him many a heavy job. I felt sorry to think I could not send him enough to pay cash for the animal.
Why just think, my debts amounted to over one hundred dollars for only about 6 months. I sent home most all of my money last pay day, because I thought I would be saving and get along without any, but in the end you see I am extravagant and where I have no cash I run in debt. This time I shall look sharp and think twice before I make any purchases.
You will be disappointed if you expect to see me home soon because the war is not ended, and even if it were, the Volunteer (Veteran) troops would hold the Southern garrisons, at least long enough for the Government to reorganize the Regular Army. I do sincerely hope that I may be discharged soon but at the same time I doubt very much such good luck for poor unlucky me.
Now Libbie, you should not feel dispirited and dissatisfied with your life. Why is it that you are so low spirited? Do you only write this that you may get a sympathizing answer from me or are you honestly so miserable as you say you are. You know that I feel for you and have tried my best to make you happy, but it seems I have wasted my time. You are foolish to allow slight trials to worry you so much, and it makes me sick every time you write one of your misanthropic letters. I know what you will say when you read that. You will say I am hard-hearted and maybe you will cry. But I must tell you, they make me sick and my head being affected, it causes my mind to waver [and] confuses my thoughts. Please! Please, don’t write any more such letters. Do try to enjoy yourself while you remain at Frankfort. When you feel dissatisfied, think of me. Compare our mutual situations. You at home where you would be cared for if you were taken sick, and you have Mary and her children to care for you, to give you a warm welcome, to caress you when you choose to visit them. What have I to cheer me? Perhaps I get a letter once in two weeks — oftener I get none during that time. No one to talk to. No one to tell me that I am doing well. Nothing to eat that is fit for the stomach of man. Tied down to my desk in a dungeon like old damp casement, and the most of the conversation I do hear is plentifully besprinkled with oaths. Thus the days drag wearily along, all of the same pattern — no variation from the dull, dreary monotony — work, eat & drink, sleep.
The Col. is very kind to me and very gentlemanly but it is for his interest to treat me well and humor all my fancies, except to release me from detached service and return me to my company. “We neither struggle, nor are we equal to contend, against the storm; and since the decrees of Fortune must prevail, let us follow and direct our course by her dictates.” There is no use for me to squirm and feel dissatisfied — the “Powers that be,” have directed me hither [and] I must quietly submit and “toil on.” Don’t give way to your feelings, Libbie. Many a cheery letter have I written when I have been under a cloud of difficulties. I have always tried to appear happy and contented with my lot, and if it will add any to your contentment to know the truth, know that I am not happy [and] am not contented. I don’t want you to tell the rest of our folks anything about this state of my feelings because I think it would make them real unhappy but it may be a comfort to you to know that you are not the only unhappy one in the family.
I will enclose some money if you can borrow some and I want you to try and appear cheerful and happy whether you feel so or not. Just make the people believe that you feel as jolly as can be, and let cankered care gnaw way in secret. None of the girls pretend to write to me and I have only our folks to write to so that is a pretty easy matter for me to appear cheerful. You must write to me as often as you can and if there is any truth in the rumor I heard today about the reduction of the army to the tune of 400,000 men, perhaps I will soon be there to care for you.
With much love to Mary and the babies. I remain affectionately, — Brother Frank
May 9th 1865 — Have tried in vain to borrow some money. Consequently I can not send any to you. I am sorry that I am so poor. Enclosed please find $2.00. I will divide my pile with you.
[to] E. E. Knause, Frankfort, Herkimer Co., New York
~ 38 ~
Ordnance Office
Fort Morgan, Alabama
May 21st 1865
Dear ones at home,
Your letter mailed the 4th inst. is at hand and of course I was very glad to hear from you again. Lately while history has been making so fast I have scarcely mentioned any of the passing events.
Yesterday, as it were, we rejoiced. Today we mourn. The surrender of Lee gladdens our hearts at one moment and the next we are pierced with the soul saddening news of the President’s death at the hands of a common Bravo.
God rest the ashes of that noble Patriot Abraham Lincoln in peace. This, I believe, is the prayer of all loyal hearts. When we once recover from the shock of his death we will stand forth the first power on Earth among the nations. God has indeed prospered us and we have conquered though it was with the loss of one of our best blood, and soon again the hum and bustle of trade will regain their wonted vigor and we will strive to forget all connected with the war that is disagreeable. Yes, Jeff Davis and all the leading Rebels are captured. Kirby Smith’s army yet holds out, but we are looking every day for the coat tails of the last Johnny. They are in their last ditch and I guess they find the bottom of it falling out. Rumors are plenty here. One person says we will be ordered home tomorrow and another says Mexico is our destination when we will leave this place. I hope that we will be ordered home.
I saw in the Mobile paper that the army was to be reduced to 125,000 effective men. If such is the case, we will get our discharges but I do not want to be too sanguine for fear that we will be disappointed.
I sent you $50.00 by Express and a box containing some clothing. Please let me know if you received them. Harman is not the only one who has a horse to sell, is he? You can buy of somebody else. If I were in your place, I would get one right away. I can send you enough when we are paid again to pay for it. $100 had ought to buy a pretty good beast.
Do you think your hops will pay you for picking them this year? Well, I hope that they will and I hope that I may be at home to help you pull the hop poles and pick the hops.
I think we may possibly get home by August if nothing happens. I am not contented to stay here since the war has closed. I think my place is at home and I want to get there as soon as possible. I am well and in tolerable spirits. The Ordnance Papers which I have been working on for a long time are almost done, and then I will have more time to write you longer letters. You must take good care of yourselves and don’t get sick.
You said nothing about Mother in your letters. Give my love to her and tell her next time she put you in mind of her if she does not write for herself. My love to her sister. Kiss for Carrie. And now I must close and go to bed. It is past 12 for tonight. With love and hoping to hear from you soon, I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Ordnance Office, Fort Morgan, Alabama, 6th Mich. H. A.
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[Addressed to Miss E. E. Knause, Frankfort, Herkimer Co., New York]
Ordnance Office
Fort Morgan, Alabama
May 28th 1865
Dear Libbie,
I have had no letter from you since I wrote you last, but as I have a whole evening to myself, I will try to write you a long letter. You said in one of your letters that you were going to send me Tennyson’s last poem. I have been looking for it but “enoch” is tardy. I would like it very much but if you have not sent you need not now do so because the Col. told me confidentially that we were to be mustered out soon, and I know that he must have some good reasons for saying so because he is a man who does not joke much. He went to Mobile today to see if he could not get an order for us to leave our present quarters.
Capt. Edwards (Co. K of this Regt.) who is on General Veatch’s staff, says that an order has already been issued from Canby’s Headquarters for us to proceed to St. Louis and report ourselves when we arrive there for instructions. If we do get as far North as that and are not immediately mustered out I will try to get a furlough and go to Marshall on a visit. I will come to New York State as soon as possible after I am free from the army.
I have been in perfect misery most all day. I had a severe attack of neuralgia in the face and the gayest kind of a toothache. About 3 o’clock my tooth ached so badly that I came to the conclusion to have it pulled. No sooner did I arrive at that conclusion than away I went for the doctor’s tent and out came the cause. I am now feeling quite comfortable.
Last evening I took a walk out on the sea shore and as I was coming in through the moat, I saw some of the boys looking at the flag staff and my eyes naturally turned in the same direction. I saw that it was indeed an unusual sight. An American eagle sitting perched upon the tip of the flag staff. I hope that it may prove an omen of peace.
Well, Libbie, you can look for me soon, I guess, and when I do come it will be in good style and prepared to have a good time. If you can make me mannerly enough and smooth off some of the roughness, I will not object to play the agreeable to any young lady.
Well, my jaw begins to ache more than it did and I have no patience to write more.
Give my love to Mary and all inquiring friends. Willie, Lizzie, & Harlie must not forget me. Do not cease writing to me until I let you know that we are certainly relieved.
With much love and affectionately your brother, — Frank
Address as usual.
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Ordnance Office
Fort Morgan, Alabama
May 30th 1865
Dear Folks at Home,
Your letter of May 14th is at hand and I was very thankful to learn of your present good health. I have been quite unwell for the last two or three days but I am now about as well as usual. I was attacked with the neuralgia in the face and had a violent tooth ache at the same time. The doctor cured the tooth and the other pain has about ceased.
The Col. has been trying to have our regiment relieved and sent North to muster out but so far his efforts have been in vain. The terms upon which we re-enlisted were “three years unless sooner discharged,” thus we are at the mercy of the government. If they choose to discharge us, they can do so, but if we are needed for garrison, they can hold us our three years. It is rather tough for us to see drafted men go home and we have to stay here. It is not the kind of treatment I expected to receive at the hands of the government and I think it poor payment for 4 years of hard service. Many of the boys will not wait for their discharge but will discharge themselves on their own responsibility. Maybe I may take a notion to come home. The war is ended and there can be no excuse for retaining the Volunteer Army.
[Brother] John is making calculations on coming South to find employment but he will find two men for every one situation and it will be no easy matter to get a job here. Another thing, I would not stay here for two thousand dollars a year if I could get two hundred a year in the North. Everything is much dearer here than it is at home. Butter 80 cents a pound. Meat 25 & 30 cts per pound. Flour from $12 to $15.00 per Bbl. Eggs $1.50 per doz. and clothing is way up — up out of my reach.
People may talk of the Sunny South but give me a country where an overcoat feels comfortable once a year and where you cannot hear mosquitoes humming on New Years Day. The best thing John can do is to take my advice & keep away from the Southern Country.
Some rascal tried to cheat you on a horse, did they? Well you must look sharp and get the opinion of a good judge of horseflesh before you bind yourself. I can not say when we will paid again but if we are to remain here we will probably get four months pay when it comes due. We can not tell for certain, however.
Don’t you think it would be a good plan for you to take a boy about 12 years old to bring up? He could help you through the summer and go to school winters, and he could do many little chores about the house to help you. You know that I can not help you all the time because I must get into some kind of business so that I can earn my living and make a little money for your use. The place will not support us all and I want to get enough ahead so as to buy some more land near it and when I get enough so that we can live well and support us all, then I can come and stay with you.
Well, it is late & I must close with much love to Mother & a kiss for Carrie. I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Frank B. Knause
Address as usual.
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Fort Powell, Alabama
June 8th 1865
Dear Folks at Home,
I have not heard from you lately but as I am now on a visit to my company and have plenty of time at my disposal, I will try to write you a short letter, knowing as I do how good it seems to get letters from ones own folks. I am pretty well again, having entirely recovered from that attack of neuralgia which I mentioned as afflicting me in one of my former letters.
I expect to hear from you this week if we get another mail. It is time that I was hearing from my money — that and the box of clothing sent at the same time, Of course you will write me as to whether you received them or not. I am naturally a little anxious in regard to the money because I want it to reach you to enable you to purchase a mare.
There is no immediate prospect of the Veteran soldiers being discharged — the terms of our re-enlistment being very much different from our first voluntary act. We were re-enlisted for the period of three years, unless sooner discharged by the proper authorities, and we are beginning to fear that the “proper authorities” do not intend to release us right away. I tell you, Father, it is not very pleasant to stay here and see men who have not suffered one half that we have — such men as substitutes and bounty jumpers, sneaks, drafted men and one year’s men — on the boats going home to muster out. Are we the Veteran Soldiers? We who re-enlisted when our cause looked almost hopeless. Are we receiving the right kind of treatment at the hands of the Government? They are not doing us justice. Never mind. Only a little more than a year and six months and then our time is up and if the country ever needs my arm again as a soldier, I will be in the first rank — if they draft me. Sometimes I feel as though I would like to desert but I hope that you will never have cause to blush for me as far as committing a dishonorable act is concerned. I will try to be satisfied until they shall see fit to muster me out of the service when I can come home honorably.
I am at present on a visit to my company at Fort Powell. The Col. gave me permission to absent myself for two weeks, unless sooner recalled to duty at Fort Morgan. He gave me my choice of places and told me he would procure me a pass for Mobile, or New Orleans if I preferred going to either of those places. I should have enjoyed a visit to Mobile but my lean purse objected to such an expensive trip and I told him that if I could go any place on a visit, I would prefer my company. Consequently, here I am, doing nothing and having a pretty good time. 20,000 Negro troops are landing at Fort Gaines and Morgan and rumor says that we are to be sent home soon. I am pretty sure that there is not much truth in the rumor because the Negro Troops are all going to Texas and we will have to fill our present position until we are relieved by some of the Regular Army soldiers.
What do you think of President Johnson’s Proclamation of Amnesty? He comes down on the ringleaders of the Rebellion pretty harsh and possibly his course may hinder the forwarding of Peace. Davis and the political leaders should be hung, but as a general thing, the officers of the Rebel army should be spared. I do not mean all the officers of the Rebel army should be spared because there are some of them deserving death — especially those who have had charge of our prisoners. But such men as Generals Lee, Johnson, Beauregard and Taylor should be released. If the generals were hung, it will cause a harsh feeling to exist among the disbanded soldiers and eventually cause much trouble.
The weather here is very warm and were it not for the delicious sea breeze that we have every day, it would be very disagreeable to live here. Co. E are situated as pleasantly as any company in the regiment. The greatest trouble with them is water for drinking and cooking purposes which they have to bring from the mainland, or from Dauphin Island. Fort Powell is built on piles which were driven in the shoal water close to the channel of Grant’s Pass which it commands. It is about two miles to Dauphin Island and one mile from the mainland. All boats going through Grant’s Pass approach within twenty-five feet of Ft. Powell and our boys always have the latest news.
Well, I must close as I am going to take a sail on the Bay with the Captain in his sailboat. You must write me as often as usual and direct your letters to Fort Morgan, Alabama, as heretofore. With much love to you all and a kiss for Carrie. I remain as ever your affectionate son, — Frank B. Krause
6th Michigan H. A. Vols., Fort Morgan, Alabama
Care of Lieut. Col. Clarke
An Honorable Peace 