Carroll letter,part 2 (Arrival and Description of Helena, Arkansas)
Helena, Arkansas
January 9th 1863
Dear Mother
Having a few leisure moments this morning, I will write you a short letter to let you know that I am well. I wrote to Edna from Memphis Tennessee day before yesterday. We left Memphis about noon that day and arrived here that night about 8 o’clock, but we remained on board of the boat all night and early yesterday morning we commenced unloading out things and went into camp about a mile below the town on the bank of the river.
We are encamped on low sandy ground and in some places it is quite muddy. The troops here say that night before last was the coldest night that has been here this winter, but it was though. I thought it was pleasant. We are encamped in a cotton field. The owners had planted it, but did not wait to gather it, so the boys are gathering it to make beds of. There is cane growing here, but it is small-about the size of pipe stems.
Helena is quite a small place and the houses scattering it is on tolerable low ground with a high levee in front of the town to keep the river from over flowing. The levee is so high, (that) it mostly hides the town from view from the river. It was in the night when we landed and I did not get to see much of the town. There are about a dozen steamboats lying at the wharf and more are continually arriving and departing bringing and carrying supplies to the other points on the river. We did not know that we would leave Columbus(KY) so soon. On Monday morning we got orders to prepare to leave, so we struck our tents and were soon ready to leave. We got off about dark. About 10 o'clock, we passed Island No.10. As it was quite dark, I did not get to see the place. About nine o'clock the next morning, we passed Fort Wright. It is situated on a large abrupt bend of the river. It is quite a commanding position and looks to be stronger in its natural defenses that Columbus(KY) boats are bound to keep close to the land and the works are right at the waters' edge. It looks to me that if the rebels had have been in a mind to, they could have held the place yet.
About sunset, we arrived at Memphis. It is a very fine looking town and the things seem to be going on as peaceable as ever and the wharf seemed as throng as St. Louis. We remained at Memphis all night and until noon next day. When we left, nearly all the way from Columbus(KY), the country on each side of the river is very low and occasionally we would see a farm, but for the most of the way, there was nothing to be seen at all.
I do not know how long we will remain here, but I think it probable that we will go on down the river in a few days to reinforce our men at Vicksburg. If the place is taken I think that we will remain here for some(time). Mr. Kennedy was down to see us yesterday evening; he is Post Quartermaster at this place.
I hope this will find you all well and enjoying good health. Give my love to all the children. Tell Calvin and Hannibal to be good boys and learn their books and mind all that is told them. Tell Joe that I would like to see him very much and to be a good boy and I will come home some day and see him. If you have an opportunity, I wish you and Edna would get your pictures taken nd mail them to me. I write to you or Edna once or often twice and three times a week. When you write I wish you would mention the date of each one you receive them. I am out of stamps and none are to be had here, so I wish you would send me some in the first letter you write. Give my respects to all who think of me to inquire of my welfare.
So goodbye, and remember me as ever your dear affectionate son.
Direct to Helena
Henry S. Carroll
Orderly Sergeant
Co.D 33rd Mo Vols

(Campaign up White River in Arkansas-News of Arkansas Post Battle-Remarks of Friends and Family)
Duvall’s Bluff, Ark.
Jan. 17, 1863
Dear Mother
As I have a few moments of leisure this morning, I will write you a few lines to let you know that I am well. I wrote a short letter to Edna the other day, but did not have time to write much. We left Helena on Sunday last with a large fleet of steamboats; thirty one in all carrying twenty thousand men. We are on board of the "RUTH", one of the largest boats on the river. She is brand new and was built in Louisville, KY. She came down the Mississippi on a pleasure trip; it being her first trip for her. And Gen.(Clinton Bowen) Fisk pressed her into the service for forty days; her owners all secesh and of course they do not like it a bit. Gen Fisk’s headquarter’s are on this boat. Mrs. Fisk is on board also. We were the last to leave Helena. We did not start until near midnight and the next morning we arrived at the mouth of White River. We landed in the state of Mississippi and remained until near noon, when the fleet commenced moving.
The day was quite warm. The cane all looked green and it seemed as if it was summer. It was a splendid sight indeed to see the boats one after another as they rounded in and took their places in line. The river seemed quite narrow at the mouth, but our boats made it easily. we stopped at the cut off place about eight miles above the mouth- a place where a stream comes through from the Arkansas River and empties into White River.
We did not remain long, but continued to move up the river for several miles when we stopped for the night. The country all along here is nothing but swamps. We started very early next morning. The river is very crooked and consequently, our progress was quite slow. I do not think we made more than forty miles a day. We did not stop until late at night the next morning when; we got up, it was raining.
We were within a few miles of St.Charles(ARK), where there was a fort. So we all expected a fight. About ten o'clock, we came within sight of the place, but only to see it in flames. The rebs had retreated and set the place on fire. There had been a considerable amount of work done on fortifications and it is naturally a strong place, but southern chivalry could not hold it. It appeared a that the rebels had a steamboat in their possession at the place and on it they had left the night before we got there. We remained at St.Charles until morning when we started on in pursuit of the fleeing Rebels. We moved cautiously all day and did not get very far.
The next morning we got up there, was a very heavy snow on the ground; it was quite cold. We continued(to)move on all day and the next morning we got to Clarendon(ARK), where we remained all night. The next morning, we started early. The men were all made(to)stay out on deck with their guns in their hands so as to be ready for anything that might come up. About three o'clock in the evening, we landed about two miles below our present position. One half of our regiment and the 29th Iowa were landed and marched so as to get in the rear of the place, but the rebels had left on the cars. About one o'clock(?)to go to Little Rock, we captured four pieces of artillery, two of them sixty-four pounders. We also captured the steamboat "BLUE WING"-one hundred prisoners with her. Our whole number of prisoners amount to over two hundred. They are the most miserable set of human beings that I ever saw. I had a right smart(bit?)of conversation with one of them. He told me that he was a conscript and had been in the I mentioned in my letter to Edna of the surrender of a fort called Arkansas Post about 60 miles from the mouth of the Arkansas River. Since then I have seen men that were in the fight and from them I obtained a full description of the fight. General (William T.)Sherman, after the repulse at Vicksburg, retreated up the river to Napoleon where (he) remained for a few days only when he started up the Arkansas about the same time we did up White River. On last Saturday, he attacked the rebels at Arkansas Post. On Sunday evening, the rebels surrendered their whole force: forty cannon, a large number of horses,arms and camp equipage of all kinds. Gen.(Thomas James)Churchill, with eight thousand men are prisoners of war. Gen. Sherman the(n) pushed his whole force to Little Rock where he was to cooperate with Gen. Blunt and make a combined attack on that place. I think there is but little doubt that the place is ours before this time. There is a railroad running from this place to LIttle Rock. If that place is taken, the Rebel horde will (be) cleaned entirely out of Arkansas. We will return down river and I think it very likely go back to Helena. Then the next move will be on Vicksburg.
The boat that we are on (towed?) the old gunboat ST LOUIS, now called the BARON DECALB, up the river. The officer commanding the gunboat was frequently on board of our boat and I had a long conversation with him. He has been in every gunboat fight that has been on the western waters but one. He was in the recent fight at the taking of Arkansas Post and from him, I obtained my information concerning the fight. The marks upon his boat bear conclusive evidence of its being in the hottest part of the fight. He was at the fight at Vicksburg. I asked him what was the reason the place was not taken. His reply was that our General's commenced the fight before they were ready and then did not support each other.
I think that we will go back to Helena and there make preparations to make a grand move on Vicksburg. Gen. Grant's army is at Memphis and when we get back to Helena there will be men enough (to) go down the river to make a sure thing of it at Vicksburg. The work is going bravely on and before the 1st of March, the backbone of this Rebellion will effectively (be) broken. Their cause in the west is a hopeless one. They may hold out in Virginia for several months yet, but ultimately they will have to give it up. To those who remain at home, the work doubtless appears (to) go on slowly but for one to go down the river and see stronghold after stronghold, that seem almost impregnable to any force that the rebels have had to yield up to our troops, the work seems to go on swiftly. If the work goes on as it is now by the 1st of June, I will be at home if not sooner.
There is a great irregularity of us getting our mails and also in sending our mails away. It will (be) some time maybe before you get this. You must write occasionally and tell Edna and Alabama to write often.
I saw Joseph Mackey the other day; he is along with us on Frank Burnett's boat which is in the service of the government. He had left home the 1st of Dec, he told me. Mr. Kennedy is along with us also. We have a fine time. Capt McKee, Lieut Draper, and I have a state room to ourselves. We have plenty to eat, so we have the best times now that we have had since we have been in the service. The boys are all in good health and fine spirits. I think we get a mail in a day or two and I shall look for several letters from you all. I have plenty of good clothes and never had better health in my life. We have not received our pay yet and do not know when we will. Give my love to all the children and believe me as ever your dear affectionate son
Henry S. Carroll
Give my respects to all my friends and acquaintances
Tell John to write to me
Tell Calvin & Hannibal to be good boys
I will write to you again soon
Direct to Helena Arkansas
You must excuse this bad writing as the boat keeps shaking
H.S.C.
(Encamped in Helena)
Helena, Arkansas
Feb 14th,1863
Dear Mother
I will write you a short letter this morning to let you know that am well. I expect you will think that I have delayed writing a long time for it has been about two weeks since I last wrote. I have been looking for a letter from some of you ever since. Every day I would think that I would wait until the next and maybe I would get a letter from some of you so I just thought I would write to you this morning. When I wrote to you last we were camped near the river but about ten days ago we moved about three miles out into the country and encamped in a cotton field. We had a considerable snow here on the 8th but it soon melted off. We have very fine weather with the exception of rain. Yesterday and day before were really warm and pleasant. I do not believe that the ground has been frozen but once since we have been here and that was very little. There are a good many of our men complaining though none are serious they are every one able to travel around. Dudley Henry is well, John Hemphill is some what unwell but is to go about.

We have never any pay yet, but expect to in ten or twelve days, though we may be disappointed. I have not received a letter from any one in Pike since the one I got from Uncle William. I have been looking for one from him for several days. I have been out of stamps and envelopes for some time past but I hope to get paid off soon and then I will write oftener. When you write I wish you would mention the date of my letter from you as often.

I do not know how long we will remain here but some time I think. I do not think that we will go to Vicksburg at all. I think that there is enough of men there to take the place now. We get the papers tolerably once in five or six days. I saw the St. Louis Democrat last night which had a short speech in it made by Geo. Anderson in the state senate that was pretty good. From what I can learn, the people in Pike are some what divided within reference to the late (Emancipation) proclamation of the president. I see nearly every number of the journal some of the boys get it regularly.

I received a letter from Uncle Wash not long ago. Tell Alabama and Edna that I think between them they ought to write at least once a week. I suppose the business will soon be settled up as the last letter I received informed me that there would be a sale on the 15th of Jan. If most of the stock is sold you will not have so much to see to and you can manage to get along some how until I can come home.

It takes a letter from six to nine days to reach us from Louisiana. I think there is surely letters on the way for me. Be particular and direct them to me-Helena, Arkansas in care of Captain McKee, Co.D, 33rd Mo Vols and I will be very apt to get them. I hope to write again soon but this is my last stamp and envelope that I have. I hope to get a letter in a day or two. I hope this will find you all in the enjoyment of good health. Please write as soon as you get this. Give my love to all the children and tell them to be good boys and girls and remember me as ever you dear affectionate son.

Henry S. Carroll
Orderly Sergeant Co. D 33rd Mo Vols
Tell uncle William to write soon So good bye for the present

Aboard Steamboat Lebanon on Tallahatchie River-Reporting Devastation Along River
March 10.1863
Dear Mother
I have time this evening I will write you a letter to let you know that I am well. You will doubtless be anxious to hear from me. It may be a long time before you get this as I do not suppose there will be any of the fleet return(ing) to Helena by the way we have come.

We are traveling through quite a fertile country now. It is a portion of Dixie that has not been visited by any other troops but us. There are a good many guerillas through the country burning cotton several days ago. Before yesterday every farm that we had passed there has been some cotton burned at. I do not doubt but we saw ten thousand bales burning yesterday at different points along the river. When they had time, they would roll it out of the gin and set it on fire, but when they were pushed too close they would set the house and all on fire.

Yesterday morning about eight o'clock we pass a house that had a kind of cotton fortification which the rebels had abandoned and set on fire. Tonight about dark we passed a steamboat burning. One of our gunboats had fired on her and set her on fire. It is estimated that there were eight hundred bales of cotton on board.

Siege against Fort Pemberton-Construction of Gun Platform- Gunboat Battle with Fort
March 14,1863
Day before yesterday we arrived within two miles of the rebel fort near Greenwood, Miss. We were Ianded at the place we are now and went ashore and stacked our arms and were ordered to prepare one day's ration but we remained on shore until night and were ordered back on to the boat. About Midnight were aroused and ordered into line. We were soon in line. Gen (Clinton Bowen) Fisk rode up and told us that he did not want to hear a man speak above a whisper. We marched down the bank of the river about a mile and half and stacked our arms. The moon was just rising and it was quite light so we commenced our work. We roIled about three hundred cotton bales about a half mile part of the way. The road was good, but about half of it the mud was about 4 inches deep; but there were twelve hundred of us at it and we soon finished it. The cotton was piled up to form a breastwork. We then went to work with spades and threw up dirt all around and in about two hours we had completed a right smart work. We then went back to the gunboats where a Siege gun had been loaded. There were long ropes attached to it and we were to haul it into the work we just completed. I had often seen accounts of such work having been done in other wars, but this was the practical part to me. So we gathered hold of the ropes and on we went through mud and water surely but slowly.

Day was dawning in the east and we must soon finish our work or abandon it. Every man worked as if for his life. We soon got in position. About four hundred yards from the rebel camp but there was a slough about waist deep between us and them. They were beating reveille which we could hear distinctly. We could hear them cutting wood. Our work was about completed. I got upon the cotton bales and I could see into the camp tolerably plain. We piled brush all around the works so as to conceal it from the rebels. Ammunition was brought up for the gun and the officer in charge of the gun remarked, "Wait until they turn their big gun to bear upon the gunboats and I will dismount it." The Ist shot we withdrew to our guns confidently expecting the fight to open every moment.

I had almost forgotten to remark that our gunboat CHILLICOTHIE had exchanged some ten or a dozen shots with the rebels and wounding fourteen more. The gunners were just in the cat of putting a shell into the gun, when a shell from the rebel fort entered the port hole striking the shell that our men were handling. They both exploded scattering death on all sides.

As we were returning to our guns we could see the effects of shell upon trees. One large tree was cut off; others were splintered. We got back to our guns about sunup and remained all day waiting for the fight to begin. Everything was quiet during the day with the exception of the gunboats shelling the woods around the fort to keep the rebs from advancing their picket lines. Late in the evening, we returned to the boats and remained all night.

Reveille aroused us early this morning and we all got up expecting to have something at do before the close of the day. At eight o'clock we were in line on shore impatiently waiting orders to move but none came during the day so we are on board of the boat yet. At ten o'clock the rebel guns ceased to answer our guns and gradually the fire slackened until about an hour before sunset the fire ceased entirely. Since then all has been quiet. I do not know when the mail boat will leave to return to Helena, but I will not mail my letter until I find when it starts and between now and then I will write whenever I have an opportunity. I am in the enjoyment of fine health and spirits. I am in hopes that this will find you all enjoying the same.
I will write every few days
Give my love to the children
And believe me as ever your dear affectionate son
Henry S. Carroll

On Picket Near Fort Pemberton-More Remarks on Devastation Caused by Artillery-Skirmish with Enemy Pickets-Comments on Men Who Avoid the Army
March 29, 1863
Dear Mother
As I have time this morning, I will write you a short letter to inform you that I am enjoying fine health as are all of the rest of the boys. I wrote to Edna the day that we arrived here last which I hope you have received before this time. Since then nothing of interest has transpired here. We arrived here for the 2nd time last Monday about two o’clock. We remained on the boat that (night) and the next day. On the next day which was Wednesday, our regiment was ordered out on picket duty. The day was fine and our post was right where the shells fell thickest in the fight mentioned in my letter before the last when we boarded the gunboat.
As soon as we had posted our men, the capt said to me let us reconnoiter a little. So we started out through the cane brake. We saw where large numbers of shells had struck the ground; some had bursted and some had not. I picked up one huge sixty four pound conical percussion shell which lay unexploded. We took it back to the picket post with us. We were afraid to work with it for fear of setting it off. We placed it behind a large log and then tied a large string to the cap and then pulled it gently for a few moments and finally succeeded in getting the cap out which the capt carries as a trophy.
That evening some men were sent out to relieve a position of our men, to return to the boat and unload it as the boat was to return up the river after reinforcements and supplies. I took fourteen of our men and returned to the boat where we arrived just at dusk. We then went to work and unloaded our company property and pitched our tents that night.
The next day at one o’clock, we were down the river bank to within a few hundred yards of the fort. I had a much plainer view of the rebel work than I had before when we planted a gun so near the fort as that was in the night, and this was in broad daylight. When we left after our first attack, the rebels came over in the point and chopped down most of the timber so we had quite a fair view of the fort. It is not at all formidable looking as one would suppose at a partial view. I could see the rebel flag floating over the fort. We could see men walking around on the parapets and their steamboats all lying around in the Yazoo on the opposite side of the fort to us. We passed up through the woods nearly in full view of the fort until we reached a small fort that we had made the first night we came down. The rebs had set the cotton on fire and it was nearly consumed now. Here is where some of the warmest work was done during the recent engagement with the rebel batteries. Shot and shell from the fort had cut away all the brush and timber near our battery. It was astonishing to see such large tree cut off. Some were struck near the ground and some twenty five and thirty feet high. The ground was covered with twigs and splinters that were cut off by shot and shell.
We passed on outside of the pickets into a very thick canebrake which there were two or three sloughs (bogs or rice paddies?) to wade that were waist deep. We wound around through the cane for to or three hours when we returned to camp without having discovered anything of importance or having seen an enemy. That night we received orders to be in readiness by half past seven o’clock next morning to reconnoiter in the same direction.
At that hour we were on our way down to the cane brake where we had been the evening previous. We continued to move further to the rear of the rebel works than we did the day before. We moved along quite cautiously until we came within sight of an opening when a lieutenant of the company along with us took twenty men and went up near the house one way and the other half the other way. Before they had got half way, the rebs fired on them. Our company was in reserve and as soon as the firing commenced, Captain McKee gave the order to go forward at double-quick. So up we went in front of the house and deployed behind a fence-the balls flying thick and fast al the time. We had got into a right smart nest of them. They fired several shots at us before we replied, but as they began to show themselves, we turned loose upon them with our rifles when they got up and did some of the tallest running I ever saw done by men. The Louisiana (Missouri) boys behaved bravely. Several balls struck close to some of the boys, but none were struck. There were about two hundred shots fired in all. I think the rebs got the worst of it. Captain (William J.) McKee is one of the coolest and bravest officers that I have seen yet. I am aware that some of the boys have written things home about him that were entirely without foundation. I have heard that Jesse Anderson has been telling some capable hard tales on the Captain. I do not think that Jesse is quite so capable of judging as some of the rest of us as he was never with us but very little. Probably if he had have been with us during our campaign of the last month, his opinion would be different-but enough of this.
We withdrew back to camp where we arrived about two o’clock in the evening having waded two slough’s (bog’s?) that were waist deep besides several smaller ones. As the day was quite warm, it was not as unpleasant as one would imagine.
Fort Pemberton is situated on the Tallahatchie River just above where the Yallbusha comes in and they form the Yazoo circle. On this much of land, the fort is situated. Between us and the fort there is a deep slough (bog?) which runs around the fort and empties into the Yazoo. The fort is on an island in front. In front of the fort they have a raft made as wide as the river. Everything has been quiet for the last few days, but I look for the ball to open within the next forty eight hours and I think there is no doubt but we will capture the fort and every man in it.
I received a letter from Edna on last Friday in which I was glad to hear that you all getting along well and were enjoying good health. Some of the gentry I understand are going to go to California to keep out of the army. Tell them they had better make their calculation to stay when they get there as the boys say when they get back, they don’t intend to let any craven cowards and skulkers come back to enjoy the peace that we hope soon to conquer or the protection of the government we are now fighting to maintain, but true to their nature let them flee. Keep out of the service of the government whose protection they have always enjoyed, and in after years they will be scorned and looked upon as the tories of old.
You will no doubt be anxious to hear from me. I hope all my letters reach you as I write often, but if you do not get them so often you need not think strange as the mails are irregular. I should like to hear from you very often. I hope this will find you all well. Give my love to all the children. Give my respects to all inquiring friends and acquaintances. And believe as ever your dear affectionate son.
Henry S. Carroll
McCrackon* came down to Helena and took sick and was sent back to Memphis where he has since died. I am quite sorry. I did not get to see him or Mrs. Draper to hear from you(?). I think it very likely he left those things you sent me with our men at Helena. We are looking for the men every day and I hope I will get them things.
(*Obviously McCracken had intercepted some personal items being sent by the family of Henry Carroll, probably just prior to his trip Memphis. McCracken must have promised to give them to Henry as soon as he returned to the front, but his illness overcame him ).
Abandoning Yazoo River Expedition-Return to Helena
Apr 10, 1863
Dear Mother
As I have time tonight, I will write you a short letter to inform you that I am in good health and spirits. I wrote to Edna the evening we arrived here which I hope you have received before this time. We were still on board of the boat then the next morning. We were ordered ashore at an early hour and were marched about a half mile back from the river where we are now encamped. The weather is very fine and the men are all in good health and fine spirits. We have been gone from here for forty three days on the Yazoo Expedition which failed to accomplish that which it was sent to do - but not because of a lack of troops or a want of bravery among the troops composing the expedition.
We traversed the Codwater and Tallahatchie Rivers for two hundred miles; penetrating into the heart of Mississippi through the finest cotton raising region in the south. We captured quite a large amount (of cotton), but still there were thousands of bales that were burned to keep it from falling into our hands. Fort Pemberton was built entirely of cotton covered with earth. I think we could have taken the fort any day we were there if our Generals had have made the attempt. The fort is naturally in a strong position owing to its being entirely surrounded by water which was one of the chief obstacles we had to contend with while there. Some of us had the remotest idea of such a thing as abandoning operations in front of the rebel fort and returning to Helena* (* in other words, the thought of abandoning the fight and retreating home to the safety of Helena, was not something that appealed to the men). Our forces had been carrying operations quite extensively in front of the fort for three or four days previous to our leaving. We got orders to leave last Saturday at noon and in an hour we were all aboard of the boat, but thought that we were going back up to protect the communications as it was feared that a force might come in and cut off our supplies, but we kept going straight up the river and by this time, the whole expedition had got back.
Helena is a much more pleasant place now than it was when we left. When we left the place was nothing but a mud hole. Now it is dry and dusty and I do not see anything to make it unhealthy for my part. I think it a great deal healthier than down in Mississippi where we have been. I think it very probable that we will remain here for some time and maybe all summer. Our company has been detailed to guard the fort which is situated about a quarter of a mile from the river on a very high and commanding position which I think is the healthiest place around here. We will have houses to move into and I think we will have comparatively fine times when we get moved over and fixed up.
There are a great many troops here now. There is a great activity among the troops here now ; a large number are going to embark this evening for some point. John Hemphill I learn is dead. He was sent from here to Memphis, Tenn after we left. He was sick nearly the whole time we were here after our return from the White River expedition. I do not know the nature of the disease exactly, but seemed to wear away gradually and nothing the doctors did for him seemed to do any good. We have only fifty one enlisted men with us now, but they are all burly fellows and can stand almost anything.
I received your picture in a letter and some other articles the other day. The peaches our cook made us some of the best pies yesterday that I ever eat I think. The captain and lieutenant are well. We are having the finest times now that we have had since we have been out. I hope this may find you all in good health. I allowed to write a longer letter when I commenced, but I will be busy this evening and must close. I will write again in a few days. There is regular mail three times a week between here and Memphis and letters will come and go with more regularity now. I hope to hear from you very often. Give my love to all the children. Give my respects to inquiring friends and acquaintances and believe me as ever your dear affectionate son.
Good bye
Henry S. Carroll
A Brief Matter Over Money
April 18
Fort Curtis, Helena, Ark
Dear Mother
As I have an opportunity of sending some money safely as far as Memphis by our Colonel where it can be expressed and insured, I will remit fifty dollars in money and my commission as 2nd Sergeant which I have been carrying with me and having a commission as a Orderly Sergeant, I do not need to keep this one so I will send it to you. I could have spared more money to have sent to you, but I thought it maybe might be some time before we were again paid. I kept forty three dollars which will last me several months. I received two letters from Edna this morning. One dated the 6th and the other dated the 9th of April. I was glad indeed to hear that you were all well and hope this may find you all in fine health and spirits when it reaches you. I have written some 3 or 4 letters to you since we have been here. I am in fine health and so are all the rest of the boys.
A Discussion of Family and Matters of the Home
Fort Curtis
Helena,Ark
April 21, 1863
Dear Brother
As I have time this morning, I will write you a few lines to inform you that I am well and I hope this may find you all in the enjoyment of the same blessing. I received a letter from you when we were down on the Tallahatchie, which I am glad to inform you was the most interesting letter that I have received since I left. I also received one which you sent by Mr McCracken. They were interesting to me because they informed me all about things on the farm and of matters and things that have transpired since I left. I reckon this will find you most through planting corn and smaller crops that you intend to raise this year. If it is anything like seasonable, I think you can raise a fine crop of corn on the ground you intend on putting in. You and George will have a pretty busy time this summer if you cultivate the field in front of the house and the back clover field in corn and do up the other work besides. But you can do the best you can.
I wrote to ma the other day and sent some money to her which I hope she has received by this time. I commenced to write a letter to Uncle William last night, but have not had time to finish it yet, but will do so by the next mail. I received a long and very interesting letter this morning from Uncle Byers. I would like for you to write me very often and tell all about what you are doing and how things are getting along on the farm. Write once a week if you have time; if not once in ten days anyhow. You have no idea how interesting it is to me to hear from you and how things are getting along.
John, be a good boy and mind what ma says to you and be kind to your brothers and sisters. And I know you will get along well. Take care of things on the farm and of the farm also. And John, do not forget yourself. Make good use of your time and learn all you can be; be an example to the younger children.
I may be a long time before I get home, but I will some time or other. I thought of this frequently when down at Fort Pemberton when the bullets were whistling over my head or the shell splinters, brush, and dirt was falling all around me and something seemed to tell me that I would go through it all and return to you again. Tell Laura she must write to me whenever she can. Do so tell Harrace and Alabama that I will write to them as soon as I get time and continue to write to me. Tell Calvin and Worth and Bud and Ambrose to be good boys and for each to write me a few lines and slip in some of the rest of your letters for me. Tell Joe to be the best kind of boy, which I know he is. Tell him I will send him something by the first chance I get.
Give my love to all the children and to Ma and all my friends & kinfolk. Give my respects to all enquiring friends.
So I will close
Do not fail to write often. I am your dear affectionate brother.
Henry S. Carroll
Orderly Sergeant Co D 33rd Mo Vols.
As Artillerymen-Opinion on Missouri Bushwackers-Sunday Services
Fort Curtis,Helena, Ark
April 29th 1863
Dear Mother
As I have a few moments of leisure this evening, I will write you a few lines to inform you that I am in the enjoyment of fine health and spirits. I have been quite busy for several days past making out our pay rolls and drawing and reissuing clothing to the men of our company.
We are still quartered at the fort. Our whole regiment has been turned into artillery for the present and I think it more than likely it will be permanently so. Capt. McKee is acting Brigade Quartermaster now on Gen Fisk’s staff; it is thought he will get the appointment to that position, but I do not know. Our 1st Lieutenant Jacob G. Baker is commanding the company now. The boys all hate to see the captain leave us none more than myself. I always said that he was a fine man and after having been closely associated with him for nine months, I have not the slightest cause to alter my mind.
The news here is unimportant. We are fortifying and strengthening our defenses every day and in a few weeks more work, we defy all the rebs west of the Mississippi to take it although there are only about five thousand of us here. From what I can learn, I suppose that Missouri is invaded again by rebels. I do not think they can accomplish much, however if the troops in that quarter are active even if they should overrun the southwest again, they will gain nothing. There is not enough there to subsist an army on and consequently, they will be compelled to abandon it, if there be warm times in some parts of Missouri this summer. If the rebels of Missouri do rise again, they will make their own overthrow the more complete. No one disrupts the power of the federal government. To put a quietness upon the rebels in Missouri or any rebel force that may be sent in to the state and when it is done again it will (be) done affectively. I wish they would send us back up into Missouri again. I have always said that a rebel in Missouri were the meanest men that live and I stick to it. I have saw a good many rebel prisoners since I have been in Dixie, but none of them seem half as degenerated as the Missouri Rebels. All of the rebels down in this part of the country look upon the Missouri Rebels as a being that have not more than 2 ideas above an oyster*
*(Not quite sure what set off this patriotic rant; possibly the activity of guerrilla activity, including that of Quantrill and others. Henry is apparently very passionate about his feelings towards the rebel presence in Missouri, and wants everyone at home to know it.)
Tomorrow, we will be mustered for pay and it is thanksgiving day also. We are to have preaching in the fort at 2 o’clock PM. We have preaching here regularly every Sunday in the fort and some times twice. It is quite a striking scene to see five or six thousand men gathered together to worship God; some sitting on cannon and on piles of cannon balls and shot. It makes on one think of home and of friends, Although we are far away, I hope this will find you all well and getting along finely. You must write often to me as it is a great pleasure to me to hear from you all.
Give my love to all the children.
Give my respects to all the inquiring friends and believe me as ever your dear affectionate son
Henry S. Carroll
1st Sergeant, Company D
News of Skirmish Near White River-News of Vicksburg-News of General Joe Hooker
Helena, Ark
May 13th 1863
Dear Mother
As I have a few moments of leisure this morning, I will write you a few lines to inform you that I am in the enjoyment of the finest of health and spirits. I received a letter from John this morning dated on the 3rd of May. I was glad to learn that you were al in good health with the exception of Hannibal who I hope is well before this time.
We have no news of importance at this point with the exception of Marmaduke’s appearance between this and White River. Colonel Rice of the 33rd Iowa, 28th Wisconsin, some six or seven hundred cavalry; making in all a force of two thousand men, left here about a week ago to go back into the country to destroy some mills - an object which was accomplished without meeting an enemy and they started in return on yesterday. From a courier just from our forces, I learn that on yesterday morning some of our cavalry were scouting in the vicinity when they unexpectedly came up with Marmaduke’s men. Our men engaged them and drove them back until they came up to where the rebel artillery was planted when our troops retreated back to the main body. Our men lost one killed and six wounded.
The latest we have from Colonel Rice was up to four o’ clock yesterday evening when he started with his whole force to engage Marmaduke. This morning we heard several cannon. I have no doubt but they were doing some sharp fighting. I do not think the rebels will attack this place; if they do they will get a worse thrashing than they did at Cape Giredeau.
You get the news from Vicksburg as often as we do. I think there is no doubt but what the place will into our hands soon. Some 600 prisoners came up from there yesterday having been taken in the recent engagement below Vicksburg. They were just about as hard a looking set as one could wish to see; no two of them dressed alike. They said that Vicksburg would surrender soon as they were almost in a starving condition. They had had nothing to eat for two months but cornbread and blue beef.
There seems to be conflicting news as to (General Joseph) Hooker’s movements (in Virginia). I hope they will come out all right yet. I think there will be more fighting in the next three months than has been done during the war and in that time I think the backbone of the rebellion will be broken and am confident that in less than one year, this war will be ended.
Tell the children to write often and let me know how you are all getting along and how things are on the farm. As it is more news to me to hear about the things on the farm than many other things. I kept plenty of money to do me. I think though it may be some time before we get paid again, but I do not need to spend much.
I must close now. Give my love to all the children and believe me as ever your dear son.
Henry S. Carroll
On Friends and Family who Visit-Health Concerns-Remarks on Vicksburg and on the Defeat of Hooker
Fort Curtis
Helena Ark
May 21st 1863
Dear Mother
As I have an opportunity of sending a letter to you by Mr. Brown who is here on a visit to his son, but starts home on the morrow, I will write a short note to inform you that I am in the enjoyment of most excellent of spirits. If you can see him or Mrs. Dreyfus, who is along with him, They can probably tell you a great deal more about us all than I could in a very long letter. It is quite a treat indeed to see any one from Louisiana, to hear how the people are all getting along. Although neither of them know exactly how you were all getting along yet I was very glad to see them. Mr. Brown came down to see his son who has been dangerously sick, but was able to walk about when his father arrived. Mrs. McKikthy is here yet. I do not know how long she intends to stay as Mr. McKikthy is not very well now; hardly think he will. I do not see why they can not give him a discharge as he is nothing but a burden and expense to the government as he is. But it is a difficult thing to get a discharge.
I have no news of importance to communicate to you; the times here are unusually quiet. The weather is quite pleasant and agreeable and that with not much heavy duty to perform, tend to make this one of the best places that we have ever been at yet.
The men are in uncommon good health at present. There are only about five thousand men here now all of which have been here since we came back the rest of the troops that were here having been sent to Vicksburg. the news from below this morning is very good. I hope before long that the place will fall, then Port Hudson becomes a certain and easy capture, then the great Mississippi will be opened and the confederacy will be divided into and then if we can only be successful in Tennessee and Banks in Louisiana, the rebels in the west are done and then the rest can soon be finished.
It seems that the fated Army of the Potomac has been again unsuccessful and driven back (at Chancellorsville,Va), but it give us no cause to falter or doubt the success of the course which we are fighting for. My experience in this war since I left home has each day tended to more fully confirm me in the opinion that ultimately this rebellion will be overthrown and peace again restored to an undivided country.
You must write often as there is nothing so cheering as to hear from home often. Tell John to write often and tell me how the crops are coming on. Tell Edna and Terra to write also. I wrote to Alabama and Joe to be a good boy and learn to read and spell.
I will send this by Mr. Brown
Give my love to all the children
Give my respects to all the inquiring friends and believe me as ever your dear affectionate son.
Henry S. Carroll
1st Sergeant, Co.D, 33rd MO
News of Family and Pike County
May 22nd 1863
Dear Mother
I have just received Edna’s letter of the 15th. I am sorry to hear about John’s getting hurt, but I hope he will soon be well again as I know his time is very much needed on the crop.
There is nothing new this morning. I believe Major Johnston seems to be putting the rebs through about right in Pike (county, Mo) now. Such handling as he gives then will be very apt to put a stop to bushwhacking I think. It is the only plan to stop it and if rigidly carried into effect, Missouri will soon be peaceful again.
I do not know that I shall send this by Mr. Brown as it will go just as quick by mail. I think you are getting a very fair price for the wheat, but it will be more trouble to deliver it in Clarksville than Louisiana. Tell Edna to write again soon. So I will close my short letter.
Good bye
I am your affectionate son
Henry S. Carroll
A Furlough-Thoughts on the War-A Plea for Clothing
Fort Curtis Helena, Ark
May 29th 1863
Dear Mother
As Calvin Grissell of our company starts to Louisiana in the morning, he having received a sick furlough for twenty days, I will write you a short letter to let you all know that I am well and send it by him as it probably go through quicker that way than by mail. I hope this will find you all well and in good spirits. I have not received a letter from home for several days. I have been looking for one for several days past. I hope John is getting well.
We have no news of much importance here. I should not be surprised if we were attacked here any day, but I think if we are not attacked within a week from today, then there will be no danger as by that time Vicksburg will have been taken and then old (Sterling) Price will skedaddle as I think their only aim has been to annoy us so to draw some of our troops from that front. The way things are going, I think the war will soon be ended and then we will all get to return to our homes.
Grisell has been sick for the last two months and that is the reason he is getting a furlough. They are not granting and furloughs to any well men at present at all nor do I much idea they will soon.
It my be some time before Grissell returns, but when he comes I wish you would send me some cotton shirts as it is getting too warm to wear flannel. Some dark check or hickory would be best. Make them without collars and with buttons so I can wear buttoned on collars. You need not make them larger than you need to. I could buy them here, but they are very high and very little account. If you can see him, he can tell you all about our hard travels and hardships since we left. I hope this may find you all well and in good spirits.
Give my love to all the children.
And believe me as ever your son
Henry S. Carroll
Orderly Sergeant, Co. D 33rd MO
Please make 2 shirts with plain busoms and collars and one or two with no collars and tolerable plain busoms. If you think best, Calico will do as well for two of the shirts, but all I want is something strong.
Yours in haste
H.S.C.
Battle of Helena
Helena, Ark July 5th 1863
Dear Mother
I take my pen in hand this morning in haste to inform you that I am in excellent health. You will probably have heard before this reaches you that we have a fight here. And most a bloody one it was too. Yesterday morning we were attacked at half past four o’clock by the rebels under (Sterling)Price, (John Sappington)Marmaduke, and (Theophilus Hunter) Holmes. We were expecting an attack and as I mentioned to Edna the other day in my letter, we were ordered into line every morning before daylight. Yesterday morning, I was up at two o’clock and was engaged in delivering some tools to be used in the rifle pits. I remained up the balance of the night. At half past three the captain ordered me to get the company into line.
Everything was calm and serene and we began to think the rebs had concluded not to attack us. I divided the men into gun squads and scarcely had the men taken their posts ere an officer rode up and ordered us to fire an alarm gun which we did. In ten minutes afterward the enemy attacked our batteries on the left, almost as the fight opened on the right and center. I think the rebels had their whole force engaged.
Our center was headed by two companies of our regiment who were protected by some earthworks in which were planted two brass field pieces. A rebel brigade charged upon this work. They were composed of the 7th, 8th, and 12 Missouri rebel regiments. The ground over which they charged was very broken and the two guns and the infantry in the rifle pits made fearful havoc around them. The fight by this time was raging fearfully all around the lines. All this time, we were standing at our guns. I commanded gun no.6 in Fort Curtis. We loaded first with a shell. The fog was so thick that at the distance or six or seven hundred yards, we could not distinguish our men from the rebels. This was just at sunrise. Gradually as the sun arose, the fog lifted and cleared away and I could see them coming in to flank the battery on the hill opposite us. I asked the captain if I could give them a Fourth of July salute. He replied to give it to them and thus opened the most murderous fire from our guns that ever men withstood. But nothing seemed to daunt the foolhardiness of the rebels; they came on yelling like Indians all the time. Our men at the batteries were overpowered and compelled to retreat. They retreated to Fort Curtis. The rebs rushed to the top of the hill and formed a new line. They seemed to think they had gained the day, but they were woefully mistaken.
While they were forming, we were throwing shot and shell into them that told fearfully. Their colors were posted in a very conspicuous place and time after time they dropped to the ground (and ) men would rush up and hoist them again but only to be shot down. As soon as they had formed they began to advance toward us. They had to cross seven hundred yards of open ground. They seemed as they intended to take us at the bayonet point. They advanced steadily and briskly while six heavy guns from one fort and also several companies of infantry that had been driven in from the outer works were mowing them down under this murderous fire. They advanced four hundred yards. They were so close, the day seemed lost in spite of all we could do.
At this distance we poured in a double charge of grape that made them reel and stagger. Their officers waved their swords and tried to urge the men forward but it was of no use. It was not human to stand it. They broke and began to retreat and such a slaughter was never greater on any battlefield west of the Mississippi. They started up a road and I trained my gun upon it, as also did two other gunners in the fort. We all fired at once and when the smoke cleared away, not a man was to be seen within a rod of the place. Dead, dying and wounded were strewed thickly on the ground. This charge was made down a hill and so perilous was it to retreat that they fell closer to us in a hollow, and the way we did slaughter them was something. They soon raised a white flag and all of the eighth and tenth Missouri rebels regiments surrendered but what lay on the field dead and wounded. We captured one thousand prisoners, two colonels, 7 captains, 14 lieutenants, and guns and accouterments by the card.
I could not give you all the minute details if I were write two days, but will do so in a few days. By eleven o’clock they had retreated and the firing had ceased. And such a looking set of fellows as we were; all as black with powder as Negroes and well we might be for we had fired 103 rounds from our gun during that time. Every one of our company behaved nobly, we are all heroes. Old Pike may well be proud of her representatives here yesterday. Our Colonel who was at Pittsburg Landing and Corinth and many other battles of this war says the 33rd are every one heroes. General (Frederick Sigel) Salomon says he never saw artillery used more effectively than we did ours yesterday.
Not one of us was hurt, though the fort is sickening full of balls. The gun carriages (are damaged?), but no one was hurt inside the fort. But the enemy were slaughtered. It was supposed yesterday evening that there were two hundred of their dead on the (field), but our men have been burying them since three o’clock yesterday. We find them behind logs and stumps and in hollows. Every one seems to think that there are at least four hundred of their dead on the field.
I have just been over the battlefield and no language van describe its horrors. It was a scene I shall never forget. Men were torn and mutilated in every possible manner. They were all Missourians. Numbers of them surrendered that could easily have escaped. There happened to be a steamboat (TYLER) here at the time and we put six hundred on board of her and started them to Memphis in one hour after the surrender. I suppose you will see an account of it in the papers before I write again. I must close as the mail is ready.
We expect they will attack us again.
I received a letter from Edna this morning.
Our whole loss was 50 killed.
33rd loss-20 killed and some forty wounded.
So good bye
Henry S. Carroll
Reporting on the Gains and Losses from the Battle
Helena, Ark. July 15th 1863
Dear Mother
I will write you a short letter this morning to inform you that I am well. I hope this may find you all enjoying the blessing of good health.
We have not much news of importance here. There are considerable apprehensions of another attack here. It is reported here that Kirby Smith's forces have joined those of Price and they are preparing to make a desperate struggle to get possession of some point on the river. There is a force of the enemy about twelve or fourteen miles from here, but we know nothing of their numbers or intentions.
The rebel army were very much cut up here on the 4th. Much more than we supposed after the fight. I think they could not have lost less than three thousand men in their attack on this place. We captured just two thousand stand of good rifles and muskets besides quite a number that were useless to us. The rebels that made the attack were principally Missourians. Some of us recognized several from Pike among the prisoners; one by the name of Damron.
We are at work completing the fortifications. We know pretty well where to work now to make it profitable. Should the rebels attack us again, I think we will have a much harder fight than we had on the 4th. But I am confident that we can hold this place against all the rebels west of the Mississippi.
The health of the troops here is exceedingly good. Our boys are all well and anxious for another fight with the rebels. I have not received the official report of our total loss in battle, but learn it was 142. I am certain that it will not be over two hundred of that number. Our regiment lost in killed: 2 commissioned officers, 16 enlisted men; wounded: 2 commissioned officers, 24 enlisted men; missing: nine enlisted men. We lost more than any other regiment. I do not know the exact numbers (of rebels) killed. I saw 45 of them buried in one pit, 15 in another, and numbers of others which were buried where they fell, sometimes two or three together and sometimes singly.
The last few days, the weather has been quite cool and pleasant. We are all getting very well and all in high spirits than usual on account of the fall of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. I think we will soon put an end to this rebellion, if the detestable copperheads will just behave themselves and the people at home will back the soldiers in the army.
I send you my picture, but it is a very poor one as there are no good artists here. I think I will get some photographs taken before long which will be better than this one.
I received a letter this morning from Ann Finley. As the mail is almost ready to start, I will close.
I am your affectionate son.
Henry S. Carroll
Give my love to all the children and friends and kinfolks. Tell Joe that I hope he is a good boy and learns his books and does lots of work.
Traveling the Mississippi River
*Helena, AR Aug 21st 1863
Dear Mother
I will write you a short letter this morning to inform you of my safe arrival here on Tuesday last.
I was fortunate enough to meet a through boat from St. Louis to this place. I arrived at St. Louis about two o’clock. I took passage on the steamboat War Eagle bound to Helena loaded with commissary stores for the army at this place. As we did not leave St. Louis until late in the evening I had time to take quite a walk through the city. I had to go to the custom house to get a permit to ship the things that I had for different ones of the company which I got without any trouble. We let St. Louis about sunset on Friday evening and by next morning 7 o’clock we reached Cape Giredeau where we remained all day taking a lot of wagons and mules to be shipped to this point. About dark we left the Cape and reached Cairo, Illinois at 8 o’clock next morning as the boat only had to stop to report. We did not stop long. We were soon to Columbus, KY. The town and bluffs looking as familiar as ever. By dark we passed No.10 by ten o’clock. Next day we passed Fort Pillow and a few hours later the place where the town and Fort Randolph once stood. Lone and towering chimneys now only mark the desolate spot of a once flourishing town, but for the rebellious actions of its inhabitants it is now like Sodom and Gomorrah numbered with the things that were. That evening late we arrived at Memphis where we remained all night.
Early next morning we started for Helena where we arrived about two o’clock. I found the place almost deserted; nearly all the troops having gone on the expedition to Little Rock. The boys were all glad to see me and I was equally as glad to see them. The men are in good health and just as fine spirits as they can be. They are all anxious to hear of the draft going on. I do not believe that there are a company of men that are better satisfied in the service than our company. They were all afraid that our regiment would have to go out on the Little Rock expedition but our regiment, two other pieces of regiments are left to guard the post. We do no drilling at all. Nothing but guard duty. I think it very probable that we will remain here as long (as) the place needs guarding. I do not believe the weather is very little if any warmer than up in Missouri although the sun is warmer I believe.
There is most always a breeze blowing which make’s it tolerably pleasant. The nights are cool and much pleasanter than in Missouri. We have no news from the expedition I believe, but I think they will ere long turn up about Little Rock some where.
Tell Alabama that her tomatoes were excellent. The captain said they were the best thing he (had) eaten this year. Had I known that I could have gotten along so well with what I had I would have brought more.
I will close
Give my love to all
I am as ever your son
H.S.Carroll
*(It seems Henry was sent to St. Louis to help in acquiring supplies for his regiment. This detached duty appears to have occupied him for nearly 30 days. It's possible he had time to visit with his loved ones as he returned with fresh home grown tomatoes)
Rumors of Little Rock Campaign-Health Issues
Helena, AR
Sept 3rd 1863Campaign-Health Issues
Helena, AR
Sept 3rd 1863
Dear Brother
I will write you a short letter to day to inform you that I am in good health and spirits. Hoping that this may find you all enjoying the same great blessing. I have no news of particular importance to write. Times are remarkably quiet here now. The bushwhackers here have nearly ceased to annoy our pickets as they have been doing all summer.
So many troops moving out through the country toward Little Rock has had the wholesome effect to clear the country effectively of these prowlers and outlaws who have been hanging around and annoying us for several months past. We have had no reliable information from the expedition since my last, with the exception of this: Our old brigade was at Devall's Bluff on the 26th of Aug and expected to start next morning for Little Rock. The main was on White River at last accounts, but probably ere this are near Little Rock.
The rebels I learn are fortifying near Little Rock. We may expect to hear of some warm work in (the) region soon. Reinforcements are going to General (Frederick) Steele from this place every few days. The boys are in better health than they were a week or ten days ago. We have but two or three men in the company that are complaining at all now.
The weather here is quite pleasant now, the night are quite cool and the days are moderately warm. Several of the boys have the chills and fever; with this exception, we have scarcely any sickness at all in the regiment. I believe it is just as healthy here as it is in Missouri.
I have not received a letter from any of you since I came back, but I am looking for one by next mail. You must write often and tell me how you are getting along. I have nothing worth writing. I will close. Give my respects to all.
And remain as ever your brother
H.S.Carroll
There is some such talk that we are to be ordered to St. Louis soon to garrison the fortifications in and around the place, but I do not believe a word of it although we may.
Write soon
CONCLUDED