Moses L. Whittemore, 51st Ohio Volunteers, Civil War Archive

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American History: Premier Auction

By Cowan's Auctions

Jun 22, 2018

Set Reminder 2018-06-22 10:00:00 2018-06-22 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : American History: Premier Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/cowans/american-history-premier-auction-3268
Cowan’s American History: Premier Auction, scheduled for June 22, 2018 is comprised of early photographs, documents, manuscripts, broadsides, flags, and more dating from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, Late Indian Wars, World War I and II and beyond. Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com

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• Lot Description

  Lot of 13 war-date letters, which includes 7 letters written to friends and family members by Moses L. Whittemore of the 51st Ohio Volunteers. Letters span 1861-1864.

  Born to Daniel P. Whittemore and Lavina (sometimes Lovina) Goodhue Whittemore in Keene, OH, Moses Langley Whittemore (1840-1865) was the eighth of twelve children. He enlisted as a private on 9/9/1861. Eight days later he mustered into "C" Company of the Ohio 51st Infantry for three years' service. On 12/25/1862 he was promoted to corporal. He mustered out on 10/3/1865 at Victoria, TX. 

  The earliest letter in the collection dates from September 17, 1861, the day Moses was examined and mustered into his regiment. Writing to his family from "Camp Meigs," Moses describes the pageantry of the occasion and the departure of his regiment: "We reached Newcomerstown about 8 oclock just as the company was preparing to to get on the boat those that had not been sworn in were called out of the ranks and sworn in after which a splendid flag was presented to the company by the ladies of N.[ewcomerstown]...After prayer a short time was given for friends to take their farewell leave of the soldiers. I never attended any occasion where there was so much weeping...As we left N. we were hailed by deafening cheers..." Moses' journey with the 51st from Camp Meigs via rail and down the Ohio River is described in greater detail in his next letter which was written from Camp Dennison on November 6, 1861. Moses reports also that his regiment was inspected by Gov. Dennison, "rifled muskets having raised sights" are expected to be dispensed, and that he is "surrounded by a great deal of sin." He assures his family that he will not forget his Christian religion: "I do not forget that I have a soul to save a heaven to gain and a hell to shun."

  The 51st Ohio served in various capacities after it was formed, but did not participate in its first major engagement until the fall of 1862 when the regiment met and defeated Wheeler's Confederate Cavalry at Dobson's Ferry. The 51st then when on to suffer casualties at the Battle of Stone River before moving on to occupy Murfreesboro. Moses' next letter is written from Murfreesboro and dates from May 1863. In this letter he describes his current situation including rations and accommodations, and writes in glowing terms about this commanding officer General William Rosecrans: "The[re] is a camp report afloat that the rebel army is advancing in force but it is still not believed by many...nothing would please Rosy more than to have the enemy attack his army at M...Their policy is to draw us out from under the cover of our fortifications and then attack; they have been endeavoring to do this for the last mo. but our skillful warriour, Rosencrans [sic] seldom bites at rebel bates; he understands strategy.... let me tell you that not withstanding he has not much sympathy for rebs, he sympathizes with his own men in their suffering and does all he can for them..." Moses goes on to describe being reviewed by Rosecrans who inquired of each Colonel as to the condition of each regiment. Upon reviewing the 51st, Moses reports that the General stated "this regt looks well, very well." 

  In January 1864, Moses is still at Murfreesboro. On the 16th of that month, his birthday, he writes a 9pp missive to his family detailing his thoughts upon turning 24. The majority of the letter reflects upon his spiritual journey, and how the conflict that rages on in the country reflects a larger struggle and overarching question regarding Protestantism's place in the world. "This is, indeed, an eventful age; the sword is carrying carnage & destruction into several states of our own native land; a million men have seized the weapons of death, and, meeting in deadly conflict, are strewing our lovely plains with the dead, and dying...in short, we are engaged in the most stupendous and important conflict that has ever been known in the history of the world; & what has caused it?...what are we fighting for? These are questions which are of vital importance, not only to the American, but to all the civilized nations of earth. The nations of Europe are watching with an Eagle's eye...to see whether man is capable of self-government or not;...to have it decided whether there is any redeeming qualities in Protestantism or no..."

  Moses' next three letters are written from Blue Springs (near Cleveland), TN, and near Atlanta, GA, during the spring and summer of 1864, just after Moses' reenlistment. During this period his regiment was involved in the Atlanta Campaign. Following that campaign his regiment moved west until it mustered out in Victoria, TX, at the end of the war. While Moses' military record does not indicate that he suffered illness or disease, a family history indicates that Moses "died of disease contracted in the service" shortly after his regiment mustered out.

  Correspondence from other Whittemore family members rounds out this collection. This includes an undated letter (likely 1863) from Moses' uncle Amos Whittemore, to Moses Whittemore's father Daniel, written from "Orwell, Elgin County, Canada West." Amos remarks upon the war saying, "Dear Brother Sister & Family, I received your letter concerning the War in due time and was glad as always am to hear any good for the North. But since that time I have seen some bad aspects especially in N Y City I hope the Government will prove itself able to rule & that rebellion will soon come to naught..." Amos Whittemore also includes an interesting description of the political landscape in Canada, noting that "There are 2 political parties in Canada. One is called the ...Reformer & the other is called the Corruptionists...the Corruptionists are in favor of the South and correspond to your dough faced Copperhead Democrats..." 

  Additional family correspondence includes another letter from Amos in Orwell dated March 19, 1863, and two letters from Lydia S. Fowler of Springfield, NH, sister of Amos and Daniel Whittemore. She writes a lengthy letter in March 1863 describing news from her home town as well as news from her son, Horatio Fowler, who was serving with the New Hampshire 15th regiment north of New Orleans. Lydia reports that Horatio "has seen enough since he has been out there that he is a rank abolitionist which he never fully was before, he says he believes the cause is good and if the rebs should finally get the victory and our Government falls it will be through northern traitors." Lydia goes on to state that there have been 15 men within one mile of her house who have gone to war, listing the names of those who served.

  Two final letters are written from the Whittemore family in Napoli, NY, with descriptions of life and war-time sentiment in their community.

  Condition

  Several letters exhibit some soil and damp stains, however, text remains legible and overall letters are in good condition.
  
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