Eli was born in Chatham, N.Y on February 20, 1825 and died in Hillsdale on January 10, 1902. On February 8, 1854, he married Jane Blackmar, who was born on July 5, 1833 and died in Hillsdale on June 6, 1880. On February 19, 1863, he was appointed Adj. Paymaster with the rank of Major of Cavalry. He served honorably until he was mustered out at Cincinnati, Ohio on February 15, 1866. Paymasters didn’t belong to a specific regiment.

The job of paymaster was intense, difficult and required good intelligence and organizational skills. Tens of thousands of dollars were entrusted to these men who had to account for every cent of the money. Paying the troops was more difficult that just giving the pay due. Officers and soldiers needed to purchase their own clothing, and that was deducted from the pay. Eli spent most of his time in either Cincinnati or Cleveland, but he also traveled to pay the troops. After the war ended entire regiments came to be mustered out. Their officers had paper work that was given to the paymasters to use when awarding the final pay.

When Eli left for the war he and Jane had four children. Arabella (who was called Bella and named for Jane’s mother, Arabella Reed Blackmar) was born on August 27,1855. Esbon (who was called Ebby and named for Jane’s father, Esbon Blackmar) was born on March 30, 1857. Agnes (who was called Aggy) was born on August 10, 1859. And Harriett (who was called Hatty) was born on October 4, 1863. In addition to caring for them and her home, Jane had to keep up with business that Eli couldn’t deal with from afar. She had some help, and Aunty Bell VanValkenburg came to stay for quite a while, but the responsibilities she shouldered were many. Eli dealt with some matters when he came home for a visit, but many times he instructed Jane on who to contact and what financial arrangements to make.

Eli returned home permanently in early 1866, and four more daughters joined the family. Mary was born on June 20, 1866 (obviously a product of a short visit home by her father when he was still in the army). Jessie was born on August 9, 1868. Edith was born on November 18, 1870. And Maud was born on July 25, 1872, dying about six weeks later.

In his letters home Eli talks about his clerk, Pierce, and his fellow paymasters McDowell, Beecher, Auerback and the head paymaster, Baumister. He also talks about Keunon, the spelling of whose name was never clear.

In his civilian life, Eli was the Post Master at Hillsdale, Mich., and secretary-treasurer of the Detroit, Hillsdale & Potomic R.R at the time it was built. He speculated in oil during the war (and possibly after) and invested in government bonds.

On side notes about the family, Eli and Jane moved to Hillsdale soon after their marriage to help manage her father's extensive land holdings in the area. Jane's father was Esbon Blackmar, who donated the twenty-five acres for Hillsdale College. As a wedding present, Esbon and his wife Arabella Reed Blackmar had a substantial brick home built for the couple on College Hill. This home would later become known as Ambler House and be owned by the school. It is now the Hillsdale College Health and Wellness center. Eli and Jane’s son, Esbon, was one of the Four Oarsmen, who won national fame in skulling, a skill they learned somewhat organically on Baw Beese Lake because they didn’t know what they were doing and had no one to help them.

We are incredibly grateful to the heirs of Robert Clark Rowlson Jr., who entrusted us with these priceless letters from their many-greats grandfather, Eli VanValkenburg.

transcribed by JoAnne P. Miller and Darin Sheffer

(Eli has apparently been ill. After he’s finished is “accounts,” as paymaster he will be allowed to return home for a visit. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt lost “Susie,” who was probably a daughter.)

Cincinnati Tuesday afternoon

January 5th 1863

My Dear Wife -   I presume you have seen the letters I wrote you from here on Saturday before this time   If you have not Mr Pratt has reached Hillsdale before this and has been able to tell you everything of my situation & c.   On Saturday soon after writing to you I went in to Maj. ***bqch’s office and he asked me if I would like to go home and I told him yes of course.   he said I must make up my accounts and that I could then go and have a good long visit.  I am improving all the time now so as to be off for home as soon as possible.  

   Ed Browse[?] has just come in and I have been interrupted 20 minutes or so.  We have not got along very fast with our work for the reason that yesterday we ocupied most of the day in removing our office furniture & c from the old office to No. 85 & 87 Sycamore St. in the Building formerly ocupied as the International Willard Saloon.”  Most of the Pay & Quartermasters in the city are now located here. We are now comfortably setled in Room 26. Fifth Story, front and as the Rooms are smaller than those in the old building each Paymaster has a separate one.  By to-morrow I expect to get at work in earnest and hope to finish up matters so as to be home in two weeks from this time.  I want to see you all very much and will come as soon as I can.  I have considerable to do and it may take me a little longer than that   I presume Mr Pratt gave you our Picture taken at Knoxville during the siege.  

   It snowed here slowly most of the day yesterday and to day there is quite good sleighing  I hear sleigh Bells while I am writing but I will put off all sleigh Riding until I get home and there is a good time with you all

   Will it not be a terrible blow to Mrs Pratt to loose Susie & I think the Capt felt very badly while here.  I do hope he will find her better when he reaches home.  He is under orders to go to east Tennessee not far from Clinton.  I have been very near that place.  The choice between going there and going to jail would be in favor of the latter.  East Tennessee is not a gay place to live in by any manner of means.  I re’d your letter directed to me at Knoxville on the night of our famous retreat from Rutledge to Blair’s Cross Roads.   The trip back from Knoxville was one of the same sort with the one going.  but I am not going to take the time to write you about it when I get home I will give you the full particulars.

   I have not been to dinner to-day and as it is now after five o.clk I propose to adjourn for dinner or tea

   I take my meals at the Shades (*aches Saloon)   I shall not take up regular lodgings while I stay but leave that matter until I come home.

   James is wating to take this to the office so good bye  with lots of love and a kiss for each  I remain affectionately yours   Eli

   Tell Arabella I was very glad to get her nice letter.  it came yesterday.  How does Ebby get along learning to skate?

(Eli is anxious to get home, but has to finish some of his paymaster duties before going. The Pratts’ son, Ernie, is quite ill and his mother is concerned he won’t recover. Eli has some “bowel difficulty” and thinks it’s from drinking water from the Ohio River.)

Cincinnati  June 18, 1863

My Dear Wife.

I thought that perhaps I would receive a letter from you to-day but has arrived    You have been to busy or thought that as we would be home so soon it would not pay.

   James and I have been hurrying w/ matters as fast as possible so as to get off tomorrow afternoon but we have allotments to fix up and reports to make up of payments and stoppages & c & c and it looks now as though we could not get away from here until the first of next week and we shall then bring some work along to be done at Hillsdale.   We have had a lot of extra work to do in making up this payment that we did not have before & are as anxious as can be to get home as soon as I can - but you need not be disappointed if we fail to arrive on Saturday.   but I hope it will only be a very few days after before we shall **** *****    With much love to you and the children I remain affectionately

Yours Eli

   I have just returned from Maj Auerback’s[?] office he will not be home in time for me to get off this week and Maj McDowell to whom we make our report will not return until to-morrow,

   I rec’d this P.M. a lettter from Bill Blackmar[?] enclosed you will find it

   I also rec’d a Letter at the same time from Capt Pratt.  he says his wife writes very discouragingly about Ernie(?) she thinks he will not recover.   I think if one of my little ones were very sick indeed I should go home pay department or no pay department.   but of course he can not do much to relieve the little sufferer if he was there.   Capt.Campbell, Leroy Holloway & Bill Foot are with Capt. Pratt.

    It is to duced mean that I can not get away so as to be home by Saturday but I suppose I might to fix up my matters in a proper shape to leave.   it is said that Paymaster do more as they are a mind to about going away from head quaters in this department.   than any where else in the country.  Major Auerback lets us do about as we are a mind to.   Mr Pratt wants me to buy him a Hat a Linen Coat 2 Undershirts & a pair of shoes.   the latter he ordered when here. and to buy a nice doll and take home to Susie. a few more such customers and I might go into the concession business

   I hope Mrs Pratt is over anxious in in regard to Ernie and that he is not as sick as she thinks he is.   I can hardly give up going home to morrow - but I suppose I must.  If nothing new turns up it will not be many days before I shall see you   If there should I would be out of all sort of patience.   I can imagine I see the children looking for me on Saturday and wife to perhaps   

   It is going warm and dry here. I have been troubled a little with a bowel difficulty night before last  I took 3 blue pills and am some better   Ohio River water does not agree with me   I am to billious or something

   If you had known that I would have had to have given up going home to-morrow  You would have  written (written in between lines: It would have helped some) so I would have arrived to-day, but perhaps you may have gone to Connecticut yesterday or had company or something that prevented.  I will send this this (Thursday) evening so you will be certain to get it on Saturday.  With love and a kiss for each

Again good-bye

Yours Eli

(This letter was written on paper with the heading “Assistant Quartermaster’s Office. Some talk of the weather. Eli stayed with Capt. Pratt. Son Ebby apparently likes to kiss the girls.)

Camp Nelson Saturday morn Oct. 31st 1863

My Dear Wife

We are just about to start and I sit down to write you a few words   

   Yesterday it rained as hard as ever it could and I am very glad I did not have to sleep in a tent or out of doors.  I left James back at Lexington & he came on to Nicholasville yesterday where he stayed last night is more than I know.  if out in a tent he will have a doleful story to relate in his next history of a trip to Knoxville &c.  I have stayed with Capt Pratt since I have been here & have had things nice & comfortable  but from this time on for a month or so I expect it will be rough and unpleasant.  but I reckon I can stand it if I am well.  Capt P. rec’d a letter from Mrs P in which she says you are rather blue about Aggy(?) being away. but if she is well you ought to put up with it so as to accustom your self to such things for they will have to be away more or less.  and she could not have a better place to go to away from home and I presume the dear little thing will be contented and happy.  How is Master Ebby does he stil insist of kissing the girls yet. Mrs P. says you have made her a call with the baby in your arms so I conclude both you & the baby are tolerably well.    It is pretty muddy & blue this morning & chilly & ***.    I have 2 blankes my shawl and a rubber blanket & James the same except in place of my shawl, he has a comfortor   I think with these we can keep tolerably comfortable.    We go from here to Danville & will probably stay there to-night  we do not now expect to go by way of Cumberland Gap but by a rout farther west.  exactly where I do not myself know.  I hear that the roads are not any better than by the way we went before  but the way we propose to go. there is no force that can get at us except gurrillas and we are to heavily guarded (1000 Cavalry) to make it safe for them to attack us.

   There are quite a lot of officers returning with us to their regiment. 20 or so.  making quite a squad of men and teams.   If I have an opportunity to send my letters back back so as to have them mailed I will write you from time to time.  How provoking it is that I can not hear from you occasionally.   I must close and get ready for the start   Capt Pratt lends me a rough military over coat to make the trip with.  I leave my coat here until I come back.

   I have written this in a hurry but I reckon you will overlook errors & omissions &c &c.

   With much love to your dear self and the children and a kiss for each I remain

as ever affectionately Yours

Eli

(The paymasters are moving around to pay the troops. Eli is concerned because they only have a couple dozen guards and a lot of money. They telegraphed for more guards. While taking a horseback ride around town Eli and Maj. Walker saw a cemetery with many graves. Eli speculates that there are probably boys from the 18th Michigan and says most died of disease … though how he knows is a question.)

In camp near Danville Ky

Sunday evening Nov. 1st 1863

My Dear Wife           We arrived here last evening just after dark.  left Camp Nelson about one o’clock.  it is 17 miles from here. 

   I came on horseback and we have our extra lot of horse, or rather a lot of extra horses so that those of us who choose can have one to ride.   We had quite an interesting time last night after we got here.  Some of the citizens were fearful that we might have a visit from the gurrillas and I think it was a foolhardy performance in coming over here with so large a sum of money and with only 20 or 30 men as a guard. The Cavalry regiment that is to accompany us was left back at Camp Nelson to get their horses shod.  we got a little excited and Maj. McDowell telegraphed back to Camp Nelson and about security and this morning five companies arrived enough to make us feel tolerably secure just a week ago to-day there were some 60 or 70 Rebs in here and stole all the horses &c they could get their hands upon burned a lot of govt. feed and did considerable damage in the two hours or so they stayed.  we now expect the balance of the cavalry here to-morrow and then for Knoxville and the front. as soon as the cavalry come up we shall be off which will probably be tomorrow some time.  it will probably take us 10 days to reach Knoxville and I now understand that the regiment we are to pay are down towards or at Louden Tenn.   We take what is called the middle rout to Knoxville by way of Somerset.  which is considered quite safe as we can not well be got at except by a few(?) gurrillas and there is not enough of them to make them dangerous with the force that will accompany us.

   This afternoon Major Walker (S.A) and myself took a horseback ride around the town.  it is one of the finest places I have seen in Ky.  there are two Seminaries one for Boys and one for Girls.  such lots of colord people as we saw in the street this afternoon.  The country around here is very good indeed.  on our side we visited the cemetery and saw the graves of some where from 50 to 100 soldiers most of them unmarked and probably about all of them have died of diseases.  while stationed over here.  I have no doubt there are members of the 18th Mich in the lot, as they were stationed here at one time and perhaps some I knew.  one of the rules of the grounds were that “no slave admitted here without the written consent of their master: none were buried within the grounds that we could find

   Last night I slept at *** Akers(?) & took breakfast there: the Cavalry telegraphed for did not arrive until after sunrise and I awoke at any unusual noise thinking that perhaps the rebels had arrived.  We fold up our tents to-day and to-night propose to spend our first night in camp.  we have 3 tents and two ambulances. the latter will accommodate 2 sleepers & the tents ever so many.  our black boy made biscit for tea and they were nice  he cooks well and if we only have nice weather we can get along very well.  James started with a small box of sugar but with his usual bad luck, had them stolen from him the first night; Capt Clements gave him a Tautio(?) (rubber blanket) and that went with the sugar. both stolen  I will look after my own things or they will be stolen certainly if James has the care of them.  I am writing this sitting on a cola box with a camp stool for a table.  so you must make do allowances.  Major S.A. Walker is near me.  (Helen(?) Pratt’s friend) and our stool very now & then get a jog which does not help the appearance of things.

   I must close as I now have an opportunity to send this to the P.O.  How I would like to hear from you and the dear children!  with much love and many kisses for each I remain

truly and affectionately yours

Eli

(As a paymaster, Eli occasionally travels from place to place to pay the troops. The planning for their travel is poorly managed. He concludes with some directions to his wife about the purchasing of oats for their Camden farm.)

Crab Orchard.  Thursday  11 a.m.

My own dear Wife. ~ Nov. 5th 1863

On Tuesday we left Frankfort and went on to Stanford(?) where we stayed until this morning.  The Cavalry all got up with us last evening and morn[?]  I believe we are all ready to go on.  We expect to reach Mount berman[?] to-night.  We at first expected to go to Knoxville by way of Somerset & c but last nigh orders came to go by way of Loudor[?] Barb****vill. & Cumberland Gap  it is about forty miles nearer by this route but was not thought as safe as the others   but it is safe enough I reckon.  this is the same way I went when I went on to the front to make my last payment.  We ought to get through to Knoxville in about eight days.  And we are all hoping that there will be no farther delay.   its certainly the worst managed affair that any one would wish to start with   if we had supposed we were going to spend the fall cruising around the country in this immediate vicinity we could have had our mail sent to us just as well as not   some of the Pay Masters are talking of sending back to Cincinnati to have their mail forwarded - but as I did not leave directions to write to me about this time I am not so particularly interested as some others.  It is provoking not to hear when I could as well as not and ducedly so to be hanging around here when we should have been in Knoxville before this time.   I am writing this in the Quartermaster’s office at Crab Orchard. I took a horse and came ahead of the trains which will probably be here in less than an hour   The day before yesterday it rained and it is slightly so this morning and I presume the roads ahead will be muddy enough we leave the pike here.   We have been in camp now long enough to get a little accustomed to that kind of a life but when the allowance of straw is short a Rubber blanket & a shawl under one does not make a very soft bed.  but thus far we have got along very comfortably  I have a horse to ride when I am so disposed and when not I have him lead. and I ride in the ambulance.   James takes to the ambulance and does not appear to worry if we do not get along very fast.

   The Train has just come up and I must close and write you you again at “some more convenient season” which will probably be somewhere between here and Cumberland Gap.    With much love and many kisses to your own dear self and for each of the children

    I remain affectionately yours

Eli

   If Mr Pound should send up any oats please have him deliver them to Horace   if he buys any for me  - he can give an order on Waldron & Baldy & they will pay him   I told Pound I would like more than will be owed[?] on our Camden farm   if Wheatons share  is turned over to me you need not pay him  let it apply on what he owes me

good bye again

    Eli

(This is a rambling, crowded letter—probably because it’s written under duress. The Union troops are besieged in Knoxville by Confederates led by Longstreet, although without concern of immediate starvation. Eli recounts a battle in which the 9th Michigan took heavy losses, including some of the officers. Major Buyinton was wounded and taken prisoner by the Confederates. It was reported that his brother, a member of the Confederate Army, was with him. Eli and his fellow soldiers are hoping that Burnside will get to them soon, but are also thinking that the Rebs will leave. Eli frets about the money owed to the soldiers. It’s being withheld as of the moment because of the uncertainty of whether they will be taken prisoner by the Confederacy. The paymasters have specific orders to set fire to the building in which they have their company rolls and money if that happens. One of the officers who was taken prisoner)

Knoxville Tenn Friday morning

My own Dear Wife Nov. 27th 1863

I have just heard that a cousin proposes to try and get out of this beseiged city this after-noon and I sit down to give you some of the items. We arrived here on Saturday the 14th and on Sunday our Southern brothers commenced a small fight over the River. They left during the night and attacked our forces at Campbell Station some 12 or 14 miles from here and had a sharp fight with the 9th Army 

Corps. our men had the best of it and maneuvered splendidly. but during the night our forces fell back to this place and with the 23rd Army Corps began entrenching in earnest  they had an **** amount of work, and I do not think the enemy can take it by assault certainly not with-out great loss of life   The enemy came up on Tuesday, Wednesday and began erecting Batteries Rifle pits &c.

  There has not been any *** engagement but several quite sharp fights, and skirmishes about every day.  Our loss since the commencement of operations in killed wounded &c will foot up at from 100 to 200.  Our Michigan troops has been quite unfortunate  Lieut Col. Smith of the 20th Mich was killed in the fight at Campbell Station - Lieut Col. Comstock of the 20th Mich. was killed here while standing in the door of his tent by a stray minie ball   both from Adrian and both noble men.  Cap. Hillsie(?) of the 20th Mich **** was mortally wounded about the same time Col Comstock was. and very much in the same way.  He is alive yet or was last night Thursday.  Three days ago the 2nd Mich made a charge on some of the rebel rifle pits pained what they attempted but the had to abandon them after holding them about an hour  they lost heavily   adjutant Noble killed or so reported & Major Buyington wounded & in the hands of the enemy as did most of our men; We lost 70 or 80 men  the order to charge was thought some mistake this regiment lost more than any other in tghe fight at Campbell Station & we are about used up. Buyington is reported to be with his brother who was in the Rebel army.  has had his leg amputated below the knee and is reported as doing well. The Rebs say Noble is not killed. but his hat was found with a bullet hole in it that would indicate he must have been killed or badly wounded

   You have no idea of the situation of things in a besieged city, shut out from the world. rumors are plenty and every day brings rumors of every sort & shade. We are now quite hopeful that there is a force on its way from Chatinooga that will raise the siege.  We are now so well fortified that our troops would be glad to have the enemy attack us. but they could not do so except in very strong force & with a great loss of life. We now expect the enemy to leave here in a very few days.  Gen. Longstreet and his men are the besieging forces. and number from 15 to 20 thousand. At some points along our lines the bullets go singing along almost every moment. I have had a number come near enough to know how they sound. The Rebs have sent their shells over this way several times so that we know what kind of noise they make.  They have not shelled any point in earnest and they will not shell the Tower for two reasons. they would not affect anything to help them & they would be as likely to destroy the property of their friends as enemies. I have visited the Hospital but will not attempt a description. Yesterday I visited some of the Rebel prisoners taken in the fight across the river   The day before (we took 20 or 30) those I saw were from Texas and South Carolina. it is quite evident that Longstreet expects us to retreat to Cumberand gap but in this he has been badly fooled.  he will have to leave soon we reckon but he will have ***** music on his way out whether he will make for Virginia N Carolina or for Bragg Army is now the mooted point with us. 

   Yesterday was Thanksgiving.  We had turkey for dinner but butter milk & a great many little extras were missing. We can live tolerably comfortably for a month at least & must longer if we can continue to receive food as we have been doing for most of the time since we have been here.  it is worse for the inhabitants  those connected with the army can get at about 2/3 less *** than outsiders, sugar at the commissary is selling at 15 * brown a fair article while at the groceries about town they ask 50 */four lbs. and that is about the way with everything.  we can buy at the commissary.  most of the kinds of provisions we brought with us from Cincinnati yet hold out.  and we have no idea of being badly starved for a month at least but we hope before that time to be in Cincinnati.  we were wondering yesterday what accounts you have had of us at home.  Cincinnati papers of the 6th 9th & 11th of Nov. is the last news we have had so you will see we are not very well posted. I heard yesterday that they had the report in some of the northern papers that Burnside’s whole army was captured   I presume you have had some appreciation &c/but we have strong faith that we shall get out all right in a few days.  How I should like to hear from you and the children and the dear friends outside.  it is now more than a month since I have heard from you and what changes may have taken place in that time?  This is not a very pleasant place at the best.  it is after the regular southern style & is now mudy dirty & disagreeable.  the weather has been rather pleasant for the time of year.

   We are now ocupying a large store our office is in the 2nd story.  and we are busy making out the pay bills.  have not had any fire thus far but have had to work with an over coat on most of the time.  We have not paid any yet and will not until matters are settled  we have our money counted and the numbers of the new money (we have) *** & an account of the whole account *** and if we have to surrender before we do so we expect to burn the whole pile.  The kindling wood is split we have Burnside’s order to fire the whole thing.  but we have seen times within the last two weeks (it will be tomorrow) since we arrived that we were a great deal more apprehensive that we should be compelled to do so than we now are. I have just heard the rumor that Hauker and his forces were at Sweetwater about 40 miles from here. we hope it is true. It will take us 6 or 8 days to fix up our matters and make our payments as things have been in such an uncertain state we have not thought it best make up our pay rolls. If the enemy should leave our force would go in persuit and when we should pay them & where it would be difficult to assess.  I have just returned pour Drivers bill of fare *** thus. Fresh pork coffee Rice Biscuit (decidedly heavy) Beans & applesauce or dried apples stewed. N.G. sugar & N.G. molasses (extra fine). *** Brownlow House (were(?) like the old Homestead is in sight of my window.  but he and Maynard left town the day after we arrived here.   If we should *** *** and have to go to the Libby House at Richmond have Horace attend to my Lay matters the most of the affairs connected, with the family I think you will be equal to. If there is anything in this that Rowlson should want to publish he can use it of course much will depend upon what form affairs *** after this.  but I presume the *** paper cones **** have managed to get more or less news of the situation of things to the papers.

   You may be assured I have thought of you and the dear children often and lovingly. accept much love & a kiss for yourself and each of the children. I remain affectionately yours

Eli

(written sideways on the first page)

James has left a diary & some one will probably & perhaps you had better write to Father and folks if you be charmed with his eloquent descriptive facility I think they may be apprehensive in the refund to him.

(Eli is trying to sell one of his horses. It may be that he has a business where he raises and sells horse.)

Cincinnati Ohio.

Wednesday P.M.  May 24th 1864

My Dear Wife.

Yours of the 22nd was received yesterday.  I wrote about that horse matter in my letter to Frank yesterday. I hope Horace will sell her, but Pierce says H has a horse of his own to sell, and he will be likely to dispose of that first if he can.    I am anxious to be at home commencement but you need not be disappointed if I can not come.  It is now very difficult to anticipate what our work will be any great length of time ahead.  It is now quire certain that soon we shall be engaged in paying mustered out troops, and if the mustering officers do their work as rapidly as they are expected to do, we shall be in the midst of paying discharged men the middle of next month.   Three points in Ohio have been designated where troops are to be discharged viz: Cleveland, Columbus and Camp D(?) (16 miles from here on the R.R. towards Columbus) perhaps most of the accounts will be made up here for the Camp D***isan payments   Forty Paymasters are to be mustered out of service on the first of June.  Major Whitehill and Wolcott of our Department are amongst the numbers.  I think likely that within two months a lot more of us will be served the same way so that I may be home to stay at almost any time after a little.  I do not see any use in discharging efficient Payasters for a couple of months as there will be plenty of work, but there is considerable dead wood that can very well be spared,  Paymasters that have not done much work and that are comparatively inefficient.

   Maj Baumister has been sick but is in the office today again.

   Thursday morning.   Yesterday afternoon I was not able to finish this. I was interrupted by a call from Maj. Day of 6th Color’d troops.  he used to be a clerk for Allen Ha****: was at Hillsdale last winter and married A Miss Bower(?).    In the evening Pierce talked about his matters until I did not have time to finish it.  Pierce says that some Law Suit Mr Reed has been engaged in for some time past has been decided in his favor and that it makes him worth quite an amount.  he does not know the precise amount but thinks it is 30 Thousand Dollars or so. This will be a grand thing for the family, the girls especially.   I should not wonder if I and two or three of the Paymasters from here were sent to Columbus or Cleveland to pay mustered out troops when they get there. Maj Lawson(?) is trying to have himself Beecher and I sent to some place to-gether to make payments.

   Bill & Larry will no doubt have a nice time if they go to Chicago to the Fair.   To-day it is raining again   we have ever so much rainy weather this spring but then our trees will be more likely to live and do well.   I want to see you all very much and I am going to try and get home some way.  If only for a short time before we get engaged in paying these mustered out men if I can arrange it satisfactorily

(written sideways)

Well much love to you and the children and good wishes to Bill Larry & Frank and all the friends  I remain truly and affy yours Eli

(Eli relates some of the work he will be doing paying men who are being mustered out. He spent the last weekend seemingly at loose ends. To pass the time he read and then went for a tour of the men’s prison. They were apparently worked on chain gangs. Eli bemoaned that there was no one to go through to point out the crimes the prisoners committed. On a walk he noted an asylum for the deaf and dumb and one for lunatics.)

Columbus  Ohio.

Wednesday Eve. Nov. 16th 1864

My Own Dear Wife -

I have not heard a word from you since I returned, but I presume you have been busy moving or getting ready to do so.  I have nothing new to communicate, but thought I would write you a few lines, so that you would have a show of a letter on Saturday.

   Yesterday we paid a small squad of mustered out men and to day, we have been busy paying detachments from “Judd’s Barracks”, which is near the Depot here in the city. We have 20 or 30 Detachment Rolls with the name of one man on some and some of more, up to 25 or 30 names on a roll. We have as many as we shall be able to pay for a day or two. and probably all this week.

   I have not heard anything more from the Regiment that is to come here to be mustered out.   Maj Febiger has come out with an order. that the Paymr in charge of any post, is to report us if we leave our station. this looks like being down on our going home &c. we shall see.   When Chandler gets in Washington, I am going to try, to get transfered to Aurback’s district.  Maj. Baumister is very accommodating, I only wish he was chief of the District.

   On Monday last, Pierce and I not having anything on hand, in the afternoon, went down and went through the States Prison.  They have about 520 criminals at work for the state. If we could have been shown through by some one who would take the time and trouble to point out the distinguished characters it would be very interesting.  but to pass along and see first a hard looking face of one character and then of another, without knowing any thing of the history of any of them, does not afford much satisfaction   On Sunday afternoon I took a long walk about town.  There is a large Lunatic asylum and one of moderate size for the Deef and Dumb.  There is a medical college here, some where, but I have not seen it yet.   I read pretty much all the newspapers, and what time I do not know what else to do. I read “Mary Bartow”, “A tale of Manchester life.”  it is just a passable story. Some of the English of it reminds me of Mrs. Chipley’s Talk.

   I have not received any letters since we came back.  have sent to Cincinnati for our mail, to be sent us, but some how, it does not get here.

   I expect you are having an interesting time moving and getting settled; I wish I could be there to help you. I presume Aunty Bell will be with you, before you will get this. we shall be glad to have her with us wont we!   Write as soon as you can find time. remember me with many good wishes to all, and with love and all sorts of good things for you and the dear children  I am affy yours Eli

(As with all the men away from home, Eli counts on getting letters from home. His wife is moving to a new house and he hopes all is well there. He talks about $500.00 that he wants to move because it will offer a good return.)

Columbus, Ohio. Tuesday evening

November 22th 1864

My Own Dear Wife -

On Monday I read my mail from Cincinnati, and in it a letter from you dated the 15th. I thought I should receive another tonight. but was disappointed.   I am anxious to know how you get along getting settled.   whether you have the Wood House enclosed and Roofed, and how you get along about many matters, whether any thing has been paid on any of the contracts, and whether Wheaton has paid anything &c&c  I also want to know whether Horace bought any apples for you.  It is awful cold here just now, began to get cold this morning. and now is regular winter weather.  I wonder if you have wood enough secured to keep you and the little ones comfortable.  I would very much like to be with you at Thanksgiving.  last year I shared it at Knoxville, down in behind the stores, with Stephen Walker and Maj Hoggarty around the dinner table.  this year will be under circumstances rather different.  I expect we shall remain here for a time longer. at least I hear nothing of our going away. I expect to spend Thanksgiving here. On Sunday evening we went to hear a congregational minister preach  I liked to hear him very well, and he is to preach Thanksgiving morning I now think I shall go and hear him.   My mail from Cincinnati did not turn out much of a yield.  Brother George Jess Pitts Gif V.V. Stephen Walter an Capt Pratt all owe me letters, but not a word from one of them.  I had a line from Zach Chandler, saying the Secesh War would not interfere with the Bureaus under him - said he had tried him fifty times and failed.  When he gets to Washington I will see what can be done.  We do not hear yet who is to be Paymaster in charge of our District - expect to hear every day.  I hope Baumister will be the man.

   I have $500. in 7 & 3/4 Govt Bonds, which I want to keep along and put in the place of $500. on Special deposit at Waldon & Baldys, but the interest on that is not due until the last of February. If they pay up on the  contracts &c at Hillsdale and with my salary, I can manage matters, if they do not I think I shall know enough to take these bonds.  they have been drawing 7 &3/4 per cent interest semiannually since August 15th the first 6 months enstalment of which will be due the middle of February.  They are not taxable and are a desireable investment and I mean to retain $500.  if I can conveniently manage to do so.  We have plenty of work still, have detachments from the barracks to pay and to day have had a company of mustered out men to pay.  Over 10 thousand dollars paid out yesterday and to day.

   I understand I am not on the list to go with Major McDowell to Kentucky to pay a lot of mustered out regiments. they are waiting for funds to go and do that job with.  I had rather remain here than go to Kentucky,

   I expect you are working yourself half sick, if you are not more so I shall be glad.  I presume Aunty Bell is with you before this time.   I do hope you will have written so that I will received a letter to morrow.   With much love to you, Aunty Bell, and the children, and a kiss to each.  I remain as every yours affectionately

Eli

(Eli explains how it is more complicated to pay men who are mustered out than those still in service. He inquires about how the “wood house” is coming along and is not happy with the work of Carroll. Some parolled officers, among them some from the 18th Michigan—which had about 200 men captured—came to Columbus to be exchange with Rebel officers. The “privates” remain as prisoners of war. Eli mentions a report he read in the paper about Col.Doolittle and those remaining of the 18th Michigan acquitting themselves well when Decatur was besieged by Hood.)

Columbus Ohio Wednesday Eve.

Nov. 24th 1864  (9 o’clock)

My Very Dear Wife,

Yours of Nov. 21st arrived to day - was glad to hear from you and that you all were well &c  Pierce and I have just finished making up the acts. of 19 men of 1st Ohio Cavalry that have been mustered out of service so that we shall have nothing to do to morrow but attend Thanksgiving. -  It is a great deal more work to make up the acts. of men discharged than those in the service that their clothing act. bounty &c all have to be included and they get one day’s pay and .50 and subsistence from the place they are paid to the place they enlisted this has to be figured up and included but it is pleasanter to sit here and figure in a nice comfortable office than it is to be jaunting around in the mud and cold of Tennessee and Georgia or any where in that section.    I did not intend to write you a letter but only to say that I saw a line from Maj Febiger to Maj Baumister asking him to send me back to Cincinnati and I suppose we will go there the last of this week or the first of next.  Maj Baumister says Febiger wants me for duty at Cincinnati but what I can be I can not imagine. - Baumister has gone into the country to spend Thanksgiving and will not be back until Friday and I have work enough to keep me until then and with the Paymas now here there is enough for me.  but I suppose B. will feel bound to give me an order to return to C - soon after he returns.  as soon as you receive this you will again direct your letters to me at Cincinnati.

   You did not say how far along the carpenters had got with the wood house. nor whether Carroll had been over to do anything.  You had better have Mr Shoemaker fix the windows, the first pleasant weather so that he can. it should be done by Carroll, as it is in the agreement, but I suppose it will be more than it is worth to get him. I am not done with that gentleman yet. I rather think I can make myself tolerable disagreeable to him if I try and I expect to try some time    Ask Horace what he has done about apples for you!

   To-day Stanley Davis and another Lieutenant of the 18th Mich. called upon us they are parolled prisoners and were with about 200 of the 18th that were captured by Foust near Athens, Georgia or Lum(?) I do not know which state it is in.  Stanley was wounded shot through the arm just above the wrist but did not break any of the bones - and it is now that he can begin to use it some.  The officers were parolled and they are sent here with exchanged but they will probably get leave to go home.  The privates are yet kept as prisoners of War amongst the lot is Wash Mamce(?). Henry Wood (Mrs. Wood’s husband) and quite a number from just about Hillsdale.  I saw by one of the Cincinnati papers that Col Doolittle and what there are left of the 18th did a gallant thing at the time Decatur was besieged by Hood: charged the rebel skirmish line and captured over 100 Rebs.

   I expect to hear great things of Sherman and his forces one of these days. 

   To-morrow I am intend to attend church at 11 a.m. and the rest of the day I do not know what I shall do read most of the time probably.

   The office is getting cold and I must close so with lots of love and ever so many kisses for you Aunty Bell and the children I bid you good night.

from Your affectionate husband

Eli

(Like all our soldiers, Eli counts on receiving letters from home. He’s a little put out that his wife hasn’t sent as many as he thinks she could have … but he then says that he imagines she’s quite busy with the new house being built. The paymasters transfer an incredible amount of money for salaries for the men. Eli’s favorite for paymaster in charge of his district, Maj. Baumister, has taken charge.)

Cincinnati Ohio Wednesday Eve

Nov. 30th 1864

My own Dear Wife

Yours of Nov. 28th reached me this evening by way of Cincinnati. I was almost out of patience because I did not hear from you. You must remember there are more of you to hear from at home than there is with me. but I suppose you have been very busy indeed. I infer from directing your letter to Cincinnati that you had not then recd. the note I directed Pierce to send you saying that I left here on Friday last to go to Cincinnati for money. I came back on Saturday and brought up 450 thousand dollars. We are now engaged in making up the Rolls for the 88th Ohio. stationed at Camp Chase, (about 4 miles from here.) They are a large regiment of about 1000 men and as we have their pay for 6 months and their clothing got for a year it will take us all this week to make up their rolls and pay them.  we have money here and they have none at Cincinnati and as there is considerable work to do here I presume we shall remain perhaps two weeks longer. so direct your letters to me here until you hear to the contrary.

   I have not had the luck, to receive many letters recently, I did not find any for me at Cincinnati. all received there are to be sent here for the present.

   Maj. Baumister is now in charge of this District. he is at Cincinnati only temporarily to examine Jay Masters but Febiger does not want to come back to this district and we do not want he should so I think things will be so managed that Baumister or some one else will have charge of the District. I hope Ab(?) will not be sent back he is not at all obiging about going home &c. I do very much want to arrange matters so that I can be at home during the Holdiays. we have a large show of Vouchers and have had plenty of work and Maj Baumister will allow us to go I am certain, if nothing turns up to present.

   If I had known about your having money and wanting to invest it in 7& 3/10 bonds I could have saved you something I paid out 40 thousand dollars of them a few days ago that had been drawing interest since the 15th of August. I presume you had to pay Waldron & Baldy back interest on what you had of them if you want any more let me know and I think I can get them for you, I think, this a very good way for you to invest your funds.   You did not tell me how you had arranged for a place to store things. How far has Mr Shoemaker got along with the wood house

   You had better see Mr. Wheaton and tell him you will have Mr. Mooney go with his man and help fix up a walk across the south end of his lot and I think he will attend to it at once.

   I am glad to hear Wayland has reached home safely give him my regards and ask him if he contemplates going north this season to hunt, up where he went 4 or 5 years ago!    As soon as Mr Shoemaker is done have Mr Mooney pick up and pile and take one of what fine lumber that may be left, if any.

   If Mr Shoemaker would make a new seat and take the stick of timbers out of the bottom of the back which would make it passably decent.

 What did you do Thanksgiving?  Yesteray and today has been mild and pleasant here.  I have been streached over a table all day and as it is now 1/2 past 9 I will close by wishing you good night and all manner of good - with lots of kisses and love to you, Bell and the children  I remain yours   Eli

(written sideways)

I guess your fur trade is a good thing as I am quite certain they will be of more use to you than the old ones were

(written sideways on front page)

Don’t you think you can write oftener. I had concluded not to write until I heard from you. Has Mrs Pratt gone to Little Rock?  Had you not better wean the baby and come down and make me a visit?

(Conversation about Eli’s job as Paymaster. He refers to a terrible battle near Nashville at Franklin and speculates that Hood’s forces will be use up.)

Columbus Ohio. -

Friday Eve. Dec. 2d 1864

My Dear Wife. -

I expected to receive a letter from you this afternoon. but was disappointed. I do hope I shall receive one to-morrow.  We have been very busy making up the Pay Rolls of the 88th Ohio and shall not finish until to-morrow night and will probably go out to “Camp Chase,” and pay them on Monday,  It will be a big days work as the most of them have clothing acts. and that makes different numbers of Dollars and cents to almost every man which requires close attention and making change takes about as much or more time than ordinarily it does to pay.   After we have completed the payment the understanding now is that we are to return to Cincinnati. what we shall have to do when we get there is more than I can tell. There is quite a job on hand to make up our accounts of what we have already paid.  I am not to be sent to Kentucky, so I suppose if we have many more payments to make befor the Holidays they will be in Ohio.   Upon the receipt of this, you will please write to me, and direct to Cincinnati.   This morning I recd a letter from brother George, which I will send you enclosed in this,  I will also send you the paper he sent me and a programme of a Sunday School Concert we attended last evening at the Congregational church.  There were about 100 little Boys and Girls and the directress was a Lady.  the house (church) was full and I could not help but think the children would have enjoyed it if they could have been present.

   Stanley Davis was here yesterday and took dinner with us  I think he left for home early this morning.  he inquired about Bell.  If he does not get exchanged (he is parolled) soon he will probably be at Hillsdale in a week also.

   To-day has been quite rainy and this is one of the town for mud. it has a limestone foundation and the mud is like morter, bound to stick.

   Majors Beecher and Ballard arrived here yesterday morn and by the first of next week we shall have paid away all the money we have, if we do not get all the troops paid I think we shall have just about enough to pay all the troops here.

   I see by today’s papers an act. of a fight not far from Nashville (Franklin) and of those engaged in it were the regiments I paid when at Atlanta in August last.  I shall expect to hear of a terrible battle down in that vicinity every day now until it takes place.   If Thomas’ troops succeed in giving Hood and his army a sound threshing, I do not see what there is to prevent Hood’s being badly used up.  I expect the rebs have concentrated all their forces from La, Miss. and Alabama &c and that near Nashville there will soon be a terrible battle. but enough of this. It is now half past 9 and I have had a Pen in my hand since early this morning and it is tired enough to stop writing  So good night.  Love and kisses to you my own dear wife and to Bell and the children

   I remain as ever affectionately Yours -   Eli-

   If you do not answer my letters more frequently I think I shall not write as often as I have sometime.   Bell and Aggy must answer my letter.  If you do not have time to write why does not Aunty Bell write?

(Eli REALLY wants to get letters from his wife and you can hear not just his longing but his gentle anger. Paying the troops entails not just giving them their salary but also dealing with clothing, which the soldiers need to pay for.)

Columbus Ohio.

Sunday Eve. Dec 4th 1864

My Dear Wife. -

You have acted very “unpretty’ in not writing to me so that I would receive it yesterday and I at first made up my mind not to write again until I recd a letter from you, if I did not write in ever so long but I expect to be very busy to morrow and perhaps the day after so have concluded to write a few lines while I have time.   We have the rolls of the 88th Ohio all made up and it has been a job with clothing act &c there are as many of them as there are in a brigade at the front.  And to morrow we go out to “Camp Chase” (about 4 miles out.)  We have the money counted out the postage all cut and every thing ready for an early start in the morning.  We want to finish the whole Regiment before we come back.  Just think of paying about 1000 men or one hundred or two Hundred and Ten Thousand Dollars divided up into that number of files and then of various accounts,  both in dollars and cents it is not a very desirable job to look forward to but we shall come through by 9 or 10 to morrow evening I reckon.    We now expect to return to Cincinnati on Wednesday next, if nothing new turns up.

   When I left for Cincinnati before I told Pierce to send you a note informing you that we were to be here for a time longer. so that when you wrote you would direct to me here.  I seems his directions were to send the note to Mrs Reed, and have her send it to you, after I hand his programme I told him I thought you would get it in a week. How long was it?

   I have not been to church to-day, we promised to pay the Regiment yesterday but that was before we knew we had everlasting clothing act to settle. so we have made up lost time by finishing up the rolls counting the money. and cutting up Postage Currency &c&c.

   Friday was  a regular rainy day yesterday and to day has been pleasant for the time of year,     I do very much want to present my coming home to spend the Holidays with you, I hope if you are to busy to write, you are not so much occupied with the other things, as not to give a thought to the absent once in a while.

   I feel like having a leisure and reading the papers for a short time before going to bed so good night with pleasant dreams and much love and very kind wishes   I remain affect. Yours, Eli

   If you do not write oftener, you need not expect me to be so very kind as to keep writing so often.  Write to me next at Cincinnati.

(Apparently, Mrs. V. didn’t have the time to write, but now she has a “girl in the kitchen.” Eli offers advice about whether his wife should get a cow. It took more time than he expected to finish paying the 88th Ohio. He hopes to get home for Christmas. He is hearing about a major battle near Nashville between Rosencrans and Hood.)

Columbus Ohio  Wednesday P.M.

December 6 1864.

My Very Dear Wife. -            This morning I received your very welcome letter, am glad to hear you have a girl in the kitchen and that you propose to write to me oftener. You say you have Eva Bestto to take care of Hatty.  Where is Mary B -, and what is she doing?   We finished paying the 88th Ohio last evening, it took us one day longer than we anticipated, quite a number had to sign &c after we went out there, and making up their accounts &c hindered some, and it took longer to pay than we calculated. To morrow we turn over to Major Scott what funds we have left, and at 2 P.M. start on our way to Cincinnati,  I do not know whether we shall have more payments to make or not, at present.  I supppose we might pay another Regiment and then get our accounts made up by Christmas.  I shall feel provoked enough if I can not go home at that time. I red a letter from Brother Loren a few days ago in which he said that he expected Gifford about Christmas and New Years, and he hoped I and family would come up, and we would have a general good time.   Sachem is now to gelding, and I hope to sell him in the spring for a good price.

   I am afraid you will find it more trouble to keep a cow than you anticipate, and if you can buy milk it will be much the best way.  but if you can arrange with Horace to keep the cow at the Barn and some of his men feed and take care of her, and if Mr Terry or some one, will milk and bring the milk to the house for you, perhaps it will be best for you to have Horace buy a cow.   It must now be about a month since Mr Shoemaker commenced work on the Wood House.  he ought ot have it finished by this time, I should think.  I am glad to hear Wheaton is going to do something about a walk.  If he does not attend to it at once you had better speak to him again about it.

   Did you send me the Standard? I only get it once in a while.  Has Mrs Pratt gone to Littlerack(?) I expect to hear some of a terrible battle near Nasville.  It is understood here privately that Gnl. Rosencrance with 1500 men arrived at it last Monday night.  this with the reinforcements of about the same number by a J. Smith Command must make Gnl. Thomas strong enough to give Hood a defeat, and if a decisive one, I think will use up a considerable portion of his forces.

   This is a rainy muddy time here, not cold however.   I have a little bit of a headache and feel dull and stupid and will close with ever so much love for your own dear self and the children and kind regards to Aunty Bell and a kiss for each  I remain truely yours   Eli. -

   I saw(?) a letter to-day from Maj. Auerbach to Coon Keeping(?) that he & wife and boy were to be in Cincinnati this week & I shall see him.  and I will try and make some arrangement about being transferred to Detroit.

(Eli is hoping to be transferred to the Detroit district. He speaks disparagingly of how dirty Cincinnati is.)

Cincinnati Ohio

Friday morn  Dec 9th 1864

My own Dear Wife. -

I arrived here last evening about 10 o’clock in the evening.  the train was 2 hours or more behind time

   Found here a letter from you one from Gifford and one (on business) from Mr Raulett formerly of 36th Mass.   I wrote you from Columbus on Wednesday - Wedneday evening it turned around and began to grow cold very fast and since then has been as cold as fury.    Maj Auerback and Wife and boy are in town.  he has had the opeation performed on his boy’s eyes and it has been successful.   I have just returned from the Burnet House to see Will about that Detroit matter he is going to ask Maj Baumister to morrow for some one from the Indianapolis district and I have no doubt he will and if I get transfered I am there to be stationed at Detroit.   there is now a fare show of bringing that thing around before a very great while

   Majors McDowell and Keunon(?) have gone to New York for funds and I presume we shall soon have money enough to keep us all busy   they are to get a million.

   I will attend to getting the whistles for Bell this afternoon or tomorrow.

   Pierce has just finished sweeping and dusting the room and getting things clean enough to sit down and commence work.  What an awful dusty filthy town this is.

   There is nothing particularly new with Gifford. Ransom was in the country when he wrote, and that left Gifford with plenty to do.

   Matters here are about as usual   Most of the department are here but have not had anything to do for a month. have not had money.   Maj Case (of Lansing) has resigned  he did not amount to much as a Paymaster or as a man and it was the best thing he could do.

   We have plenty to do to get our papers fixed up and we shall have improve the time and be ready for what may come along as to go home or to Detroit &C.

   Pierce is about ready to go to the office so good bye with much love and many kisses to you and all the family I remain

truly and affectionatley Yours

Eli

(It has been very cold. Eli ponders how difficult it must be for the Rebs, who don’t have adequate clothing—including, for some, no shoes) or blankets. Eli is having difficulty being transferred to Detroit because the Maj. Baumister, the Chief Paymaster of the Cincinnati District, doesn’t want to lose him and possibly get a new man who isn’t good. Eli tells his wife about a very good play he saw at the opera house: Our American Cousin, with Laura Keen.)

Cincinnati Ohio. -

Sunday Eve  Dec- 11th 1864

My own Dear Wife. -

It is a cold blustery evening, and I have nothing better to do, so thought I would write to you.   We have about two inches of snow, and have had snow squalls almost every hour during the day, but most of the snow fell yesterday.-  This weather is bad enough for our soldiers, but what must it be for the rebs - half clad, with half of them without shoes or blankets & in the trenches near Nashville?

              I did not see Aurbach yesterday as he was in Baumister’s office but a short time and he did not speak to Baumister as he agreed to.  I spoke to him about my being transfered and he said he would not like to do it unless he knew who he was going to have in my place.  he objects to a Maj Brown and also the Major (I do not remember his name) now at Detroit.  It is somewhat complimentary his not wanting to share me when he can get a first rate man in my place and he said he should not want to consent unless he knew who he was to have - I presume Auerbach in his hurry forgot to say anything about this matter  I shall write him and ask him to name some one he will be willing to transfer for me.   It is now quire certain that Maj Baumister is to be the permanent chief of this District and I told Auerbach unless I could be stationed at Detoit I would as soon remain here as be transfered. and he again said he would give me Detroit.  I am not as confident of bringing it about as once but think I shall soon.  Baumister appeared more anxious to retain me than I though he would be.  but I am bound to perservere, Enclosed I send a pair of whistles for Aunty Bell - they are as near what I ordered as I could find, and the only pair. and as pretty as any I saw, unless some all red ones.  the cost is .75(cent sign) Last Friday eveg- I went to Pikes Opera House to see Laura Keen in “Our American Cousin.  it was very good.  and upon looking around who should I see but Thebe Phillips (Sauls(?) daughter)  she was there in company with Lew Stone and his new wife.   Stone has a Drug Store over in Newport was married this fall and has just returned from Wayne County &C.  and his Aunt Thebe returned with him - she expects to spend most of the winter in Newport I believe.-

  I went over and visited a little with them with them during the last of the play.  Thebe told me that my illustrious Nephew James V.G.(?) had gone east and was traveling for some house in Albany  she thought that Jess Giffort obtained the situation for him. - so he has again got to doing something.  but if he is to travel by the cars he will be left over one train extra nearly every time. I do not think of any thing else new well- what - you have probably learned of Bell

   To-day I have put on thicker under clothing and a pair of pants I have not worn since last spring  I am growing fat or something is the matter, for they are awful tight and to small around,

   To-morrow we are going about making up our accounts in earnest, I think we can do it in 5 or 6 days.  and then if we do not have any more paying to do will be ready for Christmas.  I suppose we shall have money some time this week but the greater part of troops now to be paid are in KY and there are plenty of Paymasters here to go there and do it. I suppose I might make up my accounts and make a small payment before Christmas but I do hope nothing will prevent my coming home to spend the Holidays.  I want to see you and the children &C very much indeed. - With much love and many kisses for you and the children and Aunty Bell.

   I remain as ever yours    Ei. 

Monday morning cold as fury mercury down to zero or below.

(The Pay master examiners are due, but haven’t arrived and Eli fears they won’t and will keep him from getting home for the holidays. Pierce is going home to arrange a man to take his place with the new draft upcoming because his wife isn’t well. Eli sent some steel pins and wished he had better pencils for the children. He has been saving paper to bring to them. Eli commiserates with his wife because she doesn’t have help with the children.)

Cincinnati Ohio. -

Tuesday P.M.   December 20th 1864

My very Dear Wife. -

Pierce leaves here this afternoon for Hillsdale to set about making himself safe against the next draft,  It is now uncertain when I can come home.  The board of examiners (for Pay Masters) were expected here yesterday but they have not arrived and they have no doubt gone to Indianapolis and how long it will take them in that district we can not tell  very likely 10 days or more and then whether they will next come here is more than we can tell.  It will be provoking if they do not come here in 2 or 3 weeks and keep me waiting for them so that I can not come home during the Holidays.  I expect we shall be pretty thoroughly examined, but I do not have any apprehension as to my self.-  We now have our last payment about fixed up.  There are a few things to do but I can do them and Pierce is very anxious to get a recruit for the Regt. now being raised for State Service.  I suppose his wife’s health is quite miserable. -

  What a terrible time the Besttes(?) have being sick

   I think you must have rather a poor time with out any nurse girl and no one but Lucinda W to do the kitchen work.  is she any more interested in her work than she used to be!

   Has there any one paid money on the land Contracts.

   How I wish I was going to Hillsdale with Pierce.  I want to see you all very much.

   I send by Pierce some steel Pins  I am sorry I have not some better ones also some pencils for the children. they are only good enough for them to scribbble with when I come I will bring them some paper I have kept for them to write upon. -    Does Hatty walk yet?-  I was in hopes that by this time, she would not be as troublsome as she has been.

  The weather here now is some colder than it was but is mild winter weather.  for 2 or 3 days but it has benn foggy and warm with some rain.

   Pierce is about ready to go so with much love and many kisses.  I remain truly and affectionately yours   Eli-

(Eli won’t make it home for Christmas because he now has to pay each “detached” (meaning inactive) officer as had applied for pay. The board of examiners are now held up because the chairman of that group is ill and not available for a few days. He asks if Wheaton (George Wheaton, who built the Poorhouse?) had laid a sidewalk from their house to Hillsdale Street.)

Cincinnati Ohio. -

Thursday morn  Dec- 22nd 1864

My Own Dear Wife.-

It now looks as though I should not be able to get off home for the present.  You have probably seen Pierce before this time and he is able to tell you about the situation of affairs here.    Yesterday morning Maj Baumister turned over $20,000. to me with directions to pay each detached officer as applied for pay.  the understanding is that when that amount is expended that kind of payment is to be discontinued for the present.  Maj Kinney(?) has here-to-fore been doing that kind of duty and why he does not do it now is more than I can guess.  so the time as to when I can come home is beautifully uncertain  be assured I shall come as soon as I can get away.   The board of examiners are now at Indianapolis or more a day or two ago we hear that Col. Andreas the Chairman of the board was sick and going to Vincurres(?) for a few days (he has a daughter living there) so that when they will be here is not quite uncertain

   Yesterday it snowed a little almost all day  Snow is now about 3 inches deep and the weather this morning is quite cold.    Major Coch’s clerk a Mr Guard is acting as clerk for me - he does very well, but has not had much experience paying detached officers.   Yesterday I had a nice long letter from Maj Walker  he is yet at New Orleans and expects to remain there for the present.  as Maj Auerback’s scheme for his transfer has failed but he expects to be transfered after one years service in that department as it is now understood that is to be the length of the term of banishment to that Section.

  I hope you have not discontinued writing under the impression that I am so soon to return home that it is not necessary

   I wrote to Capt. Pratt yesterday and to

(on this page a chunk is ripped off. The absent words will be shown as ****.)

J.G. Pitts the day before I will ******to daughter Bell in a day or two ***** If you have so much snow the **** must be bad for the children going **** returning from school.  Has Wheaton done anything about fixing the walk from our house to Hillsdale St.?

   It is now about noon and I must close to have this in time for the orderly to take this to the office when he goes to dinner.   So good bye

  with lots of Love and kisses to you and the family   I remain affec.  Yours Eli -

(Eli evidently got home and has returned to Cincinnati, still waiting for the board of examiners. He talks about the snow and rain. He’s been headachy, but feels better today.)

Cincinnati Ohio.-

Wednesday morn Jany 11 /65

My Own Dear Wife.-

I arrived here, safe and sound on Monday night about 10 o’clock and found every thing about as usual.  The board of examiners will not be here for a week or more which will give me time enough to post up all I want to.  they are now at Louisville.  We are now “out of funds.”  which prevents us from doing any work, but we are soon to have money where I will be sent when it arrives I do not now know. 

   Major McDowell has been ordered to New Orleans and expects to be off in a week or two.   After having left Toledo for 60 or 70 miles the snow was about as deep as at Hillsdale it there began to grow deeper and when I arrived here I found it over a foot deep.  Tuesday it rained nearly all day but towards night it began to snow again  it is not now as deep as it was but the sleighing is good and the streets are now mixed up with snow slash water &c.   The river is up to the top of the banks.    I send you to-day two copies of the “commercial” and as you do not buy Daily papers I will try and send them every other day when I am in town

   On my return here I found another letter from Henry Meijer(?) he is full of speculation and now talks of going to Savanna GA

   I have had more or less headache for the last 3 or 4 days - have taken cold and it is neuralgie or Catarr, I do not know which.  I am better to-day, than yesterday.

   With much love to you Bell, and the children, and Many good wishes for you all,  I rmain affectionately yours -

Eli

(Eli has taken the duty of making local payments to discharge officers and soldiers because the man in charge fell and hurt his arm. He mentions “Pierce,” hoping he will return as soon as his wife is better. Possible Pierce is his clerk. Along with his fellow pay masters, Eli is studying for the examination to come. He has heard speculation about the possible end of the war. Certain troop movements aren’t allowed in the papers.)

Cincinnati Ohio.-

Tuesday Eveg  January 17th 1865

My very Dear Wife:-

     I recd a letter from you this morning and one from Gifford- V.V- at the same time.  There is nothing very new with him.-

   I intended to have written to you by to-days mail, but have been kept at work in Maj Phelps’ office, down stairs, I am now engaged in making local payments to discharged officers and soldiers. this is what Maj P. has been doing for some time past, but this morning soon after leaving his boarding house, he sliped and fell and dislocated his arm at the elbow and fractured one of the bones near the same place.   I think likely I shall have this kind of duty to do for some time, but do not know that I will be required to take Major Phelps place until he recovers. it may be a month or more, before he is able to work again.

   To-day Maj Coon left here on his way to New Orleans - he goes down the Mississippi river, McDowell will leave in 2 or 3 weeks.

   The board of Examiners are expected here the last of this week. they may be here now any day.-

   I shall write Pierce to return here as soon as his wife is safe to leave. If I had not been assigned to Local payments. I should have been ordered to pay “Fairmount Hospital” (officers Hospital) here in the city) to-morrow, and I should have needed Pierce very much. Maj Phelps’ clerk (Mr Butler) is with me in the office, and a first rate clerk he is. I can not get along without one, and if he should leave, I would have to have some one.

   Maj Beecher. Kuison(?) & Craven left yesterday to go to K.Y. to make some payments, the two former and I, have been in school asking each other questions (almost every evening) as to pay account &c&c preparatory to examination. but now I am all “along in my glory,” to study matters out as best I may. there is some strife as to who shall pass the best examination-  Baumister Scovel & Kinney, study & discuss matters, each afternoon, and Beecher, Kenion(?) & I have done likewise each evening,  I do not expect to be No. 1, but to pass creditably.

   Last evening I went to Pikes to hear Mr & Mrs Florence in “Culleu(?) Barn(?)”, it was very good, espeically Mr Florence’ Irish of it.  This is the only time I have been out, since I came back here.

   We had a very little more snow last night, and to-day it is as cold as fury.- 

   We have just heard of the taking of Ft. Fisher.  this is a great thing for us, but I am aftaid it has cost the lifes of about a thousand men.     General Cox was in the office to-day, and I hear him say, “that quite a number of the troops that were with Thomas are now on their way to Washington, where these troops re-enforce Grant, and Sherman comes up from the south, I apprehend that Lee and his whole army will have to surrender and Richmond to, and that will finish up the rebelion.  “so mote it be.”

   You will not see anything of a portion of Thomas’ Army going to Grant in the papers for they will not allow it to be published.  I will try and find time soon to write to Frank Blackmar. Will directing to him at N.Y. city, care of Geo Palan reach him!-

With lots of love and kisses to you and the children and to Bell B -

I remain as ever you

loving husband

Eli

(Discharged and mustered out men fromthe 23rd Army have clamored for their pay. The board of examiners tested Eli and he felt he did exceptionally well. Pierce’s wife is in very bad shape and Pierce is not sure he can return to clerk for Eli right away. Eli isn’t happy about that and declared that Pierce would have to pay his replacement.)

Cincinnati Ohio -

Tuesday Eve January 24th 1865

My Very Dear Wife.-

Yesterday and to-day, I have been very busy.  The 23rd Army Corps, has been passing through here, and the office has been thronged with officers and men, Discharged and mustered out, for promotions who are anxious to be paid and Maj Kinney has had as many more who have wanted their pay “on detached duty.”

   I think we may be busy to morrow and I think by that time the rush will be over. I hope so at least.  Yesteday the Board of Examiners commenced operations and examined 9 of us, my turn came on at 4 or 5 yester P.M.  I was awful tired but I am happy to say that I do not think I answered a question incorrectly and think I made out the account right they gave me.  They did not keep me over a half an Hour on the rack.  I think I got off pretty well.  All except two or three examined thus far that I have heard relate their experience say they made more or less incorrect replied to some of the questions put to them and several most assuredly muddled the problems put to them to be workd out.  This is no doubt one of the best lot of Paymasters in the service to.  But it is over now and I am glad of it.  I think there only 3 or 4 more to be examined in this district and they will go through to morrow probably.

   I recd your kind letter and the nice present of a cravat an article I was in want of and for which consider me greatly obliged.  Say to daughter Bell I was very glad to get her letter.

   To-day I recd a letter from saying his wife was quite sick, “with the thrush,” (was better of her fever) and that he would not be able to leave until next Monday, and perhaps not then.  I want him here very much and if he does not come by Monday. I shall have to employ some one to do some writing for me, and Pierce will have to pay the bill.

   If the wood Andres Hastings called to see you about is seasoned wood you had better take 3 or 4 cords-    It is awful cold here to-night.  Yesterday it was mild, but it is as cold as fury now.

   I am sorry to hear that Frank Blackmar is so out of health.  I intended to have written to him before this, but I am busy in the office all day, and in the evening, I am to lazy or something.  I will do it in a day or two however.

      With much love and many kisses to you and the children, and Aunty Bell.

     I remain you affectionate husband

Eli.

You do not say anything about Wheaton’s paying anything?- Do not neglect to let me hear at once, if anything turns up, in regard to the Land Trades, I have written you about. 

(McDowell, ordered to New Orleans, tendered his resignation, which was rejected. Eli thinks he will go to New Orleans and then resign. Some of the Paymasters may be moved to the regular army … not something that thrills Eli. Maj. Phelps, who was replaced temporarily by Eli when he was injured, is hoping to move to an eastern district to be closer to family. Eli speculates that he may be kept in that position. He still has hopes of Pierce rejoining him soon.)

Cincinnati Ohio.-

Sunday Eveg  January 29th 1865

My Own Dear Wife:-

I recd this evening Molly Phillips letter with  a few lines from you in the same.  I am the more anxious to hear from Cousin Clark since reading her letter.  he is or was in a very dangerous state;  I have to-night written Cousin Irene in a letter. if Clark should not recover, it would almost break her heart.  I hope to hear soon that he is getting better.-

   Enclosed I send you a Photograph of Major McDowell- He was ordered to New Orleans and has tendered his resignation but they refused to accept it - he has a situation of $5000. per year here tendered him.  he will go to New Ordeans in a few days and probably resign soon after he arrives there.   There is nothing particularly new or interesting here. 

   It is said that Col. Andrews the chief of the Board of examiners, is authorized to recommend some of the additional Paymasters for appointment to the regular army: what do you think of my applying for such a situation.  it is not very desireable for the reason that one can not settle down and be at home with ones’ family.  but after we have peace the troops will be doing garrison duty and one might get stationed at a Fort for some length of time.

   Major Phelps- whose place I am now filling as “local,”) told me he thought he had done his last work in this department.  He expects to be tranfered to one of the eastern departments.   His home is on Statan Island.  I have not asked Maj Baumister whether he intends to keep me in the local office down stairs long or not.  If he does I will make my arrangements accordingly.  Terrill that was local before Phelps & Phelps each, have  employed two clerks in that office.  If Maj Phelps should take his clerk with him I should have to look around for another.  I have employed Maj Whitehills’ clerk, to copy some papers for me, and shall make temporary arrangements until Pierce can come on, which I hope will be before a great while.

   We are having regular cold weather; Mercury but a little above zero.  and the Ohio River frozen up, so that the Boats can not run.  I hope it will be warmer soon.

   I heard a new name for a cradle when at Chrystys’, it is now called “a Matrimonial fruit basket:,

   I recd a letter from Brother Loren this morning, nothing new with the.  He is driving Sachum and Sachums’ brother together and they make a grand team.

   I have invest $500. in 7 3/10 Bonds  Write me in your next how you are situated about money matters.   I sent Mrs D Bruner a check for 3 months pay for her husband yesterday,

   It is bed time, so good night.  I wish I was with you & wonder whether you and the children have thought of me once to-night.

(written sideways on page)

With love & kisses to you Aunty Bell and the children I remain your true and loving husband

Eli

(This letter contains a lot of domestic business. Eli talks about his salary, makes sure his wife has enough money, complains about how Horace is bungling the selling of horses and asks how much his wife is paying the new girl. He continues to buy treasury notes. He speculates about continuing his job as a local paymaster and will move to a boarding house if he does.)

Cincinnati, Ohio.-

Thursday Eveg Feb 2nd 1865.

My Dear good Wife.-

  I have received three letters to-day: - one from you, one from Brother George, and one from Pierce.-

   The latter says his wife is better and they now entertain hopes of her recovery but he can not tell when he can be spared from house.   I will send you George’s letter enclosed in this, and that will speak for it-self.  I have about come to the conclusion that I have neglected to write to Father and Mother when by a little exertion I could gratify them, and I have concluded I would write as often as every two weeks in the future.  They must indeed be quite alone on “the old homestead.”  By the way, have you answered Sarah Ann’s letter?  if not, I hope you will do so soon.  I am very glad to hear that Clark Phillips is likely to recover.

   Enclosed I send an allotment check on N.Y. for $125.    Write your name (the same as is written on the face) across the back of the check - (about the middle.) and “Waldron & Baldy will give you the money for it.   I have $25. to my credit in N.Y. and I intended to send it at this time, but as my Bank is up in the 5th story. (I am writing this in the office down stairs) I will leave that, until some other time.   I bought about a week ago $500 in 7 3/10 Treasy notes.  I think I can buy now another hundred and have money enough for present use.   My pay and commentation of quarter for January amounted to pay cache(?) 159.06 and 75.95 - Total $235.01 - I think we ought to save $100 out of that. If you need money any time let me know.

   I only take 3 meals per day, but Petzcho(?) has advanced his price, and board costs me at that $1. per day.-   Maj Baumister has not said anything as to whether I am to be permanently located on Local payments here or not.  If I am I think I shall get me a boarding place & take regular meals.    4 1/2 cords of Wood at $4.50 per cord would amount to $20.25 I think.

   I notice by Aunt Jane’s letter that Frank has been worse than I supposed:- He must have had a time poor boy.  I did not say anything to him in my letter about coming to Hillsdale, for the reason I thought you would arrange about that, and that I would not propose arrangements to him that you and Bill would not think, but it would only subject Frank to a disappointments, do just as you like about having him come.

   I am not pleased with Horaces’s performance in regard to my Horse matters.  He left a short and not very courteous note for me when he went east in regard to them, directing me to dispose of them.  I could have sold Perfection last sping, but did not, more to accommodate him than any one else.  I shall sell as soon as I can, all my horse stock.  I do not want him to sell the 2 year old colt by Lone Star.  Loren wrote encouragingly about selling Sacham and his brother.   they will be sold for good figures in the spring, Horace has no excuse about not wanting to keep them on account of the scarcity of feed - He has entirely out lived Father’s directions that the property at Hillsdale was to be disposed of under my controll, and in the assignment it never was contemplated that he should have the management of it at all.   I have written to Mr Pound about the Horses in Camden, and do not hear from him.

   There is one objection to making local payments, and this is that you have to be in the office every day but if Horace concludes to finish up the assignment I shall ask for 30 days leave, and come home and go through the whole matter.   Moses told me that Horace had drawn over 40 cords of wood to his house this winter, he is providing against the future in earnest.

   How much do you give new girl per week?  We are having mild weather it has been thawing for 2 or 3 days and to-night it is raining a little

   With much Love and many kisses for you, Bell and the children   I remain affect

        Yours Eli

(Eli is checking again to be sure his directions regarding the treasury bonds are followed. Some description of Maj McDowell. Eli feels that Ebby needs to be encouraged to join the singing school because it would get him away from companions who may not lead him in a good direction. Pierce has still not returned and Eli hopes Mrs.Pierce will soon be well enough to be left.)

Cincinnati Ohio.-

February 5th 1865.-

My Dear Wife.-

I thought I should hear from you this morning but suppose I shall have to wate until to-morrow.  I hope you will not forget to acknowledge the receipt of the check on N.Y. if it has reached you.   I left word with Waldron and Baldy to send the coupons attached to the bonds (thou due 15th of Feb) to N.Y. with theirs but if Pierce is coming on here before the 15th I wish you would have him bring with him the coupons due at that time (leaving the Bonds where they now are) and the $500. that I have deposited in the same bundle bring them here I will take them and the interest due and with the coupons and the interest on the bonds I have here ($600.) I can make up another $600. **: $500. Five percent notes & the interest on another hundred.  it will lack a little but I can make that up I think.

   Col. Loomis was here on Friday and called upon me to get his pay - he inquired about the Chandlers - He told me he would help Henry Major to a trade permit.  I am going to write to Henry about it to-day.  Loomis is stationed at Nashville.   He had been to Pittsburgh on a visit.

   Major McDowell is as he looks, a stout built man, almost as heavy as Henry Armstrong.  He expects to be off for New Orleans about the middle of the month -    I think you ought to make Master Ebby attend the Singing Schools, it would be a great deal better place for him than spending his time with the kind of associates he finds in New Germany.  He would learn something good if he went but if he does not may learn quite the contrary.-

   Matters are going about in the Office just as usual  Maj Baumister has been away for a few days - at Columbus &c. is expect to return to-morrow.   I do not know when Mr Butler (Maj Phelps’ clerk) intends to leave but if Pierce does not come back by that time I shall have to have some one to help me in the office.   I intend to speak to Baumister and see whether he expects me to make local payments a permanent thing for me, if so I shall make arrangements accordingly.  I hope Mrs Pierce will soon be well enough for him to leave.

   I have just finished writing Father and Mother.  I intend to live up to the proposition to write them once in about 3 weeks in the future.

   To-day has been a bright sun shiney day it is some colder than it was but not very cold and as I have not been out except to go to the Shades for breakfast I now propose (it is now sundown) to go out for a short walk. it is about you dinner time at home  I wish I could be with you.  how much pleasanter than to be way off here alone with no one about you care for.  Have you heard from Mr Charles Lafler in regard to some land matters I wrote to him about?-

   With much love for you my dear wife and for the children and good wished & kind regards to Sister Bell

(written sideways)

I remain ever yours  Eli

(This is the anniversary of his wedding … and he’s “almost” provoked that he hasn’t received a letter in a week from his wife. Pierce is apparently on his way to join Eli. Eli is still wondering if he will continue to work on local payments.)

Cincinnati Ohio. -

February 8th 1865

My own Dear Wife.-

I am almost provoked to have not recd any letter from you this week yet.  I was almost certain that I should have a letter this morning but none came.   I recd a letter from Gifford V.V. yesterday.  there was nothing in it of especial importance.

   I am now beginning to look for Pierce to make his appearance.

   Yesterday Maj Ballard recd an order transfering him to Auerback’s District. I only wish it had been me.  at the same time an order came to have Maj Phelps exchanged for a Maj Stryker.  Phelps goes to Baltimore.   I do not yet know whether Bauminster proposes to keep me on local payments or not.  He has talked of putting Scovel at this kind of work.  but S. has now gone to Cumberland Gap and is not expected back in 2 or 3 weeks.  So that I am likely to remain here for some time at least in any present position.

   You will remember this is the anniversary of our wedding.  How many changes since that time, I do wish I could be with you to celebrate the occasion.   I have an opportunity to send this by a Maj Day.  he used to be a clerk at Allen Hammanoud’s(?) went out in Capt Fowler’s Co of Cavalry, but is now Major of a Cold(?) Regiment stationed at Lexington K.Y.   We have now a little more snow but only an inch or so deep.  The office is full of men and talking to me all the time   Maj Day is wating so good bye  think of me often and kindly.  write often and believe me your loving husband   Eli.-

(More discussion about whether Eli will remain a local paymaster. Eli is REALLY irritated at Horace. He thinks Horace is taking advantage of the person whose items he’s selling when that person gave him a start. He’s hoping to get home to straighten things out. He apologises for his last disagreeable letter and asks his wife to burn it and forget she even got it.)

Cincinnati Ohio.-

February 12th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

I expected a letter from you this morning, but did not receive one.  perhaps you have gone to Coldwater the last of the week and have been to busy to write.   There is nothing new here.  Matters are going along in their usual channel

   Maj Beecher is at Lexington. Sewell(?) has gone to Cumberland Gap.  Ballard is now to go to  Auerback’s Dist. and McDowell to New Orleans.  Baumister has said I might go home to attend to the auction &c and there is no one here just now that I can think of that is well calculated to take my place.  There are several that have not had anything to do for some time  I expect they will be finished with the job.   I have written to Loren to have him come down and attend the auction.  I can not tell what Horace will attempt to do.  I should not thought he would have advertised as he has if he did not have some scheme to carry out.  I probably shall not know what it is until I can have an opportunity to talk with him.  I know what he should do and that is to be reasonable in his charges, take enough of the property at a fair price to pay his 2nd class paper, and leave the balance, if any, to the heirs of the man who befriended him when young, started him in business, and to whom he probably owes more of what he is worth, and is as a man than to any one else in the world.  we shall probably see how he will discharge such obligations.

   He made a good thing out of the Button heirs and will consult his own selfishness in this case very likely.   If when I come home he is not disposed to do what is right in regard to this matter I think it will be your duty to give him a good square talking to used to remind him of some of these points.

   I think likely I shall be able to leave here next Sunday evening and if so shall be at home some time Monday.  but perhaps I can not be at home quite as soon as that. Come to think of it I am not certain that a train leaves here Sunday eveg

   I shall be glad to be with you and the children once more, at times I get out of all conceit of this way of living.  I have been rather blue for a few days past and I have been thinking how much nicer and pleasanter it would be that after the work of the day was over if I could go home to you and the children But it must be as it is for a time longer.  I probably could not get out now if I tried. Six Paymasters did not pass an examination at Louisvile and one or two at Indianapolis   they are allowed to resign.   5 or 6 others at the former and 1 or 2 at the latter place have offered their resignations but whether they will be accepted is the question judging by Maj McDowell’s case they are not likely to be.   If I had a first rate business offer I would try and get out of the service.   I see by the “Standard” that Capt Pratt offers his house and lot for sale.  I think he intends to remain in his present position as long as he can and think that he does not care to make Hillsdale his home in the future.   I have not heard from him very recently.   Mr Fisk of Coldwater was here on Friday last   He was on his way to Ky to try and find some Cilo(?) Land  he has the Cil fever -

   Gurrillas are plenty in almost any part of Kentucky he can get gobbled and not try very hard -

  It is now not far from 10 o’clock in the evening and as I propose to walk around to the Post Office yet I will close.    Will you please excuse me for writing so disagreeable a letter as my last please burn it and forget you ever received it with much love and many kisses for you and the children and kind regards for Aunty Bell.

I remain yours Eli -

(Pierce has left for home because he received word that his wife might not live much longer. While he’s gone another clerk is working with Eli. Eli plans to come home also.)

Cincinnati Ohio

February 15th 1865

My own Dear Wife.-

Your welcome letter of Monday was recd this morning.  Your Hillsdale fire was indeed a sad affair.-

   Pierce has just recd a Dispatch saying that his wife can not live long and he leaves at 5 P.M. for home.    This is sad for the poor fellow but it is not unexpected to me, for I came to the conclusion from what he told me of her symptoms,that she could not live very long.  but he has appeared to think she would get to be comfortable again…. I am so glad that I have not got a sickly feeble wife,  I trust it will not be long before I will be with you once again.   I hardly know who Maj Baumister proposes to put in my place for the few days.  I expect to be absent

   There are several Paymasters here who have not had much to do of late, but it requires some one who has had some experience and is somewhat posted.     This is a regular rainy day  and, we have had the Gas lighted most of the day.  the smoke & soot makes this a dark city and when we have a rainy dark day unless the room is well lighted we use more or less gass.

   I now think I shall be at home the first of next week.  I have not learned yet whether there is a Train leaving Sunday evening.  if so I think I shall take that.

   Last night I attended the Opera (Grovers’) had a present of a Ticket from Mr Petzah(?)

   I hardly think I heard $2. worth of music and if I had bought a Ticket at any such price, should have felt when I came away, that they owed me something.

   Maj Whitehill’s clerk (Jake Harris is the name) he has not had as much experience as Pierce but is more accurate and is as good a clerk I guess

   I wonder that I do not hear from Clark Phillips.   How is Frank Blackmar?

   With much love and many kisses to you and the children and the same to Aunty Bell  I remain your own E. VanValkenburgh

(Eli is back at work and is the local paymaster. One of the other paymasters overpaid an unknown person or persons $1100. Most troops were ordered to leave Kentucky. Eli has moved to board at the new hotel, paying $1 for board.)

Cincinnati Ohio.

March 8th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

I arrived here Monday evening about 10 o’clock all right. Maj Baumister has gone to Columbus is expected back to-morrow.

   Maj Beecher was very anxious to give up the local payments to me and yesterday and to-day I have been busy with them.   I did not want to commence work until I had made up my cost act. but Beecher said he wanted to make up his so I became engaged at once. Mr Huber (Whitehill’s clerk) has gone to Columbus.  I hope he will be back soon so as to help me as I have no clerk at present.  but fortunately business is not very brisk.

   Majs Craig, Ladd and Philco have been ordered to Fortress Monroe.  Which reduces our number and Maj Whitehill has over paid some one about $1100. or is short that amount and is not paying just at present.  Most of the troops have been ordered out of Kentucky so there is not very much to do.

   I shall try and get some one to help me fix up my matters and send off my vouchers for Jany. & Feby to Washington.  after which I can get along in some way until Huber or Pierce gets here.

   I have just changed my boarding place an now board in the new Hotel just opened. it is callled the “Lightell House”.  now have 3 meals per day and pay $1. per day for board.

   I expected to find a letter here for me from Pitts but none has been recd.

    It now appears quite certain that I am to make local payments here for the present at least.

   I have not time to write more so good bye   Love to you Bell and the children.  Eli

(Eli is thinking about his investments. He directs his wife on how much money to send to invest in a mine. On the other hand, he talks about some of the other paymasters investing in oil. One invested the year before and made a lot of money. Eli says this is not a good time to invest. He went to a lecture in which the idea of girls getting the same education as boys was proposed. Eli feels the same.)

Cincinnati Ohio.

March 13th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

Yours of the 10th I received on Saturday evening.  I have been very busy making up my accounts and yesterday sent them to Washington.  I have not had any clerk since I came back. Maj Beecher has promised to have Mr Huber (Whitehill’s clerk) sent back from Columbus, where he now is helping Maj Janes, if I make local payments he is to help me which I suppose is to be my duties for the present.   On Friday I recd a letter from J.G. Pitts  he wants the money to take the stock in the mine.   Immediately upon the receipt of this, you will make a check on Waldron & Baldy for $500. and get $2000.from Horace and send him.  I spoke to Wm. Waldron about their giving me a Draft on New York for $2500. - at what it will cost to send that amount by express.   You can ask Chandler what he will charge and if Waldron and Baldy will give you a Draft on N.Y. for the sum named to take it if not get the money and send it by express   have the Draft made paid to J.G. Pitts and you mail it to him, direct to 197 Karl(?) St. for if you send by express direct the name way   If Horace pays $2000. and you have to take only $500. from the acct. at Waldron & Baldy that will leave some $422. to our credit there

   I think you had bettter invest $300.- of that sum in Govt. 7 3/10 and put them with my special deposit in the bank

   I am not of the same opinion as Horace is, as to the 5.20 in Girrie’’s(?) hands.  at any rate it is well enough to have an understanding as to it.    I like my new boarding place better than “the Shades”   We have had quite cold weather but it is now warmer and quite like Spring.     Yesterday Mr Williams (the man with the Clerk) received a letter from Pierce in which he says “the doctor thinks my wife can not live very much longer and in case of her death I shall fix up my matters and return to Pay Department as soon thereafter as I can arrange matters,”    In fixing up my bed this morning I find I have only one pillow slip here.  I must have taken them home and you omitted to put them in the Satchel when packing up for me to return.   I wish you would send me one or two by Pierce when he comes on.

   Yesterday I recd. the “Independent” & “Standard” from you.   Thursday night I went to hear Gough on “Fact and Fiction” and Saturday night on “Peculiar people”   I like the first lecture the best.  He think girls ought to be as thoroughly educated as boys and I have come to the same conclusion and Arabella and Aggy will have to be put through as to Hatty if she lives she will certainly have to have something to keep her busy but we can tell better what will be when she gets older. Ebby will have to get his education by perserverance and hard work.

   Pitts writes that he can sell his house at an advance of $16000. - from what he gave about a year ago but that his wife does not appear to favor this notion so he thinks he will not do it; but the offer is a tempting one.

   I have not heard from Chatham since I returned here.  shall write Brother George to-day   

   Please atten to that matter of sending the money to Pitts and buying the $300. worth of Bonds as soon as you receive this.

   Did I write to you that Maj Wilson had resigned.   He passes a poor examination and did not have any trouble to get his resignation accepted.  He is figureing in Oil and so is Maj McDowell   Several of the Pay masters here and in Louisville are investing some of their own means in Oil.  Where so many are going in many will come and poorer than when they went in. - I came on from Toledo here with a Mr Fisk that used to attend school at the College (Bell will know him) he has been spectulating in Oil and made $80000. or so - he went in about a year ago, which was a much better time than now I guess.-

With love and kisses to you and the children and Aunty Bell   I remain truly yours

Eli

(One of the paymasters was short a lot of money and was dressed down severely. Eli was not pleased. Eli has a swelling in his right ear and cannot hear with it. Pierce’s wife is still close to death. He wants to rejoin Eli.)

Cincinnati O.Thursday am

March 16th 1865

My own Dear Wife.-

I expected to have written you last evening in time for the mail but was prevented by a call from 3 or 4 of the Department.

   We have just had a call from a Maj Gibson who has been sent around to examine our accounts  he found them all correct except poor old Maj Whitehill. who some how got short about the 1st of January some $1100.- and can not account for it  He had reported the matter to Washington some time ago.  but Gibson comes around and abuses him shamefully - telling him he must have the money made up in 48 hours or be sent to Washington under arrest   Whitehill is poor and can not well raise the money.  but Maj Baumister stood up for him and Mr Gibson had to come down and said he only did it to frighten him (a pretty excuse indeed) and now Whitehill has had time given him to arrange the matter.

   I recd. a letter from Henry Meijer a few days ago - he is operating at Huntsville and thinks he will make something.  but he very much wants return to Hillsdale to attend the spring term at college

   Yesterday Maj Wilson S. Keunon(?) tendered his resignation.  We as a Department are growing beautifully less - but then they have ordered almost all the troops out of Kentucky so that there are but few of them to pay. We have been having rather mild weather and plenty of rain recently.-

   I have some kind of a swelling in the right ear which is somewhat painful and troubles me considerable as I can not hear on that side  I think it is a Boil or something like it but it is so far in I can not see it.

   I have not recd. any letters from you since the one that reached me last Saturday. I shall expect one this afternoon.-

   I am to have an addition to my labors officers on duty here in the city and those that come along that are on detached service are to be paid by me after the first of next month.  I have a Mr Spear for clerk he was formerly with Major McDowell.  I shall  have to have two clerks all the time when I have the additional payments to make.

  I recd. a letter from Pierce on Tuesday in which he said his wife could not probably live very long - and wanted me to retain his place for him if I could which I expect to do.-

With much love and many kisses I remain Your affec husband

Eli

Write me what you hear from Frank & Uncle Arvin(?)

(Lots of conversation about money that Eli wants his wife to invest. The cost of sending a bank draft to Eli is enough that investing with the bank of Waldron and Baldy in Hillsdale would be better. Some talk about Frank, his weak lungs and how Eli feels that fresh air and exercise would help him. Some speculation about the war reaching its end.)

Cincinnati Ohio

Monday morng  March 20th 1865

I recd. a short letter from you yesterday morning informing me that you had sent the $2500.- to Pitts, which is all right.  I hope the speculation will turn out a good thing, but some how I do not have very great confidence in it.

  Matters are going along here about as usual  we are having rather mild weather but some days it is very windy and dirt and soot is every where.  to-day it would be pleasant but for the wind and dust.

   On Saturday your last draft on N.Y. arrived and I immediately went out and invested it with the first in 7 80  One $500. one and two of $100.- each.    I could only buy them at 1/8 % of which a little more than paid.  What it cost you for the drafts so in the future it is just about as well to buy there at Hillsdale.

   You do not say anything about taking the $300. from the Bank at Hillsdale and investing it in 730%    I wrote you to do so.  there was when I left home $922. to our credit at Waldron & Baldy’s    You have checked out $500.- for Pitts and take $300. for 730 will leave $122.- for family expenses.   when you want or I can send it to you.

   We loose interest by leaving it in deposit so please attend to it at once if you have not done so already.

   The war news is good every day and it looks now as though the rebs would have to get out of Richmond by the 1st of May

  We are moving quite a large army from Thomas Command to Knoxville  15000. cavalry & mounted infantry are already there so as to be on hand in case they are wanted   this would leave one to infer that they apprehended that Lee contemplated coming this way if forced to leave Richmond.-  I hardly know what to say about Frank’s farming operations.  If his lungs are weak some time spend at the west would no-doubt do him good.   Michigan is much better than New York and Iowa & Wisconsin better than either     attending school with plenty of out door exercises is as well for him as farming.   If you could manage him and Horace could let him keep a horse on the farm and he could be prevailed upon to ride every day on horsback or something of this kind very likely it would be the thing for him - this would depend very much upon how he is and what is the matter with him.   If his lungs are much affected he should go to Iowa or Wisconsin -    I would not give a straws for Rockwood’s opinion any way

   I am interested every few moments by some one to be paid and as it is now about dinner time.   I will close -    With lots & lots of love to you and the children I remain affy Yours

Eli

(With the end of the war in sight, Eli’s attention is toward spring additions to the VanValkenburgh home on Hillsdale Street. He gives extensive suggestions to his wife and playfully appoints her “engineer” of all plantings. Eli ponders whether to share some of the estate money with Horace and asks his wife’s opinion. Pierce’s wife is still holding on … and once again Eli expresses his feeling that she can’t last much longer. There is something of a panic with gold and other things in New York. Eli is unsympathetic with those who speculated. He sees the advantage for regular people in that it will bring prices down, especially for cotton.)

Cincinnati Ohio

March 22d/65. (Wednesday morng)

My Dear Wife.-

I have not a bit of news to communicate but presuming a stupid dull letter will be better than none I thought I would write you a few lines.-   Yesterday was a regular rainy day.   but this morning it is as clear as it well can be in this smokey, sooty city.  It is quite windy and very much like March weather.-

   I find I am short a Towel or two, and one or Two Pillow cases, do not forget to send them by Pierce. -  From what I hear his wife can not live much longer if indeed she is yet alive.  I suppos it will take a little time for him to arrange his family matters before he can come on.

   I see by the New York papers that they are having a regular panic - in gold &c    there is one satisfaction in it, and that is that those who loose deserve to, and another that the price of many articles, must go down,  cottons especially.  present appearances now are the we shall all be able to wear shirts again soon.   cotton has fallen from 150 about a year ago to 55/ per lb.   “What a fall is that my countrymen?”

   I have not written to Uncle Cerris(?) about that matter of dividing the money recd. from Horace on the estate account, do you and Bill think I had better offer to divide with him, giving Frank $2000. and you and Bell retain $1000. each   if you do I will make him the proposition

   I hear that the 4th Army Corps are at Knoxville, Tenn.   I do not know what effect their being sent up that way will have on Henry McGee’s obligations - it will depend somewhat upon whether they land many troops in the vicinity of Huntsville.

  I have not heard from him very recently - One thing before I forget it  have you answered Sarah Ann’s letter yet?  if you have not please do so soon and oblige me as well as her.

   It will soon be time to set out Trees and I think you had better have a row of maples set out on both streets around our lot.  about 20 ft. apart (or usual distance) leaving width enough for a side walk between them and the fence.  Horace or Mr Montgomery will get Mr Bellamy (or some one) to bring them in and set them out for you at a reasonable price   perhaps if Wheaton is having some set out on his lot, he will make arrangements for you at the same time.   You can ask Horace if he will not have Mr. Perry bring you a lot of current bushes from the  Putnam place and set out for you -   I think you had better have Mr Moon put a good strong joists in the ground near the gate and put rope or chain from that to the gate, with plenty of weight to keep it shut.

   I think I would also have those trees you now have, set out on the lot.  You might have it ploughed and harrowed down smooth and then set the trees out as you think best and if you can get some grape vine roots of(?) Horace put them out also.   Some one must be got to draw some much and manure on the lot    I do not suppose we shall be able to get all these things set out just as we shall want them, but they will be growing and will adapt themselves to that kind of soil, and we can move them if we find it necessary, without any great damage to them   I appoint you chief engineer of the whole thing.  I wish I could be on hand to help fire up matters for 2 or 3 weeks this spring.  but one of these days I hope we shall be so fixed as to live together again.   With very much love for you Bell and the children - I remain affectionately

Yours Eli

(Eli send some music and thinks Arabella should practice her music an hour a day rather than spending it in the “dutch”—probably meaning German—part of town.)

Cincinnati Ohio.

Friday P.M. March 24th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

I thought I should receive a letter from you by this afternoon’s mail but the orderly has just come in and none has arrived   I shall expect one to-morrow certainly.-   On Wednesday I sent Bell B- some music.  I do not know anything about any of the pieces expect I have heard the Bands playing “High Lady.” and I fancy one or two strains of the air very much.  I hope the children will learn it.   What the other pieces are I do not know, they are the last out and I bought them at a venture(?)

   Yesterday I recd. a letter from Clark & Irene thinking it might interest you I send it with this.  Yesterday was not a very busy day with us and I improved the opportunity to write to Major Walker and Captain Pratt.

   We are having miserable blue cold windy March weather.  I shall be glad when we have springlike, or rather warm pleasant weather again. -   We had a snow squall or two last night and I expect it is colder and more disagreeable in Michigan than here.   I have been thinking it is about time that Arabella began to to take hold of music in earnest.  I think one hour each day should be devoted by her to practice.  It would be much more profitably employed than her exercises down in the dutch part of town.   Has Ebby got his new clothes made yet?

   I am in no mind for writing letters this afternoon and propose to adjourn until some time I am not half as stupid    so accept many kisses and much love from 

Your husband Eli

(Eli included this letter from Clark and Irene Phillips. They were immensely grateful for it. They had been suffering ill health.)

Arcadia  March 14th 1865

Dear Cousin Eli

Your kind letter of Jan 29th came to hand in good time It would have been answered very soon if we had been in a suitable condition for writing

   At  the time it came Clark had just past the crisis was very feeble indeed I was confined to my bed with catarrh fever which has left my eyes so weak that I have not been able to write but very little - I want you to understand that the favor was appreciated  It found us in affliction & those who have experienced similar trials know that at such times there is nothing save the return of health more comfoting than a visit from a kind & sympathetic friend   as such your letter seemed to us not only apraising us of your sympathy but softening us too the sunny days of the past which was truly refreshing to us - We could have used Mary as a scribe but thought you would hear from us by way of Mary’s letters to Bell   I am very thankful to be able to say to you that at present we are all convalescent - Clark whose life was despared of for more than a week has been ***ased to us & is now able to eat with us & has rode out three or four times. Yesterday went to Newville  He has nearly regained his flesh but is very weak.   He has no recollection of any thing that transpired during his ***** for more than three weeks  He will not be able to labor much this summer & has consequently let his farm on shares to James Le Roy’s brother Richard  (James used to hire with Cady)  They occupy the tenant house & we remain where we are   this arrangement will relieve us both we think as we shall not be obliged to have any hired help in our family

   We can entertain our friends and have it all on our way & then if we choose can lock up & all go when we please, we keep an extra horse for all such purposes

  I wish we could have the pleasure of entertaining you & your family for a few days during the summer.  If the war should close soon you will want to visit your Father & Mother perhaps & so stop to see us - A letter from Jepe)?) informed us that we may expect him here this week or next  We shall be very lag to see him

inn(?)

  I sometimes wonder how you can content yourself away from your interesting family it must be a great trial to you - Thinking Jane deserved a pension for sharing you & taking all those little responsibilities upon herself  It is fortunate for her that she has not any of our grandfather Pitts’s blood in her veins or she would be very unhappy fearing what might happen & you absent  I suppose you are getting rich & that will reconcile one to many privatons & hardships even, I am sure you have my good wishes

  Frank Blackmar is in Newark(?) *** *** & has been pretty sick with a difficulty of the lungs but is recovering

  Mary called to see him on Monday - says he is improving fast - I don’t think of any more to write that would interest you - if you knew how unpleasant my eyes & head feel you would excuse this miserably written letter  without my sequesting it - Please write us again & we will try to be more prompt   With much love for yourself & family I am very sincerely 

your affectionate friend & Cousin  Irene

(Another letter also enclosed it the letter of March 24, 1865. As Clark Phillips had been very ill and still shakey—in body and mind, it seems—it’s hard to read.)

Friend Eli -

Your very welcome letter came to hand just as I began to recover from that much dreaded Y****** fever. for near four weeks I lay inconcious of things events or persons with which I was surrounded.  And for a few days realized that I was, and had been a sick person, when *** letters came,  The reading of which by many awoke in my mind such reminesences of the past that to speak plain and say the truth. the tears would start and I didn’t care much if it did.  “All those days came not again”  they form a most pleasing theme for contemplation to say the least.

  As I review the fact I think of my safely(?) but those days as among the happiest of  my life.  I then was suspended  our Father and Mother pleanty of help to run the farm and some cares and work enough for my use.  And then would come the songs of Eli before. The playing of Kele, the peremade(?) at Aewait(?), the pleasant conversation the hearty laugh, all, all, made times to make life pleasant and I have the time passed away so rapid and fast.  We still remain on the old homestead

  But how scattered the friends   some have copied the *** of death and the ones liveing are scattered far away, We would be glad to welcome another letter from you and no mistake   Ever your friend and cousin

C. Phillips

(Eli reports that the weather is better and who has sent—or not—letters. Prices are going down for different items. The pay of officers’ servants has increased, as did those of the regular soldiers. Eli reports on a battle with many rebels killed and wounded, while Union troops did better.)

Cincinnati Ohio

March 26th 1865

My own Dear Wife.-

You have quite neglected me for a few days past.  I thought I should receive a letter from you certainly this morning but none came.  This has been a pleasant day not quite warm enough but for the first time in several days one could go out in the street without being blinded with dust and terribly blown.

   I have just finished letters to Brothers Loren and John.  I believe I am not now indebted to any one for letters.   If John does not answer this letter he ought to be ashamed of himself?  this is the 2nd or 3rd of mine sent him that will be unanswered.  I proposed to him to take a trip out west.  R.R. fare will not cost him anything -   I do not see why he can not come.  I intend to buy soon and send you a piece of music called “Thou art so near and yet so far.”  it is all the rage here, have you ever heard it?-

   To-morrow night the Hutchison family (one of them and his daughter and a cousin) are to sing here I intend to go and I wish you were here to go with me.  We would have a nice time. but very likely the singing will turn out like the Allephanians, rather a poor show.

   I see by this mornings paper that the old 9th Corps that I used to pay have had a terrible fight with the rebs and the latter were badly worsted with a loss of 3000 in killed and wounded and 3000 - prisoners our losses put down at 800. in old times this would have been thought to have been a terrible affair - but now it does not make any great sensation.

   There is one thing encouraging and that is that some things are coming down in price  Calicoes sold in N.Y. last week at 17 1.2 & 18 (cent sign) and Delains(?) at 25 (cent sign) and many other articles accordingly.  I presume our country Merchants will not be quite as ready to come down in price as they were to go up - But the reductions that must soon follow will help in family expenses “a considerable”,   I think the increase in the pay of officers’ servants if it is construed to commence when the pay of private soldiers wages were advanced (viz last May) will make $8. per month for that time due me and that amount increase in my wages hereafter this will help some.    I found in one of my table drawers another Towel and that makes enough so you only need send by Pierce one or two Pillow slips - 

  I have not heard from him recently but I expect the poor fellow is having trouble enough.    McDowell’s clerk (Jos Spew) is helping me yet and as we are not crowded with work get along very well.

   Think of me often and with charity for all my faults and failings with much love for you and the children & with kind regards to Aunty Bell

    I remain affy Yours  Eli

What to you hear from Frank?

(Eli has a headache so he’s just telling his wife that he got her letter and he’s sending some pieces of music.)

Cincinnati Ohio -

March 29th 1865

Your letter of the 25th was recd. yesterday.   I have an opportunity to send by Henry a few lines   I also send a couple of pieces of music they are both good and I hope Bell wil take a little pains and leave them to the children.

   The captives’ song, I head the Hutchins sing and I thought it very pretty.

   The other is all the rage in this vicinity and is very good indeed.

   I have a headache this afternoon and there are three or four men talking in the office and I will not write any more at present if you will excuse me - With love and kisses for you my dear wife and for the Children & Bell  I remain affy Yours Eli

(Eli has some instructions for his wife with regard to some kind of “war fare” investment. He hopes she can join him for a few days and perhaps take a trip to Louisville if he can get an excuse to take the trip.)

Cincinnati Ohio

April 5th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

I wrote Arabella yesterday but as there are two or three things I want to say to you.   thought I would write you a few words.  I have to-day written to Mitchell to have him call at Waldron & Baldy and enough money from them to pay any special war Fare.  I do not know how much it will amount to, but please inquire about it and give W&B your check for the amount.  I should be attended to at once for if I am not mistaken the time is nearly out for paying it, without a 10% increase.  if you have not money enough get of W&B until I can send you    I do not know how much Henry Magee intended to pay.   Please ask Wheaton if there has been any more paid on our Camden farm contract and if so use that

   What do you say to coming down here to make me a visit for a few days   Aunty Bell & Mary can take care of Hatty and the children for a few days and you leave and come on here.   If you could come in about two weeks from now it would then begin to be spring time in earnest.  You would need to fix up some - we would stay at the “Litel” and might perhaps take a trip to Louisville if Maj Baumister could get some excuse to send me down there with some money or something.

   I saw Emmerson here a few days ago  he is in some kind of a store or commission house.

   The war news is glorious and it now looks as though the Rebellion would soon be finished up -   Have you received your window blinds yet   I have two or three officers in the office to be paid   I will not write more at present   good bye with much much love to you, Bell & the Children   I remain affy yours   

Eli

(With the war coming to an end, Eli is focused on domestic issues. He heard that Lee had surrendered to Sheridan, but didn’t believe it. He would like his wife to come for a visit.)

Cincinnati Ohio.

Friday P.M. April 7th 1865

My Dear good Wife.-

I recd. a letter from Bell B- this morning in which she said you had not heard from me since last Thursday   I presume you have recd. mine of Sunday and Wednesday by this time.   The Army news is great and glorious - The report in town this P.M. is that Sheriden has captured 4 rebel generals and many men and guns and soon after that report came another that Genl. Lee and his army had surrendered to Sheriden- the latter is about to good to be true, but it is quite certain that the rebellion is in its last agonies and that they must give up the thing as hopeless very soon.

   I to-day recd. a Newark paper from Frank Blackmar.  It does not take long to read all the news there is in it and as I have done so I will send it to you.

   Yesterday I recd. a letter from Brother John he says Father & Mother is quite well.  Aunt Sophia Pitts (Uncle Levi’s wife) died about the 1st of April.  he does not say what the disease was.   John is yet conducter on the Harlem

  John writes that James & Jess. Gifford are going to New York to travel for some time in that city - John says they have got a good thing if they only keep it.  They say Cady “has found a Peat Bed on his farm.”  Well as far as I can see that only amounts to the simple fact that there is muck or Peat (the same thing) and that is what they mean it is not a “Mare’s nest” of sufficient size to make any one very rich.  It is only one of Cady’s spells of marvalousness I reckon.

 John says Mary & Anna send best love to you & the children & Anna says kiss the children for her.  He says Anna is a good singer and player.

   We have had warm springlike weather for several days but to-day it is quite chilly Bell B in her letter says you was at the time of her writing superintending the planting of some trees. Shrubs &c  J. Clark has a very good variety of Sawton Blackberries and he has promised me some roots - If you have not enough you can probably get more by sending to him for them

   If gold continues to decline the price of things to eat and wear must come down.  I have noticed in the windows as I passed calicoe advertised at 15.18 & 25/per yard, quite a reduction and many other things the same way sugar for instance.  let the good work go on.

   What do you say about coming on to make a short visit  we will have a nice time if you come?

    With love to your own dear self - Bell and the children  I remain ever yours

Eli

I have just recd. your kind letter of Wednesday.  make just such flower beds as you may think best.  If you had only thought of it and spoken to Horace before he went out he would have furnished you all the fruit trees you would have wanted.  I think you had better - cherries - peaches & the quince bushes you spoke of if they can be had at a reasonable price.

(With the announcement of Lee’s surrender the celebration was loud and exuberant. Eli is thinking of having Frank Blackmar some down to clerk for him.)

Cincinnati Ohio

April 11th 1865. (Tuesday P.M.)

My Dear Wife.-

I have not heard from you yet this week.  I shall look for a letter to-night or in the morning.

   We are having rather a rainy spell.  it began to rain very early this morning and rained for a few hours as hard as it could.   Vegetation in this section must be looking nicely but I do not get out of the city to see anything of it.    Sunday night we first heard of the surrender of Lee and his army and although it was a misty rainy eveng. and the news was not recd. until almost 10 in the evening but very soon the firing of Rockets. Roman Candles Pistols &c   Bonfires at the street corners and soon after the ringing of all the fire bells in the city and many of the church bells soon made almost every body aware that something was the matter.  and many kept up the celebration yesterday and last night.   We are to have a regular demonstration or celebration rather on the 14th and are in the way of making preparations for a grand time.

   It is now quite certain that the war will soon be over and in two or three months the govt. will I think begin to muster out troops: (there are a good many whose time will expire by the 1st of June or July) and then for 3 or 4 months we shall all have a busy time paying mustered out troops.  I think it will take us (paymaster) until this 1st of Oct. next to free up things if the war should end now as it now promises to do.

   Genl. Grant has arranged matters extremely well and to Phil Sheridans belongs the honor of making the first move that set the rebs a going-

   We are having plenty to do in the office   I have been thinking some of having Frank Blackmar if he is well enough come down here and take a clerkship for a time if as it now promises business should be urgent   I think that with some little practice and by taking pains he would write well enough.  I will see after a little I  think very likely Frank is at H by this time if he was well enough to return with Horace.

    There are two or three other men waiting for their pay so I will close with much love & many kisses for you and each of the children.

I remain affy. Yours

Eli

Kind regards to Bell & Frank  say to Bell I recd. her welcome letter & will answer soon.

(Eli details the great preparation for celebration of the end of the war and the celebration itself. Then the whole mood changed with news of the assassination of Lincoln, and those who spoke against Lincoln were attacked. Brutus Booth was performing in town and was very frightened. He was told to leave and go into hiding. Eli talks about how Senator Hale’s daughter was engaged to John Wilkes Booth. Finally, Eli gets back to domestic business.)

Cincinnati Ohio

Sunday P.M. April 16th 1865

My Very Dear Wife.-

Your short letter fo the 14th I received this morning also the “Independent” & “Standard.”   There are two letters that I have written that you do not appear to have received.  but they have probably reached you before this.-

   On Friday last we had a grand celebration.  Our building was fixed up in fine shape, it is 5 stories high and between each of the front windows were alternately a large picture of the Godes of Libetry and a picture of Mars or some other gentleman with a sword &c - surrounded with Flags.-  Six or Eight small Flags nailed to the sides of each of the windows &c&c.  The building was finely illuminated in the evening and the whole city decorated and in the evening illuminated

  I sauntered about town seeing the sights pretty much all day as all the offices were closed.  Our department was invited to accompany Genl. Hooker and Staff, but no one went but Maj Baumister.   Early Yesterday morng the terrible news of the assassination of the President & Mr Seward changed the current of public feeling.  by noon all business was suspended and you can now harlyd find an ocupied building, but what there is some emblem of mourning upon it.

  The Copperheads have to keep out of the way.   Junius Brutus Booth a brother of the suspected assassin was playing here at Pikes Opera House.  And he became terribly frightened and applied to Genl. Hooker for protection and was advised to leave the city & wait some where.  I know not where.  It was all a man’s life was worth to say anything reflecting on the President.  One man said “he was glad he was killed” and was immediately knocked down, he drew a revolver but that was taken from him and he was badly cut with a knife and then locked up in the station house.  Two or three occurrences of this kind took place in the city.  The people were terriby in earnest and would not hear one word of treason or exultation without making an example of anyone using such language.   I was told this morning by a gentleman who was with Brutus Booth, that his brother the assassin was engaged to Senator Hale’s daughter.  he has been quite dissipated at Washington this winter, is not the man to devise and carry out such a plot as this, but just the kind of a man to be the tool of greater rascals - he had quite a fortune from his father and has made ($10000.) (Ten Thousand dollars, this winter in Oil speculations - Senator Hale was opposed to the match but his daughter wanted to marry Booth.  who is reported to be very good looking.- I hope the whole plot will be revealed and all punished connected with it.   I think the plan was to murder most of the Cabinet and Vice President Johnson.

  You do not say anything in your letters about Frank Blackmar & whether he is coming west?  Is Janey Pearce in Michigan or has she returned home?  I have not heard from the Hiram Prices in some time.  presume she is alive yet or I should have heard.  I received a letter from Brother George a few days ago.  He says Aunt Sophia Pitts died of Lung disease or some thing like quick consumption   The last I heard poor J.G. Pitts was at the time he acknowleded the receipt of the $2500.- you sent him.  they had then telegraphed to California to find out something about the title to the mine.  so I do not know whether they have consumated the purchase yet or not.-

   I had a letter from Loren 2 or 3 days ago in which he said “the girls stayed at Hillsdale long enought to make three visits out that could not now be helped.” I do not particularly fancy either Lina or Ella and I should have thought they would have known better than to have carried away any of Bells’ things she was kind enough to have loaned them.  but some people never appear to have any sense of some such things.  I presume they will return them as soon as they find an opportunity.     You have not said any thing about what had better do about making the offer to Uncle Curin(?) of the $1000 extra to support Frank until he is 21.  When is Saut.(?) Chander going West?  -  the instrumental piece I never heard but the Book store man said it was pretty as I put it in with the rest.   The Songs are pretty.  I heard a young girl sing one of them at a Tableau the other night & she sang it well.  By the way had you not better have our old music (songs) bound -  please attend to it.

   I will send you some money in a day or two.

   I have a free pass on the R.R. from here to Toledo & return and if I could be spared for a few days would be most glad to make you a visit.  With love and kisses to you & the children   Yours Eli

(written sideways on the front)

Sherman has gone for Johnson’s army if they should be captured or surrender it would not be very long before the order would come to begin to muster out troops and then we should be crowded with business.-

(Eli is sending money to his wife along with a note and autograph from Gen. Rosecrans. He went to hear a local minister preach and wasn’t impressed by his tone. Eli felt that Dunn and Fairfield did a more eloquent job of speaking.)

Cincinnati Monday P.M. Ap 17th

My Dear Wife.-

   Enclosed I send you a Draft on New York for Fifty Dollars.   I will send you more on the first of May or before if you require it.  please acknowledge the receipt of this.  I also send enclosed a note left for me by Genl. Rosecrans.  I was at dinner when he called.  I thought you might like the note for the autograph.   who he intends the autographs for I do not know I never asked him for any.  he left six and I have appropriated one which I send with this to some person they are highly prized.   but I do not know if they will be of any great account to you.  Maj Keunan(?) presented me with the Lincoln badge that I sent in my letter of yesterday   You can give it to which of the children you choose.

   Last night I went to hear the Rev Mr Gaddis (methodist) preach.  the crowd was so great they adjourned from his church to Pike’s Opera house and that was more than full.   he is the most popular preacher in the city but is not as able as Dunn or Fairfield & has neither the intellect education or polish.  he was bitter on secessionists & Traitors and everything he said “breathing out threatening & slaughter” on though was loudly applauded.  The house of a few secessionists in town were stoned on Saturday night a small matter would soon a grand row in town.

  Maj Keunan is waiting for me to go and take a walk with him and as I have nothing further to write about so good bye with much love to you and the children and Bell &c   I remain Yours

Eli

(Eli is not happy that he hasn’t received letters from his wife regularly. He comments on how nice it was to ride out into the country where he could see spring beginning. Eli complains that Gen. Sherman has given althogether too gentle terms to Gen. Johnson.  Then he talks about domestic issues.)

Cincinnati Ohio.

April 24th 1865.  Monday P.M.

My Dear Wife.-

Yours of the 19th and 20th I received this morning.  I had been looking for a letter for several days and had not heard by way of a letter from Pierce that you and the family were well  I should have thought some of you were sick  I did not write yesterday per the reason that I thought that you did not want to hear from me very much if you would not take the trouble to answer my letters.

   For the last few days we have had raw unpleasant weather but to-day it is warm and pleasant again.   I had an invitation to take a ride yesterday from Mr Ellison and went 5 or 6 miles into the country.  the fruit trees were in blossom and the grass looked green and nicely and altogether had a very pleasant time.   Shut up here in the city where we see but little beside brick walls we hardly know what the changes of the season amount to.  I do not now expect to be able to come home until June about commencement time but I shall be glad enough to get away by that time

   You do not say anything in your letter about receiving the Draft on N.Y. for $50.-  If some of the men do not pay in some money on Land contracts you will need some more money soon.   please write me how much you want it will be near the first of the month by the time I receive an answer to this.    The orderly has just come in with a good long letter from Capt Pratt dated April7th  he says Mrs P will remain with him until June.   I will send you the letter after I attend to some matters therein mentioned.

   The terms offered by Genl. Sherman to Genl. Johnson and his army are perfectly preposterous.    I can’t see what Sherman can have been thinking about the only excuse I can think of is the desire of Sherman to make political capital at the south for future use but he has sold himself and damaged our cause  no one can now tell how much he had no sort of business to make any such arrangement as he did.   How soon one great event follows another we are “making History” almost every day now   It is impossible to tell the full effect of Sherman’s policy but it is quite possible that Jef Davis & a large portion of the Rebel army will now escape Sherman  but I do not think the result will be to extend the war very much longer.

   I can not promise Frank a situation with any certainty but if we should be crowded with business as we very likely will be as soon as matters progress a little further so that the Govt. orders all men discharged have to have a copying club to keep my papers written up and I thought he would do for such a place if his health was good enough to have him do that kind of work.

   I expect that the best way to do in regard to the trees is to have Mr Pettis(?) or some one furnish you with some joists or something of the kind to make the posts of - and perhaps the slats to.  You will need to ascertain how long the sticks will want to be so as to have the lumber the proper length to make with 2 or 3 posts when cut up.   It seems I am to have an increase in my horse stock by that *** colt whether I want to or not  this is her second offence and I begin to think she is not strictly uncle Guin carpet.  I will look around but I do not think I shall be able to make anything dry it.  please give me the size of the dining room.

I must close or this will not be in time for the afternoon mail.

With much love for my dear wife and many kisses for you and the children and Aunty Bell.

I remain ever yours    Eli

What has Horace gone east for?

(Eli talks of domestic matters and thinks about the quartz mine he has shares in, hoping that he might make enough money to be independent.  He’s still grousing about Sherman’s terms to Johnson. He hopes to be home at commencement time.)

Cincinnati Ohio.

Wednesday P.M. April 26th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

I recd. yours of Saturday on Tuesday morning in which you acknowledged the receipt of the Draft on N.Y. for $50.-  When you come to pay for the Blinds and the Painting &c you will want more money I reckon.   Perhaps it would be well to ask Wheaton whether he has recd. anything on the Camden land  Has he done anything about fixing up the sidewalk south of his lots!  We are having nice pleasant weather and I am writing this with the door open and without any fire in the room.   I told you in my last I think that I had heard from Pitts and that they had completed the bargain for the quartz mine.   Jess is Sec- and Treasurer of the Company so he will be well posted as to the show for making something (or nothing) out of the affair.  He is now quite confident it is going to turn out well  I hope so an income of 2 or 3 thousand dollars would be a very fine thing as a sort of accompanyment to our other affairs.  If I could only get to be worth $100000 wouldn’t it be nice!  To be independent is such a nice thing.

   Sherman by his last operation has completely taken his own head off  I can not see what he was thinking about.  to make such a blunder.  He is much better for fighting than for diplomacy.       Can I consider myself invited home at Commencement time, or have you now more invited than you can accommodate?   I am truly and affectionately

Yours Eli

    Enclosed I send Capt Pratts letter   he will soon have more business than he has had as Horses Waggons & Supplies have been going from here for the last two weeks to his section and as soon as it is decided as to Johnson’s surrender.  Troops will be sent to push up matters west of the Mississippi.

(Eli opens with a little shared humor with his wife. He talks about some of the paymasters going to Cleveland to honor the President. He also closes with humor.)

Cincinnati Ohio

Friday P.M.  April 28th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

I have just received yours of the 26th  which starts off  “My Dear Friend.”  that is certainly rather a cool opening to me.  don’t you think “respected friend” would have been better?-   But I suppose it is your privilege to express your feelings.-

   We are having a regular rainy day  it commenced early this morning and it has rained pretty much all the time since it looks a little like clearing up now - (3 1/2 P.M.)   It is now near the last of the month and Speer and I have been and will be busy for a few days getting our papers ready to send to Washington.  We have more to do the last day of the month and the first few days at the first of the month.  paying Officers on duty here in the city than at any other time but we hope to have every thing fixed up in 3 or 4 days but there will be more work about it than I like.  You know a very little of that article will do me.   I have just been called upon by some of the *** (government?) Paymasters who are about starting for Columbus to attend the Presidents funeral and I have no doubt I could have a pleasant time  I would be allowed to close the office and go (Baumister left yesterday) but I should probably spend some money and I have matters here that requires my attention and upon the whole have concluded I can invest the money at some other time in a way that would give more pleasure.  I assume that the respect I should show the deceased would not be of any great account

   I wrote you on Monday last and think you must have received it soon after this one I have just received was mailed.

   I will write to Father and Mother in a day or two acknowledging the receipt of the stocking.  I am sorry to hear that dear little Aggy has been sick  I hope she is better by this time   I am also glad to hear that Arabella has commenced taking music lessons   she must be encouraged and compelled to perservere to regular system as to how long she should practice should be adopted and that persevered in.   I suppose Master Ebby is to be initiated into the workings of nature and whether it comes a little earlier than might be desireable yet perhaps it is just as well.

   I should be very glad to see what you are doing in the line of improvements on “Great expectations” but I think “Truly rural” would have been a better name.  I shall have to anticipate that pleasure for a little time yet   but I do want to see you and the children very much indeed.

   With much much love and many kissses to you and the children.  I remain as ever affy

Yours Eli

(Eli is very busy because of the time of the month. He’s going to the English Opera and wishes his wife could go with him.)

Cincinnati Ohio

Monday Eve  May 1st 1865

My Dear Wife.

I am very busy now it being the 1st of the month in making up my accounts &c and sending them to Washington  so you will have to put up with a short letter it is the first of the month and during business hours we have plenty of calls from Officers on duty here for their pay for April.

   We have our accounts newly made up and to morrow can send them off -    Yesterday it rained all day and worked all day but as it was to save poor Pierce from expense I do not think it a sin.

   I am going to the English Opera with Maj Kenion to-night  I wish you were here to go with me.   With love Yours   Eli

(written sideways)

Do not fail to tell me how your money matters are stand so that I shall know how much to send you.

(Another man is going to head Eli’s department. Horace sold the land on which he was pasturing some of Eli’s horses. Another man will be in charge of local accounts. Some conversation about friends and family.)

Cincinnatti Ohio

Wednesday May 10th 1865

My Dear Wife.

Your letter of the 8th I received this morning.  We have had another regular rainy day.   Yesterday I recd. a letter from Horace and he said he had sold the 120 acres in front of Morgan’s and the 60 acres south of the Cemetery and would not be able to pasture my Horses any longer.  I wrote to him and to Pierce in relation to selling them.  The young mare (we call her the Jim Gifford colt)  I wrote to Mr Pound to see if he will not keep her for a time for me.  The mare and her two colts I hope Pierce or Horace will succeed in selling for me.   To-day I have turned over the office furniture in the local office to a Major Pool recently sent here from Washington who is to make the local payments of the class I have been making.  He is not very well posted I judge from what I have heard him talk of business.   Henry Magee left on Sunday as I wrote in a letter to Belle V.V. yesterday.  He can not write well enough and is not a good enough accountant to be a clerk for me in my present business.  I lent him $20. and he said his sisters might want some more money which I told him you would let them have.  I could not make Henry do me as his errors &c would not do

   If I were to consult my own interest I would keep Speer in preference to Pierce.  I do not know what Baumister proposes to set me to-doing but if I can I intend to retain Speer as he is a first rate clerk and if I ever there was a time when such a one was needed it is now  we have scant payments in the cates (categories?) of pay & clothing and it requires great care to make up accounts correctly.  I expect Pierce will soon be on here now    I received a letter from Brother Loren yesterday.  He says Ann thinks of going east (to Chatham) on a visit in June and when she has about finished her visit Loren is going on for a short visit and to come home with Ann.  He wants to know if you and I will not go with them.  It would be very pleasant to do so but I can spare neither the time or money.   and I shall write him to that effect to-night.

   There is now some talk that Febiger is soon to return here to take charge of the department.  I hope not for then it will be next to impossible to get permission from him to be about to go home for a few days in home as I very much want to but I am not going to be anxious in regard to that matter as it is some little time before that and many things may take place to change the situation in the department before that time.-   Yesterday I paid Mr Roberts son (a Lt. in the 5th Colord Cavalry) son of Mr Robertson that is in Mott’s store and Rossins E Whipple who is a Lt. in the 6th Cold. Cavalry - they recd. over $400. each and they were both expecting to return to Paris (a few miles this side of Lexinton K.Y.) to-day.

   Have you written to Sarah Ann yet?  I wrote to Father and Mother a few days ago and thanked them for the stockings.   did you receive the Portage currency I sent you?   If Frank Backmar’s lungs are not strong he had not better go to St. Paul with the Chandlers   I think it would be a good plan to send to Father & Mother the Independent.

   With much, much love to you and the children and to Bell & Frank.  Remember me to the Chandlers & Julia Reed.  Truy(?) French &c

I remain your loving husband

Eli

(Eli is contemplating what he will do after he leaves the service. He still has a lot of work to do paying mustered out officers and soldiers and is to go to Lexington. He’s wondering what is happening with the mining scheme and is somewhat concerned about how he is to make an income that will keep his family.)

Cincinnati Ohio.

Monday Morng. May 15th 1865

My Own dear Wife.-

This is a warm pleasant morning.   I am all alone in the office up stairs.  (Mr Speer’ brother died of apoplexy on Friday, and I do not expect him to return to work until to-morrow.  I presume we shall soon be engaged in paying mustered out men and if I can arrange to have two clerks I shall keep Speer, as he is very acurate in figures and understands his business and in the kind of payments we are soon to be likely to make it is a very important consideration for me.  I recd. a letter from Pierce on Saturday saying that if I could only keep one clerk he thought it for my interest to retain Speer and let him go.  this is true, but I do not want to do anything to cause Pierce any new anxiety and to do him what good I can in his affliction.  His letter read as though you had shown him one of mine, in which I have said, Speer was much the best clerk for me.  Have you?  If Pierce had as good a situation at home I should say to him keep it but as he has not, I shall try and manage to keep him & Speer to.   I do not know when I shall be sent next.  I may go to Lexington Ky in a few day to help pay off some men discharged from Hospital there & at Camp Nelson 18 miles below there.  Baumister is sick and has not been in the office for a day or two; as soon as he gets better he will probably give me something to do.   Some of the Paymasters think that a portion of us will be mustered out of service in 6 or 8 weeks.   I do not think it will be done as soon as that; but in 3 or 4 months.  I think some of us can be spared.

   I have been looking over the matter as to what I shall do after that.  I have not come to any definite conclusions, perhaps somethig will turn up by that time.  I have no doubt that there is money to be made south and that in the course of 4 or 5 years I might make enough to be somewhat independent.  I would have to be away from you and the children a great portion of the time and I have had more than enough of that already.  I love you all very dearly and want to be with you.  To take you south to live would hardly do.  I would not like to take the girls as to health I am in a manner acclimated.  but the rest of you are not and I do not feel like taking the risk.  and then the school advantages would not be what we would like for the children and society will be *** very much ***ed in character at the south for a time to come and all that.

    I do not like to come home and engage in some little one horse business and only just manage to make a living and support my family.  I have turned the matter over a great many times and have not settled down to anything as yet.  If some of us should be mustered out of service pretty soon I think I could do well for a few months in setting claims against the government,  The Officers and soldiers soon to be discharged will have a large amount of this kind of business for some one to look after.

   I have not heard from Pitts recently in regard to that mining operation, and some way I do not have very much confidence in that turning out to be much of an affair.    While I think of it if this reaches you before Pierce leaves, send by him my Linen Dustio(?)  with the plaid woolen pants and one or two Pillow Slips.-

   I recd. a letter from Horace yesterday morning in which he said “he had sent my horses down to the farm Edwards used to own, to be pastured,at 12/6 per week  for the lot.” Yesterday I finished reading “Matty: A Stray.” Major Keunons gave it to me - (He and I are first rate friends)  I send it to you by to-day’s mail, I think you will like it.   There is a little prospect that Maj Febiger will be sent back here to take charge.  I hope not for then it would be very doubtfull about my getting a chance to go home again, until we are done paying, and I do so want to see you and the children and hope I can come home in June.   I expect your patience and courage is tried some times very much with the care and anxiety you have with the children but they are better, much better.  than the average but patience is not an easy thing to practice alway time. -  .  I presume others were called upon to exercise it in our case when we were young.   I will answer Frank’s letter in a day or two.  What have you done about a carpet for the “Dining Room? - you will have to get one before cow(?) **** time.   I hope daughter Belle perserveres in her music lessons. - With much much love to you and the children, Aunty Bell & Frank I remain

Yours affy - Eli.-

(in very cramped writing at bottom and along side)

On my way to the office I called at Maj Baumister’s office and find that I am ordered to go to Lexington to-morrow with Maj Beecher, and help pay some discharged men at that place. I do not *** frin ****  keep perhaps a week before the accept of this you had better write to me there - soon after I reach Lexinton I will write to you and I can then tell better how long we will have to remain.

Yours Eli

(Eli is pleased with the beauty of Kentucky. He comments on seeing returned Rebels, some penitent and some not so much.)

Lexington Ky

Wednesday Morng  May 17th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

I left Cincinnati yesterday at 6 o’clock in company with Maj Beecher and arrived here about noon.  Mr. Speer my clerk remained at C-, to attend his brother’s funeral, and will be here at noon to day, I expect.   I went up to the races here for a couple of hours yesterday afternoon.  had the headache when I went and came back and remained in bed until Tea time.  This morning  I feel quite well again.   We have about 200 discharged men to pay, and if my clerk comes as I expect, we shall get through so as to return to Cincinnati on Saturday.

   Every thing here looks nice and pleasant.  vegetation is as far advanced as it is in June with us  Roses in bloom in the open air and lots of flowers in the yards and gardens.  This is a beautiful section of the country and there is or has been lots of wealth but matters are considerably mixed at present and it is very uncertain as to what shape matters will take in the future.   There are a good many rebels that have returned some are penitent and some are pracmatious.  some of them desperate men, as they were the kind of men that went into the rebel army.

   I hope to receive a letter from you before I return but upon the weight of this you had better write to me in Cincinnati.

   I must commence work so good buy with love & kisses to you and the Children  regards to Bell & Frank

Yours Eli Van V

(Work in Lexington took longer than Eli first anticipated. He’s liking his boarding house and the meals they serve. He talks a little about taking a trip east.)

Lexington K.Y-

Friday morng  May 19th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

   We are likely to remain here until the 1st of next week as we have 20 or 30 men mustered out each day that we are required to pay-  My clerk Speer came on Wednesday  I left word for Pierce if he came to remain at Cincinnati and do some work I have there for him to do.   Maj Beecher went yesterday to Camp Nelson and he will probably return to Cincinnati to-day without stopping here.

   We have a pleasant place in the boarding hourse, with good fare, had Strawberries for desert yesterday at Dinner.  The country is looking very nicely - but it has been quite showery for the last few days.

   I received a letter from you sent to Cincinnati and brought down by Mr Speer when he came.  I rather think I shall get one by mail from you to-day.

   Aggy forgot to put her Violet in the letter but I take the will for the deed.

   We will see what shape affairs take by and by about going east in the fall   I would very much like to take a trip east myself  we will see about it after a little.

   I think we will get back to Cincinnati about Tuesday *** and you had better write to me there upon the receipt of this.

   I must close or be late for to-day’s mail   With much love & many kisses to you and the children  I remain

Affy Yours Eli

(Mr. Speer has received a nice offer from another paymaster and left Eli with Pierce as his only clerk. Eli has received his pay and invested it. Pitts has another scheme with gold.)

Cincinnati Ohio.

June 7th 1865  Wednesday P.M.

My Dear Wife.-

I came through all right and arrived here Monday evening about 10 o’clock  found Pierce well, he and Speer had my accounts about finished and yesterday we fixed them up and sent them to Washington.   Speer had an offer of $1600.- per year from a Paymaster from Louisville and I told him to go and he leaves on the boat this afternoon.  So that after this Pierce and I will have to run the machine alone   so far as our payments are concerned we are ordered to Columbus and leave to-morrow morning at 6 and take with us $100000.   I do not know how long we may be kept there, but not very long I suspect.  Maj Baumister said he did not think we would be needed there long.   Maj Keunon is at Cleveland as sent there before I returned and Major Beecher goes to Cleveland this afternoon.  I had much rather go there than to go to Columbus but I suppose all can not do as we would wish.

   Yesterday I made up my account and paid myself and also collected my commenutation(?) for quarters.  To-day I have invested $200. in 7 3/10 govt. securities and deposited as a special Deposit at the 3rd Natl. Bank this makes (with the $700 of yours) 1100.- of that kind of security there.

   I hope to hear that Mr Hait has taken Firew(?) and her colt and that you have put $100.- of that in the secure shape by this time.

   It is awful hot and dry, but not as dry here as at Hillsdale, I do hope it will rain before a great while.

   Upon return here I found a letter from Pitts and a Pamphlet in regard to the “Church Union Gold Co”   In his letter he thinks that the Gold Co is likely to turn out a good thing.  I hope so for an income of 3 or 4 thousand Dollars from that investment would be grand.

   From present appearances I do not think the Troops will be mustered out as fast as we at one time anticipated they would, and I think the Paymasters now in the service will be needed until the 1st of October and very likely later than that.   If I was out of the service I think I could make a much setting up claims &c for the next Six months - as I can in the Pay Department.  I may spend a few months at that kind of business if I should be out of business in the fall.

   I think you had better write to me at Columbus upon the receipt of this.

   I very much want to be at home when Clark and Irene come but do not now see how I can.  remember me to them with a thousand good wishes.  Keep me posted as to when they will be at H and if I can possibly get away I will come.

   With lots of love and many kisses to you and the children    I remain

  affectionately Yours Eli

(The work is made unpleasant by the intrusion of the governor who wants to stay in the good graces of the troops so he will be re-elected. Lots of paymasters are working there.)

Columbus Friday Eve

June 9th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

We arrived here yesterday forenoon about 11 o-clock: got an office and commenced work in the afternoon.    We are boarding at a private house a Dr Miller’s (not a very extra place) but we have board and room at $5.- per week.  We are now engaged in making up the rolls of the 123rd Reg. Ohio Vol Infy.  5 companies we expect to pay Monday or tuesday the others Major Scott will probably pay about that time.   To-day between 3 & 4 00 men arrived here from Washington and they are to be paid as soon as possible and some more are now waiting for Paymasters to make up their rolls    We have Maj Stryker, Williams, Scott, Thompson, McKegis(?) and Maj Jones has been ordered here but has not yet arrived.   Gov Brough has control of the mustering and paying of the Troops in this state.  He is anxious to secure the good will of the soldiers -(wants to be re-elected next fall) and keeps Telegraphing Baumister that the Paymasters here are not doing any work when he does not know whether they are working or not so it makes it a very unpleasant muddle.  We shall probably be kept up to top speed with our work for some time to come.  I would very much like to be at home when Cousin Clark and Irene are with you.  but I suppose I will be compelled to serve my country here for some little time to come.   Remember me to them with all sorts of good wishes & to Mary.

   Write to me here until directed to the contrary.    Yesterday afternoon we had a spendid shower and another this afternoon.

   I hope your section has been similarly favored.   It is now after nine in the evening and I have been over a Table all day and I will close.  With love & kisses to you & the children  Kind regards to Bell & Frank

I remain yours Eli

(The governor of Ohio is harrassing the paymasters about working faster … and it’s annoying the paymasters. A house mate of Pierce, thought dead after fighting in North and South Carolina, turned up alive. Henry Magee is doing some speculating and does well at the time. Some domestic issues regarding the sale of a mare and her colt.)

Columbus Ohio.

Tuesday P.M.  June 13th 1865

My Dear Wife.-

It is well I improved the opportunity I did, to make you a visit, for it would have been entirely out of the question to have been about at this time.  We are put through in a hurry.  Gov Brough is running the machine in this state, both mustering officers, and Paymasters and as he does not know any thing about the business, he finds a great deal of fault when there is no necessity for it.  He has Telegraphed Baumister sharply & insultingly & we are (some of us, not I) in a regular stew.   Baumister is here, arrived this morning and almost all the Paymasters in the Departt. I shall work only as fast as I can, and do the work well and safely.   Scovel, Jones and Moore have been sent here recently.

   I paid 5 Companies, and the field and staff of the 123rd Ohio yesterday afternoonb.  The enlisted men Sandusky City and security.  Maj Scott is out paying the balance of the regiment to-day.  I have been paying to-day officers & some of the men that were not on hand yesterday & have balanced up our cash after the payment and come out $3. and a little ahead on a payment of $55000.   good

   On Sunday I recd. a letter in Henry Magee  he has sold out his interest in Huntsville to his Partner and has a round $1000. (Thousand Dollars) besides what he had before taken out in money & clothing & after paying expenses, good for Henry.   He had not decided whether he would remain where he was, and look around and see what he could make in speculation or would return to Hillsdale and attend commencement.  He did not want me to say anything to any one about his making a Thousand, as he said he might engage in some speculation and loose it.  before he reached home but I expect to hear of him next at Hillsdale.

   I think you have not been very good; have not written me since I was home.  Pierce receives a letter about every day. and in one day say you have had rain which I am glad to hear.  We are having occasional showers and are not suffering for rain, but it is “wonderful warm.”   Alfred Baylis that used to live with Pierce was expected dead, but yesterday P received a letter from him he was all right  he had been in a raid into North & South Carolina &c and was on his way to Knoxville.  This was indeed good news.

   I expect that about these days you are in the midst of the College exercises and very likely Cousin Clark and Irene are with you.

   How I do wish I could be there for a few days, say to them if it were possible I would come but there is no such thing as getting away.   The Rolls of an other Regiment have been sent out to be signed and we shall commence to make them up to-night or to-morrow.

   I suppose you will go to Coldwater with the Clark’s folks  I hope you will have a nice time.   Did Mr Hart buy *** and Colt?

   Maj Scott has just come in and has given me a letter from you written the 12th which gives me the news.  I have never received Mr Pound’s letter.  I will write him again.

   I should be in favor of Sissy’s taking lessons if she could be made to attend to it, if you think you can keep her at it have her so so.

   With much love to Clark, Irene and Mary. Aunty Bell and a double share for yourself and the children   I remain as ever

Your affectionate husband

Eli

Write to me here until I direct you to the contrary. as very likely we may be here for a month.   I do not know but I like it here about as well as at Cincinnati especially if you have to work very minute.  board &c is cheaper and as to amusements we do not have time to attend them.  So we might as well be here as at Cincinnati.  Our boarding place does tolerable well at $5.- per week for Board and room.    There are some very nice places in this town and in my walk on Sunday (we worked part of the day) I saw some as fine evergreens (trained & headed in) as I ever saw anywhere.

   We must manage to get rich and have every thing but I do not see how to do it do you?

With Love and kisses good bye

Eli

(Eli helped to pay 4000 parolled prisoners. He’s aggravated at the things being written in the newspapers about the paymasters. Eli recommends that his wife not interfere in a matter involving Mr. March.)

Columbus Ohio

June 19th 1865  (Monday morg.)

My Dear Wife.-

Your letter of Thursday I received on Saturday.   We were engaged in paying a part of the 52nd Ohio and Maj Johnston the other part    Yesterday we commenced making up the rolls of Parolled prisoners of war  there were 4000 of them here a short time ago part are already paid and the balance will be in a day or two.   Regiments are coming on every day or two but after we got the men that have been prisoners paid, we shall be able to pay as fast as the mustering Officers get them ready.  The Paymasters have been working as fast as possible (day and night) but the news papers have been pitching in to them last week and like many other matters when men write about matters they do not know any thing about they are very apt to make a fool of themselves as they certainly have done in our case.   We have been having very warm weather indeed.  but it is cooler this morning.

   There is no prospect of my being able to come home in several weeks.  Some of us will be sent to other points as soon as we are through with the hurry here.  Who will go I can not tell but some of us by the last of this week probably.   Enclosed I send you a draft on New York for Fifty Dollars   I do not think you had better sell your County Bonds for the reason that you can not probably do so without loosing the back interest and I can furnish you with all the money you require for family use.    when you need more let me hear from you in regard to this matter.

   Will you allow me to recommend that you do not interfere in any way with Bell & Mr March matters.-   I must go and get the Draft on N.Y. and mail this and commence work.   If Cousin Clark and Irene have arrived remember me to them with many good wishes, and my regrets that I am not able to come home and have a good old fashioned visit with them

   Tell Sissy I am glad she has commenced to study music and I hope she will perservere and make a first rate singer and player.   but she must have patince.-

   With love to you and the children & Aunty Bell.   I remain as ever affy Yours

Eli

(Write to me here.)

(This letter is written on paper with the letterhead: Pay Department  U.S.A.

Eli’s wife didn’t have enough money to loan to the Magee girls and Eli suggests that she let him know before she needs money. Henry Magee speculated that he could buy cards for carding cotton and went with some troops supplying rations to a desperate town. He ended up making a profit by selling in another town, but he had to pull his revolver when the store he was in was being robbed. Eli paid more parolled soldiers and found them to quite anxious about getting home.)

Columbus Ohio June 21st 1865

My Very Dear Wife.-

Yours of the 19th I have just received.  Am glad to hear you have had rain and that every thing is prospering with you.

   On Monday I sent you a Draft on N.Y. for $50.- which please acknowledge the receipt of.   I am sorry you did not have the money to let the Magee girls have as it may seriously inconvenience them.  I hope you will see them if they have not left town and let them have the money.   Please let me know in time so that I can supply you with funds before you are out.

   I received a letter from Henry Magee last evening dated at Larkinsville All - he took 4 or $500.- worth of cards for Carding Cotton & some other troops and he went with an expedition to supply rations to the suffering inhabitants of Blountsville All.  He found that the inhabitants were a thieving murdering set (5 or 6 murders) were committed while he was there and they attempted to rob the store he was in and he shot at them once and would have killed some body if he had had more than one load in his revolver.  He came back with the train he went with without being able to sell anything until he got back to Guntersville where he traded off his stock for Cotton at .15 (cent sign) per lb.  and sold his goods at a 50 per cent profit. taking his pay in that way.-  He has had an awful time but I guess it will turn out a good speculation but who would want to take such risks of their life for any small sum.-

   We have almost all the men paid who are mustered out and after this I think we will be able to pay the men as fast as they are mustered out.   I went out to Camp Chase yesterday and paid a lot of parolled prisoners (our men) and they are the  most anxious of men to get off for home I ever saw.  we shall have all of them paid up in 2 or 3 days.

   I presume Clark and Irene have made their appearance in your midst before this or by this time  Wouldn’t we have a nice visit?  and how much better pleased I should be 

(written sideways)

at home with them than to be here sweating over perplexing pay accounts but it can not well be   perhaps in 2 or 3 months I shall be out of this business.   With love & kisses to all I remain 

ever Yours Eli

(This letter is written on paper with the letterhead: Pay Department  U.S.A.

Eli mentions again how anxious the parolled men are to get home. He mentions acquaintances he saw, and again he recounts how much money Henry Magee is making in speculation … with the help of protecting himself with a revolver. Ohio Governor Brough was not re-nominated. Eli talks about how he would love to have enough money to have a nice home … but says that honesty and honor and a man’s respect is most important.)

Columbus Ohio  June 25th 1865

Sunday morning.

My own dear Wife.-

Your welcome letter of the 22d I received last evening.   I am almost provoked to think that it has so happened that I could not be home to visit with Clark and Irene, but just at this time it is not possible to get away, at almost any other, I could.  It is our duty to stay when every day’s work saves from 50 to 100 Dollars expense to the government. by getting soldiers off their hands and for the last few days we have been paying parolled prisoners (men of ours, that have been in rebel prisons for a short time to two years) and you can hardly imagine how impatient these men are to get their money and be off for home.   We have almost all of them paid. (I had 4000 or so) and now there are only about 6 hundred left unpaid.

   We have all been working very hard day and night (and Sundays some of us, and I am tired enough of figures and have made up my mind not to work to-day.   From present appearances we shall not be very much crowded this week.  We only know of two Regiments to be paid and the parolled men to be finished.  but more troops may arrive at almost any time   Maj Striker thinks that after a few days we shall have another crush but nothing quite so hurrying as we have had I think.   Gov. Brough failed to get re-nominated for Governor, and I do not expect him to interfere so unreasonably with our department as he has done.   If they reduce the army to 100,000 men by the 1st of January, I should not wonder if the most of us would be kept busy until October and some even later than that.

   Pierce and I are living here rather cheaper than at Cincinnati, and I had as soon live here as there during the warm weather especially.

   Who do you think turned up here last friday morning?  No less a person than Major Walker.  He has been relieved at New Orleans and ordered to report to Washington, he came up the Mississippi.  Went to Indianapolis did not see Ellen Pratt she being east) found Cam(?) back out of the service and at home (Greencastle Ind) so Steph. came on there to see him and then came on to Cincinnati and found I was up here so he stoped off one train came at 9 1.2 O clock in the evening but did not find me until the next morning.  I had a good visit of an hour or more with him  he went from here to Binghampton N.Y. to visit his sister, and from there goes to Washington.  Hopes to be located in N.Y. State for the rest of his term of office, and thinks of going to New Orleans to locate in business when he is through with the pay business.  Steph is first rate.

   Pierce yesterday recd. a letter from Henry Magee. in answer to one I drected him to write, when I was about starting to go home, when I went last and did not have time to answer.  Henry had returned to Huntsville.  and his cotton speculation for 2 or 3 weeks work was likely to net him $200.-  this is first rate on 4 or 500 Dollars invested.  He thinks of buying more. and wished he had 10 Thousand dollars to invest, if I was not tied up here, I think I should go down and try to make something with him.   but it is rather risky; Henry has 2 Revolvers. it is necessary to go well armed

   A fellow drew an 18 inch knife on him, but Henry was ready with his Revolver and the fellow backed down.      I have not heard from Gif V.V. in some time he owed me a letter but last week I wrote him again.

   We shall all miss Bell when she goes, but I guess she will get tired of visiting and be home again before next winter.  I hope Arabella will perservere in her music lessons.  I would so much like to be at home to-day with you and the children (be assured I love you all very dearly) and to visit with Clark’s folks.  You must write me a good long letter when they are gone telling me all the news perhaps to-morrow you and they will go to  Coldwater. and will no doubt have a nice visit.-

   I have put off buying any clothes until the present but I must stock up in some few particulars; a vest, a pair or two of pants, and some kind of a summer coat.

   Last Sunday evening I called upon Net(?) Curtis that used to be, now Mrs Claypole.   I used to board with her mother at Geneva-   I found her the mother or 5 or 6 children and beginning to look a little old.  Her mother also lives here, and has sent word for me to call.   I saw her in the street and she wants me to come & take Tea with them, but I am to busy to set any time.- and I do not care to be bothered with such things just now.

   We are having real hot weather nearly all the time.  Yesterday I noticed on our way to Camp Chase (it is 4 miles out of the city & we go out in an ambulance when we get men’s accounts enough made up to make it an object to pay) that the wheat by the road side was ripe enough to begin to cut.  I am glad to hear you are having showers and that your garden is prospering.   If we only had a nice home on our Lot & 50 or 60 Thousand dollars beside wouldn’t it be nice?  I must try and arrange to make something like that in some way- honestly- Honesty & Honor is above all price.  And a good name & self respect worth more than money or anything else.

   With the dearest of love for you and the children

I remain every affy. Yours Eli-

(This letter is written on paper with the letterhead: Pay Department  U.S.A.

Eli gives his wife advice for how to deal with a water problem at their home. He reports that government wagon trains are headed west. He thinks that Wheaton will have to sell his interest in a furnace business and asks his wife to look into that.)

Columbus O. June 28th 1865

My own Dear Wife,- (Wednesday morng.)

Your letter of Monday I have just received.-  I think you will find that when the conductor on the house is made to deliver the water from the West story(?) to the west that the principal trouble with the cellar will be obviated.  It should be cleaned out and ventilated or it may make some of you sick.-   I have no doubt I should have enjoyed the visit with Clark & Irene very much indeed.   Yesterday is the first day but what we have been crowded with work since I came up here, and it really seems comfortable to have a few moments leisure

   I have been buying a pair of pants, some Linen Drawers & a pair of under-shirts.  Have a pair of Boots spoken for.   We are expecting 3 or 4 Regiments here to be paid every day now, and I do not expect to have any time to spare   If I should not have anything to-do thought I would like to come home the 4th of July but it now looks as though we should have all the work we could attend to then.

   Yesterday I had the headache or I should have written to you in the afternoon or evening.

   Pierce writes and receives more letters than almost any one in the department he hears frequently from Libby Love.  She now lives at H and used to work for him.

   This morning a Train of govt. Wagons (6 mules in each) 4 or 5 miles long passed through this place on their way from Washington to the Mississippi Country for the use of the army in the West at vaiious points,  there are 3 or 4 such strings on the way.  Most of the drivers colored boys.-

   On Saturday last we had quite a rain, and since then the weather has been cool and pleasant.

   I would have been glad to have seen Capt. Pratt before he returned to Little Rock.

   I think Bell’s arrangement about returning home and then going to New York in the winter is a good one.  You would have been lonely enough without her, after all had gone.   Do you hear anything about Lout. Chandler is?-  Has Aggy commenced going to school yet?   You having so much rain must keep your trees alive, I hope they will do well.   We are sending so many soldiers home I think by this time or soon after this, wages should be lower.  I am wondering where you located the pig pen and when you will get the pig to put in it?

   Why did you not go to Coldwater and visit with Clark & Irene! -

   I am indeed tired of living away from home and shall be glad enough to be once more with you and the children.   I have been thinking some about the furnace business at H-  I think Wheaton will have to see, or will want to sell his interest in the furnace before a great while and I am sorry I did not think of it and talk with Chandler about that business if you have good opportunity suppose you see what he says and write me.

   I do not know when I shall be able to come home again. as we do not know when the regiments will be sent on, it is impossible to calculate with any certainty as to the future.

With very much love for you and the children & a kiss to each.  I remain truly yours, Eli.-

(Regiments continue to come to Cincinnati and Cleveland to be paid. Eli likes Cleveland better than Cincinnati because it’s closer to home.)

Cleveland Ohio.-

   Friday morning  June 30th 1865

My own Dear Wife.-

Yesterday about 11 o’clock in the forenoon, Maj Baumister directed us to take 250 or 60 Thousand Dollars and come up here and assist in paying troops at this place.  We left in the afternoon between 2 & 3 and arrived here about 9 in the evening.

   Majs Beecher and Keunon are here, or rather Beecher went down to Cincinnati yesterday and will be back to-morrow   There are three Regiments to pay, but the papers of two of them are not quite ready.   We shall probably be located here for some little time, as more troops will be sent here soon to be paid.

   I like this place better than Columbus for the reason that it is nearer home and some time if I get a little leisure I may avail myself of an opportunity to make you a visit

   Yesterday we had a nice rain and this morning it is pleasant.   We are now staying at the “American” but think we shall look for some cheaper place.

   Could you concienciously reccommend us to the Hotel you patronized on your last trip through here?

   I must close and go to work to find an office and get ready for work.  Write to me here until you  hear

(written sideways)

to the contrary.  accept lots & lots of Love and many kisses from your affectionate Husband   Eli

Which way are Clark & Irene going home?   I expect that Mr Brewer’s Regiment will soon be here to be paid

(This is on letterhead stationery that says “Pay Department  U.S. Army.

Regiments continue to come into the city to be paid and mustered out. Eli’s investment in the gold mine looks like it might bring good returns. Some domestic talk of visits from others.)

Cleveland O. July 3d 1865

My Very Dear Wife.-

I shall look for a letter from you to-morrow.  I think you must have recd. mine in time to write to-day-   We have worked all the time (Sunday and all) since we came here and will be busy to-morrow.

   On Wednesday we expect to pay the 115th Ohio about 800 men and it will take $150000. or about that sum. The 111th Ohio are expected to arrive soon (this is Dr Brewer’s Regiment) and by the time we get our present regiment out of the way another will be here.   I think likely I shall have the 111th to pay: Maj Beecher has 177th and Maj Keunon has the 118th ready for him so we are not likely to have any leisure for some time to come   When I do I mean to come home for a day or two.  but do not expect me for some time to come  Maj Beecher is waiting to close the office so I will have to be brief-

   I recd. a short letter from Loren to-day in which he says that Clark Irene Bell & Mary left for Lima last week after making them a nice visit.

   I notice a store here well supplied with Whooped(?) shirts if you have not obtained one and will send me the size you want I will send you one by express if I can find what you want.

   Yesterday I recd. a letter from Pitts enclosing a certificate of my stock in the Church union Gold Co.   Pitts says Lib and her little Boy are making us a visit before we break up keeping house (I do not quite understand what he means by that)

  He also says I think some of going to California in the fall, do you not want to take the trip with me?

   I shall say no; unless I can make it pay me wonderful well.  Jess thinks the chances are first rate in regard to the mine’s proving a good investment. I hope so.   good bye 

(written sideways)

with much, much love and many kisses to you and the children

I remain affy. Yours Eli

We shall remain here some time probably.

(Eli has been home and returned to Cleveland earlier than necessary. Henry Magee sent a letter telling Eli that some of his cotton was seized by the government and he was hoping to get it released soon.)

Cleveland Ohio

July 28th 1865. Friday P.M.

My Dear Wife.

I arrived here safe and sound yesterday morning about 9 o.clock.  I found that the Battery rolls had not come in and have not yet so I might have staid at home until to-morrow or Monday perhaps.   Pierce says Beecher thought I had better return & Beecher says he did not know that Pierce was going to send for me so soon.  Between the two I am here two or three days sooner than necessary.   I have been paying some few officers and scattering soldiers that come in belonging to Regiments heretofore paid.

   This morning the 23rd Ohio arrived in town and as soon as the mustering officers can fix up their accounts they will be to be paid.  The regiment will probably be divided and given to some Two of the Paymasters now here.  There are two Batteries now here and will soon be ready to be paid.  I do not know which I will get.  Another Paymaster has been sent on here from Washington a Major Herrick.

   The rumor is that there are some 10 or 11 Regiments to come here yet to be paid off-  if they do not come all in a bunch I guess we can take care of them without much trouble.

   Yesterday it did not rain, but it is raining this afternoon.  What a terrible rainy time we are having.     I found a letter for me here on my return from Henry Magee  he was in Nashville and was having some trouble with his cotton seized by the government and some of Henry’s was with it. and he was having some trouble to get it released but I guess he will get it fixed satisfactorily soon.   Pierce is waiting to go to Tea under my umbrella so good by with love & kisses to you and the family   I remain Yours  Eli

(This is on letterhead stationery reading: Office of the American Express Company.

The paymasters have decamped to Cincinnati. Eli found the $128 error that left them short in a $900,000 payment that had been bothering him.)

Cleveland O. Tuesday Eveg Aug 29th 1865.

My Dear Wife:-

Major Beecher and I leave this evening at 9 0’clock for Cincinnati.   Maj Keunon left last evening and Maj Scott to-day for Columbus.- which cleans out the Pay masters from this town.   I take Pierce’s trunk & briefs with me and if he has not left Hillsdale before you receive this say to him he can come on to Cincinnati direct, as there is no necessity for him to come this way.   I do not think there is much for us to do at Cincinnati but we shall see when we get there.

   I discovered the error Pierce looked so long for, it was in my balance in Bank, which was $1000.- less than we called it, which makes me all 0.00 after being $128. short, in a payt of nine hundred Thousand Dollars - which is doing tolerable well.

   I had old Mrs Pratt’s spectacles fixed and paid $2.- and have given them to Mr Ambler to take home to her.

   I paid off Mr Lee and he left for home to-day.-  I looked for some peaches to-day and find that small boxes are worth $2125   I will see what I can do in Cincinnati.  I wonder if Pierce has my umbrella.  if it is not with him it has been taken

(written sideways)

Lee paid $2.- for those he sent Loren.  I must close and be off for the train.   Write me at Cincinnati upon the receipt of this   With much love to you & the children & Aunty Bell

I remain ever yours

Eli

(There is little to do and Eli thinks he might be able to come home. Bauminster has been promoted to colonel and thinks the paymasters might be mustered out soon.)

Cincinnati Ohio

Thursday morng  Aug 31st 1865

My Dear Wife.-

We arrived here yesterday morning safe and sound.   Yesterday I swept & Dusted and put the Office & my sleeping room in order (and it was a dusty jot) and I am now ready for business.  Pierce I are expecting every day - and there we shall finish fixing up the papers and send them to Washington.  it will take a day or two after he comes - if he is not here soon I shall go at it alone -   I have lots of small matters to attend to -  Business letters to answer (not, having my Book of papers at Cleveland I could not answer.)  Accounts to make up &c&c   There is not much to do and after a little we may be mustered out  I have heard that Col. Baumister would have any of us mustered out upon the completion of our papers & accounts if we desired to be.   but I hardly think it is so.  but I presume it will not be long before an order is recd. to do so.-  If we do not have anything to do I will try and come home the last of the month.

   When we left Cleveland it was cool and pleasant, but here it is hot as fury, with plenty of musquitos for company nights.   Yesterday I collected the interest on your $700. of 7 8/10 Bonds and $400. of my own   Yours amounted to $25.55 which you can have at any time if you want it, before I come home,  write me to that effect.

With love & kisses to all

I remain ever Yours   Eli-

(This is on letterhead stationery entitled: Burnet House S.F. Miller proprietor. Cincinnati.

Eli and Beecher stopped to rest at Burnet House and say stationery, so they used it. The mosquitoes are so bad they can’t use a light. The work is slow and Eli thinks he could come home and return when he is needed.)

Sunday Eve Sep 3rd 1865

My Dear Wife.-

Major Beecher and I have just returned from a walk and have stoped in at “The Burnet” to rest.  and as the paper &c is at hand I thought I would write you a few lines.   We can not have a light in our room because it would invite in the musquitos and plenty come without any invitation.  last night they visited me (not) in mercy, and I had to hunt them with a lighted candle and the number of slain is not mentioned in any of the Books; but they were considerable.  If I expected to remain here long I should get a musquito bar as there is no comfort to be had in sleeping without one.   The weather is Hot, Hot, Hot.   84 in the shade day & night    it will take me 3 or 4 days to fire up my accounts and then if nothing new turns up I shall ask Baumister if I may come home and stay until I am wanted.   I hardly think there will be much more for us to do in the paying line and we may be mustered out at any time now.

   I presume Pierce will be here to-morrow night and very likely we will be back again in Hillsdale by the last of the week unless somethng new turns up.

   I have not heard from anyone east, west, north or south (except you) and have no news to communicate.  I hope to be with you soon so good bye  

With much much Love to you & the children & Aunty Bell   I remain every Yours

Eli

(Eli has been sent south to pay off companies, including two in the U.S. Colored Infantries. He and Pierce took a walk and saw an island with “Negroes and white trash.” He tells a story of a man who passed a counterfeit bill on the train. Word about his oil speculation is good.)

Bridgeport Alabama

Sunday eveg November 12th 1865

My Own Dear Wife.-

  I felt about half provoked to find that Pierce did not bring any letter from you and although he left on Tuesday morning he had not seen you since the Saturday before.  but the presumption was that you were all well or he would have heard from you    We have been busy since we arrived here.  (Left Nashville Friday morning and arrived here about 4 P.M. distance 133 miles) and have finished making up the rolls for 8 Companies of the 40th U.S. Colored Infantry and 4 Companies of the 106th Cold. Inf. but of the latter there are only about 100 men.  We shall commence to pay early in the morning and if we have good luck will finished before night.   The other 2 Companies of the 40th are at Stephenson.  Tuesday we shall return there and pay them and then go on to Huntsville and pay one Regiment there and then back to Nashville & Louisville, which we expect to reach by the last of the week.   Pierce and I have worked some to-day so as to be ready to pay to-morrow.   There are no churches in this country and very little Sunday in fact  they are to poor to have one  This evening we took a walk over on an Island on the river opposite here   it is about 6 miles long and on it are quite a number of families of Negroes and white trash.  The soil is very good indeed but the improvements do not amount to much.  We saw some of the largest wild Grape vines I ever saw about as large around as a 5 inch stovepipe.   I hear a very encouraging account of our Oil territory.  As we took the cars to come here who should we meet on this train but Mr Wilson (formerly with Ferris.) direct from Hillsdale.  He told us that since our land had been purchased they had struck a flowing well near it and that the probabilities were that the tract could now be sold for a hansom advance.  That they were going on at once to put down Three wells- and who knows but soon we may be in luck in the oil line.  The whole matter is to cost about ($32000) Thirty Two Thousand Dollars   Underwood, Cook and Baldy each take 1/4 Bill Waldron 1/8 and Bill Campbell and I each 1/16   If Baldy should want any share of the money at once I told Bill Waldron to convert some of my 730 if he should not call for the money until I get back to Nashville I can then spare a little money to send home and if you should have some more paid to you than you require for present family expenses you can let him have it, reserving enough for your use.

   Wouldn’t it be grand if our oil speculation should turn out “a big strike”.  These details in regard to our Oil business are for you alone - as perhaps some of the others concerned would like to have all operations kept private.   How the sutlers to Colored regiments do coin money.  The regiment I am to pay to-morrow owes the sutler 8 or $10000   I hear Cornelius Ferris is worth 25 or 30 Thousand Dollars. and I have no doubt it is true.   Mr Wilson has or is interested in a Cotton Plantation at or near Murfreesboro but the sumer in that vicinity was so dry that the crop was badly injured.  we saw on our way down hands in many of the fields picking cotton.

   Pretty good land about here can be bought for a small price - but who would want to live out of the world. and it is not very safe any distance in the country - and when the troops are taken away matters will be worse and if one made money they might not be able to keep it.   Were having fine Indian Summer.  we had a little fire in the room this morning and none since.  On the train we came down on some fellow managed to get a $50.- bill changed with someone on the train and soon the man who was obliging enough to take the 50. found out it was a counterfit at one of the stations the man who passed the money attempted to leave and the other drew a Pistol and ordered him to stop.  but he soon drew his Pistol and told the other fire and be D-  but he did not.  he edged off and saw a little way and then walked off cooly away good money in his pocket - I saw him after he was 20 or 30 Rods from the Cars making his way to the wood, but did not know what the fuss was about until the conducter told us.-   Mr Connoly has probably brought the corn and Stalks around before this time.  I spoke to Mr Shipman to have him see to them, but perhaps you had better call his attention to it again.   If the weather is good you had better secure 5 or 6 Cords of good wood - buy it and have them draw it and cord it up in the yard and then pay by the cord.  Mr Hall was to try and  send us some if it had not turned up ask him about it.   If it has come have it cut and split & put in the woodhouse as soon as possible now while the weather is good - I hope Arabella attends to her practicing faithfully - with much love and many kisses for you and each of the children I remain faithfully Yours Eli

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I do so want to hear from you, do not let me be disappointed when I get back to Louisville!-

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I am mindful of Aggy and her Tooths ache a number of times every day as one of my Pen holders got perfumed with Creosote and every once in a while I put in my mouth to hold it and get the taste & smell

(This is on letterhead stationery titled: Pay Department  U.S. Army.

Information on the payment to mustered out men, the paymasters with whom he has worked and directions for the killing of a pig).

Columbus O.  Dec. 31st 1865

Sunday evening

My Dear Wife.-

I recd. yours of Thursday yesterday and the letter from Bill enclosed indeed Polly Ann is having trouble enough and she must feel that she now has no security against any number of such visits.   There is one comfort for you that you might be worse off for a husband than you are and a great deal better (no fishing for a compliment intended)

   Thursday I wrote you a few lines Friday & Saturday we finished paying the Officers of the 15th and the odds and ends footed our vouchers and balanced our Cash (which  proved to be a little over)   We hear that the 64th (the next regiment assigned to us) left Cairo on the 29th and may now be here almost any time.  I hope it will not come so as to give us work to-morrow it is not a large regiment and we can pay it in 2 or 3 days.  I hope after that we shall have a season of leisure.  There are 5 or 6 more Ohio Regiments yet in the service and I think they are to be mustered out soon and perhaps we shall be kept busy for most of the month of January.-

   This morning I went to the Congregational Church to hear Mr Goodwin again.  he is a very good preacher and talked about the improvement of our time.  I eventually plead guilty to the squandering of plenty of it.

   The Ohio Legislature convenes here to-morrow and the city is full of members and others to be present on that occasion   I called this afternoon on Maj Keunon McDowell & c at the American House.  they are here on some political mission or other.   I thought Keunon had been mustered out of service but found he has not

   He is suffering from some kind of a swelling of one of his legs below the knee and I am going to stay with him to-night.  he had it opened this afternoon by the doctor.  He has been lame 2 or 3 weeks but expects to be about in a day or two now.   The weather here has been rather mild for winter - no snow.  but it looks this morning as though we might have some in a short time.  I wonder whether I had better send on some money before I come home.  if I thought you would want it I would do so but I do not know how soon I can be spared to leave. I must pay my Taxes before the 12th of January to save an addl. percentage but perhaps I may be home before that time to attend to it.

   I am glad you and the children had a nice time at Coldwater. but was you not afraid that Hatty would be visited at Mrs Bestes by Bugs or something else.   Yesterday I bought a Harper Weekly which I will send to Aggy.  it will do her perhaps much better than a letter as it is so much larger - I think I would buy the children a sled if I  was home (and if there is snow) if I could find one stout enough to stand them  if you see such a one had you not better invest!   I suppose Horace will now soon be returning to Canada to look after Oil matters.  I wish you would find out the news in regard to that matter and write me.   A clothing store man to whom I furnished some facilaties in collecting his accounts against the soldiers made me a present of $50.- the other day.  such little attentions are not to be

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refused when they come in a strictly honorable way.  I think you had better have the Pig killed and perhaps you can have it done at the same time Mr Perry kills his and Moses will attend to cutting it up if you will ask him.  I was intending to buy another pig weighing about 200. lbs and have them both fixed up at the same time

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perhaps I may yet be at home in time to attend to it.  I wish Loren had said whether Sachem was lame or not if it is necessary to the keeping of his feet in good shape, have him shod, if not- not.  I am glad to hear Gif’s *** 

(written sideways on the first page)

I think I will write Bell Blackmar a letter to-night which will be my last letter in 1865.  good bye good old year and a happy New Year to you and the children with much, much love to each and all   I remain

affectionately yours,

Eli

(Eli is still helping to pay mustered out men. There is conversation about the oil business and Eli thinks Canada is a safer place than West Virginia. In the Ohio legislature there was a caucus for senator. Eli thinks he can come home and wait for a telegram when new units come to be paid.)

Columbus Ohio

January 9th 1866

My Dear Wife.-

I should have written you yesterday or this morning and I did not know until a few moments ago but we would be at home as soon as a letter would reach you but I have just seen Col. Baumister and he has assigned us another Regiment to pay viz the 13th Ohio - now some where on the road between here and Cairo it will probably arrive here by to-morrow evening and we can make up the rolls in one day and pay them the next as there are only about 150 officers and men in it all told.  so if we have good luck we may be home Sunday morning or the first of next week.  There are only six Ohio Organizations in the field (and 1 or 2 of them only parts of regiments) and it is not probable that any of them will be here to be paid 3 or 4 weeks  When they do come we can be Telegraphed to and Majs Keunon & McDowell were here again last night.  K has finally been mustered out but as it went to his home in St. Clairsville he had no yet received it.  I had quite a long talk with McDowell about Oil matters as he has been operating for some months in the vicinity Wheaton and Chas. Mott &c have purchased in.  From what I heard I think Canada a safer place to invest in Oil lands that West Virginia.  MdD’s story and Wheatons do not agree as to finding oil every time.  McDowell’s party have 1 well down 600 ft. and another 400 ft. and 2 down 150 ft (each) and they not found any oil of any account.  I am anxious to hear how matters are progressing in Canada.

   I wrote you 2 times last and have been expecting a letter from you today but none has been recd.  On Saturday I sent in my letter a Draft on N.Y. for $150.- which I hope you will receive promptly and attend to the Tax   It has been awful cold, but is a little more moderate now.

   To-night is the caucus at the state house for U.S. senator and Sherman men and Schenk men are very anxiously watchng the signs of the times.  I do not care much which,

   Sunday I attended church twice, at the Congregational rather an extra performance for one.  Rev Mr Goodwin was not quite up to what I have heard him on some former occasions.   Yesterday I went over for a few moments to witness the inauguration of the Ohio State Officers in the rotunda of the capital,  I only staid a short time, thought I had rather read “The remarks”, than stand up to hear them.

   I shall be glad enough to be with you and the children once more  we have been very busy ever since we came here, have paid out over 200 thousand Dollars and want to rest.  We have been busy to-day fixing up our papers and we now have the payments heretofore made about fixed up- so that when we get mustered out it will not take long to fix up matters,   I will close so good night think of me kindly with love and charity  With much love to you and the children and a kiss for each

I remain affc. Yours  Eli