Maitland, Joseph M. (1839-1918) to [William Grier Maitland]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.063 Author/Creator: Maitland, Joseph M. (1839-1918) Place Written: Young's Point, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 April 1863 Pagination: 5 p. ; 20.5 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Reports on the condition of his regiment, camped near Young's Point. Relates that they will travel to Vicksburg, Mississippi 23 April 1863. States that on 21 April, his division attended a parade to welcome General [Lorenzo] Thomas, "here for the purpose of organizing a couple of negro Regts. for the service. the officers to be selected from Each Regt of our Division." States that his fellow soldier Dan Coleman attempted to gain captaincy of an African American company and failed. Referring to the selection of captains for African American soldiers, states "for my part if I could not command a Co. of white men I would not Command any. I believe in arming & equipping them & making them fight for their freedom, but I would rather be excused from having any thing to do with them. there are enough of Abolitionists to do that." Discusses mutual acquaintances and the purchase of a new colt. Instructs his brother where to direct his reply. States that he is in the First Brigade of General Ralph P. Buckland, Third Division of General James M.Tuttle, under the command of General William T. Sherman. Reports that John A. McClernand has moved his headquarters to an unspecified location.
Joseph Maitland enlisted on 8 August 1862 as a private. He was mustered into "G" Co. OH 95th Infantry. He was mustered out 31 May 1865 at Memphis, Tennessee.
(5 1/2. O. Clock P. M.)
Camp near Young's Pt. La
April 22nd/63
My Dear Bro.
Again I have been the happy recipient another letter from your hand. And as I have a few leisure moments I will drop you a few lines in their return. I am Sergt. of the Guard to-day & therefore can not write much. I was truly glad to hear that you are all enjoying helath & prosperity. My health still continues very good for which I feel truly thankful. The rest of our Boys are all well. We are still in Camp near Young's Pt. but expect we will go our through the Country in a day or two. Where we are to go I cant tell, but suppose [2] we will go toward Vicksburg. We are to leave our Lents. Knapsacks &c at this place & take only a Blanket & Haversack with us. The weather here is quite warm. We have had several days of rainy weather this week. but it had now cleared off & the sun is shining brightly. This is a very nice Country The roses on the Plantations are in Bloom. Peaches are about the size of Hickory nuts.
On day before yesterday our whole Division was our on Parade to receive the adjt. Gen. Thomas of Washington City, He is here for the purpose of giving Commissions & organizing a couple of negro Regts. for the service. the Officers to be selected from Each Regt of our Division, Quite a number of applications for office were sent [3] in from our Regt. Among the rest Dan. Coleman. sent in an recommendation from the Capt. for the Col's approval for a Captaincy
but failed in obtaining is. It is a good joke on Dan, just [inserted: to] think of his being at the head of a Co. of Black Cusses is enough, but to fail in the attempt is a bore, for my part if I could not command a Co. of white men I would not command any. I believe in arming & equipping them & making them fight for their freedom, but I would rather, be excused from having any thing to do with them. there are Enough of Abolitionists to do that.
The Canal that we have been at work upon is now about finished. & Transports can now run through it. I am very glad to hear that Rach has a Colt & hope she may [4] do well. when you write let me know all about it whether the Colt is alive, what color it is & whether it is any acct. be sure and take good care of her & the colt. I was Considerably surprised to hear of Nick Wireman's heading. I had heard the he & Ell. were on very intimate terms but had no idea that they would be married so soon. When you write again if you want to fill the whole Envelope with directions, I will give you them in full. 1st Brigade, Brig. Gen. Buckland.) 3rd Division Brig. Gen. Tuttle.) 15rh Army Coprs Maj. Gen Sherman.
Near Young's Pt.
La.
To follow Regt.
You have no doubt learned that the no. of our Brigade, Division & Corps has been changed, Brig. Gen Tuttle having taken the place of Gen Smith having taken the place [5] of Gen Smith. the best directions are these Co G 95 CR[?]. 1st Brigade 3rd Division. 15th Army Corps. near Young's Pt La.
As it is nearly dark I must bring my Epistle to a close when you write also state whether you received the money Expressed home by me. Write soon and give me all the news. tell Lize Chamberlain that I wrote to her & she has not answered give my love to pap & mother & nettie & all Enquiring friends & believe me your afftc Bro
Jos. M. Maitland
P. S I have never seen or heard anything from Jno Petty. Maj Gen McClernand has moved his Hd. Qrs. from before Vicksburg & I dont know where he is. I have not yet seen the 42nd Either. J. M. Maitland
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