Ogden, Edward H. (fl. 1853-1865) to Sarah Ogden
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06559.143 Author/Creator: Ogden, Edward H. (fl. 1853-1865) Place Written: Hagerstown, Maryland Type: Autograph letter Date: circa 1861-1864 Pagination: 1 p. ; 17 x 21.2 cm. Order a Copy
Writes from Camp Necessity. Notes he is presently in the Cumberland Valley, which he says has "high mountains covered with forests." Writes his regiment just finished an "awful march over the most dusty road thee ever beheld," to join [General George] McClellan's lines. Says Rush's cavalry joined their lines, while Murphy's 29th Pennsylvania Regiment occupied the town. Says that when the battle ceased, the results were announced as favorable, because "McClellan has the rebels surrounded." To reach the town, his regiment marched all last night, and all of the morning, with periodical halts each hour so as to give relief to the men. Mentions that it has "been too much for the men, [and] the road is lined with those having dropped out as we marched along." Due to such conditions, "the surgeon has had his hands full." Notes his regiment has run into trouble because they were ordered away with neither tents nor provisions, and the only items available are those purchased from "their own pockets." Says that he has "seen much" in the past week. States, "last week the whole of this country was occupied by the rebels, and this town was shelled by our forces, when the attacks was made-the stench of dead animal matter from the battle field last night on the march was sickening.-graves innumerable, & dead horses lying unburied all along our route." Mentions he attempted to find Hal Jacobs while at camp, but failed. Hal is a member of Anderson's troupe, which is presently scouting the area near his regiment. Asks that she make an apology on his behalf. Notes it is rumored that McClellan plans on making Hagerstown his headquarters and that his regiment will be assisting at Harper's Ferry. He goes on to tell her that "Horn and Mitchell & myself mess together often." Mentions the men of his regiment have been sleeping in an open field without "a particle of covering," aside from their coats and blankets. Notes Rebel prisoners have been coming hourly and "they are the most miserable looking wretches." Closes the letter by wishing his wife and home all of his love.
Sarah Perot Ogden was a Quaker from Philadelphia who took part in variety of philanthropic works such as assisting the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. She was a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America, the Philadelphia Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, and President of the Philadelphia Home for Incurables. Both Ogden and her husband, Edward H. Ogden, were strong supporters of the Union cause. During the Civil War Ogden volunteered in a military hospital where she made daily visits. Her husband served as a Union soldier.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.