Ogden, Edward H. (fl. 1853-1865) to Sarah Ogden
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06559.147 Author/Creator: Ogden, Edward H. (fl. 1853-1865) Place Written: Waynesboro, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter Date: 12 July 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 27 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his wife from camp near Waynesboro. Says after arriving in Waynesboro and "resting for a day, we were sent on a reconnaisance [sic] in force (our whole division) under Sam Smith into 'My Maryland.'" They came within a short distance of Hagerstown, Maryland, where the rebels were evacuating. The men marched through wheat and corn fields, "under a broiling sun," over rocks, through woods, and over creeks. While on the march, they found a group of rebels foraging at a mill. Says he has not had "a change of underclothing for over 10 days, this of course with no convenience for washing, is anything but comfortable to me." Reports that the rebels "stripped" the towns of "everything in the shape of clothing," and there is nowhere to purchase stockings or undershirts. In addition to a lack of clothing, the camp also lacks a mail service. At present, his regiment is "under marching orders," and the men are unsure as to where they are going, but they suspect Hagerstown. He does not know whether [Robert E.] Lee has crossed the Potomac or whether he intends to "remain on this side & resist our advance." He closes by giving his love to Perot, Lizzie, and Hamit.
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.
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