Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks) (1837-1892) to Jane Brisbin
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01505.02 Author/Creator: Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks) (1837-1892) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 July 1863 Pagination: 4 p. ; 24.7 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Informs his wife that he arrived in Washington, D. C. the previous day. Referring to his introduction to Colonel Windham, an Englishman, he states "I hate foreigners particularly the dutch- Windham offered me a very nice place but I asked to be sent to the field." Received orders to report to General [George] Mead[e]. States that only three officers (Solen, Carpenter, and Balk) of the 6th United States Cavalry were not killed, wounded, or captured. Describes injuries sustained by Balder, McQuisten, Claflin, Cram, Paulding, and Chaffee, stating that only 108 men are left in the regiment. Reveals his plan to take command of the regiment. Referring to Robert E. Lee, states "A desperate battle is at hand Lee is making a stand at Antietam... This desperate fighting will soon bring the war to a close Lee is being cut up but will no doubt get off into Virginia with most of his Army. I hope they will cut him up and Capture him. He is a great General and hard to out-wit." Refers to the activities of Lieutenant Irvin, Madden, Generals [Daniel] Sickles and [David] Hunter, [Montgomery] Meigs (Quartermaster General), and Mrs. Madden. Mentions Jane's recent trip. States that he might be sent to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Instructs Jane to be patient and promises to write soon.
Brisbin enlisted in the military as a private in 1861, advanced quickly in rank, and was brevetted numerous times for his bravery and meritorious service. He served in the campaign of the Army of the Potomac (1862), the Red River expedition (1864), as a recruiter in Lexington, Kentucky (1864), and as Chief of Staff to General Stephen Gano Burbridge (1864). Brisbin is noted for his leadership of the 6th United States Colored Troops Cavalry (1864) and for his recruitment of many African American soldiers. He received an appointment in 1865 as Major General, United States Volunteers.
Complete Transcript:
Washington DC
10 July 1863
My Dear Wife
I arrived here day before yesterday - after you left I came right on to Baltimore and then here. I felt very sad after you left me. I wish I were at home with you. Alas I am never happy only when with you and we never seem to know how dear we are to each other until we are parted. I reported here to the adjutant Genl. and he sent me to Genl. Heintzelman who sent me to Col. Windham. Windham is an Englishman and you know I hate foreigners particularly the Dutch. Windham offered me a very nice place but I asked to be sent to the field. This morning I got orders to go to Genl Mead and report to him in person. I will go in the morning. Alas, the poor old 6th U.S. is used up. Only 3 officers are left to tell the tale of its battles. Solen, Carpenter, and Balk. The rest are killed, wounded, or captured. Balder was buried yesterday. He was riddled with Balls. McQuiston (slow Davie) is here shot through both legs. Clafflin has his shoulder broken with a canon ball. Cram is wounded and a prisoner. Paulding is Captured and reported wounded and Wood and Chaffee (neither of them were with the Regt when you saw it) are both badly wounded. Only one hundred and eight men are left in the Regt - over one half were killed and wounded in the last fight. Major Starr who was in Command of the Regt had his arm blown off and a bad cut in the head. Major Sgt. Norris who was with the Regt is sick since the battle and gone to Philadelphia this leaves me the ranking Officer and I will be in Command of the Regt. It is my intention to take Command of the Regt unless Gen. Mead wants me on his staff. The Regiment had a hard fight yesterday and lost again heavily but no names are published. I suppose what few were left are cut up. You may thank God I was not with them in this last terrible battle or I would now in all probability be dead. It is not likely I would have escaped when so many fell. Truly God has been good to us in sparing me thus far. May his mercy continue. Praise his holy name and pray for me dear wife. A desperate battle is at hand Lee is making a stand at Antietam. I fear the fighting will all be over before I reach the Army. This desperate fighting will soon bring the war to a close. Lee is being cut up but will no doubt get off into Virginia with most of his Army. I hope they will cut him up and Capture him. He is a great General and hard to out wit. I am tired as I have been running around the Departments all day fixing up my papers. Lt. Irvin was here this morning. He resigned today and left for his home in New York. He is tired of the war and they have not used him well in the Department. Madden is here and nearly well of this wound. Gen. Sickles is laying in the house just opposite to where I write. He is very low, so bad they will not allow any wagons to go along the street in front of his house. The noise hurts him. I fear he will die. I saw Gen. Hunter and his wife this morning and had a long talk. They are a pleasant couple. I saw Gen. Meigs and Lady this day and they inquired particularly after you. Mrs. Madden also. She is well and would like to see you. She has rented the brick house next door and will use the whole of it. She says the next time you come she will be able to give you two nice rooms all to yourself. I want you to write everyday and so will I . Send your letters to the 6th US Cav. They will reach me surest that way. How did you get home? Had you any trouble? Tell me all about your trip when you get this and write next. I may come back to Harrisburg. There is some talk of it. I would like to go on your account, but I don't want to go on any other account. I don't like Curtin or Couch. Be happy and patient. I will no doubt be spared and be able to have you with me before many months again. The great work in which we are engaged requires me to be at my post and do my duty. I shall bear my seperation with resignation and I hope you will. I love you now more dearly than ever. Giveme your promise that you will be contented and patient. Good bye love. Write long letters. I will write soon again. Two kisses. Love, farewell…
Your affectionate Jim
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