Letters written by troopers of the 11th PA Cav
Contributed by Peter Drain, 2nd great grandnephew of Pvt. Johnny Johnson Co. B This letter was written by 1SG Stephen Slike, Co. B to Pvt. John Johnson's sister after Pvt. Johnson's death from the effects of his captivity at Andersonville. At the time of their capture the Regiment was participating in siege operations against Petersburg & Richmond. Co. B had just rejoined the Regiment 9 days earlier from duty with HQ, 18th Corps. Most likely 1SG Slike and Pvt. Johnson were captured at Sappony Church, Stony Creek or Ream's Station. Both were captured 29 Jun 1864. Pvt. Johnson was released 26 Nov 1864. 1SG Slike was released 26 Dec 1864. For more details click here. Camp Parole Annapolis Md
January 15th (1865)
Miss Maggie Johnson,
I am sorry that I am obliged to be under the painful necessity of informing
you of the death of your brother, who died on the 10th day of December in
the hospital close by Camp Parole. It is indeed hard, that he should escape
the horrors of Rebel(despotism?)and come within our own lines and be
compelled to leave this world. But while his friends and fellow soldiers
deeply mourn his loss, we may be proud that he died for a good and holy cause.
He was taken prisoner on the same day with me on the 29th day of June and
maintained his health considerable well up until a few weeks before our
exchange when he commenced to complain of having the rheumatism and was
quite stiffened up from the effects of laying on the naked ground all the
time while a prisoner.
He was quite lively at the time of his arrival to our lines, and no one
would of then expected that he would (soon be numbered?) among the dead. His
appetite was very good, and I think he must of taken sick from eating such
delicacies as he was not subject to having while a prisoner, his stomach
would not require a very strong diet after subsisting on a (low?) diet for
such a length of time. In such a manner many of our prisoners that arrive
safely in our lines are compelled to yield their lives. I have as yet not
found out where your brother was buried, but I think at the Soldier's
graveyard about one mile from Annapolis.
I will remain here for some time as I am on detached service and any other
information I can glean of his sickness and death I shall happily inform
you of.
Most Respectfully Yours,
Stephen Slike
Co B, 11th Pa Cavalry
Contributed by Augie Marchetti New York December 11th, 1862 To the Dept., Central R. R. N. Jersey Please furnish Transportaion to Mr. D. Rife ~ of Company I, 11th Regiment of Pa R.C. Vols ~ from New York to Derry Pa ~ for which payment, at Government rate, will be made by the undersigned. (signed)......D. Stetson Assistant Quartermaster I acknowledge to have been furnished with Transportation on the above order from: New york City to Derry Pa. A True Copy. (Signed) Mr D. Rife
Contributed by Tom Simpson Camp Hamilton September 1st Dear Sister I received your letter yesterday. I had looked for a letter from you a long time but one came at last. I have been once across the river from Hamilton to see the boys from the corners they are all well there is a bout one hundred and fifty thousand men hear and still they come. It is the biggest sight I have ever seen. It is said that our regiment is to join this division of the armey. We are to be McClellans Bodey Gard so I have been told to day. To night one of our men was coming from the fort he was drunk and his horse was a coming at a full speed and met another man on his back coming at the same rate both of the horses was nocked down and the mens head struck together and nearly killed both of them. They were picked up and carried to the Hospital. I got some papers from Pa yesterday he said that he had been sick but was som better now. Smith was making sugar Aunt Zena(?) acts like d____d old fool. She would like to have her own way but did not do it this time if she like Jim so well She will be apt to live with him if ever he gets married. I got a letter from Abbey the other day I have a newyork boy in the tent with me he is from Staten Island his name is Leroy Buedell a first rat fellow he has been with me today and we have had a good time. I seen S A Clark and Robertson and steven and men ____and____ . If ever i get out of this war I will come down to see you & Jeff for I suppose I will have to recognize him as a brother. You must be a good girl and then you will be loved by all. I have written to ____ . I direct to ___ Point ___ you must give my respects to all of my friends on the Island. Write soon. I don't know when this will come in some time for they have stopped the mail for sometime they won't anyone come near unless he belongs to the Armey nor anyone can go a way No more this time From your Brother
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