1 10 16 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/03120b5bc8d2d3f744ba729f89262eeb.pdf 6140feb563d1b15a230d736d7ed06f9f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document USS “Stockdale” Mobile Bay Feb. 4 1865 My dear Mother I lost the last mail. No amount of industry could have avoided it. I was kiting about the Bay those days looking after the welfare of any steam babies, and you know one’s children must be the first care always. I learned that lesson from a certain good mother of mine who I dare say came down from the Puritans and knows what is right better than I do. Of course she will be the last to upbraid me for following her worthy example. She knows that next to the children I put the parent, and in this case event first, because my babes are not event brutes, while the mother is human and woman, My boats are my babes, and they wear out more pants in a week than I have done since my birth so fancy the patching and darning that has to be done before midnight each Saturday. There’s a great pile of clothes still ahead of me, but I gain on them now, and by the end of this month hope to be square up with the heap. Then, if I do not write much at once, I will try to be regular, and frequent as may be perhaps every week or two weeks at the longest. Our mail boat goes to New Orleans each week, and transports sometimes between. The mail leaves New York every Saturday [Page 2] and I think Wednesday also. I hear nothing yet since I came here, from you. Quite likely the “cowslip” has a letter or two from Connecticut. We look for her in from New Orleans hourly, she is overdue now. Capt. Bacon said he would get from the “Vincennes” any letters waylaid there for me, and bring them along. It is time that he did so. Last week he forgot it. The “Fort Morgan” is expected here today on her way back to New York, and Paymaster Sherwood, who stands clear of encumbrances now, goes home in her. He has transferred his account to me, and resigned his appointment. A young wige is the cause, who said when she married him, ‘You must give up me, or the Navy’ – so he gave up the Navy. That is all very well since the “sine qua non” was backed up by her father, and “Dad butters the bread. I quite like Mr. Sherwood. He has been of great service in breaking me into the traces, and made much smooth that would have been crooked and rough without his assistance. I am pretty well launched into the deep now, and anticipate no trouble. Mr. Farrington, who came on as my steward, I transform into a clerk, and find him the man for the place, quick, intelligent, clever, and quite a handsome writer – should hardly know what to do without him. The best of it is – his good bringing up and entire trustworthiness, though I put no money into his keeping, indeed have little to care for myself just at present. Hope to go to New Orleans and “buy some” this month. [Page 3] The supply stmr Circassian “Bermuda” arrived from Philadelphia a week ago with fresh provisions for the fleet. I was ordered by the Fleet Captain to take supplied from her to the vessels up the Bay, so had an opportunity to see how the land lies about Mobile. I suppose we steamed within five miles of the city, at any rate, near enough to see it quite distinctly with a glass. The rebel ram “Nashville” lay between us and the landing, with steam up, and great volumes of smoke rolling out of her tall stack, + guns stood ready to salute us from her deck on our approach, but as out mission was merely to give food to the hungry, we were willing this time to forgo the usual honors of war. We kept away from that ugly looking “Nashville!” But there is talk of her early transfer to the Union Fleet, that is, the city of Mobile and all its appurtenances, is bargained for, and by the army, if not the navy, we mean to gain it. You see I can say “we” in speaking of the army. I intend to hold fast my citizenship in its ranks, despite the service of my later adoption. I gloried in that, am contained in this. The musket, if heavy, was balanced by love of the cross borne for love of the Land. We came down the Bay the same evening & anchored at Grant’s Pass to watch for Blockade runners until morning. Then Capt. Godfrey came to the cove, and returned me on board the Stockdale. We hastened to leave Mobile before dark to get out of the way of torpedoes that are sometimes sent floating down in missions of mercy to blow up the Yankees [Page 4] Down here, we are quite out of harms way, in a haven as safe as New York Bay – and are harmless ourselves. The weather has been fine for a week or ten days, but to day first came a fog and then down poured the rain. The deluge is under and over us. No lack of fresh water for washing and that’s a comfort. We were reduced to salt water for a little time past, and one eyes get crusted with salt in due time with such treatment. One luxury we enjoy, I did not anticipate – viz. ice. The supply vessels bring it as preserve for the meat and give these large cakes with each quarter of beef. We dined on roast turkey today – one of three contraband gobblers who have lorded it lately over a coop of reb chickens that live on the hurricane deck. All will get their deserts, and be eaten in course of the winter and spring. One poor man of the crew will get no poultry at his dinner soon. He was tried by Court Martial yesterday + sentenced to 15 days double irons (hands + feet) on bread + water + loss of wages for one month. crim. fighting. His sentence was read today to him by the captain in presence of crew + officers, + instantly carried into effect. A warning to us all to beware of squabbling. I shall set about paring my nails at once, and muffling my fists, and putting pillows over the toes of my boots, for one is terribly tempted to get mad + break things sometimes. If you will excuse me, we prepare for action at once. Your aff. Cornelius Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold, U.S. Navy, February 4, 1865 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States.--Navy.--East Gulf Blockading Squadron. Mobile Campaign, 1865 Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother about life on board ship, infrequent mail delivery, his colleagues, and an expedition into Mobile Bay. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-02-04 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/4e463e2a1bc781faa7aa417f144a4754.pdf 10f8094644d8494d9e3dd56b3425dd31 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Key West Florida Thursday Jan. 12. 1864. [i.e. 1865] My dear Mother My hands are rather shaky, have scarcely yet attained the firmness of dry land, but having safely set my feet with a skip + jump of delight on this little piece of terra, I make if my first business to express gratitude by a letter to you. We arrived at the Key and made fast to the wharf about 8 o’clock this morning just a week to an hour from the time of weighing anchor and steaming through the narrows of New York Bay. Our first day out was fin though cold, and we skirted the Jersey coast in quite comfortable style. But as night drew on and the ship made off from land, sad symptoms of the “vomito” appeared among the passengers. I was attacked among the first in regular banditto fashion by some spirit of the vasty deep who whispered in my ear, “your supper or your life”! I felt very poor very reduced in my circumstances next morning, but was cheered somewhat when the sun rose + sea grew less turbulent, with a hope that for me the battle was over. Mistaken youth! The wind freshened, + hauling ahead was soon blowing a gale right in our teeth, and the “Fort Morgan” [Page 2] rolled, pitched, tossed her head and snorted like a donkey in distress. I ran to my kennel tumbled into bed and lay there forty eight hours without stoppoing. Of the thirty officers who took passage to the Gulf nearly all were sick, and most of the ward-room servants ditto. one poor little “nig.” and the steward alon escaping the latter only by keeping himself primed with whiskey. One of the officers tried the same preventive, but barely succeeded in drinking himself into the tremens. He reports himself to the naval surgeon here to day for treatment. Of personal mishaps I had few, once my bed broke down, and stayed down thirty six hours for want of strength in me or any aid to put it up, and once a sea broke through the dead light completely drenching my mattress and body, clothing, striking me full in the face with such force as nearly to knock me out of my birth. I had no dry change within reach, no choice but to lie down again all wet as I was and sleep myself dry. Those were dismal days to all of us, and more disagreeable I scarce ever experienced on sea or land. The passage to Key West has been unusually rough and long, and not until yesterday were we favored with 24 hours of melting sun shine. Then as we entered the straits of Florida the air grew soft + the sea charming. The last trace of rudeness passed off, and for the first time since Thursday last I sat down to a satisfactory meal, indeed it was my first appearance at table. {Page 3} The ordeal was over, a tough one, but much needed, + well adapted to fit me for life in the gulf. I began with a “clean record” and shall endeavor henceforth to steer clear of the Bilious Reefs. Today, I am quite well and strong. Have taken a walk on the Island, and strolling away to the military barracks fell in with a lieutenant who politely asked me in and has furnished me with the writing table and materials I am now using for you. This is a very pleasant place for troops in Winter, quartered in any buildings close upon the beach but in summer exposed to Yellow Fever. Twelve or Fifteen officers of this regiment (the 20 US Colored) died here the last sesason from that disease. We shall remain in port one two or three days to take in coal + discharge freight. Our next stopping place after three days sail will be Pensacola, + the enxt Mobile Bay. From the latter shall probably be transferred by despatch boat to New Orleans, whicle the Fort Morgan pursues her course to the coast of Texas. Lo in the distance I dimly see my own “Vincennes”. and though I rather wonted now to this unsettled life, I look forward with pleasant anticipation to a home even on a ship, a room, a corner that for one month at least I may call my own. I must go again now + finish my soup, take a good bath if I can find it, + get a taste of Havana Banannas. [Page 4] It is the wrong season for cocoanuts, trees are plenty here but the nuts are small + green. The Steamer “Empire City” arrived close in our wake + today or tomorrow will proceed on her way to New Orleans, with the Key West Mail. This letter must go in her bag and may reach you in two or three weeks. Very likely at the same time you will receive another dated “New Orleans” or on board the “Vincennes”. You of course will keep me informed of Henry’s plans, doings + state as to health, should he not do so himself, and he may consider my letter to you as half his own. I hope he will do the best thing, whatever it may be, remembering that the best is always cheapest, though the first cost be a little greater. I have some agreeable travelling companions and anticipate a pleasant remnant to the trip. Many officers leave us at this point, so the ship will be less crowded. My love to Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Julia ect. and all the Washington friends who wish it. I think there will be “enough to go around”. Your aff. Son P.O. Address A.A Pay’r Cornelius B. Gold USS “Vincennes” West Gulf Squadron Cornelius received orders to remain in Mobile Bay on reaching there. Post Office address is now AA Payr. Cornelius B. Gold USS Stockdale Mobile Bay, Ala Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold, U.S. Navy, January 12, 1864 (i.e. 1865] Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States.--Navy.--East Gulf Blockading Squadron. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Blockades Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes of his passage from New York to Key West, provides his impression of Key West, and describes his assignment in the Gulf of Mexico. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-01-12 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/0cb264305fcb255765f39f904e0c15bc.pdf 3dda125663296c7d211bdf14dc9a1f87 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document U.S.S. Stockdale Mobile Bay. March 5. 1865 My dear Mother I am just in my room, from an hours lounging outside, my head full of stories fuming + earnest that have poured in at both ears from the voluble officers of the “Stockdale”, the topics mostly religious, + the scenes laid in New Orleans + Port Royal, Connecticut + Kansas, touching the skirts of rebeldom in its whole circumference. Together we are a walking Epitome of the universal Yankee nation, and have circulated through many of the arteries of this little Globe. When I left the company, the conversation was verging into a theological discussion for which tonight I have no desire. I hear them now plunging into the waters of the “Flood: and hailing Noah’s Ark with a nautical “What ship is that”? and they cannot quite decide whether to call it “Phantom”, “Flying Dutchman”, or the veritable “Ark of safety into which went Noak + his wife his sons + his sons’ wives + the cattle. Perhaps our talk may take a more practical shape by and by, when preparations are complete, and the fleet moves toward Mobile, the time for action at hand. To see the gathering forces of army + navy + feel the pulse of its daily gaining strength, makes me certain of success. Yet I have been thinking today how easily our very ground for hope (superior numbers) might become the means of disaster, should the favor of God not be with us, how easily he might let send a pestilence upon the [Page 2] herded thousands, and destroy our overweening confidence by disease. A few hundred yards distant from us, lies an infected steamer, cut off from all communication with the fleet, flying a yellow flag which says to all approaching boats, “keep off. small Pox”! It is no special cause for alarm + gives none, but that yellow flag in her midst, is to me a constant reminder of a Higher Power than our own, reliance upon which can alone make victory sure. There is a probability that Admiral Thatcher will select the “Stockdale” as his Flagship in the attack on Mobile, indeed I believe has already chosen it, though he may change. Whether in that case I shall be allowed to remain on her is very doubtful, as with any clerk, office, + the stores for my vessels, I monopolize more room than may well be afforded on the Flagship of an Admiral. This boat is certainly not selected for its war-like properties, but its commodious quarters + light draught of water, being built to navigate over shallows + scrape the sandy bottoms. This reminds me of my experience the past week on my return from New Orleans, where I passed several days on business + seeing the city. We were thirty six hours reaching the Bay, when ordinarily it takes 15. A heavy fog blinded the pilot so that he completely lost his way. We ran aground six times on the passage, at last landing high up on a hard bottom, where we stuck all night. It is well there are no rocks on this coast, as it is, we only laugh when the keel goes grinding through an oyster bed and the bivalves bite our bottom. A mosquito were not less harmful. This is a great country for oysters! Aunt Julia ect should happen here after a hard headache, she might feast on the fat of the sea. [Page 3] March 8. The Admiral comes on board tomorrow with his staff. Such an addition to the family knocks us all askew, + we must expect no little discomfort as the price of the honor, being crowded into half the space we held before. Besides this we must be constantly on our good behavior, skinny boots, uniform + so on, and sleep in our dress coats instead of nightgowns. We all groan at the prospect, from Captain to Cabin Boy, and as for me I begrudge every inch of room of which I shall be deprived, as a business necessity. My duties are rather arduous though not too much for me, with my clerk, and occupy brain + fingers uninterruptedly from morning till evening. The necessity of visiting my vessels is a good thing for me. I assure you I am much better pleased with this busy port, than with the life of “inglorious ease” to which I looked forward on the “Vincennes”. Mobile is not yet evacuated, but we look for that event shortly + at the point of the bayonet. so much vaster plans are a foot farther north, so much nearer + louder sound the guns from the armies of Grant + Sherman, that I know to you the taking of Mobile seems a slight affair + of scarcely more account than the capture of a rebel outpost at the James. But even here you might see no insignificant movement in progress . I suppose that in addition to the formidable fleet, there are fifty or sixty thousand men in this vicintiy, + gathered for a purpose. What that purpose is, we must time will unfold. The mail came again to day. My second intelligence from home, + this time as before a package of back letters, three of them from you, + two of Henry’s, one also [Page 4] from Martha. I am grad she is so good about writing to you She tells me of Bertie’s illness + that Uncle Winthrop seems improved under the “Movement Cure”. Poor little Bertie has had a tiresome time of it, and I know well enough that the nurses too are worn + weak with their watching. They must be. If only they might all be well and strong! Why are some people forever ill, or burdened with the sickness of others most dear to them! God setteth the feeble in families I think. Henry is testing the cold March of Massachusetts. I am no little anxious for its effects upon him, though a trouble that settles so firmly in his digestive organs would see proof to weather or anything beside meat and drnk. I hope that Dr. Dio. will give him more personal attention than he appears to devote to most under his care. It seems to me his reatment is better adapted to preserve the healthy than heal the sick. It is after my bed time, and I must not dissipate even in this filial way. You will certainly agree that it is better to keep fresh for work, that spend undue time or strength in writing letters, when to do both is out of the question. But I will try not to neglect you whatever may be my course toward others. I like to write any friends when I can do so. It makes life richer + sweeter to share even the bitterness of it with those we love. Thank Mary Smith for her letter + Cousin Abbie Guinn for the wee note of remembrance. These things are not lost upon me. My love to aunt Mary Brude + remember me to Mrs. Mitchell. It is kind of them to inquire after me. Your aff. Cornelius Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold, U.S. Navy, March 5, 1865 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States.--Navy.--East Gulf Blockading Squadron. United States.--Navy--Sea life. Mobile Campaign, 1865 United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations Sailors--Diseases Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother about preparations for the assault on Mobile, life on board the USS Stockdale, and the fear of illness in the navy and at home. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-03-05 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/2bc95c68f049e95ace237f03ba459ad6.pdf 3d8cab05706eac006366222c3d87048e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document U.SS. “Kittatinny” Off Mobile April 9, 1865 My dear Brother Since you are home again I see no impropriety in varying the address of my home letters occasionally from mother to brother. The change need not entail upon you the necessity of replying. As my own letters in these days to one of you, must answer for both, so, though the sight of your hand writing is pleasant, I am contnt to have mother tell the whole tale of the family. You must expand your spare strength in rubbing up that valuable but unruly body of yours. I hope you will lose no time in securing a good “groom: to assist at that business, + let no motives of false economy keep you from any help to health, that the “wealth of the Indies” would bring over Churchhill. Just now you are happy in the healing presence of our good sister Martha. I am grlad she can be a little while with you. I have a little smack of her sweetness to night in a twin note to mother;s that came with it. A slight tremor of moesickness came over me as I broke the seal, just enough to lessen my love for the writers. Yet no such assurance was needed. The longer I live, and the farther from home, the dearer it grows I believe I do not wish to be weaned [Page 2} from it. When that is gone, there is little left in this world but hope for the other, the “glorified body” of this. You see how I am shifted about here from one ship to another no settled place of abode, not half so independent as a “squatter soveraign”, for no sooner do I get fairly squatted, than some “big-wig” claims the spot for his own, + hoists the flag of an admiral or erects a hospital. I was on board the “Tallahatchie” when two monitors + a tinclad were sunk by torpedoes. It was her fate to be chosen as a transient home for the sufferers. A proper selection, she is so large and comfortable. And surely we aught not to begrudge our little convenience to the wounded + dying, dead now some of them no doubt. The tin-clad “Rodolph”, was built like the “Stockdale” + “Tallahatchie”, and it was my choice to be ordered to her on leaving the “Stockdale”. Fortunately she was about the day I changed, and being hindered from going to her, I was saved perhaps from sinking with her. It seemed a double providence to me, for the “Tallahatchie” would have gone instead of the Rodolph that day, had not her fires just been extinguished for some slight repairs, and, as matters stood, probably have struck the same torpedo. We all have a horror of these ugly concerns, and always return with relief from a cruise over the haunted waters. But there are no more such cruises for me. The “Kittatinny” lies quietly at anchor day in and day out, while the hungry fleet come to her for bread. She is a neat, pretty affair with five wide mouthed guns, four broadside, and [Page 3] a thirty pounder Parrott Rifle on the quarter deck that “turns every way”. Then there is a spunky little brass howitzer mounted forward. Altogether we are very war-like, and very peaceable too. Our pet kitten + squirrell attest the last quality, for don’t they run about deck all they please + love each other like Barnums snakes + monkeys! The Stockdale + Tallahatchie were even more domestic, one having goats + pigs roaming at will, and the other, pigs and a puppy that lived on the most amicable terms + were accustomed to a regular frolic with us on the hurricane deck before dinner. I fear the poor piggies have gone the way of all pork before this. Today our flads float for a double victory, are by the army here over rebel works that were bulwarks to Mobile, + that being taken, ensure the speedy face of that place. All night we could see the flash + hear the thunders of the fight. At day-light all was still + the Union flag floating over the fortress of our enemies. Though the navy could render little assitance, I do not feel myself deprived of a share in the glory by that fact. I claim yet to be a citizen of the army. An infinitely greater cause of rejoicing, is the fall of Richmond! The end of the war seems near, and an end of which Americans may be prout. No news ever thrilled the land as I think this must today, nor ever one with more delight , unless it be the final proclamation of perfect peace. I may have mentioned in my first letters home from the Gulf, the name of Paymaster Brinckerhoff who came passenger in the “Fort Morgan” with one. We had a room together. By the last paper from New Orleans, I learn that he has accidentally shot himself with a revolver, the wound “dangerous but not mortal”. I hope he may recover, + was sorry enough to read of his misfortune. This is the second time within two months that his pocket pistol has nearly been the death of him. I may be tempted to use one, if many more boats are given me to care for. My hands are already as free as they can hold with the seven but only yesterday another steamer was added to the list, and I learn that the accounts of a ninth are on the way to me. The tug paymaster of this fleet has no sinecure position I assure you. In place of the one steward that I supposed would be my whole allowance of aids, I have had a clerk + five stewards, with need of more, a steward on each vessel to take charge of stores. I shall be grateful when Mobile us taken, and this fleet scattered, if so I may get rid of part of the mosquito fleet, but I anticipate no such relief at present. Do not imagine from this that I am sick of my bargain. I should not be a sailor if I could not growl, and one of these days I may look back to mobile Bay as a sort of Paymaster’s Elysium. I shall at least have the satisfaction of having earned my porridge – no small item to my mind. Mother need not despair of her letters reaching me or count the writing of them lost. They do come, only with great irregularity. Lately the mails are improving. Your aff. Cornelius Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold, U.S. Navy, April 9, 1865 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States.--Navy.--East Gulf Blockading Squadron. Mobile Campaign, 1865 United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations United States.--Navy--Sea life. Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his brother about preparations for an assault on Mobile, sending and receiving letters, and the inconveniences he has dealt with. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-04-09 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/6ce5a611f8b15f373e427cf23943aeab.pdf aee7729a8bbe55a362d28f7347fa6e8f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document U.S.S. “Anderson” Off Mobile Apl. 16 1865 Mobile is fallen. I shall not be the first to convey that news to you. We look upon the war in Alabama as ended, though our sojourn will doubtless be continued some time yet. I consider myself a fixture for the summer unless a torpedo or some other unseen circumstance disturb my equanimity. During the last four days three steamers have sunk within sight of our ship, blown up by torpedoes. They are scattered all about the waters + below the surface so that one never knows what instant the crash may come. Day before yesterday while crossing the bay on a tug at full speed, a torpedo [Page 2] struck the bottom of the boat = exploded with force enough to “bring us upstanding” + lift the boat a little, but strangely enough did no damage. For a moment we all supposed she was sinking of course, and began to lower the boats. It seemed almost miraculous and is the only case of the kind that has resulted harmlessly. Only the day before, the “Ida” (one of my boats) was blown up, two men killed, two wounded and one of the engineers lost a leg. It was a mere pressing of business that kept me from being on board at that time, and perhaps I may add the kind protection of Him who alone can guard us from danger. I have again changed my abode, from the “Kittatinny” where I last wrote, to the “Anderson,” a sailing vessel with fine accommodations + her keel deep in the mud. I have here what before [Page 3] I have greatly needed room for my stores, and an office of respectable size. Am beter pleased with this situation, than with either of the others for with my increasing responsibilities from the city, so far that its “temptations” will have little effect on me. Have not visited it yet, and do not know when time or opportunity will offer to do so. A boat leaves us for the flagship this morning with letters for the north, and I have snatched the few moments before breakfast to scratch this. “Time’s up.” Your aff. Cornelius Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold, U.S. Navy, April 16, 1865 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States.--Navy.--East Gulf Blockading Squadron. Mobile Campaign, 1865 United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother about the fall of Mobile, continued torpedo attacks on Union ships, and his comfortable new surroundings on the U.S.S. Anderson. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-04-16 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/e24995c78c9bb4a1d87b23c3c7852d5f.pdf ced86f3b48f96f195166fdb8dbd9968e Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Hilton Head S.C. March 16 1864 My dear Mother The three "Billy-dooses" came safely and sweetened me in tripple [sic] measure, a day or two ago. It was partly as good as being there to share your jubilee only through letters. Such reports do not make me homesick, but on the contrary give a home feeling wherever I am by bringing you all nearer in spirit. It does not so much matter where our bodies are, if the wings only touch. Nothing adds more to my happiness here, than to know of bright days at home. I suspect Henry had a tearing time with the girls, and you a happy one in the midst of all. Not every mother can boast such a jolly crew of children, good children, too are they not! The scape-grace was well out of the way this time. It must have been sweet relief to be rid of such an animal for once. And as for me, (since it is I who say it + not you) [Page 2] I am glad to have ministered to your joint enjoyment even by absence. But that visit is over now and -- Mr. Woodruff did not come by the Arago today! How sorry I am. I would not selfishly wish to cut short his visit at home but am growing hungry for a sight of the good man. You see we have been quite without a shepherd these seven weeks and we only made provision for an absence of 20 days. "The calves are a blattin' in the barn"! Sadly as we miss him however, the Light of Port Royal did not wholly depart with him. Almost without a human leader certainly with no "ruling spirit" aside from the Spirit of God men meet and are moved with one impulse strong + deep. The "Tongue of Fire" is among us. Indeed it seems to be abroad, kindling the Country, with a flame purer than mere patriotism. It will help our cause. For when the national sacrifice burns with fire from heaven, no rebel hands can guard it. There are three meetings in town [Page 3] each week on Sunday, Tuesday + Thursday evenings, not crowded, but with a good and increasing attendance of right earnest workers, full-hearted men. They remind me much of the old noon-prayer meetings in New York. I think I told you of my call from George Bissell, but not of the last surprise. Charlie Goodyear appeared suddenly at our tent door the other day, on his way with his regiment to Beaufort. We had just found out our whereabouts, though he had been several days in the vicinity. Mr. M. and I walked down to the dock with him and had quite a little visit with him. Likely enough he will be back here again soon when the acquaintance may be renewed with a trice. You do not know what a fellow- feeling we fellow townsmen have for each other. We have occasional accessions of recruits to the regiment in small parties. The largest, 41 men, came yesterday. Among those who joined some weeks ago was an [Page 4] old first Lieutenant of this regiment, who had been discharged the service on account of ill health, and on recovery, volunteered again as a Private in the 6th Conn. I see in the Colonel's list of recommendations to the Governor, is that of this man for promotion to 2nd Lieut. Please thank Fanny Stanwood for a nice letter she sent me last mail, since I can not possibly do it myself this week, and I am sure she would not wish me to. I am bravely over the foolish days when the frist [sic] duty on reading a letter was to write one in return. I am sorry to say some of my friends are of the same mind with me in this matter, as is quite evident from their long waiting. With me duty + desire do not always keep company. I want to write "dreffully." This time, even you, must let me off with this little. It shall not be so next week if I can help it. Am feeling in Prince Condition, and presume am really so. The rebels have not yet surrounded us, and may find it difficult to do so on an island with gunboats keeping guard. Cornelius. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data manuscript letter Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold, 6th C. V. I., March 16, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1865) United States.--Army--Military life Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother about life in camp, homesickness or the lack thereof, new recruits, and meeting up with fellow townspeople. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-03-16 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/66f24d44919cf5b45a4e8ab7fe8cdec2.pdf 274cb23bff0acbf119675518d3a192e5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data manuscript letter Text Any textual data included in the document Hilton Head S.C. Feb 29, 1864 My dear “Family”, February has gone, or is going out like a lamb, and our Winter vanishes softly in the mild misty twilight of a spring evening. It has been “no great shakes of a winter”, for a Connecticut boy but “what there was of it” I am glad to see go. Sand is a poor substitute for snow, and windy dirt-storms is not cold, are neither beautiful nor anything else but dirt. I suppose however, that our southern neighbors think it must be highly nutritious for Northern “mud-sills” to diet on Carolina gravel, and glory in their “hospitable shores”, “Bad luck to ‘em”! They have been feeding our boys in Florida in even worse fashion rifle balls by the gallon. It would make your heart ache to hear the tales the maimed ones tell of the battle, the repulse, and the long weary march of wounded men left behind in the street, who would walk till they died rather than fall into rebel hands. I will tell you as near as I can the story of one, a private in the 47th N.Y.Vols, this regiment has been encamped close by us til the expedition and out of more than 700 who went into the fight upwards of 200 answered to roll call at the close, the rest killed, wounded + missing. Feb. 30. I thought I had the “world shut out” at 9 o’clock last night, and a good hour to spend with you before bed time, but a good [page 2] friend knocked at the door, and I let him in with a groan. I felt it was my only chance to write you this mail, and he talked and stayed till eleven o’clock, my fault as much as his for we both enjoyed the confab, but when he was gone I shut up my portfolio and laid it away with disgust. It is the close of one month and beginning of another, so that for a few days we are over-run with work. I shall have the pleasure of writing Muster Rolls far into this night, have only a moment now while waiting for the other clerk to come and help. I think I have told you what I am “doing in the Adjutant’s tent”, but since you are ignorant will repeat it. My duty is writing, and nothing else. When I can, I go out and drill an hour with my company in the afternoon, but the business is rather more confining than I like, and I have asked to be relieved, and sent back to my company for duty. I feel impatient to get there, am out of humor with my “quill”. My health is good enough but I came here to be a soldier, and nothing less will satisfy me. Now I will try to set your mind at rest on one subject, by telling you exactly how I am. My way of life has been too sedentary to change me much from the individual I was six months ago. But I complain of nothing in the way of pains sickness or burdens to be borne, have literally nothing to complain of, wish I had, it would be a luxury to get real tired once from work, to carry a knapsack till my back ached. One thing I am determined on, to get fairly out of doors again and stay there [Page 3] if I can. The Adjutant’s office is a good place to learn gain an important part of a military edication, but with one the physical must ever be uppermost, if I would thrive. Last week I went three or four times to the Hospital and passed an hour or two talking with our wounded soldiers from Florida or helping them in any way I could. Since we were not allowed to share their pains, it is the next best thing to give them sympathy. At first I had a dread of going among the wounded, the sight of blood or bruises was always repulsive to me, but it was my fortune to meet a shattered arm at the door, and pour a “cup of cold water” on the bandage for the owner, to talk with him, go in and sit down with him, write a letter for him, + have a right pleasant time. This opened the way to other beds + bedridden ones, another letter for a man with a ball through his thigh, and a bit of banking business for the poor fellow who trusted $60.00/00 in greenbacks with me to send for him to the Savings Bank in New York. He had more faith in strangers than I could have had, but it was none the less grateful to me to be able to aid him. I have quite missed my visits there, since, for the last two days I have had no time to go. I would tell you more about the doings of the regiment, if there were anything to tell, but beyond a story of “Guard duty” there would be nothing. This has been too incessant to admit of artillery practice yet. But our veterans returned last Sunday + I dare say will soon begin the Heavy Artillery drill. I understand that one of Company “B” [Page 4] tumbled off East or West Rock while at New Haven, and killed himself. We shall miss poor McNamara, if this is true, for he was our company tailor. James Dunn made a slight mistake. Mr. Mitchell has not been acting sergeant Major at all, was only performing the duties of quartermaster sergeant during the absence of the sergeant. I am sorry for Mr. M’s sake he should give any such impression. Mr. Mitchell is highly respected by both officers and men, and I have no doubt will some day rise above the ranks. If he does, it will not be for office seeking. There are too many old soldiers to reward for long + faithfullly services, to allow of speedy preferment to new corners. I am glad to hear of Theodore Mills’ good fortune and of and right sorry, we are to have his brother, + our cousin, Charlie Robinson, for a neighbor. But I wish him all success in his noble mission, and said “my love” + belssing to him + her + the little one. Please deliver when you see them. So Henry “made a lip” at Mr. Gunn and was punished richly for his impudence. He’ll “look out” next time “I reckon”! Am much obliged for the bundle of papers. Have enjoyed “looking at the pictures” in Leslie very much, can find use for them if I do not find time to read them myself, which is most unlikely at present. 1/2 past One A.M. The hour is sufficient excuse for putting my hand and seal to this letter. Have just ended my day’s labor. Mail closes tomorrow, that is, to day. Will you please put a large white pocket handkerchief in the next letter for me — mine is getting dingy — Mails are slightly irregular and I have no list of sailing days, doubt if they are fixed. In haste, Cornelius. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold, 6th C.V.I., February 29, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource Civil War, camp life, army bureaucracy United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1865) United States--Army--Clerical work Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-02-29 Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his family of life in camp, his frustration at his clerical duties and desire to be trained for combat, and visiting with wounded soldiers https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/8b3d8b7259e5e6ecfb93d84dd61f26c9.pdf 7731ad7c4b08171e33eb570701c78b81 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Head Quarters 2nd Brigade SFosters Division Jacksonville Fla. March 5th 1864 Dear Cornelius I have just rolled out of bed + without perfecting my toilet set down to write a line to go in the boat leaving this morning. You will excuse me for believing you anxious to know whether I wasnt in + if so, whether I came out of the late fight. By special permission of Genl. Seymour I was allowed to go to the front with Col. M. (the 3rd U.S.C.T. has not been under Col. M. since landing here + that it was not to be was plain to me long before we went to the front) For that occasion the 54th Mass + 1st N.C.V were assigned to Col. M. + his brigade formed the rear of the column, in the march. The brigade got into action a half hour later than the others - the 54th Mass on the left + the 1st N.C.V. near the centre. Both regiments were exposed to a raking fire + behaved well lost heavily. The 1st N.C.V. lost several valuable officers. Capt. Jewett - a.a.a.c. when we were at the Head - was wounded in the neck. He was serving with his regiment leaving me alone with Col. M. “How did I feel?” “I had no time to feel.” Conscious of the nearness of danger yet I did not ex- pect to be injured. I was animated + entered into the spirit of the fight. I wanted to drive ahead + thrash the “rebs”. My horse was wounded in right fore + hind legs - each bullet burry ing itself + passing through. My sword scabbard (steel) was bent by a bullet. Your humble servant - thanks to Our Heavenly Father - was uninjured. Near dusk, while I was riding in search of the Genl. for orders - a rebel regiment or strong line of skirmishers halted me, whereupon I answered that I was “all right,” “union + in search of the Gen.” whereupon they opened upon me, nearly 50 bullets whizzing about me before I got out of range. I wonder they did not let me ride along + take me prisoner. We were under fire 3 1/2 hours - but it seemed no more than half an hour. One is so ab- sorbed in the fight that he thinks of nothing else. I have no time to write particularly - everything not personal you will get in the papers. Excuse my saying, Col. M. told me he had praised my conduct in the fight more highly at my back, that he could do at my face. Colonel Tilghman is comdg a Brigade + has had me relieved of duty with Col. M. + assigned to duty as actg ordnance officer on his own staff. How are you prospering? What news from Home? your friend Loveridge. [Page 2] Wednesday Mar 9. I hope it will not be a breach of friendship if I forward this letter from Loveridge. Your own good sense will show you that it was not intended for circulation, and limit its use accordingly. Yet I think it will not interest you more than a secondhand version through me. George Bissell called on me an hour ago, and we had a very pleasant little visit. He looks very well. Is paymaster on the U.S. Stmr Mary Lanford one of the Charleston Blockading fleet. She came to Hilton Head yesterday and returns tomorrow this afternoon to her station off Sullivan’s Island. The Mary Lanford lay only a half mile distant from the Housatonic at the time the latter was sunk by a forpedo and it was by the merest chance Bissell was saved from being sent “sky-high” instead of the other. He tells some funny stories of the torpedo panic that has since prevailed, every empty barrel or floating log looms in the darkness to a “monster of the deep”. Once, Fort Wagner, the picket boats + a gunboat opened with all arms, and bombarded an old stump with the greatest fury till the mistake was discovered. There is good cause for caution however + the vessels of the fleet now keep under way all night instead of lying at anchor as before. Cornelius. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data manuscript letter Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Romulus Loveridge, 3rd U.S.C.I., March 5, 1864 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-03-05 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States. -- Army. -- Colored Infantry Regiment, 3rd (1863-1865) United States. Navy Olustee, Battle of, Olustee, Fla., 1864 United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Blockades Charleston (S.C.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 Description An account of the resource Romulus Loveridge write to his Gunnery classmate Cornelius Gold about his experience in the Battle of Olustee outside of Jacksonville. Gold forwards the letter home with a note describing his meeting with his friend George Bissell, a paymaster in the U.S. Navy during the Charleston Blockade, with some discussion of his Navy experiences. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/ac61df866ef6216d93962235f280e2a4.pdf b1f5900ae116f1ab2c5c9e6517f1a9a4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Hilton Head, S.C. Nov. 2. 1863 My dear Brother Our camp is well nigh deserted. 800 men are gone to load heavy ordnance at the wharf. The very guard tent is emptied for the emergency. Lieut. Eaton, commanding our company, whose clerk I am, excuses me from all fatigue duty. So I have simply to Drill + do his writing at present. A simplicity that involves time however, making the days pass quickly + busily in pleasantness + peace. The writing is not laborious enough to harm me. I like it, because it brings me near the kindest of officers, and gives more of an insight into military matters than I would otherwise get. At the close of every 2d month there are about 3 days of steady scratching. I am just through with that job for this time. [Page 2] having been at it five days as a green Hand. That's why I have as yet expended little labor or leisure on the friends at home. And the other reason you can not imagine the sameness of life in a square, perfectly flat four acre lot, where every man must stand with his thumb in his mouth, and the only fig biting is with vermin. Not so very much of that either. We drown them in cold water as thoroughly as we can. Very good water we have, and I am the fresher this instant from a bath in it. I had the whole tent to splurge in, Mitchell + Monroe, my mates, being about on fatigue duty, pulling down an old horse stable. When that is accomplished I suppose th each man in camp will be invited to shoulder a plank + transport it to the appointed spot for the new regimental stables. Hark! I hear the boom of a Morris Island guns. Often in these still days, we hear it, [Page 3] and wonder how the fight progresses, but like people North, must wait for news. Gilmore's artillery no doubt speaks today more intellegibly to Charleston than to us. I fear we must give up all hope of assisting in the siege, unless a worse calamity should befal the country, in the shape of a heavy reverse there, and pressing call for men. Officers say, we recruits will not be fit for the field under three months. There's no telling how long we may remain here, quite likely all winter at least. It is not a bad place to stay in. I am quite content, so far as physical comfort or companionship is concerned. Both are certainly better than I anticipated. Providence has yoked Mr. Mitchell and me together, whether we would or no, + to my profit. For tentmate, we have John Monroe of Norwich, an inoffensive honest Christian, exschoolmaster exshopkeeper exapockethandkerchief [Page 4] and who will blow his nose at the wrong end, much to the annoyance of Mitchell, who has not hesitated to advise him on the subject, and with good effect. Monroe is docile, a good child, will do neither us nor the enemy any harm if he can avoid it. When assigned to companies, our first assignment was broken up, and original messmate passed to Co. E. Much to our relief was this, for Veely, though pious, was a disagreeable bore, and too much of a noisy Methodist to please either of us. Not that we were unwilling others should be cognisant of our evening worship, but the very beauty of family prayer seems to me to be in its seclusion, "the world shut out", only Christ in the midst of us. I think I mentioned in my last letter, that Veely is a Roxbury man, son-in-law of Welton. Who do you think we have stumbled on, for an old acquaintance in Company B! [Page 5] no less a personage than William O'Brien father of Mr. Parrish's Johnny! He is a right sturdy, kind hearted old soldier, liked by all his comrades, us among them. Isn’t war a leveler? here is a fine old dirt digging paddy, the actual superior by more than 2 years experience of Abner W. Mitchell! But Mr. Mitchell will, + does already command the respect of his officers by his own cheerful obedience and manful spirit. What nature does for him, circumstances do for me, so that we both feel at home in our company + regiment, and are sure of good treat ment so long as we behave ourselves. Indeed every man is certain of that for himself. The chaplain is cordial always, + a real belssing to us. I am glad we have been put just here. It could not have been better anywhere [Page 6] Humph! isn’t it too bad! Here is Lt. Eaton back again with our five muster Rolls in his hand, my five last days work all to be re-written! + mad enough to kick his colonel. It is through no fault of mine, but simply because Lt. Col. Duryee finds fault with dates contracted in this manner, Sept. 12, 61 instead of Sept. 12, 1861, a thing of no importance whatever, + which the narrowness of columns has always made necessary. I have one consolation in it, that it gives Lt. Eaton + the Adjutant occasion to say that so correct rolls have not left this company in two years before. The worst of it is, that for the sake of using his authority, the colonel may keep the whole regiment awaiting their pay for days. We all hope for a successor to Col. Chatfield soon, who will take the reins from the hand of this youthful brainless charioteer. Under these circumstances, you will see [Page 7] the need of a little rest, before I buckle on the armor, and march a second time over the long rolls. I shall write you no more at present. I will repeat my P.O. Address. Wherever in the Department of the South we might be sent, matter would be forwarded. This is the Central Depot of the Department Cornelius B. Gold 6th C.V. Co. B 6th Conn. Vol. Co. B Hilston Head, S.C. Evening — Have been at a game of “two old cat” with some camp contrebands, and played myself into quite a sweat. It seemed very like Connecticut. Then I stretched myself quite alone in the tent, for an old fasioned read, and had it for a half hour, when our orderly sergeant Hicks came in, and chatted pleasantly with me till drum roll for supper. My book + tea lasted till dusk. Then our men came howling + hungry into camp on the run, and I vacated the tent for a stroll to the chaplain’s. He is PostMaster + informs me tonight is my last chance for this mail. [Page 8] He has a melodeon + holds a choir rehearsal tonight for next Sunday service. he has quite a fine quartette of male voices, + invited me to stay and listen. But I prefer to close my “correspondence”, and indulge a little more in Kinglake, before going to bed. I understand Gilmore has footing on James’ Island, and The labor of too the soldiers this P.M. has been in loading one enormous mortar for the siege operations, two more are yet to be put on board. From this you may gain some idea of the time necessary to transport + place these young volcanoes in position. Love to Grandpa’s family, + all the uncles, aunts + cousins in the neighborhood, the Lymans Mrs. Hart + everybody who wants for this time + all time. I shall put an end to this farce of rending weekly what abides with you alway. I give you “power of attorney” to signal for me in all general love matters, reserving the particular to myself of course, should any occur. Cornelius Please send by mail my Webster’s Pocket Dictionary. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data manuscript letter Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold, 6th C.V.I., November 2, 1863 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-11-02 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1865) Soldiers--Religious life Soldiers--Conduct of life Soldiers--Attitudes Soldiers--Recreation Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his brother about camp life, other soldiers, dealings with officers, and his job as regimental secretary. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/8398f8c6edb016409b0d53a3c65f6d20.pdf a8f2103bda3a765d41f9e22590df6bfb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp 3rd Reg’t. U.S.C.T. Morris Island, S.C. Sept 11, 1863 Dear Cornelius, We have not taken Charleston, nor has this barren island been transformed into a second “Garden of Eden”, why I seize my pen to write you a hasty letter, but the non-arrival of mail for us has made us desperate - there is deep water - powder + balls near at hand. What is to be done? As all our news and love must come from the north, I suppose the treason must be great, but remember we are willing to pay high premiums for genuine articles. I take it for granted you [Page 2] do not expect much from me for it is glory enough to be a soldier, without being able to write a good letter. Did I think you were unlike myself and could sympathize with the victim, I would tell you of a foot-race that took place between one of our boys and a crab — poor crab got beaten + the fellow eats rations for a week at one meal. But to tell the truth we are living by eating + drink here as you do in the land of promise not knowing what a day may not bring forth. The weeks just past have brought forth daily digging in the trenches, before Wagner, and last Monday’s sun rose upon Federal bayonets upon the parapet of that fort. Many lives were lost — many [Page 3] poor fellows wounded during the seige, but we are thankful that the number of casualties was not increased by the capture of the fort. The chivalry left in time to avoid fighting, leaving behind them guns and ammunition. They went not away, however, without leaving unmistakable tokens of the love they bear us. To facilitate our occupation of their late home — they left heavy planks across the moat ring around it. Some, without reason I think, are disposed to question their motives inasmuch as the planks were driven thick with sharpened spikes — they being two inches apart and three inches above board. Judging of this act in the [Page 4] light which their previous conduct enables us to, is not the conclusion reasonable, indeed inevitable, that they intended us no injury, but, probably laying the planks in the dark, they accidentally got them down wrong side up — with the spikes down the planks would have been more firm. I see no reason to regard these people otherwise than as brothers and well wishers although along the side of the fort exposed to attack were driven lances, so arranged that a party of men having gained the parapet + then being driven back must unavoidably fall impaled upon them. To my mind the fact that their object, in placing the lances as stated, was to assist those who might wish to scramble up the bank. [Page 5] I sometimes think our kinsmen heedless But the other day, they carelessly left lying, unlabelled in the sand, a small tin box, which a soldier accidentally hitting with his foot and rendered amputation necessary. “A prophet is without honor in his own land”, so with this traduced people — but abroad, their friends are numerous. Several orders forbid my writing concerning future plans — we sometimes thake the liberty to jump to conclusions. I predict our next work will be on Sullivan’s Island. The Weehawken exploded a magazine in Moultrie last Monday. On the same day the whole or a part of Moultrieville was burned — cause unknown — at least to me. Do not get despondent and despair [Page 6] of the fall of Charleston. Take courage from the past, if we have taken the works upon which they mainly relied it is but reasonable to conclude we can capture the rest, one or two months may be necessary for its accomplishments — but being confident of a victorious result — the time will seem short. Rumors are afloat to day that Rosencrans’ army have plucked new laurels from the hilltops around Chattanooga. “God speed the right” — but we had best set ourselves about being thankful or we cannot keep pace with the already rapid progress of the Right. Will not disaffection tear Lee’s army limb from limb? Think of urging men to fight for the defence of their homes, when these are already under federal rule! [Page 7] and appearantly to continue so. I told you our manner of living was similar to yours. You wish to know what our dish consists? Well, pure sand is very plenty, but does not constitute our whole dish. Seafood forms a frequent dish — oysters — clams — crabs + fish receiving each, a share of attention, we purchase many things of the Post Commissar and the Sanitary Commission occasionally leave the pound at the Hospital + its equivalent, an ounce with us. Every hill + valley ought to pour out of its abundance into the lap of the U.S.S. Commission. The Sanitary + Christian Commissions are doing immense good, under the direction of Dr. Marsh in this Dep’t. or at least, the S.C. is in his charge. Whatever I receive from these commissions, I shall accept as from the good friends of Washington; the [Page 8] codfish we had for breakfast this morning, I give George Lyman credit for. You will please say to Miss Mary Vail that I enjoyed that bottle of wine much + found it a great relief to my “awful infirmities”. But I am just now informed of my appointment as senior A.D.C. to Col. Montgomery, Comdg 4th Brigade 1st Div, and since I am to enter upon my new duties, at once, you will be spared reading more than I have already written. The manner + matter show haste. With very kind regards for yourself, and your circle of friends, I remain, Your devoted, Colored friend R.C. Loveridge Address Romulus C. Loveridge 1st Lieut + A.A.D.C. 4th Brigade, 1st Div. Morris Island S.C. N.B. I do not write for publication, so let this be strictly confidential + delay the reading of it until dusk, if you please. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data manuscript letter Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Romulus Loveridge, 3rd U.S.C.I., Sep. 11, 1863 Subject The topic of the resource United States. -- Army. -- Colored Infantry Regiment, 3rd (1863-1865) United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources Soldiers--Conduct of life Operations rations (Military supplies) United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Campaigns--Charleston (S.C.)--History--Siege, 1863 Description An account of the resource Romulus Loveridge writes to Cornelius Gold of operations around the siege of Charleston and life in camp.