31 10 1130 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/6415f1bdf198fc8cf00d84cf30e34e3f.pdf f06be7320a43aa287c1bff47460e4938 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 ALS Text Any textual data included in the document Bermuda Hundred Va. June 19, 1864 My dear Amy “My heart is inditing a good matter,” that will never appear to your waiting eyes, but since you are more than usual in my thoughts tonight I must say just a word before lying down to rest, telling you this if nothing more. I have had a whole Sunday + expect a night to come, in my own tent, an almost unheard of privilege in these days; for which I am indebted to a slight indisposition that forced me back from the Picket line this morning. I left just before day-break as to have come later had been at risk of life. Sharp shooting begins with light + ends only at dusk. It hurt my pride severely being the first time I have asked excuse from duty but it is only by avoiding the small ailments that one avoids the great in this country. “A stitch in time saves nine” you know. I shall be right side up tomorrow + really none the worse for an evening of quiet enjoyment “at home”. Sitting in front of my tent this afternoon I caught my first sight of Lieutenant General Grant. He rode past (Page 2) within a rod of me accompanied by Gen Butler, two Brigadiers + two or three orderlies himself in appearance most unpretending of all. His presence here is significant of the new phase of affairs about Richmond, a change quite palpable to us. Our duty of standing by the defenses of Bermuda Hundred has grown suddenly to one of great importance, as the nearest position to Richmond + holding the right of Grant’s Army which, if turned, would cut his communications + force him to “get out o’ this” the quickest way possible. So an attempt by Lee to break through here is watched against carefully but expected any moment. Our regiment had a slight taste of his unfriendly disposition day before yesterday. While advancing occupying a new + more advanced picket line than before, a heavy force of rebels charged on us at “double quick” + drove us back in most indecent haste to our old rifle pits. Since the affair at Drury’s Bluff on our first advance toward Richmond, the 10th corps has fought no heavy battles,+ our division done nothing sufficiently brilliant to merit public notice. But (Page 3) if debarred from a share in the grand achievements of our Potomac brothers, we glory in their spunk. Our own ranks are being rapidly thinned by the petty but incessant warfare of the Picket line. Our last day resulted in a loss of 5 killed, 16 wounded + Captain Nichols of Stamford with 17 men taken prisoners. The 7th Connecticut was posted with us + lost about the same in killed and wounded. Jay Nettleton came to see me today. He is alone now – all the Washington boys gone from the regiment. Fritz Green Hollister was killed while skirmishing before Petersburg on Wednesday last. He was a noble fellow. The 2nd Conn Heavy Artillery have started today toward Petersburg. Theodor Vaill called on me yesterday + I went with him to see my other acquaintances in his regiment. I never realized so fully the meaning of “war” before nor do I now, with any faint heartedness in view of the cause for which we fight, but I do abhor it more and more. To me there is something more terrible in the deliberate shooting of men, picking them off as one would kill a squirrel, as we (Page 4) daily and hourly witness it here, than in the wholesale carnage of a battle. I do pray earnestly that the end may come, + come quickly. I like Grant’s way of working, sharp + bloody but short and life-saving in the long run. How much under God depends on him. The Black troops are winning laurels here. Every victory gained by them over the enemy has its reflex in the conquest of our wicked northern prejudice. You have no idea of the animosity of our own white troops toward “n*****s”, but this will fast vanish under such assaults as that of the “Colored Division” on the outer works at Petersburg. They won the admiration + open praise of the soldiers fighting beside them. Their noble conduct must soon compel us, perhaps make us proud to call them “brothers in arms”. What are you doing? I dream of a sweet re-union at Gray rock, + happy mid-summer migration to our dear Washington, + wish you much joy in it all. Will the two M’s of the P.G. Club meet + give two thirds of a mournful grip over the absence of the one “hi” present in spirit? Here’s my hand to you both. 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., June 19, 1864 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-06-19 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 2-35 Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1865) Siege of Petersburg (Virginia : 1864-1865) Grant, Ulysses S. -- (Ulysses Simpson), -- 1822-1885 -- Public opinion Soldiers’ writings United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Personal narratives United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his friend Amy about the previous day's combat, the dangers of the picket lines, and his opinion of Gen. Grant. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/3700f2da4da76ec62d61f2c9d4124721.pdf c8a2b734ffb263cecd22f3db30a541a1 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 SC March 20, 1864 My dear Mother, I propose to begin this week well, by starting a letter for you on the first day, that the mail may not catch me napping as it did last week. The days is almost gone, it lacks but 20 minutes of the signal for putting out lights, but perhaps before then I may let you part way into this day's doings, and make ready to let myself into blankets. The first sound that broke the stillness of our sabbath morning air, was heavy firing of artillery with two or three volleys of musketry in the direction of Seabrook, a picket station + steamboat landing four or five miles distant and at the entrance of the division stream between our own and the rebel lines. The firing continued for an hour or more, and put us all to our wits ends to know what it meant, though too confident of our position to be rendered at all uneasy by it. The upshot of the matter was this. Five ^small boatloads of rebels approached Seabrook with an evident intention to feel their way "ashore, but found more yankees than they expected in the decimated state of the Union Army since the Florida disaster. Our pickets formed in line and gave them a good raking with musket balls, when they turned right about + made tracks for the other side of Jordan groaning loud enough to satisfy our men with the effect of their fire. A Gun boat then steamed up and shelled the rebels back to a respectful distance. About 6 o'clock this afternoon while writing in the adjutant's tent + listening to the talk of the officers, a message came from the commander of the District for Col. Duryea to repair at once [page 2] to his quarters. He left, expecting a night in the saddle and ordering Col. Meeker in case of a telegram from him, to man every gun on the fortifications + be ready for action. So you see we have a little stir here that seems like a breath if not a "blast of War." But we anticipate nothing serious. The withdrawal of so many troops from Port Royal makes the enemy in our vicinity more daring than usual and from occasional skirmishes with our pickets + picket boats we judge they are feeling our strength a little. Our commanders are cautious as they have reason to be. I have not been to church today. Our chapel (which is only ours by sufferance_ passed into Roman Catholic hands for today,+ our little altar became a table for the Priest of Rome + his "Mass". Mr. Mitchell went there, but could not enter on account of the throng about the door caused however not by the crowd within, but, according to Mr. O'Brien by the too hasty devotion of those first entering, who dropped forthwith upon their knees and blocked the passage so that his Holiness had full half the house to himself, many poor sinners remaining without. There being no church, I took an Independent and walked around my "square", which isn't square at all but oblong + quite shapeless one mile across the plain to where the road issuing between Battery + "nat'ral born" sand knolls, strikes the beach, and another mile back by the water side. There is a remnant of a Wood + a whole swamp left within the entrenchments where by bog jumping + tearing trousers in the thicket one may gather wild blossoms from flowering shrubs. I ventured far enough into the slough to pick a handful of sweet scented blows, white + yellow, brought them home with me, filled a small milk can with water, + for the first time since my sojourn in the south make [page 3] boast of a Bouquet on my table. t is not quite as id some fairer hand than mine had placed it there, but it is right lit pleasant and makes me fonder of my tented home than ever. The little space is full of fragrance like the perfume from a Hyacinth. After dinner, I read a little, wrote a little, took a nap, and some time during the day have taken in several chapters from the Book of Samuel After supper I finished the necessary business writing for the day, and took another two mile walk on the shore. Returning past the General Hospital, I was reminded of a prayer meeting held there this evening, and directed by the sound of a hymn, found my way to where the saints were fathered. It was in the great dining hall, a nucleus of the Hospital Chaplain, three or four ladies + as many officers, and perhaps a hundred "rank + file" gathered in one end, with nearly as many more strung along toward the outer door. Among the last I took my seat, being a latecomer, + an early goes, from necessity. The meeting was very interesting, and it was particularly pleasant to hear the singing had by a full-voiced lady. Generally I much prefer a good male leader but the rarity of the other in these parts makes it valuable. I would not have you think the singing was the chief attraction. It strengthens me to breathe an atmosphere like that, and if anywhere in the world we need to "meet together for prayer" it is just here, where constant contact with Godless men inclines us to forget God. ^Wednes Tuesday March 28. The fat mail bad just staggered into camp on the shoulders of a stout soldier, and pending the distribution I will finish this, that the carrier may not return empty handed. The "Line storm" struck us like a thunderbolt on Monday night, "weeping + wailing [page 4] for 36 hours thereafter. A dismal cold storm it was, but the clearing away this morning before a clear bracing norther is delightful. When I have said my little say to you, I intend a trip for the "benefit of my health," and as big a draught of Oxygen as the Dutchmen take of Pager-bier. For two days past, I have alternately hugged a hot stove + slept in damp blankets till the result is anything but enviable. It makes a fellow feel slightually stiff + top heavy. No real damage done however. The rebels keep up a little irritation along the picket lines, drawing a stray shot from night to night, causing double guard on our side + double vigilance, that is all. A son of the rebel General Finnegan has been recognized on this island, + fired at once by a sentinel. He is lurking about in the capacity of a spy and it is thought the hostile demonstrations maybe with intention of facilitating Finnigan's escape. It is a difficult matter to ferret him out, and about as difficult for him to get out of the scrape himself. If taken we may have the privilege of "hanging a spy". Last evening quite an excitement started into life with a ring from the fire-bell. Post Hd Headquarters were on fire. Fortunately the flame was subdued before reaching the window or the damage would have been serious in such a wild windy night. So you see the light intermittent fever of Hilton Head keeps us from entire stagnation. Here come the precious documents. I must stop short + "read, mark + inwardly digest," the few that pertain to me. The feast is over + it was a feast, though I shall still have room for the dessert in the barrel. Perhaps it may arrive in time to acknowledge by this mail as I will leave my letter open. The handkerchief is welcome. Please thank you "Willis" for the "Palladiums" + "Pictorials." His sister must be a marvellous good ace. Take sure, if he thinks it would give her pleasure to arrange + China leaves. I have no sort of objection, though I supposed the pretty [page 1 -- text vertical] ones all disposed of. But you had better have the names of places + dates with each, asthey give the leaves their principal values. This lastly the way is in reply to Harry. You need not be "surprised" at all at my being "home- sick some times since it does not in the slightest interfere with my contentedness here. It is a very mild form of the disease, comes seldom and then only as a gentle reminder that I have a home to love + be "sick" for if I choose. There hath no tempta tion taken me except such as is common to man." I am no whit less happy than I have been from the first. 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, 6th C.V.I., March 20, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1865) Soldiers--Religious life Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother about Sundays at camp, religious practices, and his exploration of Hilton Head. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-03-20 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/00019a61cec67832fc60c84adedfd360.pdf c8a2b734ffb263cecd22f3db30a541a1 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 B. Gold Journal Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Cornelius B. Gold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1861-1863 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 20, 1864 My Dear Mother, I propose to begin this week well, by starting a letter for you on the first day, that the mail may not catch me napping as it did last week. The day is almost gone, it lacks but 20 minutes of the signal for putting out lights, but perhaps before then I may let you part way into this day’s doings, and make ready to let myself into blankets. The first sound that broke the stillness of our sabbath morning air was heavy firing of artillery with two or three volleys of musketry in the direction of Seabrook, a picket station + steamboat landing four or five miles distant at the entrance of the division stream between our men and the rebel lines. The firing continued for an hour or more, and put us all to our wits ends to know what it meant, though too confident of our position to be rendered at all uneasy by it. The upshot of the matter was this. Five small boat loads of rebels approached Seabrook with an evident intention to “feel their way” ashore, but found more yankees than they expected in the decimated state of the Union Army since the Florida disaster. Our pickets formed in line and gave them a good raking with musket balls, where they turned right about + made tracks for the other side of Jordan groaning loud enough to satisfy our men with the effect of their fire. A gun-boat then steamed up and shelled the rebels back to a respectful distance. About 6 o’clock this afternoon while writing in the adjutant’s tent + listening to the talk of the officers, a message came from the commander of the district for Col. Duryee to repair at once [Page 2] to his quarters. He left, expecting a night in the saddle, and ordering Col. Meeker in case of a telegram from him, to man every gun on the fortifications + be ready for action. So you see we have a little stir here that seems like a breath, if not a “blast of war.” But we anticipate nothing serious. The withdrawal of so many troops from Port Royal makes the enemy in our vicinity more daring than usual and from occasional skirmishes with our pickets + picket boats we judge they are feeling our strength a little. Our commanders are cautious as they have reason to be. I have not been to church today. Our chapel (which is only ours by sufferance) passed into Roman Catholic hands for today, + our little altar became a table for the Priest of Rome + his “Mass”. Mr. Mitchell went there , but could not enter on account of the throng about the door caused however not by the crowd within, but, according to Mr. O’Brien by the too hasty devotion of those first entering, who dropped forthwith upon their knees and blocked the passage so that his Holiness had full half the house to himself, many poor sinners remaining without. There being no church, I took an independent and walked round my “square”, which isn’t square at all but oblong + quite shapeless, one mile across the plain to where the road issuing between Battery + “nat’ral born” sand knolls, strikes the beach, and another mile back by the water side. There is a remnant of a wood + a whole swamp left within the Entrenchments where by bog jumping + tearing trousers in the thicket one may gather wild blossoms from flowering shrubs. I ventured far enough into the slough to pick a handful of sweet scented blooms, white + yellow, brought them home with me, filled a small milk- can with water, + for the first time since my sojourn in the South, make [Page 3] boast of a Bouquet on my table. It is not quite as if some fairer hand than mine had placed it there, but it is right pleasant and makes me fonder of my tented home than ever. The little space is full of fragrance like the perfume from a Hyacinth. After dinner, I read a little, wrote a little, took a nap, and some time during the day have taken in several chapters from the Book of Samuel being lead to it the verse for today in my “Chaplet of Flowers. After supper I finished the necessary business writing for the day, and took another two mile walk on the shore. Returning past the General Hospital, I was reminded of a prayer meeting held there this evening, and directed by the sound of a hymn, found my way to where the saints were gathered. It was in the great dining hall, a nucleus, of the Hospital chaplain, three or four ladies + as many officers, and perhaps a hundred “rank + file” gathered in one end, with nearly as many more strung along toward the outer door. Among the last I took my seat, being a late comer, + an early goer, from necessity. The meeting was very interesting, and it was particularly pleasant to hear the singing lead by a full-voiced lady. Generally I much prefer a good male leader but the rarity of the other in these parts makes it valuable. I would not have you think the singing was the chief attraction. It strengthens me to breathe an atmosphere like that, and if anywhere in the world we need to “meet together for prayer” it is just there, where constant contact with Godless war inclines us to forget God. Wednes Tuesday March 23. The fat mail bag just staggered into camp on the shoulders of a stout soldier, and pending the distribution I will finish this, that the carrier may not return empty handed. The “Line storm” struck us like a thunderbolt Monday night, “weeping + wailing [Page 4] for 36 hours thereafter. A dismal cold storm it was, but the clearing away this morning before a clear bracing norther is delightful. When I have said my little say to you, I intend a trip for the “benefit of my health”, and as big a draught of oxygen as the Dutchmen take of Lager-bier. For two days past, I have alternately hugged a hot stove + slept in damp blankets till the result is anything but enviable. It makes a fellow feel slightually stiff + top heavy. No real damage done however. The rebels keep up a little irritation along the picket lines, drawing a stray shot from night to night, causing double guard on our side + double vigilance, that is all. A son of the rebel General Finnigan has been recognized on this island, + fired at once by a sentinel. He is lurking about in the capacity of a spy and it is thought the hostile demonstrations maybe with intention of facilitating Finnigan’s escape. It is a difficult matter to ferret him out, and about as difficult for him to get out of the scrape himself. If taken we may have the privilege of “hanging a spy”. Last evening quite an excitement started into life with a ring from the fire-bell. Post Headquarters were on fire. Fortunately the flame was subdued before reaching the windows or the damage would have been serious in such a wild windy night. So you see the light intermittent fever of Hilton Head keeps us from entire stagnation. Here come the precious documents. I must stop short, + “read, mark + inwardly digest,” the few that pertain to me. The feast is over + it was a feast though I shall still have room for the dessert in the barrel. Perhaps it may arrive in time to acknowledge this mail so I will leave my letter open. The handkerchief is welcome. Please thank you “Willis” for the “Palladiums” + “Pictorials.” His sister must be a marvellous good one. To be sure, if he thinks it would give her pleasure to arrange + frame the China Leaves, I have no sort of objections though I supposed the pretty [Page 1, margins] ones all disposed of. But you had better have the names of places + dates with each, as they give the leaves their principal value. This lastly the way is in reply to Harry. You need not be “surprised” at all at my being “home- sick some times, since it does not in the slightest interfere with my contentedness here. It is a very mild form of the disease, comes seldom and then only as a gentle reminder that I have a home to love + be “sick” for if I choose. There hath no tempta- tion taken me except such as is common to man”. I am no whit less happy than I have been from the first. Your aff. 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 20, 1864 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-03-20 Subject The topic of the resource Civil War, combat, religion, camp life, Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother of camp life, religious observances in camp, skirmishes with Confederate pickets, and the general state of the Union army after the Florida campaign. 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/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/55425a66399297b1c3002e3a2a7f53bc.pdf a1e2ddd12322983dc17a6e3bc7cd730e 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 Mobile Ala. April 30 1865 My dear Mother I propose a Sunday nap to my self presently, but before taking it will dispatch a note to you. It is not my usual custon to sleep by day, fortunate for me is it, if I secure a reasonable share of sleep by night. The mid-night oil of Saturday is my excuse for sloth to day. I have told you of my last change, but not exactly the manner of it. It was this way. The Anderson on which I was stationed drew too much water to get over the bar, and could only approach within ten miles of the city. When the fleet came up, I was consequently isolated form the boats whose accounts are in my charge, to my great inconvenience + to theirs. One day the doctor (Drummond) of the "Anderson" and I jumped on a little tug in a fit of desperation, and made for Mobile as fast as the young steamboat could carry us. We had a jolly ride of it, and spent the night at the "Battle House" after seeing the city by gas-light. We reached it in time for a stroll in Government Street before dark, the avenue of the place, lined with pleasant houses + fragrant with green trees, roses +honeysuckles. We fairly wallowed in delight that evening, + went wild over the pretty women, real-live beauties that we met in our ramble. Indeed, mother, I do believe in the female persuasion in general, as very necessary desirable half of creation. We men are never [page 2] so conscious of this fact as when brought in sudden contact with the air the gentle creatures breathe, after months of confinement in our wooden cages. I at once became decidedly of opinion that my proper station for the present was in Mobile. Next morning I reported on board the flag-ship, + ref stated my business necessity so forcibly, that Capt. Simpson directed me at once to make such arrangements as I could "for the benefit of the service." Within twenty four hours thereafter, I had selected an office, secured it from the Provost Marshall for my use, and reported all my goods + chattels at the door, the fleet captain allowing me the use of a tug-boat to bring my things from the Anderson. It took five men one day to remove the rubbish + scrub the rooms into decency, but at last I was comfortably settled. So I thought, but woe is me! I had fallen a helpless victim to mosquitos + fleas. The latter are my greatest torment, + indeed are the help worth mentioning, for their industry is marvelous. They hop + bite from one end of me to the other + from sun-rise to sun-rise ahain. I am informed that the "China Leaf" which grows plentifully hereabout is a sure exterminator of fleas, or at any rate will drive them all away. It becomes me to try this remedy I think. As yet I have secured no boarding places, + until I get leisure to look around shall contrive to have my meals cooked + sent to me here. Batchelors Hall in reality, is this + not bad to take after being cramped up in a small state room. I have too fine rooms for office + for sleeping + obliging neighbors have "set me up" in housekeeping by the loan of a desk ward-robe, office chairs bed-stead [page 3] + so on, down to crockery and candle-sticks. I have two good honest well behaved sailors with me to do the manual labor part, and a handsome check clerk to do the "respectable" for me. Altogether you might be gratified at at a peep through the window, just to see how very comfortable I am. That my work is constant, so that as yet I can call neither morning nor evening my own, is perhaps not a matter for regret. It doubtless keeps me out of much mischief, as I am rather viciously inclined. In any event my mind is so occupied that homesickness or mental sickness is out of the question. I believe in work as the best cure for ever ill. It is the Bible principle of "overcoming evil with good". One windfall I have not mentioned. Before leaving the "Anderson" to come here, I went ashore one day just below Spanish Fort, with Dr. Drummond to take a look at the country + buy a barrel of potatoes. Went into the commissary's for the latter purpose, + who should be the presiding genius there by John Whittlesey, Camptain + A.C.M. from New Preston Conn. Of course we knew each other + closed one interview with the promise to meet if possible in Mobile. The city has since been captured, + now here we are our offices within not two squares apart. We had a jubilation together over the arrest of Geo. Hitchcock, not so over a "fallen enemy", but because it seemed a sign of coming retribution to a mean traitor to his country + disgrace to his county + state. You need not read this out of the family for I ought not to quote the private sentiments of another in such a matter. For myself I simply despise Mr. Hitchcock + all of his color." It did me [page 4] good to say this yesterday to a gentleman across the waya, a true southerner who gave his heart, and I suspect one foot to the rebel cause for it is gone somewhere. He said to me "If I had been born + lived at the north, I ought have felt as any northern men do but ____, + his eyes spoke the rest. I told him that for such as he, I had, if not sympathy, at least respect, but for northern rebels perfect hatred. This morning I attended episcopal church with Whittlesey, Commodore Palmer, General Andrews + a good many army + navy officers + men were present. The service was well conducted, and the sermon excellent. No allusion was made to the state of our country. What could he say on that subject to such an audience? people who a few days ago only spoke to each other through the cannon's mouth, now filling the same pews, listening to the same preacher. His text was, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest though me? The hymns were our own, the music such as we often sing at home. We were one people in that church. very soon the whole land will be united, + united in heart more than ever we were before. I believe that. To day Capt Whittlesey lent me a copy of the Litchfield Enquirer. It was partly as good as a letter. Any news, any scrap of paper even from the section is precious to me, + never before, I think had such value in my eyes. I can write but little to my friends, scarcely any at all, so that their letters to me are far between. Yet I prize them none the less. If Martha ever writes you "letters for two" I wish you would send them to me to read, as otherwise I hear but seldom from her. She seems to have "sent me to grass lately", but the pasture is lonely, tell her, and wish for my sister often. Cornelius Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS 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 30, 1865 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States.--Navy.--East Gulf Blockading Squadron. Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother of moving his office on shore, finding a place to live and work, and life in Mobile following the war. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-04-30 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/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