Lieutenant William James Fisher, Civil War Soldier

My Dear Father:

Since I last wrote we have been retreating almost constantly. On the 14th of August we commenced to evacuate Harrison’s Landing. We marched to New Port News, a distance of eighty miles, in four days. We were started every morning at about 3 ½ o’clock. We were at New Port News two days in which time I took three baths in Hampton Roads. After staying two days we embarked on the Steamer Montréal for Aquia Creek. We arrived next day about 10 o’clock and immediately landed and left for Fredericksburg on the cars. We were encamped on a hill about 1 ½ miles from the town but it appeared to be not over half mile. It is one of the most beautiful little places that I have ever seen. After being in camp for a day or two we were ordered to Warrington, VA but after we had marched for a few miles and turned and marched back half mile and lay on our arms another night next day we marched to some Junction on the road where General Hooker had had a fight the day before we saw dead Rebels scattered about over the field. Here the Rebels burned three bridges and two trains at least a quarter of a mile long and each loaded with ammunition, Army wagons, and enough bread and salt pork to subsist an army of twenty thousand men for 30 days. (So I was told by a man who I had good cause to think knew).

The next day we moved on as far as Manassas Junction where we joined five union trains which had burned. One of them had two batteries of artillery on it. Besides all this, we had three very large trains, loaded with knapsacks, which we had to blow up; all because General Pope was out generaled for Jackson did it completely. We lay here all night.

Next morning we moved to Bull Run where we fought a battle with a result as Bull Run of 1861; at least as bad as, if not worse, for we were completely whipped, at least those of us that were put in. I’ll tell you the way the battle was fought in the morning.

The Rebels made a demonstration on our right and about 1 o’clock, another on our left. Pope immediately moved nearly all his troops from the center and put them on the right and left. About 4 o’clock p.m. a terrific attack was made on our center. Sykes’s Division was the first that was attacked, along with the 5th New York and 10th New York, Colonel Warren commanding, were entirely cut to pieces in about thirty minutes. They lost six hundred men. The Butterfield Brigade was sent in and repulsed there. The first Brigade of Sykes’s division was sent in and cut to pieces. After they retired it became our turn; 2nd Brigade under Colonel Chapman. We were repulsed. That was the way we were sent in, by little driblets, where we had thousands upon thousand that never fired a shot. Besides this there were batteries that were placed in position and ordered not to fire until further orders and of course when the enemy got too near, they had to retire without firing a shot. Such bungling as this was going on all day of all the troops that was there. I really don’t believe that more than twenty thousand were engaged in the fight and their first advance they took a battery of six pieces. We were fighting on one side of a large field while there were at least thirty thousand men on the other side of the field who stood looking on until we were entirely whipped out. It seems to me that I could have fought a battle better than Pope did this one. And I am confident that if McClelland had commanded us on that day, that we would have whipped them out.

It’s my opinion that Jackson can take ten thousand men and whip Pope with forty thousand and I tell you, I have no confidence in a man that is to have his “head quarters in the saddle” and having no line of retreat, and immediately get on his horse and commence retreating.

We had to retreat as far back as Centerville the same night of the battle.

I suppose you have heard a great deal of the property that McClellan lost on the Peninsular campaign but I am perfectly sure that Pope lost a million dollars worth of property where McClellan lost a thousand dollars worth. If McClellan don’t get command I’m going to try to get some other department for I don’t like to serve under a man who is not competent to command a Brigade.

You say they are drafting in Delaware. Are you liable to be drafted for I must confess that I don’t know how old you are? W. F. Callaway is, I’m sure, and I think W. F. is.

I came through the last two fights all right. I had a ball graze my neck, but it didn’t hurt me at all.

I think I shall go to Washington in a few days.

Give my love to all and write soon. Your son, W. J. F.

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

My Dear Mother:

I received yours of the 30th ultimo, last night. I should have written home before last week but I was sick and could not write but I am almost well now.

A few nights ago the enemy set a couple of batteries up on the opposite side of the River and tried to shell us a lot but found us well prepared and after firing for about three hours and killing some ten or twelve men, left for a more congenial clime.

When I awoke this morning, I could hear heavy firing on our left which still continues at 8 o’clock. I understand it’s Hooker who attacked the enemy this morning and is driving them back for the cannonading is growing fainter every moment; which is a sure indication that the enemy are retreating. We have another skirmish and two or three Iron Clad Gun Boats lying into the River but I don’t think they will be able to escape or do as much damage.

I hope that General McClellan will receive reinforcements enough to be able to push on to Richmond before the fall. If he does not I think it will be evacuated rather than stand bombardment.

I am really getting very tired of this kind of life. Sometimes I think, that as soon as I can, I’ll resign and go to doing something else that will suit me better, but I suppose its all little fancies of my mind while being wishful.

I should like to go home a few days to see you all and also to get some fruit for I haven’t seen any kind of fruit with the exception of half eaten peaches which were brought from Washington. I suppose you have plenty of apples and pears.

I have nothing else to write at present.

Give my love to all the family

Please write soon. Your affectionate son. W .J. Fisher

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

My Dear Father:

I haven’t received a letter from you since sometime in July and therefore have none to answer.

I received a letter from Will Callaway and also one from Alexander Fisher, both of which I have answered.

Every thing goes on quietly with us with the exception of a little brush now and then with the enemy just to show them that we are alive. General Hooker taught them a lesson the other day which, I suppose, they will not forget in a hurry, but you saw the account of it in a paper.

But, what I sat down to write about is this: I have a little plan in my mind which I think you will approve of. You know I owe you eighty dollars. Well, I have July’s pay due me yet and enough money to last me through August. As soon as I can, I will get a check for $80 and forward to you and after that I think I can manage to save enough every month at least to buy one share of stock in the Georgetown bank. I wish you would write me all about it and tell me what a share costs. What interest it pays and so on. I feel as though I ought to be laying up something. When this war is over, I may not want to stay in the Army, or maybe the army will be ordered to its old standard. And in either case I might be discharged. I don’t say that I believe it, for I don’t. I wish you could write to me at once and tell me what you think of my plan. I could get a check for the amount every month and enclose it to you and you could do the business for me.

Please don’t show this to anybody, they might think that I was a fool, which I almost believe myself sometimes. Give my love to all and write soon. Your affectionate son, W. J. Fisher

N. B. I’ve been in the service one year since last Tuesday

W. J. Fisher

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

My Dear Father:

So far I’m all right. The principal reason of my not writing before was that I have been sick and another reason was that I have no chance since I last wrote.

We have had two fights, or rather one fight and a truce. Yesterday our Brigade was sent over the river but came upon the Rebel skirmishers. We had a skirmish in which we lost four men of 10th Infantry and then retired across the river.

I haven’t received a letter since leaving Washington.

I captured a nice little hunting rifle yesterday. If I live, and can have a chance, I would have it fixed up and will send it home to you to keep for me.

I am very well now. Write often. I don’t have a chance to write. I have got a poor chance to write.

Give my love to all. Your son W.J.F.

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

My Dear Father:

Since leaving Halls Hill near Washington, I haven’t had but one chance to write and I didn’t take advantage of that because I was very unwell at the time.

The day after I wrote to you from Halls Hill, our Division was moved over the River to Tannelly Town, a little place about three miles from Georgetown, D. C. I, being sick, was put in an ambulance. Our ambulance, instead of following the Regt. Got mixed up in another train and I was carried to a Hospital near Alexandria. Of course I didn’t want to go in a Hospital so I got in anther ambulance and went into Alexandria. There I got on the boat and went across to Washington and went to Willard’s Hotel and was taken with a serious chill. I got a room and went to bed.

I staid in Washington until the next day. At 10 o’clock, I got a carriage and joined my Regt., which was then at Rockville, about twenty miles from the Capital. The day after I rejoined the Regt., which had moved for Frederick, which was at that time occupied by Rebels.

Frederick is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever seen. It is about twice the size of Milford and the best of it is that nearly all the inhabitants are strong Union people. Well we staid here one night and next day moved to a South Mountain Pass where McClellan gave the Rebels one of the soundest whippings that they ever received.

When we passed, the road was completely filled with dead Rebels. Men and Officers were piled on one another lying in every way; some on their back, some on their faces. Some were lying on the fence (it was a stone fence) where they were shot while getting over. Old men of sixty and boys of twelve were piled on one another. I never saw such a sight in my life and I hope I may never see such a one again. Two days after, we met them again at Sharpsburg where they were completely [illegible] out and driven across the river. This is badly blotted but I am in a hurry and haven’t time to write another so please excuse it. What do you think of McClellan and what does that contemptible [illegible] think of him?

The man is all ready to start, so I must close.

I am well and please write soon. My love to all.

Your son, WJ Fisher

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

My Dear Father:

I received a letter from you yesterday in which you wrote that you had heard, through G. P. Fisher, that I had been taken prisoner. I suppose the one he took for me was Oscar Fisher of the 8th Infantry, who was taken prisoner at the Battle of Cedar Mountain and I believe was afterwards put in Irons for trying to escape or write to his friends or some such offense.

I see that there has been a man appointed to the 10th from Delaware by the name of Hopkins. But he hasn’t reported yet and I haven’t had a chance to find out who he is.

Why don’t John Francis try and get an appointment in the Regular Army? I think he could get one and I’m sure he could enjoy himself a great deal better, even if he resigns as soon as the war is over, which will not be soon, if the bothering Governors don’t let the President and McClellan alone.

The President’s Proclamation may be a very good thing but I can’t see it.

I hope we shall get back somewhere near Washington this winter before going into quarters.

You must excuse my bad writing as I have nothing better to write upon than a camp stool.

We go on Pickett the other day on the banks of the Potomac.

Please write soon. Give my love to all, W. J. Fisher

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

My Dear Father:

Since being in this camp, I have written, I’m sure, on an average, twice per week, but haven’t received an answer from one letter yet. I don’t know how it is. Whether you don’t get the letters I write, or whether I don’t get the letters you write.

We go on Pickett every 4th day. The last time we were on, the enemy sent over three flags of truce. One was to bring some prisoners. Four officers of Stuart’s cavalry came over with them. We had a long talk. They would acknowledge when they whipped.

While we were conversing, a man came up with the New York Herald and sang out, “New York Herald; Jeff Davis suing for peace.” This of course, caused a great laugh at his expense.

How does William Cannon get on with his cavalry company? Is John F. Allen recruiting anywhere and what is his rank to be, 1st or 2nd Lieut.?

I suppose you are done and saving fodder by this time. I should like to be home for a few days to go squirreling. Tell George that I will give him my right to my gun.

What do you think of the chance of making peace now? There are great many rumors going the rounds now about propositions which have been and are going to be made by commissioners from the South. I hope they will fix it up before there is any more fighting done, but before they should dissolve the Union I would rather fight two years yet.

Please write soon.

Give my love to all the family and tell Ma to write. I wrote to Sis the other day. Your Son, William

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

My Dear Father:

I have written no less than four letters this month and haven’t received an answer to one of them yet. I can’t tell what the reason is whether you can’t write or whether it is in the fault of the mail. I wish you would make it a practice of writing at least twice per week and then I should always know what to expect.

What is Georgetown Bank Stock selling at per share now? And if you know please tell me what Smyrna Bank Stock is selling at. I will enclose a check for two hundred dollars. I want you to take eight out, which I owe you, and invest the rest in some kind of stock that you think is safe and will pay.

My ambition is to get to own a farm. How do the corn crops look through Kent and Sussex Counties?

Does Mr. Sullivan still own the farm in Kent? When did you hear from Uncle John’s boys last? What does the dirty Tribune think of McClellan?

I tell you, candidly, that I should like to help hang the contemptible man that publishes that paper. Think of all that McClellan has done; to commence abusing him immediately, as soon as the enemy is driven from Maryland. If he had carried a musket from Harrison’s Landing to this place, I don’t think he would feel like going forward. If he can’t like the way things are carried on why don’t he come out himself and fight a while.

Greeley’s nigger brigade, I believe, hasn’t been organized. Well I guess I have said more than I ought to about him. But I can’t help but hate a man that abuses McClellan all the time; whether he is successful or not.

Your affectionate son. W. J. Fisher

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

My Dear Father:

I received a letter of 14th last from you this morning.

I suppose from what you say of the Tribune that you haven’t seen some of the daily issues lately at least some that I have seen. One copy I remember of seeing in which he urged the President to give General Fremont an important command. A man, in my opinion, was more unfit to command an army of forty thousand men than I am of commanding a Brigade.

I want to ask you a plain question: If General Fremont could resign his command only, and get to New York and before when the country needed him in the field, why couldn’t I resign my command of my company and go home and stay as long as I please?

You say that it is your opinion that McClellan and his officers caused Pope to lose the Battle of Bull Run. If you had been there and seen how the latter fought, you would have thought differently. In the first place McClellan had no command at all. And in the second, the Army of the Potomac and Burnsides Army fought the Battle of Bull Run unaided, almost entirely, by either Pope’s or Siegel’s armies. Pope had his army of nearly thirty thousand men and, in my opinion, if he had put them in at the right time, we would have been entirely successful, but he didn’t do it. He wanted us to whip the Rebels and then he was going to put his army in pursuit. And it’s my honest and candid opinion and also of nearly all the officers, that I have seen that were there, that we were whipped with about one man to our three, and all by Pope’s blundering.

The Army of the Potomac lost in proportion in numbers ten men where Pope’s army lost one. Out of our little battalion, of two hundred and about twenty five men, we lost nearly one hundred in killed and wounded, besides two officers killed and one so badly wounded that it is thought he will die.

And at Antietam, in which you seem to think that Porter’s Corps was not engaged, we lost fifty-four men and one officer in the second Infantry in which I have been serving. There has been out of twenty that started, five officers killed and four badly wounded. One was shot in the mouth and his jaw is paralyzed for life. Another lost his leg, another was shot in the groin and it is doubtful very much whether he will live or not. The other one is shot in the breast and when last heard from was not doing very well. Besides them, three have been cashiered for cowardice before the enemy. Two have been retired and one dismissed, reducing the officers down to three that intended the field at first. Out of the whole 2nd Infantry there are not men enough left to make three full companies.

When we crossed over the River it was not by General McClellan’s order, but General Porter’s and, if you remember, none worth mentioning were lost with the exception of the 118th Pennsylvania, Corn Exchange Regiment. That was owed actively to their repugnance to wetting their feet. It they had gone two hundred yards farther down the river and waded across, I believe, they would have all got across safe but instead of that they tried to cross a little dam that would almost of put one man at a time and consequently was that it took them as long to cross that the enemy came up and literally cut them to pieces. For that dam, we took one man killed and four wounded, in all the fight’s that have been taken place, I suppose, you haven’t seen one where the Regulars have been in.

Please write soon. Give my love to all,

Your son W. J. Fisher

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

My Dear Father:

I received a letter from you dated Oct 31st while on the march and this is the first opportunity that I have had to answer it.

I am sure if John Francis was to go to the President and apply for a commission he could get it. Two thirds of the appointments in the army are made in that way. Go first to the Secretary of War and get, if he could, his recommendation and then direct to the President and I am sure he could get it. If he tries it he had better go to Lt. Col. Garesche of the Adjutant General’s department; He being from Delaware, I think, would interest himself in John’s case. He had better get a letter of recommendation from George P. Fisher. There are vacancies in almost every Regiment in the Army. In the 10th there are two.

General McClellan has been superseded and no officer or soldier, that I have seen, so far has any confidence in anybody else. It would not at all surprise me if we get whipped in the next fight. I believe they are trying to get Fremont to head the army again. If they do, I shall resign and go to South America and try something else; for I don’t like the idea of being killed under such man as Fremont.

I don’t feel like writing any more at present, so I’ll close.

Give my love to all. Your son, Will

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home

William Fisher Letter Home