Civil War Archive of Soldiers Letters

Civil War Archive of Soldiers' Letters to Mr. A.J. Rockwell, Illinois

Lot of 17 letters, all addressed to Albert J. Rockwell (ca 1823-1882), and a single letter to his wife Hellen Rockwell, from various Union soldiers, 1861-1864. Correspondents include his brother Alfred H. Rockwell of the 83rd Illinois Infantry, William Malaby of the 147th Indiana Infantry, William Stone of the 1st Missouri Light Artillery, James Mehaffey of the 1st Illinois Cavalry, as well as Joseph McGreggor, James B. McNeal, and Sergeant John A. Porter, all in Company C of the 36th Illinois Infantry.Also includes a letter from an unidentified S.A. Barnett.

The letters contain battle information, details of camp life, and accounts of some of the well known figures of the war. While at Camp Schaeffer prior to the Tullahoma campaign on May 1, 1863, John Porter reports home, “The health of the soldiers in this the Army of the Cumberland is exceedingly good, and all are in good cheer; feeling tip top placing all confidence in our leader Maj. Gen. 'Rosa.' I do think he is the right man in the right place.”

Given the diversity of correspondence, Rockwell clearly was devoted to writing to not only his family but also his friends and neighbors of Warren County, IL, who were serving. Joseph McGreggor of the 36th Illinois, which enlisted many men from Warren County, wrote to Rockwell on August 4, 1864, “It is as you say the 36th Regt. has been ...favored by the worthy citizens of...Warren Co. as far as letter writing concerned. I suppose it is well enough for them to be favored some where for the poor fellows are not much favored in the field. But I must say the 36th is good old Regt.”
Condition Report: Creasing with minor toning. Aug. 28,. 1862 ink faded considerably, but mostly legible.