HENRY ALBERT POTTER LETTERS 6

Below where Henry mentions the book Moss Side I had put Mosseide? as the title not knowing what Henry was referring to. The book was purlished in 1857 by Derby and Jackson and was written by Mary Virginia Payson Terhune who wrote using the pen name Mario Harland. She was mother of Albert Payson Terhune the author of "Lad - A Dog" a best seller in its time. All of this delightful information comes to me thanks to a caring person,Ann Merritt, who ran across H A Potter's letters and remembered her great grandmother mentioning this book and gave me the above information. Many thanks, Ann!

Hd Qtrs Co "H" 4th Mich Cavalry
Roswell Ga. Sunday Sept 25 1864

Dear Sister
I wish you could be here today a little while just to see how comfortably I am situated. Here I sit on a sofa-bottomed chair by a nice little table in just a little the neatest quarters of any other man on the plantation. This is my sitting room – this part which has a floor separated by mosquito bars from the kitchen. There my man Thomas sits, sleeves rolled up, scraping sweet potatoes as big as his arm and about long, for dinner. Which I know will soon be ready, for I can detect that savory odor, from that direction which says as plain as wants, "fresh pig!" Which departed this life violently yesterday P.M. at the hands of a "Yankee hireling" and Thomas makes good biscuits too for we have lots of soda and thanks to Mrs. Grimes, a very respected war widow, who has three lovely daughters (their name is Grimes) and plenty of buttermilk which Thomas got in consideration of a handful of coffee (Yankee coffee too) Jeff Davis’ coffee is made of Rye commonly called "Rio") and a little salt, which the widow informed him she had not had a spudgeon of, or not enough to season a "dodger" with, since the Jew-rabs (pooh thing! She meant Zouaves) had gone army. Who took with them all her cups and saucers and her poor little pigs, all on a pole together.

But no joking the widow is a great help to us, we get all the milk and butter of her that we want – but -- gone back to the sitting room -- You see I have here on the table the adjutant General’s report of Mich 1863, Byron’s Poetical works, The Holy Bible, Moss Side by Marion Harland and a Map of Georgia and lots of little things. There’s your likeness and mother’s and father’s too. Everybody says, "Why is that your father?, he looks as young as you do? and your mother too. Well I declare! You look like brothers and sisters." and we are too, aint we? And here is Lieutenant Pierce’s[Silas K Pierce, Grand Rapids, Mich) photo which I will send you. He used to be my Q.M. Sergt, is now adj on his brother’s staff, Gen Pierce[Byron Pierce] Army of the Potomac. And another too, a young lady, Miss Alice Smith of Detroit. She is married now. I believe – which I got not matter how. Then there is my compass, and a bottle of "Patchouley" and ‘Cocoa Cream’ which Uncle Em was kind enough to send me with lots of other things which came safe – see! I have one of the shirts on now. It fits firstrate. I have another one like it in my valise. And the beauty of both of them is they have such long tails, so cosy and nice. These miserable army Sutter’s shirts which cost $14 per pc and are no better than jackets! There you needn’t blush. I don’t care. I do like long shirts now for they are just like mother’s (the ones she used to make for me) Well I do believe I’ve made the story worse. I’ll stop short and not tell any more tales.

We have preaching at one p.m. at Hd Qtrs – there! Assembly is sounding now and dinner is about ready too. How provoking that is, well I shall have dinner first, for you know I am always hungry as a bear on Sundays. Well I eat dinner and got out in time to hear the text which was "prepare to meet thy God." The old elder is a good man and thinks Slavery the root of all evil. I wish I could send you some of these nice large praties we have. I’ll fetch a mess up with me when I --- there I’ve let the cat out of the bag – I expect to come home when my three years is served.

I must close up. Give my love to all at Milo. I rec’d a letter from Frank Davis yesterday.

Yours Affectionately
Albert

Hd Qtrs Co "H" 4th Mich Cavalry
Roswell Ga. Sunday Sept 25 1864

But no joking the widow is a great help to us, we get all the milk and butter of her that we want – but -- gone back to the sitting room -- You see I have here on the table the adjutant General’s report of Mich 1863, Byron’s Poetical works, The Holy Bible, "Mosseide(?)" by Marion Harland and a Map of Georgia and lots of little things. There’s your likeness and mother’s and father’s too. Everybody says, "Why is that your father?, he looks as young as you do? and your mother too. Well I declare! You look like brothers and sisters." and we are too, aint we? And here is Lieutenant Pierce’s[Silas K Pierce, Grand Rapids, Mich) photo which I will send you. He used to be my Q.M. Sergt, is now adj on his brother’s staff, Gen Pierce[Byron Pierce] Army of the Potomac. And another too, a young lady, Miss Alice Smith of Detroit. She is married now. I believe – which I got not matter how. Then there is my compass, and a bottle of "Patchouley" and ‘Cocoa Cream’ which Uncle Em was kind enough to send me with lots of other things which came safe – see! I have one of the shirts on now. It fits firstrate. I have another one like it in my valise. And the beauty of both of them is they have such long tails, so cosy and nice. These miserable army Sutter’s shirts which cost $14 per pc and are no better than jackets! There you needn’t blush. I don’t care. I do like long shirts now for they are just like mother’s (the ones she used to make for me) Well I do believe I’ve made the story worse. I’ll stop short and not tell any more tales.

I must close up. Give my love to all at Milo. I rec’d a letter from Frank Davis yesterday.

Yours Affectionately
Albert

Rome Ga. Oct 24th

Dear Father
You are all anxious to hear a word and just one word I can write. I am well and all right. I wrote last on the 12th from this place. We had a fight on that day. I had a horse shot - a splendid gray. Thro’ the neck used him up. We were fighting cavalry. Next day we went for them again and whipped them thoroughly. Captured their artillery and 15 prisoners. Drove them into the mtns while leading a charge with a dozen men. I had my other horse shot dead. We charged up a hill and were within 30 feet of their line when "Old Tom" fell. A square shot thro’ the head – no doubt it saved my life. Three inches higher would have taken me in the breast. I am here now with an ambulance train from Gaylesville with sick and wounded. We had a fight Saturday. Hood[General John B Hood CSA] is near Blue Mts. Sherman close upon him.
I must close
Affectionately
Albert
Tell John to send the drawers and shirt by mail. I cannot come home.

Near Little River Ala
Ten miles below Gayleville
Oct 26th 1864

Dear Father
I wrote a line from Rome on Sunday. I got back all safe and sound and joined the command last night. The Division excepting our brigade is out about 10 miles to the front. I am not posted as to Hood’s whereabouts but believe he will come up somewhere in Tennessee. That is the opinion of the most who do not know with certainty. The rebels are acting very desperate. I believe Sherman wishes him (Hood) to go to Tenn. if he will. Hood’s attempt to compel Sherman to evacuate Atlanta so far is a failure and is likely to so indefinite time. And the hopes which influence the rebel leaders to act so desperately in order to bear unfavorably on the reelection of Mr Lincoln will be destined to disappointment and defeat. When I wrote you upon my political ideas, I gave you my objections to the policy of Mr Lincoln’s Administration and also told you I could not vote for Gen McClellan. Altho’ I do not agree with Lincoln in those things and know they can never be carried out. Yet when called upon to choose between him and McClellan I will vote for Lincoln. I dare not risk Mac upon such a platform and I think a change would be injurious to us and encourage the rebels and it might be taken in the eyes of foreign powers as a backing down. And this might possibly lead to a recognition of the South. And if so and attempt to raise the Blockade. You will not get this probably until after the 4th Nov. I shall vote for Lincoln and four more years of war with the rebels rather than McClellan and the recognition of the South by England and France and consequently a war with these powers.
Our Regiment is very small. We have not many over 100 men with us I have been comd’g batt. Since the Kilpatrick raid. There is a prospect of us being sent to remount before long. I hope we will by all means we have rec’d no pay yet. I did have two good horses as there was in the regiment until our fight at Rome. We charged three times one day with Sabres. I led the last charge and it was there my best horse was killed. We charged up a hill 12 of us upon about 30 rebels. My horse was a large sorrel with a star in the forehead. With a splendid curb neck and roughed mane. And was a conspicuous mark. He was shot square in the head, one inch above the star. He was on the jump when hit. His head was high and it saved me. He fell and never struggled once. Poor Old Tom! I went over the ground Monday. The only wonder was that we were not all killed. They fired two vollies before they broke. But too high.
Love to All
Affectionately
Henry A Potter
Write often all of you

Head Quarters 4th Mich Cav
Chattanooga Nov 10th 1864

Dear Father

This regiment, what there is left of it at the point, has got as far back to the rear as this place where we have been waiting four days for transportation to Nashville. Every car is jammed full of infantry so far. And I don’t know when we will get through. We have had rain every day for nearly a week and everything is mud, mud, MUD. I would rather be at the front than here -- if this continues. I am well and hearty nothing can make me sick and I am thankful for it.

Election day was rainy and squally, but all went quietly. No noise. No fighting. No electioneering. Soldiers vote as they fight systematically. As far as heard from Lincoln is far ahead. Little Mac [Gen George McClellan-USA] gets the cold shoulder of all the army and deserves nothing better for standing on such a platform. We prefer Lincoln and four more years of war if need be than McClellan and an independent South.

You have no idea of our Army. Our gallant army and can never have by other means than experience. No letters and newspaper correspondence can give you an correct impression of the numbers and determination. Sherman I think intends to evacuate Atlanta and cut loose from all supplies and sweep a broad track thro’ Georgia and the Confederacy, leaving Thomas to look after Hood and make our line the Tenn River for future operations. Nothing would demoralize the South more in her present state than such a raid as you may call it thro’ her heart. Rumor says the Cavalry goes to Louisville to remount. You may even see me home yet. Know I am well and remain
Your affectionate Son
Love to all
Henry A Potter

Henry Albert Potter back from leave, is "outfitting" 4th Michigan Cavalry
"H" Company using the horses of Louisville, KY. Uncle Sam wouldn't get
Louisville horses for $150 nowadays.

HdQrs 4th Mich Cav
Dec 20th, 1864

Dear Father
We are still here just where we were. K do not think we will move until
next week. I am busy now on my papers and Returns. The desk is just the
thing. Could not be better, if we stay here a week longer I will finish up
my Returns. The weather is wintry some snow ground frozen.

Col Park[Colonel Josiah Park] resigned cause Physical Disability and a no
of others which make many new officers. Our horses are very good. I drew
sorrel horses for my company. Always had bays before do not like the
changes. We have pressed a great many horses in the City. Before I got
back our regiment was stationed on every road leading out of the city to
take all horses coming out or going in and all we could find in the stables
anywhere in the city. Rather droll times it made too. Twas not strange to
see a man drawing his own carriage or holding up the neck yoke on one side
while one horse which the boys would not take drawing his wagon along. Even
now you will see drays turned up along the road where horses have been
taken. The livery stables were all gutted of their fast stock and Uncle
Sam’s boys are now riding them by their old owners doors in triumph.
Government pays about $150 now for horses.

Have you bought the Knowles place yet or can’t you get a bargain out of
the old man, get it if you can, we can’t do better.

I shall not need any boots now when I want them will send for them.

Had a very pleasant trip thro’. Must close. Love to you and all, respect
to Mr. Marvin and family. Write me when you can. Send stamps,
You aff. Son
H A Potter

Henry Albert Potter contemplates death on the battlefield of Franklin where
CSA General Hood made a disasterous attack on a fortified Union Army. "The
death of an Army" McDonough called it in *Five Tragic Hours* as 6 generals
perished and another 6 were captured by General Schofield's troops. Hood
went on to finish off the army in another attack at Nashville but it died
in Franklin. Henry Albert also contemplates command and why he will stay
in the army until August..........

HdQrs 3rd Battalion
Camp near Columbia, Tenn

Sunday January 15th/65

Dear Father

We are laying in camp today about one mile north of Duck River waiting for
the bridge to be finished.

We left Nashville on Thursday and arrived here last night. Passed through
Franklin, and Spring Hill and over the battle ground at Franklin. The
hardest fighting was in a clear open field not even a stump of bush for
shelter. The ground is dotted thick with graves in clusters of from a
dozen to 30 and 40 and down to single ones here and there. It was a
terrible fight.

It is a clear pleasant day. I hope our bad weather is over. We have had
some very cold disagreeable times since we left Louisville.

I see by Friday’s Paper there is really some prospect of Peace in earnest
and hope it may prove to be a reality this time. We have had so many
rumors of peace that have proved false that these are generally put down as
such but the fact that Stephens is reported as one of the Commissioners
makes it almost seem as if this has some truth in it.

I wrote you from Nashville don’t know how long we will stay here. Our
wagons are out after ferrys we may stop here two or three days. Write when
you can. Love to all

Your affectionate Son
Henry A Potter
Capt 4th Mich Cavy

Henry Albert Potter writes his friend John Gilbert in Ovid. He decides
that he will not resign and finish out his time with the regiment. He is
with General James Wilson who assembled a large contingent of Cavalry for a
sweep through Alabama. Wilson defeated what was left of Gen Nathan B
Forrest's Command at Selma during this campaign which ended up at Macon,
Georgia where a detachment of the 4th Cavalry captured Jefferson Davis at
Irwinsville Ga.

[Notes to himself on a paper in the letters]
Jan 12- 1865 Camp near Columbia, Tenn
Battlefield deserted
Feb 8 Gravely Spa, Ala
2nd Senior Officer

Head Quarters 4th MVC
Gravelly Spa, Ala Feb 8"65

Dear John[John Gilbert, Ovid, MI]
Just rec’d your two letters of the 27th and 28th Ult. this minute and also
the $20.00 all safe and take time to write you at once. I needed the money
very bad and am therefore happy in every sense of the word to hear from
you, that you are well and all the rest of the people at Ovid. My health
is good. I am, I think, 20 lbs heavier than I was when at Ovid. We,
that is the Cavalry Corps under Gen Wilson[ General James H Wilson], are
encamped at Gravelly Spa Ala. 13 miles above Eastport Miss. And about 15
below Florence on the Tenn. River. We get all our supplies by water now.
We arrived here on the 25th Jan and are now in Winter Quarters. Have got
good quarters for the men and are building Stables for the Horses don’t
know how long we will stay here – maybe two weeks and maybe longer.
Military life is very uncertain, you know.

I have not heard from home in a long time and you don’t know how glad I was
to hear from you. Always write when you can and tell Malbone [Evan Malbone
Potter, HAP’s uncle], Faxon[William H Faxon, Ovid, Mich]and Patch to write
when they can.

I am stopping at Hd Qrs now. Col Pritchard[Benjamin D Pritchard, Allegan,
MI] has got a leave of absence and I don’t know but that I will have to
take command of the regiment as I am the 2nd Senior Officer present and
Major Eldredge[ L Briggs Eldredge, Lapeer, MI] is detailed in a general
court martial at Corps HdQrs – shall not if I can help it – shall make
application to have Eldredge relieved to take command. I do not expect
ever to command any Co. again as I am commanding the 1st Battalion and
shall turn over my Co. Property to Southworth. Have been busy for the last
two days as Recorder of a Military Commission at Div Hd Qrs but have got
through with that now. My returns I have nearly all made out.

I have thought this matter over about resigning and concluded it is my
duty and interest to stay with the regiment until our time is out and go
home honorably with the old and true veterans of the glorious 4th Cavalry.
It will be a proud day for me John, if I live to march at the head of my
Company thru’ the streets of Detroit next August. With the Stars and
Stripes floating triumphantly over our whole country. May The Lord grant
that it may be so—for all of us.

Write when you can send another $20 I should need it.
Your Fraternally
and In love to you all,
I am as ever
Albert

Henry Albert Potter writes to his sister Amelia about the capture of
Jefferson Davis by the 4th Michigan at Irwinsville, Georgia.

Head Quarters 4th Mich Cav
Macon, Ga. May 14th 1865

Dear Sister

I rec’d another letter from you tonight dated Apr 31st telling me of John
Castner’s death and Briggs Maning’s and stating that you had written the
same before. I have not recd any letters between dates Apr 8 and 31st.

The $20 dollars from John came thro’ safe - recd it Sunday. Was surprised
to hear of John’s death. He was such a healthy fellow. What ailed him? I
thought much of John.

You have doubtless heard that Jeff Davis was captured by the 4th Mich
Cavalry. He is now on his way to Washington. You will also know, I
presume, a lot of stories of his capture. Our regiment was not all out. I
was the one that staid back in Macon. I was President of the Board of
Examination for a candidate for commission in colored regiments and was
ordered to stay by the Brigade command. I am thus particular in telling why
I was not out – for those men and officers names who went out will probably
be published and a great blow made about their bravery. I do not think any
particular man or officer is entitled to more credit because he happened to
be with the party that captures Jeff – they were lucky that’s all, While I
and Maj. Eldredge[L Briggs Eldredge, Lapeer, MI] and others who staid back
on duty are unlucky. There was no bravery about it. Davis’ whole party
numbered only about 25 and we surprised them while in bed. And there would
not have been a shot fired at all if he 1st Wisconsin Cavalry which was
hunting for Jeff and came up after our regiment had taken him had not
mistaken us for the enemy. The two regiments had quite a fight - we lost
two killed and one officer wounded.

It will make a good record for the old 4th to go home with.

It is late and I must close. Don’t know when I will get home - don’t be
impatient I shall come as soon as I can. The war is ended. Love to you and
mother and all.
Your Brother
Albert

Henry Albert Potter writes with a sour grapes attitude of the capture of
Jefferson Davis. He doesn't hold any punches in his discription of Jeff
Davis and Howell Cobb -- in his opinion all the leaders should be hanged.
But he exhibits a special respect for the Southern Fighting man as his
brother in the battle. He perceives that the fight existed due to the
leaders who could not make peace and holds no grudge against the Southern
Soldier, who he feels will make a "good citizen."

Head Quarters 4th Mich Cav
Near Macon Ga May 19 1865

Dear Father

I rec’d a letter from Amelia dated Apr 31st which is the latest I have from
home. We are expecting a mail in a day or two from Savannah. The first on
we rec’d came via Mobile, the second via Chattanooga and Atlanta.

We are having very warm weather here but a fine shower last night has laid
the dust a day or two. Wheat is nearly ripe. We have green peas, radishes,
and mulberries and strawberries are about all gone. Will have cucmbers in
a few days. Cherries are getting ripe.

We keep hearing rumors of moving all the time but don’t know how much truth
there is in that story. When we do move I think we will move towards the
Tennessee River and also towards home. I rather think we will be mustered
out before the 28th of August but will not be disappointed if we are not.
The time at any rate will soon pass around.

I suppose you have seen or will the particulars of Davis’ capture before
this reaches you. He is now on his way to Washington. Col. Pritchard is
alos gone. He has been recommended for Bvt. Brig. Gen. I understand by
Gen [James] Wilson - if it hadn’t been for my bein on a Board of
Examination I should have been along, when the regiment went out, after
him, and shared the honor. I hear there are to be medals given to those
who took a prart inm his capture - so far as the bravery is concerned , and
all that which you will see in the papers, that is all nonsense. There was
men along at his capture that never fired a gun since they came into the
service. But the fact that they gobbled up old Jeff will be enough to put
their name in history - us fellows that staid back claim the honor of
belonging to the old 4th Mich Cavalry and are satisfied with that.

When I was at Chickamauga I sent to you or John for a pair of boots, if you
have not sent them, you need not. I have had me a pair made at Macon. I
got all the stock for nothing except the fronts for which I paid $2. It is
fine French Calf, paid $5 for making them. Whole cost $7. Sewed boot.
Cheap enough. I am also getting me a suit of citizens clothes made here it
is rather homely but they charged $2.50 per yard at the stores in the city
all the suit costs me is the making of it.

I am also getting me up a saddle here which I shall bring home with me. We
captured here in the arsenals some of the finest leather I ever saw. It
is English leather Russet and has run the blockade. The saddle tree was
made here our saddler Sergeant is covering it for me. I am havin ti made
in regular Mexican style, Gambadoer, Zapideros and all. The saddle in
Detroit will be worth $50. It will cost me about $15.

Our Head Quarters are in a house. A very cosy place by the way so much
more cool than a tent.

Well the great Slaveholder’s rebellion is over and its leaders are nearly
all in our possession. I have seen and talked with biggest one among them
all - Jeff Davis. We all think he will be hung and hope so too. I feel
sorry for his wife and children – not so much for her as the children, for
she is haughty, scornful and insulting as any women I ever saw. If she is
a lady, I failed to discover it. But the children are pretty and innocent
as yet and I pity them. I have seen Howell Cobb also an ugly looking old
devil - needs hanging.

As a general thing, every one down here admits they are whipped thourought
and they are now anxious to know what we-uns will do with them - they know
they lose their slaves and many of them will not be disappointed if they
lose their land too. The Southern soldiers are gland it is over, to a man
and are willing to say they are whipped , tho’ most of them will make good
citizens - if we have any more trouble here it will be from some brawling
cowards who have staid home while their relations were fighting for them in
a place where they dare not go. My motto is hang the leaders the rest of
the bad ones will subside or leave the country.

Your affectionate son
Albert
[written on the edges]
[Lorenzo T]Southward, [Charles A]Starkweather and [Alpheus F]Shepard [all
from Ovid Michigan]are all well.

Henry Albert Potter is on his way home.This is the last letter I have which was written from the field. I published them to give an insight into a Michigan soldier's thoughts as the war progressed and to allow genealogists to search for relatives from Ovid. There are several letters to Potter's wife-to-be Kate Gardiner before and after the marriage posted on the site too.

Atlanta Ga. Friday PM
May 26th 1865

Dear Ones all

We just arrived at this place. Left Macon Tuesday May 23rd. Marched
through by land. We will leave this place tomorrow morning for Chattanooga
by land. Will get there the latter part of next week. I am well as usual.
Our boys are very healthy generally. We are having warm dusty marching but
thank [?] we are going where it is cooler. Cannot tell when I will reach
home. We will march to Nashville with our stock if possible. May be home
by July 21st but hardly expect to. This city is a perfect wreck. All the
business part is burned. I stay at the Gate City House tonight the only
hotel I the place. My love to all. Will write from Chattanooga.

Your affectionately
Henry A Potter