He was born in 1842/43, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Abraham Todd and Elizabeth [unknown family name]. [sources: date: 2 (18 in 1861), 5 (18 in 1861), 6 (16 in 1860), 7 (19 in 1863), 8 (6 in 1850). place: 5, 6, 7, 8. parents: 5 (Abraham), 6, 7, 8 (Abraham)]
In 1850, he was living in ward 6, Spring Garden, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was living with his (apparent) parents Edwin and Elizabeth Todd, and with his (apparent) siblings Hannah and Abraham. [source: 8]
On 8 February 1853, his father, Abraham Todd, died, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died of phthisis pulmonalis. He was buried in American Mechanics Cemetery. [source: 5]
After his father's death, James gave his mother all the money he earned. Before enlisting, he gave his mother three dollars a week. [source: 5]
In 1860, he was living in ward 13, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was living with his (presumed) mother Elizabeth, and (presumed) sister Hannah. [source: 6]
When he enlisted, he was a printer. [source: 5]
When he enlisted, he was 5 feet 4-3/4 inches tall, and had a fair complexion, brown eyes, and dark hair. [source: 5]
He enlisted and was mustered into service, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 7 December 1861. He was mustered in, as a private in company I. [sources: 1, 2, 5 (27 Dec), 14]
In February 1862, Todd wrote his mother, from Camp Stanton. He had been out on picket duty four days and nights. The regiment had been paid through 1 January 1862, on Saturday 8 February, but he apparently didn't receive anything. The regiment was going to leave Camp Stanton the next Thursday. He said that when he was next paid, he was going to send her money, and to purchase three shirts, because he couldn't wear the white shirts. They were supposed to be paid before they went to Washington, and to get new clothing, and new weapons. [source: 11 (in 5)]
On 1 March 1862, he wrote his mother, from Washington DC. They were mustered for pay on Friday 28 February, and were supposedly going to be paid mid-March. He thought that after being paid in Washington DC, they were going to Manassas Junction on the 15th. He was going to get new shirts, because the white ones quickly became too dirty to wear, and a blanket. (He did get new shoes on the 2nd.) He had been out for a week, in wet clothes because of rain the first night. He was ten miles away, on Arlington [?] Heights, from which he could see Bulls Run. He said that they were going to stop drilling, to rest, for the next week. General Parker had inspected them, and even went into their tents. He apparently finished the letter after receiving a letter and a valentine from her. [source: 13 (in 5)]
He wrote his mother a letter from Fairfax CourtHouse, probably in summer 1862. He was away getting four quarts of strawberries when the regiment was paid. (He was also able to get grains, and cherries.) When he returned, Major George Todd took care of sending $20 to his mother. He complained about the hard crackers they had to eat, claiming that they had to soak them for a week in water, pound them with a hammer, and then boil them. And he and two others went to the battlefield, where they saw graves and dead horses. They went as far as White Plains, and heard cannon firing at Richmond, Virginia. He suggested that the regiment wouldn't ever see any fighting, and claimed that four hundred men weren't fit for duty at an inspection. [source: 12 (in 5)]
In December 1862, he contracted bronchitis and dysentery, at or near Falmouth, Viginia, and was sent to hospital. [source: 5]
On 19 December 1862, from camp near Falmouth Virginia, he wrote his mother a letter. The day before the Battle of Fredericksburg, he and seven others were taken by ambulance to camp. Lieutenant George Murphy was killed, and Todd lost both his tentmates. Murphy had been trying to get Todd sick leave. Todd claimed he had 'the heart Disease[,] yellow Jaunders [sc jaundice]', and was so weak that he couldn't move. He was hoping to get home in January. [source: 10 (in 5)]
He was discharged on 10 January 1863 on surgeon's certificate of disability, because of phthisis pulmonalis and chronic diarrhea. He was a private, in copmany I. According to the Surgeon, he had 'Phthisis Pulmonalis which has recently assumed a very active form rendering him entirely incapable of performing the duties of a soldier'. He had last been paid through 30 June 1862. He had been unfit for duty sixty days in the previous two months. Lieutenant B B Eyre reported:
He has apparently a very weak constitution and though he has seldom complained of illness, he has in my opinion frequently persisted in doing duty when he should have reported himself sick. Long marches and the fatigues of Camp duty have so prostrated him that he will not in all probability be able to continue in the service as a soldier.
[sources: 1, 2, 5, 14]
On 20 February 1863, he applied successfully for a pension. [sources: 4]
On 6 November 1863, he died, at back of 704 Poplar Street, ward 13, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died of pulmonary consumption. (The attending physician described the cause as pulmonary consumption and chronic dysentery.) He was a painter. On 10 November 1863, he was buried, in [American] Mechanics' Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [sources: 5, 7, 9]
On 11 July 1864, his mother, Elizabeth Todd, applied successfully from Pennsylvania for a pension under the Act of 14 July 1862. B B Eyre (I) testified supported her application. Her application was accepted on 10 May 1866, and she received a pension of $8 per month, retroactive to 6 November 1863. (The examining clerk was Charles T Cotton.) She initially used Bigelow, Wynkoop & Peters as her attorney; but the Commissioner of the Pension Bureau waved some requirements and ordered the pension certificate sent to the Honorable L Myers MC. [sources: 3, 4]
On 1 October 1864, the Pension Bureau sent circular 16 to the Assistant Adjutant General. [source: 5]
On 25 November 1864, the Pension Bureau sent circular 16 to [?] 'D.P.9' (?). [source: 5]
On 27 June 1865, the Pension Bureau received a certificate establishing that Todd was disabled, and sent circular 2 to the attorney. [source: 5]
On 16 October 1865, the Pension Bureau sent circular 16 to the paymaster general, and circulars 2 and 9 to the attorney, asking for information about his physical condition when he enlisted. [source: 5]
On 9 November 1865, the Pension Bureau reeived some response to their requests. [source: 5]
On 15 February 1866, James's widow Elizabeth sent the Commissioner of the Pension Bureau a letter stating that her son left no widow, child, or father. She suggested that her attorney had 'neglected to attend to it [sc. her application]', as she had told the Honorable L Meyer. [source: 5]
On 27 February 1866, the Pension Bureau sent circular 2. [source: 5]
On 12 April 1866, the Pension Bureau received a response to circular 2, and also received a response to circular 16 from the Paymaster General. [source: 5]
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster) (James A Todd)
2 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 31 March 2005 (James A Todd)
3 pension index, by name (James A Todd)
4 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company I (James A Todd)
5 dependents' pension certificate files, National Archives and Records Administration, RG 15, dependent's certificate 73,607 (Elizabeth Todd mother of James Allen Todd)
6 1860 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 13, microfilm series M653, film 1163, page 776 = 356 handwritten, FamilySearch (Allen Todd)
7 death certificate, Philadelphia Pennsylvania, 6 November 1863 (FamilySearch) (James Todd)
8 1850 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Spring Garden, ward 6, microfilm series M432, film 819, page 348 recto = 695 handwritten (Jas A Todd)
9 death notice, Philadelphia inquirer Tuesday 10 November 1863, page 5 (James Allen Todd)
10 letter, James Allen Todd to his mother, 19 December 1862, camp near Falmouth Virginia
11 letter, James Allen Todd to his mother, [February 1862], Camp Stanton, Washington DC
12 letter, James Allen Todd to his mother, [summer 1862], Fairfax Court House
13 letter, James Allen Todd to his mother, 1 March [1862], Washington DC
14 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (James A Todd)
| line | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 |
| Dwellings visited | 1153 | ||||
| Families visited | 1406 | ||||
| Name | Edwin Todd | Elizabeth " | Jas A " | Hannah " | Abraham " |
| Age | 32 | 26 | 6 | 4 | 1 |
| Sex | M | F | M | F | M |
| Color | |||||
| Occupation of males over 15 years | Shoemaker | ||||
| Real estate owned | |||||
| Birthplace | New Jersey | Delaware | Pennsylvania | ditto | ditto |
| Married within year | |||||
| Attended school within year | |||||
| Over 20 & can't read/write | |||||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |
| line | 32 | 33 | 34 |
| Dwelling number | [2423] | ||
| Family number | 2603 | ||
| Name | Elizabeth Todd | Allen do | Hannah do |
| Age | 35 | 16 | 14 |
| Sex | F | M | F |
| Color | |||
| Occupation | Nurse | ||
| Value of real estate owned | |||
| Value of personal estate | |||
| Place of birth | do [sc. Penna] | do | do |
| Married within year | |||
| Attended school within year | 1 | ||
| Cannot read & write | |||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |
BRIEF in the case of Elizabeth Todd, Mother of James A Todd priv. Co. "I." 91. Pa. Vols. resident of Philadelphia County and State of Pennsylvania. Post Office address Philadelphia 863. Darien St.
| Service. | Adjt. Genl's report shing [sic] a priv. last paid by Maj. Bura [?] to the 30th day of June 1862: + discharged for disability Jany. 10. 1863. +c. |
| Death. | Discharge papers, show discharged Jany 10/63. because of "Phthisis pulmonalis which has recently assumed a very active form +c +c His disease has been contracted since his enlistment."
Affidavit by late Lieut. shows disease aforesaid was contracted in service in line of duty, from exposure, he was well + hearty man when he enlisted.
Affidavit by M.D. who attended him from discharge until death shing [sic] he died November 6. 1863 of phthisis pulmonalis, + chronic diarrhoea. |
| Celibacy of Soldier. | Shown by testimony of witnesses. |
| Relationship. | Sonship shown as above. |
| Death or disability of husband. | Death in 1853 shown as above. |
| Dependence. | Shown by testimony of witnesses to the effect that prior to enlistment son contributed all his earnings to his mother's support - to pay rent, + purchase food + clothing - + sent her money from the army for same uses, $15 + $20 at a time. She has no property + is dependent for support upon her own labor.
Endorsed on files by Comm. "Further requirements waived. send certificate to Hon. L. Myers M.C." |
| Loyalty. | Duly averred. |
| Agent and his P.O. address. | [crossed out line, partly illegible, giving a different agent] Certificate to Hon. L. Myers. M.C. |
Admitted May 10, 1866, to a Pension of $8 00 per month, commencing November 6th 1863.
Exd. Chas. T. Cotton, Examining Clerk.On this seventh day of July A.D. 1864 personally appeared before the Prothy of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid Mrs Elizabeth Todd a resident of Philadelphia in the County of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania aged 42 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by Act of Congress, approved July 14th, 1862, that she is the widow of Abraham Todd and mother of James A. Todd who was a Private in Company I commanded by Capt John P. Cary in the Ninety first Regiment of Penna. Vol. Infantry in the war of 1861, who was discharged Jany 10th 1863 by reason of a severe form of Bronchitis and Chronic disease of the Bowels, and died of said diseases at Philadelphia on the 6th day of November 1863; that he died unmarried leaving no child; that her husband the aforesaid Abraham Todd died at Philada on the 8th day of February 1853. That she has one son only now living but he is too young (being but 12 years old) to afford her any support and that she was wholly dependent upon her said son James A. Todd for support having no property of her own; that before his enlistment he contributed three dollars weekly for her support, and, while in service, he sent her from fifteen to twenty dollars regularly each payday and that all the money so contributed was expended in paying rent and purchasing provisions +c; she further declares that her said son, upon whom she was wholly dependent for support, having left no widow or minor children under sixteen years of age surviving, declarant makes this application for a pension under the above-mentioned act, and refers to the evidence filed herewith, and that in the proper department to establish her claim. She also declares that she has not in any way been engaged in, or aided or abetted the rebellion in the United States; that she is not in the receipt of a pension under the 2d. section of the act above mentioned, or under any other act, nor has she again married since the death of her son, the said James A. Todd That her Post Office address is as follows: No 863 Darien St Philadelphia Penna
Elizabeth Todd X her mark Claimant.Also personally appeared Mary Magee and Emma Hughes residents of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw her make her mark to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant, and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that they have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim, and that they know from a long and intimate acquaintance with the applicant and with her family that the facts set forth in the above declaration signed by her relative to the death of her husband + son are correct and also that she was entirely dependent upon the son for support and that he contributed the amounts stated in the declaration which were wholly expended in paying rent + purchasing provisions, and that the said James A Todd died unmarried leaving no child and that they are not relatives.
Mary MageeSworn to and subscribed before me this seventh day of July A.D. 1864 and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.
Fred. G. Wolbert ProthyI hereby authorize BIGELOW, WYNKOOP & PETERS, of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, my Agents and Attorneys in fact, to present the foregoing Claim, and to receive and receipt for, in my name and stead, all Moneys, Certificate or Warrant payable under it.
Elizabeth Todd X her markPersonally appeared Mrs Elizabeth Todd whose name is signed to the foregoing Power of Attorney, and acknowledged the same to be her free and voluntary act, for the purposes therein named.
Fred G. Wolbert PorthyI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your Office of communication of Oct 1st 1864, relative to application for Pension No. 57,047, and to return it herewith, with such information as is furnished by the files of this Office.
There is no evidence on file in this Office that James A. Todd was enrolled and mustered into service in Co. "I", 91st Regiment of Penna. Volunteers. But on the Muster Roll of Co. "I" of that Regiment, for the months of January and February, 1863, there is the following evidence of service: He is reported a private, "last paid by Maj. Brua to the 30th day of June 1862" and in the remarks "Discharged for disability Jany 10th 1863, by order of Maj. Genl. Meade" No evidence of death on file
On this 6" day of November A.D. 1865 personally appeared before me the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the county and State aforesaid B. B. Eyre late Lieut Co "I" 91 Penna Vols to me well known, and whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he was well acquainted with James A. Todd who was a private in Co "I" 91" Penna Vols, and know him to have been a well and hearty man when he enlisted. That he done duty [sic] in his company and regiment until about the month of December 1862, when through exposure while strictly in the line of his duty, at or near Falmouth Va he contracted Bronchitis and Dysentery and was sent to Hospital from which place he was discharged Jany 10 /63 by reason of severe Bronchitis and chronic affection of the bowels. He further swears that he has no interest in the claim of Mrs Elizabeth Todd for Pension and is not related to applicant.
B. B. EyreSworn and Subscribed before me this 6" day of November A.D. 1865 and I certify that I have no interest in the above declaration
Fred G. WolbertIn compliance with your suggestion, as stated in a communication recd by me through Hon L Myers, that a letter addressed here should state that he Jas A. Todd left no widow, child, or father surviving, but left a mother to whom it is requested the pension may be paid. [sic] I reply that he James A. Todd left no widow or child (never having been married) and left no Father living, but left a widowed Mother with two other children dependent upon her for support and all of which [sic] were in a measure dependent upon him for assistance and support at the time he went into the Army, and as appears [?] from the results of which he sickened and died November 7th 1863. + have not recd any pension since his death, and believing as I am informed that I am as his mother justly intitled [sic] to the pension, I therefore tender [?] the application hoping and trusting that it will be awarded to me as soon as posible [sic] as I am in great need and and permit me to here state that I have nearly two years ago made application for this pension through a person or parties who I think have neglected to attend to it as I informed the Hon. L. Meyer + who perhaps has [illegible word] been made acquainted with some particular information [??]
Most Resptfully yoursI take pleasure in stating in behalf of my [illegible word] from the knowledge that I have of her that I would intirely [sic] cridit [sic] the foregoing statement and would add that she is quite a meritorious, worthy, industrious, widowed woman with two children.
Yours +cThe twentieth day of February, A.D. 1866, before me, Peter Hay, one of the aldermen in and for the City of Philadelphia, personally came Elizabeth Todd, who being duly sworn doth depose and say that the facts set forth in the foregoing statement, signed by her, are true in every particular.
Sworn and subscribed before me the twentieth day of February, A.D. 1866.
Peter Hay,We the undersigned do hereby testify that we fully believe the statement set forth in the letter herein addressed to Judge Barrett which is sworn to be Mrs Elizabeth Todd (the mother of the late James A Todd) having a knowledge of her and her family and the facts therein stated is [sic] intirely [sic] true to the best of our knowledge and belief.
Witness. Phil Feby 21 /66
Mary Ann Weckerly
Hannah E. Bisbing
I certify to the above Signatures being correct.
A. H. BisbingYou are respectfully requested to furnish official evidence of the enrollment, muster, service, duty, and cause of death of James A Todd, who was a Priv in Co. I, 91" Regiment of Pa Vols. reported died Nov 6", 1863.
Please attach this Circular to your report, and return the same to this Office.
No. 57,047It appears from the rolls on file in this Office that James A. Todd was enrolled on the 7th day of Dec., 1861, and mustered into service on the 7th day of Dec., 1861, a Private in Co. "I", 91 Regiment Pa. Volunteers. On the muster roll of said Company for the months of February, 1863, he is reported "Discharged by order of Gen. Meade for disability, Feb. 12" 1863."
Respectfully,Private James A Todd of Captain John P Carie's Company, (I) of the Ninety first Regiment of United States Infantry P.V. was enlisted by Lieut Matlack of the 91st Regiment of Infantry P.V. at Philadelphia Pa on the twenty seventh day of December 1861, to serve 3 years; he was born in Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania is eighteen years of age, 5 feet 4 3/4 inches high, fair complexion, brown eyes, dark hair, and by occupation when enlisted a Printer [sic]. During the last two months said soldier has been unfit for duty 60 days He has apparently a very weak constitution and though he has seldom complained of illness, he has in my opinion frequently persisted in doing duty when he should have reported himself sick. Long marches and the fatigues of Camp duty have so prostrated him that he will not in all probability be able to continue in the service as a soldier.
B. B. Eyre 2nd LieutI CERTIFY, that I have carefully examined the said James A Todd of Captain J P Caries [sic] Company, and find him incapable of performing the duties of a soldier because of Phthisis Pulmonalis which has recently assumed a very active form rendering him entirely incapable of performing the duties of a soldier His disease has been contracted since his enlistement.
D D Swift Asst Surgeon in chargeDISCHARGED, this Tenth day of January 1863, at Camp near Falmouth Va
Jos H SinexI certify that I attended James A. Todd late a Private in of [sic] Co. I. 91st Pa Vols as his Medical Adviser from about the time he was discharged from the service until his death which occurred November 6th 1863: that the cause of his death was Pulmonary Consumption + Chronic Dysentery of which he was suffering when I first saw him soon after his discharge, and which, to the best of my knowledge and belief, he contracted in the military service of the United States.
Francis BournsOn this 9 day of July A.D. 1864 personally appeared before me the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County and State aforesaid J. Francis Bourns M.D. a resident of Philadelphia, whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and reputable in his profession, and who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that the facts set forth in the foregoing certificate are true to the best of his knowledge and belief and that he has no interest whatever in the application of Mrs Elizabeth Todd for Pension
J. Francis BournsSworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above written and I hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the above mentioned application
Fred. G. WolbertOn this 29" day of November A.D. 1865 personally appeared before me the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County and State aforesaid Hannah Hughes and Mary A. Weckerly persons to me well known as residents of Philadelphia Pa and whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, who being duly sworn according to law, say that they have been for 6 years well and intimately acquainted with Mrs Elizabeth Todd, widow of Abraham Todd, who died at Philadelphia February 8. 1853 and mother of James A Todd, who was a private in Co "I" 91" Penna Vols, and who died at Philadelphia Nov. 6. 1863. They further swear that Elizabeth Todd has no income or property, and depends upon her own labor for support; that she was dependent upon her son James A. Todd for her support, and that previous to his enlistment he contributed all his earnings to the support of his mother and her children, in paying house rent, and purchasing food and clothing for them, and that while he was in the army he sent regularly each pay day from $15.- to $20.- Dollars [sic] to his mother, which amount was expended in paying house rent and purchasing the necessaries of life. That their knowledge of the above facts is obtained from intimate personal acquaintance with the family of Elizabeth Todd for 6 years as above stated, and
from seeing her repeatedly receive money from her son James A. Todd, both in person and by mail. They further swear that they have no interest direct or indirect in the above declaration, and are not related to Elizabeth Todd.
Hannah HughesSworn and Subscribed before me this 29" day of November A.D. 1865 and I certify that I have no interest in the foregoing declaration
Fred. G. WolbertThis is to Certify, That the annexed is an abstract of an original entry contained in the REGISTER OF DEATHS on file in this Office, viz:
Date, February 9th. [sic] 1853In Testimony of which I hereunto set my hand and seal, the Nineteenth day of October 1865
Geo. E. Chambers Registrar for Health Officer.On this 3 day of April A.D. 1866 personally appeared before me the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County and State aforesaid, Hannah Hughes and Mary Weckerly residents of Philadelphia Pa to me known and whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, who being duly sworn according to law, depose and say that they well know Elizabeth Todd of said city, applicant for a pension, that they have known her for the past six years, that she is the widow of Abraham Todd who died at Philadelphia February 8" 1853, and the mother of James A. Todd who was a private in Co "I" 91" Pa Vols in the military service of the United States, and who died at Philadelphia on the 6" day of November 1863 of Bronchitis and Chronic affection of the Bowels, as they believe contracted in said service. That they well knew said James A. Todd in his lifetime, that he died unmarried never was married, and left no issue; That he contributed to the support of his said mother all his wages previous to his enlistment, which fact is known from his repeatedly stating it, and from seeing him give his wages to his said mother. That the said James A. Todd, after he entered the military service aforesaid, repeatedly sent his said mother portions of his pay, in sums equal to $10.- per month
which money was expended in purchasing food and the necessaries of life, paying house rent +c That these deponents derive their knowledge of the facts from seeing the said mother Elizabeth Todd receive by mail and Express from her said son James, money in various amounts, and our intimate personal acquaintance with the applicant and her family before mentioned. That the said Elizabeth Todd has no property and is dependent upon her own labors for support and has been so dependent since the death of her said son James A. Todd. That deponents do reside as aforesaid, and have no interest in this claim.
Hannah HughesSworn and Subscribed before me this 3" day of April 1866 and I certify that I have no interest in the claim of Elizabeth Todd for Pension
Fred. G. WolbertWe have the honor to herewith transmit additional Evidence in case of Mrs Elizabeth Todd, mother of James A. Todd pt Co "I" 91" Pa Vols. State of Penna #57.047
We are|
Camp near Falmouth Vir
December 19 1862 | Camp near Falmouth Virginia December 19 1862 |
|
Dear Mother i [sic] take up my pensil [sic]
to wright [sic] on [?] this first morning [?] i [sic] been able to sit up to Wrigh[t] [sic] |
Dear Mother,
I take up my pencil to write on this first morning I've been able to sit up to write. |
|
i [sic] hope you are all well on
Friday morning the regiment was [?] ordered to move [illegible word] ther[e] Was 8 sick of us put [on?] the Ambulance taken [illegible word] on the railroad mile [illegible word] Were [sic; presumably 'where'] the regiment did Cam[p] [?]. |
I hope you are all well. On Friday morning (12 December 1862) the regiment was ordered to move [illegible]. There were eight of us sick [who were] put on the ambulance [and] taken on the railroad [a] mile [illegible] where the regiment did camp. |
|
on Satturday [sic] [sc 13 December 1862] the regiment
got in battle [crossed out: lost 111] lost hundred 11 men in Co I had six killed several wounded our lieu [sic] Murphy was killed i [sic] lost both my tents [sic] mates Murphy was trying to get me sick [page 31] Furlough before he was killed the rebels whip [sic] us troops had to fall back to there [illegible word] i got all the letter [sic] you sent but been unable to wright i got the heart Disease yellow Jaunders [sic] so weak I cant [sic] move i may be sent to post [?] hospital in some city there is prospect of me getting home in January then i have a chance to see you all once more there is no money yet for us if they dosnt [?] [illegible word or words] before i try to get i can get me money in Washington soon [?] i feel to [sic] Weak [?] Wright any more no more at present i send my love to you all James Allen Todd |
On Saturday, the regiment got in battle [and] lost [one] hundred eleven men. Company I had six killed [and] several wounded. Our Lieutenant Murphy was killed. I lost both my tentmates. Murphy was trying to get me sick furlough before he was killed. The rebels whip[ped] us troops, [and we] had to fall back to there [illegible word]. I got all the letters you sent, but [I have] been unable to write. I have the heart disease, yellow jaundice, [and I am] so weak I can't move. I may be sent to [a] post hospital in some city. There is [some] prospect of me getting home in January. Then I [will] have a change to see you all. Once more there is no money yet for us. If they don't [illegible] before I try to get [out?], I can get money in Washington soon. I feel too weak [to] write any more. No more at present. I send my love to you all. James Allen Todd |
|
Camp Stanton
Washinton [sic DC |
Camp Stanton
Washington, DC |
|
Dear mother i
take my pen to Wright [sic] to you that i am well at present hope that you are the same i got your letter last night for i just came from a picet [sic] gaurd [sic] i out 4 days night [sic] this regiment got orders to leave Camp Stanton on next thursday to the city of Wasington [sic] for provost gard [sic] Col Williams [sic] regim [sic] is orderd [sic] to Kentucy [sic] all the regiment is orderd [sic] out to missions [?] i was going to Wright sooner but i dont [sic] get time to Wright Wrote [?] to about pay we was [sic] paid of a sort i cant [sic] get any pay till the 15 March and then i send you not less than 20 Dollars reason [page 33] i cant [sic] get any pay till next month there must be month laing [??] back i am sorry i send you any now i get three if i do send to you 30 Dollars that will leave none [??] for me i was over to Williams [sic] on Sattrday [sic] the 22 and [?] they are going to musterd [sic] in for pay and all the regiments our pay rools [sic] is made out i could not ten cents for anything any [sc. anyway?] i am going to send and to you and get three shirts when i get paid i cannot wear thise [sic] white shirts i did not get your letters till last week i been this last 14 [?] days on picet [sic] gaurd [sic] i only came in camp on sataday [sic] i been wrighting this letter since i came in i want you to wright this week for i wont [sic] be on picet [sic] next week i will i could not see cousson [sic] James he was on Dress paraid [sic] they going to kentucy [sic] [third page of letter] the seargent [sic] tells me that we will be paid before go [sic] to Washinton [sic] for they are waiting for our orders in that be in [sic] Washinton [sic] before 20 we get in new clothes and arms |
Dear Mother,
I take my pen to write to you that I am well at present [and] hope you are the same. I got your letter last night, for I just came from a picket guard. I [was] out 4 days [and] nights. This regiment got orders to leave Camp Stanton on next Thursday to [go to] the city of Washington for provost guard [duty]. Colonel William's regiment is ordered to Kentucky. All the regiment[s are] ordered out to missions. I was going to write sooner, but I didn't get time to write. I wrote to [you] about pay. We were paid of a sort. I can't get any pay till the 15[th of] March, and then I [will] send you not less than 20 dollars. [The] reason I can't get any pay till next month [is that] there must be [a] month['s pay?] laid back. I am worried I [am not?] send[ing] you any [money] now. I get three [months' pay?]; if I do, [I will] send to you 30 dollars. That will leave none for me. I was over to William's [regiment] on Saturday the 22nd, and they are going to [be] mustered in for pay, and all the regiments [are being mustered for pay?]. Our payrolls are made out. I could not [get?] ten cents for anything anyway [?]. I am going to send [money] to you and get three shirts when I get paid. I cannot wear these white shirts. I did not get your letters till last week. I [have] been this last 14 [?] days on picket guard. I [have] been writing this letter since I came in. I want you to write this week, for I won't be on picket next week; I will [be in camp?]. I could not see cousin James; he was on dress parade. They [are] going to Kentucky. The Sergeant tells me that we will be paid before [we] go to Washington, for they are waiting for our orders, in that [since we will] be in Washington before [the] 20[th], we [will] get new clothes and arms. |
| no more at present
i send my love to you all James Allen Todd |
No more at present. I send my love to you all. James Allen Todd |
| Fairfax Court house | Fairfax Court House |
|
Dear mother i take pen to
wright [sic] to you that i am well at present hoping this letter will find you the same glad that you got the money i was a way after strawberrys [sic] when we got paid when i come [sic] i had 4 quarts strawberrys [sic] i gave majior [sic] todd [sic] a quart Cap Carie same majior [sic] ask me how much money i was giving [?] and i told him 20 he put it in closed [?] sent i drawed [?] in 10 miles on guard on the railroad talk about hard crakers [?] we have it [?] to soak them in watter [sic] for a week and then pound them with slege [sic] hamer [sic] if [?] at [?]part Then you [??] boil [?] a pound [?] turn [??] out a barriel [sic] if it is [?] I don't [sic] spend [?] no i only five [?] cents since i enlisted [?] [page 35] i get butter much [??] i want milo [?] our [? sc. or?] Groats [?] get any thing i want strawberrys [sic] her [sc. here?] at fairfax are thirt [sc. thirty cents??] get 5 [?] or six quarts every day cherries is ripe |
Dear Mother,
I take pen to write to you that I am well at present, hoping this letter will find you the same. [I am] glad you got the money. I was away, after strawberries, when we got paid. When I came [back] I had 4 quarts [of] strawberries. I gave Major Todd a quart [and] Captain Carie [the] same. Major [Todd] asked me how much money I was giving [you] and I told him 20 [dollars]. He put it in [an envelope? and] closed [it and] sent [it]. I drew [??] 10 miles on guard [duty] on the railroad. Talk about hard crackers--we have to soak them in water for a week, and then pound them with a sledge hammer. Then you boil a pound [of them and] turn [them] out [into a] barrel. [?] I don't spend [anything]. I [have spent] only five cents since I enlisted. I get butter--[as] much [as] I want--[and] milo or groats [??]. [I can] get anything I want. Strawberries [are available] here at Fairfax; [they] are thirt[y cents per quart??]. [I] get five or six quarts every day. Cherries are ripe [also]. |
|
there aint but to [sic] or three families here the farms is [sic] all desserded [?] fairfax villiage [sic] is large place there aint but two [?] families there reason did not wright yesterday there was three of us went down to the battle field we seen [sic] nothi[ng] graves of our men dead horses and then we got in the tears [?] went to White plains alengany [?] mountains i herd [sic] the cannon [?] at richmond but [?] James [sic] heart is in his mouth there wont [sic] be no mor [??] Williams [sic] regiment after that battle over [I think 'over' is an instruction to turn the page over, and not part of the sentence] [page 3 of the letter] i have to walk three miles with the letters i [sic] sorry i did not get in fire since [???] i be [?] at richmond see some fighting then our regiment wont [sic] see no fighting i dont [sic] think reason was we through inspection we lost 4 hundred men that werent [sic] fit for duty |
There ain't but two or three families here; the farms are all deserted. Fairfax Village is [a] large place; there ain't but two families there. [The] reason [I] did not write yesterday [is this:] there were three of us [who] went down to the battlefield. We saw nothing [but the] graves of our men [and] dead horses, and then we got into tears. [We] went to White Plains [in the Alleghany] Mountains. I heard the cannons at Richmond. But James's heart is in his mouth; there won't be any more [of] Williams' regiment after that battle. I have to walk three miles with the letters. I [am] sorry I did not get in firing when I was at Richmond [and] see some fighting then. Our regiment won't see any fighting. I don't think [the] reason was [that when] we [went] through [an] inspection, we lost four hundred men, who weren't fit for duty. |
|
i wright no more to day
i want to go leeburg [?] 27 miles we got all day till 10 oclock at night we go on cars for nothing they belong the government no more at present James Allen Todd wright [sic] |
I [will] write no more today, [since] I want to go [to] Leesburg, [which] is 27 miles [away]. We have all day, till 10 o'clock at night. We go on [the railroad] cars for nothing, [since] they belong [to] the government. No more at present. James Allen ToddWrite. |
| [page one of the letter, part of which is obscured by a stamp from the Pension Office] | |
| Washinton [sic] DC
March 1 | Washington, DC March 1 [1862] |
|
Dear mother I take
my pen to Wright [sic] to you that i am well at present hope you are the same i send you this letter about the pay we were called out on friday 28 to be musterd [sic] in for pay they said we be paid agin [sic] the tenth or 15 [?] I wright this letter for you not to send my letters to camp stanton for we going in to Washinton [sic] to get paid agin [sic] and we to leave Washinton agin the 25 for we going to Manses [sic] Junton [sic] severy [?] regiment have left for there |
Dear Mother,
I take [up] my pen to write to you that I am well at present. [I] hope you are the same. I send you this letter about the pay. We were called out on Friday 28 [February] to be mustered in for pay. They said we [will] be paid again on the tenth or fifteenth [?]. I write this letter for you not to send my letter to Camp Stanton, for we are going into Washington to get paid again. And we are to leave Washington again [on] the 15th, for we [are] going to Manassas Junction. Several [?] regiments have left for there. |
|
We get new things fitted out
to your govt [??] to have new suit [?] Diferent [sic] from the other i aint seen Cousson James since i wrote [page 37; page 2 of the letter] home i have to have colerd [sic] ones and when i get paid get blanket i get it for 150 here in Washinton [sic] others lots of boxes comes [sic] here every Day hay [?] no troble [sic] geting [sic] then [?] go [illegible] about first [?] i was out all the Week not long go the first night i was out i rain all night i had to go in my wet clothes all the week i could not get in camp i was 10 miles on alliton [sic] heights i could see bulls run from the hill 30 thoussand [sic] rebels thre [sic] you said the war would be over that aint [sic] the talk down here for they think it will last 2 years so the rebels are draften [sic] men to fight there is a battle going [illegible word] i here [sic] the cannons the next letter i wright agan [sic] see money in it Wright next week here is the drirection [?] to me dont [sic] mr James Allen Todd to Washinton [sic] dont [sic] put in care of Captain the rest i cant [sic] get no more here | We got new things fitted out [to the government's orders???], to have [a] new suit, different from the other [?]. I ain't seen cousin James since I wrote home. I have to have colored ones [sc. shirts?], and when I get paid [I will] get [a] blanket. I [can] get it for $1.50 [?] here in Washington. Others [??]. Lots of boxes come here every day. [I] have no trouble getting them [illegible ??] first. I was out all week not long ago. The first night I was out in [the] rain all night. I had to go in my wet clothes all the week; I could not get in[to] camp, [since] I was 10 miles [away], on Alliton [sc. Arlington?] Heights. I could see Bulls Run from the hill--thirty thousand rebels [were] there. You said the war would be over [soon]--that ain't the talk down here, for they think it will last two years. So the Rebels are drafting men to fight. There is a battle going [on nearby?]. I hear the cannons. The next letter I write [will] again see money in it. Write next week. Here is the direction [to get a letter] to me: Mr James Allen Todd to Washington. Don't put in care of Captain [?]. The rest [is the same?]. I can't get no more [mail] here. |
|
[page 3 of the letter]
Last our general parker come
out to see ous [?] and went in our tents inspect than [sic] my three months would ben on the seventh so that i could drawed shoes i got them 2 dy [?] my old ones was near as gone i takes me a week to get at letter [?] nothing but Drill and gaurd [sic] next week we stop Drilling for a wile [sic] to rest [?] little i got word of from Williams [sic] Camp i [sic] is said that they r [sic] strike [sic] tents tomorroy [sic] the 2 we go in Washington on tuesday the 4 3 regiments come [sic] in today there are three regiments camps in the same ground and going and coming every day they come and go i got this far on this letter on Sunday where i goes [?] and the valentine so i go on with it a you spoke about then [sic] shirts + is correct Wed these white ones for they wont [sic] a wearing they get so dirty and on first [??] i can get in camp to get |
Last [week?] our General, General Parker, came out to see us, and went in[to] our tents [to] inspect them. My three months would [have] been on the seventh, so that I could draw shoes. I got them [on the] 2nd. My old ones were nearly gone. It takes me a week to get at [writing this] letter. [We've had] nothing but drill and guard [duty]. Next week we stop drilling for a while, to rest. I got word from William's camp--it is said that they are [going to] strike tents tomorrow, the 2nd. We go in[to] Washington on Tuesday the [fourth, presumably of March 1862]. Three regiments came in[to camp] today. There are three regiments camped in the same ground, coming and going; every day they come and go. I got this far on this letter on Sunday [presumably 2 February 1862], when I [had to leave??]. And the valentine [?]. So I [am going to] go on with it [now]. You spoke about the shirts. [That's ?] correct. Wednesday [??]. These white ones, for they won't [stand up to] wearing, they get so dirty. And the first I can get in camp to get [new shirts, I will]. |
|
[page four of the letter]
no more at present i send my love to you all James Allen Todd |
No more at present. I send my love to you all. James Allen Todd |
TODD.--On the 6th instant, after a lingering illness, contracted while in the service of his country, JAMES ALLEN TODD, of Company I, Ninety-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the 30th year of his age.
The relatives and friends of the family, and the members of the Ninety-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers now in the city, are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from the residence of his mother, Haddon Place, Poplar street, above Seventh, this (Tuesday) morning, the 10th instant, at 10 o'clock.