Alvan Gillem, James Wall Scully’s friend and mentor. Gillem rose to become a General before war’s end and continued in the regular army after 1865. (Library of Congress)

Camp near Corinth, Miss.

May 14th, 1862

My Dear Wife,

We are yet in front of the enemy and no battle- nothing more than some slight skirmishing. I have received no letter from you since I wrote you last but hope you are all well. Remember that if anything should occur requiring my immediate  notification that the telegraph is always with our headquarters. I wrote to you a few days ago, enclosing ten dollars to buy a carriage for Sissy- I hope you ave received it safe. I know that its “nice” to receive a little sum once in a while in a letter even if it is only a V.  You know it would be dangerous to trust more in a letter on account of the state of mail facilities here- I was worried almost to death the time I sent you the $150.00.

There is going to be a change in my career pretty soon. We are making up our papers to transfer everything in the Q.M.D. to Captain Nigh, A.Q.M. who is here- G. [Gillem] is going as Colonel of Volunteers. I got a peep of a telegram that he received yesterday from Governor Andrew Johnson of Tennessee. It stated that he was “this day appointed Colonel of the regiment raised at Nashville, known as the “Governor’s Guard” and to report to him without delay- he has not told me about it yet and of course does not suspect that I know- he will either accept that or the one in the Kentucky Cavalry. He takes it as a matter of course that I’ll go with him, and he don’t ask me whether I want to go or not.

He was for about a week (this month) very cross to me- in fact he treated me as you saw him treat Maggie- every thing I done was wrong, and everything I said he’d snap at me, but finally I got tired of it and told him that “as long as I could not please him, and as he could get much better clerks than I am, that I would go home”- Gracious! if you saw how quick he changed.

It is very hot here and as I have no hat I am getting very much sunburned. I’ll try and get a felt hat from Libby the first time I see him.

I suppose Sissy will be walking by the time I get home. You will soon be [weaning?] her now — can she eat yet? Talking about eating, I am half starved, nothing but hard crackers and pork. Capt. Gilbert 1st Infy. Major Gillem and myself mess together. Gilbert is caterer and is so stingy that we would have NOTHING only the cook gets things on his own hook. Of course, I can’t say anything.

How do you like living alone for so long- I have not seen a “female” for over a month- One Sunday I went down to Hamburg Landing, and there was a boatload of ladies from Louisville there and I had the greatest mind to “press some of them into service” and fetch them up to Camp. I believe I would have done so, but for the merciful mission the “Dear Angels” came on: to take care of the wounded.

I have a great many friends now amongst the high officers  of our Old Army, anyone of whom could procure me a Commission if they were at Washington. It is very hard to get the officials there to notice letters. Colonel Oakes comes over nearly every day to have a talk with me, whenever he has a late paper he brings it to me and I the same with him- G. [Gillem] remarked to me of the staff  “that if they wanted the news, to go to Col. Oakes or Scully”. He is very influential at Washington and he told me that if he had known me while he was at Washington, that he would have got me a Commission. You remember Spangler belonged to his company, and the time I went to Fort Inge, he was in command there- I know we’ll get along well anyhow and perhaps it is all  for the better that  it happened as it did- perhaps if I did stay in “K” Company, that I might be there now under Jock, as there was no dependence to be placed on French. When I see you, I’ll tell you all that Mrs G. told me.

Genl. Thomas was here yesterday, I only saw him for about a minute as he did not dismount and was talking with Genl. Buell. He remarked that I was “getting very stout.” I love old Genl. Thomas. Brecknridge is ordered to Fort Pickens. Who knows but  mine is on the way also and that I will go down south too, perhaps Key West- “It is better to live in hope than die in despair”,

P.S.

Dear Mary Anne,

I was in an awful stew for the last three weeks up to yesterday. The reason was as follows; 

I wrote a letter to the “Louisville Journal” from the battlefield (the reason I done so was I saw an article in that paper, saying that the new system of promotion was working well in the Army, and that no volunteer officers should be transferred to the regular army- I just thought that I might get command of a company from Gillem in his vol. regiment and that it would be a poor thing if that was going to keep me forever out of the regular army). After I sent it, I did not know whether I had put my name to it or “Old Soldier”. I knew that I meant to put “Old Soldier” in it, but in my haste I might just as soon have put “Yours etc. Scully” in it as anything else. Yesterday when I got the paper I can tell you that I felt exceedingly relieved when I saw that I was incognito, as it would subject me to a great deal of remarks if it was known that I wrote it. I enclose you the slip together with the Editor’s Comment  on it. I wish you would keep it safe as it took me four days to write it, and it is my first attempt at newspaper correspondence.

I must now conclude by sending you all my kindest love, and kisses for you and the little folks, and with the most sanguine hopes of seeing you soon.

I am your own,

Scully.

Camp near Corinth, Miss.

May 24th, 1862

My Own Dear Wife,

Capt. Gillem is very sick for the last four days but not dangerously. I think he will be sent to Nashville in a day or two until he gets well. They want him to go now, but he won’t go as we are hourly expecting the battle. Genl. Halleck is laying here in front of their works (but out of sight of them) trying to coax them out to attack us- they will soon have to come as their provisions are near out, and their men are coming over to us (deserting) by the hundred. It will save a great loss of life by us remaining as we are for at least another week.

I told you in my last letter about SOMETHING going to happen which will benefit us- I tell you again that it is progressing very favourably, and I think in another week I can tell you all about it. You may think it singular of me not telling you, but I have an idea that it was on account of us being so sanguine of the Commission that I did not get it.

I sent you a letter with ten dollars in it; did you get it? It was to buy a carriage for Sissy- if you have not bought it, don’t mind to for the present, as you may be moving. When I start for Baltimore I will let you know by telegraph. I hope Ally and the children are well, also Maria and husband . Is he Q.M. Sergt. yet?

I don’t feel like writing much, so I will conclude by sending yourself and the little ones my love and a dozen kisses, and I remain,

Your loving Husband,

Scully,

I‘ll write often to make up for the shortness.

In the next instalment of Scully letters he returns to Tennessee and receives further news about his commission, as well as moving closer to a potential reunion with his wife.

Further Reading

McCan, Anthony 2002. ‘James Wall Scully- A Kilkenny Soldier in the American Civil War’ in Ferguson, Kenneth (ed.)The Irish Sword: The Journal of the Military History Society of Ireland, Vol. 23, No.91, Summer 2002, pp. 141- 154

Camp near Hamburg, Tenn.

April 30th 1862

 My Dear Wife,     

We moved our camp on yesterday to this place which is about a mile south of Hamburg Landing on the Tenn. river. Just as we got fixed to stay for some time, an order came from Genl. Halleck that we should advance in the morning, as New Orleans is captured and the Rebels would be likely to try and evacuate Corinth, as they are now nearly surrounded. I am certain that six days will not pass over before we have a battle. If we whip them here we will not go any further south but cross over and meet Burnsides somewhere in South Carolina Chivalry… perhaps we might go to Charleston and then I might see my sisters. I am afraid  that this sudden move will put an end to my speculations of going to see you. When the order came to move last night, I was sent to Pittsburg Landing with a dispatch and, on my way back to Camp, I got lost in the woods, and as it was pitch dark I did not get back until morning.  I had no place to lie down as the mud was about 4 feet deep and you can guess how I suffered as  it commenced to rain about one oclock and kept it up until morning – I had no overcoat and got wet through – I felt so bad I actually cried to think all I have gone through and all for the one effect and then to see no sign of getting it. I told G. [Gillem] how I felt and he gave me his word that I would not be disappointed.  I cannot tell you on paper all  I have gone through and  all the danger I have gone through to serve the U.S. since I came out here, but please God I will  have a chance soon to tell you with your precious head resting on my arm. I came out  as clerk with Capt. Gillem and I have never yet been employed as such – I have to Soldier just as much as ever.

I am gong over to see Genl. Bob McCook in the afternoon, he sent for me this morning, he is going to write to Sec. Stanton for me. They are school-fellows and started in law together, and Bob saw my actions at Mill Springs where he expressed on the field that “he wished to God Scully had that battery of  Standerts”. I wish I could get to see you and I would go myself to Washington.

The two infantry companies from Key West are here. I went to see Libby the other day – he is well and looks first-rate – he won $1900.00  on the steamboat coming from St. Louis – all of “Black Lips”. He told me that Tully cut up fine at Key West after he got his appointment. He used to go charging up to the Saltpond every evening with Mrs Clapp and he got tight one day and went into nearly every Big House on the  Key – he thought his being an officer entitled him to go any place. He got into some rows and had to be brought home by [illegible] Libby has distinguished himself again at  Island No. 10. He was surprised to see me out here.

You must give my love to Ally and them all and with my love and innumerable kisses for you and Sissy, I remain,

Your loving Scully

Address as before, only put Army of the Ohio, Tenn. river.

Pittsburg Landing as it looked in April 1862. Sketch by Alfred Waud. (Library of Congress)

Camp on the road, 4 miles nearer Corinth than yesterday,

May 2, 1862

My Dear Mary Anne,

We changed our camp today again and came 4 miles nearer the enemy. This is the way Genl. Halleck intends to trap them, by advancing on them slowly so as to get them inside their “fortifications”, for once in there, we can easily “shell” them out, and when made to leave their works, they are beaten. The storming party always has the advantage over the besieged. We are hourly expecting the battle to come off and if we whip them here they will offer no more resistance in the West. What news from Yorktown? I suppose it is “ALL QUIET” there yet. The “Grand Army” is too slow for our day…

I have not received a letter from you in a long time, the last one was dated April 12th – I hope you have not delayed writing on account of me not sending you an envelope. I have none of my own and have to borrow them from G. [Gillem] I am sick with the diarrhoe but not very bad. It is on account of the “stench” while encamped  on the battleground – It was horrible! There must  have been  many of the wounded Rebels died on their retreat from the battle, as the road is strewn with graves. I counted 121 new made graves on the sides of the road today and one man was buried in the wagon track and one of our wagon wheels went right through him. Such is war!

I don’t know when I will see you, but you must take good care of yourself and Sissy, and if any sickness happens to appear at Fort McHenry again, move right away whatever it costs. It was that accursed place that took away my darling child! I have no news to tell you but that Genl. McCook wrote to Washington for me.

Give my love to all and I remain you loving,

Scully.

May 7th, 1862

My Dear Wife,

Before this reaches you, you will, in all probability, hear of a great battle or the “evacuation” of Corinth. I have not received a letter from you since the 12th of April, and I cannot imagine why. I am sure I wrote you enough since the Battle of Shiloh to convince you that I am still alive and of course expecting your letters, but perhaps it may be the fault of the mail, although we get them very regularly.

We have just heard of  the evacuation of Yorktown and the pursuit of  the enemy by McClelland. I am afraid they may come into Tennessee and surround our brave army before we get a chance at Beauregard, but we have one hundred and twenty thousand of as brave and as well disciplined troops as stands this earth; and all the Rebels in “Dixie” can’t clean them out now.

If the enemy are still at Corinth, we will commence the battle some time tomorrow. Some of the Generals think they have left there, as they went within a mile of the works today without encountering any pickets, but Genls. Buell and Halleck are too cautious to be caught in a trap and prefer disbelieving the report, and closing up on them gradually, than running the risk of being ambuscaded. This place is all a dense wood, and you could not see a half a mile ahead – so it is better to be ready for any emergency than to rush ahead.

Gillem has been promoted Colonel of the 3rd Kentucky Cavalry. He has accepted it and received his Commissions from the Governor. He has written to Washington for permission to take it and as Genl. Buell has approved of it, he has no doubt but that he will get it. Of course, he will still retain his position in the Regular Army, as the Colonelcy will only be for the war. I don’t know what he will do with me, but he asked me how I liked to go into the Vol. Cavalry – I said nothing – he takes it as a matter of course that I’ll go with him. I suppose he will either make me Adjutant or give me a Company. No account of my Comm. yet – NO MATTER.

I can’t imagine what is the reason I don’t get a letter from you. I have written every other day and it is now nearly a whole month since I heard from you. Why is it?

I must now close as I want to go to bed, and expect to be welcomed early by the booming of hostile cannon. I hope I will soon get a letter from you. Give my love to all and kiss my little darling child for me, and letter or no letter, I am

Your ever devoted,

Scully.

There are more letters to follow from James Wall Scully, as his attempt to receive a commission continues.

Further Reading

McCan, Anthony 2002. ‘James Wall Scully- A Kilkenny Soldier in the American Civil War’ in Ferguson, Kenneth (ed.)The Irish Sword: The Journal of the Military History Society of Ireland, Vol. 23, No.91, Summer 2002, pp. 141- 154

Field of Shiloh,

 Tenn. river April 24,

 My Dear Wife,

I wrote to you several letters but owing to the irregularity of the mails to and from the point, I have got none from you of a later date than the 30th of March. I don’t blame you for the delay, as I know that you have sent me one for one and that they are all on the way now. The new appointments are out, and (as the paper says) on the way to the several “appointees”.  Genl. Thomas says that I may be sure of mine… the Sergeant Major of the 4th Cavalry and an Orderly Sergeant of one of the Companys here are also expecting appointments, as they were recommended some time since.

James Wall Scully in later life (Photo Courtesy of Anthony McCan)

Who do you think was here at our camp today ?  Bill Mumes … he belongs to the 4th Regular Cavalry and is at present  one of the Sergeants of Genl. Halleck’s Body Guard. He looks MAGNIFICENT and has not tasted a “drop” of liquor since  he left Company K.  He was splendidly dressed and looked “every inch” a soldier. I felt proud of him. He was astonished to see me. He never mentioned a word about Mrs. M. He had along with him that Jim Davis you used to speak so much about, he is Orderly Sergeant of a Missouri Vol. Battery.

I have been sick for the last two days but I am much better this evening, all in our camp are more or less sick. We will change camp in a day or two. The Rebels are still at Corinth but we have them nearly surrounded now… the first thing you know you will hear of the crowning feat of the war, by our Western Army. I will try to go see you on the 1st of the month… I cannot stay any longer. I hope that thing will come before then, but come or come not, I will try to go.

Mrs. Gillem is still at Nashville, the Secesh are annoying her very much. I suppose you were worried when you first heard the news of  our great battle, but I had a “narrow escape” like the Irishman that had such a narrow escape  from being drowned when the steamboat was lost. He “didn’t go in the boat”. I did not go into the battle, because I was not let, but I got there just as they were firing the last rounds after the “flying foe”, and I was sorry that I did go up there, for I saw the most heart-rending sights I ever saw in the course of my life.

I expect to get a letter from you tomorrow and I will write again soon. In the meantime give my love to Ally and the children. Kiss Sissy ten times for Papa and I will do all the kissing for you when we meet. Until then, of course I am,

Your Dear,

Scully.

Field of Shiloh,

Tenn. river,

25th April 1862,

My Dear Wife,

… I sent you a slip of paper with the names of those brevetted at Mill Springs, but of course my name could not be amongst them as brevetted — I have hopes yet. You say Col. Morris’ son received an appointment. I want you not to make any fuss over mine  until I get it, for those Big Officers are so prejudiced against a poor person getting up with themselves that they might use their influence to keep us down and Col. Morris is one of that kind. Why, the very worst thing that I could, or rather you could do, would be to write Secretary Stanton such a letter as you say.

In the first place it would be telling him that I had a wife, although they pretend to say that it makes no difference in time of war, still it might have an influence against me. It certainly would not be in my favour.

None of my recommendations mentioned about me having a wife. In the next place, after letting him know that I had one, you would be making him think that I had deserted you by not informing you of my whereabouts and how I never etc. etc..  It would never do — I will wait for time to develop my good or ungood fortune.

I am going to try and go see you after the first of the month. I think I may get leave, although G. [Gillem] hates to let me out of his sight, particularly in THAT direction, for fear I might not come back. He is confident that I will get a commission. If I don’t, Secretary Stanton and all his proclamations are sheer humbugs.

That is an excellent letter that my “Teutonic” brother had written for me — Why was it that he did not send it?  If I get to vacate this place, I will try to get it for him, although the only objection I would have to it would be to bring Maria within range of  Mrs G.  You can form an idea of the result. I am very glad to hear of Julia being so good at the piano. I hope she will be able to play “Dixie” for me when I go there. I am more comfortable today than I have been for some time although it has been raining all night and up to this time. I have a stove in my tent and a table to write on, which I have not had since I left Nashville.

Since writing the above, I have been to dinner, and such a dinner! Some fried pork, some fried  Hominy and a biscuit and not even a cup of coffee. G. myself and Capt. Gilbert mess together, Capt. Gilbert is caterer and is the stingiest individual you ever saw, he has us almost starved out, but anyway we can’t get much good things out here and if they can stand it, I can also. It will all come good when it comes to settle the bill.

We will soon have another big battle, although some are of the opinion that the Rebels will evacuate Corinth. Only for the rain we would be after them today —a reconnoitring party went out yesterday about six miles and came on a camp of about 3000 Rebels.  Our party killed fifteen and took 24 prisoners, the others ran away, leaving their camp and everything in it. We collected all the property of any account and then burned the camp and returned to  this place last night… Gen Halleck was to advance this morning but for the rain. We will move our camp in a day or two also for last night the most awful stench my proboscis ever encountered prevailed throughout this Camp — we must move.

I will now close by sending my love and also to Sister and the young ones, and, expecting soon to have the pleasure of pressing you to my heart,

I remain,

Your loving husband, 

Scully.

The next series of letters will appear in a follow-up post, as the army moves camp, and pressure is applied to the Confederate forces in Corinth. James Wall Scully still seeks his long hoped for commission.

Further Reading

McCan, Anthony 2002. ‘James Wall Scully- A Kilkenny Soldier in the American Civil War’ in Ferguson, Kenneth (ed.)The Irish Sword: The Journal of the Military History Society of Ireland, Vol. 23, No.91, Summer 2002, pp. 141- 154

Camp near Savannah, Tenn.

 8 0’clock P.M.

Monday, April 7th

My Dear Wife,

I wrote to you today at 2 o’clock p.m. while the battle was raging – I am happy to be able to tell you that our troops have gained the most brilliant victory that was ever known since the world began.

They commenced to run about the time that I finished my letter today and General Buell is after them yet.

They had one hundred and ten thousand men, we had upwards of ninety thousand engaged, Thomas or Wood did not get up on time. Prisoners report Beauregard dying, he had a leg and arm shot off. They also say Jeff Davis was badly wounded and that Sam Jones was killed. Waterloo was only a skirmish compared to this battle – the prisoners say that the Tenesseans are going to seek for pardon now and to give up. I just got a message to strike tents at four o’clock tomorrow morning and to follow the General. The loss is immense on our side but terrific on the Rebels – Awful! Conquering!. Beauregard is whipped at last and by our own brave Army of the West. Your Yankees are nowhere, I think I will turn Hoosier, Buckeye or Quaker. I think Secession is about played out now, they based all their hopes on this battle and lost and are now utterly dispersed.

I will now close as I must go to bed so as to start at four o’clock in the morning. I will say nothing about my commission for I haven’t got it yet but I know I will soon see you. Kiss Sissy for her pa and give my love to Ally and the young ones and with my best love,

I remain Your Husband.

The Rebels attacked us on Sunday and of course got beaten. 

Battle of Shiloh (Chromolithograph by Thure de Thulstrup, 1888)

Camp on Pittsburgh Battlefield

Sunday, April 11th, 1862

My Dear Wife,

 …We had an awful battle here on Sunday and Monday – our troops under Grant were “whipped” on Sunday, but Buell arrived on Monday and gave Beauregard as good a licking as he ever got. The Rebels are moving away to make another stand somewhere else they are within about seven or eight miles of us. There were a great many killed and wounded, about 10000 on our side… I don’t know when I can get my com– I send you a slip of paper showing you the names of the “Mill Springs” officers promoted –you see, I am left out. There are two names in it that were never under fire at all that day… I am very downhearted today for I expected it in the mail…But however I got two letters from my Dear Wife…

Your own true and loving

Scully.

Camp on the Battlefield of Shiloh,

Sunday, April 13th 1862

My Dear Wife,

It is just one week today since that awful battle was fought on this ground, when hordes of Rebels stood on the same ground which I now occupy… I don’t know the exact number of killed or wounded on either side yet but I suppose you will see by the papers. I suppose they will give all the glory to Grant, but I assure you, there never was a worse “whipped” army on the face of the earth than Grant’s was on Sunday night and were it not for the timely arrival of Buell, would have been utterly annihilated…Gen. Halleck is here now and takes command of both armies.

I told you of Gillem’s promotion, he is Brevet Major. He got a letter from Genl. Meige last night in answer to the one he wrote about me. He said that my name had been already on the list for First Promotion in the Adj’s Office and that he would use his influence to have me appointed immediately and dated back…

I will have so much to tell you about when I see you about the “Battlefield” I have had occasions now on both battles to have some business on the field about 12 or 1 o’clock at night and by moonlight too. Gillem will make you laugh when he tells you about me trying to wake up a dead Secesh thinking it was one of the Escort who was loafing under a tree…

Kiss Sissy for me and accept the imperishable love of your true and devoted,

Scully.

Camp Shiloh, Tennessee.

April 14th 1862.

My Dear Wife,

I wrote to you on yesterday, but as there is another mail leaving tonight I thought you might like to get “another” letter even if it came only one day after- Of course, I have not much more on account of sending all about the battle in my last, but Genl. Halleck is now in command here, and will move “upon the enemy’s works” at Corinth in a very few days.  I believe the next battle will be even greater than this last one. Indeed if it had not been for the timely arrival of Buell, the Rebels would have gained a victory which would add another year to this deplorable war. Only think of them encamping on Sunday night in the tents of Grant’s Army. The fields and woods were literally covered with dead men and horses and they are even now finding dead men lying around in the brush outside of our lines. As it may be a long time before MAJOR Gillem sees you, I will relate to you the story of myself and the dead man :-  (G. says he must tell it to you himself )… On the night of the battle of the second day (Monday) about half past 12 o’clock as I was bringing up the Headquarters team of wagons from the steamboat landing to the Camp ground (about 4 miles) three of our wagons got stuck in the mud and we could not get them out. I had an escort of ten men of the 19th Infy. with me and it not being enough I started for the Camp so as to get more men.  On my way thither, I got lost in the woods and came up to a man sitting up against a tree, he had a black slouch hat on and I thought he was one of the escort who was loafing there and not with the wagons. I says: Hello! what are you waiting for? No answer. I repeated Hello there ! Why ain’t you with the wagons? No answer. I then dismounted off “Zolly” and went over to him, placed my hand on his head and gave him a shake when “HORROR!” he fell over, stone dead. I tell you I mounted “Zolly” in double quick and never drew rein until I got to Camp. When I arrived Cl. Oaks, Capt. Gillem, Fry, Gilman, Gilbert and a great many others were sitting around a camp fire (Having no tents). Gillem remarked that I looked pale, that I must have seen a ghost. When I innocently told them about it and ever since they rigg me about it -but I dared any of them to go back with me and shake him up as I did. It seems laughable to me now, but at the time, not knowing it was a dead man, I was terribly shocked-As I could not send you any trophies from the Battlefield in a letter I send you the leaves of some flowers which I plucked from within a few yards of where the Provisional Governor (Rebel) of Kentucky fell, mortally wounded. I also send you a five dollar Treasury note, which I received today for copying a map of the Tennessee River for Genl. Nelson, it will go towards buying the spoons. Did you get the “scrip” or the copy of Genl. Meig’s letter I sent you from Nashville? You never mentioned whether you got them or not.

You must give my love to all and kiss Sissy for me and I am

Your true Husband,

J. W. Scully.

Field of Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing Tennessee.

April 20th, 1862

My Dear Wife,

I wrote to you a few days ago enclosing a small amount of money to you- I have received no letter from you this week but am expecting one today, that is, if a mail arrives. I tried to get leave to go see you and told G. that you were sick, but I could not go as he is appointed Inspector General of Artillery on General Buell’s staff. He is now brevet Major and feels very proud of it. I suppose “Maj” feels the same. Col. Oakes told me yesterday that he had a letter from Washington and that the new list of appointments is out. I suppose it will be some time before it will arrive here, but I will have patience. You can tell Maria’s husband to see the list for they will have it in the Adjutant’s Office at Fort McHenry long before it can get to here.  The Col. also told me that there are a great number of Lieuts. appointed, all of whom are from the Army and such as have seen service, and that they are the first appointments made this year- so, If I am amongst them, mine will date from the Battle of Mill Springs, the 19th of January, and I will get my rank and pay from that date. G.’s promotion and all the new Brigadiers that were made from that Battle, are dated from that time.

I don’t suppose we will move from here in some time, as it has been raining continually for the last two days and the roads are in a dreadful condition… Beauregard moved out to within six miles of us last Sunday morning, for the purpose of making another attack, but he heard that here was a Union force took possession of the railroad behind him, so he turned back… Genl. Michell had advanced as far as Hunterel, Alabama and destroyed the railroad bridge, thereby cutting off reinforcements for Beauregard from Virginia. The Rebels seem to be very partial to attacking on Sunday and, of course, getting licked.

If I can, I will go see you about the 1st of May whether my appointment comes or not. I will be just six months away then, and I think that is long enough to stay away without seeing my family, and remember how I left you, thinking I would be back on the following  [illegible] from Harrisburg. Besides that, think of all you have suffered since I left you, I WILL NOT stay away any longer that the last of the month… I know Gillem will not refuse me leave for about 20 days after sticking to him so faithfully since he was made Q.M.. At the end of this month I will have just $250.00 clear- I should have more but it cost me a great deal in Louisville and Nashville. I think I can get home free, what ever I may do coming back. I suppose Tully is at Key West by this time. It is singular that he never wrote to me.  You remember I wrote to him from Fort McHenry and he never answered it… I hope Ally is well and doing well as usual. Tom must be a great big fellow now. I guess Sissy will know me when she sees me. You will recollect that poor little Maggie never called “DADA” until she saw me.

This is a very unpleasant Sunday, it is raining and very chilly. It will be of great benefit though, for it will be likely to drive away the bad smell that infected the Camp since the battle.  Everyone from the General down got sick with diarrheoe but me and some of them went home on sick leave.

James Wall Scully would go on to receive his commission and would continue to serve in the military, retiring with the rank of Brigadier-General in 1900.

Further Reading

McCan, Anthony 2002. ‘James Wall Scully- A Kilkenny Soldier in the American Civil War’ in Ferguson, Kenneth (ed.)The Irish Sword: The Journal of the Military History Society of Ireland, Vol. 23, No.91, Summer 2002, pp. 141- 154

Civil War Trust Battle of Shiloh Page

Shiloh National Military Park

James Wall Scully had been serving as a Sergeant in K Battery, U.S. Light Artillery when war broke out in 1861. Stationed in Texas, he and his comrades were relocated to Union held territory in Florida when the Lone Star State seceded. In September 1861 Scully’s five year term of enlistment expired. While in the regulars he had served in the same unit as West Pointer Alvan Gillem, who with the rank of Captain was appointed Chief Quartermaster for the Army of the Ohio. The two men had become friends, and the Irishman decided to accompany Gillem in a civilian capacity, serving as his chief clerk. Gillem was eager to gain command of one of the volunteer regiments, and Scully was almost certainly promised a commission should he achieve this aim. Thus it was that they arrived in Kentucky in November 1861.

In January 1862 Confederate Brigadier-General Felix Zollicoffer (also referred to as ‘Zolly’ in the letters) who commanded Crittenden’s 1st Brigade moved his troops from guarding the Cumberland Gap further into Kentucky, pushing the majority of his men north of the Cumberland River. Thomas in turn moved his Union force to attack the Rebels, waiting for Brigadier-General Albin F. Schoepf’s forces to join him. Crittenden arrived on the scene and ordered Zollicoffer to march through the night and attack the Federals before they could concentrate. Battle was joined on the morning of 19th January, but the slowness of the Confederate march meant they had lost the element of surprise. After some initial success Zollicoffer was killed and the Rebel force was eventually routed. On a point of interest, the ‘Colonel McCook’ who Scully refers to in the letters as a ‘particular friend’ was Colonel Robert Latimer McCook, one of the famed family of ‘Fighting McCooks’. He would be killed later in 1862 in Alabama, having been promoted to Brigadier-General. Scully also includes a quote “Seeking the bubble reputation even at the cannon’s mouth” in his account of the battle. This is from Shakespeare’s play ‘As You Like It’, and means an individual who believes in his cause but who is engaged in an ultimately pointless endeavor.

The Battle of Mill Springs, Kentucky, 19th January 1862 (Currier & Ives)

Camp 5 miles from the enemy, Jany. 17th 1862

 My Dear Wife,

We arrived at this place today and will remain around here until the General sees fit to attack “Zolly”. Our pickets are in sight of his. We are confident of Whipping him, as we have more men and better equipped than he. I was this day offered the Captaincy of a company of  the 4th Regiment of Ky. Vols. Gillem advised me to take it, but for once I did not take his advice. I would rather wait for my appointment in the regulars. My health is very good and I can stand the cold much better than expected.

We had an awful march this far over a mud road we were over two weeks coming from Lebanon trying to get the wagons (600) through with unbroken mules. I suppose this wil be the last letter I can send you until after the battle. I hope to be able to send you the account of a glorious victory, old Zolly would retreat now if he had any way of dong so, but with Thomas on one side and Shoepf on the other, and the Cumberland River in his rear he has no alternative but fight or surrender. I think he will fight.

January 18th 1862

We are encamped just 4 miles from Zollicoffer’s works, our pickets are out and had a little skirmish with his last night. There are 6 Brigadiers here tonight, two of them (Shoepf and Carter) are to Bunk with us. I can’t tell when they will make the attack, but everything is ready and we are confident that old Zolly is in a peck of trouble.

 Sunday night, 11 o’clock, Jany. 19th, 1862

Hurah! A great Battle and a Glorious Victory.

 My Beloved Wife,

About 7 o’clock this morning we were roused from our beds by the beating of the “long roll”. Our pickets together with the camp of the 10th Indianas were attacked by the enemy in Full Force. He came out of his fortification with Eight Regiments and surprised us. He thought that we had but 4 regiments and thought he would make a big thing of it, but caught a tarter. The rebels fought like tigers for an hour, during which there was an incessant roar of musketry. The 4th Kentucky, 10th Indiana and 2nd Minnesota Regiments were the first in the fight, as their camps were more convenient to the Battleground, and for 20 minutes it was very doubtfull which side was gaining ground until at length Col. McCook at the head of his Regiment (Germans) charged them with the Bayonette and at the same time Col. Fry of the 4th Kentucky shot Zollicoffer through the heart, killing him instantly, then “Secesh” made a precipitate retreat throwing away everything that would impede their progress. I was in with Capt. Kinsy’s Battery and remained with them during the engagement. Once as I was looking for the General to know where we would take up our position, I had to pass under fire twice. I witnessed the grand charge of the Gallant McCook with his Dutchmen and a more splendid thing I never witnessed. The Colonel was shot in the leg, and as I passed by him, he sang out “Scully, I’m shot in the leg, but I’m good for the day anyhow”, he rode all day without having his wound dressed. He is an Ohioan and a particular friend of mine. I must say, my dear wife, that I often thought of you and the children and that suppose I got killed what would become of you, but Thank God I am well and safe. This evening after dark, the Captain sent me back to the camp, a distance of five miles {I rather think 8} for to lock the safe and to fix the things which in our hurry this morning we had left undone. I found everything all right, and tired as I am after being all day in the saddle, I thought while I had the chance I would write to you this letter. I had to come all the way alone over the battle field and it being partially moonlight I encountered some horrible sights. Piles of dead men Secesh and Union lay strewn all over the road and fields, and their ghastly countenances upturned in the moonlight made me feel a sensation crawl over me, not unlike fear. It was a night I can never forget. How many a brave heart beating with hope left both camps this morning, “Seeking the bubble reputation even at the cannon’s mouth”, but only to fly before noon into the presence of their Maker, but such is war. 

Monday Morning Jany. 20th.  7 o’clock

Dearest,

I fell asleep last night while writing but will try and finish this morning while my breakfast is getting ready. The cannonading has just commenced in the enemy intrenchments so I must hurry up as I want to be out there with the artillery. I will have this sent to the post office at Somersett if I can today and if not I will send the account of this days proceedings also. I know there will be a great many exaggerations about this battle but you may rely on this as being the true account of it as I put in nothing but what I witnessed myself. General Thomas will be highly applauded for the splendid way in which he managed this Battle. For the seven or eight miles we pursued and advanced on the enemy, the line was kept up as uniform as I ever saw a drill. There was the right and left flank and centre all through without a waver, and every regiment and its battery in its proper place, that one would imagine he was at a grand review instead of a terrific battle. All through, the General was as “Cool as a Cucumber”. Capt. Gillem was “man of all work” in the fight. He was sometimes directing the movements of some of the regiments, at another time getting up ammunition and seeing to his train; at another directing the fire of the Batteries, but his chief attention (next to his duties as Q.M.) was directed towards the two Tennessee Regiments, who of course he was most interested in. He brought them up twice leading them himself. We are reinforced this morning by four regiments of Shoepfs brigade from Somersett.

Dearest, I will now close for the present by sending my love to all of you, and several thousand kisses to yourself and the children.

Scully  

Somersett, Ky. Sunday night, Jany. 27th

My own dear Wife,

 … I am sure this battle will settle my commission for me. I have a beautiful horse and saddle which I think I will bring home to you. We captured over a thousand, and the General gave me one. I did not get the pants yet, but as the stage stopped running here on account of the road being so bad, I expect they are at Danville. I have sent for them. I am almost naked since the battle. I put my blouse around a wounded rebel and got my pants torn into shreds in the woods. I am wearing one of Col. Battles of the 15th (Rebel) Tennessee Regiment. which one of the men found in his tent.

 February, 5th 1862

 …I have a splendid saddle (Officers) and two horses, one of them a beauty, he belonged to Lieut. Owens of the rebel Cavalry (Alabama), and cost $600 when bought. I know it from the prisoners. I saved the life of the Lieut.-Colonel we took prisoner (Carter). The Tennesseans were just about shooting him when I rode up and told the first man that would attempt to point his piece at the prisoner that I would shoot him. The General commended me highly for it. I suppose you read all about the battle in the papers, but they can’t give you half an idea of the greatness of it. No person except those that saw it could conceive the amount of property of every description that we captured. I could have got hundreds of dollars worth, but I would not degrade myself by robbing private trunks as all the Vol. officers from Colonels down had done. The only Trophies I have are my horse, saddle, a homemade Bowie knife that would disgrace a Comanche to use it and a Muster Roll of a Tennessee company also a double-barrelled shotgun. I don’t know if ever I can get them home though. I got the pants and like them very much.

 I am your loving Scully.

Further Reading

McCan, Anthony 2002. ‘James Wall Scully- A Kilkenny Soldier in the American Civil War’ in Ferguson, Kenneth (ed.) The Irish Sword: The Journal of the Military History Society of Ireland, Vol. 23, No.91, Summer 2002, pp. 141- 154

Civil War Trust Mill Springs Page

Mill Springs Battlefield Association