6 a.m.
My Dear Father:
We camped or stayed
here last night in Yankee breast
works, having pursued McSellans’s [McClellan’s]
retreating forces so far. Should the
thing stop where it is now – we
have in effect & in fact ob-
tained a splendid victory. But
Lee seems to wish to annihilate
the Yankee army & is all around
them – The only difficulty is that
over extended lines may enable
to cut through, tho’ with heavy
[page 2]
loss at some point & escape.
We pursued him slowly, intention-
ally not pushing him until Jack-
son has with Walker fixed him-
self entirely on the other side. They
fought whenever we overtook
them - & there was skirmishing
all the way. Our Brigade was
3d from the front rank. But
just before sundown the infant-
ry portion of it was hotly engaged
with the Yanks for a short time.
The country does not admit
of much use of artillery to
a pursuing force. And the ar-
[page 3]
tiller attached to the front
brigade monopolized that, & a
heavy iron casemated gun on
a car on the R. R. pushed by
an engine. We are just on the R. Rd.
& have kept close by it all the
way. The quantity of
plunder left in our lines un-
destroyed is immense, tho’ the
Doodles burned & blew up
immense stores all the way,
not having time to burn any
that was separate from the
piles of stores all this scattered
fell into our hands. As for
the soldiers apparel, big coats
oil cloths, knap sacks &c &c
of splendid quality they are
[page 4]
immeasureable. Do not send
me paper. I have plenty of
Yankee paper & envelopes.
This is yankee on wh. I
write.
All the prisoners I have
seen, save one, including
even officers seem de-
lighted at being cap-
tured & I have seen several
hundred. I only wrote [or ‘write’] to
save you from any un-
easiness. I have not time to
write anything of interest. I
had saved a great many
little trinkets as prizes, had
I had an opportunity to
send them home. Poor
General Griffith! soon
after we left camp yes-
[page 5] terday had a part of his
thigh torn off by the frag-
ment of a Yankee shell.
Thus he was the first to suf-
fer in his iron brigade. I have
not heard from him since yes-
terday – his life was not then
despaired of. How sorry I am.
The movements of our lines
we can learn only by rumour.
Some one is about leaving
for camp. I must close as
I want this to reach you
as soon as possible. My dear-
[page 6]
est father farewell – may
heaven bless you & all.
Ever affly. yr. son
W. H. Perry, Jr.
P. S. Poor Genl. Griffith, he is
dead – I was about to close
when I heard it.
W. H. P.
Brig. General Richard Griffith was wounded at the battle of Savage’s Station, June 29, 1862, and died on the 30th.
For a Union soldier's account of the Seven Days Battle see the diary entries of Samuel Johnson
MSS 7786-d
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
1826 June 27
[Perry's letter of June 26 continues]
6 ¼ A.M. Last night our army drove
the enemy steadily before them several miles. Until
they came to a very strong position naturally & where
they (the enemy) also had strong earth works & heavy
guns mounted. There the battle raged heavily until
a quarter to nine last night, then it entirely ceased
until five minutes to four this morning – when And
there it is still raging with great violence. The
enemy being protected by a marsh & two very
large mill ponds. General Griffith says this
morning that it was A. P. Hill’s command that did
most of the fighting last night. This is not the
Hill who was with us a Leesburg., but a Virginian..
He also says Jackson has not yet struck a blow.
But is held in reserve with twenty two thousand men.
This body of Jackson’s I believe is equal to fifty thous-
[page 3]
sound Yankees. Various & amusing are the conjec-
tures as to whether the fire is drawing nearer or
againg going back to the left. The former indi-
cating success to us, the latter to the enemy. I
have just seen the Whig and Dispatch account they
are true in the main. Only they would convey the im-
pression that we took the last battery we charged
last night; wh: isn’t true.
7 A.M. The heavy firing of that battery has ceased
& the musketry has gradually worn around to the
right. This shows that we are again successful & the
battery is either taken or driven off – the first prob-
ably as it was of heavy guns. There is now as far
as the ear can judge almost a cessation. Around
this side of the Chy.[Chickahominy] river there is no fighting yet. One
heavy gun just opposite on this side has commenced
firing since the taking of that battery, on the eve-
my across the swamp.
10 minutes past 10 A.M. – Our lines have driven or rather ad-
vanced down the river below the white camps, which we
lookd at, half a mile. No firing has occurred
since it ceased as above mentioned. But ^ ‘our troops’ have
steadily advanced in line of battle. From this
side we could see squads of Yankees flying
in confusion. A Lieutenant of the 8th Pensylvania
crossed over this side & was taken prisoner; he
states that his enemy regiment was retreating
when last he saw it & concluded to take care of him-
[page 4]
self. Away over towards the Pamunkey we saw
clouds of smoke suddenly rise & cease as if they
were destroying powder. 15 Past eleven.
across the river some of our army is thrown two miles
below this point & no firing yet. What it means I don’t
know; but if our lines on the other side continues to
advance those of the enemy on this side will be in an
ugly fix. There is still no fight on this side. The
Examiner had not a correct account of yesterday’s
fight. It is about dusk. I was about commencing
to note to days proceeding as much well as my confined
opportunities would allow when in consequence of shells
beginning to fall in our camp we were ordered
to move camp. Reports which come in & seem true
indeed some are true I know. Say I was vastly mis-
taken as to the heavy loss which I imagined both
sides had received last night. The loss is represented
as very insignificant. (Send me some paper & an envel-
ope in your next letter I may be separated from my
knapsack as I now am). They have been fighting
or advancing on the other side of the river all day.
From the position we used the telescope at the fighting was
could be seen off to the right – We, they say, have charged
a battery there three or four times to day. No artillery was
taken yesterday save one siege gun left by the enemy.
As far as they were driven back they succeeded in
destroying every thing. A good deal of artillery & some
infantry fighting has occurred just in front of us on
this side the river this evening. No important result
[Written upside down on the top of page 4.]
that I know of, save heavy loss to some infantry. I have
[Written upside down on the top of page 1.]
given you an incoherent account of things just as they
occur to me. 28th. 9 A.M Accounts, official, & therefore
I suppose true represent the enemy as being completely
routed all beyond the Ch y. river. That will leave, if it be
[page 5]
true a large force, say from 30 to 50 thous-
and men (making a very rough guess)
of the enemy on this side of the Chy. river.
If the enemy beyond are completely routed,
this large force will have no means
of getting provisions or of getting away;
unless they whip our army in their
front which, have splendid fortify-
cations or unless they retreat by cut-
ting their way through our army
in the rear, wh: will I suppose take
a position near enough to the river to
have it as a barrier, If they do the first
they will not be much better off than
before they whipped us. For the most of
our army is, I think, beyond the river,
If they attempt the latter, it seems they
must be routed. Lee if things go well
will be immortal. McCellan [McClellan] probably
dropped. And if we really whip them
Virginia & my dear home free. It
seems to be true that their whole force
beyond the river, where they made a last
[page 6]
desperate stand, was very large & rein-
forced from this side, & was completely
routed including their reserve. Heaven
grant these accounts may be true! The ac-
counts, where that stand was made & which
we could see by walking a few hundred
yards, say we took at that place 32 pieces
of artillery (Probably exaggerated). This was so
far from us that we could see sheets of flame
from the infantry, but not hear a sound.
From the artillery we could only hear a rumb-
ling sound & see immense clouds of smoke
rising.
3 ½ P.M. All is quiet along here.
Jackson is I suppose in the rear of
the enemy & has possession of the R. R. Bridge
across the Pamunkey & this has cut off their
communications & retreat. Bob Knight has
been home sick, he returned to camp
a few days since, but for 4 days he has
been back close to Rd. [Richmond] with the wagons,
still indisposed. His father he tells me has
sold fifteen thousand dollars worth of clover
to the Confederacy & not one third of the clover
[Written upside down in top margin on page 6.]
is as yet exhausted. Will he not be able
if to pay for his farm if this continues?
My Dear Father all the particulars of the fight
you will learn more or less accurately from the papers
[Written upside down in the top margin on page 5.]
but they might be interesting as they seem to me. I send
mother an extract from Dispatch confirming my statement
of the local in which Mr. Wagon was killed. I send also
5 cents as a curiosity to George. My best love to all.
I send this off by the commissary this evening. Ever dear
[--] W. H. Perry, Jr.
[Written upside down on the bottom of page 6.]
Jackson, Longstreet, Hill &c can’t be heard to day
but are doubtless at work.
Battle of Gaines Mill. For a Union soldier's view of this battle see the diary of Samuel Johnson
MSS 7786-d
6 ¼ A.M. Last night our army drove
the enemy steadily before them several miles. Until
they came to a very strong position naturally & where
they (the enemy) also had strong earth works & heavy
guns mounted. There the battle raged heavily until
a quarter to nine last night, then it entirely ceased
until five minutes to four this morning – when And
there it is still raging with great violence. The
enemy being protected by a marsh & two very
large mill ponds. General Griffith says this
morning that it was A. P. Hill’s command that did
most of the fighting last night. This is not the
Hill who was with us a Leesburg., but a Virginian..
He also says Jackson has not yet struck a blow.
But is held in reserve with twenty two thousand men.
This body of Jackson’s I believe is equal to fifty thous-
[page 3]
sound Yankees. Various & amusing are the conjec-
tures as to whether the fire is drawing nearer or
againg going back to the left. The former indi-
cating success to us, the latter to the enemy. I
have just seen the Whig and Dispatch account they
are true in the main. Only they would convey the im-
pression that we took the last battery we charged
last night; wh: isn’t true.
7 A.M. The heavy firing of that battery has ceased
& the musketry has gradually worn around to the
right. This shows that we are again successful & the
battery is either taken or driven off – the first prob-
ably as it was of heavy guns. There is now as far
as the ear can judge almost a cessation. Around
this side of the Chy.[Chickahominy] river there is no fighting yet. One
heavy gun just opposite on this side has commenced
firing since the taking of that battery, on the eve-
my across the swamp.
10 minutes past 10 A.M. – Our lines have driven or rather ad-
vanced down the river below the white camps, which we
lookd at, half a mile. No firing has occurred
since it ceased as above mentioned. But ^ ‘our troops’ have
steadily advanced in line of battle. From this
side we could see squads of Yankees flying
in confusion. A Lieutenant of the 8th Pensylvania
crossed over this side & was taken prisoner; he
states that his enemy regiment was retreating
when last he saw it & concluded to take care of him-
[page 4]
self. Away over towards the Pamunkey we saw
clouds of smoke suddenly rise & cease as if they
were destroying powder. 15 Past eleven.
across the river some of our army is thrown two miles
below this point & no firing yet. What it means I don’t
know; but if our lines on the other side continues to
advance those of the enemy on this side will be in an
ugly fix. There is still no fight on this side. The
Examiner had not a correct account of yesterday’s
fight. It is about dusk. I was about commencing
to note to days proceeding as much well as my confined
opportunities would allow when in consequence of shells
beginning to fall in our camp we were ordered
to move camp. Reports which come in & seem true
indeed some are true I know. Say I was vastly mis-
taken as to the heavy loss which I imagined both
sides had received last night. The loss is represented
as very insignificant. (Send me some paper & an envel-
ope in your next letter I may be separated from my
knapsack as I now am). They have been fighting
or advancing on the other side of the river all day.
From the position we used the telescope at the fighting was
could be seen off to the right – We, they say, have charged
a battery there three or four times to day. No artillery was
taken yesterday save one siege gun left by the enemy.
As far as they were driven back they succeeded in
destroying every thing. A good deal of artillery & some
infantry fighting has occurred just in front of us on
this side the river this evening. No important result
[Written upside down on the top of page 4.]
that I know of, save heavy loss to some infantry. I have
[Written upside down on the top of page 1.]
given you an incoherent account of things just as they
occur to me. 28th. 9 A.M Accounts, official, & therefore
I suppose true represent the enemy as being completely
routed all beyond the Ch y. river. That will leave, if it be
[page 5]
true a large force, say from 30 to 50 thous-
and men (making a very rough guess)
of the enemy on this side of the Chy. river.
If the enemy beyond are completely routed,
this large force will have no means
of getting provisions or of getting away;
unless they whip our army in their
front which, have splendid fortify-
cations or unless they retreat by cut-
ting their way through our army
in the rear, wh: will I suppose take
a position near enough to the river to
have it as a barrier, If they do the first
they will not be much better off than
before they whipped us. For the most of
our army is, I think, beyond the river,
If they attempt the latter, it seems they
must be routed. Lee if things go well
will be immortal. McCellan [McClellan] probably
dropped. And if we really whip them
Virginia & my dear home free. It
seems to be true that their whole force
beyond the river, where they made a last
[page 6]
desperate stand, was very large & rein-
forced from this side, & was completely
routed including their reserve. Heaven
grant these accounts may be true! The ac-
counts, where that stand was made & which
we could see by walking a few hundred
yards, say we took at that place 32 pieces
of artillery (Probably exaggerated). This was so
far from us that we could see sheets of flame
from the infantry, but not hear a sound.
From the artillery we could only hear a rumb-
ling sound & see immense clouds of smoke
rising.
3 ½ P.M. All is quiet along here.
Jackson is I suppose in the rear of
the enemy & has possession of the R. R. Bridge
across the Pamunkey & this has cut off their
communications & retreat. Bob Knight has
been home sick, he returned to camp
a few days since, but for 4 days he has
been back close to Rd. [Richmond] with the wagons,
still indisposed. His father he tells me has
sold fifteen thousand dollars worth of clover
to the Confederacy & not one third of the clover
[Written upside down in top margin on page 6.]
is as yet exhausted. Will he not be able
if to pay for his farm if this continues?
My Dear Father all the particulars of the fight
you will learn more or less accurately from the papers
[Written upside down in the top margin on page 5.]
but they might be interesting as they seem to me. I send
mother an extract from Dispatch confirming my statement
of the local in which Mr. Wagon was killed. I send also
5 cents as a curiosity to George. My best love to all.
I send this off by the commissary this evening. Ever dear
[--] W. H. Perry, Jr.
[Written upside down on the bottom of page 6.]
Jackson, Longstreet, Hill &c can’t be heard to day
but are doubtless at work.
Battle of Gaines Mill. For a Union soldier's view of this battle see the diary of Samuel Johnson
MSS 7786-d
Sunday, June 26, 2011
1862 June 26
My Dear Father
I am now with my battery encamped
in the field not 100 yards from the point where
we parted. But how different are the circumstances!
Then all was quiet – nothing to say two large
hostile armies were by each other – two armies as much
embittered against one another as men have ever
been. Now the most incessant artillery, far around
to our left, I ever heard, tells that Jackson has
commenced that battle which is to decide so
much. No battle ever fought has decided more
than this will. The sun is setting – that artil-
lery began about two hours ago. Occasionally
when the roar of artillery ceases & its reverberation
(wh: latter is wonderful on the Chickahominy) the
rattle (it is generally called so, but is far from
being a rattling sound) of musketry indistinctly but
incessantly rolling (the true sound) tells the battle is
being hotly & hardly fought. (I have just heard
that this musketry has been going on for five
hours; ever since three P.M. & that it is between
Mechanicsville & Meadow Bridges. Tomorrow
I have no doubt will be the decisive day.
Oh! may Heaven grant us this victory & save
my country. This side of the swamp not a gun
[page 2]
can be heard. At the late battle of the Seven
Pines all the firing was this side. Tomorrow
I suppose it will be here & there too. The fight
of to day is much heavier than that of the 31st &
1st. Then we lost six thousand. That battle be-
gan about eleven then & was long in conse-
quence but the larger scale on which this bat-
tle is fought will give as many wounded, I
reckon. If the fighting is where I mentioned
above it cannot be Jackson’s army but must
be the commands of D. A. Hill. A. P. Hill & Long-
street, which have all gone ^ ‘to’ that locality.
[Perry will continue this letter on the 27th]
MSS 7786-d
I am now with my battery encamped
in the field not 100 yards from the point where
we parted. But how different are the circumstances!
Then all was quiet – nothing to say two large
hostile armies were by each other – two armies as much
embittered against one another as men have ever
been. Now the most incessant artillery, far around
to our left, I ever heard, tells that Jackson has
commenced that battle which is to decide so
much. No battle ever fought has decided more
than this will. The sun is setting – that artil-
lery began about two hours ago. Occasionally
when the roar of artillery ceases & its reverberation
(wh: latter is wonderful on the Chickahominy) the
rattle (it is generally called so, but is far from
being a rattling sound) of musketry indistinctly but
incessantly rolling (the true sound) tells the battle is
being hotly & hardly fought. (I have just heard
that this musketry has been going on for five
hours; ever since three P.M. & that it is between
Mechanicsville & Meadow Bridges. Tomorrow
I have no doubt will be the decisive day.
Oh! may Heaven grant us this victory & save
my country. This side of the swamp not a gun
[page 2]
can be heard. At the late battle of the Seven
Pines all the firing was this side. Tomorrow
I suppose it will be here & there too. The fight
of to day is much heavier than that of the 31st &
1st. Then we lost six thousand. That battle be-
gan about eleven then & was long in conse-
quence but the larger scale on which this bat-
tle is fought will give as many wounded, I
reckon. If the fighting is where I mentioned
above it cannot be Jackson’s army but must
be the commands of D. A. Hill. A. P. Hill & Long-
street, which have all gone ^ ‘to’ that locality.
[Perry will continue this letter on the 27th]
MSS 7786-d
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
1862 June 22 4 1/2 miles of Richmond [Virginia]
My Dear Father
there is nothing
whatever happening along the
lines wh: would interest you.
The lines are close, & sometimes
heavy skirmishing takes place, but
nothing more. All the news I have
wh: it is probable you may not
have, is that General Jackson
is coming down with his army –
to join us. He is said to have
been at Louisa Court House
yesterday with his army. That
is the only item,I know of, wh:
looks like a fight was expected
soon. I heard to day that General
Johnson is riding about. I sup-
pose it is true & sincerely hope it is.
The evening of the fight, just
before he was wounded, our
[page 2]
gun was just opening the
fight & firing very rapidly to cover
the attack of our infantry,
nearly all of our generals of any
note, among them president Davis,
were stand sitting on their horses
close by us; Johnson’s face was excited
& I thought him the finest look-
ing man I ever saw. McCarthy
started to Johnson to ask him
to withdraw as he was exposing
himself unnecessarily, when
he was checked by the wounding
of corporal Crump of our guns!
Not very long afterward Johnson
advanced farther & was wounded.
But I don’t suppose McCarthy’s
advice would have had much
effect. It is Sunday evening – I
was prevented writing this mor-
ning from writing by the
[page 3]
moving of our camp & as I am
driver this week it gave
me some trouble – The regular
driver is absent sick or pretend-
ing sickness & the different mem-
bers supply his place – a week at
a time to each man. So to conclude
my letter may be a little later
than usual this time. We moved
only about a mile crossing the
road & passing a little to the south
but further back from the
enemies lines. Our army seems
more busy than ever fortify-
ing. They have fortified the place
I wrote you they were not for-
tifying. We brought “Long
Tom” & some other guns down
& silenced their battery completely
some several days ago. Stuarts
exploit was a gallant one.
[page 4]
I see the Lunenburg cavalry
was with him. I wonder how
Lan liked it. Is there not some
mistake about a company
from Lunenburg being dis-
banded for want of arms?
My opinion is that the govermt.
can furnish arms to every
man they can get. Our army
improved arms among them.
It is said that Pryor’s brigade
did not come up to expectation.
Indeed that Huger’s entire di-
vision did not its duty. Huger
is blamed. It is said he was
ordered to begin the fight
on the right at six A.M. but
he did not so until about
eleven. I don’t suppose any blame
could be attached to Pryor.
[Written upside down on the top of page 4]
Do not send any more paper in
your letters until I write for it.
[Written upside down on the top of page 3.]
I got hold of my knapsack a few
days ago, but it was badly rifled. Of
[Written upside down on the top of page 2.]
all outer clothes & socks. Drawers & a few
articles alone were left. In it I found
some paper. I have not time to write
[Written upside down on the top of page 1.]
anymore. Give my best love to all.
My dear Father farewell. Affly yr son,
W.H. Perry
Perry refers briefly to General J.E.B. Stuart's ride around the Union Army, June 2-15, 1862.
General Joseph E. Johnston, 1807-1891, was seriously wounded in the Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks, May 31 and June 1, and was replaced in command by Robert E. Lee.
General Benjamin Huger, 1805-1877, did indeed perform poorly at Seven Pines and the following Seven Days Battle and was relieved of duty and transferred to the western theatre.
MSS 7786-d
there is nothing
whatever happening along the
lines wh: would interest you.
The lines are close, & sometimes
heavy skirmishing takes place, but
nothing more. All the news I have
wh: it is probable you may not
have, is that General Jackson
is coming down with his army –
to join us. He is said to have
been at Louisa Court House
yesterday with his army. That
is the only item,I know of, wh:
looks like a fight was expected
soon. I heard to day that General
Johnson is riding about. I sup-
pose it is true & sincerely hope it is.
The evening of the fight, just
before he was wounded, our
[page 2]
gun was just opening the
fight & firing very rapidly to cover
the attack of our infantry,
nearly all of our generals of any
note, among them president Davis,
were stand sitting on their horses
close by us; Johnson’s face was excited
& I thought him the finest look-
ing man I ever saw. McCarthy
started to Johnson to ask him
to withdraw as he was exposing
himself unnecessarily, when
he was checked by the wounding
of corporal Crump of our guns!
Not very long afterward Johnson
advanced farther & was wounded.
But I don’t suppose McCarthy’s
advice would have had much
effect. It is Sunday evening – I
was prevented writing this mor-
ning from writing by the
[page 3]
moving of our camp & as I am
driver this week it gave
me some trouble – The regular
driver is absent sick or pretend-
ing sickness & the different mem-
bers supply his place – a week at
a time to each man. So to conclude
my letter may be a little later
than usual this time. We moved
only about a mile crossing the
road & passing a little to the south
but further back from the
enemies lines. Our army seems
more busy than ever fortify-
ing. They have fortified the place
I wrote you they were not for-
tifying. We brought “Long
Tom” & some other guns down
& silenced their battery completely
some several days ago. Stuarts
exploit was a gallant one.
[page 4]
I see the Lunenburg cavalry
was with him. I wonder how
Lan liked it. Is there not some
mistake about a company
from Lunenburg being dis-
banded for want of arms?
My opinion is that the govermt.
can furnish arms to every
man they can get. Our army
improved arms among them.
It is said that Pryor’s brigade
did not come up to expectation.
Indeed that Huger’s entire di-
vision did not its duty. Huger
is blamed. It is said he was
ordered to begin the fight
on the right at six A.M. but
he did not so until about
eleven. I don’t suppose any blame
could be attached to Pryor.
[Written upside down on the top of page 4]
Do not send any more paper in
your letters until I write for it.
[Written upside down on the top of page 3.]
I got hold of my knapsack a few
days ago, but it was badly rifled. Of
[Written upside down on the top of page 2.]
all outer clothes & socks. Drawers & a few
articles alone were left. In it I found
some paper. I have not time to write
[Written upside down on the top of page 1.]
anymore. Give my best love to all.
My dear Father farewell. Affly yr son,
W.H. Perry
Perry refers briefly to General J.E.B. Stuart's ride around the Union Army, June 2-15, 1862.
General Joseph E. Johnston, 1807-1891, was seriously wounded in the Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks, May 31 and June 1, and was replaced in command by Robert E. Lee.
General Benjamin Huger, 1805-1877, did indeed perform poorly at Seven Pines and the following Seven Days Battle and was relieved of duty and transferred to the western theatre.
MSS 7786-d
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
1862 June 21
[The following letter is so faded as to be nearly illegible]
Dear Father
We had by [?] Sunday
a terrible battle. I am
well. Our company had
one killed, 8 or 10 wounded.
Our escape was a mir-
acle. But for [--]
Forbish McGruber [?] we
had yesterday annihilated
a large portion of the
yankee army. I have
an unexpected oppor-
tuniy to write which
does not allow time to
write more – the carrier
I mean will not wait.
We occupied last night
in Battle field, ^ ‘and the’ enemy of
course disappeared during
the night. My fondest love
to all. Ever dearest
father yr. affectionate son
W. H. Perry
W. H. Perry Jr.
I merely write to tell you
our uneasiness. I do
wish you would not
be so about me [--]
before yesterday [--] Long-
street whipped the Yankees
badly; I mean a portion of
them. My very best love to
self and all. We, our army, are
within a few miles of James
river. The rain today is bad
on those who are moving. We,
I mean my company, is lying still
so far to day.
MSS 7786-d
Dear Father
We had by [?] Sunday
a terrible battle. I am
well. Our company had
one killed, 8 or 10 wounded.
Our escape was a mir-
acle. But for [--]
Forbish McGruber [?] we
had yesterday annihilated
a large portion of the
yankee army. I have
an unexpected oppor-
tuniy to write which
does not allow time to
write more – the carrier
I mean will not wait.
We occupied last night
in Battle field, ^ ‘and the’ enemy of
course disappeared during
the night. My fondest love
to all. Ever dearest
father yr. affectionate son
W. H. Perry Jr.
I merely write to tell you
our uneasiness. I do
wish you would not
be so about me [--]
before yesterday [--] Long-
street whipped the Yankees
badly; I mean a portion of
them. My very best love to
self and all. We, our army, are
within a few miles of James
river. The rain today is bad
on those who are moving. We,
I mean my company, is lying still
so far to day.
MSS 7786-d
Sunday, June 19, 2011
1862 June 20 4 1/2 Miles of Richmond
My Dear Father
Your welcome letter came last evening.
We are in the same camp as when last I wrote
&, with us at least, all is quiet. So I have noth-
ing in the way of experience to give you – We are spend-
ing in camp necessarily a lazy life. But possibly more
pleasant than an active one, in such hot weather.
I suppose, from our not moving, that we will be
kept here to await another “on to Richmond,” of the
young Napoleon. I say suppose because everything
is kept secret from both men & officers, even from
the Major Generals. All we learn is through intercourse
with soldiers who have seen different movements.
We know, as you doubtless do, that Jackson has
gone west again. But whether to East Tennessee,
The Valley, or Orange & adjacent country, can only
conjecture. I believe ^ ‘to’ the Valley. We also know
they are working night & day on the “Young
Virginia” in Richmond. But whether it is contempla-
ted to keep here as a defence to the city (McLellan’s
making the James river his basis having
given a new impetus to the Iron plates) or whether
to send her below the obstructions & attempt to em-
barras his army by that means, we can only
judge from what we are as you I was desi-
rous to know if we might not plant batteries
below him & harass or destroy him. I can’t find
out. I asked Captain McCarthy if he were erect-
ing such batteries, he remarked the Yankees
say so. So you see we know nothing. And, as
you, we look to the papers for information
& are equally unsatisfied with the result. I do
not say dissatisfied because I am glad to see
[page 2]
they are able to keep their movements secret. Do you
not think the news from the different battle
grounds is cheering? The ram Arkansas does
not however seem to be as strong as the Virginia
was, as she was perforated once or twice. I have
just this moment heard that 150 prisoners came
to Richmond yesterday taken by Stone Wall near
Orange Court House, so that he must be in
that neighbourhood.
Our loss in the five battles of Richmond on
our side ^ ‘was’ not more than 12 or 15 thousand, This
in killed & wounded. Put Thursday’s fight at 500
Friday’s at 4,500. Sunday’s at 500, Monday’s at 2500
& Tuesday’s at 6 000; gives a total of 14 thousand. The
estimates I make exceede rather than fall short
of the true loss. Upon what data Lan founds
his calculations I can’t conceive. The enemy’s
loss was very, very much heavier. Sunday
& Tuesday (the only two fights that McGruder man-
aged) they resisted with most success. On Mon-
day morning I could stand in one place &
count more dead Yankees than we lost in the
^ ‘whole’ fight of Sunday ^ ‘in killed’. These Yankees were killed by
our brigade ther evening before ^ ‘i.e. Sunday evening.’; notwithstand-
ing they were ordered to cease firing upon friends & thus
silently receive the fire of these friends who
proved to be Vermont regiments. These are
facts, for I saw them myself. I walked over
Monday’s battle field before the sun was up,
Tuesday & frequently afterwards, & know the
Yankee’s lay two to our one & think many
more. This battle did not cease until 9 or
10 P.M. Monday, so that with the means we had &
[page 3]
do use we could not have moved any of our
dead from the field, indeed many wounded
still were there & or course they are attended to
before the dead – first our wounded are cared
for – then the Yankee wounded – then our
dead then the Yankee dead – the dead of both
sides generally being buried where they lay
unless friends take them home or move them
to some tree or their grave is marked, if their
name is known with whatever is most con-
venient ^ ‘&’ or substantial. This (Monday’s) I con-
sider our most brilliant fight of the five.
It was here that Pryor’s brigade fought so
gallantly. Tuesday’s fight was almost a disas-
ter. to us, yet the Yankees loss was much heav-
ier even here I think than ours. I did not go
over the battle field until wounded were re-
moved & nearly all the dead buried. But many of
my company did – they went from camp with
the impression that they would see many more dead
friends than enemies – they came back saying
there were more dead Yankees; some one who
thought they were about equal. And this ex-
cluded a collection of dead of from 500 – 1,000
the enemy & placed far from the field, wh:
full[?] was reported in a reliable form. I think it is the
superious accuracy of our infantry in their aim
wh: makes battles more destructive to the enemy
than to ourselves. In one place where they took
a yankee battery there were 64 horses killed
belonging to that battery alone. Indeed it is
painful to see the great number of fine
horses killed in every fight, both ours & the
[page 4]
enemy’s. Our infantry shoot very finely – I saw
the top plank on a fence so riddled with
balls that a cat would have difficulty
living behind it. This too you know is about
the right height. But there is one think wh:
I believe would prevent an aggressive move
from being successful. It is the want of proper
discipline in the infantry, this want always
creates a want of reliance on one another. This
renders the troops more subject to panics &
unfit for long stubborn fights. Undisciplined
troops make one charge & ours do make
these charges very gallantly, but driven
back in this charge they will rarely re-
peat the charge or if rendered is never
successful [---] in our army
fall back to the rear; so at times in tolerable
order but oftener as stragglers & can’t be
used until reorganized, wh: reorganization
can be more or less speedy as they have
been subject previously to more or less disci-
pline. This discipline is what saved McLellan’s
army, or if ours had been equally disciplined they
would have been lost to the north. I omitted one
difference which is made generally in burying the
dead. Our men are put in graves, the enemy
often have merely dirt thrown over them as
they lie. I send a Yankee letter – there is
nothing remarkable about it – save that
of the hundreds I have seen it is the
best in composition & far the best in spelling,
about the only one without something hatefully
vulgar. Can you have a pr. of shoes made
& send them to Rd. for m? If so do so soon
[written upside down on the top of page 4)
as you can conveniently. I could I suppose get a
pr in Rd. but they would cost so much more. I
have just bo’t a pr of pants for wh. I had to
give 25 dollars & they are not extra in quality but[?]
[written upside down on the top of page 3]
numbers of the company are paying 30 or 35 in
Richmond for Jackets & pants. I will write when
I wish you to send me more paper. Do you not
think McLellan [McClellan] is the biggest liar in the world? It is
[written upside down on the top of page 2]
said his first dispatch after his repulse above at
Williamsburg was that he had beaten the rebels
along the whole line without the loss of a single
man. It is said he is the son of Dr. Mc’n. of Phila. who is
[written upside down on the top of page 1]
one of the biggest liars in the world. Ask Mother
or Mrs. Smith if they know if this is true of the General’s
father. My very best love to all
May heaven ever bless you
Dear father farewell
W. H. Perry Jr.
MSS 7786-d
Your welcome letter came last evening.
We are in the same camp as when last I wrote
&, with us at least, all is quiet. So I have noth-
ing in the way of experience to give you – We are spend-
ing in camp necessarily a lazy life. But possibly more
pleasant than an active one, in such hot weather.
I suppose, from our not moving, that we will be
kept here to await another “on to Richmond,” of the
young Napoleon. I say suppose because everything
is kept secret from both men & officers, even from
the Major Generals. All we learn is through intercourse
with soldiers who have seen different movements.
We know, as you doubtless do, that Jackson has
gone west again. But whether to East Tennessee,
The Valley, or Orange & adjacent country, can only
conjecture. I believe ^ ‘to’ the Valley. We also know
they are working night & day on the “Young
Virginia” in Richmond. But whether it is contempla-
ted to keep here as a defence to the city (McLellan’s
making the James river his basis having
given a new impetus to the Iron plates) or whether
to send her below the obstructions & attempt to em-
barras his army by that means, we can only
judge from what we are as you I was desi-
rous to know if we might not plant batteries
below him & harass or destroy him. I can’t find
out. I asked Captain McCarthy if he were erect-
ing such batteries, he remarked the Yankees
say so. So you see we know nothing. And, as
you, we look to the papers for information
& are equally unsatisfied with the result. I do
not say dissatisfied because I am glad to see
[page 2]
they are able to keep their movements secret. Do you
not think the news from the different battle
grounds is cheering? The ram Arkansas does
not however seem to be as strong as the Virginia
was, as she was perforated once or twice. I have
just this moment heard that 150 prisoners came
to Richmond yesterday taken by Stone Wall near
Orange Court House, so that he must be in
that neighbourhood.
Our loss in the five battles of Richmond on
our side ^ ‘was’ not more than 12 or 15 thousand, This
in killed & wounded. Put Thursday’s fight at 500
Friday’s at 4,500. Sunday’s at 500, Monday’s at 2500
& Tuesday’s at 6 000; gives a total of 14 thousand. The
estimates I make exceede rather than fall short
of the true loss. Upon what data Lan founds
his calculations I can’t conceive. The enemy’s
loss was very, very much heavier. Sunday
& Tuesday (the only two fights that McGruder man-
aged) they resisted with most success. On Mon-
day morning I could stand in one place &
count more dead Yankees than we lost in the
^ ‘whole’ fight of Sunday ^ ‘in killed’. These Yankees were killed by
our brigade ther evening before ^ ‘i.e. Sunday evening.’; notwithstand-
ing they were ordered to cease firing upon friends & thus
silently receive the fire of these friends who
proved to be Vermont regiments. These are
facts, for I saw them myself. I walked over
Monday’s battle field before the sun was up,
Tuesday & frequently afterwards, & know the
Yankee’s lay two to our one & think many
more. This battle did not cease until 9 or
10 P.M. Monday, so that with the means we had &
[page 3]
do use we could not have moved any of our
dead from the field, indeed many wounded
still were there & or course they are attended to
before the dead – first our wounded are cared
for – then the Yankee wounded – then our
dead then the Yankee dead – the dead of both
sides generally being buried where they lay
unless friends take them home or move them
to some tree or their grave is marked, if their
name is known with whatever is most con-
venient ^ ‘&’ or substantial. This (Monday’s) I con-
sider our most brilliant fight of the five.
It was here that Pryor’s brigade fought so
gallantly. Tuesday’s fight was almost a disas-
ter. to us, yet the Yankees loss was much heav-
ier even here I think than ours. I did not go
over the battle field until wounded were re-
moved & nearly all the dead buried. But many of
my company did – they went from camp with
the impression that they would see many more dead
friends than enemies – they came back saying
there were more dead Yankees; some one who
thought they were about equal. And this ex-
cluded a collection of dead of from 500 – 1,000
the enemy & placed far from the field, wh:
full[?] was reported in a reliable form. I think it is the
superious accuracy of our infantry in their aim
wh: makes battles more destructive to the enemy
than to ourselves. In one place where they took
a yankee battery there were 64 horses killed
belonging to that battery alone. Indeed it is
painful to see the great number of fine
horses killed in every fight, both ours & the
[page 4]
enemy’s. Our infantry shoot very finely – I saw
the top plank on a fence so riddled with
balls that a cat would have difficulty
living behind it. This too you know is about
the right height. But there is one think wh:
I believe would prevent an aggressive move
from being successful. It is the want of proper
discipline in the infantry, this want always
creates a want of reliance on one another. This
renders the troops more subject to panics &
unfit for long stubborn fights. Undisciplined
troops make one charge & ours do make
these charges very gallantly, but driven
back in this charge they will rarely re-
peat the charge or if rendered is never
successful [---] in our army
fall back to the rear; so at times in tolerable
order but oftener as stragglers & can’t be
used until reorganized, wh: reorganization
can be more or less speedy as they have
been subject previously to more or less disci-
pline. This discipline is what saved McLellan’s
army, or if ours had been equally disciplined they
would have been lost to the north. I omitted one
difference which is made generally in burying the
dead. Our men are put in graves, the enemy
often have merely dirt thrown over them as
they lie. I send a Yankee letter – there is
nothing remarkable about it – save that
of the hundreds I have seen it is the
best in composition & far the best in spelling,
about the only one without something hatefully
vulgar. Can you have a pr. of shoes made
& send them to Rd. for m? If so do so soon
[written upside down on the top of page 4)
as you can conveniently. I could I suppose get a
pr in Rd. but they would cost so much more. I
have just bo’t a pr of pants for wh. I had to
give 25 dollars & they are not extra in quality but[?]
[written upside down on the top of page 3]
numbers of the company are paying 30 or 35 in
Richmond for Jackets & pants. I will write when
I wish you to send me more paper. Do you not
think McLellan [McClellan] is the biggest liar in the world? It is
[written upside down on the top of page 2]
said his first dispatch after his repulse above at
Williamsburg was that he had beaten the rebels
along the whole line without the loss of a single
man. It is said he is the son of Dr. Mc’n. of Phila. who is
[written upside down on the top of page 1]
one of the biggest liars in the world. Ask Mother
or Mrs. Smith if they know if this is true of the General’s
father. My very best love to all
May heaven ever bless you
Dear father farewell
W. H. Perry Jr.
MSS 7786-d
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
1862 June 1 4 1/2 miles of Richmond
Dr. Garnetts farm, 9 mile or New Bridge road
My Ever Dear Father
Yr. letter of the 25th mailed the 27th
reached me on the 29th. I was extremely glad
to get a letter of so recent date from
home. Frank Williams tells me you were
looking quite well. You say George is left
in a puny state by his sickness. I most
sincerely hope this will not continue.
Yesterday’s battle of considerable
dimensions began, away round on
our right towards James river. There,
they were driven back by our men – we
made the attack in this fight. It ex-
tended from where it began to the road on
which we are stationed. Just in
front of us there was quite a hard
fight, lasting from about a quarter
past three until night & was renewed this
morning for about an hour. here
we obtained only a very partial success,
occupying a part only of the battle field – at
[page 2]
one time we had here also their
entire camp &c. But were compelled
to abandon this. The above account
is as accurate a one as I can give
from what I heard & saw. Our company
was engaged for not more than an
hour or two & then at intervals. We had
only one man injured; the gunner to the
piece with which I act – badly in the
foot. President Davis, Generals Lee & Davis
&c etc were on the field to day & yesterday.
I am quite sorry to say that Genl.
Johnson was among the wounded, it
is said – severely tho’ the surgeon says
not mortally. I know of its seriousness
only by rumour – Brigdr. General [Robert Hopkins] Hatton of
Tennessee was killed. B. Gl. [James Johnston Pettigrew] Pettigrue
was badly wounded. Why the battle
has lulled until now, I don’t know, save
an occasional shell. It is now half
past two. It ceased about 10 A.M. We
are said to have obtained more
stores &c &c & some artillery, very few
[page 3]
prisoners. The killed and wounded on both
sides must be quite heavy. Im-
mediately on our left is the Chickahom-
iny, between the contending parties, & for
this reason, ^ ‘the battle’ was limited & extended no
farther. I don’t know but suppose
our Genl. hoped to ship & capture
that part of the enemy’s forces whi. are
in our front & this side of the chicka-
hominy. This I think they could have
done had night not come so soon.
The enemy were fortifying. The field was
such that we could use very little
artillery – in fact none during the heat
of the battle, It ceased at dark. The
stragglers about are loaded with
Yankee big coats & c&c.
As to a colt from my mare, exercise your
own discretion entirely. If Wms. horse
is a fine one I would prefer either it or
Scotts horse to a Morgan horse. Tho’
as I said above exercise entirely yr. own
judgment as to these or any horse.
[page 4]
I omitted to say I don’t think any thing
of great importance has been gained
by the battle. I must close now.
If any occurs & I have an opportunity
before sending this, this evening, I
will add it ^ ‘if I have an opportunity.’ My best love to all.
Farewell dearest Father
Yr affectionate son
W. H. Perry Jr.
4 P. M All is quiet.
Perry's description of the Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks
The injured man described on page 2 was Corp. George R. Crump
For a Union soldier's view of the battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks see the blogged diary of Samuel Johnson
MSS 7786-d
My Ever Dear Father
Yr. letter of the 25th mailed the 27th
reached me on the 29th. I was extremely glad
to get a letter of so recent date from
home. Frank Williams tells me you were
looking quite well. You say George is left
in a puny state by his sickness. I most
sincerely hope this will not continue.
Yesterday’s battle of considerable
dimensions began, away round on
our right towards James river. There,
they were driven back by our men – we
made the attack in this fight. It ex-
tended from where it began to the road on
which we are stationed. Just in
front of us there was quite a hard
fight, lasting from about a quarter
past three until night & was renewed this
morning for about an hour. here
we obtained only a very partial success,
occupying a part only of the battle field – at
[page 2]
one time we had here also their
entire camp &c. But were compelled
to abandon this. The above account
is as accurate a one as I can give
from what I heard & saw. Our company
was engaged for not more than an
hour or two & then at intervals. We had
only one man injured; the gunner to the
piece with which I act – badly in the
foot. President Davis, Generals Lee & Davis
&c etc were on the field to day & yesterday.
I am quite sorry to say that Genl.
Johnson was among the wounded, it
is said – severely tho’ the surgeon says
not mortally. I know of its seriousness
only by rumour – Brigdr. General [Robert Hopkins] Hatton of
Tennessee was killed. B. Gl. [James Johnston Pettigrew] Pettigrue
was badly wounded. Why the battle
has lulled until now, I don’t know, save
an occasional shell. It is now half
past two. It ceased about 10 A.M. We
are said to have obtained more
stores &c &c & some artillery, very few
[page 3]
prisoners. The killed and wounded on both
sides must be quite heavy. Im-
mediately on our left is the Chickahom-
iny, between the contending parties, & for
this reason, ^ ‘the battle’ was limited & extended no
farther. I don’t know but suppose
our Genl. hoped to ship & capture
that part of the enemy’s forces whi. are
in our front & this side of the chicka-
hominy. This I think they could have
done had night not come so soon.
The enemy were fortifying. The field was
such that we could use very little
artillery – in fact none during the heat
of the battle, It ceased at dark. The
stragglers about are loaded with
Yankee big coats & c&c.
As to a colt from my mare, exercise your
own discretion entirely. If Wms. horse
is a fine one I would prefer either it or
Scotts horse to a Morgan horse. Tho’
as I said above exercise entirely yr. own
judgment as to these or any horse.
[page 4]
I omitted to say I don’t think any thing
of great importance has been gained
by the battle. I must close now.
If any occurs & I have an opportunity
before sending this, this evening, I
will add it ^ ‘if I have an opportunity.’ My best love to all.
Farewell dearest Father
Yr affectionate son
W. H. Perry Jr.
4 P. M All is quiet.
Perry's description of the Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks
The injured man described on page 2 was Corp. George R. Crump
For a Union soldier's view of the battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks see the blogged diary of Samuel Johnson
MSS 7786-d
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