Camp 7^th Ill. Inf. V.V.

Raleigh, N.C. April 27^th/65.

 

My Darling Etta,

                        I supose you think it is high time I was writing something for you must know the army has not been moving much lately and probably think we have been lying idle, it is so with most of the army, but with us it is quite different. little squads of rebels are surrendering all around us wherever they are stationed. They send in word that they want to surrender and our regt has to go out to receive their arms and escort [faded] officer, so they keep us dodging about about all the time. But I would rather do it than lay in camp now, for the time passes so much faster. when we lay still a day it seems almost as long as a week. I believe today seems longer to me than any I ever saw. this morning I went out to graze my horse turned him lose in a pasture and laid down under a large tree nearby until I thought it was dinner time, then came to camp and finding dinner not near ready, I laid down and took a good nap, woke up, rubbed my eyes, and began to think I had lost my dinner, when I heard the cook sing out coffee. after dinner I commenced this letter it is now only about 1 oclock and I shall probably have time to graze again and perhaps take another nap before supper. 

 

We arrived at Raleigh on the 14^th took the place with but little scirmishing. Our Regt [faded] the first to enter I was in the advance with two men for advance guard and rode six miles as fast as our horses would carry us to get here first but failed. some of Kilpatricks Cavelry beat me, just a little, but enough to get their colors in the state house, it was provoking. they traveled on another road and I did not know that they wer so close so thought I was certain to reach it first. Our Corp continued the march the next day after Johnson who retreated toward Hilsboro, but was halted at Morrisville 15 miles from here where we remained sevral days while Sherman and Johnson were holding a truce. Here we rec^d the joyful news of the surrender of Lee and the commander of the Army, and feeling confident that Johnson would surrender, knowing that if he did not it would take but a few days to demolish him, our hearts wer made glad by the  bright anticipations of a speedy return to our loved homes and a joyfull meeting with those dearest to us. Home, sweet Home, was uppermost in the heart mind of evry almost evry soldier. We felt that our last battle was fought, that we would would not be called uppon again to enter the field of strife and witness the horrible scenes of bloodshed and human butchery enacted there, that the angel of peace was once more hovering over our beloved land which would soon be reunited by the strong bonds of brotherhood, free from the stain of human slavery (which has polluted its sacred soil since its very birth) and existing in a far nobler, purer, and [faded] / sphere than ever before, and that we were [faded] to reap the fruits of the four long and tedious years we have spent in our countrys service. Our hearts were light over the bright prospect, indeed our joy was inexpressible. no one could be made to appreciate it except the soldier who experienced it, but while in the fulness of our joy we rec^d the melacholy news of the cowardly assassination of our noble President, whose many acts of kindness and words of encouragement (expressing sentiment worthy of the noblest of men) towards the Soldiers, made him almost an idol with the whole army. It changed our feeling of extreme joy to one of deep grief. no more cheering was heard in the different camps but evry one seemed silent and thoughtful, little groups were to be seen around evry campfire with astonishment [faded] and indignation depicted on evry countenance, discussing the probable origin of the diabolical plot and what should be done with the fiends connected with it. All agreed in the belief that it originated with the leaders of this wicked rebelion. Oh bitter were the imprecations that went out against those men and all who even sympathised with the southern cause. some said they hoped Johnson would refuse to surrender and give us a chance to fight and exterminate him. I heard a great many declare they would [paper fold] another prisoner alive, in fact that was the general feeling all through the army, but on a second thought, that would be wrong and I for one would consent to pardon the masses, those whose influence is limited. But the leaders, never. Davis and his cabinet, the rebel congress and / [faded] all civil officers of high authority both of goverment and state, newspaper editors and political aspirants who fired the southern heart and inflamed the people to their rash acts of treason ought to be hung. The country demands it, the soldiers demand it in the name of our noble comrades whose lives were sacrificed in trying to defend our Country against those [?] scoundrels who for the [?] of their own interests sought to destroy it. [faded] and they have committed murder a thousand fold, they are accountable for the life of every man killed in this war, and they ought to hang them. I hope that the successor of our lamented chieftain will see that justice is dealt and liberally to these perfidious traitors whose deeds of infamy are darker than night itself.

 

            There still seems to be truce between the two armies for we are not allowed to forage off the country and are forbidden to fire on any rebels until the armistice. we have retrenched [?] and are waiting anxiously for [paper fold] again this lying so supine is not very agreable. It is just reported this afternoon that Johnson has surrendered the confederacy but there is nothing official yet. I have not the least doubt about Johnson surrendering his army for he can scarcely avoid it, he is nearly surrendered and his army has nearly all left him and gone to their homes. since lee surrendered they see the utter impossibility of sustaining a cause so hopeless, becoming inflamed at their leaders for what [paper fold] Gen Grant is here. He review part of our Corp a few days ago he looks the same as he used to when he commanded our Brigade at Cairo, only he smoked a cigar there but now he uses a pipe. There is a rumor that our Corp is to march tomorrow toward Fredrictown Va. near Washington, where we will be disbanded and sent to our respective states. Col Rowett, now acting Brig'^d Gen, said yesterday that he expected to be at home / in less than a month and Gen Sherman says that in a bulletin he hopes to have the pleasure of sending us all to our homes in a few days. Gen [faded] says that we will be mustered out in ten days. I cherish the fond hope Dear Etta that two months at least if my life is spared will find me at home a peaceful citizen, which I long to be. It is now beyond a doubt that the war is over, the fighting done, and they no longer need a large army in the field, and I think or at least hope the [faded] men will be mustered out first. While the war lasted I could make myself content very easily, but now it is over and the prize for which we have striven is won I long to return to my home and indulge in the fond hope that the time is not far distant when I shall meet you Dearest Etta, not for a brief period only, but to remain near you through life, and I come Dear Etta conscious of having done my duty toward my Country. I feel that I have served it fruitfully, I have followed the beloved flag through many long and wearisome months and through many desperit conflicts, and I think I can say without boasting that you will never hear my name spoken in connection with a single cowardly act. I have always said and still say that I would rather a bullit would pierce my brow on the field of battle than go home branded as a / coward, and my consience is clear in that respect, if it was not I would never come home, for shurely you would not want to see me. Dear Etta now that I am about to come you soon you doubtless feel anxious to know what my future plans I have in view for the future, but I cannot tell you for I havent returned home yet. I shall have to be governed by circumstances. My future prospects are not very dark, it is true I have neither capital, trade, or profesion, but thank God I still have sound limbs and good health, which if impeled by a determined will, will accomplish a great deal in a short time, and I hope it will not be long after I return till I shall be able to claim my little wife and support her comfortably. I can allready look ahead and anticipate a little home of our own where peace and harmony prevails, and happiness reigns supreme, but I will close now and leave this subject to be discussed when we meet in that little parlor at your house. I have not heard from you since I left Goldsboro, hope to get a letter with tonights mail. Keep on writing Dear Etta your letters will reach me untill [faded] to Springfield. Hopeing to meet you soon I bid you an affectionate farewell.

                                                           

I remain ever yours affectionately,

Henry

 

P.S. I dont know wheather you are at home yet or not but will send my letters there. H.V. Hoagland

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