CIVIL WAR LETTER - 24th Indiana Infantry - Sails Down River FIGHT at Ft DONELSON

Description

CIVIL WAR LETTER
Civil War Letter by Soldier in Co. B, 24th Indiana Infantry
This Civil War soldier letter was written by 1st Lieutenant Stephen Henry Southwick (1838-1862) of Co. B, 24th Indiana Infantry. Stephen enlisted on 15 August 1861 and served in his company until 7 April 1862 when he was killed at the Battle of Shiloh. Prior to his enlistment, he resided at Paoli, Orange County, Indiana, where he earned his living as a carpenter. In the 1850 US Census, Stephen was enumerated in Newport, Rhode Island.
Lt. Col. Gerber of the 24th Indiana who was killed at nearly the same time as Lt. Southwick during the Battle of Shiloh
Stephen was the son of Josiah Southwick (1812-1875) and Phebe Rider Place (1816-1842) of Newport, Rhode Island.
The 24th Indiana Regiment was organized at Vincennes and was mustered in July 31, 1861. It left the state Aug. 19, joined Fremont’s army at St. Louis, and moved to the interior of Missouri. In Feb., 1862, it was ordered to Fort Donelson and reached Paducah the day after its surrender. It then moved to Fort Henry and later joined Grant’s army at Pittsburg landing in time for the fighting on the second day, April 7, 1862. According to the after action report of Col. Alvin P. Hovey, Lt. Southwick was killed about 11 o’clock A. M. along with Lt. Col. Gerber and Capt. McGuffin during the height of the day’s fighting.
Transcription
On the Mississippi
February 16, 1862
Dear Father,
I seat myself to write you a few lines. We are on board the [Passenger Packet]
Iatan
on the Mississippi River. We are about 9 miles from Cairo. Our destination is Fort Donelson, I think, which is still held by the Rebels. I think we shall have a engagement by the 20th. We had a hard time from Jefferson City to St. Louis. We was in box cars and the weather very cold. Some of the boys got frost bit. I just took my boots off and wrapped my feet up in my blankets so I got along very well.
I learn from Annie you received my letter some time ago but are waiting to hear from the Burnside Expedition. I should be very happy to hear from you. Give my love to mother and Frankie. You must excuse me for the present [and] also this bad writing for the boat is continually shaking. The river is full of ice which very much impedes her progress.
Write soon. Hoping when this comes to hand it will find you all well. I will write again soon and give you all the particulars. And remain your son, —S. H. Southwick, 1st Lieut., Co. B
Direct to Cairo, Illinois
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