CIVIL WAR LETTER - 9th Rhode Island Infantry - NEGRO CHURCH SERVICE near Wash DC

Description

CIVIL WAR LETTER
Co. H, 9th Rhode Island Infantry.
This Civil War soldier letter was written by Henry Crocker (1845-1929) of
Co. H, 9th Rhode Island Infantry.
This regiment was organized at Providence on May 26, 1862. They moved to Washington, D. C., by detachments, May 27 and 29. They had duty at Camp Frieze, Tenleytown, till July, then moved to Fairfax Seminary, Virginia on July 1. They had Garrison duty in the Defenses of Washington till September. Company “A” at Fort Greble, “B” at Fort Meigs, “C” at Fort Ricketts, “D” at Fort Snyder, “E” and “K” at Fort Baker, “F” at Fort Carroll, “G” at Fort Dupont, “H” at Fort Wagner, “I” at Fort Stanton and “L” at Fort Davis. They mustered out on September 2, 1862, after barely more than 3 months service.
Henry was the son of Isaac Foster Crocker (1817-1878) and Sally A. Crosby (1820-1891) of Smithfield, Providence county, Rhode Island.
After his time in the service, Henry attended Brown University and graduated with a Master of Arts in 1867. He then attended the Newton Theological Institute in Newton, Massachusetts, from which he graduated in 1870 and his first pastorate was in Damariscotta, Maine from 1870 to 1879. In later years he served the pastorate in Bristol, Rhode Island, and in Fairfax, Vermont.
Transcription
Fort Wagner, D. C.
August 17, 1862
Dear Sister,
Another Sabbath has come and probably this is the last one we shall spend at Fort Wagner. Only think, the three months have nearly passed away and in a few short days nothing preventing, I shall be at home again. It doesn’t seem possible that it has been so long since Eugene helped pack my knapsack in the kitchen and started off for the wars. How good God has been to spare us both until now and may we hope once more to meet.
It is now 2 and a half o’clock and I can imagine I hear the good old bell ringing for meeting. Next Sunday I expect really to hear it and answer to its summons. How good it will seem.
This morning I attended a negro meeting under the trees of one of the colored men living near here. The negroes came from the city and all around and there was quite a congregation assembled. It seemed to be kind of special meeting to raise money to pay for the new house they have built and after service a collection was taken up. It seems as though whenever they wish to do anything, they strike up a tune and then go at it. At first those who wished to give stepped up to a table used for the desk and handed it in, then plates were passed around. In counting the money, it was found they had .64. Then the minister said, “Come, let us make it . Come on! Come on!” So he struck up another tune and the singing and contributing went on for a little while. Somewhat over eleven dollars were raised and the meeting dismissed after another hymn. The minister preached from the 11th Chapter of Matthew and 6th verses and he preached read good too.
There are some of the best looking negroes here that I ever saw and they dress real nice too. Then again, there are some of the funniest-looking ones. How it would make Gene laugh to see them. They look as though they had run away from the comic almanac sure enough.
There has been a great change in the weather here. For the last three days it has been very comfortable but the nights are very chilly. I wonder if they are so cold at home. It seems as though there must be a frost. This morning we had inspection as usual. Nearly all of the boys have their guns looking real nice and we had a compliment from the Colonel too. He said our company’s quarters were the best-looking of any in the regiment.
I suppose you have seen the letter the Chaplain wrote to the press (the 13th) haven’t you? That’s cracking up Co. H pretty high—most too high I’m afraid. We shall have to work pretty well to sustain our reputation.
Last night our tent was full of boys singing all the evening. We had a good time but was afraid it would end in a rousing scrape. It didn’t though and at tattoo all dispersed. I had to sleep in the fort. Day before yesterday I went down to
Fort Greble
C. A. with George Grant and Lieut. Bucklin. Their fort stands on the brow of a high hill overlooking the Potomac opposite Alexandria. I wish you could stand on the parapets and see what a prospect. The river at that place is about a mile wide and the valley is splendid. Washington and Alexandria are both in full view and the vessels on the river look real pretty. Mother would love to see it, I know.
All the boys are well, I believe. William Gooding came here Monday and I guess will remain with us till we go home. He seems to be enjoying himself very much. Charlie Wood is going over to see Ward tomorrow. I wish I could go with him but cannot. I received your first letter Friday and four letters yesterday—yours, Laura’s, Father’s and Eliza’s. I had written to Eliza two or three days before so I got the start of her, I guess. I didn’t know her middle name nor in whose care to direct it but I guess she will get it, won’t she?
I was real glad to get so many letters I can tell you. The money came safe. I had spent my last cent a day or two before for some ginger cakes so it came in time. Last week we had pretty dry living. Most of the time nothing but bread. Part of the time hardtack. The boys thought that wasn’t very good grub to drill on. We have better now. Had beans this noon. Good, but not like beans at home though.
Yesterday afternoon we had 10 rounds of blank cartridges furnished us and at Battalion Drill practiced firing. It was real fun. Seemed like war times. Would that this war might be finished by firing nothing worse than blank cartridges.
We expect to be reviewed by the President tomorrow. We shall try to do our best, I can tell you.
I think you and Laura must be having fine times now. How long has Uncle been sick? I hope he won’t be very sick. I heard today that Mr. Lawton had enlisted. Is that so? It seems most too bad I think for him to go. I was never much more surprised than when I heard that Richard Green was married. The word was, “What!” Dick Green married!” Will said, “I hope they will always live together and be happy.” I suppose the concert is tonight. How I should love to be there. I guess the boys camping out will have a good time. I should like to be with them. I rather think I should enjoy it too. What do you think?
There, it is 4 o’clock and I must stop now and go to Dress Parade. I don’t think I can write any more tonight so good night.
Monday morning. This is another cool morning. It seems like the fall of the year. Four detachments have gone into the fort to drill on the guns but I happened to be in the fifth detachment and as there is but four guns, of course I could not drill so have time to write.
You asked if Uncle had enlisted. No, although he thinks perhaps he may sometime. That is all. I should like to know where you heard that story.
Today we are to answer to the mustering out roll. We expect to start for home the middle or last of this week but no one knows when. I don’t think of anything more to write so will close with love to all. Now Sophie, I don’t think you ought to ask your letters to be excused when you receive such ones from me.
From your affectionate brother, — Henry
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