griffing@fnal.gov

The Civil War Letters of William Davis

     

Headquarters 1st Brigade
Department of the Lackawanna

D. T. Richards
General in Chief

Sir,

I have the honor to report to you the brilliant success which we have obtained through the late strategic movement in breaking through the lines of the enemy, and the undisputed control of about 250 miles of railway & the capture of several noted officers among which were Brigadier General Haskins Chief of Staff to Major Heintzleman, Col. A. A. Gibson together with his Adjutant & staff. It was a complete victory. The troops fought bravely and swept everything before them like chaff before the wind.

Nothing could have been better planned for the occasion or better executed and for which I am to you greatly indebted for your aid & approval, the prestige of which I could not have done well without in bringing the insurgents to a sense of duty to there fellow man.

The land taken so far as our troops have advanced is fertile with a range of mountains on the south side sloping down gradually to the valley where the city is situated. Tis said there is a great quantity of minerals such as coal taken out annually from the mines and shipped abroad to foreign ports.

The country is thickly populated and the inhabitants appear to be very sociable & kind, save a few of the insurgents which we keep a strict watch over, better known as Copperheads, but we hope they will yet find out the error of there ways and return under the protection of our flag.

The headquarters of the Brigade will be for the next 10 days stationed at [Hyde Park], to the north of the city of Scranton, on an elevated piece of land suited as it is to all the wants of care worn troops – Veterans after the long and tedious march.

The water is excellent. The minerals from which it runs make it a excellent purifier in restoring and invigorating the system. ‘Tis called Gruber’s Fountain. The country is well adapted for the support of troops. There is abundant supplies on hand daily by the loyal portion & the luxuries we will now enjoy is not a matter of little note, such as “Plum Pudding, Roast Beef, Pies, Cakes, Etc, &c.

The enemy’s dead have all been buried and the wounded fell all in to our hands. On our side, we had no losses save a slight wound received myself in the heel but am happy to say is improving. I have an application of Bread and Milk to the part effected.

I will detail Adjutant [William] Phillips with the reports & cheerfully submit all to your consideration, knowing all will be satisfactorily received, and can assure you I feel perfectly safe in my position against any force of the enemy. Friends for eighteen months more or less.

[William] Phillips can give you all the minute details and is empowered by me to receipt & seal all business by taking the laughter seconded by your honorable self on the Big thing on Ice.

With my earnest wish for the success of our cause and the – benign influence of – good luck – to bring him home gay & happy on a 10-day furlough. Sine die [without delay], Viva Viva [live, live], la Emperor.

Your most old servant,

William Davis
Brigadier General Commanding
1st Division Army of the Lackawanna

griffing@fnal.gov