John Wesley Pitts letters
Contributed by Michael Smith
John
Wesley Pitts was born August 5, 1836 in
In August 1861, he enlisted in Company "I" 18th Alabama Infantry.
However, because he was involved in the state militia at the time, he was
ordered back to that organization. In March 1862, he organized Company
"K" 31st Alabama Infantry and served as Captain until his resignation
in December 1862, due to developing a hernia (the result of a difficult march
into
Then in 1863, following recovery from hernia surgery, he organized Company
"C" 1st Alabama Reserves (later designated 62nd Alabama Infantry) and
served as Captain until he was promoted to Major. He was captured on April
12th, 1865 at the Battle of Blakeley in Mobile and sent to
The following are 26 letters written to his wife Calvinia "Vin"
and 1 written to his father. Also included are his resignation as Captain of
Company "K" 31st
Throughout the war's course, John Pitts was surrounded by sickness and disease amoung the ranks. Mostly measles and mumps. Many in his company, friends and acquaintances, were often too sick to report for duty. Many were hospitalized while some he reported, had even died from it. Yet, it seems he personally escaped much of the effects from this disease (that is until war's end).
His final letter of the war, written to his beloved "Vin" on April
21, 1865 from
Over the remainder of his life, John W. Pitts re-married twice more,
outlived both of those spouses and fathered eight additional children. He
became a successful farmer and at one point served two years as representative
of
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Camp Goldwaite - April 28, 1862
To "Pa", Knoxville, Tenn. - May 24, 1862
Knoxville, Tenn. - May 30, 1862
Camp Smith, Chattanooga, Tenn. - June 18, 1862
Knoxville, Tenn. - June 25, 1862
Rutledge, Tenn. - July 11, 1862
Camp Hundley near Rutledge, Tenn. - July 13, 1862
Camp Hundley near Rutledge, Tenn. - July 18, 1862
Camp Hundley near Rutledge, Tenn. - July 23, 1862
Tazewell, Tenn. - August 16, 1862
Near Cumberland Gap, Tenn. - August 28, 1862
Cumberland Gap, Tenn. - 4 p.m. September 9, 1862
Rock Castle River, Kentucky - September 25, 1862
Rutledge, Tenn. - October 26, 1862
Resignation - Muddy Creek Campground, East Tenn. - November 3, 1862
Mobile Bay, Ala. - August 19, 1864
Sibley Springs, Mobile Bay, Ala. - August 23, 1864
Sibley Springs - August 28, 1864
Sibley Springs - August 31, 1864
Sibley Springs - September 9, 1864
Near Sibley Springs, Baldwin County - September 4, 1864
Near Blakeley, Ala. - September 17, 1864
Ship Island, Miss. Prison - April 21, 1865
Parole from Ship Island prison
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28th
April 1862
My Dear Vin
I send by Dr. McGrow 2 bunches no 6 thread
for which I had to pay $2.60 per bunch-pretty high, but I thought I had better
give that than go without it. I would have got more but it was all sold before
I find out it was in town. I will send to
I am getting finely so far. Have not been
sick since I got back. The health of Company is good with the exception of
measles. Our men are all taking them. We send two or three to the hospital a
day. I have no simptoms of these yet and I have been all among them trying to
take them. If I don't take them this week, I will think I have had them I am in
hopes so at least. They make some of the men very sick. The hospital is
perfectly jammed and crowded.
How did you like the hood? Was it the right
shape? I sent H--- one just like it. I send some clothes which please have
washed and send me the last of the week or the first of next if I should not
come down. If I feel any symptoms of measles I will not come down Saturday but
wait till I get well.
I will go over to town in the morning and get
the thread and if that snuff has come will send you some. If you do not find it
in the Carpet sack you may know that it is not in town.
Please send the carpet sack in which I send
the things back tomorrow evening (Monday) by Maj Mattison's boy Allen who will
be coming up.
I will write again in a day or two-so good night-take
good care of yourself & kiss Lula for me.
Yours
affte husband
John
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Dear Pa,
Yours of the 19th insh was received last night, and right glad was I to
receive it, it being the first I have received from home. I was indeed sorry to
hear that the wheat crop was a failure. The more so as I find it a general
thing. The wheat crop of this country will be very short from the same cause. We
are still at this place. How long we will be here I am unable to say as we have
already received orders to go to
Our Regiment is armed with
I wish you would have look to pay particular to my hogs as I find that bacon will be an object next winter they say they have more in this country having killed out-last-winter for 10 cts and see that more peas are all planted.
I came without paying my taxes from the simple fact, that I had nothing to
pay with. As soon as I can draw some money I will send you enough to pay it. If
they go to sell my property you will have to beg time for me. Please write me
often as I feel very uneasy about Vin and would like to hear as often as
possible. If it were not for her I could get along finely-My love to all
Yours in haste
John
Direct your letters
Capt- J.W. Pitts
31st
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My Darling Wife
Your very welcome letter without any date was recd yesterday evening. I also
received your first dated the 19th a few days before. I was indeed glad to hear
that you and Lula continued well and that there was a probability of the
measles not spreading at our house. I was also sorry to hear that the wheat
& oat crop had proved a failure. I wish you would see William Harkins and
engage 30 or 40 bushels. I will send you some money to pay for it as soon as
the Quarter Master gets able to attend to his duties. He is now at a private
house sick. If you not see him or get somebody else to, let him for
you-somebody else may get it all. I thought when I first arrived in this country
that the wheat crop was going to go like it did in
From present indications we will not leave this place for three or four weeks-nearly all the Regiment is sick. I had only 16 men out on drill yesterday out of 78-one or two companies only report 13 men able for duty. We lost another poor fellow in our Company day before yesterday. V.D. Crenshaw from Yellowleaf beat. He had the measles and was recovering. In the morning before he died, he left the hospital went to an eating house and eat an early meal of fish buttermilk and other things-returned to the hospital and died at 5 o'clock that evening. I made every effort to send him home but the Major General refused to allow it. He won't allow anyone sent home unless their parents are here to take them. The Company made up a subscription to hire a man to take him home and he still refused to grant transportation for the corpse. For the Company to have hired a man, paid his expenses and then paid double price for the corpse it would have cost us about $200.00 and if we had sent him home we would have been in duty bound to have sent every man who died in our Company house and of course we could not do it. We have two more men that are in a very dangerous condition-Joe Blackarby and John Strain. John Strain I am afraid will die. The hospital is so far from camp that I do not get to go there as often as I would like to but I send some body every day.
We commenced the other day to vaccinate the men of the Regiment to prevent smallpox. They vaccinate a few at a time. Our Colonel is the best manager in the world and I am satisfied that he is at the bottom of the vaccination business to keep from moving his men from here until he gets them well drilled. The more I see of him the better I like him. I don't think he wants to go to Cumberland Gap much-he had rather go down and fight the yankees out of Huntsville and if there is any chance to go there he is going to go. He has not seen his wife for twelve months and he is getting anxious to see her.
I suppose you received the letter I wrote you by Seabert Posey. I never was
more surprised than I was when on going to the hospital Sunday evening last, I
found Seabert and Mrs. Kidd there-but I was really glad they arrived in time to
see him die. I am afraid it will go very hard with Mrs. Kidd, as she will be
certain to have the measles and being consumption it will be almost certain to
kill her. I heard this evening that it was with great difficulty he could get
along on Railroads. I saw a man that said he met him between here and
Saturday 31st-Since writing the above I have heard from the hospital and another one of my men is said to be beyond recovery-Joseph Blackarby. John Strain is a good deal better.
The election for 3rd Lt resulted in the election of R. Wilder over Scott
Bradford & Ed McGraw. Wilder beat them both. Scott only received 7 votes.
You can guess the reason-as you know his proclivities. I wrote you to send me
by Lt Morgan or somebody else coming on a blanket lined with an oil cloth. I
have got me a cot and I want the oil cloth to put under me to keep the wind
from my back. Remember me ------ & Mrs. Harkins & kiss Lula for me.
Yours affectionately
John
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18th June 1862
My Dear Vin
For the fifth time since receiving a letter from home I have seated myself
to write you. It seems almost an age since I received your last and I am
getting very anxious to hear from you. I suppose your letters must have been
sent to
I do not know how long we will be here. It may be that we will be here all
summer. I do not like the place as well as I did
I asked the Colonel the other day to let me go home about the 20th of July but
he would not give me any satisfaction. He said it would depend upon what we
were doing at that time-if he could let me off he would do so. I am in hopes I
can manage to get off some more. I told him what I wanted to go for-The Gen
Commanding has issued orders not to furlough anybody but the
My company is so scattered that I do not know they are all getting on. I am
Commanding my own Company and Cobbs too, at present. When I left
A good many of the boys are complaining-mostly diarrhea. Hugh has been on the sick list for a week. He has not much sick but I will not allow him to do duty. I think I shall apply for a discharge for him as soon as Reeves gets him, though he don't want one. I am satisfied that he will not be able to undergo the fatigue of forced marches.
(remainder of letter missing)
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My Dear Vin
I have snatched a little time this morning to write a few lines that you may know my wherabouts. Since my last I have been on the run all the time. The very evening I mailed your letter orders came to "cook four days rations and be ready to move at a moments warning". On Thursday evening a report came that three or four thousand of the enemy were at a place called Jasper on the other side of the river 27 miles below here or rather below Chattanooga, and late in the evening the 31st Ala & 43 rd Tenn started down the railroad for the purpose of surprising them.
We slept in the woods on the river that night in hearing of their drums. We
had started several boats down the river before we left for the purpose of
crossing over the river to them that night-but the boats were delayed and did
not get down until after day light. We had them stopped some distance above in
the mouth of a creek and determined to wait until the next night. During the
day we were reinforced by the 6th
As our men were landed on the other side, skirmishing commenced and soon we had killed several, taken 8 prisoners - but by the time half our forces had crossed the river a telegraphic dispatch came from Maj Gen O--itte ordering us not to cross the river as he did not know how soon he might need us at his place, so we had to turn round and come back. If we had been let alone we could have bagged the whole crowd. As it was we gave them such a scare that they did not stop running until they got to Stiphenson.
We came back to Chattanooga that night and the next day were ordered to that place-but owing to one accident and another did not reach here until yesterday-the train run off the track twice on the way-we had two men killed-both from the Montgomery Company-one is alive yet-but he is certain to die. One was knocked off the top of the car at a bridge and the other in getting on the train slipped & fell and was run over. When we got here found the yankees had run as they did at Shell Mount. It seems almost impossible to get a fight out of them. They run every time we get after them.
(remainder of letter missing)
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Near
11th July 1862
My Darling Vin
I wrote you yesterday but neglected to tell you where to direct your letter
and consequently have to write again to-day for fear you would direct to
Rutledge and I never would get it. Rutledge is called a town but there is only
a few houses and they are nearly all vacated, their owners having gone to
Lincolindone (sp). You will therefore continue to direct your letters to
I received yours written the 3rd July last night after I had sent off my letter. I was truly glad to hear that you had had good rains and am in hopes they will continue until the crops are made.
I am truly sorry that you have no one to stay with you. I wrote to Sallie to go herself or send Vic. I am in hopes I will be able to go myself - but it is very doubtful.
I wrote you all the news yesterday.
Remember me to all
in haste
Yours
John
Enclosed I send a
letter to Farris which will
make him open his eyes. He wont-as safe as he thought-he was- Yours John
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13th July 1862
My Dear Vin
As Mr. Pritchell is here and will leave for home in the morning, I avail myself of the chance of writing you. I am exceedingly sorry to say that it will be impossible for me to be with you on that day, as I have just been to see the Colonel and learned from him that he could not let me off untill he heard from Headquartes and from what he says I will not be able to get off for 2 or 3 months. The conscripts will have to be enrolled and the number reported to the Governor of the State and by him to the Secreteary of War and the Secretary of War will then issue circulars to all of Major Generals. By the time all this is done two or three months will have passed.
I need not say that I was disappointed, sadly disappointed. I have been looking forward to the time for a month where I would be with you, but all to no avail. It is hard to be this tied up - but as I am not now a freeman, I must submit. After I learned I could not get off after the conscripts, I tried my best to get a furlough, but they would not listen to me. It seems to me that I am fated to ill luck.
I will not cease my efforts to get off - though I am satisfied I cannot do so for several weeks. You must bear up and do the best you can. I am in hopes it will not always be thus. You must write me every day or two if you don't write but two lines. I shall be on thorns until I hear you have passed through safe.
We are still here in the mountains 10 miles from anywhere. How long we will remain here I am unable to say. If we remain in this country we will never see a yankee thats certain. There is les prospect here of a fight than any other part of the Confederacy.
I am enjoying better health now than I have since I joined the army. I fell
off fifteen pounds but I am fattening up again.
Remember me to all. A kiss to Lula. I wish I could send one to you. Write me often.
Yours affectionately
John
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Camp-Near Rutledge Tenn July 18th/62
My Dear Vin
We arrived at this place on Tuesday after three days of hard marching. We left Knoxville Sunday about 8 o'clock and traveled 12 miles over the roughest road I ever saw. On Tuesday & Monday we traveled about the same distance. It was pretty tight on us , it being our first long march. Several of the boys give out on the way. We left Jim Kidd at a private house 15 miles above Knoxville. He thought he was taking the mumps.
We are encamped in a valley between two mountains, or rather the mountains are all around us. It is decidely the roughest looking country I ever saw. In our present position I dont believe the yankees could ever find us if they wanted to. It is my opinion that we will never have a fight in this country. The yankees I am satisfied will never attack us unless they can completely surround us with a force five times as great as ours.
I had thought we were seeing a hard time at Knoxville & Chattanooga-but from what I have seen since I landed in these mountains, our troubles have just commenced. We have been attached to Brig Gen Braxton's Brigade give rather a gloomy account of the way in which they have been run over these mountains. I suppose we will have about such a time as the army in Western Virginia last summer-not satisfied with taking our tents from us, they now propose taking our clothes-all but one suit and all our cooking utensils but one skillet to the company which will amount to nothing. However I can stand all that better than I can the long marches over this mountainous country. The walk from Knoxville up here, came pretty near using me up. I suppose though we will get used to it after a while, but a fellow sees scizons in going though the hardening process.
We met Shelleys Regiment here. It is in the same Brigade and we will be with them all the time. They were right glad to see us after being separated for so long. They say that they have seen the elephant since they left us at Knoxville and are jubilant at the prospect of an early peace. It seems to be the opinion of all the officers of this Division that the war will wind up by the 1st of September. God grant that it may for I am getting heartily sick of it, and nothing but a sense of duty keeps me in the army. I am willing to submit to the hardships of camplife so long as it is necessary for the good of my country, but I would rejoice to see an honorable peace-when I can return home.
I have always been a home man but I sometimes think now, that if ever I do get home I will never want to leave it again. Dont understand me as being dissatisfied. I am doing as well or better than I expected when I left home, but I have no taste for the life that I have live. And while I would rather be at home, still I know that I could not stay there contented while the war lasted.
Did you get the beans I sent you by Bill Cullins? They are of a kind that were furnished us at Knoxville-they make a splended table bean & I thought you would like to have the seed. Did you get the cards I sent by Hugh? and did he get another pair in Atlanta as he went through? How did they suit? What did Hugh have to say about camp life. I guess he gave you a rather gloomy account of our living in Tennessee. Are you having any rain now and how do the crops look? Will you promise me a good vegetable dinner if I can manage to get off about the 20th-with peaches and watermelons. It makes my mouth water to think about it.
1 O'clock P.M
I have just stopped to eat dinner and as you tantalized me once by telling me what you had for dinner I will give you my bill of fare-to wit-water brought soon this morning from a spring a mile distant-biscuit and bacon & bacon & biscuit made up without any lard or soda-for dessert we have biscuit molasses & water when we are so fortunate as to get molasses at $3.00 a gallon-but as we have not been able to get any of that article for 3 or 4 weeks we have course had to do with out to day and take the biscuit & water. We have become so fond of the above bill that we have it three times a day. We did attempt to run coffee for supper & Breakfast- but lately that article having "riz" and sugar gone up to $1.00 a lbs, and this mess being without funds. After mature thought and deliberation we concluded to dispense with that luxury and try water.
I hear that cotton is now bringing 20 cents. Please tell Pa if he can get that for mine to let it go and pay my taxes. What did you do about my tax? I expect they have bothered you a good deal. Tell Pa when he gets the crop laid by to put Lark and Henry to getting logs for a house for Lark. He will need to have a new house this summer.
I have been anxiously for a letter from you for several-I have not recd one since the 22nd of last month. I have some hopes of getting off home about the 20-though I am by no means sure. If I do get off I will be at home about the 23rd. Remember me to all and a kiss to Lula.
Your affectionately
John
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Near Rutledge Tenn 23rd July 1862
My Dear Vin
I wrote you on Sunday but as Wales will leave for home in the morning I will write again. I expected to have gone home on the business he is on but the Contemptible Scroundrell who commands this Brigade refused to let me go because I was a Captain. I am becoming disgusted with the way the army is managed in this country and I have tendered my resignation. I dont know whether it will be accepted or not but one thing is certain I have been harassed and divided as long as I intend to. I made application 6 weeks ago for leave of abscence and they promised me that they would arrange it so that I could go home but when the time arrives they treat my application with contempt. They kept puting me off untill the time arrived by promises and now they say that it will be to late by the time I could hear from Gen Smith at Knoxville - but I am determined not to be out generaled by them if I can help it. I sent up my resignation to Gen Smith, but stated in it that the resignation would be withdrawn if they would grant me a leave of abscence for 20 days. I think they will give me the furlough rather than see me leave. The Col says he would rather give up any Captain in the Regiment and he says he will write to Gen Smith and urge him to give me a leave of abscence. If it had not been for the Contrariness of old Gen Braxton, I would have been sent home after the conscripts in place of Wales. It will be four or five days before I hear from Gen Smith. If I get off I will be there about Wednesday or Thursday.
I have no news of interest. We have got back to this place again. We left Clinch Mountain Monday night about dark. Walked 10 miles - slept a little while. Started at day light and erached this place 11 o'clock next day. We have a tight pill of it in this country I tell you. The health of My Company is still - As I expect to be with you, I will not write any more. Take good care of yourself. Kiss Lula - Remember to Pa.
Yours af
John
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Tazwell Near Cumberland Gap
16th Aug 1862
My Darling Vin
As it is thought we will commence an advance movement to-day, and as it may be some time before I get a chance to write again I have seated myself at the foot of an old oak tree to write you a few lines. We are now cooking up four days rations to go somewhere. It is thought we will go to the gap and from there to Kentucky as it is reported that the Yanks are evacuating the gap to prevent our troops from flanking them. The whole of East-Tenn is in commotion preparing for a forward movement into Kentucky. The western army has been swarming into this country for the last 10 days. We have 10 or 12,000 men at this place. It is thought that we will attack the gap in front and Gen Smith with 20 or 25,000 will cross the Cumberland Mountains at Big Creek Gap - 20 miles below here and attack them in their rear, while Bragg will advance from Chattanooga and Price from the West. If their plans can be carried out we will be in possession of the whole of Tenn and a part or the whole of Kentucky in a short time. If we start on that trip it may be some time before you will hear from me again. I will write however every chance I get and you must write me every few days. It may reach me and it would be a source of great pleasure to hear from home occasionally; and again if we get possession of the gap, it might fall to the lot of our Regiment to stay there and guard it.
The health of my company is improving some. I will start 12 more discharged men home in afew days. It looks like I will have to discharge half of my Company. I will try and send you some money by some of them. Say to old man Wallace that it is impossible to get any flour shipped from this country as Gen Smith has issued an order preventing the shipment of any flour from the state. I will send his money back by the first one passing.
How does the little President behave. Have you name him yet? I guess I will
have to send him a Poney so that he can attend to the farm when Pa is abscent..
Did Gus Caldwell hand you you the $40.00 I sent? There has nothing new or
interesting occured since my last. We have found some 10 or 12 dead yankees
scattered about through the woods since I wrote and one of our men they were
wounded I suppose and crawled out to the woods and died. They say the yankees
did some pretty good running.
Kiss Lula for me. My Kindest regards to all. Write to me often.
Yours as ever
John
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Camp Near Cumberland Gap
28th Aug 1862
My Darling Vin
I wrote you day before yesterday, but as Lt Wilder leaves this morning for home I thought I would drop you a few lines. Lt Wilder has resigned on account of sickness. I am very fearful I will have to do the same as I am reduced to the necessity of wearing a truss and I am afraid if I stay here I will injure myself for life. Many a man has gone home from here not half a bad off as I am, but the idea of going home and leaving my company has something about it I dont like. besides my health is so good or rather I look so healthy if I was to come home the people would say there was nothing the matter with me. So I shall stay as long as I am able to walk.
We are still here in front of the Gap and as I write I can hear the boom of the enemy's cannon throwing shell at our forces on the other side of the mountain. They have not shelled us but very liitle today. Their attention seems to be takin up on the other side. I am in hopes they will do something soon as I am getting very tired of laying here in the woods. We may have to stay here in our present position for a month yet. We cannot find out how much provisions the enemy have left and of course they will not surrender until that is exhausted. They have been coming down after corn, but I understand from a deserter that they have a good deal to go on yet and corn was to make it hold out as long a possible - deserters are coming in all the time.
All of the boys that are here are well. Though I have only 18. No other news of interest. Kiss the babies good bye.
Yours
John
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Cumberland Gap E. T.
4 o'clock P.M. / 9th Sept 1862
My Darling Vin
Since mailing the letter I wrote you this morning our Regiment has received orders to go into camp until tomorrow morning. About diner time I received yours written at Columbiana on the 13th insh, and I assure it's perusal afforded me a great deal of pleasure to know that you were well and everything moving on so smoothly. Seperated as we are it is always a great pleasure to hear from you and if I sometimes complain of your not writing as often as I could wish you must overlook and attribute it to an over anxiety to hear from you & the little ones.
You ask me to come home. I would like very well to do so but for a healthy man like myself to resign and go home it would furnish gossip for years to come besides my company is so anxious for me to stay that it would look wrong in me to leave them as long as can possibly get along. They say that I will have to give it up and go home but as long as I can with out serious injury to myself they want me to stay. It makes me proud and mad at the same time to think they should object so strong to my leaving them. If I were a lieutenant or a private I should not hesitate one minute but apply for a discharge and go home, even if I were forced by the conscript to hire a substitute.
Since I got me a truss I have done pretty well while I was lying around here and not walking much, but as soon as I commenced marching this week I began to get worse & have geting worse all the time, and yesterday in the march from Baptist Gap 10 miles below this. I gave completely out and had to fall back behind the Regt. If I continue to get worse I will have to give it up, as I do not care to be left behind the Regt. in such a country as Kentucky. I am only affected on one side at present but the Dr. says I may get so on the other any day. Dr Reeves says if I were at home and would take the proper care of myself I would get over it directly, but that he is afraid I will get over it in the service. I would like exceedingly if some arrangement could be made by which I could get a Company in place of the one at the Bridge, as I would then be stationery - But enough of myself. ---
I have looking around all day at the sights in this Gap & vicinity and have not yet seen half. If I had time I could write you ten or fifteen pages. I have stood to-day in three different states at the same time - Kentucky, Tennessee & Virginia. They corner right in the Gap. It is the most magnificent view from the mountain I have ever beheld - but I have not the space to go into detail.
Such destruction of property I never expected to see as we witnessed here - arms, ammunition, Camp & garrison equipage or a large amount of coffee and salt were burnt. Our troops saved a good deal but an immense amount was lost. They destroyed all their tents, baggage, tools, ammunition & everything they had brought here for the purpose of arming the East - Tennessee Tory's. We captured 430 of them before they could get away. They all appear very anxious to get-out-of the army.
I will write again as soon as I get a chance. Write soon. Continue to direct your letters to Knoxville as we will have a regular mail to follow us as we advance - love to all.
Good Bye, Yours John
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Rock Castle River KY. Sept 25th 1862
My Darling
As we have stopped to-day to rest and thinking I may have a chance to send a letter I have set down to write a few lines that you may know how all are doing. We left Cumberland Gap on Saturday evening and have marched 76 miles arriving at this camp yesterday evening, where we propose to rest to-day and give the troops a chance to wash. We have had a very dusty time it but _____ the whole, the men have stood it very well. The troops suffered very much for water on the way as all the wells and branches had dried up. I broke down the third day of our march - but I bought me a horse and am doing very well at present. I bought me a beautiful little cream colored mare for $160.00 and if they let me keep her I can do tolerable well. We are now within 60 miles of Lexington will reach there in three days, when I suppose we will rest awhile.
I met Frank Finney the other day who said he thought he would be at Mr Scotts next week. He had been taken prisoner by the Yankees and been paroled. I would have written by him but did not have a chance. I have never recd the pants you sent by Cobb. You need not send me any thing else untill I write for it, as it is very doubtful about anything reaching me until we can get some communications with Knoxville - besides I expect I can get them cheaper in this country
No news. I will write in full when I reach Lexington. Remember me to all and especially the babies.
Yours in haste
John
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Camp 31st Ala Regt Near Rutledge Tenn
26th Oct 1862
My Dear Vin
As Mr Baker leaves for Shelby in the morning I have seated myself to write you a hurried note. I would write you a long letter giving you an acount of my travels since I left the Gap, but it is snowing and so cold and having no tent in which to write I have concluded to defer it to another time. We arrived at this place yesterday evening. We reached here in very good time for it commenced sleeting last night and about sun up this morning it turned to snowing and has been snowing all day. It is now about half leg deep, and the storm is still raging. We will have a sweet time of it to night.
I send George Baker home for clothes for the Company. You will not send me any unless you hear from me again, for as soon we get quiet I shall tender my resignation and may be at home before he leaves. If I conclude not to come I will write you in time. I have never heard of the pants you sent me by Cobb. He may have left them at Knoxville. Tell Wales he must stay there and assist George in getting up the clothes for the boys.
As I expect to see you soon I will close.
Good bye Yours as ever
John
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Camp at Muddy Creek Campground E. Tenn.
Nov 3rd 1862
D. R. Hundly
Col Com'dg' 31st Regt Ala Vols.
Sir I have the honor most respectfully of tendering to the war department through you the resignation of my commission as Capt of Co'K, 31st Regt. Ala. Vols. in consequence of the condition of my health with much regret. I am forced to take this step But duty to myself and justice to my Government impel to me to it. I wish it to take effect immediately & without condition and hope that it will meet with your approval.
I am __ your Obediant Servant
J.W. Pitts Capt' Com'dg' Co'K 31st Ala Reg
Capt J.W. Pitts of Co.(K) 31st Ala Regt having applied for a certificate on which to ground the resignation of his commission, I certify that have carefully examined this officer & find him unable to discharge the duties of his office because of an inquinal hernia, greatly impeding his locomotion disqualifying him for marching or the duties of the camp. The use of a truss for the last three months has not given him any relief but the case has grown worse daily.
I therefore reccomend that his resignation be approved.
N.P. Reeves Surgeon
31st Ala. Regt.
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Bivouac Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay
Aug 19th 1864
My Dear Vin
As I have a chance to send a letter to Blakeley I have seated myself to
write a few lines.Since my last written at Blakeley we have been on the troups
most of the time. The Yanks have attempted to land a force once or twice but
have been driven back. They have made no other demonstration, nor do I think
they will for some time. They seem to be waiting for reinforcements. We have at
last succeeded in getting with the balance of our Regiment. The officers were
appointed by the Secretary of War and are D.E. Huger Col. Davidson Lt Col. and
Yniestra Major Leaving me the ranking Captain of the Regiment. Since writing
you I had six men to desert. I sent Lt. Morris with a squad of men after them
and he succeeded in catching three of them about 30 miles above Blakeley. I
intend to process charges against them and have them Court Martialed - You do
not know any of the parties. I am entirely without officers in any company. Lt
Wallace & Morris are both at private houses sick and Butler at the
hospital. Wallace has "chills" and Morris Flux. I have not seen Mr. Harkins
since I left Mobile. Though I understand his Regiment march over this side the
Bay and now camped in a mile of us - as soon as I get a chance I will go over
and see him. I have not received a letter from you since leaving Mobile, but am
in hopes I will one this evening or tomorrow. Continue to address me at Mobile
until I write you to change.
Tell Johnnie & Lula howdy
Remember me to Pa
Yours as ever
John
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Bivowac Sibley Spring
Eastern Shore Mobile Bay
Aug 23rd 1864
My Dear Vin
The long looked for letter arrived this morning - dated 17th insh and also
the one to Albert dated 14th. Since writing you last we have changed
our camp again and now have a few tents. The enemy continues to shell the water
batteries but have made no other demonstration. My impression is they have no
force to make any demonstration by land. I am in hopes we will not have
anything to do before Christmas or before Winter. Wallace came into camp this
morning but has not yet reported for duty. Morriss and Butler are still sick.
Health of the company tolerably good. I held an election an election in my
company yesterday for 2nd Lieut in place of Ballard. Bob Sterrett Son of Judge
Sterrett was elected by a small majority. He is at present with the Tuscaloosa
Cadets encamped near us. He may come home before he takes hold of his office in
company. If he does I will write you again by him. I was sorry to hear that so
many soldiers were at the Bridge. I expect they will give you a good deal of
trouble. I expect you had better be as easy with them as possible. They may
give you some trouble and may do you some damage. I expected as much when I
left there. Don't let old man Wallace grind your sugar cane if you can possibly
help it. I am hopes you can get Mr. Flukers boy to make it, if not you can
probably get the Mallorys from Bob Wallaces place. I have several receipts in
my pocketbook which I will send you the first good chance. You must take good
care of yourself and write me frequently. Love to Lula, Johnie and Pa.
Yours
John
Direct your letters
Captain John W. Pitts
1st Regt Ala Reserves Mobile Ala
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Camp 1st Regt Ala Reserves
Near Sibley Springs
Aug 28th 1864
My Dear Vin
I add a postscript to acknowledge the receipt of your last dated 23rd insh which was received yesterday evening - and to let you know how we are getting on. I wrote you day before yesterday and consequently have no news of interest to write. We are still on this side of the Baybut would not be surprized if we were ordered to Mobile in a day or so as the enemy are landing troops on the western Shore. The health of the company is not as good as usual - some 40 being sick with chill & fever.
You must use your own judgement about everything in my abscence. Ask Pa to get your salt, if he can buy it cheaper there by swapping wheat for it let him buy & sell the wheat. Ask him to try and make some arrangement for leather also. How is the meat holding out?
Remember me to the children & Pa
Yours John
P.S.
You need not direct your to the care of Maj Davidson any longer. Direct to me
Co "C" 1 Regt Ala Reserves, Mobile Ala
John
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Camp 1st Regt Ala Reserves
Sibley Spring Aug 31/64
My Dear Vin
Your very welcome letter of the 26th was received yesterday evening and for your punctuality in writing me accept my thanks. It found me in bed sick and I am just sitting up a few moments now to answer it. The very evening I wrote you last I was taken sick with a very severe attack of the flux accompanied with fever and have been confined to my bed ever since, though I am much better to day and am in hopes will be able for duty in a day or two.
I am sorry to hear that Abram had got into such a scrape but if he is guilty he ought to be hung. It is time such things were stopped. After retaining as much money as you need pay the balance on the Hugh Singleton note. I believe I would sell all the wheat but about 60 bushels. Capt Shortridge has applied for a sick furlough - if he gets it I will send my watch & some other things by him. The health of my company is very bad and gets worse about 50 sick or mostly half.
Cannot write any more to day. Will write again in a day or two.
Yours John
Remember me to the children Etta and Pa
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Camp 1st Regt Ala Reserves
Sibleys Springs Sept 2/64
My Dear Vin
As I have nothing to do to day I have concluded to write you again although I wrote but day before yesterday. I have improved a great deal since writing you but am not yet able for duty. At least the surgeon will not allow me to go on duty for a day or two yet although I feel well enough.
Capt Shortridge left for Selma yesterday and I have sent my watch by him to be left at Monroe's in Selma for repairs until Pa or some called for it, or in the event he went to Shelby - which he said he would do - he was to send it to you or Sallie by some safe person. I will start 3 of my sick boys to the Shelby Springs Hospital to day to wit - Bob Bevill - R M Honeycutt & J R Adams. I will probably send more to-morrow. I send you by Bob Bevill 2 of my white shirts. They are so rotten that they will do me no good here. I will try and draw some goverment ones. At least I will get some of the men to draw for me. You need not send any more of the white shirts as they will not do for cam life. You can get Pa to go down to the Springs and ascertain at what time they will return and can send me anything you may wish by them. I would not, however, risk anything of much value by them as they may loose them.
I shall be much oblidged for the suit of jeans which you are making for me and shall appreciate them more having been made by your hands = there is that thanks enough = I will need them by the time cold weather sets in, if I can not one of the boys to draw me a suit of soldiers clothes. I think I can make out with my shirts and drawers. There is the probability of some of us coming home this fall when I can have the suit brought to me as also my flannel shirts - over & under - though I do not want them until cold weather. I have not seen or heard from Mr. Hoskins since he left this side the Bay.
I thought of writing a long letter but the mail boy starts early to day & I will have to shorten. All quiet down here & I am in hopes will remain so for some time - take care of yourself.
Remember me to the children and Etta if there and say to Pa I should be pleased to receive a letter from him.
Yours as ever
John
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Camp 1st Regt Ala Reserves
Near Sibleys Springs Baldwin Co Ala
Sept 4th 1864
My Dear Vin
I write a few lines this morning not that I have anything of interest to communicate - but that you may know how we are getting on. I reported for duty yesterday - have been improving fast and am now as well as before I was taken sick. The company, however, is still very sick fortunately though the disease is not of a fatal character being mostly chills & fever. They spook of moving our camp this morning to a more healthy place, five miles from here which will probably improve the health of the Company - so note it be.
I have some hopes of getting a furlough in the course of two or three weeks , if the enemy do not attack Mobile. All seems quiet now and I am in hopes will remain so for some time - though there is telling at what time nor in what numbers the rascals may pounce upon us.
If I should not get off and you can get a good chance, I wish you would send my flannel over shirt and a suit of jeans. If you have not died the jeans yet I believe I had rather have gray than blue - if hhowever, you have died them wool blue, all right. I will need some shoes too. Has Pa been able to secure any leather yet. I would like to get me enough Calf skin to make a new pair of boots. Have got some salt. If you buy at a better advantage thru swapping wheat, I would buy and sell the wheat. Dont let the _____ agent have any of yr cows if you can help it - if however they seem determined to have one and you can get off by letting them have a yearling, do so.
No news of interest. Remember me to all & Kiss the children for me.
Yours
John
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Camp 1st Regt Ala Reserves
Near Blakely Ala
Saturday Sept 17/64
My Dear Vin;
As I am "officer of the day" to day and not having anything to do, I have seated myself to write you a few. I have been anxiously looking for a letter for several days but have not heard a word from home this week. I expected to have heard by Joe Keith's boy who arrived on Wednesday evening, not hearing anything by him and no letter coming yesterday makes me very uneasy and the more anxious to hear. I have very little or no news to write. We are still in this swampy country and I suppose will be until the enemy make their attack on Mobile, at least I understand that the General Comdg says that the 1st and 2nd Ala will be kept over here as long as any troops are messing on this side the Bay. So far as I am concerned I believe I had as soon stay here as in Mobile until frost.
I have come to the conclusion that there will be no more fighting, at least until after the the Presidential Election. Old Abe, I think, is satisfied with the victories already gained and will be afraid to risk an engagement here or in Atlanta. He knows that if he should be defeated at any place between this and the Election that it would defeat him for the Presidency and cause McLellans election. As it is, his success at Atlanta and Mobile gives him some strength and he is willing, I think, to risk his election on what he has already accomplished. This I think together with the growing decline on the part of the people of the people of the north for peace will induce him to stop fighting until after the election. In the meantime, if the Democrats should succeed in electing their candidate they would of course undo everything done by Lincoln, and adopt a different policy altogether toward the south which would in a short time terminate the war. If we could only gain a decided victory at some point it would secur beyond doubt the election of a Peace man as President and thus close the war.
The health of the company is improving considerably - though a good many are yet sick. I think we will send Albert home in a week or ten days when I will send my trunk and everything I do not need. I am afraid I will not get to come home before Christmas, though I shall continue to try whenever there is a chance.
All the officers are well.
Remember me to Pa and children and be certain to take good care of yourself.
Yours as ever
John
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Battery "C" Mobile Ala
Oct 29th 1864
My Dearest Vin
Yours written 23rd and mailed on the 26th was received yesterday evening. I was very glad to receive it as it had been an age - it seemed to me - since receiving a letter from you-although it had only been 6 days. I was surprised to learn that you had received only two letters from me as I have written every three days since I got back. I am in hopes-in fact I am almost certain-that your fear of the yankees visiting you are groundless. I dont think they would venture so far from their army in any force. Mallory is needlessly alarmed though I think he did write in moving. If they do come however, I hardly know what advice to give you. You will have to use your own best judgement in the matter. I am very much in hopes the presidential election now going on in the North will terminate this civil war-at least I look forward to it with a great deal of interest.
You ask if I was in earnest in wishing you to come down here this winter. I never was more so in my life-why not? I think I can get a very comfortable house and it will not cost more than $200-you could bring a knife & fork or two, a couple of sheets & a mattress to sleep on while here. Mrs. Huger, Mrs. Davidson & Mrs. Yneestra are all here and why should not Mrs. Pitts come down as well as there-you can get with Mrs. Shortridge and come down together, is someone will be hoping you can come with. You can let me know what time you will start and I can meet you at the depot in the wharfe and gallant you up to my head quarters. I am sure I would enjoy it $200 worth.
I have made application to the general commanding for permission to send Wallace and two men here after clothing and blankets for the company. If the application is granted he will be at home by Wednesday or Thursday next. He returned from the hospital today looking rather badly. Sterett returned yesterday. The health of the company still bad. Two more of my men have died-one at this place and another at Shelby Springs.
I will write again by Wallace. Until then goodbye.
Love to the Babies
Yours as Ever
John
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Battery "C" Mobile Ala
Nov 5th 1864
My Dearest Vin;
Yours of the 30th Oct and the 3rd inst were received this evening soon after Wallace left. I regret very much to hear of the soldiers taking your hogs and I am afraid they will continue to do so until they get all we have. Indeed it will not be safe to put the hogs up to fatten unless you get assurance from Co. Wycliffe that they will be protected. If they take any more I expect you had better move the fattening hogs up the country somewhere to fatten. I will write him a note and enclose with this. Ask Wallace if be so kind as to take it him in person and see if he can put a stop to it. If some thing is not done we will not have anything to eat next year. I don't know when I have had anything so bother me as much before as the idea of those cowardly scamps taking all your hogs. Everything you have got will go now unless their officers will put a stop to it.
I am sorry you could not come down to see me but I suppose it is as Pa says better for both though I should have liked very much for you to come although it would have been pretty expensive. I will see Capt Shortridge in the morning and let him know you have declined coming. If Mrs Baldwin wishes to get the place next year just inform her that she can't get it unless I conclude to move away since that sow backed crowd at the Bridge. If they continue to stealpossessions we will have to go somewhere. I expect we had better go up to old man Lides place. If my cloth comes in a day or so I will send by express to Wilsonville so you can make and send by Wallace.
I can't write any more tonight as I am not in the best of humors and it is late. Will write after tomorrow or the next day. Till then good bye.
Yours
John
P.S. Edgar Noel suits me very well as a name for the little one. That Edgar Paul or Claude will make very good names. John
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Battery "C" Mobile Ala
Nov 7th 1864
My Dearest Vin
I have seated myself to write you again to day although I wrote you but Saturday. I am in hopes you have seen Col Wycliffe and had a stop put to the hog stealing. If he does not do so I shall report him directly to Gen Dick Taylor. The fact is we cannot stand it. If it is not stopped you will have to move away from there. A hog now is worth $500 and you will see at a glance that we can't buy any more if we loos all we have got. The Quartermaster has not returned from Montgomery. I am afraid he will stay so long that I will not be able to get you the cloth in time to send back by Wallace. I will have the coat cutt and send by express to Wilsonville as soon as he gets back. I will also send some shoes for Lark and Henry if I can get them. You need not send the shoes I left at the house as I have drawn a pair as good as them from the government.
The health of the company seems to be improving since the frost. I have 20 men for duty to day something I have not had for a long time. The hospitals have been ordered to be cleared of all the sick so as to make room for the sick and wounded of Hood's army and a good many of my men are getting furloughs. So I am in hopes I will soon have them all well again, for we had a time of it I assure you. I am the only man I believe in the Company that has not been to the Hospital and several have died. I ought to feel thankful which I do. As I wrote you Saturday I am very pleased with the name Edgar Noel for the liitle one and guess it is about as well as we can do to call him that. I guess you are just now about reading my letter by Wallace - and Johnie and Lula are having a good time over their candy. I should like exceedingly to visit home Christmas - but I have very little hopes of doing so as some of the officers have been acting rather shabbily in staying over their time and I understand Gen Thomas says he don't intend to let any more off soon. One of our Captains came in yesterday and was very indignant at having been reported abscent without leave for a week. He brought some nice cake for the Colonel but when he found out he had reported him abscent without leave would not send it to him and consequently I had a good dinner yesterday.
No other news of interest. My love to Pa & the children and a kiss to you and the baby.
Yours John
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Battery "C" Mobile Ala
Dec 23rd 1864
Dearest Vin;
Being alone this evening I have seated myself to converse a little with you by letter as I am deprived of doing so in person. My application for a detail to go home came back this morning with the endorsement "Respectfully Returned for the Present," which would imply that as soon as the excitement is somewhat over it would be granted. At any rate I shall renew it as soon as things become quick again. I regret exceedingly that I could not have the pleasure of eating a turkey with you Christmas but after all I guess I would enjoy being at home as much as any other time. I would have liked though to have been with you while Pa is abscent.
There is still a little excitement in the city about an attack but I do not think the enemy have any idea of making an general attack as yet. A few thousand have landed Halls Creek below day river and are fortifying. I believe the demonstration is made merely with a view to divert the attention of our authorities and to prevent them from sending any reinforcements to Hood's army in Tenn. I do not believe the enemy have force enough to make a land attack on the city, though I may be mistaken.
I regret that I could not send the children something for Christmas but the only chance I had was Keith's negro and he left on Sunday without giving me an hours notice in fact I did not know he was going five minutes before he started. I will send them something at first chance. I may possibly get off myself next week but it is very doubtful. It looks like the infernal "yanks" commenced their raids to keep me from going home. ____ ____.
My own health and that of the Company is good a few still have chills occasionally but I am in hopes all will be well soon. The excitement here prevented Mrs Shortridge coming down and Mrs Davidson cut out home so we have nobody in the house yet. I suppose they will both be back after Christmas if everything is quiet.
Your letter of the 14th is the last I have recd from you. I am in hopes I will get one tomorrow.
Tell Johnie & Lula the yanks would not let Santa Claus come to see them but he will be there sometime soon. Take good care of yourself. Love to all and a kiss to yourself.
As ever yours John
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Mobile Ala Feb 9/65
Dearest Vin;
Yours of the 28th nlt & 3rd inst rec'd - the former the day after writing by Capt Larkin & the letter on yesterday. Your first of which you speak, I never rec'd. I was surprised to learn that Dick Hunley had never paid you for the oxen. Say to him that unless he pays the money as he agreed I shall consider it a personal matter. I am sorry you allowed him to carry off the oxen until he paid for them - but as he has carried them off he shall now pay for them or else give me satisfaction on sight. As regards the Horses you will have to keep enough to carry on the farm and have all the others sold. As I wrote you the other day I will probably need "Bob" myself in a short time. Old Nellie I would advise you to sell by all means if you can get anything for her - as we will not be able to get much more work out of her anyway. I wish I could sell them all for something that would be of service to us. If you cannot get one price you can another. Tell Pa to try and get the hogs up to your uncle Williams , if he can. If you ever get the sale and the calf skin at home is large enough I wish you would get Stewart to make me a pair of boots - No 6 - but if the calf skin is not large enough you need not buy one.
I have not received a cent of pay from the government. If you receive this in time I wish get $100 from old man Wallace and send me by Capt Larkin when he returns on Tuesday next.
The contest between me and Davidson for Major of the Regiment has not yet been decided. He has gone to Montgomery to see about it now. I do not think there is any doubt about my being able to hold the position. At least Gen Thomas, Gen Maury and all other officials about here say not. It seems to me if I had been elected over me fairly I would not have the position even if I could hold it - but every man to his taste. I intend to carry the matter to the War Department if Gen Withers decides against me.
As regards Peace my letters of last week will explain my views. While I desire peace as much as any man yet I do not see how we are ever to have it unless by intervention of Foreign Powers - or accepting reconstruction and that our government will not do, There is a rumour in town to day to the effect that our commissioners have been called back to Washington but I do not believe a word of it. I have not heard from the election in Selma yet and I am fearful that Col Conoley is beaten, though I am in hopes not. There is some talk of our being ordered up country but I am fearful it is nothing but camp rumour. The Old Mens Regiment left here yesterday for Montgomery. It is thought they will go from there to Selma or Talledega. We have left our old camp on the outer line of defenses and are now encamped in the city. I hated to give up my good quarters but had it to do. Mrs Shortridge is still staying out there though she and the others will leave for home in the morning.
Love to Pa and a kiss to yourself & the children . Write often.
Affectionately Yours
John
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Ship Island Miss April 21 - 1865
My Dearest Wife:
As you have perhaps now heard, I with our entire command with a very few exceptions - Wallace amoung the number - was captured on the 9th inst and brought to this place. We are faring as well as could be expected under the circumstances. Our fare is very good - have tents to sleep in and are treated very kindly. I have no idea how long we will be kept here, but from appearances I do not think it can be very long. You will percieve that my predictions are about to prove true. Should have written you before but for the fact of the railroad being cut. I telegraphed you when I left Spanish Fort which I suppose you received. You cant imagine how anxious I have been to hear from you not having heard since I left Mobile.
All my officers & men are in good health. Cant write but one page & must close. Direct your letters to care of Col. Holmstedt - Comdg Post. Love to all & especially the little ones.
Affectionately Yours
John W. Pitts
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No. 422
I the undersigned , Prisoner of War, belonging to the Army of the Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana having been surrended by Lt. Gen. R. Taylor, C. S. A. Commanding said Department to Maj. Gen. E.R.S. Canby, U.S.A. , Commanding Army and Division of West Mississippi do hereby give my solemn PAROLE of HONOR that I will not hereafter serve in the Armies of the Confederate States, or in any military capacity whatever against the United States of America or render aid to the enemies of the latter until properly exchanged in such manner as shall be mutually approved by the respective authorities.
Done at Meridian, Miss ] John W. Pitts
this 11th day of May 1865 ] Major 62nd Regt Ala Infrantry
] C.S.A.
Approved:
RL Gibson , Brig. Gen'l, C.S.A. ]
] Genius
G. L. Andrews , Brig. Gen'l,
The above named officer will not be disturbed by the
G. L. Andrews
Brig. Gen. U. S. Vols. and Pro. Mar. Gen.
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