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Genealogy & Local History |
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Richard Malthouse, 1998
James Malthouse, age 22, married Elizabeth Mathers, age 18, August 28, 1852 at the home of her father Edward Mathers. The bride was given away by the younger brother William since Edward Mathers immigrated to Wisconsin in 1850 when he purchased a farm near Fon du Lac, Wisconsin. Elizabeth's older brother John Mathers immigrated to America in 1848 and settled in Fon du Lac in 1849.
At the time of his marriage James was living in Woodhouse (near Leeds) and listed his occupation as Delver (digger). Elizabeth lived in Scarcroft and at 18 years of age was classified as a "Spinster." Elizabeth's father indicated on the marriage certificate that he was brick maker in England before immigrating to America. James's father John (b.1799) and his five sons births are recorded at the Parish Church in the Parish of Leeds, in the County of York. James's mother was Ann (Raper) and little is known about her.
Encouraging letters from the Mathers brought James and Elizabeth to Wisconsin with hopes of acquiring some land and maybe a farm. James worked in a quarry and farmed for the next 12 years and they had three sons, John Edward (b. February 21,1855), William Albert (b. October 29,1858), and Walter Reed (b. Jan 3, 1861). Their last daughter Emma Jane (b. March 30,1864) was born after James had enlisted and he was given a leave to be present at her birth.
Between drills and camp duties the soldiers acquired other pieces of gear, uniform, and accouterments. The new recruit would acquire most of the following: Cost in 1864 1 Knapsack Wt 30 lbs loaded $1.85 Double wool blanket $3.25 Shelter tent ----- Gum Blanket $2.48 Extra shoes $2.05 Mess Kit ------ Toilet articles Spare clothing 1 Haversack for rations Wt 4 lbs loaded $.48 1 Canteen Wt 1 lbs 1 Rifle or Musket Wt 10 lbs with bayonet 1 Set of Accouterment & 40 rounds of cartridges Wt 4 lbs Total Wt 50 lbs
In training the soldiers would drill four hours a day. This consisted of formation (lines, columns, and marching) commands, rifle firing drills, and very little actual combat training. The rest of the time was spent cleaning rifles, drawing rations, and routine camp duties. Much off duty time was spent playing cards or writing letters.
Dear Wife and children and cousin Annie.
Thinking that a few lines would be agreeable to you so that you might know that we are all alive and doing well. I suppose Charly will have explained to you the way we live. Sister Wm and me continues to be cook and the troops want us to cook for them all the time . We have plenty to eat you would say so if you could but see us getting our meals ready there is enough wasted to keep half a dozen large families . You need have no fears but we shall be all right while we stay here. We expect to be mustered in about next Wednesday we should have been mustered in before this if Rueben Lindley had all is men here as we want to go together. I must tell you that the cooks have to be a little sassy at times to make them keep out of the kitchen in order that we may keep all in good order we have to put up with some inconveniences until we get mustered. while I am Wm is looking to boiling a wash boiler full of rice for dinner and at the same time the inspecting officers comes in and he gives us praise of having the cleanest kitchen in camp. Tell Annie that we will take care of John and keep him out of bad company and let him have such things to cut as is best for him we plenty of beef, pork, beans, rice, sugar, coffee, bread, tea, molasses, pepper, and water and potatoes all we lack now is woman of the right kind. We have plenty of hags comes round selling pies and the sight of hags is plenty for any respectable man like John, me and Wm. I must tell you that Wm is a very modest boy. He goes every night into the next Barracks every night to have a good dance and this morning a woman came into camp with a basket full of pies and she left them with Wm to sell for her and he is to have a kiss for his trouble. He told her that he would marry her next week and I will tell you if he did marry her when I write again. He will have a furlough to come home as soon as we get mustered and John and me we will come together about 25th if all is well and if you want me to come before you must write and let me know until I hear from you I shall expect that all is going on well. I want Edward to be a good boy and take care of the cow and cut wood and I will make him a present when I come home. Since writing the above we hurry to put the rice out of sight aside 20 loafs of bread and we feel better I must close and go to washing dishes . Let me hear from you often and give our love to Mr and Mrs Lovin and all inquiring friends, From you loving Husbands and Bro Wm.
James Malthouse, John Horton, Bro Wm Horton
Address James Malthouse, 36th Regt Wis Vol Camp Randall Madison Wis
PS Tell the post master if any letter come for Mrs E Malthouse just place them in our Box JM [John Horton is married to Annie, cousin of Elizabeth Malthouse. William Horton is John's younger brother. Annie has moved into the Malthouse home with Elizabeth and children.]
Dear Wife and Children and Cousin.
Having a chance to send a few lines. Privately I must inform you that we are all well and in good spirits. I wrote a letter to you on the 6th of March and I have been looking for a letter. I am writing to inform you that we have been mustered in the Service last Monday so you can go to Mr. Hamilton and tell him to let you 25 or 50 Dollars and I will send you the certificate of acceptance as soon we can get them from the Adjutant General. Colevant K Piese was here to visit and last night he said that he will talk to Mr. Hamilton so you can draw some money and we shall get a furlough about the 28th and if we can't come I will write and let you know I shall write to you on the 27th if we can't get furlough. I have this evening received a letter from G.M. Lovin and John received one from Mrs Lovin. You must give our respects to them and tell them we are all right side up with care and as Charly wants to know how many men we have got tell him we have 87 in our Company. I wrote to Brother William last Sunday. I must close as we are cooking beef and washing potatoes for morning Breakfast. Please to write to me a few line I must say that I felt proud to receive a small letter from Marry Ann and hope she will be able to write more. I hope that Edward is a good boy and is all they can to help you. I must close with a Husband and Fathers Love to you and a kiss for each of you.
James Malthouse
PS John wrote a letter to Annie last week did she get it tell her to write often JM
(Written in April, hard to read originals)
Camp Randall Madison April
Dear Wife and Children
I must write to you in order that you might know that I am still in the land of the living . I fell glad the John Horton has the chance to come home on a furlough. ...hope to see you before we leave.It is as far as I can learn we shall leave about the 10st of May or we might leave before. If I can I will get a pass for 2 or 3 days to come and see you but as the Captain will be at home you can hear what will be the prospect of me getting a passcard. If he thinks I can't get one then I would like you to come as soon as you can if you thinks it best to do so. But don't want you coming if you think that it will be too hard to part. ...will be ready when he comes back to hear the news from home. As it is very good for a soldier to hear from Home. I want you to see if I have sent a bottle of pain killer in the satchel as I can't find it here. William is feeling bad as Mary Ann is not coming . He is love sick-tell her to write to him. I must tell you that we had a present today from the Captian's Wife and it was just the right thing we wanted. I have heard a number of the boys say they would not part with these for five dollars. (Bro William in the letter could be William Mathers, 1st Regt Tennessee Volunteers. Letters to Edward Mathers in 1862 refer to William)
Camp Randall, Madison, April 27, 1864
Dear Wife and Children and Cousins,
I will once more devote a few moments in writing to you hoping that they will find you all well as it leaves me at present. Thank God for it. I wrote to you and sent it by the Capt. to tell you that we expected to leave Madison on or before the 10th of May. Last night we was told that we should leave on the 8th of May and it might be possible we might go before. Now I want you if you intend to come out here to come next Monday or Tuesday, if you feel able to do so. And if you think that you can't stand it I would not advise you to come. If you get this before John comes back you can send an answer by him and if he has come you will please write by the first mail. Mrs. Cary came out here last night and will return home next week on Monday or Tuesday. If you should come I will strive to meet you at the depot if I know what day you will come. I am going out today to have some pictures taken if I can get out. I have signed the Allotment Roll today so you will receive 8 dollars per month from my wages. You will also receive the whole of my Bounty which will be $40 every six months. I thought it would be best as I shall be exposed to danger and might have it took from me by the enemy. And I think it the best with you. I shall send this by Express as it will come quicker than by mail.
from Loving Husband James Malthouse
PS Dear Wife since writing the above I have been informed that the Express does not carry any more letters. I was also glad to receive a letter from you this morning and was happy to learn that you was well. You say that you have on consolation to know that you have a companion that careth for his family. Let us thank God that he has given me a heart to love and care for you and our Dear Children. I did not sign the Allotment roll because I had not the moral courage enough to keep me from spending my money. No, I have done so for your benefit and I fell proud to think and know that I have left a loving wife that knows how to take care of my money. I must inform you that I don't expect to come home as the prospect is we might be called away at any time after the first of May although we might stay 2 or 3 weeks. But I doubt not it would give me pleasure to look at you once before we leave and if you think of coming you must come the fore part of next week or as soon as you can get ready and if I can only know 48 hours before we start I will let you know by telegraph in care of Levi Thompkins. I did not know when I wrote to last about Ed Odekirk been dead. I have inquired today about Mr. Wells and they said he was getting somewhat better than what he has been. I should have told you about him been sick at the first but he did not want his folks to hear about it. I wrote to Bro. Wm. last Sunday. I got my photographs struck of today. I shall get them on Saturday. You must excuse me for writing more as I am tired. I only wish that I could give you a good kiss. I hope to see you when I can if it is not until the end of the war and then if I am spared to come home. Won’t is be joyful, eh, I guess it will. I cannot tell you anything about Mr. Eastman as he has left Madison and gone to Milwaukee. I think that I have told you all so Good Bye.
From your loving Husband,
J. Malthouse
PS William has gone to see the circus tonight. I must say he feels bad that he cannot see her before we leave. J.M.
After many successful campaigns in the West, General U.S. Grant was called to Washington D.C. by President Lincoln to take command of the Army of the Potomac. After three years of unsuccessfully attempting to take Richmond under Generals McClellan, Rosecrans, Pope, and Meade, the Army of the Potomac was more than anxious to learn of Grant's plans. Grant's plans were very straight forward. General Sherman would push the Army of Tennessee, commanded by Confederate General Joseph E Johnston, down the Western and Atlantic Railroad to Atlanta, Georgia. General Meade would push the Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Robert E. Lee, south to Richmond and then capture the southern capital. Grant's army faced a thorny problem: the three year-enlistments of the veteran regiments which comprised the hard core of his army were about to expire. To solve this problem Grants called up the new regiments being formed and trained in many of the northern states and increased the bounty for veterans to re-sign.
For months Meade's army had camped on the north bank of the Rapidan River while the Army of Northern Virginia under Robert E. Lee occupied the south bank. Meade, with close supervision from Grant, would cross the Rapidan on May 3-4, 1864 with three corps: the second under Winfield Scott Hancock, the fifth under G.K. Warren, and the sixth under John Sedgwich. Their goal was to drive Lee out of his entrenchments. Slowly the three corps would move into a seven day battle commonly called the "Wilderness."
Lee would counter attack as soon as the army had crossed the river and bullets would fly day and night for seven days. The battle stalemated and the troops regrouped at Spotsylvania and fought the May 12 through May 14. Throughout May the armies kept up their deadly, shuffling dance southeastward. Grant could never catch his opponent at a disadvantage. There were constant skirmishes and probing attacks, with crossings of the North Anna, Pamunkey. and the Totopotomoy rivers serving a milestones in the union advance. By June 1 the shuffling dance would meet at the barren and dusty crossroads of Cold Harbor.
The Wisconsin 36th left the state on May 10 lead by Colonel Frank A Haskell and with Captain Reuben Lindley in charge of company B. They arrived in Washington DC on the 14th and immediately proceeded down the Potomac. On May 16th two days after the battle of the Wilderness/Spotsylvania ended, James Malthouse and the Wisconsin 36th would land at Belle Point Virginia after traveling down the Potomac on a steamboat from Washington DC. The next day they marched to Spottsylvania, by way of Federicksburg, and on the 18th acted as a reserve unit, and on the 19th joined the First Brigade, Second Division, General Gibbon. Second Army Corps, General Hancock.
Belle Plaine, Virginia, May 16th, 1864
Dear Wife and Children and Cousins,
I thought that a few lines more from me might be of interest to you, but as I wrote to you yesterday I will not repeat the same over again. We left Washington this morning by Steamboat on the Potomac River. We landed at this place at 4 o’clock and we have set up our tents for the night. Roswell and John and Wm and me tent together. We expect to march in the morning towards the front where the battle is going on. It is about 25 miles from here but as I am writing we can hear the cannon fire which shows that there is work for us to do in a few days. We have at this place 8000 rebel prisoners captured last week. I must say that we are all in good health and spirits. For to see so many wounded soldiers pass here makes us feel as if we want revenge and the 36th intends to have it although it might cost us our lives but we shall die in the duty of saving the blessed Old Flag which is a honor to any loyal man in the country. I will try to write to you again in a few days if all is well, but you must not be surprised if it does not reach you before two weeks as the mail does not run very regular. The army of the Potomac has not had any mail for 30 days until today. There was 4 or 5 wagon loads come from Washington on the boat with us and will go there (army) tomorrow and the thought strikes me that there will be a great many that will not receive theirs by being killed in the fight. The ground where we are now is all covered with old rebel camps and there is a great many rebels buried around here that was killed at the Battle of Rapidan Creek which is close by. It is a wild looking place. I can assure you that we commenced to live on hard tack. It makes my teeth gravel but it is not so bad as some. I think we can live well on it if we have enough given to us and we have so far. Give my children a kiss for me. I have just given you all me I could not with out a tear. John is writing at the same time. I must close for the present for when I begin to write about you I can't write, but God bless you all. Hoping to meet you again when this cruel war is over. I spilled my ink. Roswell sends his love to all so does all the rest and of course I send mine.
Your Ever Loving Husband, James Malthouse
On the evening of May 20th, the Wisconsin 36th accompanied the corps of General Hancock in its march from Spottsylvania to North Anna, crossing the Matapony on the 21st of May. They crossed the North Anna on the 24th, threw up a line of works and lay in line of battle all day. On the morning of the 30th they found the rebels drawn up in line battle in a dense woods in the vicinity of Tolopotomy Creek. On June 1 Companies B, E,G, and F, under command of Captain Warner, were moved forward as skirmishers and advanced over open ground at double quick. The rebels were behind a heavy line of works, with guns mounted about 100 rods in front. As the companies advanced, the line on flank advanced a few yards, fired one volley and fell back leaving the remaining four companies without support. Steadily, under the fire of grape and musketry in front, and oblique fire from the right and left, the 240 men advanced. They succeeded in driving the confederate skirmishers and a portion of the line back over the enemy's works. Captain Burwell was wounded and taken prisoner and Captain Lindley was slightly wounded. During the night the regiment marched to Cold Harbor.
Lee retreated to Richmond the last two weeks of May 1864 and the Army of the Potomac followed and tried to out flank the Virginian Army by beating Lee to the Southern Capitol. Lee won the race and was entrenched by the time Grant's army arrived. By the end of May the Potomac Army would be ready for attack, and James Malthouse would be writing his third letter. The next three days, June 1-3, would become the battle of Cold Harbor and in the end the Union Army would lose 52,000 men, the Confederate Army losing slightly over one third as many.
In Camp Something or Other, Virginia, May 31st, 1864 (Near the Chicomany River)
Dear Wife and Children and Cousins,
Thinking that a few lines would interest you and let you know that we are still alive and well considering that we have had some hard marching to do. We are now 15 miles from Richmond and we expect to have a battle near this place in a short time. It might be tomorrow. A part of the 36th have been in battle a few days ago and lost about 10 or 12 men killed and wounded and while we was sitting around last Friday morning the rebs fired a shell at us. It fell in one of our companies killing two and wounding five. Our Company have not been hurt yet, but we might this next week. We can't tell what will happen to us. We keep up good courage expecting to come out all right by and by. We have to sleep on the ground with a blanket over us and our guns by our side so as to be ready to give them its if they come out. I have wrote to you 3 or 4 times since we left Madison and I have not received any from you yet but I don't feel bad about it as I know the fault is not with you. No for I know that you will write to me regular but as we are in the enemies country and moving all the time. It is difficult not to have any mail sent to us but they will come by and by in a pile and then we shall have lots of news to read. I shall write to you at least once a week as long as I am able to do so and if you don't get them regular you must not blame me. John and Wm is well, also Mr Cary and all of us from F. du L. May 31. Since I have commenced to write this we have marched a few miles nearer the enemy and just as we formed in line the rebs fired on us killing one man in our Co. The ball struck him in the head. He never moved after it struck him. There was several more wounded but not in our Co. We hear the balls whizzing past us all the time. We shall follow the Rebs again before long as they are falling back a little at a time. I have not had the privilege of firing my gun at them yet but I hope I shall before long. The man that was killed he came from Sheboygan Falls. I hope to hear from you before long as I have not heard from you since I saw you and that is four weeks ago today. You must write and let me know how you are get along, if you all have good health and if the cow is doing well. Write and let me know if Edward is a good boy and takes care of the cow. Tell me all about the family. Annie amongst the rest. Tell me what kind of garden you have got. I hope you have a good one. This is good fruit country but it won't be ripe until July and then we shall have plenty. John wrote to Annie yesterday. He is in good spirits. We can do well as long as we have plenty to eat and good appetites. I feel proud of the locket that I carry with me but I dare not look at it so often because you know the reason. I will close as I have told you all that will be of interest to you. I wrote to Brother William but received no answer. You must give him my love when you write to him. I will write to him again in a few days if all is well, No move at present from your Loving Husband and Father and Cousin
James Malthouse
Grant ordered an attack on the Confederates at Cold Harbor for dawn on June 2, but command confusion forced its postponement until June 3rd. The extra day gave a chance for Lee to entrench. The Union Army attack and lost 7,000 men fell in just a half an hour. On the morning of June 3rd, Colonel Haskell lead the Wisconsin 36th across open field under heavy artillery fire and was killed by a rebel bullet.
The loss of Colonel Haskell was a great loss to the Wisconsin 36th. Before leading the Wisconsin 36th he had served with the "Iron Brigade" and had seen action at Gainesville, Antietam and Gettysburg. After the burial of Colonel Haskell and 400 other victims of the fighting, the 36th remained in the Cold Harbor area until June 12th when it crossed the peninsula to Charles City Court House, where it was ferried across in transports to march on to Petersburg on June 15th. Cold Harbor was a failure to Grant. He broke contact with Lee's army and behind a cavalry screen, marched across the Peninsula east of Richmond .With Richmond entrenched, Grant decided to move on to Petersburg, 20 miles south of Richmond. The II Corps would move south of Petersburg on June 15 but arrive too late to take the city. After 4 days of assaults, they would have to be content to wait out and starve out the occupants of Petersburg. Grant extended his lines westward around Petersburg and by the end of June he had cut one of the railroads into the city.
On the 16th the Wisconsin 36th occupied a line of works which had been captured and was severely shelled by the rebels. On the 18th the 36th formed in line of battle and drove skirmishers from their heavy works and followed them a mile through a dense woods, across an open field, and found themselves facing the enemy's main line of works protecting Petersburg. Ordered to advance, the 36th made it over the works to discover that it was the only regiment which had succeeded. It was certain death to advance so the men fell to the earth burrowing into the soft ground with their tin plates trying to create cover until night permitted them to withdraw. During the night the dead were buried (41) and the wounded (81) cared for. On the 21st the regiment moved six miles to the left of Petersburg and on the 22nd narrowly escaped capture. On May 24th the regiment was relieved and moved about two miles to the rear and went into camp and for the first time in four weeks, had a good night's rest. The Regiment would remain in this camp until July 25th. They engaged in picketing, building roads, and forts.
Near Petersburg Virginia June 19th 1864
My Dear Wife & Children and Cousin.
This a beautiful Sabbath morning finds me still alive and enjoying a moderate degree of health. I will devote a short time in writing to you for I can assure you there is nothing in this world that gives me more pleasure than to write to you or to receive a letter from you. I wrote to you on the day before yesterday and yesterday we had to go into battle and we lost on man wounded from our Company but we lost about 50 killed and wounded in the Regt our Colonel was wounded in 4 places and the Major had his thigh broke into pieces so you see that that our officers fall as well as privates . You can form some idea what we had to suffer when I can tell you we left Wis with near 900 men and this morning we have not yet 400 fit for duty. Who will fall next we cannot tell but one thing I can feel and that is if we could fall into ranks and let privates command things would be different. But as things look now I cannot tell how things will turn out. It looks rather gloomy at present. I write to you just what I think .The newspapers can print just what they please but they cannot make us believe all they say because we know better. I don't say this to have you sad. I want you to keep your spirits as long as you know that I am alive and well and if ever it should have to be told to you that I have fallen I want you to meet me where parting will be no more. I have not any letter from you since last Sunday but I expect to get one the first mail that comes. It may come before I finish this letter. I told you in my last letter that I had received all of your letters five in number but no letter has given me more pleasure then the one wrote by Mary Ann as I did not think she could write so good or compose a letter like it. I hope that she will write again.
John is all right and the captain and Fon du Lac. Just at this time has commenced with cannon about 1/2 mile from us on our right and we might to find in action at any moment. They pay no respect for the Sabbath . How the government expects to have us to win when they violate the laws of god by braking the fourth commandment. Often does the few line come into mind when laying on the ground expecting a battle, Comrades brave around me lying filled with thoughts of home and god. John is writing Annie at the same time. You write that you enjoy yourselves together best you can say that you have not men to trouble you. You don't say in any of your letters that you have quarrel yet. I guess you have not . I hope you won't for we have fighting enough down here for you to be at peace. You will please give our respects to Mr Ogram and tell him that we write to him in a few days or when it is decided who gains the day At this I think it will be a hard battle and it is decided but it seems to be opinion of nearly all that the war is not ended by summer it will not be settles by fighting. The way our men are being killed at present I think about when we have to dig graves on the field or in the woods. We are there to bury our comrades all the time. They have to wrap their Blankets around them and not a prayer I offer to God or I should say not a prayer is said aloud but lay them in the ground. Lime our dead have to lay on. Then 2 or 3 days and they begin to smell pretty bad. Sometimes I have not had to bury any myself as I always crept out it did not want the job for is not very pleasant although it must be done. I owe if I live to come back. a just was making the letter a in the line. That I have marked a ball struck my cap and cut a hole through it. It stunned me as.....(can't read the rest) No more at this time. from Your Affectionate and Loving Husband and Father
James Malthouse,Co. G 36 Regt. Wis Vol.
[John Savage, Jr had replaced Haskell as Colonel and was wounded June 18th and died July 4 in Washington DC of those wounds. Major Harvey Brown was wounded June 18th and was discharged Oct 27.]
6 Miles from Petersburg
Virginia June 28,1864
My Dear Wife and Children and Cousins
Thinking that you would like to hear from me at any time and I having a few moments to spare and as I can assure you that my heart is with you though I am absent in body and the most pleasure that I have while I have to be parted from you is in writing to you or to get a letter from you or do not think I should ever think as much about you when I should be away from you but such is the fact. You and my Dear Children are always in my mind either when I am in battle or when I am in the rear but I must not let my mind dwell upon those thoughts as you will want to hear something else. Well as I wrote to you last Sunday a good long letter I have not so much news this one but I can tell you what some of us are doing. Mr. Roswell is mending his pants. Mr. Cary is writing. John has just come in he has just bought a little mustard for 20 cents. The sutler is coming and then we shall buy some good things. Captain is writing and we are all doing well in general. John has just boiled a can of beans for dinner for Tom and Roswell and I have boiled one for me and Mr. Cary. We will let them cool and then they will go good with a cup of coffee and a little hard tack. Then we shall have a first rate dinner. We have marched about 2 miles yesterday and we expect to have to march again before long. I can't tell where we are going as then is so many reports but we expect to go to a Point on the James River but I shall know when we get there. We are now in the rear and I hope to keep so for awhile until we get a little more strength for I can assure that we are pretty well worn down. We have pretty good appetites and we have plenty to eat but we have not good water and it is so hot that it melts the life out of one. We are so weak yesterday we only marched about two miles but it was so hot that when the regt. got here there was only five men in our company the rest had to get into the shade by the roadside and rest in the shade as they was near been sun struck but just in the evening the sun clouded over and a breeze of wind got up which cooled the air so it was comfortable in the evening. It had the signs of rain but it did not come to any. It is very warm but not so hot as yesterday. I must tell you that the 7th Michigan regt from our Brigade have gone home today as they have served 3 years but a few of them had re-enlisted. Them that went home felt as I shall feel should I survive to come home after I have served my time but I begin to think that if this was not ended in one year it will not end by fighting. I cannot look at present with any favorable idea to think the war will stop soon but I hope that I shall be disappointed in my views. I have never told you anything whether we had any grey back or not so I will tell you now that we have a few as I find a few once in a while and there is not a man in the army but what have them no matter how clean he may keep himself for it seems as if they breed in the sand and crawl on you and we sweat so much that they can smell us 5 miles. I catched 2 this morning when we have a chance to go in the stream we strip and go hunting for them or as we call it skirmishing for grey backs. John is writing Annie at the same time. He received a Sentinel yesterday and we was glad to see it to hear how things was going in our own state and we hope to receive more of them. There is some talk that we shall get our pay in July but I can't tell how much it will be. Dear Wife you say that you can't enjoy yourself on the 4th of July as you could if I was with you. All that I can say I enjoy yourself as best you can and let us hope to see the day when we can be together and enjoy ourselves when the war is over. You must keep up your spirits and not get to fretting about me so long as you know that I am well for I know that if you fret much you will soon make yourself sick and for me to hear the news of you been sick would give me a great many sorrowful hours but I hope to be always able to hear or to read a letter from you at all times saying that you are well and I hope that I can always write the same to you. No more at this time. from Your Affectionate and Loving Husband and Father
James Malthouse Co. G 36 Regt. Wis Vol.
2nd Army Corps Via Washington DC
Away down in Dixie June 30th 1864
Dear Wife and Children and Cousin
John and me each of us received a letter from you today. We each of us sit down to write you with an answer. I was glad to hear that you was all well and I must say we are all well as can be expected. To say what we have to endure I must tell you that our regt has not been in any fight for about 8 days and it seems good to be where bullets does not go whiz past you all the day long and night too. We have been keeped in the rear but yesterday we was marched a litter nearer to the front but we have not heard any music yet. I must tell you that I received a letter from Bro Wm. He and his lady sent their love to me. He feels glad that he has got out of the Army and I don't wonder. There is thousands that would get out if they could. If the Army was gaining anything by fighting and Suffering I should think different. But as it is it looks gloomy. In my eyes our men are not all lost in battle for I tell you that marching in the hot sun and sand and dust and at night not to have a bed to sleep on. It is so very hot through the day that the men can't carry much of a load and most of them have thrown away their woolen blankets and carry only their tents and rubber blanket but I have got me a good woolen one and if we have to march on a hot day and I can't keep up with my load, I fall out and go behind and I tell you such cold nights as we have I find my Blanket great value. I Must tell you that we have had a few nick nacks this week as the sutler came along. It costs quite a little but it made me think of home. If I was there my Dear Wife would get me anything that I wanted. So I thought that as I was not with her that I must get something for myself and I not do right me thinks. I hear you say yeas and I believe you do say yes. We bought us a bottle of mustard each 50 cents and it goes first rate with our hard tack.. we intend if all is well to buy us some more and I must tell you that yesterday we got a loaf of soft bread for each man and as it is the first soft bread we have seen since we left Washington you can imagine how we took a good slice from it . I had a piece of cheese that I bought and I tell you that bread and cheese for a soldier is a treat. I treated myself and I thought at the time oh if I only had you with me and have you enjoy anything as I did. That I could soldier all my life for as you wrote to me in a former letter that when we have plenty we shared it together and when we had little we did the same. And as it have always been the same with to me both in prosperity and in adversity . I new think of you when I have anything good or when I have hard tack and water. I am glad to hear that you can enjoy a bowel of bread and milk. I think I could if I had it but I hope to see the day when I can enjoy one with you. For you and my Dear Children lay so near my heart that I could enjoy anything in your company. You asked my advise about buying a pig and I should say no. You have no convenience to keep one and besides it would make you a deal do trouble and I think that you can buy pork as cheap as you can buy feed. I am sorry that you have such a dry time out there. I hope that you will do every thing to your best knowledge as regards your domestic affairs. Mr Boswell sends his love to you all. All night Mr Cary has a little sick with the sick headache but he is this morning with us in the regt. John is right side up and all the rest from Fon du Lac is feeling thankful to you for sending me a post stamp in each letter. But as Bro Wm sent me 8 in his letter you need not send any more at present as I have got even more at five cents. I will let you know when to send any more. I must tell you that 10,000 of our cavalry is nearly surrounded by the Rebs a few miles from here and last night the Corps went to their assistance and we expect there will be a big fight before they get them away. It would have to be a great battle for the rebs to get hold and our when we take them prisoner we.... That I told you all the news I can as I don't want to tire you out reading so many long letters. I stall remain as ever your ever true Loving and Affectionate Husband and Father,
James Malthouse [William Mathers was mustered out, 1st Regt. Tennessee]
The siege of Petersburg continued: trenches were deepened and strengthened, bombroofs built as protection against mortar fire, and ditches and obstacles placed between lines as insurance against surprise attack. Artillery duels and sharpshooting was incessant. For six weeks there was blazing heat and no rain, then there was too much rain. Much of July was spent “ drilling for two hours, dress parade, improving the camp, and picket duty”. One Pennsylvanian called it "hell itself" and sickness, desertion, and battle fatigue took there toll.
The 48th Pennsylvania held a line only 150 yards from the entrenched Rebels. Since the 48th contained many coal miners they decided to place a mine under the Confederate line, fill the mine with four tons of power, and "blow" their way into Petersburg. Grant approved the project and in order to make a successful assault at the site of the explosion, ordered a feint to be made by the Second Corp, across the James River, in order to draw the enemies fire. Accordingly, the Wisconsin 36th broke camp on July 26, and crossed the Appomattox on a pontoon bridge and crossed the peninsula and the James River (above Malvern Hill) to Strawberry Plains. After creating a strong diversion they re-crossed the James and made a forced march back to Petersburg on the night of the 29th. They arrived just in time to witness the deplorable failure. At 4:45 A.M. on July 30 "with a muffled roar" a 500 yard gap opened in the center of Lee's lines. The plan failed when Union soldiers unaware of the plan trickled into the huge crater out of curiosity and were "shot like fish in a barrel" by counter attacking Confederates. The siege continued into August.
The Wisconsin 36th returned to its old camping grounds and engaged in light duty until August 12, when they took part in another expedition. They were order to draw the enemies troops from the extreme left so that the Fifth Corps could attack the Weldon Railroad. On August 13, they embarked on transports down the James River and disembarked at Deep Bottom, near Strawberry Plains. Forming battle lines on the 14th the Second Corps advanced along the new Market road to Richmond and found and fought the enemy until 4:00 P.M., when the first brigade made a change on the enemy's works.
Captain Lindley of the Wisconsin 36th received four wounds (mortal), Major Hamilton received a serve wound to the face, and Colonel Warner shattered his left arm. Captain Cannon now became the regimental commander. The expedition was entirely successful and the Weldon Railroad was captured.
The Regiment returned to its old camp south of Petersburg and on the 24nd took position a Reams Station. The only hitch to Grants plan to starve out Petersburg was the free movement of supplies into Petersburg by the Weldon and Southside railroads to the south of the city. On August 22, Grant sent Hancock with two infantry divisions and some cavalry, to destroy the Weldon Railroad as far south as Rowany Creek about 30 miles below Warrens Position.. Warren had been sent by Meade with four divisions out past Fort Sedwick and west to the Welden Railroad about five miles below Petersburg. If successful, Lee's wagon train from the railroad would have to come up and around about over 30 miles by the way of Dinwiddle Court House. Lee moved vigorously by sending A.P. Hills Corps to strike Hancocks divisions.
On August 25th, A.P. Hills Confederate Corps (3500 men) struck Hancocks Union divisions (5204 men) at Reams Station located five miles south of Warrens position and after a hard fight drove the Union Army away from the railroad. The 36th was posted in a railroad cut, and acted as a reserve to the line in front. The Confederates were determined to recover the cut and made three desperate charges on the lines and each charge was repulsed. They, however, succeeded in getting an enfilading fire (from the side or flank) on the Union line and charged again, taking the position. The Confederates succeeded in breaking the line and as they came over a steep rise the Union reserves opened fire. The reserve line broke and the Confederates filed to the rear completely surrounding the 36th Wisconsin. Stuck in a railroad cut, it was impossible to move either way. One hundred and twenty -five were reported missing from the 36th. John Gibbon’s divisions had to retreat after 1,769 of his men had been captured including James Malthouse from the Wisconsin 36th. The 36th Regiment Flag was captured by the 44th North Carolina. The battle of Reams Station virtually emasculated the Army of the Potomac's Second Corps. Approximately 2,000 of the Second Corps were captured or were listed missing in action. Only 370 were recorded as killed or wounded, most of the rest had simply run away. General Hancock was very displeased and claimed that this was not the work of the redoubtable II Corps of old. It was, he said, the draftees, bounty men, and greenhorns, who had fled. General Gibbons in fact deprived the 36th of the privilege of carrying the National colors but on further investigation of the matter, he ordered a new set for the regiment November 1. After Reams Station the 36th was moved to Fort Bross and engaged in general duty. On September 25th it moved to the front lines between Fort Steadman and Fort Haskell were is did picket duty and guard duty until October 22nd. John Stanchak, Editor of Civil War Times Illustrated, later commented: "The II Corp had already stood up on several battlefields and taken the worst the enemy could give. They had just done it too often, in too short a time. The men of the corps were demoralized. At last, their officers conceded that they were badly war-worn. For the rest of the conflict on that front, they would relegate them to support roles. They would no longer spearhead assaults. The war had changed and so had they."
Most of the captured Union soldiers were transported to Libby Prison and then on to Salisbury, North Carolina. On January 30, 1865 James Malthouse died in Salisbury of chronic diarrhea. Death claimed one of every three prisoners who enter Salisbury between October 1864 and February 1865. Salisbury Prison was an abandoned cotton factory that was purchased by the Confederate Government in November , 1861 to detain Confederates under sentences of court martial, disloyal citizens, and deserters, as well as prisoners of war. By march of 1862 the prisoners numbered 1500 and conditions were quite favorable. During the early months of 1864 the capacity of the prison was reached and in October 10,000 new Union Prisoners arrived and conditions declined and the mortality rate became fearful.
The burial place was a field near the prison in which long pits about four feet deep and six feet wide were dug. No coffins could be furnished and the graves were unmarked. Of the 128 men from the 36th only six returned to the regiment.
Elizabeth Malthouse sold the home she had inherited from James to her brother John and remarried again in June, 1866 to John Wornes. Wornes deserted Elizabeth and the children and she remarried again on 1877 to Thomas Brennan. They had two sons, Joseph and Matthew. They moved to Minneapolis where Elizabeth died in 1914 (80 yrs) with a picture of James Malthouse in his Union Army uniform hanging on the wall (the picture taken in April 1864).
Four civil war letters from James were passed on to Ellen Malthouse, who was the grand daughter of William Albert and was a school teacher in Minneapolis, and then on to Edward R. Malthouse (nephew of Ellen Malthouse). Four other letters from James Malthouse were passed to Stella Malthouse Seeba (Walter Reid) and then to Walter Seeba.
Elizabeth applied for a Widow's Army pension on May 29 1865. The witnesses were John and Annie Horton.
Edward Mathers died in 1863 (b. 1807). The deeds disposing of his property were dated November 5, 1863 and were written on stationary form the Governor’s office in Tennessee. Sole heirs were Elizabeth Malthouse, John Mathers, and William A. Mathers. Each received a bit of land.
John Mathers served in Company B of the 35th Wisconsin Infantry. The 35th was organized at Camp Washburn, Milwaukee, WI on February 27th,1864. It left Wisconsin on April 18th, 1864 proceeding to New Orleans, then to Port Hudson, and remained in Louisiana and Arkansas until February 1865. John Mathers would survive the war and died at the ripe old age of 80 in Oak Park Illinois. (b. 1836, d. January 7, 1916)
William (Billy) A. Mathers attended Elizabeth's funeral in 1914, he was living in Oak Park, Illinois at the time. (From Patricia Petrie , grand daughter of Emma Jane.) (Possible service with 1st Regiment Tennessee Volunteers 1861-1864)
Mr Edward Mathers
I thought I would write to you and let you know that we have received word from the Major Sharnick stating that Capt Wm A. Mathers was taken prisoner and supposedly to have been severely dealt with. Wm's regiment (I presume) was away. He was engaged in recruiting for The First Btg Tenn and since we have received letters from him every week until recently, we have reason to fear the truth of the above statement. Wm was at my house in June last about the 10th. I think Wm was to have been home again before this time. But it is now five weeks since we have heard or received letters from him. By directing to Major Sharnick First Ret of Tenn Volunteers, Murphysboro, you can probably could obtain all that can be known of him It appears that he is missing and his situation or condition are partly conjuncture.
Very Respectfully Yours,
AM Burdick
"My grandmother Malthouse Brennan was a widow when I stayed with her, Grandpa Tom Brennan had died. She had a large framed picture of her first husband, James E. Malthouse on the bedroom wall. Ethel Wheeler
John Edward Malthouse: Married Married Margaret O'Neil. Died.1927 (Children: Clarence, Harry, Winnie, Charles, Edna Mae)
William Albert Malthouse: Married Mary McLaughlin. Died 1938. Children:
Emma Jane Malthouse: Married John A Neil. Died .1897 (Children: Earl, Ethel, Ralph, Roy)
Colonel: Frank Haskell (d. June 3,1864-Cold Harbor)
Lt Colonel: John Savage, Jr (d. July 4, 1864-Petersburg)
Major: Harvey M. Brown (disch: wounds October, 1864)
Captains-
A- William H Hamilton (Mustered out July 12,1865)
B- Clement E Warner (August 14, 1864-left arm amputated)
C -George A Fisk (Took command of regiment Sept 25,1864)
D- Jacob Walkey
E-Jerome F Brooks
F -Prescott B Burwell (d. June 1,1864)
G- Reuben Lindley (d. August 15,1864 - Deep Run)
H- Austin Cannon
I -Daniel Farrand
K- Warren Graves
May 10th- Camp Randall to Washington DC
May 19th-Join Hancock's Corp
May 30th-Battle of Tolopotomy
June 3rd-Cold Harbor
Before Petersburg
June 18th -Petersburg
June 21st-New Jerusalem Plankroad
July26th-Strawberry Plains
July 30th-Explosion of the Mine
August 12-Battle at Deep Bottom
August 14-Weldon Railroad
August 25-Battle of Reams Station
Sept 1to25th-Fort Bross
Sept 25-Oct 22-Fort Steadman
October 27thHatcher's Run
Petersburg Captured
April 1 - Pursuit of Lee
April 9 - Lee Surrenders
March to Washington
Grand Review
Proceed to Louisville
July 12, - Mustered Out
Gain by recruits in 1984, 9, in 1985, 15; Total 1,014. Loss: By death 296, deserted 21, transfer, 38, discharged 214, mustered out 445.