Chapter I

Preparing to Meet the Foe

       The very first words still available to us were not written by Capt. Hart but to him on Nov. 11, 1861. The author of the letter wished to remain anonymous because of the general traitorous tone it set. In retrospect it would appear to be nothing more than complaints which were founded on legitimate grounds. The letter was written in Washington D. C. by a member of the Tenth Regiment. Conditions must have been atrocious by modern day standards. Mention was made that 1 - 5 soldiers were buried every day. The author had been camped on Capitol Hill, nicknamed Mt. Misery, for three months without having been paid. The local retailers had apparently increased prices on food and staples extraordinarily high, obviously profiteering off the war efforts. We can early on begin to fathom the horrendous suffering that the Civil War caused, even in the early stages! The meal this man wrote about could but have only added to his discomfort. It consisted of one small piece of cold pork, some hard bread and coffee. Anyone trying to serve their country under such conditions could surely not be blamed for complaining.

       When Noah Hart wrote his first letter back home to his wife, he was located at headquarters of the 10th Regiment. Unfortunately we don’t have the location. All the letter had at the top was the date: Feb. 8th, 1862. Hart complained of loneliness to his wife and in the letter requested his wife to inform one of his clients in the law profession he was practicing to be patient regarding some tax matters he was trying to resolve. He indicated that he would be home as soon as possible and must have his wife with him the few days he had remaining in Michigan. He hoped and prayed that he would be spared to come home after the cruel war closed.

       It isn’t until April 24th, 1862 that Hart again wrote his wife. He was some 25 miles from St. Louis, apparently on a troopship heading down the Mississippi River. He indicated that in less than ten days he would probably be in the great battle that was to decide the map of the Mississippi Valley. His regiment was in gay spirits. Hart seemed at this point to be resigned to whatever the fates had in store for him. He did state that his wife could rest assured that he would never shrink from any duty that devolves upon him. He said to her that he knew she would despise him always thereafter had he shrunk from duty. It appears quite clear therefore, that Hart sincerely accepted his role and did his best to perform it. The name of the troopship Hart was on was the Stevenson "Gladiator." His next letter dated April 26, 1862 was addressed therefrom. At that point he was 30 miles above Cairo, Illinois, heading for Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. The troopship went righton by St. Louis. Capt. Hart said the scenery along the Mississippi was the very, very finest. It reminded him of the Lake Superior country.

       One very interesting comment in this letter describes a sword that Capt. Hart’s men gave him. The sword was passed down from Capt. Hart to his son Clarence Hart and then to Clarence's son, Stephen. It is still owned by one of Stephen Hart's descendants. The inscription is still very legible. Apparently a Capt. Burnett, who was another officer in the 10th Regiment, had collected two dollars each from the men and had purchased the sword for that amount.

       The underlying allusion by Capt. Hart to duty surfaces once again in this letter. He had an opportunity to return home on leave but felt his place was with his men. He indicated that he was glad he didn’t take leave. He went on to say that in view of the great approaching battle, his superiors would have been given the opportunity to stigmatize him as a malingerer and coward and that he had never intended to fulfill his military obligation. Capt. Hart was almost obsessed with the idea that someone might imply that he was not performing his duties as best he could. As we will see, there is nothing further from the truth.

       Two days later, April 28th, 1862, Capt. Hart once again writes his wife from the "Gladiator." He begins by commenting on how he was permitted to witness another beautiful and delicious morning and how sweet and balmy the atmosphere was. However, for the first time we are exposed to the realities of war.

       His unit expected to be fired upon from the shore and so 100 men were ordered to load their muskets and station themselves on both sides of the "Gladiator." Fortunately they did not come under fire and received nothing but hurrahs and waving handkerchiefs from both white and black. Capt. Hart’s mind however, was on the battle ahead. He asked, "Can it be possible that only fifty miles away there are two armies of over 100,000 each, preparing for an engagement?"

       Another aside in this letter exemplifies the historical significance of Hart’s career. He mentioned there was one place he intended to visit if possible, namely the Hermitage where sleeps the Patriot and hero Jackson. He hoped he would not be disappointed, for his heart was set on it.

       Only one day later does Capt. Hart write to his wife again. On April 29th, 1862 the Gladiator landed at Pittsburg Landing, some 8 miles from the boundary between Tennessee and Mississippi. He had been gone only one week from Camp Thomson, at which time there was a tremendous snow storm. Now some 1200 miles later, a pleasant change had come. It was very warm. All vegetation as forward as it would be in Michigan in June. Capt. Hart indicated that the 10th Regiment was to be assigned to General Pope’s command.

       Apparently he had some free time after landing because he wrote that he got a horse from the Commissary of Kelly’s Cavalry and took a ride in the country. The roads were a sight, all dotted over with Commissary stores and everything topsy turvy. One can just imagine how all the equipment and stores for a pending battle were strewed every which way. Capt Hart could at this time hear heavy firing which was some ten or fifteen miles away as near as he could judge. At any rate while on his ride in the country he mentioned a nice comfortable looking log house. Two sweet looking young ladies were standing in the door, so he rode up and asked them if they wanted him as a friend or enemy. They said as a friend and he replied he came in that capacity. The ladies refilled his canteen with cool fresh water and he rode off. This little anecdote is an excellent example of how much concern and empathy Capt. Hart had for all those involved in the conflict. His final sentence in this letter indicated that the regiment was in good spirits and anxious to move on.

       The next four days for Capt. Hart must have been spent in preparing his regiment for actual battle. After landing at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. we next hear from him in a letter to his wife dated May 2, 1862. He begins it by extolling the sweet delicious morning, wishing his wife could be with him to enjoy the exhilarating atmosphere. He was astonished that there were no mosquitoes or insects. He confirms that for his wife, mosquitoes were a great abhorrence.

       He was ordered to march at 6 a.m. the next morning but this was countered by his Colonel who instructed him to remain in charge of a detail of men who were to strike and do up the tents, take charge of the ammunition stores and provisions, including ten sick personnel. He was very disappointed. The detail of men left in his charge were unfit for active service. His resignation was obvious when he states that a military man has nothing to do but obey orders.

       The departure of the troops was indeed a grand and imposing sight. First, Regiment after Regiment of Cavalry, then Battery after Battery of Artillery, and lastly, Regiment after Regiment of Infantry departed to engage the enemy. Capt. Hart’s Regiment was heard from the next morning. They had advanced eight miles, coming to a river. The Rebs had burnt the bridge. The 10th Regiment began to rebuild it but their supplies had not caught up with them. They therefore had to camp without tents or mess chests or provisions. Capt. Hart at this point was hoping to move forward to join his regiment. He did not like the responsibility of so much property.

       Danger was apparently imminent, since an order was read ordering all female nurses back to the landing.

       He was not to join up with his men, because in his next letter on May 4th, 1862 he began by saying he was still in the same place from which he last wrote, namely Camp Sims, which was 5 miles from the landing. He mentioned that he had lived on hard bread and raw bacon for four days. He had no appetite for anymore. Luck was with him however; a fellow came along with some five dozen eggs. He bought them for $1.50, boiled them and had a feast.

       Even early on, apparently, having good warm meals was a luxury impossible to enjoy. Without refrigeration and all the other modern commodities it’s difficult to relate with the problems involved in the every day mundane things we’re all so used to taking for granted. Compounding the Civil War soldier’s problems of course was the fact that he was in a strange environment perilously close to life—threatening situations, and unable to stay supplied with the basic necessities of life. No wonder they say war is hell!

       At this point Capt. Hart was able to enjoy a brief respite. He mentions a Charlie Husman who had heard that Hart was 5 miles from the landing. Husman mounted his horse immediately upon learning of his whereabouts and carried a bottle of nice old Rye Whiskey out to his campsite. Charlie and two of his partners were making arrangements to bake bread for the Army. He had some machinery in which he could turn out 20,000 loaves a day.

       Hart learned later that day a village by the name of Farmington, Miss. had been captured. Fifteen to twenty of the enemy had been killed and 100 prisoners taken. Also some cotton was confiscated.

       The next letter from Capt. Hart to his wife is dated May 11th, 1862. He comments that it is just two weeks today since he and his wife kissed goodbye. He went on to say, "What a vast space divides us now, how varied the scenery I have witnessed." He was still living on hard bread and raw bacon. He had not tasted of potatoes or fresh meat since passing St. Louis., He was that evening to get an enjoyable change of pace. A drove of cattle from Illinois camped nearby and a small beef was killed. Suffice it to say he thought it was delicious.

       A messenger came in that day and informed Hart that his men were some ten miles ahead within two miles of Corinth, where he expected the great battle. The messenger said however, that the enemy was evacuating. The Baptism of Fire was yet to come. Hart went on to explain that the reason for his delay was on account of a tremendous rain which inundated the country. His days were spent hard at work building bridges and causeways so as to move the artillery and provisions. Rather amazing was the fact that it took 20 horses to haul the large cannons.

       This letter also informed us that General McClellan was killed, that Yorktown had been taken along with 4000 prisoners. Hart was premature in his speculation that they (the enemy) will soon be subjugated. Had he known of the years and miles and suffering ahead, there would have been little reason for such optimism. He was advised by his Colonel that he would order him forward just as soon as the exigencies of the service would warrant.

       General Hallock ordered that no letters be forwarded after May 11, 1862! The next letter from Capt. Hart is dated May 14, 1862 in which he confirms the censorship order. Apparently the military leaders were expecting a "Great Battle" but Hart indicates that the great fight did not come off. He did say that it would be all over in a few days.

       Hart had caught a cold and in this letter he mentions a Bro. Sewit, an apparent acquaintance of his and Mrs. Hart who he found at Hamburg. Bro. Sewit was from Hart’s own University, a professor of anatomy, and ministered to Hart in attempting to cure his cold.

       From Hamburg, Capt. Hart is, next heard from on May 22, 1862. He had moved into the state of Mississippi and had occupied the town of Farmington. He called it a beautiful location for a village. The troops had razed all the houses and buildings in order to use the timbers and wood for floors in their tents. They also used the material for constructing breastworks and other defenses. Hart said that this was the most war like looking place he had ever seen. There were breastworks, entrenchments, batteries in every direction and in every shape — right angles, triangles, all sorts of angles. Capt. Hart said they had some one hundred cannon in position. General Buell had more than General Pope's troops, which included Hart. This entrenchment was 3 1/2 miles from Corinth, Miss., which Hart states could easily be shelled from Farmington. A good many prisoners were taken every day. Hart further relates that Co. F had the honor of bringing in two secesh, who turned out to be deserters from the rebel army. These deserters had been trying to find Hart’s pickets; one was wounded, but it was only a flesh wound.

       The first death in Hart’s regiment is mentioned in this letter. He mentions a man by the name of George W. Osborn who was buried at Hamburg. There is no information as to the cause of death or what Osborn’s rank was.

       Hart felt that the enemy would not attack, but they were strongly entrenched at Corinth. They had felled immense quantities of timber so that no infantry could ever take their position. Regarding the loss of trees, Hart felt it was wicked to cut down all the shade and fruit trees. There were apple, peach, plum and other kinds of fruit trees laid waste, leaving nothing but desolation.

       An extremely short letter was next written on May 25, 1862 from Farmington. Hart was still trying to conduct his law practice because in this letter he advises a Mr. Ryan that neither Mr. Canfield nor any other person has any right to the possession of the mill until the court says so. He advised that Ryan should allow no one to dispossess him.

       As far as the war was concerned, the Tenth Regiment had been in no engagements and there were no wounded or killed. The Tenth’s duties consisted’ of going out on picket duty and popping away at the enemy pickets. The pickets were so far apart that seldom did they hit each other. Now and then a fellow did get popped but generally it was a Secesh.

       Farmington, Miss. was to be the site from which the next letter was written by Hart on May 27, 1862. He had received letters from his daughter and noticed particularly that portion where it said she prayed for him every night. A very sad thing was described in this letter. Hart described the melancholy and gloom that prevailed throughout the Tenth Regiment at that time. The adjutant, Sylvester D. Cowles, was shot down the day prior to the day this letter was written. Cowles was out on picket duty when it happened. Hart explains the circumstances as follows: The Tenth’s turn had come to pull picket duty which happened once a week. They left camp about 8 a.m. The regiment had made a line of posts about one mile in length with Co. A and Co. F on the extreme right. In front of the left wing there was an old farm and shed. Here the rebels had taken shelter and kept up a constant fire on the Tenth’s pickets. Major Scarrett sent to headquarters for a battery to come and shell them out. The battery command blew the barn and shed all to pieces. The rebels took to the hills double quick. After the battery had ceased firing, several officers were standing around talking when the Adjutant (Cowles) clapped his left hand to his breast and said, "Boys, I have it here." He took one step back and fell dead. The ball entered his right breast and came out his back. Cowles was a severe loss to the Regiment. He was universally liked, an excellent officer, always at his post and always pleasant and kind to everybody.

       Although a constant firing was kept up all day between both sides, Cowles was the only one killed or hurt. The regiment was stationed in a nice comfortable place in the forest with the undergrowth of timber so thick that they could see no one over six or eight rods away and could not be seen at all. An agreement was apparently made by both sides the day this letter was written. Hart says there was no more picket shooting. It was nothing but diabolical, cold-blooded murder.

       Capt. Hart’s feelings on that day are not clear. At any rate the tone of the letter changes dramatically. Hart turns to his observations of the countryside. He said the wheat was ready to harvest. Black and other berries will soon be ripe. Hart mentioned that he had not slept for 30 hours. He ended the letter by expressing his hope that his daughter would continue praying for him every night.

       June 7, 1862 Hart next writes home. He was at Booneville, Miss. approximately 30 miles south of Corinth. He was sitting on the ground and had been without writing material for 9 days. Since he had left Farmington the Tenth Regiment had been constantly on the move, advancing and retreating, skirmishing and pursuing the enemy. The troops were sleeping in the open air with no covering but the canopy of heaven. Hart indicated that when he left Flint, Mich. he weighed 180 pounds. He was down to 152 at this point. He told his wife that if she could see him now, she would see that spruce looking fellow she used to think so much of. He did say that he could afford to lose some more weight.

       He did not know when or where the enemy would make their next permanent stand. He said they bother us constantly by burning the bridges and filling the roads with trees. This forced the Union troops to rebuild to get the artillery and supply trains through, making progress very slow and tedious.

       There was some talk that the Tenth was to return to Memphis. Hart mentioned that when he passed thru country that hasn’t been devastated, he would request the local citizenry to contribute milk and hoe cakes. The universal reply was that the rebel army took everything they had. They had no meal for themselves. The ladies conversed freely. Not infrequently they would exclaim that the old flag of the Stars and Stripes looked good and shed tears.

       Five days later Hart wrote again from somewhere near Corinth, Miss. It was June 12, 1862. He and the Tenth had given up chasing rebels for the present and were on their way back North. He stated that the Regiment had arrived at camp pretty well jaded out. They had been without their baggage for 12 days. Consequently they had had no change of clothing. The weather during those 12 days had been intensely hot and dusty. Perspiration and dust ground together had made the Tenth the dirtiest looking set of fellows imagineable. The men pitched their tents and policed the grounds. They all then went to the millpond and took a good wash and got out clean shirts and put them on. The tenth was to remain at this camp for a few days from which they would head for either Memphis or Virginia.

       Capt. Hart commented that he ate everything and anything, but nothing that he would touch if he were at home. He was hoping his regiment would be detailed to go to Mackinaw during the months of July and August. He further mentioned that the North had taken possession of the Railways of the South, to wit: The Ohio and Mobile, the Memphis and Charleston and their branches. They would, he said, have to be guarded.

       The furlough Hart talked about was not to be. Four days later on June 16, 1862 he wrote again to his wife. He was then near Corinth, Miss, and for the first time referred to his regiment as part of the Army of the Mississippi. He mentioned that he had a nice camping ground with good water and a good surgeon. He expected to remain there three or four weeks to see what the enemy proposed to do. Possession of all the railways is once again referred to. He said the roads from Corinth to Memphis and to Columbus and to Nashville would be in full operation in three or four days. He was in communication with the North again. Regarding the furlough, it was next to an impossibility to get a furlough or a resignation through.

       This letter also gave some legal advice to his wife regarding two of his clients. A separate letter to the clients was enclosed. What their contents were will never be known. Hart regretted that his wife had so much trouble and vexation from outside matters. He ended this letter with the best advice there is when things are outside of our control. He told her, "You will not give yourself any trouble about business matters. Let them take care of themselves." How appropriate such words are, even to this day.

       Up to this point Hart's rank has been given as Captain; however this is an error! For in his next letter dated June 30, 1862 from Camp Big Springs near Corinth, Miss. Hart mentions that several promotions were handed down and that he had become number three in line for a promotion to the rank of Captain. The prospects of resignation by other officers would soon bring him up to number one. Apparently for health reasons, vacancies were on the horizon. Hart mentions an officer by the name of Crockett who had been detailed to return to Michigan to recruit. Crockett suffered from the heat and fainted almost every time they went out for exercise. Due to his health they felt he couldn’t stay in combat and ordered him back home.

       Hart mentions here that he, Capt. Burnett and Capt. Richmond went to Corinth and stopped at a fine hotel. It seemed strange to sit down at a table once more not having done so since he left St. Louis. He said that Charles Husman was now in Corinth with his ovens. Charles was mentioned in a prior letter as the man who intended to bake bread for the Army. Closing his letter, Hart mentioned to his wife that he was glad she was getting along so nicely with her music. The next letter had only the date of July 6th, 1862 on the top. Presumably it was written and sent from near Corinth. Rose leaves must have been sent by Hart’s wife in her letters. It seemed to Hart that he was in the old front yard. He kind of got after his wife in this letter. It seems as if she had paid 16.00 out in taxes on some property Hart had owned but sold. His words to her were, "Let them be the last taxes you pay or anything else without instructions from me." The postscript in this letter brought out an interesting fact in the Civil War. Apparently the soldiers or at least the officers were allowed to have their wives in camp with them if they became sick. Nurses were most likely non existent and the only care a sick soldier would get would be from his wife. Specifically Hart mentioned a Mrs. Dunphy whom he had not the least doubt her husband owed his life to. Dunphy was sick with fever and it was thought he would die.

       Eleven days later a letter home from Hart found him in such good spirits and waxing so eloquently that a direct quote from the opening paragraph shows how Hart tried to convey the good side of the war. He started out as follows on July 17th, 1862: "Having been relieved of my duties as officer of the Guard at 8 this morning and it consequently being somewhat a day of leisure, how could I spend it more pleasantly and agreeably than in writing to you. All nature seems refreshed and born anew today after weeks and weeks of parching weather — the thermometer at 116 — We have had a tremendous rain. It poured down all night. Today it is deliciously cool and the atmosphere is as sweet as a rose. I hope we may have many such days. I feel grateful to the Father of all our blessings for the good health I am now enjoying. I do not know that I ever felt better in my life."

       Some of the most simplest material possessions in life, which we all take for granted, were very difficult to come by in the Civil War. For example in this same letter Capt. Hart states that there is one thing he missed very much, namely a pillow. He was asking his wife to send him one, preferably short and thick, just long enough for one head. He wanted it in a pillow case and then with an oil slick covering. Obviously, trying to get comfortable and a good nights sleep while moving all over the South in makeshift, temporary quarters, created a certain amount of discomfort.

       Hart also weighed in again and his weight had gone down to 147 lbs.; a 33 lb. loss since leaving Michigan. This weight loss was also indicative of the poor food and other difficulties associated with the war. Hart’s height was obtained from his honorable discharge papers at the Veteran’s Administration in Washington D.C. He was described as five feet, eight inches tall.

       July 19, 1862 Hart wrote again from near Corinth, Mississippi. He relates that his Regiment had received an order to prepare 4 days rations and prepare to march immediately. There was excitement and confusion, cooks flying around, soldiers packing knapsacks, officers packing trunks and everybody wondering where their destination was. No one knew. Hart speculated it would be Eastport on the Tenn. River, others thought it would be Vicksburg. He went on to say that he was glad to be in the ring again. Hart was also able to get a better horse. He thought it would be great if he could send this horse up North to his wife. He said this horse would be a curiosity in Michigan because it was a regular Secesh from the sunny South. He closed this letter by saying he would write as soon as he arrived at his destination. His wife was told to continue to direct her letters to Corinth, Miss.

       Six days later on July 25th, 1862 we find out that Capt. Hart was wrong in guessing that he was going to Eastport. This letter was addressed from Tuscumbia, Alabama, 80 miles from Camp Big Springs which was where Hart’s regiment marched from in Mississippi. It was a very short letter explaining to his wife that he arrived all safe and sound and enjoying excellent health. He walked every step of the way through dust and the melting southern sun. He commented that almost every soldier and officer gave out but himself. The troops were so blistered and chafed they could hardly finish the march. Various companies of the Regiment were detailed to guard railways and bridges nearby and the letter concluded describing their whereabouts.

       Whenever Hart had a leisure moment his first impulse was to write his wife. Thanks to his proliferation we still have an excellent eye witness account of how life was as a soldier in the Civil War. His next letter was written on July 28, 1862. He was about 100 miles east of Corinth, Miss, at a bridge called Tower Creek Bridge, located on the Memphis and Charleston Railway. His unit was now split up into battalions of about 100 men. His unit was busy at their entrenchments, breast works and other defenses used to protect the bridge and themselves. Hart expected to be attacked any night and in fact assumed he would be. He told his wife that if any considerable force did attack, all his battalion could do was to surrender as P.O.W.’s. His surrender was predicated on only having had a handful of men to fight with.

       Capt. Hart went on to say that he was guarding an important bridge and that he should have had 1000 men, a battalion of Cavalry and two pieces of artillery. He was of the opinion that it required three times the Army to protect and hold the country taken than it did to actually take it. Hart was very concerned about the lack of sufficient forces. He stated that the countryside was full of Guerilla bands. He cited as an example of this how the Michigan 3rd Cavalry, which was about 8 miles east of Hart’s unit, were up in the mountains scouting. The first thing they knew they were surrounded by some 600 Secesh cavalry. They were taken prisoners; only a few escaped.

       Hart then explained that the day before about 100 Secesh cavalry, with a flag of truce, passed on the road about 3/4 of a mile south of him. They had a large number of prisoners. Interestingly enough Hart said they were on their way to Tuscumbia, Ala. to parole them. Hart said they were all enlisted men. Apparently only enlisted men were paroled because Hart said officers weren’t. Perhaps a knowledgeable historian could verify this. The prisoners presented a laughable sight. Some were without hats, some in rags, and one fellow with only his drawers on.

       Hart indicated that if his unit were overpowered and taken prisoners, he could not help it. He did say he didn’t intend to be taken. He told his wife to not feel uneasy or go without sleep because he wrote the truth.

       Hart then, as he was usually wont to, began describing the countryside. He called north Alabama a lovely country and wished his home was there. He never had seen anything like it in his life. He mentioned the cold, pure water issuing from the rocks wherever he went. The volume of water that issued from under mountain rocks at Tuscumbia immediately formed a stream twice as large as Flint River. And this was only one of hundreds. He exclaimed over the plantations also. How vast and rich they looked with miles and miles of cotton fields and potatoe fields on both sides. Then there was fruit with no end. There were apples, peaches and pears then ripe. They feasted on them. Hart said he ate a dozen ears of corn at a meal with perfect impunity. The slaves brought them milk, corn bread and chickens. Hart said there wasn’t a plantation anywhere on his route that he would not give the whole county of Lapeer for.

       The bridge Hart was guarding was about 40 rods long and cost about $20,000. The rebels had burnt it and General Mitchell had built a temporary bridge. Hart’s mission was to prevent another burning of it. It was an important link, about 130 miles south, southwest of Nashville, Hart finished this letter by telling his wife that he had gotten all her dear good letters. He loved to read them. He told her to keep up her good spirits and courage. He felt that they would enjoy each other’s society again.

Hart Family History

Introduction

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Civil War Links

Last Updated: 2/5/98

Hits since 2/5/98: