The following letter summaries are arranged chronologically starting with 1861 and ending in 1864, and include a list of prominent battles the Sixth was a part of. To go to the start of a specific year, please click below. Otherwise scroll down for all letters. Also, items in parenthesis are direct quotes from the Coleman letters, words are not incorrectly spelled, rather the letters have been transcribed as accurately to the true letter as possible (mis-spellings and bad grammar included).
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Eight Letters
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Eleven Letters
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Nine Letters
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Seventeen
Letters
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Back to the William Coleman Research Project Index
Date:
April 17, 1861
Location:
Moultrie House, - Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
First letter that recounts the men who stayed with Coleman in Moultrie house, and the luxuriant conditions before his training began. Several names are mentioned, including, "My mess consists of Robt Crawford, Robt Pagan, George Jordan, Wix Bill Arnold, Tom Boulware, E Hardin & myself. The letter concludes by encouraging his mother to write. Overall provides a contrast to Coleman's later letters.
To:
Mother from Coleman
Date:
April 29, 1861
Location:
Fort Moultrie - Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
Letter recounts the ordeal concerning Captain Rion, and the journey to Fort Palmetto on Coles Island. Coleman writes of his fishing excursion and instructs his mother on how to address her letters.
To:
Brother from Coleman
Date:
April 30, 1861
Location:
Not mentioned (probably Fort Moultrie)
Extremely brief letter to Coleman's younger brother Buddie Coleman, sending him some Palmetto ornaments for his cap, and instructions on how to attach them.
To:
Sister from Coleman
Date:
May 3, 1861
Location:
Fort Moultrie - Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
The letter begins by thanking his Aunt Peggy for a cake received. The letter also mentions the expense and rarity of butter as well as chickens, "The butter is also very nice it is a rarity here, it is selling in the city at 62 ½ cts pr pound chickens from $7.00 to $8.00 pr dozen. Coleman goes on to state, "You know ten dollars pr month wont alow soldiers to indulge in these luxuries. The letter then mentions several relations/friends of Coleman who are aboard the Steamer Edisto. Also mentioned are the rearrangement of troops and the threat of the Kangaroo Old Abe. Coleman's regiment is preparing to leave for Summerville or Orangeburg. Continuing on, mention is made of Faysnoux, Robert Pagan's son Faysnoux, and the overall good conditions of camp. Overall this letter is a very excellent letter home.
June 1861
- regiment transferred to Confederate service. A number of men refused to transfer
into the confederate service, leading to a reorganization of the 6th.
To:
Mother from Coleman
Date:
June 13, 1861
Location:
Camp Woodward, Virginia
Coleman letter that details the rigor of training at Camp Woodward, also included is a rundown of the schedule of drilling and the oppressive environmental conditions. Of great note is Coleman's recounting of the Sixth's reorganization into the confederate service, and the resignation of Colonel Rion. Coleman sends a bouquet to his mother as well as some bays to plant.
June 22, 1861 - Regiment is mustered into Confederate service.
To:
Sister from Coleman
Date:
August 6, 1861
Location:
Camp Pettus - Near Centerville, Virginia
Coleman letter written in two parts. First part (written August 6th), Coleman writes of the possibility that Washington and the Yankees are in a state of rebellion after the battle of Manassas and because of the North's need to extend the duty of their troops. Of Manassas Coleman writes, "The battle of Manassas sickened both the Lincoln Congress and Soldiery. The Sixth has been ordered to move out and be ready to move on Alexandria. Second part of the letter (written August 11), the 6th has been ordered to Germantown. 325 cases of sickness reported in camp (epidemic?), and of those who were sick some were removed to Culpepper, Charlottesville, or neighborhood houses. Very few deaths from the sickness have been reported, though it has struck other regiments including Jenkins and Blandings. Coleman mentions the possible causes for the sickness being: bad and uncooked food, the heavy demands of drilling in the hot summer sun, and the overcrowded conditions of camp. The letter also mentions the Chester Standard and curiosity as to who wrote a letter concerning Manassas. Coleman closes by writing, "Hoping that this unholy war will soon be ended and that we may meet again I bid you good night.
To:
Mother from Coleman
Date:
November 24, 1861
Location:
Centerville, Virginia
Coleman mentions his anxiousness for the Yankees to attack. The letter also mentions the impending snow and the difficulties to be faced because of it. Coleman notes that it will be two weeks before it is determined if his company will be attacked or not. The letter concludes by thanking his mother for stockings and clothing.
To:
Mother from Coleman
Date:
December 18, 1861
Location:
Centerville, Virginia
Letter
written two days before the battle of Dranesville, Virginia. Coleman writes
about the Richmond dispatch and the possibility of a large Yankee attack. Letter
mentions the favorable weather and the good road conditions. Letter also thanks
his mother for stockings and clothing, also mentioned is the Calamity that has
befallen the Citizens of Charleston. Coleman's camp has taken up a subscription
for the sufferers of Charleston, of the subscription he writes, "I believe
the boys are all contributing their mite. You know 11 dollars a month will not
admit of a large donation. The list I have seen has some 40 names amount from
one to five dollars each. This is only in compy A I don't know what the others
will do I think our compy will contribute to a man.
December 20, 1861 - Engagement at Dranesville, Virginia
To:
Sister from Coleman
Date:
January 2, 1862
Location:
Near Fredericksburg - In Quarantine
Letter mentions that the term of quarantine (imprisonment) has expired, and he will rejoin the Regiment tomorrow. Of the quarantine Coleman writes, "Fourteen days have lapsed since the last opportunity to take the great infection I am in hopes we are now entirely out of danger. Letter then mentions the humble dinner for Christmas the troops had. Coleman notes the fight at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and that many reports of fighting have been proven false.
To:
Mother from Coleman
Date:
April 3, 1862
Location:
Camp Taylor Near Orange CH
Coleman mentions the lull in battle, and that he sent his mother fifty dollars as war money to pay the war tax. Letter notes the arrival of John Wylie, and missing letters. Also noted is General Jackson's victory in the Valley where General Banks was taken prisoner. Coleman mentions the conditions of sleet and rain, and the colds the men have contracted.
April 5
- May 4, 1862 - Siege on Yorktown, Virginia
May 4, 1862 - Evacuation of Yorktown, Virginia
May 5, 1862 - Battle of Williamsburg
May 9, 1862 - Skirmish, Slaterville, New Kent Court House, Virginia
May 21 - June 1, 1862 - Battle of Seven Pines (Fair Oaks), Virginia
To:
Mother from Coleman
Date:
June 1, 1862
Location:
Camp Near Richmond
Location: Camp Near Richmond, Virginia
Recounts Longstreet's Division in heavy battle that took place on June 30, 1862. Battle had heavy losses. A large number of prisoners were taken.
Date:
July 4, 1862
Location:
Camp Near Richmond, Virginia
Letter details the casualties and wounded at Chickahominy. Mentions Company 'I''s involvement in battle. Mentions also the fall of Sam McAlilly. Of the battle Coleman recounts, "The Yankees have all got away it is a brilliant success for our army and a dreadful defeat for the Yanks McClelland's Army is completely demoralized. Estimated losses from the battle were two to three thousand killed and wounded. Coleman's Brigade was not engaged.
Date:
July 16, 1862
Location:
Camp 5 Miles from Richmond, Virginia
Army's lines have fallen back to the area before the great battle.
Letter mentions Lincoln's review of the Grand Army of the Potomac, and the uncertainty of the army's next movement after the unsuccessful Northern attempt to take Richmond. The letter mentions the heavy casualties suffered, with estimates of the wounded at at least 375, and on June 25th, 210 men started with only 114 returning. The letter also notes that Major General Anderson was promoted, has left the brigade, and was universally loved by his soldiers. Anderson was then assigned to the Huger's division. Also mentioned is McGruder and Huger's mismanagement of the office. Coleman is looking for Tom Kennedy.
August
16 - September 2, 1862 - Campaign in Northern Virginia (Second Bull Run Campaign)
August 30, 1862 - Battle, Second Bull Run, Manassas, Groveton Heights, Virginia.
Date:
September 2, 1862
Location:
Petersburg, Virginia
Fragmented letter documents his arrival in Petersburg on Wednesday August 30, 1862. Mentions the shelling of the city with no advantage or gain. Coleman asks about his home life.
Date:
September 5, 1862
Location:
Leesburg, Virginia
A short letter detailing Coleman's whereabouts. Contains a brief account of Monday afternoon fight (September 4), with prisoners taken, and where General Harvey (Federal) was killed.
September 6 -
22, 1862 - Maryland Campaign.
September 14, 1862 - Battle of South Mountain, Maryland.
September 16 - 17, 1862 - Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg), Maryland.
Date:
September 22, 1862
Location:
Near Martinsburg, Virginia
Brief letter that recounts the defeat of Boonsboro. Mentions the all night and day work of running with the trains, leaving no time to eat or sleep. Coleman is uncertain of his location (i.e. crossing the Potomac unknowingly several times). Mail is received fairly often.
Date:
November 3, 1862
Location:
Culpepper C.H., Virginia
Fragmentary letter in three parts. First part encourages girls to write more. Second part mentions that Coleman has left the Valley. Uncertain of their future destination, Coleman is hoping to go south of Richmond; there is the obvious threat of battle in the future. Nearing the R Road. Third part of the letter is written at night, telling his mother to not worry about his cold, and of the passing troops of General Anderson's Division.
Date:
November 26, 1862
Location:
Camp near Fredericksburg
Letter detailing Coleman's whereabouts after leaving Culpepper (CH) Virginia, on Friday November 21, 1862, and arriving Sunday afternoon November 23, 1862. His company arrived expecting to find Fredericksburg shelled, but the city still stood. Coleman asks his mother for more clothing, etc.
Date:
February 23, 1863
Location:
Camp near Chester, Virginia
Letter details Coleman's muddy march out of Fredericksburg. Letter details the inclement weather and how the soldiers managed the weather. At the end of the letter Coleman mentions that he is nine miles from Petersburg on the Petersburg & Richmond R Road.
Date:
February 28, 1863
Location:
Camp at Bulls Gap E.T.
Letter details Coleman's desire to advance on Knoxville after changing direction and going from Knoxville. Coleman goes on to write that the movement of troops is kept secret and speculation about movement is growing toward Kentucky. The letter then continues to mention soldiers diminishing conditions concerning Longstreet's Company, with mention of thievery, slimming down of cooking facilities and lack of rations. Gives advice to Buddie to stay out of the war until he is eighteen.
To:
Sister from Coleman
Date:
March 14, 1863
Location:
Camp Near Franklin Depot
A very brief letter detailing Coleman's company's movement after leaving Petersburg, Virginia, on Monday March 9, 1863.
Date:
May 6, 1863
Location:
Camp Near Franklin
Brief letter details the Suffolk affair, and the passing of Hood and Pickett to the Rappahanock. Mentions more fighting at Fredericksburg, and the taking of an estimated five-thousand prisoners and the wounding of A.P Hill and Stonewall Jackson. The letter also lists the breakfast the soldiers had that morning.
Date:
May 11, 1863
Location:
Camp Near Franklin Virginia
Brief letter describing the conditions of camp at Franklin and the lull of battle. Particular attention is given to the tick infestation in camp.
Date:
June 1, 1863
Location:
Camp near Franklin, Virginia
Short letter detailing Coleman's time fishing and visiting the galls (gals?). Rumor that his company will move toward Rappahanock.
June 16,
1863 - Action, Backwater River, Virginia
June 17, 1863 - Skirmish, Black Water, Virginia
Date:
June 24, 1863
Location:
Camp Near Petersburg, Virginia
Letter charts the Brigade's movements from Weldon to Blackwater, Virginia. The Brigade arrived on Friday, June 19, 1863 in Blackwater and then on the 21st moved to Petersburg, Virginia. Property was destroyed on both sides of the river. Recounts the kind treatment given by the citizens of Blackwater (food etc.), and the luxury of fresh vegetables and buttermilk. Letter written before a grand review by General A.P. Hill.
Date:
November 8, 1863
Location:
In transition from Chattanooga heading toward Sweet Water near Louden(?) 8 miles
from Lookout Mountain.
Letter written in transit from Chattanooga toward Sweet water near Louden [sic] eight miles from Lookout Mountain, entering Tennessee. Mentions the poor diet of corn bread and poor beef and the unwillingness of Union merchants to sell their products. Mentions he will write again as soon as he reaches his unknown destination.
Date:
December 11, 1863
Location:
Bivouac near Rogersville, Eastern Tennessee
Fragmented letter (?). Details the eighteen-day siege of Knoxville, and the near defeat of Burnside. A great many men were lost. Longstreet was ordered not to attack and drew off forces. Mentions the spirit of the camp and his Longstreet Brigade's desire to return to Virginia.
November
15, 1863 - Actions, Lenoir station, Tennessee.
November 15, 1863 - Skirmish near London, Tennessee.
November 17 - December 4, 1863 - Siege, Knoxville, Tennessee.
January 16 - 17, 1864 - Operations about Dandridge, Tennessee.
Date:
February 7, 1864
Location:
Camp Near Morristown, Eastern Tennessee
Details his Brigade's absence and encampment eighteen miles from New Market and twenty-four miles from Knoxville. Mentions the difficulty dealing with union sentiment in Tennessee, and difficulty in rationing as well as the health of the troops. Coleman attempts to ease his sister's mind concerning the rumors of the bad condition of the southern army. Mr Elliott has died. Letter also mentions difficulty with the itch and curing it with sulpher.
Two letters extremely brief, detailing Coleman's departure from Tennessee, toward Charlottesville. Letter mentions the inclement weather faced and the arrival into Charlottesville on the 18th of April.
Date:
April 23, 1864
Location:
Charlottesville, Virginia
Letter mentions the arrival of Ed Mobley and that his letters have not been received for four weeks (he mentions he endeavors to write once a week). Mentions that the Brigade will possibly be moving to Gordonsville, and the successes of Olustee, Fort Pillow and Plymouth. Note made concerning news reports from the north about difficulty sustaining
the war through another year. He mentions John Elliott is well and in good health. Coleman makes specific mention of the Examiner of the 20, 21 and 22 for their account of the Plymouth affair.
To:
No Addressee from Coleman
Date:
April 30, 1864
Location:
Cobhain Station, Virginia
Coleman writes, "We are beyond doubt once again with the glorious old Army of the Potomac. I feel like I have gotten home from a long journey. Coleman has returned from Eastern Tennessee and mentions that Longstreet's Brigade is entitled to rest. He anticipates a large fight, after having been reviewed by General Lee. He writes, that everyone seems to be in fine spirits. Coleman hopes Longstreet will be called into reserve.
May 4 -
June 12, 1864 - Wilderness Campaign
May 5 - 7, 1864 - Battle of Wilderness, Virginia
May 8 - 21, 1864 - Battles, Spottsylvania Court House, Laurel Hill, Ny River,
Fredericksburg Road, Virginia.
May 12, 1864 - Assault on the Salient, Spottsylvania Court House, Virginia.
May 22 - 26, 1864 - Operations on the line of the North Anna River, Virginia.
May 26 - 28, 1864 - Operations on the line of the Pamunkey River, Virginia.
May 28 - 31, 1864 - Operations on the line of the Totopotomoy River, Virginia.
June 1 - 12, 1864 - Battles about Cold Harbor, Virginia.
June 14, 1864 - Skirmish near Harrison's Landing, Virginia.
June 15, 1864 - Assault, Petersburg, Virginia.
June 16 - April 2, 1865 - Siege Operations against Petersburg and Richmond,
Virginia.
June 16, 1864 - Assault, Petersburg Virginia.
June 18, 1864 - Assault, Petersburg Virginia.
To:
Mother from John Kennedy Coleman
Date:
July 24, 1864
Location:
Petersburg, Virginia
The letter mentions John Kennedy Coleman's troop being detained in Weldon, Virginia and making the trip toward Chester successfully. Coleman looses his trunk (possibly stolen) and finds it again in a cornfield unbroken. Overall there is a lull in the battle, though there has been shelling in Petersburg, and water is scarce. Captain Wood died on July 23, Coleman writes, "I have always herd him highly spoken up by every person, as being both an efficient Officer and a gentleman, his death is deeply regreted. All especially his company. I don't think they ever will get as good a leader again.
Date:
August 7, 1864
Location:
Bivouac Near Chafin's Bluff, Virginia
Letter begins by mentioning that Lieutenant Williams was shot in the wrist within the wilderness fight and has been sent to Charlottesville. Buddie has joined the Regiment, and heavy drilling has been undertaken. Coleman is expecting to take up pack and leave to follow Chester. All recruit furloughs have been countermanded. He encourages his sister to send refreshments to the wounded and aid them.
To:
Sister from Coleman
Date:
August 27, 1864
Location:
Petersburg Virginia
Coleman is uncertain about where his troops will next move; he sends his sister a copy of the Examiner containing General Lee's official account, of Hill's fight. According to Coleman, twenty-five hundred were taken prisoner (greater than Lee's estimate in the article. Coleman speculates that the war will not last long if a price candidate is nominated at the Democratic Convention in Chicago.
Date:
September 1, 1864
Location:
Petersburg, Virginia
A very brief letter written by Coleman. John L Carroll is leaving for South Carolina, and Grant has been shelling Petersburg for two to three days. Coleman asks his mother to send Buddie some heavy shirts because of the cold.
Date:
September 2, 1864
Location:
Bivouac Near Petersburg, Virginia
John Coleman writes that his company has been moving frequently for three weeks. After a Northern retreat, Coleman and his troop enter into the Northern hold and take the remaining rations of crackers and boiled beef left behind. In the battle, John's company had three wounded and Captain Lucas lost his arm. According to John the enemy shelled Petersburg heavily on September 1, 1864, and McClellan was nominated for President at the Chicago Convention.
Date:
September 6, 1864
The men of Coleman's camp have suffered through heavy rain, and have spent two days between the James and Appomattox Rivers. Coleman is uncertain of his whereabouts, and cannot foresee where he is going. Coleman has been engaged in fortifying a new line of breastworks for General Lee, in preparation for Grant if he should "try concentration force on the front line. Of the shelling of Petersburg Coleman writes, "Every day or so Grant treats the City to a terrible shelling, which amounts to nothing but a waste of powder etc to himself. It rarely happens that any one is hurt by his shells. Atlanta Georgia has been lost between General William T. Sherman and General John Bell Hood (he mentions both with wooden legs). Buddie is doing well as is John Kennedy Coleman. Coleman concludes his letter by writing, "The country will be over run with one arm and one leg men, he does not include a closing to his letter.
Date:
October 1, 1864
Location:
North Side of the James River, Near Chaffin's Farm, Virginia
The Sixth was engaged in battle on September 29-30 at Chaffin's farm, and Buddie was wounded. Buddie was wounded by a minie ball in the breast, striking his right collarbone. John Elliott was struck in the shoulder by a spent grape shot. According to Coleman, "It was a bloody day for the old Sixth. Coleman estimates that the wounded numbered 150-200, while the mortally wounded reached more than thirty.
Coleman writes of the enemy attack, "The enemy attacked our lines day before yesterday in heavy force. Our little force Garys Cavalry, Bennings & the Texas Brigade and the City Battallion, were I believe about all fought them bravely, inflicting severe loss on the enemy, our loss light. The Yanks got two lines of our works. But the cowardice of the City Battallion we loss Fort Harrison a strong work at Chaffins Bluff. This Battallion is a fancy command from Richmond. It has been at Chaffins Bluff nearly ever since the war commenced, living like lords and doing almost nothing. Although a line of pickets (determined me) could have held the works, they without firing a shot threw down their funs and run like sheep. Genl Greggs (Texas Brigade) at the double quick attempted to reach the for before the Yanks, but did not succeed in getting there in time consequently the Yanks for possession. Fields division reached here from Petersburg too late to render any assistance. I believe it was Genl Lee's intention to attack the fort with the view to retaking it night before last out from some cause it was post poned. Yesterday early in the afternoon the attack was made. The affair was badly managed, in fact Genl Lee's orders were not carried out. The consequence is, the assault was only partially successful. A small portion of the lines being taken. The fort is still in possession of the enemy and is likely to remain so at least for a time. I will write you more of the particulars at another time. The letter concludes by listing the dead and wounded.
To:
Mother from Coleman
Date:
October 2, 1864
Location:
Near Chaffin's Farm
Letter begins by mentioning that John Elliott is doing well. Buddie is recovering well after seeing the surgeon, who said he would be back to his company in a week. According to the letter, "The ball struck sideways, with considerable force, if it had gone point first, it would have entered the breast & cut an artery. It is fortunate that it struck as it did. Don't suffer yourself to be uneasy, I will write every day or make him do so. Fighting in Petersburg has continued, and Southern forces have been successful. According to the letter, the Yanks had 1700 killed or wounded. Prisoners arrived at Petersburg on October 1.
October
7, 1864 - Engagement, Darbytown Road, Johnson's Farm, and Four Mile Creek, Virginia.
October 13, 1864 - Engagement, Darbytown Road, Virginia
October 27 - 28, 1864 - Fair Oaks and Darbytown Road near Richmond, Virginia.
Date:
October 28th 1864
Coleman's brigade is engaged at Fair Oaks and Derbytown near Richmond. Of the battle Coleman writes, "I write a hasty note this morning to let you know we are all right side up. A little after daylight yesterday the enemy advanced an during the day made several assaults on our lines but were invariably repulsed by out skirmishers. I have heard that the only skirmish line driven was Hagood's. They repeatedly charged our skirmishers with three lines of battle, but could not move them. Our loss is very light that of the enemy must be heavy. There were few casualties reported from the fighting, though more fighting is suspected. Overall an excellent letter summarizing the battle near Petersburg, Virginia.
Date:
October 29, 1864
Location:
Camp Near Chustes City
John writes, that the enemy continues to be active along the entire line, and attacked on Thursday, October 27. John's regiment captured upwards of four hundred prisoners and several stands of colors. They then returned to their former position. Of the field, John writes, "The field was literally covered with Yankees Overcoats, shirts, drawers, sugar coffee, and in fact every things that you would think of. There has been a birth within the family, and John hopes to be home in time for Christmas. John Elliot came out of the fighting unhurt.
To:
Mother from John Coleman
Date:
November 3, 1864
Location:
Near Williamsburg Road, Virginia
John writes, that he is allowed some luxury of time from his regiment being engaged, as he has new quarters between a new line of forty. Coleman reports that Sheridan's army has retreated to the Potomac and has abandoned the rail road line where he received his line. The Yankees have continued to work on the Dutch Gap canal, while Grant has sought to capture Richmond, Virginia. On last Saturday night, October 29, General Grace's Brigade attacked the picket line, and attacked John's brigade similarly. John's Brigade captured the works, but was forced to fall back under heavy artillery fire, that killed fifteen and wounded twenty-five, they also lost forty-one prisoners.
Date:
November 14, 1864
Location:
Near Richmond, Virginia
Coleman has been busy procuring and issuing rations for the day. Coleman mentions the lull in battle being brought about by the reelection of Lincoln. Coleman has sent his mother an Israel Gun that he wishes his mother to take care of. He also sends a pair of shoes to Ella and Katie. The letter continues by asking his Aunt Jane if a gutta percha ring he made fit, and asks for some gutta percha combs to make more rings out of (to pass the time). Buddie visited the theater, and was unimpressed, "The playing was very poor. Coleman asks his mother if she could send Buddie his over coats, and ends by saying that everyone is quite well.
Date:
Unknown, winter of 1864
Location:
Near York Town, Virginia
Coleman writes, that he arrived last Thursday night, by river and the wagons
arrived on Sunday afternoon. The regiment expected to have a fight but the Yankees
were diverted to Fredericksburg for a potential march on Richmond. The letter
also mentions that the "Yanks are continually shelling out lines and their
sharp shooters killing more of our men every day. The letter concludes by
saying, "Out Regt is full at last The Old Sixth is dead.
December
10, 1864 - Skirmish in front of Fort Holly, Virginia. Action - Darbytown Road,
Virginia.
March 28 - April 9, 1865 - Appomattox Campaign
April 2, 1865 - Assault and Capture of lines before Petersburg Virginia
April 9, 1865 - Surrender, Appomattox Court House,
Virginia.
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