Finding Aid for the Caleb S. Barton Civil War correspondence 2023.045.w.r
Andrew Harman
Center for American War Letters Archives
4/12/2023
Leatherby Libraries
Chapman University
Orange, CA 92866
speccoll@chapman.edu
Contributing Institution:
Center for American War Letters Archives
Title: Caleb S. Barton Civil War correspondence
source:
Fend, Steven
source:
Saelon Renkes, Saelon
Creator:
Barton, Caleb S., Corporal, 1844-1864
Creator:
Barton, Thomas, b. 1820
Creator:
Barton, King "K.W.C.", b. 1845
Creator:
Barton, Mary, b. 1847
Creator:
Barton, Sarah, b. 1850
Identifier/Call Number: 2023.045.w.r
Physical Description:
0.15 Linear Feet
(2 folders)
Date (inclusive): 1862 June 21 - 1864 April 8
Abstract: This collection contains 50 letters between Pvt. Caleb S. Barton, USA and his family during the Civil War.
Language of Material:
English
.
Container: Civil War 8
Container: 13-17
Container: 1-5
This collection is open for research.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gif tof Steven Fend and Saelon Renkes.
This collection is arranged by creator and chronology, in order of number of letters written:
- Series 1, Correspondence from King Barton
- Series 2, Correspondence from Caleb S. Barton
- Series 3, Correspondence from Thomas Barton
- Series 4, Correspondence from Mary Barton
- Series 5, Correspondence from J.W. Mellender and unknown cousin
Corporal Caleb S. Barton (1844 - 5/31/1864) was born in Ohio to Ann (b. 1824) and Thomas Barton (b. 1820), both immigrants
from Ireland. They lived in Oxford, Ohio and later Brookville, Indiana. Caleb was the oldest brother to King "KWC"(b. 11/29/1845),
Mary A. (b. 11/27/1847), Sarah (b. 1850), Thomas H., and Margaret. He and King attended Brookville College in 1860.
Note: ages for the letter writers King, Mary deduced from census data and Mary's letter giving their birthdays in the December
1, 1863 letter. Sarah's is approximate based on her age in the July 1860 census only. There is little known about the other
two authors, cousin Nina and Brother John Mellender. The former, as noted in one of Mary's letters, is the daughter of Aunt
Maria. The latter, Brother Mellender, was evidently a Methodist preacher, and King's and Mary's correspondence frequently
refer to "protracted meetings" of the Methodist Church and converts.
Caleb served the Union during the Civil War with the 68th Infantry Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. The unit first mustered in
Indianapolis on August 19, 1862. They left for Louisville, Kentucky and then to Lebanon which they reached by August 25. A
few weeks later, they were involved in the Siege of Munfordville from September 14-17. The regiment was captured but later
paroled back to Indianapolis where the unit was reorganized. This is where the correspondence collection begins.
Caleb Barton alludes to these events in his letters, referring to the Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton's address to them
as "no longer prisoners of war," and in his use of the word "again" when referring to going "to Dixie." He was later transferred
to Company I, 17th Veteran Reserve Corps, previously called the "Invalid Corps," though it is unclear when as he later conveys
his transfer to "36th Company" in January 1864. Caleb died May 31, 1864.
[Item title / description; Box "n" / Folder "n"], Barton family Civil War correspondence (2023.045.w.r), Center for American
War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.
For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this
collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.
This collection contains 50 letters between Cpl. Caleb S. Barton and his family during the Civil War. Included are letters
from Caleb to his parents, from his father Thomas, brother King (K.W.C.), sister Mary Barton, someone named Mellender, and
an unknown cousin. Some coded messages and a code key used between Caleb and his brother King are also included. Of note in
this collection is the literacy level of the entire family; they are very well-written with high-quality penmanship.
There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the
responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions.
Existence and Location of Copies
The donor of this collection has published the letters online at their personal website: https://www.saelon.com/family/civil-war-letters/index.html.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Correspondence -- American Civil War
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Fend, Steven
Saelon Renkes, Saelon
box Civil War 8, folder 13, folder 1
Series 1, Correspondence from King Barton 1862 June 21 - 1864 April 3
Physical Description: 0.04 Leaves(1 folder)
This series contains 17 letters from King "KWC" Barton to his brother, Cpl. Caleb S. Barton during the Civil War. The letters
were all written in Brookville, Indiana and sent to Caleb at his various military locations. In almost every letter, there
is mention of Pa's "Cough Cure," King's work in the store and later in farming, and reports of friends and family that are
either sick or have died.
In the first letter, from King to Caleb dated June 21, 1862, King writes from home in Brookville, Indiana while Caleb is in
Greensburg beginning military training. He mentions receiving the code key. In the next letter, he discusses the calling up
of militia:
He goes on to mention the emptiness of the town with the young men gone, saying, "I don't know how we will do without them." He also describes the day Caleb left by train to Greensburg.They are out around here enrolling the militia...U.V. Kiger is the one appointed by the Governor to enroll them. I reckon you know that Bracken and Wilson are here. They have been strutting around with their straps on their shoulders. They look quite Military."
King's next letter in November details medical issues with several boys they know who were sick, some who died from illness,
from the 68th Regiment. They include: Bill Roberts, Bill Bressler, Jim Castle, and Theodore Skinner (later referred to as
going down to join the regiment). Another acquaintance got colic and was expected to pass, but was "bled" twice and recovered.
His next letter mentions Henry Austin, a soldier in the 5th Cavalry.
In the letter dated January 10, 1863 King congratulates Caleb on his promotion to corporal. His next letter speaks of Pa's
cough medicine and an impending railroad. In March, he asks Caleb if he has heard any word on the draft, continuing, "I reckon
you know that the conscription act has passed. It is to take effect in 3 or 4 months."
The letter dated July 5 includes the address on the outer part of the fold, which includes a stylized "Love…The Union forever."
In October he speaks of many military units in Brookville, where "we elected our Major." It is unclear if King was in the
Army at this point as he continues to write as if he is home and working in harvesting farms.
The letter dated November 8 includes the first use of the code, alongside a regularly handwritten letter. In his regular script
he tells Caleb to stay in the hospital, "You was acquainted with Job Long's case. You know he joined his regiment again, he
is again in the hospital at Nashville. I expect it will be harder on him this time than before." He goes on to mention a William
Best who was killed "at that big battle." The code deciphers as: "Sir, It was a wonder that you did not fall in love with
that girl. She must have been pretty. Farewell, from King."
There is one letter dated December 7, 1863 that was written on one of Mary's letters; it tells of sick acquaintances, two
of whom died.
On December 14, he mentions a man named Will Wirt, who is home from his new regiment in Greensburg, as well as a lieutenant
named Robert Scudder whom King thinks is in a US Colored Troops (USCT) regiment at Chattanooga. He goes on to reference Caleb's
mention of John Morgan raising another company to reenter Indiana, exclaiming,
On January 3, 1864, King sent another coded message: "Sir, I read this note and I feel for those men." The rest accuses Henry of stealing some of his money and giving it to Pa to save.I say "let him come," we are ready and I might say willing to go out and meet him. We will hang him next time we catch him. That's what he needed long ago. Let him look out next time.
The next letter, January 17, King tells Caleb "Indiana has cleared herself of a draft. Hurrah for Gov. O. P. Morton," following
by mentioning William Remy "back here again offering the big bounty to volunteers." On February 14 he tells of a Dr. Dutton
offering hundreds more over the government's 300 dollar offer to enlist; saying he would go if he could get a "leave of absence
from Pa and Ma." Pa offered instead to send him to a college in Cincinnati.
The last letter was dated April 3, 1864 and tells of bottling "Cough Cure."
box Civil War 8, folder 14, folder 2
Series 2, Correspondence from Caleb S. Barton 1862 November 2 - 1864 March 24
Physical Description: .06 Linear Feet(1 folder)
This series contains 15 letters from Cpl. Caleb S. Barton, 68th Infantry Regiment, Indiana Volunteers to his parents and family
during the Civil War.
Throughout Caleb's letters he mentions his father's "fluid," hoping he would send some occassionally. The fluid is possible
in reference to homemade cough medicine mentioned by King (first mentioned in the letter dated January 10, 1863).
Caleb's first letter was to his father from Indianapolis, dated November 2, 1862. In his early correspondence he mentions
how the officers are "tightening the reins." He describes training, restrictions, and rations, specifically naming their foods.
In the letter written from Camp Dumont on November 17, he mentioned an attempted walkout by George Wilson, who gathered signatures
for a petition in the company and laid down his arms; those that signed did not follow when the time came and he was reprimanded.
The rest were set to go on furlough but were instead exchanged. Governor Oliver P. Morton spoke to the men and explained that
they "were no longer prisoners of war but were again in the service of our country, and he had no doubt that we would sustain
ourselves in bravery." He continued that they were to move down and open the Mississippi River for navigation. Due to this
he does not expect to be home soon as he will be soon going "to Dixie again," implying he has been to the battlefront before.
On December 11, Caleb explains that out of 84 men expected for his unit, there are only 68, and all but 24 are sick. They
continue to shrink as many are discharged and others are paying to be discharged, with a lawyer there helping anyone under
21 years old. George Davis was discharged, and others paid 40 dollars to get out; he expects Capt. Lynn and Lt. Claypool to
resign soon. The local civilians voted to keep a regiment as provost guard and the 68th was voted, as they were the most civil
regiment. Caleb hopes to make corporal as soon as J.R. Clark is commissioned as second lieutenant.
The letter dated December 23 describes the civil authority and the method of "discharge" for boys under 18 years old.
On New Years Eve, Caleb wrote from Louisville, KY and discusses some of the units with them. The next letter was dated March
6, 1863 and was written in Nashville, Tennessee in which he describes hearing cannon fire and an expected quick movement south
to Franklin, as well as Capt. Lynn resigning his command. He closes by saying he will write if they move and in the margin
writes
The letter dated May 1 was written from Hospital Number 3 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was put on the sick list after days of marching and feeling ill, reporting "sick in tent" until his fever broke and was sent to the hospital; a total of 21 days sick though feeling better as of the writing of this letter. He remained in the hospital for the month, describing what he sees in and out of the hospital, including the "devastation and destruction" all around.I think we will start for Franklin before long. We have been called up in line and everything inspected…We are ready for orders at any moment. Love to All. C.S.B.
The remaining letters were all written in Indianapolis, from "Soldiers Home," Camp Carrington, Camp Morton, and Burnside Barracks.
These letters were dated July and November 1863 and January, February, March 1864. Though his fever subsided, he continued
to write in July about a painful leg and other symptoms, and though he transferred to "36th company" and describes being in
camp, guard duty, and receiving supplies, he reiterates in January that he is not "cured." He goes on to say in his next letter,
The "Invalid Corps" was later renamed the Veterans Reserve Corps (according to a letter from King, April 3, 1864). From Camp Morton, Caleb says the "rebs," rebel prisoners in their camp, are due to be transferred to General Butters' command as soon as the weather clears.I am a great deal more contented than when I went into the invalid corps or the "Corps of Honor." I do not think it much of a Corps of Honor for my part I would like to be out of it, but I will content myself for a while in it."
While at Burnside Barracks in February, Caleb admits he has been "downhearted" due to continued pain, this time in his side,
though he has not reported to the sick list. He remained on duty and in his letters described the different units found in
his camps. He also mentioned going to hear "Colonel Moody" speak (possibly Colonel Granville Moody, Methodist preacher formerly
with the 74th Ohio Infantry and commander of Camp Chase Military Prison). He says of Moody's speech,
He expresses his support for the war, while following immediately with the notion that he opposes King volunteering. Expressing "what I have [seen]," he describes the enemy as not having "as much respect for a man as you have for Tomy [sic], or even the cat. They think no more of killing a man than they do to kill a chick for to eat."He spoke about the Christian Commission. He done it up right, he gave the copperheads their just doom, he did give them "sweet home" after he finished they raised a collection for the Saitary [sic].
The last letter was written from Burnside Barracks, Indianapolis on March 24, 1864. In the letter he complains about camp
life and the "men of all character" that surround him and test his religious faith, as well as the strictness of Army life
in camp as opposed to the field.
box Civil War 8, folder 15, folder 3
Series 3, Correspondence from Mary Barton 1863 January 10 - 1864 March 29
Physical Description: 0.04 Linear Feet(1 folder)
This series contains 11 letters from Mary Barton to her brother Cpl. Caleb S. Barton during the Civil War. The correspondence
were all written from home in Brookville, Indiana and began on January 10, 1863.
Mary's letters are similar to King's in topics of discussion; she tells of friends and neighbors and their illnesses or deaths,
as well as soldiers coming home and the travels of their father. Below are some key topics or quotes of note.
Early in her first letter, Mary says she is sorry that Caleb had to leave Indianapolis, "but if you do not have to fight it
will not be much difference [sic]." She continues to say she heard about his unit being taken prisoner, hoping he would be
able to come home. In her second letter she lists names of locals that converted, presumably to their Methodist church.
The second letter was written over several days in early February, and the following letter was dated October 30, 1863. In
that letter she tells Caleb,
She continued with her regular correspondence topics of people back home and the church, but included a note about Mack Montgomery, Uncle Thomas' "hand" who was wounded at Chatanooga "in two places" and died on October 7.Maybe you heard that David Baker was dead. When he was wounded some of the boys went to raise him up, but he said "Never mind me, mind the flag." Poor old fellow. We all felt real sorry for him. When Robert Price was wounded he tried to raise himself off the ground and move his boys on to triumph. They say he was a gallant officer.
Included with the next letter, dated December 1, is a clipping entitled "Grief Marks Reunion," telling the story of the 68th
Indiana Volunteers Regiment marching home the body of Marine D. Tackett. The clipping also provides a short history of the
unit, about a year and a half old at that point. She goes on to mention that the girls in town are all getting married, afraid
of the single life, but she would rather wait until the war is over. She ends the letter with a postscript,
She was referring to the Confederate General John Hunt Morgan who surrendered in July and was remanded to the state penitentiary in Ohio rather than a prisoner of war camp.Did you hear that the notorious John Morgan has escaped from the state prison? He and 7 of his men with the prison warden. He ought to have been strung up as soon as caught.
The letter dated December 7th includes a short letter from King.
On February 29th, Mary tells Caleb of a new disease spreading. "There is a great deal of sickness around and in town, and
a great many deaths." She goes on to describe the symptoms, including the indicator of death. On the possibility of a draft,
she says she fears one as their father may be drafted, "and I am sure we have no three hundred dollars to spare." On costs
of goods she says everything is going "up up," and continues, "I do not know how people are going to live hardly, poor people
especially. Oh, when will this cruel war be over!"
Mary's last letter was dated March 29, 1864. She refers to Governor Oliver P. Morton as "near perfect as any man could be,
I suppose. I hope he will be elected again...he has done a great deal for Indian's brave boys and Indiana." She then mentions
the illnesses in the area due to the "spotted fever...as high as ten funerals in one day," though luckily no cases in Brookville
at the time. She closes by saying,
I believe I have filled a sheet with nonsense and a little sense and a great deal of scribbling."
box Civil War 8, folder 16, folder 4
Series 4, Correspondence from Thomas Barton 1863 February 26 - 1864 April 5
Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
As noted in the correspondence, Clement Vallandigham spoke out against the war and was subsequently arrested by General Ambrose
Burnside, United States Army and taken to court martial in Cincinatti. Vallandigham had served two terms in the United States
House of Representatives before he was convicted and exiled to the Confederate States of America. From exile in Canada in
1863 he ran for office again, but was defeated.
This series contains five letters from Thomas Barton to his son Cpl. Caleb S. Barton during the Civil War. He tells of his
work both as a carpenter and creating medicine called "Cough Cure," as well as various updates from home.
In the first letter, dated February 26, 1863 he congratulates Caleb on his promotion and dispels a falsehood that Will Davis
had his arm amputated; it was broken and that report from Mary was later corrected. In the next letter he laments the news
of Caleb's illness and recounts the reports he had been given on the matter.
Of his work, he expresses in May,
Continuing in that letter, he impresses upon Caleb the importance of promotion and climbind the "soldiers ladder." He tells Caleb, "...promotion in the ranks will bring respect and emolument, sought after and desired by all." In the same letter, Thomas reports the news of Clement Vallandigham of Ohio being arrested by General Ambrose Burnside for speaking out against the war; "...his case created a great deal of talk and excitement in the North." Continuing with national news, he referred to the deafeat of General Joseph Hooker's Army of the Potomac as havingI have more work on hand thatn I have had any one year for several years past. i am convinced that if this war would soon end, that the country in the north at least would enjoy an unparalleled state of prosperity..."
In keeping with the theme of Vallandigham's arrest, he continues, "They are held now by the authorities to a strict accountability for what they say and do.""a desponding influence on the Loyal people but traitors are jubilant over it, and if they dare, they doubt would make public demonstration, but they dare not.
Almost prophetically, Thomas' next letter of March 20, 1864 predates Caleb's last letter (in this collection) by four days
while mirroring its content. He discusses the "vice, the result of conglomerated masses of wretched" people and how Caleb
must remain pious in the face of his fellow soldiers and their temptations; similarly mirroring Caleb's complaints about the
fellow soldiers and their ways.
Continuing in that letter, Thomas discusses the draft and the war, including a note that if the Union loses, it would not
be for the "masses" but due to the "Weakness and Rascality on the part of those entrusted with power."
He caps this by stating that Indiana will forever be held up "to eulogy and respect" by the fact that they meet requisitions for men without a draft.There is much rejoicing that our noble state, through the efforts of her Most Noble Governor [Oliver P. Morton], has checkmated every call of the President for men...I could almost, if not altogether wish to see a sweeping draft all over this country that those snakey copperhead gentry might be compelled to fall into rank, take up close quearter and give their blood if necessary for the support of the Government they are now willing to destroy and sacrifice for party and political prejudice."
The final letter dated April 5, 1864 simply gives thanks for Caleb's improving health and informs him that a package from
his mother has been sent.
box Civil War 8, folder 17, folder 5
Series 5, Correspondence from other authors 1863 May 21 - 1864 April 8
Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
This collection contains four letters to Cpl. Caleb S. Barton from various authors during the Civil War. The authors include
Caleb's cousin Nina (two letters), Brother John Mellender, and Caleb's sister Sarah.
Nina wrote in May 1863 from Oxford, Ohio, claiming to be from a room Caleb occupied the previous summer, and sent well-wishes
regarding Caleb's health after hearing about typhoid fever.
Brother Mellender wrote to Caleb's father Thomas Barton in July from Indianapolis and gave news of Caleb's illness and hospital
stay, though by this point Caleb was not very sick and he was hoping to see him soon.
Sarah wrote to Caleb in February 1864 from Brookville while she was in school, stopping in the middle to take her lessons.
She provided updates on people and their illnesses as well as the weather.
Nina wrote again in April 1864 from Oxford, telling Caleb news of home and illnesses, the veterans that were home on furlough,
and the death of cousin Will Barton, who died in the hospital near Louisvill, Kentucky. She then asks,
What do you think of the placing of Gen. Grant [General Ulysses S. Grant] at the helm of our ship of state? He goes to work with his characteristic energy, and I almost said I hoped he would wipe the last traitor, copperheads included, from the face of the Earth. Perhaps I am too fast."