105

"We did not know how much we loved him, until we lost him"

Edwin F. Kenrick.

Letters as a 39th Massachusetts soldier on the Confederate character and the death of Lincoln.

Various places, 1864-1865
4 Autograph Letters Signed to cousin Nellie, each 4 pages (about 8 x 5 inches) on a folding sheet; minor wear and foxing.

  • Notes: These letters are by Edwin Francis Kenrick (1845-1922) of Medford, MA, who served as a drummer in the 39th Massachusetts Infantry. 

    His first letter on 20 March 1864 discusses the Confederate character: "I have conversed with quite a number of reb. deserters, and they all say that the Confeds will fight desperately next spring, and I believe they will do it. We have underrated the rebels continually to our sorrow. . . . They are men whose courage none can doubt, and whose valor and heroism are worthy of a better cause. . . . I had an idea that they were some sort of half human barbarians whose delight was pillage and carnage. . . . Still I say that they can be conquered, subjugated, and if need be, exterminated!!!, and I am ready to help do it!"

    On 23 January 1865 he describes the construction of winter quarters at Jerusalem Plank Road, VA, and explains that "there are three living in our house, all drummers (or sheepskin fiddlers as they are called here), and we make noise enough sometimes, drumming on boards &c to set a nervous person crazy." This will ring true with anyone who has ever spent much time around drummers.

     On 23 February, he discusses the death of Corporal E.B. Hatch at the recent Battle of Hatcher's Run: "He had been through all of the battles that the regiment ever was in, and had never received a scratch, until he received his death blow in the last fight. He was expecting to go home on furlough every day, as his wife was very sick at home. After his death, his furlough came back to Brigade Hdqrs. 'approved,' but it was too late." 

    The final letter was written on 19 April 1865 in Burkesville Junction, VA: "I am afraid that I am not penning a very good letter, as I am listening to the particulars of President Lincoln's assassination. . . . Flags are everywhere at half mast. The Army is highly exasperated and indignant, and we all feel more like crying than anything else, except perhaps the general feeling that we would like to have the handling of the murderers. . . . We did not know how much we loved him, until we lost him. We cannot help feeling very revengeful. I hope that Johnson will prove equal to the task."  
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