Jacob’s Regiment, the 89th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was officially mustered into service on 29 August, 1862 at Camp Dennison. They were surprised with marching orders on 1 Sept. Jacob had hoped to get home before marching off to war, but as you’ll read below, he missed his chance and had to scramble to make what arrangements he could before his departure. I think the “Sir” to whom he addressed the first side of this letter was Martin – his friend and brother-in-law. Mary and Martin were twins – abandoned by their father to neighbors who were some sort of relative after the death of their mother. I think Jacob’s friendship with Martin proceeded his relationship with Mary – but I can’t prove it. He remains very close to Martin throughout the war (as you’ll see if you stay with the story). Here’s the letter:
Camp Denison,
Sept 1st, 1862
Dear Sir,
I received your letter today and now proceed to answer it although I dispatched a hasty note to you this morning. And I am very uneasy for fear you will not get it in time to comply with it.
We are going to leave here tomorrow – so ordered, but I can’t see how we can get ready so soon.
I was offered a pass home last Saturday and back on Tuesday, but I thought I would prefer one on Monday and back on Thursday so I have missed my chance altogether.
Tell Father to sell my wheat and oats and pay all the expenses of threshing. If John Powel is not willing to do what the article requires, modify it as you suggest.
James Anderson offered me 12 dollars for my two sows and pigs that were in his fields, but I thought I could get more. John Augustus talked of taking them. Do the best you can if they are not sold.
Sell Mike somehow. Don’t winter him. Take less than he is worth (first).
Sent $25.00 to you by Daniel Beard.
If you can sell Prince for $70.00, sell him.
Dear Mary,
I can give you no idea when I shall see you again. Perhaps never. But I feel confident that I am doing my duty and if I was at home now, I would volunteer the first chance. I would give almost anything to see you and the children but it is no use to think of such a thing.
I am sorry I left you so indifferent but I was confident I would get back to see you again. But I intend writing at least once a week if I can and I want you to write often. But I will not think hard if you do not answer more than 1/3 of mine. I intend numbering my letters so that you may know whether you get them all. I shall begin my next with No. 1.
I want you to reconcile yourself to your fate let it be as it may and do as little hard labor as possible, for I know you have worked hard and have not complained when you had reason too. We have this evening drawn our full uniform – coat, pants, shoes, socks, 2 pairs of drawers, 2 shirts, and caps, knapsacks, haversacks, and Austrian rifled muskets. Tomorrow we go.
Goodbye at present
Jacob Shively
“Dear Mary, I can give you no idea when I shall see you again. Perhaps never.”
Jacob to Mary on learning of unexpected marching orders – 1 Sept, 1862
A Thousand Thunders 