Archive Record

Images

1 of 1977

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Metadata

Catalog Number

1805.044.07.02

Collection

Moore Letters

Object Name

Letter

Title

Letter from William W. Moore to his Sister Mollie Moore and friends

Scope & Content

William W. Moore writes home to his sister and friends about his promotion to 2nd Lieutenant with the United States Colored Troops (USCTs). William describes the lead up to his new appointment from leaving his old company, who was very happy for him, to get the order from the War Department and finally to meeting Major General Butler at Fort Monroe. He goes on to describe the advice he received from his commanding officers before he took his new position. He is extremely excited about this appointment, that he was able to receive without the "dreaded examination", and he is currently working in recruitment. William ends the letter with an update on an expedition he is to accompany another commanding officer on to bring in contraband and survey the surrounding country.

Dates of Creation

February 3, 1864

Date

February 3, 1864

Notes

The full transcription for this letter as follows:

Norfolk Va [Virginia] Feb [February] 3rd 1864
My Dear Sister + Friends,
It is with great pleasure that I once again endeavor to write you. Although it is under entirely different circumstances from what it were when I wrote you before. I have been very very busy since arriving here! being off on "Recruiting Service" I have just arrived in town once more from "Gurrituck Court-house" N. C. [North Carolina] I had a long ride before I reached the place. It was my first introduction into North Carolina. I started out expecting that Capt. [Captain] Clapp would meet me at Gurrituck c.h. [court house] from there we were to secure a squadron of 2nd N.C. [North Carolina] Cavl [Cavalry] to escort us on a raid into the Country but they failed to connect with me at said place therefore I were left to my own desolation. Capt. [Captain] sent me ahead in the morning [Prat] so as to secure the escort of Cavl [Cavalry] and have them in readiness when they arrived. I cannot blame the Capt. [Captain] for he received at dispatch to report to York-town So that he could not accompany the expedition. It was rather lonely for me as I had to remain there from Friday Eve till [until] Monday Eve Amongst strangers. "Oh" it is such a change for me [page break] for you can have no Idea. It is about as much so as when I first entered the service. It is an agreeable one to me. I have much more freedom than before. "More" did I say "Ah" It were very little that I had before. Ah" but I will go back to commencourt of my [exploit]. I received The Order from War Dept. [Department] to report in person at Fort Monroe to Maj. Gen. [Major General] Butler. It took me somewhat by surprise as I did not expect it so soon. I read the Order Sunday Eve (week ago) It took them all (officers + Men) by surprise. for I did not let any of them know of my intentions. The men of my Company seemed very sorry to part with me. Some of them said that they had rather see any of the other Corpl [Corporal] leave them than me. I felt some what flattered by them. I did feel to regret leaving friends that I had been so long connected with. It was some consolation to me to think that I had not left any enemies! Col [Colonel] Petts talked to me like a father. Giving me advice + c wishing me good success + hoping that I would maintain the reputation of the Regt [Regiment] He done all that he could to assist me in getting my papers Descriptive List + c [etc.] so that I could get away as soon as possible. I flew about all day Monday arranging matters and left for Fort Monroe Tuesday Morning arrived at Fort at 7olclock A.M. Wednesday. I felt strange enough when I arrived there. I succeeded in finding [page break] "Col. [colonel] Biggs" consulted with him before reporting to Maj. Gen. [Major General] Butler. After reporting I imm-ediately received my Appointment as 2nd Lieutenant (without the dreaded examination which I had harbored before) and immediately entered into or upon [comp] present [dirtrisit]. I had to laugh (as you would) to think how I surprised "Bro. [Brother] Charley" and other friends here. I did not let them him know of my starting. for I had now had time to write him before hand starting. Capt. [Captain] Clapp is expecting a dispatch from York-Town to accompany an expedition which is about to start out on a great Raid though the surrounding Country. It will consist of one Brigade of Calvary + Two Brigades of Infentry [Infantry]. He ("Capt. [Captain] Clapp") wishes me to accompany him. Which I have + shall be most happy to comply with. The object is to bring in Contraband + scurve [survey] the country in General. We hope + expect to make a big thing in getting Recruits in this Raid. We many not start in a day or two. As my time is getting very limited I will now close by sending much Love to All. Charley sends love also. Please write to your dear Bro. soon. and direct to
[Leiut] Lieutenant Wm. [William] W. Moore
1st Regiment V.A. [Virginia] Vol [Volunteers] C. [Colored] I. [Infantry]
Norfolk Va. [Virginia]
Care of Capt [Captain] D.E. Clapp, Box 193
[page break]
N.B.
You will see by direction that I have in some degree changed my colores [colors]. (you will please not laugh at me) for I trust it is a change for the better. When I muster I shall probably muster a notch or two higher. It will depend [how] a great extent on how well I succeed in Recruiting which I trust I will do as well as the average of them. You will Please give my Love to Aug. [Augustus] + Wife. I cannot tell when I will be able to get a furlough, perhaps when we get organized.
I am In haste
Your Aff. [Affectionate] Bro. [Brother]
W. W. Moore

Extent of Description

1 leaf, 15.5" x 9.7.5"

Relation

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Condition

Good

Legal Status

On loan from the Civil War Museum of Philadelphia.