Civil War Letter – Written Days Before the Soldier Was Wounded- Lincoln, Mosby

Civil War Letter – 24th Iowa Infantry – Written Just Days Before the Soldier Was Wounded and Mortally Wounded, Near Berryville, Virginia, September 8, 1864
 
This compelling three-page autograph letter was written by I. M. Ritter of the 24th Iowa Infantry on September 8, 1864, from camp near Berryville, Virginia. Tragically, Ritter was wounded in action only a few days later during the intense fighting in the Shenandoah Valley and subsequently died of his wounds.
 
In this letter, Ritter provides a clear snapshot of military life and sentiment in the Army of the Shenandoah during the critical fall of 1864. He describes the recent skirmish at Berryville on September 3rd, the positioning of the 6th, 8th, and 19th Corps, and a recent reconnaissance toward Opequon Creek. He also mentions the loss of ambulances to Confederate guerrilla leader John Singleton Mosby.
Most significantly, Ritter devotes a large portion of the letter to the upcoming 1864 presidential election. He expresses strong confidence in Abraham Lincoln’s reelection and includes the results of a regimental straw vote taken that day:
Lincoln: 346 votes
McClellan: 39 votes
Frémont: 3 votes
He bluntly states that soldiers viewed voting against Lincoln as being “no better than actually voting for Jeff Davis,” reflecting the intense political feelings common among Union troops in the field.
 
Written in clear, legible handwriting across three pages, this letter offers valuable insight into soldier morale, politics, and daily conditions in Sheridan’s army just weeks before the pivotal battles of Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, and Cedar Creek.
A rare and emotionally charged letter from the 24th Iowa Infantry — written only days before the author was mortally wounded — combining military observations with strong pro-Lincoln sentiment from the Western Theater troops serving in Virginia.
 
 
Letter Lincoln Election Days before Being Wounded and Dying 24th Iowa Infantry.
 
"Camp 24th Regt. Iowa Infantry.
Near Berryville Va. Sept. 8th 1864.
Dear Father and Mother,
As a mail is
going out this afternoon, I will drop
you a few words.
Nothing of interest, is occurring now,
in this Dept. We came in this camp on
the 3d. Doubtless you seen in the papers
an account of the engagement on that
evening at this place. Our Corps was
not engaged much, but formed within
in our present position, ready should
the engagement be continued.
The enemy fell back, and are now re-
ported coming in on our left. I mean
our right, not left. This morning the
8th Corps moved from our left to our right &
occupy a position extending over six
miles from here – This leaves us on
the left, and the 6th in the center, our old position.
Our loss on the 3d was eleven hundred, total.
That of the enemy much heavier.
 
Page 2:
Yesterday our Regiment and four others
went out on a reconnoissance, We went
out to Opequon Creek six or seven miles
on the Winchester Road.
We will be apt to move our position soon.
Our object is to keep the enemy away from
Richmond as long as possible. A fight may
occur soon, though not probable.
We lost some ambulances the other night
by Mosby.
 
The weather has been quite rainy and
cool for a week. This morning the rain
falls again. Yesterday was pleasant.
Our Camp is in the timber on a hillside.
Our tent is a good one, merely a rubber shelter.
In front we pile up hickory logs, and enjoy
a bright, warm fire. Outdoors & see your
sweating, with rubbers over them, to keep
out the wet, while they shiver in the cold
damp air. It getting very cold.
The news from Atlanta and Grant
is very encouraging, and if we are suc-
cessful this Election, I and mi hopes we may
conquer the Rebels after awhile.
I am pretty confident that Lincoln
 
Page 3:
will be reelected, We will have to work
hard too, but can succeed.
How do you think the Election will go
at home? Our Soldiers will give an
overwhelming majority for Abe. The
Yankee Regiments, will not do so well,
but, I am pretty confident that they too
will go for the Administration.
We took a vote in our Regiment today
to ascertain how we stand.
The result is as follows.
Lincoln    346.
McLellan   39
Fremont     3.
We will do much better in the election
than in this trial. I think this does very
well. You may tell the people in
Iowa that those who vote for anyone
one Lincoln, are regarded as enemies to
our country, by the mass of Soldiers.
We think it no better than actually voting
for Jeff Davis. I need not say why, you
well understand our position as well as I can tell you.
The mail is now closing.
Goodbye, write soon.
I. M. Ritter"