Letter #4 to Father Amos Hatch
(Somewhere in Mississippi)
“Dec 10th 1862

Father, Amos Hatch

By the time of this letter to his father Amos, December 10th, 1862, Jesse and his regiment have moved to Mississippi. Here he gives a rather thorough description of his actions, but what is most interesting is his mention of some prominent Union and Confederate Generals and for his awareness of what is happening in the eastern fighting This is clear by his reference to Ambrose Burnside at the end of his letter. Burnside had replaced George McClellan as commander of the Army of the Potomac on November 5th. The timing of Jesse’s question about Burnside is auspicious as the Battle of Fredericksburg, VA., would commence the next day, December 11th, 1862. In one of the largest and deadliest battles of the entire war, the Union Army experienced another major defeat. Burnside would subsequently be relieved of command and Joseph Hooker would take over command, January 25th, 1863. Jesse will make regular reference to different generals through several of his next letters.

Brother, Abel Hatch

Jesse writes next to his brother Abel on March 7th, 1863, this time from Jackson, Tennessee (transcription below). Here he makes some judgements about the prosecution of the war in the east and the frustration felt by soldiers in the west. And, as always, he describes the conditions where he is living including the land around him and asks questions about things back home. He closes with two interesting questions, the first having to do with Joseph Hooker, the new commander

of the Army of the Potomac, and of the new Conscription Act. The Conscription Act was considered the first National Conscription law, but was quite controversial, sparking draft riots in some cities including New York. It also allowed people to put forth a substitute to serve in their place, or pay $300 to avoid serving. Once again the timing of his question about Hooker is prescient as on May 6th, he will be badly defeated at Chancellorsville and Lincoln will again have to find a new commander.

Transcription of Letter #5

Jackson Tenn March 7th 1863

Brother Abel

Yours of the 16th February was received some days ago have been to busy to answer it until now. I have just come in from picket and have no duty this forenoon part of our brigade is out in the country chasing Forrest’s rebil cavalry so it brings us on picket every other day. They keep us busy most of the time the country is full of gurillars consripting men for the southern army and doing what damage they can the report is Van Dorn is 40 miles south of us with 40 thousand. The proberibility is that we are staying in Jackson all summer I think our forces will hold it for it is a central point being the junction of the Columbus Memphis and Corinth Rail Roads I think we were fortunate in not going to Vicksburgh for it is very unhelthy (sic) the soldiers are dieing (sic) off at the rate of 100 per day I hardly think there will be much of a fight there Grants intentions are to get into their rear & he will do it all that I am afrai of is that the butternuts will put out before he gets there but what is the use of fighting any longer if all New England New York, Penn & New Jersey & Ohio & a good share of the North West are unable to take Richmond it looks strange to me that our army should be drove out of Virginnia (sic) every time they undertake to do any thing & I see by the papers that McClellan is the hero of the day I would jest as soon shoot him as I would Old Price that dutchman Sigil is the best General in the Potomace army but they wont let him do enything but I place my confidence in the next four month & that victory overwhelming and complete may be ours in my morning and evening prayer — I presume you know more about the canal at Vicksburg than I do. I see men often direct from Memphis who are confident of our complete success

The weather here is quite warm people are making their gardens peas are up to six inches in some places the grass is gree the trees are budding & the woods are full of robins the swamps are full of frogs who make the night hideous with the noise, it makes a man think of home! but unfortunately haven’t got any where is Henry now tell him that there is a man in Co G by the name of George Smith who used to know him at Rouse point he asked me one day if my name was Hatch he knew me by Henry from which I judge ge us a good looking. he wishes me to send his compliments to Hen I get letters from Iowa often I see that wheat and pork both bring good prices which will help them a great deal. Is United States money good where you are. the exchange 2 dollars green backs for one in gold – – What do you think Hooker is going to do! How do people like the conscription act! I am glad it has passed Hope it will take every able bodied man in the north especily abolisonists. Give my respects to your family & tell Father to write me a letter put him up to it I can read.

Yours Jess

*Please note the alternate spelling of many words as per Jesse’s version