The spelling was absolutely phonetic: “no” for know, “inlisted” for enlisted, and “ded” for dead. Capitalization and punctuation were – unique – but the emotions were clear, the sentiment was familiar, absolutely human, and the context was gripping.
It was the American Civil War; a war of brother against brother. It was poignant to read their letters, and find one American boy calling another American boy “the enemy.”
“June 27 1861 Dear Sister Now I take my pen in hand to let you know that I am well and hope this will find you the same…I have enlisted for three years…in three years I shall be back again…We are close to Fairfax where the enemy is about 4,000 strong… tell Charlie he must be a good boy and keep his nose clean…no more this time so goodbye from your brother, E. Bing farewell.”
Edwin Bing died of fever April 8, 1862 in a hospital in Hilton Head. He was 17.
All the letters are like that: a brief glimpse into the heart of another human being; one who is near the front, under stress, home sick and reaching out; a very young man who – soon after — dies.
“Dear sister Hannah Your letter that was mailed [in May] I got on the 5th of August on the day before my birthday and I was glad to hear from you…there is scarcely a day that your and Mother’s names are not mentioned. I tell you Hannah it will make a man think of home if my clothes want mending why I myself do it and I must wash them too…I can’t think of anymore this time so good bye from a true and faithful brother Wm. A. Morehouse.”
William Morehouse died July 18, 1863 at the Battle for Fort Wagner.
Robert Gould Shaw asked his men, “Is there one among you who does not believe we will sleep in that fort tonight?” Shaw fell on the field in front of that fort with too many of the men of the 54th Massachusetts.
William’s regiment followed continuing the siege but no Yankee slept in that fort. William died on that field as well. He was 26; one year older than Robert Gould Shaw.
The Civil War was bloody. 620,000 died. When the war ended on June 2, 1865, imagine the unadulterated joy. There were celebrations all over the country. In
Berkshire County, it was announced that on July 4, 1865, a county-wide picnic would be held “to equal anything of the kind ever seen in Southern Berkshire.”.
Berkshire Courier, June 29, 1865: “A glorious celebration of the anniversary of our National Independence in this village has been decided upon, and the arrangements are approaching completion. The day will be ushered in by a salute of 36 guns and with ringing of the church bells. A parade will take place at 10 a.m., chief of which will be the veteran soldiers who have returned from the war.”
This year, Egremont will replicate that joyful picnic. Spearheading the event is Egremont resident Lynn Wood a direct descendent, on the maternal side, of Edwin Bing, William and Hannah Morehouse.
There will be more than food and fun. Attendees will be able to wander about and greet 1865 residents. There will be soldiers, citizens and notables. Don’t be surprised if you recognize current Berkshire friends and neighbors portraying residents of the past.
For example, Chester Goodale will be present. Goodale came to Egremont in 1810 and purchased a swathe of land that is the Village Green “Triangle” today. He built his own house and several other buildings including part of what was the Egremont Inn (burned in 2009). Soldiers were bivouacked there under the care of his son and innkeeper Samuel Goodale.
Ask Calvin Benjamin how he is progressing with the census and help him stay in character. Check on progress as Peter Decker, blacksmith, finishes repairs on a wagon. Mrs. Parthenia Fenn is visiting from Pittsfield to thank the women of Egremont for creating “the soldier’s housewife” (a sewing kit). Ask her about the Ladies’ Aid Societies she established throughout Berkshire County to help the soldiers at home and away.
For those who love to step back in time or just would like to enjoy a summer afternoon among friends – the Egremont 1865 Picnic promises to please.
The Egremont 1865 Picnic:
What: “The Egremont 1865 Basket Picnic”
When: July 19, 2015 (Rain or Shine) noon
Where: South Egremont Village Green
Things to do:
Spend a summer afternoon in 1865 and celebrate the end of the Civil War
Visit the encampment of the 15th Massachusetts
Watch soldiers of the 15th Massachusetts drill at the Historic Mount Everett Cemetery under guard of a Civil War soldier
Enter the pie contest
Meet the people of Egremont (1865) in the front yards of eight historic buildings, including
blacksmith Peter Decker, tailor John Kopishafski, dowser Mark Kelsey, and census taker Calvin Benjamin.
At 2 p.m., attend the 1865 ceremony celebrating the end of the war
