Justus F. Gale was born in 1837 to Jonas (1800-1874) and Abigail Albee Gale (1810-1869). He enlisted in Co. A of the 8th Regiment of Vermont Volunteers September 23, 1861 and died in Louisiana September 19, 1863 of chronic diarrhea. Gale's early... Show moreJustus F. Gale was born in 1837 to Jonas (1800-1874) and Abigail Albee Gale (1810-1869). He enlisted in Co. A of the 8th Regiment of Vermont Volunteers September 23, 1861 and died in Louisiana September 19, 1863 of chronic diarrhea. Gale's early letters describe his trip from Hyde Park, Vt through Stowe and Montpelier and finally down to Brattleboro. His later letters were written to his family from various posts in Louisiana until his death in1863. Show less
Gale writes that his company had been busy digging entrenchments in preparation for an assault on Port Hudson, and that rebels made a small raid to acquire some nearby guns but were repulsed. He also writes that deserters are coming in almost every day and report that rations are short in the... Show moreGale writes that his company had been busy digging entrenchments in preparation for an assault on Port Hudson, and that rebels made a small raid to acquire some nearby guns but were repulsed. He also writes that deserters are coming in almost every day and report that rations are short in the fort. As well he writes that there is a rumor that the Rebels had invaded Brashear City and took or burned items left by the 8th Regiment, and the Colonel Thomas reacted strongly, saying “he wished he could get one clip at them with his brigade.” Show less
Topics include the sore on his hand and how it is healing, the summer-like weather and how the birds in Louisiana are different from the birds in Vermont, their campsite in Thibodeaux, Louisiana, and how much he dislikes southern cooking, which he calls “niger stoge” but has fresh fruit to eat.... Show moreTopics include the sore on his hand and how it is healing, the summer-like weather and how the birds in Louisiana are different from the birds in Vermont, their campsite in Thibodeaux, Louisiana, and how much he dislikes southern cooking, which he calls “niger stoge” but has fresh fruit to eat. He also writes about how much money he has made in speculation and of sending home a ring made from a beef bone by their drummer Walter Barnes. Show less
Topics include news about his father’s recent marriage, dinner at the home of a Massachusetts family that had been driven off a plantation they owned north of New Orleans, the money owed him by the government, and his speculation in watches.
Gale writes of receiving several letters from home, and describes the position of the Union army at Port Hudson. He writes of how the infantry is screening the artillery as they set up guns to bombard the fort, and of the number of deserters that are crossing their lines. He also writes of the... Show moreGale writes of receiving several letters from home, and describes the position of the Union army at Port Hudson. He writes of how the infantry is screening the artillery as they set up guns to bombard the fort, and of the number of deserters that are crossing their lines. He also writes of the fresh meat they are getting and how cayenne sent from home goes well with it. As well, he writes of how the army ignores Sundays, often marching long distances on those days, and that he wishes he were at the meeting house at home. Show less
Topics include a description of sightseeing in New Orleans and the difference in the city from a year earlier. He also mentions eating a custard pie and getting his watch cleaned.
Gale writes about having a relapse of fever after working two weeks supplying the contrabands, and being sent to a hospital in Baton Rouge. He also writes with news of his fellow soldier, Wesley (John Wesley Merriam) who is with him at the hospital. As well, he reports on what they are eating.
Topics include reminiscences about attending church in Elmore and musings on the power of God to preserve him, a list of all the temptations available to soldiers in New Orleans, including swearing, playing cards, and drinking whiskey, and that liquor is as common as water in the city, with both... Show moreTopics include reminiscences about attending church in Elmore and musings on the power of God to preserve him, a list of all the temptations available to soldiers in New Orleans, including swearing, playing cards, and drinking whiskey, and that liquor is as common as water in the city, with both men and women getting drunk. Show less
Gale writes of the second assault on Port Hudson on June 14th, describing the rough ground they had to cover to get in range, and the number of killed and wounded in the regiment. He also comments that on the day his mother traveled to Morrisville, he was out hunting “graybacks,” and that while... Show moreGale writes of the second assault on Port Hudson on June 14th, describing the rough ground they had to cover to get in range, and the number of killed and wounded in the regiment. He also comments that on the day his mother traveled to Morrisville, he was out hunting “graybacks,” and that while some complain of the conditions in the army, they are the ones who hadn’t been “weaned” yet. Show less
Gale writes that he is still camped near Alexandria and is using his cartridge box as a desk to write the letter. The weather has been rainy and they have been using their rubber blankets as tents. He then goes on to describe the shooting of James H. Hill, a teamster, by an Irish soldier, James O... Show moreGale writes that he is still camped near Alexandria and is using his cartridge box as a desk to write the letter. The weather has been rainy and they have been using their rubber blankets as tents. He then goes on to describe the shooting of James H. Hill, a teamster, by an Irish soldier, James O’Mara, on May 14th, and finishes his letter with a complaint against all those to whom he has written who have not yet replied, and gossip about Ira F. Grout of Elmore, Vermont. Show less
Topics include trying to figure out where letters may have gone missing, letters taking several weeks to arrive, not receiving the Green Mountain Freeman, the lack of details about the taking of New Orleans, and Justus Gale being on guard last night.
Topics include the improved health of Justus Gale’s family, speaks of his religious faith, a discussion of deciding on Charley’s gravestone, and the separation of his Gale's parents.
Topics include the movement of the company from Algiers to Lafourche, a description of the living situation at Algiers, the good food at camp including fresh fruit berries, water quality not good.
Gale writes that he developed a lameness while at Port Hudson and was sent to convalescent camp. While in camp, Gale and a partner took advantage of a business opportunity to bring rations to contrabands. He mentions going to Baton Rouge to draw the rations and says he now has a pony to ride to... Show moreGale writes that he developed a lameness while at Port Hudson and was sent to convalescent camp. While in camp, Gale and a partner took advantage of a business opportunity to bring rations to contrabands. He mentions going to Baton Rouge to draw the rations and says he now has a pony to ride to make this and other things easier. He also writes that he has not been paid for a long time, and that he has heard General Lee has been captured but that this is not confirmed. Show less
Writing to his sister topics include the journey from Camp Holbrook to Ship Island through New York via train car, mentions 45 rebel officers being taken prisoner at Fort Donelson, hopes the war to be over soon, thinks of his family back home and puts his faith in God to rule over all.
Topics include the news that Gale has been sent to the General Hospital in New Orleans because of the sore on his hand, as he is unable endure a long march. He also writes that the hospital is quiet on the Sabboth and that the rooms are clean and the food is good, and includes a description what... Show moreTopics include the news that Gale has been sent to the General Hospital in New Orleans because of the sore on his hand, as he is unable endure a long march. He also writes that the hospital is quiet on the Sabboth and that the rooms are clean and the food is good, and includes a description what he sees in the hospital. As well he writes of the difference in New Orleans from the previous year and tries to express to his sister what a big city is like. Show less
Topics include the snow at Camp Holbrook, St. Albans, the living arrangements, the 25 men sick with the measles, and the move to Ship Island in 2 or 3 weeks.
Topics include his health and the condition of the sore on his hand, the rumors in Vermont about the 8th Vermont Regiment, news about the officers in Company A, and a comment about a private who transferred to the 3rd Louisiana Native Guard to become an officer. He also writes jokingly about... Show moreTopics include his health and the condition of the sore on his hand, the rumors in Vermont about the 8th Vermont Regiment, news about the officers in Company A, and a comment about a private who transferred to the 3rd Louisiana Native Guard to become an officer. He also writes jokingly about coming home with a “yellow gal.” Show less
Topics include leaving Ship Island, being towed back up the Mississippi River to camp in New Orleans, the poor conditions of Fort Jackson and Philips, traveling into the city, the positive attitude of the natives of New Orleans toward Gale and companion now that it is occupied by the Union,... Show moreTopics include leaving Ship Island, being towed back up the Mississippi River to camp in New Orleans, the poor conditions of Fort Jackson and Philips, traveling into the city, the positive attitude of the natives of New Orleans toward Gale and companion now that it is occupied by the Union, General Butler redistributing provisions to the poor of the city that were captured from the rebels Show less
Topics include the improvement in Justus Gale's health, the cost of food items in camp, the death of three men in the regiment, the attempted suicide of a man in Company F, mentions "sugar place" back home in Elmore and writes about the lack of information in camp about the rest of the Union Army.
Topics working at the hospital, the lack of letters from family and friends, and his wish for Jeff Davis’ scalp as a Thanksgiving present. He also writes that he is “perplexed” by how the war is being managed.
