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
Topics include the poor health of Justus Gale’s sister, having plenty to eat and confiscating anything while in the field including livestock from the rebels, receiving a box from home that was greatly appreciated though disappointed none of Mother's cheese, the expectation of returning to... Show moreTopics include the poor health of Justus Gale’s sister, having plenty to eat and confiscating anything while in the field including livestock from the rebels, receiving a box from home that was greatly appreciated though disappointed none of Mother's cheese, the expectation of returning to Algiers, and some family affairs including what to do with Charlie's clothes since his death, mentions still needing to get a photographer and have his photo taken, and the possibility of renting the farm. Show less
Topics include remaining at Camp Holbrook in Vermont for 4 weeks, grateful to hear from home, food not very good, a rumor of getting paid, and the visitors who watch dress parade.
Gale begins his letter with a humorous poem. He then writes that the 8th Vermont is now with the Corps laying seige to Port Hudson, which is strongly fortified and describes a skirmish that resulted in two killed and three wounded from his Company. He also writes that there is constant... Show moreGale begins his letter with a humorous poem. He then writes that the 8th Vermont is now with the Corps laying seige to Port Hudson, which is strongly fortified and describes a skirmish that resulted in two killed and three wounded from his Company. He also writes that there is constant cannonading and that his company is behind one hill, while the rebels are behind another nearby, and that one day he shot 100 cartridges. He tells his sister he has plenty to eat and that he is safe, even when in action, since he only has to show his head enough to fire. Show less
Topics include observing the Sabbath in camp by reading the Bible, a description of dress parade, gives his enlistment date at Sept 23, 1861, anticipates military pay of $20 a month from the date of enlistment and mentions again the bombardment of Fort Henry on the Tennessee River by Commodore A... Show moreTopics include observing the Sabbath in camp by reading the Bible, a description of dress parade, gives his enlistment date at Sept 23, 1861, anticipates military pay of $20 a month from the date of enlistment and mentions again the bombardment of Fort Henry on the Tennessee River by Commodore A H Foote and General Grant. Show less
Writing from Brashear City (Morgan City), Louisiana topics include wishing his sister a happy New Year and ruminating on his life as a soldier so far. He also writes about his health, the food he is eating, his mail, newspapers, what he wants put in a box his family is sending to him and regards... Show moreWriting from Brashear City (Morgan City), Louisiana topics include wishing his sister a happy New Year and ruminating on his life as a soldier so far. He also writes about his health, the food he is eating, his mail, newspapers, what he wants put in a box his family is sending to him and regards to family members and friends. Show less
Topics include his appreciation for receiving a box from his family, letters he has received from friends, information on his speculation in watches and apples, and his decision not to receive a photograph of his brother, Charlie, who died on August 30, 1862, since Charlie still seems alive to... Show moreTopics include his appreciation for receiving a box from his family, letters he has received from friends, information on his speculation in watches and apples, and his decision not to receive a photograph of his brother, Charlie, who died on August 30, 1862, since Charlie still seems alive to Justus. Show less
Topics include the spring-like weather in New Orleans, his hospital work, particulary carrying “grub” up to 34 soldiers, and Admiral Farragut’s engagement with the rebel batteries at Port Hudson on March 14th. He also writes of how he would like to be home in Vermont eating maple sugar and... Show moreTopics include the spring-like weather in New Orleans, his hospital work, particulary carrying “grub” up to 34 soldiers, and Admiral Farragut’s engagement with the rebel batteries at Port Hudson on March 14th. He also writes of how he would like to be home in Vermont eating maple sugar and drinking milk that hasn’t been adulterated with chalk and water. Show less
Topics include the good health of Justus Gale, the food available at Algiers including confiscated beef from the locals, standing guard for 12 hour shifts, killing alligators, writes of some of his comrades, the sickness of Sargent 2nd Class.Chas. C. Martin with inflammation of the bowels, the... Show moreTopics include the good health of Justus Gale, the food available at Algiers including confiscated beef from the locals, standing guard for 12 hour shifts, killing alligators, writes of some of his comrades, the sickness of Sargent 2nd Class.Chas. C. Martin with inflammation of the bowels, the capture of Richmond and Vicksburg, mentions Confederate Gen. G. T. Beauregard, receiving a copy of the Green Mountain Freeman and refers to his religious faith. Show less
Topics include wishing his sister a happy birthday, clearing up the rumor that he is dead, the enlisting of blacks, and the enlisting of men from home before they are drafted.
Gale writes a long description of his company’s role in the Battle of Fort Bisland on April 12th and 13th, and is pleased by General Banks’ praise of the performance of the 8th Vermont Regiment. He also writes of his pleasure at receiving a photograph of Emily Taft of Barre, and his wish that he... Show moreGale writes a long description of his company’s role in the Battle of Fort Bisland on April 12th and 13th, and is pleased by General Banks’ praise of the performance of the 8th Vermont Regiment. He also writes of his pleasure at receiving a photograph of Emily Taft of Barre, and his wish that he could have photographs of all his family, though he would be unable to carry them all in his wallet. As well, he writes of picking up Confederate money from a house that was abandoned before the advance of the “damd yankees” and of seeing rich clothing that he wished he could send home. Show less
Topics include the being saddened by the ill health of his family in Elmore, enjoying good health himself, troops living in an apparently abandoned house in Bayou Boeuf, La., the parole of the prisoners who are still alive (not clear but these may be Union soldiers taken prisoners as some were... Show moreTopics include the being saddened by the ill health of his family in Elmore, enjoying good health himself, troops living in an apparently abandoned house in Bayou Boeuf, La., the parole of the prisoners who are still alive (not clear but these may be Union soldiers taken prisoners as some were shot for running from their army and joining a Union regiment), the movement of the army on the Potomac and still unable to get a photograph of himself taken. Show less
Topics include family news, the weather, that Colonel Thomas is acting Major General now, that the Rebels are deserting often and are short of provisions, and that his Company while on picket duty talks back and forth to the Rebels and shares their food with them at times.
Gale writes that he has left the hospital and returned to the 8th Vermont, which is preparing for a move against Port Hudson. He then reminisces about the changes in his family since he enlisted one year before, particulary about the death of his brother, Charlie. As well, he writes of missing... Show moreGale writes that he has left the hospital and returned to the 8th Vermont, which is preparing for a move against Port Hudson. He then reminisces about the changes in his family since he enlisted one year before, particulary about the death of his brother, Charlie. As well, he writes of missing his nephew, Herbert, and of a small Louisianian boy who visits the 8th Vermont camp regularly. Show less
Topics include the sickness of Justus Gale’s mother and brother Charley, mentions his dismay of men trying to skip military duty, the rebel prisoners taken by various Union regiments, mentions Gen. Butler may be taking care of the guerrilla fighters and the injuries sustained by the men in the... Show moreTopics include the sickness of Justus Gale’s mother and brother Charley, mentions his dismay of men trying to skip military duty, the rebel prisoners taken by various Union regiments, mentions Gen. Butler may be taking care of the guerrilla fighters and the injuries sustained by the men in the train accident whereby many seemed to have avoided amputations. Show less
From Algiers, La topics include ill health of his mother and sister, the death of his brother Charley, how difficult it is to get a military discharge, Justus Gale’s negative opinion of the Blacks, his hope slavery is ended, and his hope that his sister and mother will become healthy again.
Guard duty, being able to pick some sweet potatoes, having fresh fruit melons, a trip into the city, a description of a plantation, mentions how much work it is for owners to look after their slaves, states care must be taken of their dress suits and boots in spite of whatever their living... Show moreGuard duty, being able to pick some sweet potatoes, having fresh fruit melons, a trip into the city, a description of a plantation, mentions how much work it is for owners to look after their slaves, states care must be taken of their dress suits and boots in spite of whatever their living conditions may be and the improved health of some of the men in the regiment. Show less
