Linn Letters

Web Author's Notes:
The following letter of Thomas B. Linn, a drummer in the 16th OVI, was transcribed by contributor John M. Pierson who obtained it from Mary Bavender. The letters were part of a collection of papers from Linn and included a detailed diary. Combined, the letters and diary entries give us an intimate look at the life of a soldier in the 16th OVI during the Civil War.

These letters were all written or received while Linn was a Private in Company B. He was later promoted, on July 1, 1864, to Principal Musician, as a drummer, and transferred to Field & Staff. He survived the war and mustered out with the regiment on October 31, 1864, near Columbus, Ohio.

This letter is addressed to L.S. Research by contributor John Pierson uncovers some confusion. Pvt. Linn married an Elizabeth Shafer in November, 1864, just a few weeks after mustering out of the army. In his letters, Tom used the nickname Lizzie and it is likely most letters addressed to L.S. were to his future wife, Elizabeth Shafer. However, Tom also was acquainted to a Lizzie Shera and may have also written to her. Research continues.

Letter addressed to L.S.

Carrollton, La., August 29, 1863

I must write a few words about things present. We have, indeed, got into the army of reviews. We had another grand review of our Corps, the 13th, today. We had one a week ago today. I tell you it is a nice sight to see some 20,000 or 25,000 men dressed in full uniform and with glittering bayonets standing in a large level field for review. We were reviewed by Gen. Banks both today and last Saturday. We were drawn up in Column of divisions. Gen. Wash- burne's division (ours) formed the first line. Gen. Herron placed his division in line some twenty yards behind us. The third and fourth divisions were formed in like manner behind Gen. Herron's division and the artillery formed a line in rear of the fourth division. We did not have long to wait before the boom of a cannon announced the arrival of Gen. Banks. The band struck up and soon the Hero of Port Hudson came sweeping down the line, followed by Gen. Washbourne and a host of other officers, doffing his hat and shaking his little head as he passes the colors of the various regiments and receives their salutes.

After riding up and down each of the lines he took his position off to one side and then commenced the great review march, the entire force marching by him in Column of Companies the music of each regiment filing out of line as they came opposite the General and then falling in behind the regiment when it passed and marching off to camp.

I send you a couple of clippings - a staunch War Article and the "Way Soldiers see it" - both true as preaching.