Kaaterskill Books

Onward to Richmond

Moore, F. [Franklin].

[Autograph Letter Signed] Union Soldier Franklin Moore Writing to his Mother from Camp Bramhall, Virginia, on his way to Richmond.

[Camp Bramhall, Virginia]: [1863]. [3 pp]. Bifolium. 7 3/4 x 5 inches. Very good, folded, faint foxing, one small tear at the fold. Item #43823

Letter from Franklin Moore, a 25 year old Union soldier in the 6th New York Independent Light Artillery, to his mother, Ann Hutchinson Moore of New Jersey, while at Camp Bramhall, a Union fort built in 1863 near Aquia Landing, a major Union supply depot from 1862 until its abandonment in June 1863 due to the Gettysburg campaign. The letter was written April 12, 1863 just two months before the camp was abandoned. "I wrote to you yesterday, but since then I have received a letter from Ellis and one from Larry, and also Ellis' picture, which I think is a very good one. He has not changed much in looks since I saw him last. I shall answer his letter as soon as I get a chance. I was going to answer it today, but the whole Army has got marching orders. We expect to move in the morning. The cry again is onward to Richmond. I hope we will be more successful this summer than we were last. I am glad we are going to move, for it is very tiresome to stay in one place so long..."

Franklin Moore (1837-1918) enlisted in June 1861 in the New York Independent Light Artillery and remained with the battery until June 1864. "Franklin was the son of Staten Island native Lawrence Moore (1801-1864) & Ann Hutchinson (1801-1880) of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Franklin’s father learned the wheel-wright’s trade and settled permanently in Woodbridge in 1837 where he conducted a very prosperous business. Franklin’s parents were married on 11 March 1823. In 1860, Franklin resided in Rahway, New Jersey and worked as a carriage maker. In the 1870 Census, Franklin was yet unmarried and working as a wheel-wright. In 1871, Franklin and his younger brother Ellis F. Moore went in together in the hardware business in Woodbridge. Subsequent census records indicate that Franklin never married. In his will (dated 1916), Franklin mentions his “beloved sister” — Martha A. (Moore) Harned (1840-1918), the widow of Isaac Newton Harned (1838-1905)." [History of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1664-1920. (New York, Chicago, Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1921)].

"Sixth Independent Battery.—Capts., Thomas W. Bunting, Walter M. Bramhall, Joseph W. Martin, Moses P. Clark. This battery, recruited at Rahway, N. J., and organized in New York city as the artillery company (K) of the 9th militia, later 83d N. Y. infantry, was mustered into the U. S. service June 15, 1861, for a term of three years. It left the state the next day and served with its regiment until Aug. 25, when it was detached, and in December, was designated the 6th battery. In July, 1864, the men of the loth battery were transferred to it. The 6th saw a large amount of active service, participating in over 40 battles and skirmishes. In 1861 it was active at Pritchard's mill. Point of Rocks, Bolivar heights and Ball's Bluff; in 1862, with the 3d corps, it took part in the Peninsular campaign; in 1863, attached to the 1st brigade. Horse artillery, 2nd cavalry division, it took part in the Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Virginia campaigns, ending with Mine Run; in 1864, with the same command, it fought through the Wilderness campaign and was then ordered into the defenses of Washington. In Oct., 1864, it was engaged with the Army of the Shenandoah at Tom's brook. Cedar creek, and near Newtown, Va. The battery continued in the service as a veteran organization after its term expired and was finally mustered out on July 8, 1865, at Hart's island, N. Y. harbor, commanded by Capt. Clark. During its term of service it lost 8 men killed and mortally wounded, and 9 men who died of disease and other causes." [The Union Army: a history of military affairs in the loyal states, 1861-65. Vol II. (Wisc: Federal Pub. Co., 1908)]

Price: $125.00