Existing comment:
Fallen Voices: The Soldiers Left Behind:
The Epilogue of Battle:
"It made our hearts ache to look over the battlefield and see so many of our dear comrades, friends and beloved officers killed and wounded. Our loss was terrible while the Yankees lost but few... it was called our victory but it certainly was a costly one... It was said that it was raw troops we were fighting, but I never saw old soldiers shoot better."
-- Private George W. Nichols, 61st Georgia
Despite its victory, the Confederate army suffered roughly 900 casualties at Monocacy.
Union casualties numbered nearly 1,300.
Brigadier General Clement Evans:
While leading his brigade in its third attack on the Thomas Farm, Confederate General Clement Evans was struck by two bullets and fell from his horse. The first lodged in his left arm. The second hit his sewing kit and drove pins into his chest. Although Evans survived, surgeons failed to remove all the pins. For many years thereafter, pieces of broken pins would work their way to the surface of his skin.
George & Mattie:
June 4th 1864
Dear Mattie:
... I must say that you feel nearer to me than anyone I have ever met with, and to seal what I am now saying, will you consent to be my Mattie? Don't forget to answer my question as I am very anxious to know...
Your devoted George
Throughout the Civil War, Private George W. Boatright of the 12th Georgia Light Artillery corresponded with his sweetheart Martha Jane ("Mattie") Burrows. Boatright fell mortally wounded at the battle of Monocacy and was later buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland. There is no record of whether Mattie ever consented to marry him before he died.
Fallen Soldier:
I pass a comrade sitting by the roadside. Blood is trickling from a wound just below his heart... I say 'Goodbye,' to him; there is no regret or fear in his tone as he replies. A brave country boy he had lived and death has no terrors for him. He could not have smiled more sweetly had he been lying down to pleasant dreams. Hours afterward I carry a canteen full of water to another comrade lying on a pile of grain in the storehouse by the railroad, and he too had no complaints or repinings. He only said, 'I have my deathwound,' and with the dew of youth yet fresh upon him, with all the prospects of a long life ended, he closed his eyes in dreamless sleep.
-- Soldier from the battle
We passed through the battle field, where the dead and wounded were still lying on the ground, where they had fallen... Some of the wounded were lying by the road side, and begged us piteously for water. My canteen was filled with water, and I stepped out of ranks to give the poor fellows a drink...
-- George Perkins, 149th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Aid to the Wounded:
Civilians transformed their houses, schools, and churches into field hospitals. The Worthington yard, Thomas house, and Gambrill Mill all sheltered fallen soldiers.
"It was afterward wounded and captured at Frederick city, Md., July 9, 1864. My hip was broken, elbow broken, and I was shot in the back besides. I was taken to Frederick city, where I remained about eight months. The surgeons of the Federal Army performed a difficult operation on my arm, taking out about 3 inches of the bone in my elbow. But astonishing as it seems, I have always had good use of my arm. I shall always recollect the care and kindness shown to me by the doctors and soldiers of the Union army. I was confined to my bunk for 60 days, and during all that time no friends or relatives could have shown me more kindness than those who had the care of me."
-- Nate Draughn, Gordon's Division
July 14, 1864 -- In a hospital in Frederick Md.
Dear Father,
you will see by the heading of this that I am in hospital. I was wounded in the side by a minnie ball in the battle that was fought at this place on Saturday last. The wound is a pretty severe one but is not considered dangerous. I am receiving the best of care and do not want for anything except to see some of the folks. I wish you would come down here as soon as possible. I think it would do me so much good to have you come... I remain your affectionate son.
-- Fidelus Searle
Ode to a Mule:
An injured Colonel William H. Seward, 9th New York Heavy Artillery, retreated from the battlefield riding a mule, which he directed with a silk handkerchief passed through its moth as a makeshift bridle. He took the mule home with him after the war. |