A “Flying Dutchman” Writes Home

By Bruce Allardice and Wayne Wolf · Originally published October 2018 · pp. 31–34

While the largely-German XI Corps gained a reputation (whether deserved or not) as the “Flying Dutchman” after being routed at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, the corps contained a solid core of veterans who performed well on every battlefield. One of those veterans was Ohioan William R. Tittle. A carpenter and farmer in Seneca County, Ohio, William R. Tittle (1836–1919) enlisted as a private in Company H, 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Dec. 30, 1861. While in service he earned promotion to sergeant. He was discharged Dec. 28, 1864, when his 3-year enlistment expired. The 55th Ohio Infantry was organized at Camp McClellan Norwalk, Ohio, in late 1861 and mustered in for three years service on Jan. 25, 1862. John C. Lee was chosen its colonel. The regiment served in West Virginia in 1862, then was transferred to the Army of the Potomac and put in the XI Corps. In the fall of 1863 the XI and XII Corps were transferred to Tennessee, serving in the Chattanooga and Atlanta Campaigns. On Jan. 1, 1864, 319 men reenlisted and received 30day furloughs. During the war the 55th lost 143 killed in action and another 119 died of illness. During the war Tittle wrote numerous letters to his family back home, to sister Sarah W., brother Ralph W., and brother. A selection of these letters follows. The letters have been lightly edited for spelling and grammar. Camp in Lookout Valley Tenn Dec. 19, 1863 Dear Brother I take my pen to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and I hope those few lines may find you all well. l received 3 letters night before last one from you and one from John and one from Wilson. I was glad to hear from you all that you was all well and that your Boys had got home safe from the Island. We have had a long and hard campaign. We left this place Nov the 22 at 1 o’clock and marched to Chattanooga all in plain sight of the Rebels and camped for the night the 23 at 1 o’clock. We had orders to leave our knapsacks and tents and the troops that was camped here left their tents stand and all moved out as if going on parade the rebels was completely surprised and routed at every point [Battle of Missionary Ridge, Nov. 24-25, 1863]. We went to Louisville Tenn it is 10

miles from Knoxville. We have marched 241 miles since we left here till we got back. We left Nov 22 and got back Dec 17. [this refers to the relief expedition to Knoxville] We got no mail since Nov 28 till we got back and no chance to write. I would have been glad to have wrote sooner but it was impossible I will write more of the particulars in a few days if I can. Col Stevens [James Monroe Stevens, a prewar cabinet manufacturer, and first captain of Tittle’s Company H] was here when we got back. I think he got here the 15. He look well. We was out all that time without our woolen blankets and most of them without tents. We have had no snow but plenty of rain it has froze every night that it didn’t rain. There is lots of the Boys barefooted I never seen half so many with poor shoes and boots it looks hard to see men march in that way. We had 2 privates and 1 lieutenant killed and several wounded Nov 14. We got 2 month’s pay and settled up for the last years clothing. I got 53 dollars 70 cts and the 23 we sent our money came from Chattanooga. I sent 50 dollars to Tombs & Truss [Benjamin Tomb and John T. Huss ran a bank in Tiffin] it was sent just as it was other times. I couldn’t let you know any sooner you get it and do the best you can. I got 3 Tiffin Papers [probably the Tiffin Tribune] & one Banner since we are back we are in the old camp but expect to move camp soon. Today is clear and cold I must close. Write soon W R Tittle R W Tittle In the next letter Tittle notes the “excitement” about enlisting in “the Veteran Corps.” The Veterans Reserve Corps was a reenlistment enticement to get veteran soldiers to continue their service in return for a furlough and for continuing to serve in their original unit. Most of the 55th Ohio reenlisted. The Invalid Corps was a reduced service organization for soldiers who were no longer able to withstand the rigors of active service. Tittle opted for the Invalid Corps and his comments reflect his observations on what he perceived as his being ill used by the army. Jan 1st 1864 Camp in Lookout Valley Tenn. Dear Brother I take my pen to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope those few lines may find you all well and enjoying yourselves. I received your letter of Dec 20 & 21st today at noon and was glad to hear from you that you was all when I am surprised that you have only got 2 letters from me since we came to Alabama. Why it is I don’t know October the 1st I wrote to you, Nov the 11 I wrote to Sarah and Dee, the 19 I wrote to you. This is all I remember of writing the last times I wrote to you I mentioned about sending 50 dollars to Tombs it was sent as other times. I haven’t had time to write regular but hope to do better. We have had a long and middling hard march. We got back to our old camp the 17 and the 25 we moved camp about half a mile. We are camped in a good place and we have built good Winter quarters. The health of the Army is good. We have had a good deal of rain lately yesterday it rained all afternoon and snowed a little last night for the 1st and is quite cold today. The weather is very changeable here and but little snow they is a good deal of excitement here about enlisting in the Veteran Corps. The old 55 has nearly all reenlisted to serve 3 years or during the War from this time I must close. Write soon. W R Tittle R W Tittle In the next two letters Tittle expresses his frustration with how his regiment was treated. At the beginning of 1864, most of the 55th Ohio, a 3-year regiment, re-enlisted for the war and received 30-day re-enlistment furloughs. The fragmentary remainder of the regiment, whose enlistments had not yet expired, was temporarily merged into the 136th New York of the same brigade. The merger caused deep dissatisfaction. As can be seen, Union soldiers as well as Confederate took pride in their state. Camp in Lookout Valley Tenn Jan. 25th 1864 Dear Brother I take my pen to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines may find you all well and enjoying yourselves. I received your letter the 20th and was glad to hear that you was all well. I wrote to John the 10th. We have had nice warm weather for a few days the ground has got quite dry but it is too nice to last long. I wrote to John that we had been transferred to the 136 NY Regt. We have got our cabins built and we moved the 21st. We have good quarters and a nice camp. I suppose the Veterans of the Old 55 is at home before this and I hope they will have a good time. Clark Kline [Pvt. Clark M. Kline, Co. H] said he would stop and see you first thing. Clark got your letter and was glad to hear from you. The Boys don’t like it that they was transferred to a New York Regt. We sent a petition to the Governor of Ohio to have us transferred to an Ohio Regt all the Boys signed it. We can never gain any credit for ourselves or our State in a NY Regt and for that reason they put us here and after they got us they read an order stating that all the new Commissioned officers must be reduced to the ranks. I didn’t care much but I thought that wouldn’t work with me for my papers was made out and sent off for to put me in the Invalid Corps as Sergt. Then I went to the Division Commander he told me it was contrary to his orders all was to rank as they had. These New Yorkers must be watched. When I am reduced [in rank] I want to know what it is for. We are to have drill this afternoon. The first train of cars ran from Bridgeport to Chattanooga the 14th and since then trains runs regular. We got plenty of rations now and clothing. The army is in good condition there is not much sickness. One of my mess mates has the mumps I have never had them yet and I hope I may go clear this time. They has several of our Generals went home. Hooker is back I think and Howard started last Thursday. Hooker commands the 11 & 12 Corps and Howard commands the 11 Corps and General Steinwehr commands the 2d Division and Col O Smith [Orland Smith] commands the 2d Brigade but now General Steinwehr is at home sick and Col Buschbeck commands the Division and Col. Smith went home with the 73 Ohio and Col Wood of the 136 NY [James Wood Jr.] commands the 2d Brigade. I must come to a close. Write soon. Direct Co F 136 NY V I 2d Brigade 2d Division Wm R Tittle To S W Tittle Camp in Lookout Valley Tenn Feb the 18th 1864 Dear Sister I take my pen to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope those few lines may find you all well and enjoying yourselves. I received the Banner paper the 15 and your letter of the 9 I received the 16th and was glad to hear that you was all well. We have heard from some of the Boys that went home on furlough they appear to have good times which I am glad to hear but I am afraid it will go harder for them to leave home this time than it did the first for they know now what war is but they didn’t at first. The old members of this Regiment is getting furloughs. I think about 25 out of the Regt at once let them go that can. What can’t go can stay. We sent a petition to the Governor of Ohio [John Brough] to have us all transferred to one of our own State Regiments. George Harkroom [Pvt., Co. H] got a answer from John Brough he said the State government hadn’t power to have it done but he requested the war department to have all join their old Regiments as soon as they returned to the field. His answer was very satisfactory and I think that is what will be done. The time for the 55 to assemble to Cleveland is near at hand. I don’t hear any thing about our Invalid papers. If the old Regt Comes back here I will try to find out who is to blame. The weather has been quite cold for a few days. Last Saturday night it rained most all night and till noon Sunday and since it has been cold and windy the weather is quite changeable here more so then I expected it would be. I didn’t expect that Clark Kline would go and tell you that we had half rations to eat. I told him to go and eat a good dinner for me he said he would. Our duty is middling heavy at present. I expect to go on picket guard tomorrow we go out about 11 miles out stay 2 days. I haven’t been on picket since I have been in this Regt. I would sooner go on picket than on head quarter guard if the weather is dry. They say three of my mess mate had the mumps but I haven’t had them yet. This Regiment got 2 month’s pay last Monday but the Ohio Boys didn’t get paid for my part I don’t care I can stand it. I can’t see how James Adams was taken prisoner at Gettysburg for we seen his Regiment this side as we was going and they said Jim was back sick and awhile after the fight I heard he was a prisoner. When I seen him last Winter he boasted what good times he had at home while he was a prisoner. [James M. Adams of Seneca County was taken prisoner at Gettysburg while serving in the 19th Indiana] We have plenty of rations and clothing and good times in general. We haven’t much sickness at present and the Army is in good condition. I have heard some talk of marching but none for a few days. I wrote to Wm Ferguson

[his brother-in law] the 9. I must come to a close for the present time. Write often as you can. Wm R Tittle to Sarah W Tittle I seen in the paper that Lt. Col. James M. Stevens was dismissed from the service for failing to appear. I suppose he should [have] reported to Washington before he went to the regiment. Col. Stevens lost an arm at the Battle of Chancellorsville. He resigned his commission in 1864. In the next letter the 55th is again united and ready to embark upon the Atlanta Campaign.

Camp in Lookout Valley Tenn March 29/64 Dear Brother I take my pen to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope those few lines may find you all well and enjoying yourselves. I received your letter of the 14th the 22d and was glad to hear that you was all well. We have had some rough weather the last of this month, the morning of the 22 it was snowing very fast and had been most of the night and snowed most all that day the snow was 10 inches deep when it quit snowing and had been melting all the time till night then it froze. The 23 clear and warm all day and I never seen snow melt faster and since we have had rain every day or two. It rained hard last night and today is cool and blowing. The 24 we was all transferred back to the 55 Ohio and we have moved over it appears like old times to be here. The Invalids all come back but they don’t belong here. Before I wrote to Wilson they received a printed order with the names of all that was transferred to the Invalid the transfer dated the 1st of March and their names must be dropped from the muster rolls and have the men in readiness with a moment’s notice. That is the reason I wrote to Wilson as I did for the Capt. told me we would be sent off last week sure but we are here yet. Lt Col Stevens got here the 18 he looks well he told me that Mother and John’s family had paid him a visit before he started. He told me he didn’t know what he would do but I don’t think he will be in the service long. There is a good many cases of Small Pox and Measles. I must come to a close for the present time. I got a Tiffin Paper of the 10 and I expect a letter from home soon but it is doubtful about me getting any for a while. Write soon Address Co H 55 0VI 9 Brigade 9 Division 11 Corps Via Nashville Tenn W R Tittle R W Tittle In the final letter of this series Tittle comments on the 1864 presidential campaign. He is strong for Lincoln, and states that McClellan supporters are no better than the Copperheads. Camp at Atlanta Ga Sept 22/64 Dear Brother I take my pen to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope these few lines may find you all well. I received Sarah and Rachel’s letters yesterday of the 12 I was glad to hear from them, but sorry to hear of Ralph’s sickness and I hope before this he is better. I was surprised to hear from Benjamin’s family. I have often wondered why Ben didn’t write for when I left home he told me to be sure & write to him which I did and after a long time I got a letter from him then I answered it and that was the last. I can’t afford to write to them that won’t write to me but I must write to them soon now. Well all is quiet here at present which is very desirable for we have had a hard time this summer. Sarah wrote that they hadn’t heard from me for a while. I don’t see why for I write home about once a week. I wrote to Beatty [a cousin] August 29 and Sept the 4 I got a letter from Sarah and the 11 I got Ralph’s letter and the 12 I wrote to Sarah and the 18 I got Sarah letter of the 8. We haven’t been getting mail regular this while. We expect to get paid soon there is 10 months due the Non Veterans the first of this month. For my part I don’t care if we don’t get paid yet but men with families ought to have their pay. We haven’t moved since I wrote last and we have a very nice camp, our duty isn’t hard at present. The health of the men is middling good and there is a good many coming back that was sick and had slight wounds. Albion Lee [Pvt., Co. H] is still at the division hospital but is up and around. Had [Horace (Sgt. Co. H)] Chamberlain is back to the Co doing duty. Corwin Sites [Pvt., Co. H] got his leg hurt by jumping off the cars it is getting better now. George B Mc[Clellan] is the Democratic candidate for President and some thinks he is the man for peace. I can’t see it in that way. We have a few McClellan men in this Regt but I don’t think any more of them than the Copperheads. One is no better than the other in my opinion. Uncle Abe is the man that every true Union man will support. He is the man to guide the ship of State. We have had considerable of rain lately and prospect for more. Hank Threster has got his discharge and gone home. Oc [Samuel Oscar] Chamberlain and William Nole [William P. Noel] was here from the 49[th Ohio] the other day they both look well. I must come to a close for the present time and hope these few lines may find you all well and enjoying yourselves. Write soon and let me know how you all are. From your Brother W R Tittle. For further reading, see Hartwell Osborn, Trials and Triumphs: The Record of the Fifty-Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry (1904) and Stephen M. Barr, In the Ranks with the 55th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (2009). Bruce S. Allardice is Professor of History at South Suburban College in Illinois. He is a past president of the Civil War Round Table of Chicago. Wayne L. Wolf is past president of the Lincoln-Davis Civil War Roundtable.