Edmund Jones Williams enlisted in Company H, 1st North Carolina Volunteers on April 17, 1861. The 20-year-old farmer from Cumberland County served as a private with the regiment until it mustered out of service in November 1861. Six months later, Williams enlisted as a sergeant in Company A of the 5th North Carolina Cavalry (63rd Regiment North Carolina Troops). He fought with the cavalry in Virginia through most of 1863. On October 13, 1863, Williams transferred to the 31st Regiment North Carolina Troops and assumed the rank of First Lieutenant of Company I. Edmund Williams survived the war without ever being wounded. After the war, he became a doctor and practiced medicine in Baltimore.
Lieutenant Williams wrote the following letters while he was serving with the 31st North Carolina. The original documents are part of the Southern Historical Collection at Wilson Library, UNC-Chapel Hill. Scanned images of the letters are currently available at https://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/search/searchterm/folder_1!00866-z/field/all!all/mode/exact!exact/conn/and!and.
Transcribed by Kirk Ward, May 2025.
Ivor Station Va.
Feb 13th 1864
Dear Ma:
Maj McKay[i] & Lieut Bethea[ii] ar-
rived yesterday on Petersburg train. Their com-
ing made me the recipient of valuables, which
demand an expression of my high appreciation
of the kindness of those who send them. No one,
I imagine, but a “war worn” Soldier, can tru-
ly appreciate such a manifestation of so
grand a disposition to “feeding the hungry,” and
add to the comforts of the needy.
Give to those who had a hand in my box
my kindest regards and tell them when
striking a blow for the confederacy, I will remem-
ber them, and make a “strike” for their spe
cial welfare.
You have no doubt heard and seen a
a number of reports and accounts of our “Gun
Boat taking” at Smithfield Va.[iii] ‘Twas, I
think, a brilliant affair, and though I
was engaged myself – must presume to say
that it does credit to those concerned. Im-
mediately after the surrender of the
boat I went on board with five men
-page 2-
to move of[f] the prisoners, this being the
1st man to go aboard. I soon enquired
for the commander of the boat, and
finding him, demanded his sword,
which he handed over to me. It is a
very fine one, though old. It certainly
a valuable capture for me as I had not
supplied myself. After having moved off
the prisoners I spread my blanket out
full width, and filled up with Sugar
and Coffee. I brought as much to
camp as I could march with. Several
of our boys were sick with measles
and they have nearly finished it.
The three Companies engaged acted with
as much determination as could have
been asked of them. Every man seemed
determined that the boat should be de-
stroyed.
I am now on court-martial, being the
Recorder of the Court gives me as much
as I can attend to.
The boys coming back have put me in
the notion of going. I may come before many
months. Love to all. Your affectionate
son Ed. J. Williams
Camp 31st N. C. T. Petersburg Va.
April 30th 1864
Dear Ma:
I did not know until yesterday that I
was due you a letter – but one came at that time da-
ted Dec 14th 1863. There was also one enclosed from Sis-
ter. I suppose they were written while our Regt was at
Weldon as they were directed to Garysburg, and I
would never have gotten them, but for an acquaintance
of mine, a young Georgian stationed at that place.
He requested it forwarded to me.
Nothing new in the way of war news. Hoke’s gallant
expedition in North Carolina filled all our hearts
with joy and added to that determination previous
-ly formed by our soldiers, to fight to the bitter end.
Come weal, come woe, our fair land of Dixie must
be free! Never, in my opinion, have our prospects been
such a bright and encouraging Aspect as at the pres-
ent. In every effort to strengthen their footing on our
sacred soil the enemy has met with (to them) lamenta-
ble defeats, & their attempts to penetrate farther into
the interiors have been frustrated. What hope can they
have of subjugating the South? If they are reasonable
men certainly they can have no hope, but were they
to desist now, destruction is their inevitable doom —
progressing the war the time of their overthrow
is fixed e. i. when their “On to Richmond” is completed
this Spring or Summer. So far as Yankeedom is con
-page 2-
-cern we have no fear – but have fear as to the Choice
our good people will make in their Governor.
Holden will get a better vote in the 31st than I am
willing for him to get. Though Vance will run a-
head – I have greater animosity for “Bill” Holden
than I have for any human being now living, Abe
Lincoln not excepted. If he fails to be elected in
August I sincerely hope that he may thereafter take
his “posist” amongst his predecessors, the vile trait-
ors who have sunk into a Contemptible Oblivion.
The 51st Regt was ordered to Ivor Station this
morning. I could not hear what excitement there
is in that region. Col Jordan[iv] is now Comdg the
Brigade, Maj McKay Comdg 31st – I am again
playing the adjutant.
John Smith (Cousin Robert’s son) came to camp
last night to join our Company. As he is not 18
years Henry can get a furlough – as every man
who furnishes a recruit now can get a 30 day fur-
lough. Some men in Gen Lee’s Army by getting
30 recruits were given 900 days leave – better
than a discharge as he can draw his wages besides
what he makes by being out of the war. All other
furloughs, except those given to men who furnish
recruits are stopped for the present.
Well I am through. Give love to all.
Write soon to your affectionate son.
Ed. J. Williams
Gaine’s Mills June 3rd 1864
Dear Ma:
I guess you are hearing of
fighting, fighting & fighting. I will try &
let you hear of our condition as often as
possible. There seems to be a general engage-
ment to-day. We are making the ground
blue in front of our ranks with “yanks”.
Repulse them [?] time they come. Our
Brigade was attacked day before yester-
day. We killed a great many Yankees &
had our brigade badly cut up. Col.
Murchison of the 8th was killed and
his Regt reduced to almost a company.
Our Regt had only 102 men yesterday
morning. Some few have come in since. It
probably numbers 175 now. The 51st
Regt is in the same condition. Our acquain
tances killed so far as I have heard are Col
Murchinson[v], Sandy Elliott[vi] & Campbell Walker.
John Smith was wounded badly. I was in Com-
mand of another Company which was without
-page 2-
an officer and did not see all our wound-
ed. Did not see Jno Smith though the ambu
lance Corps told me he was wound-
ed in the side or the small of the back.
I saw Dr. Graham yesterday. He told me
that he saw Willis and Capt McK some
days ago. They were will.
Our Brigade is now resting back of
our line of battle, only one Regt of is
on the front lines – the 61st which didn’t
fair as badly as the other three
in the fight.
I forgot to say that Maj McKay was
slightly wounded. He is off duty but will
report in a day or two.
Have no time to write more.
Love to all. Your son
Ed. J. Williams
Hd Qrs 31st NCT
August 121864
Dr Ma:
Though I fail to get letters from
home I will continue to write and keep you posted
as to my health etc. I cannot imagine why I can’t
get letters from home. Of course they are answered
and you mail the letters – therefore, the fault
must lie in the mail. It is a source of the
greatest satisfaction to us soldiers, and more
particularly to those of us who live in these
entrenchments, to get letters. The hour for
our “Mail Man” to make his appearance is
is looked forward to with as much pleasure
almost as the day of our Independence.
You can imagine how badly we feel when
disappointed. We lie day after day exposed
to the harshest summer sun – to every kind
of weather and of course we need some-
thing to keep our spirits enlivened. For
my part I keep mine well elevated all
the while but I do feel vexed when I
-page 2-
fail to get a letter. Being one of those
unfortunates who has no sweetheart, I
must content myself with letters from
home & from a few friends.
Military operations around Petersburg
remain unaltered. Mr Grant may be
progressing with his mining and sapping op-
erations but it is believed that they are
suspended after his recent failure. In
this I think he evinced a degree of good
sense, as he would soon have destroyed
his army if he had followed up his
first attempt.
I regret to state that there are a great
many desertions from our Army here &
regret still more that five of my men
left the other day. The example was
set by Capt Long’s Company [Co. C] from Harnett.
8 of his men ran off day before mine.
I hope they may be intercepted before reach-
ing home & brought back. Love
to all. Write soon to your affectionate
Son E. J. Williams
Hd Qrs 31st N. C. T.
Sep 20th 1864
Dear Sister:[vii]
Yours of __ Sept was recd yes-
terday and though I nothing in the world to
write about, I will answer it by giving the
best I have on hand.
The most pleasant topic amongst us – I mean
Hoke’s Div – is that we are at last clear
of the ditches, shells & balls of every description &
are lying at ease on a beautiful hillside, wash
ing our faces at least once per day and no
work to do. You can’t imagine how highly we
appreciate such treatment. Since the 15 of
June we have held a portion of the works in
front of Petersburg & have never been relieved
until now. I suppose it was a [?] accident
that we are now resting. We were taken off the
lines some days ago when it was thought that
the enemy were advancing on the Southside R. R.
but hearing that they would have to fight Hoke’s
Div – on this [?] they abandoned the idea as
Matter of Course. We will probably rest a
week or ten days if the enemy do not make a
move in the time.
The only complaint now is a scarcity of rations.
Not the scarcity [?] so much as the quality.
rusty bacon & flour bread. Most of us would
-page 2-
astonish the natives if we could be honored
with a seat at some old farmer’s table. I
regret missing the good eadibles more
than anything else that we are deprived of.
When my furlough does come I will make
good all lost time. No Officer’s furloughs
granted now. I don’t know why unless it
is that there are so few of them for duty.
Several officers of the Regt have forwarded
their Resignations. I don’t know whether they
will be accepted or not. It has a very
bad effect on the men, who say it is as hon
orable for them to desert to evade the hardships
of war as for officers to resign for that purpose.
Well I have said enough “such as it is.”
I am in Excellent health, spirits, &c, &c.
Give love to all & write soon to your
affectionate brother.
Ed. J. Williams
P. S. Tell Maj when you see him that
I answered his letter immediately and
am looking for one from him every
mail. Ed. J. W.
Hd Qrs 31st N. C. T.
October 2 1864
Dear Ma:
We fought our hard-
est battle on the 30th of Sep at
this place. Our Brigade Comdg
by Col McKethan was selected
to charge & attempt to retake
Fort Harrison. We charged
but failed, not because we
did not do our duty – but be-
cause our support failed to
come up at the proper time.
The 31st began the charge with
13 officers & 213 men & came
off with 1 officer and 76 men.
I am the officer left – passed
through the most terrific fire
I have ever known and
not a ball touched me. Two
-page 2-
officers besides myself were
taken out but they were wound
ed. One of them was Lieut
Mac Jones, poor fellow. I
fear he will not live long.
His right thigh was broken &
the other glanced by a ball.
I am now the only officer
with the Regt and hold a higher
position than I had expect
ed – being its Commander.
The Brigade is literally cut
to pieces. In all we have
16 officers and 300 men in
the four Regts. Another such
a fight will certainly wipe us
out. Henry Smith was cap
tured & I hope unhurt.
The Yankees seem to be making
a desperate effort to capture
-page 3-
Richmond & Petersburg, we
feel safe about both places
though they may succeed,
& if they do, what of it? We
are not then whipped or sub-
jugated. If true to ourselves
& our country all will be
well at last.
Col McKethan is a very
gallant officer & I think
will be a Brigadier before
very long.
Well, I will close. I am
well. Direct as before.
Write soon to your af-
fectionate son
Ed. J. Williams
Chafins Farm Va
Oct 6th 1864
Dear Sister:
Your letter of blank
date was recd on yesterday and met
its usual welcome reception. It would
have given more satisfaction if it had
been dated, as I could then have
known at how late a date all
were well &c &c. Don’t neglect it in
your next. Since the fight on the 30st
Alt [ultimo], I have been playing the Colonel
over the 31st & of course feel my
large hope some officer senior to
me will now come in & relieve me
of such a responsible position. The
charge on Fort Harrison came very
near wiping out Clingman’s Brigade
but one satisfaction is that most
of them are prisoners & may some
-page 2-
day return. Henry Smith was captured
Lt Jones wounded, since died. All
quiet along the lines since that
time.
I don’t know what you home folks
will do next, from your letter I infer-
red that Ma was going strong in the
brandy business. If I live & can,
I will come home about Christmas &
will expect Eggnog three times per day
and a candy [?] every night.
Well I really don’t know what
to write you, spect I’d better quit.
Write soon and direct as before.
Give love to all.
Your affectionate brother,
Ed. J. Williams
Hd Qrs 31st N. C. T.
Oct 10th 1864
Dear Ma:
For the past week our military
movements have been of a very active char-
acter & are probably to continue so for
two or three weeks to come. Since the assault
on Fort Harrison the Brigade has been in two
engagement. Though it was not really eng-
aged it was under very heavy fire. Our cas-
ualties were few. We are now lying off on
the lines running from Chaffin’s Bluff around
Richmond – about 3 miles from Chaffin’s &
7 from Richmond.
In a few days I look for some des-
perate effort to be made against Richmond. I hope how
-ever, to be disappointed, as it has long
since ceased to be a frolic. I still com
-mand the Regt: am anxious for the
Colonel or some Captain to come &
take the responsibility off my shoulders. The
Regt has recruited to about 200 since
we were so badly cut up at Harrison. Hope
good many of our deserters will come
in & fill up the ranks. Well I am
writing by the morn. light, find it
difficult. I will close. My health
never was better. Write soon to your
affectionate son Ed. J. Williams
Camp 31st N. C. T
Near Richmond Va
Nov 28th 1864
My Dear Ma:
On my arrival in camp
about an hour ago from the Picket Line
where I had spent the day, I received yours
& Mat’s [Martha] letters. I do not know of anything which
serves so well to liven the war-worn heart
of a soldier as to destroy the almost in-
tolerable ennui of Camp, as a long letter
from the loved ones at home. I must
congratulate Mat on her attempt at
letter writing. She certainly acquits herself
well.
‘Tis sad, sad to think of the changes
that have been wrought by the undistin-
guishing hand of death in our small cir-
cle of our friends and relations in the last
few months. Many young and promis-
ing members have been taken away, have
bid adieu to Earth and friends and
entered an endless eternity. God grant
that to them, it is a happy change, and that
those thy have loved before on Earth, they
may meet again in Heaven never to be
separated from again, but to live in per-
fect peace and happiness away from
-page 2-
the tormenting cares of Earth, and the
trying scenes through which we pass while
we sojourn here.
I had the good fortune of meeting Sis-
Ter & Johnnie[viii] in Raleigh on Saturday while
I was there on detail. It was a mere ac-
cident that I met them. Immediately after I
had eaten breakfast I walked up the Street
on business and was passing the Post Office
when I happened to turn my head aside &
recognized Sister sitting in the buggie not
more than ten feet from me. I never was
more agreeably surprised in my life. Johnnie
had gone into the Post Office to get a way-
bill to Mr Canady’s. I took them down to
the house where I was stopping and kept them
until 12 O’clk, when they were compelled to
leave in order to reach a place to stop
for the night. They could have reached Mr
C’s that night, if it had not been for meeting
me. Not more than an hour after I had parted
with them I met “Uncle Saul” who had seen
Mr Whitaker, at whose house Sister & Johnnie
had stopped the previous night, and from
him had learned that they were on their way
to Granville. He had come down on the Train
that morning on business.
I could have gone home while I was at
Raleigh with all ease, but I was afraid that
-page 3-
if I failed to accomplish what I went
there to do, Our Military Master would be
certain to say it was because we
went home instead of attending to our business.
It is well enough, for we most signally
failed. Our business was to get Conscripts
from Camp Holmes for our Commands, but
we were to late, they had already been assigned
to duty.
The day I left I rode on the same train
with Uncle James[ix] nearly to Greensboro without
knowing that he was on it. Again I was
agreeably surprised. We went on together as
far as Richmond. We found Uncle James
very ill, but better than he had been for
several days. He was greatly revived for
a short time after seeing, but began very
soon to trouble himself to much about get
-ting off home and I was afraid that he was
not so well when I left him. I guess he is
at home by this time, and I hope can remain
there. His constitution is too weak for the service.
Aldridge Brint[x] and I are near neighbors now
and frequently amuse ourselves by recalling
former days, the recollections of which are
pleasant in the extreme. He and Mr Page[xi] are
in the 51st Regt. Aldridge and I made a bargain
to always mention each other in our letters. You
can inform his family that he is very well. He
-page 4-
has in a petition to be detailed home as
a blacksmith which I think he will succeed in
getting. I heard Col McKethan, who commands
the Brigade, say that it was the strongest
paper of the kind that he ever saw. Aldridge
is very anxious to get home. I would like
very much myself if he could, for he must
be a useful man in the community. If you
should see any of Mr Ham’s family you can
tell them that Mr Page is well.
Military affairs on this line are as quiet
as usual. Not even to a picket is heard to
fire off his gun. This profound quiet, however,
I fear will not last all the winter in some
portions of the line. Grant must certainly do
something for a living. Our winter quarters are
completed.
The most important operations now are in
Georgia, but nothing definite can be heard from
there. It seems that the Yankees can hear no-
thing from Sherman.
Well I must close. Tell Mat she may
look for a letter in a day or two. I wish
she could be at school.
My health is very good, was never better.
Give love to all & write soon.
Your affectionate son
Ed. J. Williams
-Top of Page 4-
You can keep the “Appointment” until I come home which I hope will not be long. It is impossible for us officers to get a furlough yet. Ed. J. W.
Camp 31st N. C. T.
Near Richmond
Dec 21st 1864
Dear Ma:
To morrow morning we
will leave our present locality to go
South, I suppose to Wilmington, though
I do not know certainly. All the
Brigades of the Division have gone
except ours.
From the rumors afloat I fear
that Wilmington will be attacked
by a large force.
Nothing new along our lines. The
weather is extremely cold and wet. I
dread the march to Richmond on
to morrow through the mud and water.
I have just gotten a letter from
William,[xii] he is very well and talks as
if we will be at home before many
months. I hope that I can meet
him there.
I have not heard from home since
I got yours and Mattie’s letters. Am
very anxious to hear.
Love to all. My health excel-
lent. Write soon to your
Affectionate son
Ed. J. Williams
[i] John A. D. McKay was captain of Company I until the 31st reorganized in September 1862, when he was elected major.
[ii] Second Lieutenant William J. Bethea, Company I.
[iii] Skirmish at Smithfield, Va. and capture of the gunboat Smith Briggs on February 1, 1864.
[iv] Colonel John V. Jordan, commander of the 31st North Carolina.
[v] John R. Murchinson
[vi] Third Lieutenant Alexander Elliot, Company K, 51st North Carolina.
[vii] Martha Williams, b. 1852.
[viii] Henrietta Williams (b. 1839) and brother, John Williams (b. 1848)
[ix] James Henderson Williams (b. 1821)
[x] Private Aldridge Bryant, Co. I, 51st North Carolina (enlisted 10/20/1864).
[xi] Private Jesse Page, Co. I, 51st North Carolina (enlisted 10/20/1864), captured at Bentonville; survived the war.
[xii] Private William L. Williams (b. 1842), Co. A, 63rd North Carolina.
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