John D. Malloy enlisted as a private in Company F, 24th Regiment North Carolina Troops on July 30, 1861. In April 1862 he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant of Company D (the Scotch Tigers), 51st North Carolina. Malloy was wounded at Battery Wagner and then captured at Drewry’s Bluff. He was promoted to captain while he was a POW. Captain Malloy became one the Immortal 600 and wasn’t released from prison until June 16, 1865.
These letters are part of the Catherine McGeachy Buie Collection at the Rubenstein Library, Duke University. Images of the letters can be viewed at the online exhibit of the Buie Papers. Preceding each of the letters below is its folder and image number in the online collection. Transcripts by Kirk Ward.
1862/167-174
Core Creek Church
Oct 12th 1862
Cousin Kate,
Amid the many
reflections by which I frequent-
ly amuse myself, being as we
are almost separate from the
best of mankind, arose the thought
that some of the most pleasant
hours that ever I spent were
spent at my good old Cousin
Margret’s in company with
you, Flora, Sallie and John D.
to say nothing of the fact that
Puss was not far off part of the
time, and Henry would sometimes
come and help me play the fiddle
Kate the mere reflection on
those times and scenes is a
source of gratification and plea-
sure to me, and I think I must
[page 2]
say that from them originated
this letter. I will offer no apology
for this intruding upon your time
by presuming to write you a letter
for by so doing I hope to rekindle the
sparks of old acquaintances for I
believe I will run wild in this
heathenish country if something
will not turn up to prevent it.
Therefore if you will not take it
for what it is worth, you may
just let it alone: and Flora and
Sallie may consider that when I
write to you, I mean them as
much as you. Well Kate, what
will I commence about next?
The war? But I am tired of war
news, and am getting so tired of
the war, I can almost taste it.
But really and without joking
times are assuming a gloomy,
[page 3]
gloomy aspect. I sometimes come
to the conclusion, judging from
what we see in the papers that
the Glorious news of peace is al-
most within our hearing, but
many times have we beaten back
the enemy, and still he gathers
more strength and tries a gain.
Kate that battle of Sharpsburg
must have been a terrible
slaughter of human life, and
is rendered more so to us by the
thought that some of our nearest,
and dearest friends were there.
It seems almost miraculous
that so many of them escaped
the terriffic storm. Pat McG
I understand was among the woun-
ded and John J and Arch’d Mc
Mill, brothers and capital fellows
have died of their wounds.
[page 4]
But it is no use to lament those
that have fallen, for they died in a
good cause, and fell like heros
fighting for that inestimable gem –
Liberty! And how many, ere
this cruel war closes will follow
them? We cannot contemplate
the horrors of war, or I should
have said you cannot, until
your home is invaded by the
ruthless foe – when you would
be afraid to rest one night in
your own house, as is the case
with the citizens of this country
Their houses and plantations are
plundered and deprived of every
thing they possess. I have heard
of an old lady being deprived
even of her flock of geese. And
the vandals curse and abuse the
citizens, male or female, worse than
if they were negroes
[page 5]
Well Cousin Kate, you may im-
agine that I feel in the humor
of writing this morning, as I
have filled one sheet, and have not
as much as told you where we are
as yet. It is very seldom how-
ever I get in this mood.
We are now at Core Creek Church
about 18 miles from Kinston
on the Dover road that leads from
Kinson to Newbern. Our Reg’t
is at Kinson but our com-
pany was detached from it to
guard this road Core Creek being
the advance line of our pickets
Tell you what we are in a
dangerous place were the Yank’s
to come up in a large force, and
attempt to surround us! But
the “Tigers” stand up to the
rack “fodder or no fodder”. We have
taken two scouts lately over
[page 6]
in Yankeedom – some two miles
beyond the line, but have not
been able to find any game yet.
You may depend, I felt kinder
shy the first time, but the more
I try it, the more I dont care
I think next week if things go
on as they have, we will try them
a little further. You need not
be surprised if you hear of my
doing some great wonder or other—
killing some of these runaway
negroes if nothing else. I had
rather catch some of these negro
spyes than to stay all night
with my [?] almost.
Well how is John D and
Jim Little coming on with
the itch – scratching away
I expect; but really I thought
they would have been well
before now, and back with us
[page 7]
Kate how is all the Old St
Pauls Girls coming on? law
me! it has been such a long
time since I have seen any
of them I’m sure I would
almost be tempted to “Sche –
daddle” were I to strike up
with one of them accidentally.
How is Miss Mary C’line, and
Miss Lizzie S – and Miss Mary
E – and Miss Mag and Miss Kate
S – and – Oh! I cant begin to
name them all. You must tell
that we Tigers are all well
and that we are faring very well
comparatively speaking for we
have the privilidge of killing a
hog, or a cow, or a sheep, or of taking
potatoes, colewartes, peas, or just what
we want. You ought to see us
eating peas! I forgot to say that
[page 8]
we came down here without plates
knives, forks or anything of that sort.
We have to take up our pease in
a large tray and eat them with
wooden spoons of our own manufacture
but I venture to say that the
spoons were hard beat, and the
pease still harder just at that
time. Well I do think I have
written enough of foolishness for
one time, dont you? Tell Flora
and Sallie that all their old Sweet
hearts, or their new sweethearts among
the Tigers are well so far as I can
learn. I reckon I can say the
same for you. Now I can learn
a heap of things by way of a [?]
by watching the boys. My respects
to Cousin Margret Flora, and
Sallie, and to all the girls generally
Write soon. Direct to Kinston
Your Cousin J D Malloy
1863/37-40
Camp Whiting N C
January 21st 1863
Dear Cousin Kate,
[FIRST PAGE IS BADLY FADED]
[page 2]
Well Kate sure enough we were in a
skirmish down at Goldsboro which though
small compared with some of the battles
fought in Va quite satisfied all who were
engaged in it that there is nothing [?]
[?] with it Could any one be near
enough to witness the scene without being
in danger it would present to them a grand
fight though it is horrible to contemplate.
When the battle was raging in its greatest
force it reminded me of a severe thunderstorm
more than anything else. The incessant roar
of the cannon resembling peals of thunder
while volly after volly of grape whizzing
along [TORN] and then tearing up the ground
on their errand of death played beautiful
the part of a whirlwind, as you have fre-
quently seen it raising the dust in its
course through the field. Kate it will do to
talk about now that it is over, but to be a
participant in an engagement is anything but
desirable. But a man can open himself up
to anything when it is necessary to do so
From the indications afloat it is highly
probable that we will have to try the bus-
iness again soon, either in the vicinity of
Wilmington or between here and Goldsboro
on the Rail Road. If so I hope we will be
able to drive them (the vandals) back to their gun
boats though if they advance on this place they
will come in large force both by land and
by water I think our authorities here are
sufficiently on the alert, and will be prepared
for them if they come.
[page 3]
I understand that the 24th Regt the whole
of Ransoms Brigade are at Magnolia on the R.R.
I would like much to see the old 24th for
in it I would see many acquaintances and
particular friends. But this is enough of war
news for one time. Let me see, there are two or three
subjects about which I wished to write. But let
me first dispense with that unpleasant subject
(for unpleasant it is to have to introduce such a subject
in our correspondence) which you mentioned. But before
I proceed farther, let me ask you and all the family
to have not a moment uneasiness with regard
to John Ds connection with the [TORN], for he
was the first one that ever hinted to me that
such compliments were being [TORN]ing; and
moreover that having heard it while at home with
the itch, he gave it the lie. I never heard that
his name was associated with the affair until
a few days before the receipt of your last letter;
and then I did not believe it, for I looked upon
John D as my best friend; and knew he would
be the last to tell, much less to start such a
report. John D and I have held that little caucus
you suggested and have set all things right between
us – now I hope you “folkses” will be all right, and
I will write home and set them all right there, and
this being done, who cares if every body else is easy
on the subject? I merely gave those hints in my
letter to you, as I kept hearing it, At first I thought
I would not notice it, but as you said I could not
help feeling a little “righteous indignation” to this
that any one without cause should frame such a
falshood. Well I don’t know who it was neither
do I wish to know; so Cousin Kate let the
[page 4]
whole matter pass off into the dark abyss of
oblivion, and let our correspondence be marked
with matter more pleasant and interesting.
But let me here say that I understood you fully
and if there is anything in my plane way of talking
that you do not understand, do not hesitate to ask
any information you may desire. But if you dont
quit flattering me by such expressions as “climbing
up the hill of fame and not stopping to look at every
little dog that barks” &c you will excite my vanity
to such a degree that you will make me believe that
I am somebody sure enough. Vanity you know is
a trait [TORN] to the human race generally – but [TORN]
I liked [TORN] forgotten to say that Henry Davis[1] is
trying to [TORN] transfered to our Regt to Sloans c[TORN]
I am glad he is coming, but am right mad that
he was misinformed with regard to our companys being
full. He could have gotten into our co just as easy
as into Sloan’s and I know it would suit him better, as
we have a cousin of his Mr Russel[2] in our co. “What
cant be cured must be endured” So I console myself
with the idea that if Henry does go to Capt Sloans
Co’ I know where Puss[3] would come; and I have
A good notion to write to her and tell her that there
is yet a vacancy in Capt McDonalds Co’, (or rather at
the home of some of its members). My sheet is almost
out and it is getting late – but how are all the girls
up in that section anyhow? Would like to spend
a while with you Flora, and Sallie, could talk about
a heap of things I cant write. Many thanks for that
bountiful new years offering, couldn’t have wished for
a better one just at this time from Cousin Kate.
My very best respects to your Ma Flora and Sallie
And believe me as ever your affectionate cousin John
[Top of Page 3, upside down]
Now Kate do write soon, wont you? anything from home
Oh! did do you intend writing any valentines? Well all
I’ve got to say is watch the different P O’s
[Top of Page 4, upside down]
Tell your Ma not to grieve herself in the least
about that affair, its all right.
1863/97-100
James Island near Charleston SC
March 24th 1863
Dear Cousin Kate
I believe it is your
time to write but having waited awhile and
have not as yet rec’d a scratch from Robeson
since I left home, the old maxim “do unto
others as you would have them do unto you” seems
to be the only consolation and is probably the
best rule to be governed by in such cases.
But this rule will not do for me always, unless
complied with by all parties concerned; for some-
times even when all my correspondants are prompt
in writing to me I probably becoming too greedy and
almost feel disapointed if I fail to receive a letter
every mail. It is a pleasant thing to hear
from home even the most trivial items of
news are sources of interest and are read with
interest by all whose lot – shall I say misfortune
it is to be separated from that dearest spot
on earth – home. But such is the fate of man
and alas! how many young men, during this
horrible war, have left home and friends, with
all the pleasures and comforts connected therewith,
to mingle in the little family circle, and
[page 2]
to gaze on those lovely faces, no more! But there
is a bright side to every picture and I consider
it fortunate for me that I always strive to look
at that bright side.
But probably there are subjects that would be
more pleasant and interesting to you if I could
hit upon that subject and find language to express
it. Well let me see – nearly all of our neighbor boys
are well, though we have a good deal of sickness
in the Reg’t. You probably ere this have heard
of the death of poor George Leggett: he died at
the hospital at Charleston on the morning of
the 20th. I hardly know what was the matter
with him; he was almost sudenly became very
sick and was taken with a shortness of breath
accompanied with some pain. I presumed it must
have been some disease of the heart or lungs
We are becoming more reconciled to this place
than we were at first, but on the whole there
is nothing enticing here in S Carolina, at
least for the soldier. The boys have given
James Island the name of hungry-neck inas-
much as they never draw half enough
to eat. It would amuse you if you could
hear the remarks made about SC by
North Carolinians; One company this morning
[page 3]
having drawn their rations of beef (for
they draw no other kind of meat) and found
it so poor that it was not fit to eat, they
they caried it off with all the solemnity of
a funeral ocasion, followed by a squad of men, with
spades and shovels reversed (which is the po-
sition in which funeral escorts carry their arms)
Having reached the place of interment, they dug
a grave, placed the quarter of beef in, and having
covered it up they fired an old pistol over the
grave, So they buried the beef with military
honors! This Island is rather a disagreeable place
to camp in. When the weather is fair, the dust
raised by the wind which is generally blowing
pretty lively, is almost insufferable – when it
is calm, the gnats are always trying to form
a new acquaintance with your ears, therefore
rendering themselves a great source of an-
noyance and when it rains it rains two or
three days at a time. This morning when I awoke
the rain was pattering down heavily – just such
a morning as I like to sleep in, but somehow or
other I got up and fortunately too, for the watter
ran into my tent so fast that I began to think
I would have to send for a canoe to get out! So
much for neglecting to to ditch my tent.
[page 4]
Well Kate I am on the last page and feel
as though all I have written will tend more
to annoy your good tast than otherwise, for there
seems to be a lull in the news market down
here now. I though that ere this there would have
been an atack made somewhere on the coast, but
so far all is quiet. The day set apart for the atack
on Charleston by the Yankees was the 20th March
but that day has past and no yankees now I
see it stated that they meditate an atack on the
2nd April. The presumtion is that they will
have to do something soon, if they expect any more
success. Well Kate how are all the girls since I left?
what for a time had you at the Sacrament? How
I longed to be at old L B [Lumber Bridge] on that ocasion! What is
the news generally? It seems to me as though I had
hot gone home at all, as I am now so far from
there. I saw Pat McGeachy, and Archie Calvin
McKinnon at Wilmington as I came through;
they look just as they always did. I would have
enjoyed a visit down to their camp that night
exceedingly, but I had only 3 or 4 hours to stay
in Wilmington, as I wanted to get to the Reg’t as
soon as possible, which I either expected to find at
Savannah or Murfreesboro Tenn. John D
is well and hearty. I have taken a slight cold
but am getting better. Kate you must excuse
this miserable sheet, which I fear will be uninterest-
ing Write soon a good long letter such as you are capa-
ble of writing. I will try to do better next time.
My love to your Ma Flora & Sallie As ever your cousin
J D Malloy
1863/303-308
Tarboro N C
Dec 23rd 1863
Dear Cousin Kate
You were about
half-way right in your opinion
that I was waiting for you to
write first, but if you had waited
a few days longer I would have
broken the ice. But indeed I owe
you a long apology for my long
delay in answering your very
welcome letter, but I think I can
confidently trust myself to your
good natured and forgiving disposition
for pardon, did you know all
the circumstances. One reason
I didn’t write was I didn’t ex-
actly know your address away
down there in Bladen and
another was, the fact that after
we commenced moving, a favorable
[page 2]
opportunity did not present
itself until the present but
enough of apologies.
Well Cousin Kate, I presume
ere this that you are enjoying
home with all its blessings, prob-
ably jubilant in the bright antic-
ipation of some cherished enjoy-
ment, on the approaching Christmas
I heartily wish you a happy time
but I learn that there is a great
deal of sickness in the neighbor-
hood of Old L. B. which will
no doubt cast a damper on
the otherwise joyfullness of the
ocasion. I am very sorry to hear
of so much sickness and also
of the death of Miss Sue L Jones
Her deathe will be lamented a
great deal, especially by her parents
who doated on her so much
[page 3]
Cousin Kate it would require
a volume to give you an account
of our ups and downs since
I received your last letter.
Dec 24th – We had a swinging cold
night last night, and it isn’t very
warm this morning. It is bad
weather for soldiers although it is
clear – it is so cold and windy. We
are so badly smoked that we re-
semble a band of Mulattoes almost
Well Cousin Kate, tomorrow is
Christmas and we are still in the
war – bound up worse than Ne-
groes, for every negro gets a week
Christmas play, but we cant leave
camp without permission, and
then for a very short time, Oh!
how I wish this miserable war
was over, that peace and happi-
ness might reign through our
[page 4]
beloved confederacy and that we
might be a free and prosperous
people once more. I have spent
the two last Christmases far
away from home in the army, and
I expect to spend the next in a
similar way, but you may imagine
that it is in direct opposition to
my wishes. But probably we may
succeed in having a little fun
down here in Tarboro. I have
not become acquainted yet with
the citizens, but I think there
a good many very nice ladies
here. It is a beautiful little town
as pretty as I ever saw situated
on the banks of the Tar river
But we may leave here before night
we have taken up such a habbit
of moving, it will be almost im-
possible to keep still for a week.
[page 5]
I had the pleasure of seeing
a good many friends in the 24th
Reg’t since I came down here
They all look well. Pat McGeachy
and Make McIver stayed with
us one night. Pat can laugh as much
as ever. I also saw P D Brown
and a great many others. They
all look well – hardly a sick
man amongst them. Jerohilliking!
how cold it is! I can hardly write
for trembling. Our Regiment
started to Petersburg the other
day but only got about half
way when we were ordered back
to this place. We may go to
Petersburg before many days
yet there is no telling but
I hope we will stay here for
awhile this is a splendid
country for soldiers to live in.
[page 6]
Well Cousin Kate, I find it
the hardest matter to write
a letter to day in the world
I feel about as fit for writing
to day as a hog is for engineering
So I will proceed to close
Please excuse this badly
written and worse composed
letter, but I did the best I
could under the circumstances so you must accept
the will to do better for the
deed this time, with a promise
to try to do better next time
provided you will write me
another good long letter in answer
to this. Give my best respects
to Cousin Margret Flora and
Sallie, and accept for yourself
the kindest regards of your
Cousin John
1864/121-130
Camp Hill Va
March 8th 1864
Dear Cousin Kate;
It is oh! such
a long time since I have rec’d
a letter from you, that I begin
to miss them, and feel lost in the
absence of those cherished mesengers
of friendship; (such as are the pro-
duction of your pen, guided by a
genious so enviable) So full of
interesting news from that dear
old place – Robeson. But why did
you not write sooner? I think I
have written the last [TORN] letters: really
did not think you were so cruel
as to send me that silken whistle,
(for which very appropriate present, by the way, you will please
accept my thanks) without even pening
me a syllable of instruction as to what
use to apply it, Imagine my dis-
appointment, when, recognizing
your handwriting in the address,
I broke the seal to find what?
[page 2]
a long and interesting letter from
a cousin at home? Four skeins of
silk! I think I must accuse you
of commencing April-foolery before
the time arrived, and selected me as
your first victim. But I will not
scold you this time; if however you
will do so any more. I fear the now
dormant nature of the “Tiger” will burst
forth, and display itself in an up and
down quarrel with you, and I’ll shift
my correspondence to Flora or Sallie!
I know they’ll write to me! I have
had to resort to this rule with one of
my correspondents already and found
it to work well. So you had better
look out. But pardon this long har-
rangue of foolishness with which I write
have to fill up space in the absence
of more interesting matters and let
me turn to another subject.
Well Kate; you have no doubt ere
this heard of our trip to Richmond
which resembled more, a pleasure
[page 3]
excursion to make a display of our
military achievements, and to take
a view of the Capitol, than an ex-
pedition to meet the Yankees. We were
absent from our present camp not
more than 28 hours, starting one
day about 12 o’clock – proceeded to Rich-
mond – marched through the streets
and out about 4 miles down on the
James River and camped for the night
Next day returned through the street
took the train and arrived at Peters-
burg in the evening. The Yankees
made a pretty daring raid up to Rich-
mond, and it is surprising that they
did not ride right in to the city taking
it by surprise as they did. But all the
clerks, citizens, &c that could be raised
were armed and hurried to the breast
works to dispute their passage and
they fell back. When our Brigade reached
there the enemy was about 15 miles
off. Richmond is well fortified &
is naturally easy of defense. The scenery
[page 4]
around Richmond is beautiful,
and recalled not a few pleasant
recollections of things that are past
The morning that we left our bivouac
below Richmond was a pleasant one –
the Sun was shining cheerfully, and
here and there as we ascended to the top
of a hill could be seen a farmer dil-
ligently preparing his soil for the ap-
proaching crop – away down in the
valley below and everything res-
embled Spring. Kate I am a great
admirer of Spring, it is the favorite
season with me; When all nature
seems to burst forth in an excess
of [?] and praise to the kind Cre-
ator for sending us the delightful
influences, and cheering rays of the
Summers Sun, after the hoary
frosts and chilling blasts of a
long and dreary Winter. Alas! that
the coming Spring cannot be enjoyed
by all in an honest and peaceful in-
dustry, which the roll of the drum should be
heard no more!
[page 5]
But I fear that there is a hard
summers work in store for us
poor rebels. We already hear of
advances, and preparations for a
vigorous prosecution of their foul
designs, amongst the Yankees, during
the Spring Campaign. But with
Omnipotent assistance I hope
we will be prepared for them,
and teach them a lesson not to
be forgotten till their dying day.
The object of that Raiding Party
no doubt was had they been successful, to
liberate the Prisoners, assassinate
the President and his cabinet,
and commit such other depredations
as their cruel dispositions might
suggest. Gen Ransom with his
Brigade and 3 Reg’t’s of Our Brigade
are now part at Suffolk and part
between there and Norfolk, making
some demonstrations in that
direction, the object no doubt is to get
all the provisions out of the enemies
[page 6]
lines they can, and if possible
draw the enemy out to battle, &
perchance catch some of them in a
trap. It is thought by some that
if an advance is made upon Richm-
ond, it will be made on the South
side of the James River.
Our Reg’t is about the only Reg’t, at
least, of Infantry now in the vicinity
of Petersburg. This inspires the
hope that we will be permitted
to remain about here for awhile
at least, but it would be folly to
expect anything short of a hard
campaign this season. I look for
a tour with “Mr Lees company”
I like to stay about Petersburg
very well; the people are very hos-
pitable and kind to the soldier.
Well what do you think of
the Currency and Military bills
passed by Congress – create consider-
able excitement I expect – especially
the latter so far as the Militia are
[page 7]
concerned – by the way I understand
that the home guard made a raid
on the deserters of Lower Robeson
quite an expedition for them, and
will be the topic of conversation for
the next six months.
Oh! did you get any Valentines?
I did, one. You ought to see it; it took
a whole sheet of foolscap to make it
When it is doubled up, it is in the
shape of a heart, but when opened out
there is only eight hearts, united to-
gether in the form of a cross, trimmed
off with arbor-vitae, and with some
sweet lines written on them. Wonder
who did write it? It came from St
Pauls too. I am sorry the signature of
the writer was not attached so that I
could have the pleasure of answering
it next April. Do you think it was Miss Mary Caroline?
And Miss Carrie Cobb has been getting
maried eh. A hard lot that of a Soldier!
He may look forward, but there is no
comfort in the gloomy prospect that seems
[page 8]
to await him – nothing but the blood
stained battle field, and the uncertain
chances of War greet his anxious vision
backward he turns with longing eyes
if perchance there may be found a ray
of comfort for him – yes let us turn
back to our gool old homes, and what
do we see there? Milita officers and
the long-tailed exempts are carying the
the day – the girls are all going to get maried
(that is if they get the chance) and things
are taking a “kerflummax” generally
Alas! Whither shall we turn for
consolation – Ah! a bright star shines
forth and the darkness speaking words
of cheer! We will go to our old mothers
bless them who will cling to us through
thick and thin. We will go home like honest
folks “when this cruel war is over”, and
if the girls dont see fit to wait for us
“why bless them and let them go” that’s all.
Well here I am about to fill the
second sheet with foolishness so I will
have to take another leaf to finish on.
[page 9]
Cousin Kate, before I commence on
this leaf, let me ask you to do please
burn this letter as soon as you read it
and I’ll promise to not trouble you
with such another long catalogue of non-
sense soon.
Presbytery meets at Centre in April
you will of course try to attend. I
would like very much to be present
on that ocasion; and I have a pretty
strong notion of trying my luck
for a leave of absence about that
time. Now wouldn’t it be nice, to
roll up there on that ocasion and see
such a lot of pretty girls as will
be present &c. &c. It is worth a trial
anyway. if old uncle Jeff dont find
something else for us to do about
that time.
I looked the streets of Richmond
from one side to the other as we
marched through, in the vain hope
of seeing Rod McMillan. I saw
Thomas McNeill though who
[page 10]
told me that the Hospital Rod
is in is about a mile from
the depot in an opposite direction
from that which we took Thomas
said that he was well. Tom looks
very well himself.
Well Kate I must close. Please
Write soon – a good long letter
Remember me to your Ma, Flora
& Sallie. John D. is well and in
good spirits – says he enjoyed his
visit home “hugely” Our neighbor
boys generally are well
Finally believe me as ever
Your affectionate Cousin
J D Malloy
[1] Cousin Henry Davis of Decatur, AL; served in the 9th Alabama; never transferred to the 51st North Carolina
[2] Private Wesley S. Russel
[3] Henry Davis’s sister
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