Item No. 3799513

In this March 1863 letter to his wife, Brigadier General Henry Shaw Briggs discusses receiving a “serenade from the 150th N.Y.,” the possibility of Molly coming to visit him, and how his monthly pay is distributed. During this time Briggs commanded a brigade of the 8th Corps, serving guard duty with headquarters in Baltimore. He opens the letter with notes about his staff officers, writing that “Oliver has gone up after Sorel who has not been out of the staff for a week, but is still stiff and I fear permanently lamed by the shoulder pain.” He then describes being surprised by a military band:

Last evening about 10 1/2 o’c. I was startled by the blast of a band under my window, while busily writing—a serenade from the 150th N.Y. The Col., Maj., & Q.M. called on me. I send you an “American” of this date with a notice of it. I didn’t know what to make of it or what to do, as I don’t drink whiskey. I didn’t offer any; and I haven’t crockery enough to get tea.

Later Briggs discusses Molly coming to Baltimore:

I don’t mean to say much about you coming here, but I can’t help thinking how pleasant it would be and want to have you come along when you think you can leave. Of course you will notify me, and if you require it I will remit necessary funds. I don’t mean that I should be offended at a surprise; but in case you should come without company I could meet you in Philadelphia. If you need funds for an outfit, say so.

He continues the discussion of personal finances and how his $315-per-month brigadier general’s salary was whittled down:

I hope after this month I shall find easier sailing to finances, as my payments will, if nothing unforeseen occurs, be not too large. The paying up [of] servants’ wages, and expenses of horses at Brown’s, and advances preparatory to getting into working and living order has reduced my last month’s pay so that I could not have much margin after getting thru the month. I sent Mrs. Maj. Parker $30 1/2 of that amount due on my note to him.

Shaw had been colonel of the 10th Massachusetts earlier in the war, but received a severe wound at the Battle of Seven Pines that forced him to recuperate in Massachusetts. He received his brigadier’s star in July 1862 and had served in his 8th Corps role since February 1863. He would serve in other administrative roles through the end of the war. Between 1865 to 1868 he was Massachusetts State Auditor, and after was a district court judge until 1873. He passed away in 1887.

The letter was written on two sides of a letter sheet measuring about 8” x 10”. It is in excellent condition with light toning. Creased at the original folds. The full transcript appears below:

Balt. Tuesday Morning
10 o’c. March 10 1863

My Dear Molly—
It is a cloudy storm threatening morning again; but I hope to be able to take an airing before the storm sets in. Oliver has gone up after Sorel who has not been out of the staff for a week, but is still stiff and I fear permanently lamed by the shoulder pain.

The “Sun,” “Republican,” and your letter of the 7th came yesterday. I was very glad to get them.

Last evening about 10 1/2 o’c. I was startled by the blast of a band under my window, while busily writing—a serenade from the 150th N.Y. The Col., Maj., & Q.M. called on me. I send you an “American” of this date with a notice of it. I didn’t know what to make of it or what to do, as I don’t drink whiskey. I didn’t offer any; and I haven’t crockery enough to get tea. To relieve you from any anxiety I beg to inform you that I sleep warm now nights, though I know the boys want a bed-fellow on that account. I am either getting used to the kinks or getting them pressed down so that I do not mind the hardness, if they have any.

I shall look for Porter some today, and think Whittling & Levi will be back tonight. Oliver does not get [to] make any engagements for the steamboat service.

I don’t mean to say much about you coming here, but I can’t help thinking how pleasant it would be and want to have you come along when you think you can leave. Of course you will notify me, and if you require it I will remit necessary funds. I don’t mean that I should be offended at a surprise; but in case you should come without company I could meet you in Philadelphia. If you need funds for an outfit, say so. I hope after this month I shall find easier sailing to finances, as my payments will, if nothing unforeseen occurs, be not too large. The paying up [of] servants’ wages, and expenses of horses at Brown’s, and advances preparatory to getting into working and living order has reduced my last month’s pay so that I could not have much margin after getting thru the month. I sent Mrs. Maj. Parker $30 1/2 of that amount due on my note to him.
Love & kisses to all the dear ones.
Affectionately your Husband
H. S. Briggs

Mrs. H. S. Briggs
Pittsfield, Mass.