CHAMBERLAIN, Joshua (1828-1914). Autograph letter to his wife Fanny in which he discusses the corps badges made for him by Fanny and the family's housekeeper. N.p., [9 April 1863].

4 pages, 5 x 7 7/8 in., lightly creased, few ink smudges.

While undated, the content indicates that this letter was written by Chamberlain on 9 April 1863 as it references the visit made by President Lincoln, Edwin Stanton, and Henry Halleck to the 5th Corps (which occurred on 8 April 1863). Additionally, Chamberlain discusses the regiment being held back due to a smallpox outbreak and his and Colonel Ames’ desire to somehow get the opportunity to take an honorable part in the upcoming battle. One third of the letter, however, is dedicated to the topic of the corps badges made by Fanny and Mrs. Harris – the Chamberlain’s housekeeper in Brunswick, Maine. Included with the letter is Chamberlain's calling card printed on thin paper, 3 3/4 x 2 in.

Full transcription is as follows:

"My dearest, I found everything to do on getting back. An urgent letter from Chas. Gilman for me to go to Brunswick and see him about accepting the trust of Executor of Capt. Badger’s will. Of course, just on the eve of a fight, that can’t be done. So I had to write him at once. Within an hour after I got back, word came that this Regt. was to be left behind on account of the small pox. The Col. & I jumped into our saddles and rode till late at night endeavoring to get detailed to go on some General’s staff or to get some opportunity of taking an honorable part in the battles instead of keeping a pest-house for a month. We are going again this morning. The President, Stanton, & Halleck came down yesterday & have gone back again. So the plans are made & the army will be at it soon. There is no knowing where the col. Or I shall be. We are going to Hooker now. You had better perhaps stay awhile longer in Washington. The Dr. will not probably get his resignation accepted right away. If you stay, will you go tomorrow to Brady’s see the proofs of the photographs. It would be best to have half a dozen of each kind, wouldn’t it? The badges are beautiful – especially mine, tell Mrs. Harris – but my idea was best after all, that is, to have it single the silver on the extreme edge, covering the edge. It is too thick & bulky. Now if you could split this & merely take a pair of scissors & cut the edge close under the braid, it would be just the thing. You see they will not lie flat on the cap. These are very delicate things to make – the angles need to be carefully made, & the opposite sides perfectly parallel. You notice even in mine – the braid, I mean – is not perfectly true. Now, darling, I want you to make it for me. I could do it, but would rather you would. If you had made it my way there would not have been half the work in it. Don’t let anybody influence you about such things. I dare say somebody else told you to make them double–half an inch think. If the photographs are ready, send them (keeping as many as you want) by Mr. Hayes. In haste–going to Genl. Hooker’s this morning – but with sweetest thoughts & memories. Your ever-loving husband. A thousand kisses for you darling. I shall write again, soon as I know where I am to be. Do as you find convenient about staying."

"Your own"

The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca