On April 11, 1862 Frank Posegate was a 1st Lt. in Company A of the 48th OVI and the acting adjutant of the regiment. On that day the 24-year-old Lieutenant spent several hours penning a letter to his wife Sallie Posegate who was staying with her father, merchant James Johnson of Highland, Ohio. Lt. Posegate wrote first on both sides of two large 8 ½ X 16 1/8” pieces of paper and then on both sides of four 7 ½ X 9 ½” pieces. A master printer by trade, who had owned and edited the St. Joseph (Missouri) Weekly West and Daily West newspapers until he had been forced out of town for his strong pro-Union editorials; he was used to rapidly and accurately writing copy, and on April 11 he composed the story of the Battle of Shiloh from his perspective. Only a small portion of the letter is personal and intended only for his family. For the most part it is a news story intended for the folks back home including the families of the soldiers in his Company A 48th OVI and in Company D which he would ultimately command as captain. The story was to be read by his father-in-law in his store to the public. Frank Posegate tells Sallie: “If your father desires to read this letter at the store, you can erase with a pencil what interests only you, and let him read the balance. Tell him not to lend it to any paper, for it is written in a great hurry and I do not care about having my effusions criticized by the public.” That the letter was very likely read publicly is testified to by Sallie Posegate’s pencil marks across the personal parts of the letter (\\\\\\\\). In one place someone, possibly Posegate himself, who may have thought better of the tone of his statement, marks through an uncomplimentary remark about the regiment’s colonel very heavily. In places words are scratched through by Posegate during the composition of the letter with horizontal lines and sometimes replaced with words written above them. These false starts in composition were intended by Lt. Posegate to be omitted and so we have omitted them in our transcription. We have used strike through font in the places where Sallie marked out portions of the letter and in the place heavily marked out with pencil. In general there are few paragraphs until near the end of the letter. This may be due to hurried writing or to a desire to save paper on Posegate’s part but overall the letter is very well organized considering that it was largely written in one sitting. This transcription was done by S. E. Williams and D. D. Worth from the original text. An earlier transcription by the David Williams family was consulted by S. E. Williams in making the initial draft for interpreting some of the less legible words.

Provenance. F. M. Posegate himself probably kept this letter until his death in 1917. A large amount of his official correspondence was also saved but this is the only surviving personal letter to Sallie. It is probable the more intimate letters to Sallie were not kept after Sallie’s death in 1878 and Posegate’s remarriage to Emma Cushman in 1882. It is likely that Emma, who received Capt. Posegate’s Civil War Pension, had the letter in her possession until her death in 1941. Stephen A. Williams, Frank and Emma Posegate’s grandson remembered the letter was read to the family when he was a boy. Upon Emma’s death in 1941 the letter would have passed into the position of his daughter Dorothea Posegate Williams, who carefully kept many of her father’s positions. I thought that the letter was lost until I heard from my cousin, Linda Strauch, that the letter was in possession of my Aunt Lucy Williams. The “Dave” on the white tape attached to the letter is David Cushman Williams, Frank and Emma Posegate’s grandson. When Lucy Williams, Dave Williams wife, died in 10/29/2009 the letter passed to her daughter Linda Strauch who has allowed us to transcribe it and post it on the 48th OVI website.

Francis M. (Frank) Posegate’s biography can be found elsewhere on this site. A manuscript for an unpublished after dinner speech by Frank Posegate “The Sunday Battle at Shiloh” last revised in 1914 can be found at:

tell that the Rebels were slowly driving our men towards the river. I could not think that they were whipping us but from my stand point appearances indicated that such was the case. There had as yet been very little artillery fighting on our side, and as I had noticed some heavy artillery as I came in in [sic.] I was momentarily expecting to hear our heavy guns open on them. The firing was getting nearer -- our men I could see falling back -- and I had almost given up every thing for lost, when our heavy artillery, accompanied by the gun-boats Tyler and Conestoga²² let loose. It was now nearly sun-down, the smoke, had made the atmosphere hazy, and it was difficult to distinguish objects on the opposite bank of the river. The Rebels had got a battery sufficiently near to throw shell into the river and were attempting to damage the Gun-boats. In this they did not succeed. Our artillery was too much for them, and they were compelled to fall back out of range. I believe at this time that nearly every officer and man in the Union Army believed we were whipped, and that unless we received reinforcements surrender would be our only alternative. Happily for us, when the Rebels momentarily fell back, Nelson’s Division²³ of Buell’s Army²⁴ hove in sight on the opposite bank. I am told that Buell, in person, immediately crossed the river, rode up to our lines and told our Gen’ls to keep them in check until he could get his forces over and he would take the fight off our hands. In a few minutes the Rebels again renewed the attack, and Oh! What terrible fighting then took place. Our men were then fighting against time -- they knew Buell was crossing, and that so soon as he could get to their assistance all would be well. The Rebels seemed to know it also, for their efforts were apparently redoubled. They would charge and re-charge upon our Battery -- but all to no effect. The big guns and the Gunboats kept them at bay until night closed in, when with the exception of an occasional shell from the Gunboats, the fight ceased for the night. Our boat now recrossed the river. A great many wounded had been taken aboard the boat before I got there and I was making my way around among them, when I met a Captain with his hand shot to pieces. He had just had his hand dressed, and his face looking familiar I approached him, and found him to be a Mr. Nichols²⁵ from St. Joseph, Mo. I had done some business with him in St. Joseph, and he knew me well by reputation. He told me that his wife was on the boat, and asked me to go down with him and see her. I did so and found her to be very much of a lady. They kindly gave me a bunk in their State-room, and ministered to my wants as though I had been a blood-relative. If My darling wife should ever meet that lady she will Know how to return thanks for this kindness shown her wounded husband. She had just helped Me into bed when I heard a voice in the cabin that sounded like Dick’s. I asked her if she would open her door and call for Capt. Robbins. She did so, and Dick came to the door, together with Cy Hussey. They told me that the the Regiment was very much scattered but that it would perhaps be got together by morning. They stayed on the boat that night. I told them that I thought I would be able to join the Company next day. I did not sleep much that night, as my shoulder was quite painful. Next morning when I attempted to get out of bed I found that I could not do so without help -- I could not get my boots on by myself, so, thro’ the persuasion of Capt Frazee and other friends on the boat I concluded to remain aboard.--
       The Fight commenced again on Monday morning about day-light. During the night Buell had crossed a larger portion of his

force and our whole army seemed to be wild with enthusiasm. I got up on the hurricane deck as soon as I could in the morning -- the better to hear and watch the progress of the fight. For about three hours there was an incessant roar of musketry and artillery -- neither party seemed to be gaining any advantage, and though I had no doubt but we would eventually drive them back, it appeared to me our whole army would be cut to pieces before accomplishing that object. The wounded were being brought in by scores -- soon all the steam-boats at the landing (some 15 in No.) were crowded to their utmost capacity. The Surgeons were all busily employed -- but with their utmost-exertions they could not keep pace with the number of wounded. God only knows I do not desire to witness another such horrible scene as was displayed on the boat on which I was. Here would come a poor fellow with a hand shot off -- another with a leg shattered -- another with the whole side of his face carried away.-- in fact it looked to me as though there was no part of the human body in which some of the poor fellows who were not wounded in. I remained quietly on board the boat till about 1 o’clock P.M. When, as my arm felt a little easier I determined to find the Regiment and assist what little I could in driving the Rebels. I said nothing to anyone, but very quietly left the boat and was making my way towards the firing, and had reached

a point about a half mile from the boat, when I met Col. Sullivan²⁶, on horse-back, with his arm-broken. I had him go into a tent close by until I could go to the boat and see what accommodation I could get for him there. The Captain told me to bring him aboard and he would do the best he could. I went back and bro’t the col to the boat -- got him fixed comfortably, and by that time found I was almost completely exhausted.-- The exertion had aggravated my wound and it was now very painful, so I concluded I had better stay on the boat. About this time our men appeared to be driving the Rebels -- The fire gradually receded, and by five o’clock was almost entirely out of hearing. I stayed on board the boat that night and until after dinner Tuesday, when I concluded I would try and make my way back to our late Camp. I accordingly went ashore, found one of Co. A’s boys - William Frazier²⁷ - and with his assistance managed to get back to camp. It is useless for me to attempt a description of that portion of the battle-field over which I passed in regaining our Camp. The dead and wounded of both sides were strewn almost in countless numbers. The Rebels seemed to have sustained greater loss. Our artillery had done a terrible execution. In several different places I counted from three to five Rebels, almost touching each other, their bodies most horribly mutilated. The battle-field is some four miles square, and

in simply coming from the boat to our camp, almost in a direct line, I of course could not see much of the havoc that had been made, but what I saw was sufficient to satisfy me. I had no desire to hunt up more horrible sights than appeared in that walk from the river to our Camp. My progress towards the Camp was naturally very slow and I did not arrive there until late. When within, perhaps, half a mile of the Camp, a very heavy fire of musketry greeted our ears, seeming some two miles distant²⁸. This firing proved to be the last struggle of the Rebels before breaking into a general route -- The defeat of the Rebels is complete -- the road from here on, for miles, is said to be strewn with the dead and wounded of the enemy – together with their wagons, guns, Knapsacks, accoutrements, &c. To give you an idea as to how nobly our Regiment fought during Sunday morning, it is only necessary for me to say that after the enemy had been driven back, 150 dead Rebels were found almost in front of our line-of-battle -- sixty-four (64) of these being directly in range of the fire of Co. A. Gen’l Sherman complimented us very highly, and the boys all feel very proud of his compliment. I would like to speak particularly of each member of our Company, but space will not permit-- suffice to say, they all fought well, and deserve to be honored by their friends at home. Co. A’s loss is Clement Tudor, Killed on the Field--

David Morgan, died Monday from his wounds, in addition to these two dead ten of our boys were more or less wounded -- Geo. Conard and myself the most seriously. Captain [Cyrus] Elwood’s company [D]²⁹ did well. Capt. Elwood was thro’ the whole of the fight, and perhaps those at home who have, I am told, abused him will award him the credit of standing fire. Asa Adams³⁰ [Co. D] I understand is wounded in the shoulder. He is now on board the Hospital boats. I am in hopes he is not badly wounded. Before closing, I must speak a few words in praise of [Sgt.] J. Edw McVay³¹ [Co. A] and Mahlon Davis³² [Co. A], as this action came particularly under my notice. McVay was cool and collected -- assisted in rallying the men and fired with great deliberation. Early in the fight Sunday, Mahlon Davis’ gun bursted; he brought it to me, and with a most quizzical expression on his face inquired what he should do, I pointed to the gun of Elias Henry, lying where he had dropped it, and told him to use it; Mahlon laid his own bursted gun down, apparently with great care, walked calmly, right in the face of the enemy’s fire, to where the gun was, picked it up, examined to see if it was all right, turned on his heel, walked back to his position and coolly commenced loading. I have only scrutinized some few instances of personal

bravery, because they came under my own observation. Our Regiment lost in killed, about twenty -- In wounded and missing near one hundred. Our Surgeon, Dr. M. T. Carey³³, was taken prisoner. Col. Sullivan, acted with apparent bravery, but during the entire fight, was, to all intents and purposes a maniac. Col. Parker deserves credit -- for his coolness, and decision during the fight on Sunday morning;- after that time I did not see him in an engagement but was told by those who did see him that he acted the part of a brave and discreet man. Col. Sullivan I understand, started for home yesterday. None of us regrets his going very much. Since the fight here, our forces have been very much strengthened. What the next move will be is hard to tell. Some of the officers seem to think Beauregard³⁴ will again attack us here. My own opinion is that nothing will be done for some days yet, and that when a move is made, our forces will go on and attack Corinth. The Rebels will make, perhaps, a desperate stand at Corinth, but our Army is a victorious one, and I think will over-come every obstacle. If the fight does not come off for a week or two I will be able to take a hand in it, as my shoulder is comfortable and I can now use my arm considerably. I have no desire though, my darling, to ever see another fight, I

would be well pleased if the whipping we gave the Rebels in this fight would satisfy them. If, however, they persist in standing out against us, we will have no other alternative but to march on, and if necessary, deluge every foot of ground over which we pass with blood. Your letter of the 1st was rec’d this morning, and was indeed welcome. I wrote you a long letter, just one week before the battle, and handed it to Mr. Spencer of the “On Times.”³⁵[?] I have since understood that he did not start for home until after the battle. If such is the case I suppose you have not yet received it. I will look anxiously for an answer to this, Knowing that you will be in great suspense until you hear from me personally.
        I also received two letters from John Wells and one from James McClure³⁶. Your father may tell John Wells³⁷ that I will answer his letters and instruct him what to do, just so soon as I am in condition to do so. He may also tell Jim McClure that I am much obliged to him for his favor, and will answer it at the earliest possible moment. If your father³⁸ desires to read this letter at the store, you can erase with a pencil what you interests only you, and let him read the balance. Tell him not to lend it to any paper, for it is written in a great hurry and I do not care about having my effusions

criticized by the public.
           I would indeed be happy if I could come home to my little family, and live the balance of my days in peace. But it cannot be, just yet, so I must keep stout heart, and push boldly on. Every defeat the enemy receives certainly brings this war so much nearer the close. One or two more such crushing defeats as they have received in this battle will certainly completely demoralize the Rebel Army, and when that takes place I think the fighting must cease--
           We have a rumor this morning that Gen’l Pope³⁹ has succeeded in crossing the river below No 10 and taken a large number of prisoners, together with a great deal of Artillery -- God grant that this rumer may be true --
           Tell Kate I have the little piece of leather[?] she sent me. Pappa, when he comes home, will bring his little Kate something nice - She must be a good girl & mind mamma and take care of little sister Ella⁴⁰--
           I must quit writing now and send this to the river for mailing, as another opportunity may not offer for a day or two[.] Good bye for the present, and may God bless and protect my Wife and children. --
             Your Husband
                        Frank⁴¹

P. S. I received in addition to my wound in the shoulder a ball thro’ my cap cover, and one ball grazed the forefinger of my right hand. -- Since the counting of the dead in front of our lines a grave has been found, made by the Rebels, some ten feet square -- it must contain some thirty or forty dead Rebels -- thus making the number killed by our brigade over two hundred. So our Regiment is the credit of killing Gen’l A. S. Johnston and Braxton Bragg⁴². Whether this is true I cannot tell -- Though it is pretty well authenticated and is generally believed -- Love and Kisses to my darling. Frank