This Civil War letter was written by Ralph Buckley (1830-1895), born in England on January 31, 1830. As a young man, Buckley immigrated to the United States. He married Sarah Bowden (1824-1884), and the couple lived in Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where was the proprietor of his own iron and tin shop (see image below).
When the 124th Pennsylvania Infantry—a nine months regiment—was bring raised in the late summer of 1862, Ralph volunteered his services as a 2nd Lieutenant in Co. B. and was mustered into government service on August 8, 1862. On August 13, the regiment received uniforms and other equipment, and under command of Senior Captain Joseph W. Hawley embarked for Baltimore, Washington and Virginia. The regiment was organized in Virginia with Joseph W. Hawley as colonel, a native of West Chester, who was wounded in the battle of Antietam and upon recovery rejoined his regiment December 3, at Harper’s Ferry. Ralph was promoted to 1st Lieutenant before the regiment was discharged after nine months.
After returning to civil life, Governor Andrew G. Curtin called the regiment together as Volunteer Emergency Militia to repel General Lee’s advance into Pennsylvania which culminated in the battle of Gettysburg. This regiment numbered many members of the 124th in their ranks, including Ralph who joined Co. F, 29th Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia (Emergency) as first lieutenant on 27 June 1863. He joined Co. F, 29th Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia (Emergency) as first lieutenant.
On July 8, 1864, Buckley enrolled as captain of the 197th Pennsylvania Infantry, a 100-day regiment. This regiment, sometimes called the 3rd Coal Exchange Regiment—was assigned duty to serves as guards at the Rock Island Prison in Illinois, each member receiving a $50 bonus for enrolling. Ralph Buckley died on October 11, 1895, and was buried in Middletown Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Elwyn.
This letter was penned August 7, 1864 at Camp Day in the Baltimore area. Soon after writing this, Buckley was on his way (via Chicago) to serve as a prison guard at Rock Island, Illinois.
Camp Day
August 7, 1864
Dear Wife & Mother
Yours came duly to hand. I was glad to learn that you are all well & I do assure you that Ned & myself never were better. Ned paid Lawton’s a visit yesterday and found them well. I have not been out of the encampment since we came here. You say that I need not be surprised to see you out here. Well Sally, I will not be surprised if I do see you & will say further that a visit from you would be pleasant to me, & I know of nothing to prevent you from coming. You can call for Mrs. Lawton & have a carriage in Baltimore, If you do come, I desire you to come here in your best rig for the season, and hire the best carriage you can & seem as if you belonged to somebody (or rather than I belong to somebody). Appearances today are more favorable to our staying here than they have been, but still we have no assurance as to how long we shall stay.
We have no excitement here as to the movement of the Rebels. We hear a good seal about their doings by the papers but still we are as much undisturbed as a camp meeting in Everhart Grove under the supervision of your watchful townsman, Aaron James. So you seem you need not be alarmed about us.
We have a good company. There cannot be a better. All hands seem as cheerful as can be and are attentive to their duties & of course learn fast. We have but one man a little lame, and as far as I know, they are all satisfied. I am proud of them. You need not be jealous. My pride in them will not lessen my love for you. Remember me to all my friends, hoping this will find you all as well as it leaves us. I am your affectionate husband. Good night and God bless you all. — R. Buckley