Stephen Holland Helmer

 ---Selected Letters ---
Courtesy Donna Helmer Wickman

1. Letter to his wife, Maria Jane (Davis) Helmer:

"Mission Ridge"
Chattanooga, Tenn.  Nov.26, 1863

Dear Wife

    Again another hard battle has been and is being fought in which the life of many a true Union Soldier has been sacrificed. But thanks be to an All wise Providence I have thus far come through safe --

    -- And my attachment to the "Old Stars & Stripes" I think are more fervent than ever.

    On the 23rd inst. we were ordered to carry their [the Rebels] first line of works. the 93rd and 41st Ohio Regts. were thrown into one Regt. Following close behind the 5th Ky, Of our Brigade who were deployed in our advance as skirmishers - The Rebels were driven ["were driven" appears twice] from their picket line to their first  line of entrenchment. At which place they made a stubborn resistance but on we charged loseing [sic] about 60 men in killed and wounded. All of which was the work of a few short minutes. The charge was made in brilliant style. The Rebels falling back only "as we were about [to] dash in upon them - A number of them were taken prisoners with their arms - ammunition - Colors & C = We at once set to work strenthning [sic] their works as we then held free and undisputed possession of them. Beyond us was "Mission" ridge the artillery from the Rebel Batteries poured a murdeous [sic] sire down upon us but fortunately no great harm was done= After dark our Batteries came up and took positions= The skirmishing ceased and all was peace and quiet for the night= At daylight the artillery began a regular dual was fought= Gen. Sherman was engaged on the left - Gen. Hooker had taken "Lookout" Mountain and with it a number of prisoners, artillery & C -- About to "Charge and carry the next line of Rebel works"

 - The signal was given - a line as far [as} I could see up and down the valley at once advanced upon them --- No sooner had we started and before we could get within shooting distance of them they left their works and climb [sic] he hills or mountain (called "Mission" Ridge)

 - Our line Soon gained their line of works = Under the the [sic] fire of their artillery = Shell = Grape - and canister was poured down upon us - Again we "Charged" up the ridge soon comming [sic] under fire of their Musketry - on moved our lines = under one of the heaviest fires I ever wittnessed [sic] - Carrying the ridge our Brigade capturing prisoners to the amt. of 400 or 500, 16 pieces of artillery - ammunition and small arms -------

 The Rebels were completely ranted [sic] scutting [sic] in every direction = utterly demoralized.

 The Victory is complete. I might tell you more of the general news but you will get that ere this reaches you = Genl. Wood came around late in the evining [sic] - complimenting us to the highest point. Said we had gone beyond his orders. as he "did not expect us to do more than carry their Second line of works" - But says he - "you did not stop there but charged most gallantly up the mountian and carried every thing before you - you have covered yourselves with glory" -- (When 3 Cheers were given for Genl. Wood) - He then continued   Genl. Grant was watching you from off the top of "Fort Wood" and says "of all the colums [sic] he ever saw this was the grandest in its movements. But I shall have to close soon as my supply of Rebel paper  is short= as the paper and envelope is genuine Rebel.

    - I got it out of a Rebel Knapsack and had to divide it amongst the boys that were left. I don't think John Helmer was in the fight. Christ Sesabaugh of our company had not come up yet although I do not think he is either killed or wounded. General Sherman is after them (the Rebels) this morning. I do not think we will move any farther at present -

     I don't think the Rebels have yet cast the bullet to kill me-

     But if I should fall= I will not dishonor the cause or desert the good "Old Stars & Stripes"

    Expecting to hear from you soon- I close remaining as ever= Yours affectionality [sic]

    S.H. Helmer

    I am anxious to hear from you all- My best wishes to Grandma- Mother & all

    -----Kiss Corwin for me-----

    I am in most excellent health and spirits. You shall hear from me again soon----

[written on side of 1st page] I received the paper and envelopes yesterday = thank you for them.

[written upside down at top of last page] I would have written this with ink but I have none this side of Camp-

2. To wife:

"Pigeon" Gap    "Altoona" Mountains, Ga.
Tuesday evening - May 31st 1864

    My Dear Wife  -  your kind letter dated the 26th inst. was reced [sic] today. I was indeed glad to hear from you and as you requested an immediate answer, I shall surely comply with your request,  I wrote to you a day or two ago - yet I have nothing more to write than to tell you that I am all right. So far I am certainly luckey [sic] or have been so far. And I think I will come through All Right. On the 27th, as I told you in my last letter our company lost 1 killed, 5 wounded and 2 missing - since then 1 of the missing has come up to the company - leaving only 1 missing - who I suppose is a prisoner.

 Christian J. Sensabaugh was the one killed of our Co.-- I would have written to Wm. Stiles, but I have neither time or paper. As my port folio [sic] is back in our Regimental [looked like "magzand" but think it was "wagon"] and paper is very scarce indeed - Christian was struck in the head and killed instantly was killed [sic] by a musket ball. - After dark (on the 27th) we were ordered to face back to a better position. Most of our dead and some of the wounded - fell into Rebels hands. Such was the case and it could not be helped. The Rebels got the body of C.J. Sensabaugh - but we got off all the wounded of our company - yet some of the other company were obliged to leave part of their wounded on the field. Tell Mr. Ort that D.C. Steele was killed. I have often heard him speak about Mr. Ort and I suppose they were well acquainted. Steele was much of a gentleman and a good soldier.

 Our company miss C.J. Sensabaugh more than any other one that has fallen. He was an excellent soldier. Allways [sic] ready to do his duty, loved his company and Regt.  he fell a brave soldier  - nobly doing his duty -

 I do not think we will move from our present position for a time. Our division now holds "Pigeon" Gap which we had to fight for, and I think we will stay here until there is something done by the army on our right  our position is secure. The Rebs tried t drive us from our works this morning but found out their mistake and fell back faster than they came up. Our army is in good spirits and are only anxious for "Johny Rebel" [sic] to come and try to drive us from our entrenchments. As try is all that they can do.

I have written all that I know of interest to write about. At times there is no chance of writing for two or three weeks  - and if you don't hear from me every week - don't be alarmed - and think I have forgotten you - or anything has happened. For should anything happen to me you would hear it.

 My love and regards to Grandma Mother and all the family.

 Reserve a share for yourself and Corwin.

 I remain as ever your husband.
S.H. Helmer

 When you write let me know all about the 110th - if you get a list of the killed and wounded by the news paper cut it out and send it to me - as I am anxious to hear from them.
S.H.H.

 John Turner wishes me to tell you to inform his Mother or some of the family that he is all right.