Description: Andrew L. Harris, a Union officer during the Civil War, wrote this letter on March 25, 1863 from Brook's Station, Virginia, the Army of Potomac's winter quarters. Harris reports that the Army is in fine condition and ready for the upcoming spring campaign. Most of the letter laments that the citizens of Ohio are providing aid and comfort to the enemy by opposing the Union government in its efforts in defeating the Southern cause. Harris suggests that the men who are sitting out the war at home should join the Union Army so that the veterans can teach the recruits how to fight. Andrew Harris notes that the world is watching the outcome of the American Civil War to see if democracy or the "Slave Aristocracy" will win out. Harris closes the letter by voicing his disappointment of the former General of the Army of the Potomac, George B. McClellan. Andrew L. Harris was born November 17, 1835, in Butler County, Ohio, and graduated from Miami University in 1860. In April 1861, he enlisted as a private in the 20th O.V.I and was later commissioned as an officer in the 75th O.V.I. He saw active service in eighteen battles. At the battle of McDowell in Virginia he was seriously wounded, and his right arm permanently disabled by gunshot. He was also wounded in the fighting at Gettysburg. At Chancellorsville, he was made colonel and commander. On January 15, 1865, he was mustered out. After the Civil War, Andrew Harris served in various public offices including the Ohio Senate, lieutenant governor under William McKinley and in the McKinley presidential administration. Andrew L. Harris was Ohio's forty-fourth governor from 1906-1909. The 75th OVI (Ohio Volunteer Infantry) was organized at Camp McLean, in Cincinnati and left Ohio for Grafton, Virginia (now West Virginia) on January 28, 1862. The unit saw action at the McDowell, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Freeman's Ford, and Bull Run (all in Virginia) in 1862. In 1863 the 75th sustained heavy casualties at the Battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. The 75th OVI moved to Morris Island, South Carolina, in 1863 and Jacksonville, Florida, in 1864. Parts of the 75th OVI were mustered out in October and November 1864 with the balance of the 75th OVI mustered out July 15, 1865. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: Om3383_6642963_001
Subjects: Military Ohio; Civil War; 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (O.V.I); Harris, Andrew L. (Andrew Lintner), 1835-1915; Civil War, 1861-1865--Personal narratives;
Places: Brookes Station (Virginia); Spotsylvania County (Virginia); Butler County (Ohio)