John S. Satterlee
- Born: 1839
- Died: 12 May 1864
General Notes:
John S. Satterlee enlisted in Company A, 104th Regiment. He re-enlisted as a veteran at the sime time as his cousin George Satterlee 4-Jan-1864. He died of wounds recieved at Spotsylvania, VA. He was buried on the battleground.
The letter below was written during the Civil War, at an encampment called Bill's Plains, near Fredericksburg, Crawford County, PA, by Sergeant John S. Satterlee.
9-Feb-1863
Dear Uncle:
I was very glad as well as somewhat surprised to hear from you and to hear that you was well. It is very pleasant here this evening, the weather is quite warm now as we have had but little snow here this winter and what snow there was didn't stay on the ground more than 24 hours. The mud is from 1 to 3 feet or so deep and it is almost impossible to get supplies through for the army, but we live first rate for all of that and have enough to eat such as fresh potatoes, and salt beef, salt pork, fresh beef, tea, coffee, sugar, molasses, dried apples and plenty of bread.
I got a letter from father the other day, the folks are well as can be expected. I would like to know what your opinion is of this war? I can tell you I think it is a horrible affair. When I enlisted the war was for the Union but now it is, "let the Union go, but free the slaves". They are far better off than half of the poor people of the north. They have enough to wear, eat and drink and quite good houses to live in; what more do they want? If they were free to do as they have a mind to they would starve to death. We do not want them in the north, in the way and we do not propose to have them there when we get back. It is so with all of the soldiers here. Today you may think it strange that I talk so but I have seen enough of the niggers. Just think of killing and crippling noble white man for the sake of freeing a fat black. Look at the Battle of Fredericksburg Antiatam, and a score of others but no more of this for me.
I am 5'5-& 1 half inches tall and weigh 138 pounds and all SATTERLEE and a good one you may bet at least the girls say so. We are doing nothing but picket duty; and are encamped about 6 miles from the Potomac River. It is very rough country and not a level spot big enough to build a house on.
I see by the papers that this army (of the Potomac) is to be broken up and part to go west and part go to Washington. A part of the 9th Army Corpse has already gone to Fortress Morrow. We of the 104th are in the first Army Corpse. It is said that we are going to Washington. I hope it is so, for I have seen enough, and been through 8 battles without a scratch.
What do you think of fighting Joe Hookies? as commander of the forces here. What did you think of Burnside? The soldiers here think the most of McClellan as a good leader. They do not like Hookies? Nor Burnside, but say that McClellan is our man.
I saw Lorenzo Prosseus several ti mes this summer. The last time was at Antiatam. The last I heard was that he was in the hospital in Baltimore. It is time for roll call so excuse me. We live in bighouses so are very comfortable. I cannot think of anything more to write so good bye. Write soon.
From your nephew, Sergt. John S. Satterlee
John S. Satterlee's Uncle is Sylvester Orange Satterlee & Ealeanor Norris Satterlee
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