Harpers Weekly Christmas 1863 - Santa visiting a Union Camp
Christmas was one of the few times during the Civil War that the common soldiers felt some relief from the battlefields and the tedium of camp life. Music was a big part of the celebrations. The first Christmas experienced by the Fighting 69th in 1861 is described in detail by David Power Conyngham, a major in the brigade, in his 1867 book "The Irish Brigade and it's Campaigns" - here's a passage:
‘Near one of the huge fires a kind of arbor was nicely constructed of the branches of trees, which were so interwoven on one another as to form a kind of wall. Inside this, some were seated on logs, some reclining in true Turkish style. Seated near the fire was Johnny Flaherty, discoursing sweet music from his violin.
Johnny hailed from Boston; was a musical genius, in his way, and though only fourteen years of age, could play on the bagpipes, piano, and Heaven knows how many other instruments; beside him sat his father, fingering the chanters of a bagpipe in elegant style. It is no wonder that most of the regiment were gathered around there, for it was Christmas Eve, and home-thoughts and home-longings were crowding on them; and old scenes and fancies would arise with sad and loving memories, until the heart grew weary, and even the truest and tenderest longed for home associations this blessed Christmas Eve.’
He goes on to describe more of the Christmas celebration:
"for now they enjoyed the music that the O’Flaherty father and son shared around the campfire. Jigs, reels and doubles were danced, and stories were told. Songs such as ‘The girl I left behind me’, ‘Home, Sweet Home’, ‘The Rapparee’, ‘The Green above the Red’ and ‘Fontenoy’ were amongst the favourites as the drink flowed. The dance is enlivened by laugh, song, story, and music; and the canteen, filled with wretched “commissary,” goes freely around, for the men wish to observe Christmas-times right freely. . .
A bell was sounded to bring the Irishmen to midnight mass, which was celebrated that year by Fathers Willet and Dillon. Log benches had been prepared in front of the chapel tents, and the responses were delivered by Quartermaster Haverty and Captain O’Sullivan. Another mass followed the next day, Christmas morning, and was this time said in the open air. Following this the Irish returned to their camp to celebrate the remainder of the 25th."
I found many references to Christmas in letters and journals from soldiers. Many evoke childhood memories of the anticipation of receiving a Christmas present, a fond family gathering, or of a little wilder Christmas party. Here are a few of my favorites:
"Christmas morning a fine one. The boys began to take their Christmas last night. A good deal of drunkenness in camp. In the morning the captain gave us a treat of egg nogg. One-half the boys very tight by nine o’clock…Never saw so many drunk men before. It might be said with propriety that the 7th regiment was drunk on the 25th."
- David Phillips, 7th Tennessee Infantry
What evokes childhood more than the memory of going to bed on Christmas eve, knowing presents await! It was common during the war for soldiers to receive boxes at Christmas containing many things that they could not get in camp - special foods and treats; whiskey, wine, and other spirits; songsters and sheet music; and what many really wanted and needed - warm clothes to get through a long winter ahead.
"December 24th
…It is rumored that there are sundry boxes and mysterious parcels over at Stoneman’s Station directed to us. We retire to sleep with feelings akin to those of children expecting Santa Claus. We have become very childish in some manners – grub being one of them.
Wednesday, Dec. 25, 1862.
Pleasant weather. Since we do not have a chaplain, this morning we held a hymn-service instead. I enjoyed the music – reminded me of Papa’s and Edward’s singing at home. I enjoyed the hymns with the familiar tunes, as On Jordan’s Stormy Banks, When I Can Read My Title Clear, Rock of Ages, Silent Night. I don’t know why sermons at Christmas are necessary. Bible reading and hymn singing are sufficient – in time of war perhaps more meaning ful than sermons.
- Franklin L. Riley, Co. B, 16th Mississippi Infantry
I was not surprised to see Silent Night appear in one diary entry, and that singing was more meaningful than a sermon in this passage.
Some saved their most precious things for a Christmas Celebration.
December 24, 1863
The night was very cold but the day beautiful. I sent out a foraging party which procured 30 bushels of corn & half a ton of hay. We had an Inspection. I corrected the rolls & examined the state of the rations. “Tis the night before Christmas” – not exactly of civilization yet I have seen many worse days & nights than this…Inasmuch as I shall have no time to morrow I drank to night the last of a bottle of wine I brought from home & wished Merry Christmas to everyone who deserves it.
- Charles B. Haydon, Co. I, 2nd Michigan Infantry
And it's great to see that Santa arrived for this soldier - even if a few days late.
Dec. 25th Christmas day, but “nary holiday for the soldier boy, far away from the sweet home where of the watched with intense eagerness for the coming of Christmas, expecting to see “Old Santa Claus.”
December 27th. Santa Claus got here at last. Several boxes for W.L.A. arrived today with eatables and other good things sent by those at home to let us know that though we are far from them they still remember us. Many blessings from Him be upon those loved ones at home.
- George Albert Grammer, Warren (Miss.) Light Artillery
Hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
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