Franklin County: Bob Taggart to Captain John
Taggart, August 12, 1862
Summary:
Taggart writes about the Union capture and occupation of Coggins Point in
Virginia.
Captain John Taggart, 9th Penn. Reserve Infantry
August 12th 1862
Coggins Point Southside James River
Dear John
We are on the South side of the James at a place called "Coggins Point" doing [unclear: picquet ] duty. It was from this place that the rebels shelled our camps over a week ago. It is now in our possession well fortified and protected on both sides by Gunboats. The movements now being made puzzel us all. The 1st and 2d Brigades which we left on the other side have shippped for we don't know where. Our knapsacks and baggage are on board barges. Preparations seem to be making for a big move. If such is the entention I hope we will not be left as rear guard. Our Brigade could hold this place against ten thousand men, but the getting off might [unclear: farther ] us.
Recd your letter containing By Laws and
[unclear: Seem's] Photograph. The former well gotten up the latter a
perfect picture. The mail carrier returns immediately and it is the only chance
I will have to answer. I write this in "Old Ruffin's" barn. He fired the first
gun on Sumter, in return for which our boys are now subsisting on his place, and have appropriated
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to
themselves his large library, and every article of house and kitchen furniture.
He was a man of note here. Editor, Agriculturist, Senator, Doctor, etc. etc. His
plantation is large and supplies our Brigade right handsomely with corn
potatoes, apples, peaches and such like. Holland left a recruiting service
yesterday. The mail is waiting. My love to all.
Your Affect Brother
Bob
I am still act. Adjt. Have not yet gone to the Camp . The appointments are made for the Regt and confirmed by Gen McClellan seem perfectly satisfactory. Corpl Morrison, Co A -- brother of Lawyer Harrison -- is appointed Serg. Major. He is an intelligent and [illeg.] very exemplary man. He and I have just been enjoying a tin of good black tea sweetened with white surgar from Pittsburgh. It was delicious. The Gunboats have opened fire on something ahead of us. Understand it is on a rebel battery which opened on one of the transports in the river. Bob
