Philbricks and Philbrooks in the Civil War:

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The Civil War Letters of Capt. Alvah Philbrook, 24th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry (1862-1864) PART 3: Chapter 3: After Stones River Due to the difficulty in reading Alvah’s handwriting, there are many words that I am still trying to decipher. I have tried to edit this as best as possible for reading and original intent. RWP Feb 10 (1863*) Dear Mother and Sisters, I could not write all I wanted to in the other two sheets so I will finish on this. I think of you all {and} look forward to the time when we shall visit for if I am permitted to live through this war, (and I have to), and merry is the time. Where so much before I go to sleep do I think of Mother, sisters ( Mariah? {Nancy Maria – RP.} ) Ade {Adelia Tuck – RP.}, Sarah and Abby all of whom I have no doubt are good looking and perfect ladies. I hope they will always conduct themselves so as to be respected and live to be ( __ ) ( ____ ) to society. I shall try and conduct myself so as to be worthy of a Sisters love and a mothers we have always and where you (progress?) asend upward for the ( _____ ) soldier brother remember that you are not forgotten and I oft think of our Good Good Mother. I know I have not done right by not writing to her for she was so good to us all and I shall never forget her many kindness nor shall I forget my sisters either. I will write to them ( ___ ) my ( ____ ) ( __ ) Grand Mother Hazlet I hope she will live until I (answer?) ( ___ ) ( ___ ) You must continue to write to me and let me know how the Family (are?) ( ____ ). I hope William will avoid the conscription set. For I should hate to see him leave his little ones to go in as a private for he couldn’t support his wife and child. I hear from Caddie very often she is very well but very (disconcerted?) on my account (?) is my hardest part of soldiering to think I have to leave my happy home and make my wife and child miserable through my absence. But I hope this war will not last long and I shall once more be with my Friends again. Now Mother I wouldn’t say much about me for the next battle may strip me of all the honor I have won. Besides I don’t like to say much about myself. If I should get promoted I will let you know in time. It will cost me something to fit myself out if I should get that appointment but I hardly expect it for I am but a mechanic. There are those in the Regiment that ( ___ ) ( ____ ) for the position. It is getting late, the Brigades full ( ___ ) ( _____ ) tonight, they have got the money and there is a ( ____ ) going on outside. We have had new Enfield rifles given to us today and the boys feel pleased with the change, ( ____ ) ( ____ ) (Letter ends or page is missing) * Year of 1863 is based on a reference from Amandus Silsby, Co. A, 24th Wis. who writes to his father on Mar. 20, 1863 and tells him about exchanging their (the 24th’s men) "Austrian" guns for Enfield Rifles Spring 1863 Though undated, the events in this letter match the events in a letter written by another soldier of the 24th Wisconsin, Amandus Silsby of Company A, whose letter is dated March 23, 1863. R.W.P. I never saw so many men used up by a march as on this short trip blistered feet and sick men caused by exposure but I stood it fast. Later, I was acting as Major and had a Horse to ride. I felt somewhat anxious about myself when going in to battle fearing that I might not fill the position as well as I ought but I had made up my mind to do my best, there is some little chance of my being promoted to that position. If others with money and influence don’t get the ( __ ) of me. But I hardly expect it in fact I have expected nothing that has come along. I learned today that my name had gone forward to Gen. Rosecrans as one on the Roll of Honor out of the Captains of the Regiment, ( ___ ) ( __ ) (to?) an order from (him?) requesting that there should be (5?) privates out of a company 10 corporals and (?) {page ends and written in the side margin is the following: ( __ ) ( __ ) (men?) that (you should never?) ( ___ ) ( __ ) ( __ ) Home.} 3 sergeants out of a Regiment 4 Captains and 4 Lieutenant out of a Brigade who had most distinguished themselves for bravery and good soldiery conduct generally. I was surprised to think my name should ever have been thought of for I have done nothing but what every man had ought to do and have never ( _____ ) ( for any?) distinguishment or honor of war. In fact I cared not for anything of the kind but have tried to do my duty and keep myself cool and collected when danger threatens for I soon found out that it was the cool headed ones who done the firing on the battlefield. Gen. Rosecrans is going to establish a Division of picked men from the Roll of Honor to be mounted armed with the best improved revolving rifle. Information courtesy of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Robert W. Philbrook has edited these letters for clarity and unknown words are noted by parentheses.

Philbrick-Philbrook Gravestones David Philbrook gravestone, Islesboro, ME. (Click on image to see larger version) Peggy Philbrook gravestone, Islesboro, ME. (Click on image to see larger version) David Philbrook and his wife Peggy (Margaret) Perry are buried in Gibson Point Cemetery, on the 700 Acre Island of Islesboro, Maine. David is listed on page 105 of Chapman’s book and was born on November 30, 1789. He married Peggy on September 14, 1814. Photograph courtesy of Michael Philbrook, Bucyrus, Ohio.

HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS: Tryphena Philbrick receipt for teaching shcool. (Click on image to see larger version) This document is from New Chester, New Hampshire, dated January 7, 1832 and is a receipt for instructing school for eight weeks by a Tryphena H. Philbrick. Currently there is no New Chester, NH, but there is a Chester, New Hampshire in Rockingham County near where "District #13" used to be located*. As of yet, we have been unable to identify which family Tryphena came from. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact us. *Special thanks to the staff at Chester Public Library for their assistance. Document purchased by and in the collection of Robert W. Philbrook, Palm Springs CA.