Capt. Rees G. Richards, 45th Pennsylvania Volunteers, POW, Civil War Archive 

Lot of 6 letters pertaining to actions in Fredericksburg and Petersburg, VA, as well as the capture of Rees Richards by Confederate forces, including letters written by Richards (3), Eugene Beauge, and Samuel Hayne (2); 1p manuscript biography of Richards by an unknown author; plus accompanying articles written about the letters.

Rees Griffith Richards (1842-1917) was a distinguished figure during and after the Civil War. He served as a captain in Company G of the Pennsylvania 45th Infantry and was the 16th Lieutenant Governor of the State of Ohio from 1882 to 1884.

Richards was born near Swansea, Wales, and subsequently moved with his family to Ontario, Canada before settling in Tioga County, PA. During the war, he fought valiantly with the Pennsylvania 45th Infantry and is remembered for rallying his troops at the Battle of the Wilderness by leading them in singing a stirring rendition of The Battle Cry of Freedom. Richards joined the 45th at the outbreak of the war as a sergeant and was promoted to lieutenant, then to captain in 1862. He was captured by Confederate forces at the Battle of the Crater in Petersburg and was held prisoner at Asylum Prison Camp in South Carolina until February 1865, when he escaped and rejoined Union forces. He mustered out with his unit at Alexandria, VA, on July 17, 1865.

After the war, Richards moved to Youngstown, OH, to engage in the mercantile trade and study law. He became a prominent attorney and politician in the Ohio House and Senate, which led to the Lieutenant Governor position. He was elected to two terms as Common Pleas Judge in Jefferson County. It is reported that Richards had been up for nomination to the US Supreme Court but lost the opportunity due to the untimely death of President James Garfield. He was a member of the GAR and Loyal Legion until his death at the age of 74 in Steubenville, OH.

The 45th Pennsylvania began recruiting in June 1861 and was organized and mustered into service at Camp Curtin in Harrisburg, PA, in October 1861. The 45th was involved in some of the heaviest fighting of the war including South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, Blue Springs, Campbell’s Station, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher’s Run, the Siege of Knoxville, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg, the Crater, Poplar Spring Church, Fort Stedman, and the assault and fall of Petersburg. The unit was mustered out of service July 17, 1865.

Richards’ first letter was written from Fredericksburg in January 1863, between the First and Second Battles. He realized that heavy action would be coming: We are yet in Camp but do not expect to remain long. There is something to be done soon and we are the tools with which the end will be brought about. Be not worried about my safety for I may come out all right… Placing our trust in God we willingly perform our duty and if it be His will to preserve my unworthy existence, all will be well…Despair not for there is always abundant hope as long as there is life.

In a letter written to Richards’ mother by Eugene Beague - a colleague-, he includes difficult news: As a friend of the Captain, I feel it my duty to inform you, painful as the task is to me, that Rees is at best, a captive in the hands of the enemy…We fought a terrible battle day before yesterday in which hundreds of our brave boys were slain or taken prisoner. As usual the Captain was at…the head of his company but …became isolated and I hope taken prisoner instead of sharing the fate of so many who fallen in the defense of their country…You may well be proud of such a son and God grant that he may return to cheer you all with his presence…

On the following day, Samuel Hayne, Company G, 1st Lieutenant, writes to Richards’ mother: Perhaps you have already learned by the newspapers or otherwise of the battle in front of Petersburg on Saturday last…Our Regiment lost 67 men in killed, wounded and missing, many of whom are prisoners in the hands of the Rebels…Do not be needlessly alarmed when I tell you that your son …is among the missing and is believed to be a prisoner…do not allow yourself to think that he is killed, for there were many others with him and the chance was good to be taken prisoner unharmed.

On September 1, 1864, Haynes writes Mrs. Richards with good news: I am happy to be able to inform you…that a letter has been received…saying that all the Officers of the Regt. Who have been missing…are prisoners of war…This of course includes your son…

The lot also includes a letter written by Richards to his mother and sisters on June 9, 1865. The war was over, the armies were disbanding, and Richards writes: Men were both happy and yet the tears would fain start at parting with old and well tried comrades on may a bloody field—happy that the dangers are over but sorry to bid a final adieu to those whose friendship has been baptized with the blood of dying comrades.

Fortunately, Richards was able to return home shortly after writing this letter and begin a long and prosperous life in Ohio.

Very good condition overall.