Veterans column: Capt. Levi Coman shares news of Gen. Samuel Sylvester Wells' resignation
The letter Levi Coman wrote April 25, 1862, reported on his health and the resignation of Samuel Sylvester Wells, adjutant general of the 76th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
Wells was a local soldier living in Newark after emigrating from England as a young child. As an adult, he lived for a short time in Clarksburg, Virginia, with his wife, Harriet Brice, before moving back to Newark and enlisting with Company D of the 76th Ohio Volunteer Infantry on Dec. 5, 1861. Wells was promoted to adjutant general Jan. 21, 1862. As adjutant, his duties included assisting the commanding officer in administrative tasks such as publishing orders, muster records and paperwork associated with the regiment. In this letter, Coman asks his wife to speak to his ex-law partner, Jerome Buckingham, for help in getting Charles Dana Miller appointed to the newly vacated post.
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“But enough of this, I am now in first-rate condition all except the cold which I spoke of before. I am nursing it today. The cold rain is upon us again, but I have a good fire in my tent and comfortable.
“I think we will move forward in a short time. We have found the roads good and our army is now nearly ready for a forward movement. Then if the rebels don’t leave Corinth it will be our business to scoop them up as was done at Donelson. I hope we are most through this tough campaign I have took it well so far much better than I had any expectation of doing, but cannot do it always. Our men are fatigued and worn. We don’t look so sleek and fat as when at Camp Sherman.
“Adjutant Wells has resigned. He never has had pluck enough to be near us in battle and resigns on account of ill health. By the way, I have bought his watch for 20$, it is just the thing I wanted and worth $30. You will have mine put in order and keep it at home all for your own use. It has been near me and slept with me 14 years. I love it and hope nothing will prevent your getting it. Will you tell Mr. Buckingham to take immediate effort with the Adjt. General to have Charlie Miller made adjutant? The Col. (Charles Woods), Lt. Col. (William Woods), and Major (Reason Strong), have all joined in his recommendation but they need watching at Columbus. I wish (illegible) would talk with Lt. Col. (Willard Warner) and they both make a big effort to have Charlie promoted. He merits it if ever a young man did in the army. He has been true grit and done his whole duty.
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“Apr. 26, Morning, the mail starts at 8 o’clock. I have only time to say that nothing new has turned up. The morning is fine and sunny, the birds are singing over us, so sweetly. Oh, what a contrast to us poor mortals engaged in the work of destruction.
“My dear, I come home to you this morning. I sit with you around the cheerful table. I join in your morning worship and sing the songs you love to sing. Goodbye dearest, goodbye little ones, God be near to and bless you all, Levi.”
Doug Stout is the Licking County Library Local History Coordinator. You may contact him at 740.349.5571 or dstout@lickingcountylibrary.org.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Licking County veterans column: Gen. Samuel Wells of Newark resigns
