Letters from War: 1861 | W.W. Potts writes from Philadelphia with the 6th Pennsylvania

Posted on by Jake Wynn

Lieutenant William Wainwright Potts sat down in his quarters on April 25, 1861 to pen a letter to Benjamin Bannan, the editor of the Miners’ Journal in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The 29-year-old officer had only been mustered into the service three days earlier at Harrisburg, but had quickly been sent on to Philadelphia with his unit, the 6th Pennsylvania Infantry.

A historical photograph of a soldier in a dark uniform and a cap, standing with one hand over his heart.
W.W. Potts in the uniform of the 48th Pennsylvania – a unit he served in later in the Civil War. From John Hoptak’s 48th Pennsylvania Blog and Bill Clark.

Before joining the service, Potts was working as a moulder at the Pomeroy Machine Shops on Coal Street in Pottsville. This business served the many iron furnaces, foundries, and collieries in and around the Schuylkill County seat during the Civil War era.

When the Confederates fired on Fort Sumter and the Civil War began, Potts was among the hundreds of recruits that quickly swelled the ranks of companies coming communities across the Coal Region.

A historical aerial view of a town with densely packed buildings, trees, and distant hills in sepia tones.
Civil War era photograph of Pottsville, PA from Prospect Hill looking east over the city. The Pomeroy Machine Shop is highlighted in white. (Getty Museum)
A sepia-toned aerial view of a densely packed town, highlighting a cluster of buildings with rooftops and trees, surrounded by hills.
Closer up view of the Pomeroy Machine Shops where W.W. Potts worked. The building to its right with the tower belonged to the Wren Brothers iron foundry.

In his letter to Bannan, Potts wrote of the happenings in camp at Philadelphia. He wrote of an unfortunate stabbing incident in camp and that parts of the 6th Pennsylvania were sent down the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad to protect railroad bridges and infrastructure in Maryland from attack by secessionists.

Historical map of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Railroad, including geographical features and major towns along the route, with annotations indicating distances.
An 1850 map of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad. The railroad served as a vital lifeline for the nation’s capital in the early weeks of the Civil War, bringing Union volunteers to protect the capital. It also came under attack by Maryland’s secessionists seeking to slow down or stop the arrival of US Army troops.

From the Pottsville Miners’ Journal, April 27, 1861:

Philadelphia,

April 25th, ’61, 8 o’clock P. M.

Mr. Bannan — Dear Sir: 

Thinking you might probably be pleased to hear from us, I therefore send you a few lines, stating our situation.

This regiment, the 6th, is composed of 10 companies of 78 men each. You are aware, I suppose, that I enlisted under Capt. Tower’s command, but having more than the requisite number, we were formed under command of Capt. Daniel Nagle, with Col. D. P. Brown, 1st Lieut., and your humble servant the 2d. 

We have been stationed here since Tuesday noon. Capt. Tower’s Company, and the Port Clinton Company, were dispatched last night at 12 o’clock, to Perryville. The regiment has been quartered in the Baltimore depot until this afternoon, when we were removed into a large tent belonging to the Young Men’s Christian Association, which was fitted up for our use. 

Historical illustration of a campsite with large tents and figures in period clothing, depicting a gathering outdoors.
Tents like these were set up by the YMCA

The men all seem to be very well satisfied, and in good spirits. Yesterday quite a serious accident occurred. Wallace Cake, in a fit, stabbed one of our men by the name of Henry Winters, but I hope not seriously, as he has been sent to the hospital. 

If you desire it I will keep you posted up with the doings of our Regiment, whenever an opportunity occurs, which so far has been very seldom. 

A vintage illustration of a two-story wooden house with a porch, surrounded by trees.
Railroad station at Perryville, MD during the Civil War era

We expect to be equipped before we leave here. It is almost impossible to form a word, on account of the noise and confusion caused by about 800 men around me, and you can judge for yourself how I am situated.

Historical illustration of a military parade with marching soldiers, flags, and a building displaying a sign for 'Union Volunteer Refreshments' in a town square.
Soldiers near the depot of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad in the spring of 1861

Please excuse mistakes, and also the liberty which I take in writing to you and oblige.

Yours truly, W. W. Potts.

Company D, 6th Regiment, Penna. Volunteers.

We will always be happy to hear from Lieut. Potts, whenever convenient to write. — [Eds. Jour.

Read the previous letter from the Letters from War: 1861 series.

This is part of an ongoing series called “Letters from War: 1861” that will share correspondence written on the front lines during the turbulent first year of the Civil War.

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