James K. Helms had been a dentist in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania as the Civil War broke out and he joined the effort to save the Union.

By June 1861, the 20-year-old was marching through the summer heat with Company D of the 6th Pennsylvania Infantry, part of General Robert Patterson’s Army of the Shenandoah pushing south toward the Potomac River.

Writing to the Miners’ Journal in Pottsville from Falling Waters, Virginia, he signed his letter only with his initials – J.K.H. – and left behind one of the more vivid dispatches in the series so far.

Helms traced the regiment’s march from Chambersburg down the Cumberland Valley, through Greencastle and across the Maryland line to Williamsport on the Potomac. Civilians on both sides of the state border lined the road with water for the passing troops. The army needed it, as the summer heat was punishing and the men were moving fast.

At Williamsport, secessionists had destroyed the ferry. With no bridge and no boat, Patterson’s entire army waded across the wide river on foot, baggage wagons and artillery batteries pulled by six horses apiece, regiment after regiment pushing through the current.

Helms watched the whole scene and found it worth describing for readers back home in the Coal Region.

They were now on Confederate soil, chasing rebel scouts who had fled at the army’s approach and preparing to meet the enemy face-to-face.

From the Miners’ Journal, June 22, 1861:

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Letters from Our Volunteers

Letter from a Nagle Guard

Falling Waters, 

June 17, 1861

MR. EDITOR – 

Having so many friends that I should write to in Schuylkill County, I thought a few words to your paper would answer the same purpose, and save the time. 

We left Chambersburg, Friday, June 7th, and after a long and tiresome march through the oppressive heat of the sun, we arrived at Green Castle about 6 o’clock. The citizens of the place were very kind to us, our camp being daily filled with spectators, loyal and true to our Flag. 

We remained at this place until Saturday, June 15th, when we took up our line of march for Maryland. I think the troops marched much better than before, which plainly shows that we are getting used to the hardships of a soldier’s life. 

The citizens were kind to us and had water in readiness at every dwelling that we passed to quench the thirst of those who were marching in defense of their country. At 3 o’clock we entered the loyal town of Williamsport [Maryland], where we encamped for the night to take a good rest for the next day’s march. 

The Secessionists of Virginia destroyed the ferry boat at this place, and it became necessary for us to march through the water. The Potomac is very wide at this point, and it took us till 5 o’clock before all had crossed. It really was a curiosity to see so many troops cross a river without the assistance of a bridge or a boat. 

The baggage wagons and batteries had six horses attached to them and we are now on Virginia soil, where rebel scouts were encamped but a few days before, but on hearing of our approach, they fled like cowards – which they undoubtedly are.

We are encamped at present in a field near Falling Waters, Berkeley County, Va., about one mile from the Potomac River. The people are now returning to their homes, considering themselves safe when there are U.S. troops about. They are now displaying the Stars and Stripes, and are willing to fight for it, if it must be. 

Berkeley County is for the Union, but the rebel troops arriving here prevented them from expressing themselves. There was some few secessionists residing in this vicinity but they immediately fled on our arrival. 

One man left here last night, leaving his slaves and everything behind. The poor fellow was frightened, as he thought Schuylkill County would get a hand on him. 

By an alarm this morning, we were all called to arms, but it proved unfounded. 

The members of our company are doing well under their able and efficient commander, Captain [Daniel] Nagle. He, with the assistance of the other officers, endeavor to make us as comfortable as possible. Our uniforms might be somewhat better, but Col. [James] Nagle does all in his power to equip us like soldiers. 

I think our Colonel is not to be surpassed, for he is beloved by every officer and private in the regiment. As we are about to march, I must close by remaining. 

Yours, &c., 

J.K.H.

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

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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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