The Letters of Thomas Sumption Armstrong

Thomas Sumption 'Sump' Armstrong (1835-1909) enrolled in the Preparatory Department of Ohio Wesleyan University in 1859. He remained there for one term, opting to take on a teaching position in Brownsville the following Fall. In the short time he studied in Delaware, Ohio, he demonstrated his prevailing interest in Methodism, attending local revivals and ruminating on sermons led by Ohio Wesleyan's first President Edward Thomson. At the outset of the Civil War, Thomas enlisted with the 78th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and organized local recruiting activities with the Colonel Zachariah M. Chandler. He enlisted with Company B alongside George W. Porter and John W.A. Gillespie. Shortly before the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862, Thomas fell ill and was discharged from active duty. Upon his recovery, he would re-enlist with the 122nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Company I, with which he would remain. On June 15, 1863, he was captured at the second battle of Winchester and spent the remainder of the war in Confederate prisons. He was eventually exchanged and honorably discharged from the army in June 1865 with the rank of Captain. Thomas and Francis Porter wed shortly after his return home and Thomas resumed his teaching career while preparing for the ministry. They would have 4 children together: Edgar Stanley, Merrill Frederick, Olive Gibson, and May Marple. Thomas joined the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1873. He would hold several posts with the church, including circuit rider until his retirement in 1897.

Thomas's letters record his activities from his enrollment at Ohio Wesleyan University to the events following his discharge from the army in 1865.

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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
March 19, 1862; Crumps Landing, TN

Thomas says the men are improving in health and getting ready to move "somewhere" but rumors about enemy positions are prevalent.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
March 30, 1862; Crumps Landing, TN

Thomas writes of the challenges of military life and the provisions the regiment is afforded. He is not yet aware of Wilbur's death.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
April 17, 1862; Shiloh, TN

Thomas relays his thoughts on Wilbur's death and his own illness during the regiment's engagement in the Battle of Shiloh
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
April 21, 1862; Shiloh, TN

Due to his ongoing illness, Thomas is discharged from the military. He confides that his condition was worse than he described in his last letter but he has recovered.
Letter from Paymaster General's Office to Thomas S. Armstrong

Paymaster General's Office
April 22, 1862; Pittsburgh Landing, TN

Receipt ($28.25) for clothing and a summary of payment to Thomas certified by Captain Zachariah M. Chandler
Letter from Mortimer Leggett to Thomas S. Armstrong

Mortimer Leggett
May 01, 1862; Shiloh, TN

Thomas's discharge paper.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
May 21, 1862; Norwich, OH

At home due to his illness, Thomas asks Francis to visit soon.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
June 17, 1862; Claylick, OH

Thomas shares a drawing of Abram T. Hull's farm and a Bible verse.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
July 18, 1862; Zanesville, OH

Thomas came to the Normal school but is unable to attend because of his illness.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
August 03, 1862; Putnam, OH

Thomas discusses the Normal school and teaching opportunities.
Letter from Governor David Tod to Thomas S. Armstrong

David Tod
August 10, 1862; Columbus, OH

Thomas is appointed to 2nd Lieutenant in the 122nd OVI.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
August 24, 1862; Norwich, OH

Thomas is recruiting around Norwich to stave off a draft. He expresses his frustration at the need for a draft and his intention to return to the field.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Armstrong Family

Thomas S. Armstrong
September 04, 1862; Camp Zanesville, OH

Thomas is in charge of camp while the Captain and 1st Lieutenant are recruiting.
Letter from Charles M. Cornyn to Thomas S. Armstrong

Charles M. Cornyn
October 08, 1862; Danville, VA

Thomas is promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the 122nd OVI.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Armstrong Family

Thomas S. Armstrong
October 26, 1862; Camp Union, VA

Thomas shares news about illness, looting of livestock, and the camp itself.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
November 06, 1862; Clarksburg, VA

Thomas laments returning to "the tented field again"; meeting a company that was at the battles of South Mountain and Antietam; posing for a painted photograph; supplies sent to Robert Hanson.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to William Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
November 07, 1862; Clarksburg, VA

Under orders, Thomas asks his father to contact a sutler in Zanesville to transport a cook to the camp
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
November 16, 1862; New Creek, VA

Now in New Creek, Thomas is back in the "tented field" and optimistic about the state of the war. His Regiment is bracing for a raid by Stonewall Jackson.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
November 26, 1862; New Creek, VA

Thomas's regiment has been moving frequently and "drilling considerably" along the way. He laments the casualties of the war so far. He requests supplies from home, including 20 pounds of butter, writing supplies and some boots.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to William Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
December 05, 1862; New Creek, VA

Thomas informs his father of recent military intel and an upcoming 'expedition' south.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to William Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
December 11, 1862; Petersburg, VA

Thomas asks for money so he can pay his commisary bill down and pay Lieutenant Black back. He enjoys soldiering, even though it is uncertain when he will be paid again.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Flavilla Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
December 12, 1862; Petersburg, VA

Thomas talks about the food preparation and other conditions in camp and replies to some of Flavilla updates from home.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
December 14, 1862; Petersburg, VA

Thomas says he would like to see Francis as soon as "Burnside whales the Rebels." He doubts that George is interested in marrying Meda .
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong

Thomas S. Armstrong
January 04, 1863; Winchester, VA

Thomas describes his regiment's recent activities, including march distances, meals, and interactions with citizens in Winchester.
Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter

Thomas S. Armstrong
January 05, 1863; Winchester, VA

Thomas recounts Christmas and New Year's Day , including a near-fatal reconnaissance trip.