Archibald Livingston

Compiled by: Dot Jean Jones, Tallahassee, Florida April 15, 1994

Archibald Livingston of Madison, Florida was 25 years old in May of 1862 when he joined Company G, 3rd Florida Infantry, Army of the Confederate States of America. Two of his brothers, Albert and Theodore were in the same Company. As soon as the company assembled in Madison, they marched to Midway, Florida just west of Tallahassee, to join with other companies of the regiment brought together from different localities of the state. The 3rd Regiment remained in camp at Midway for three weeks, marched to the Chattahoochee River, went by steamers to Columbus, Georgia, then by rail to Montgomery, Alabama. After a short time in the Alabama capital, the Regiment moved to Mobile, where they remained on guard duty until they were ordered to Tennessee.

    The first six months of 1862 had not gone well with the Confederacy in the west. At first the strategy was to protect the Mississippi Valley, but that was abandoned after the Confederates lost the battle of Shiloh, Mississippi in April. The tremendous losses of men in this battle demonstrated to the north the confederacy's depth of commitment to independence and precipitated in the South's deployment of all available forces to the Army of Northern Virginia in the east and the Army of Tennessee in the west. The 3rd Florida Regiment, including Company G with the Livingston boys, was ordered to Tennessee to join General Bragg's Army.

    The 3rd Florida left Mobile by rail for Chattanooga and during the month of August, 1862 camped at the foot of Lookout Mountain. They marched to the beautiful Sequatchee Valley and after a few days there crossed the Cumberland Mountains. The Army of Tennessee moved into Kentucky and on October 8th suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Perryville, the first battle of the war for the Livingston's of Madison.

    Theodore describes the Perryville engagement  as he and Archibald (Archie) experienced it, in a letter to his parents dated October 27, 1862:

    You cannot imagine what joy, that we have once more found an opportunity to let you all know that your sons in the Army of Mississippi are still alive and enjoying a soldiers life as well as could be expected. Since we last wrote you, we have been marching miles and miles and went through one of the greatest battles that shall be recorded in the History of this War. On the 8th we had an engagement with the Yankees, and as usual routed them about right, but at the same time they have gave us particular ginger. Our regiment went in the engagement with 271 men and lost, killed or wounded 101 men, so you can see how our Regiment suffered. Our Company lost 3 men killed and 6 or 7 men slightly wounded. Poor Tom Moseley, Lewellen Sessions and Gary West from Hamilton were the ones who were killed. We made 4 or 5 charges and the last and most desperate charge. Captain D. B. Bird, with a lot of his men were killed. Poor Tom Moseley was acting Sergeant Major, and when we first went in the engagement, fighting under the brow of the hill, was shot right above the forehead and died instantly. We went in the engagement about 1 o'clock and the firing never stopped until dark. After the battle I was detailed to go and carry the wounded off the field. And I can tell you of all the sights I ever saw it was there. Men were lying thick as they could every three or four steps, shot every way imaginable as we drove the Yankees off the field. Of course we had all their dead and nearly all their wounded. Poor fellows as I passed them some were dying and others begging for water and asking for their wounds to be bandaged. As I was on the field after the fight met Archie and him and I got some fellows and moved Tom Moseley's remains down side of Captain Bird's near a house, where the wounded were and where it would likely be buried. But we left next morning with all our forces and the dead were left on the field, and whether the Yankees buried our dead or not we don't know. Archie is very busy  and if he has time will write.

    On the 27th of October, 1862, Archie wrote his mother from Knoxville:

    Major Mashburn or Lieutenant Dunbar will hand this to you as both expect a furlough to go to Florida. If you meet them they can give you all the particulars of your sons and of Madison boys generally. Albert, Theodore and myself are now quiet well and I can say for myself that the further I marched the more robust I got. Yesterday a snow storm commenced and lasted until this morning, which found many, many soldiers entirely unprepared for the occasion. Numbers were without shoes and blankets,  and only clothed by a shirt and pair of pants of thin material and even unprotected by a tent or tent fly. I can tell you, dear mother that many soldiers suffer more than our wealthy and comfortable families know or can realize. Before the march, if any could have told me that men could live on half rations of beef and bread as long as this army have done and undergone such fatigue, I could not have believed it. We have shared this too, because we could not buy, but are still cheerful and ready to persevere longer for Confederate freedom and independence. Please see Mr. and Mrs. Moseley and say that I have his sword, purse, etc. that were found in his pockets.

    By May of 1863 Federal forces under Grant and Sherman were surrounding the important Mississippi River port of Vicksburg, and units of Bragg's forces in Tennessee were moved to Mississippi to reinforce Confederate troops there. Theodore, in the mean time had been detached from the 3rd Florida Infantry to serve as steward in a hospital in Atlanta. When the 3rd passed through Atlanta on the way to Mississippi, Theodore wrote this account to his mother:

    Archie came to see me soon as he arrived in the city and I went with him and saw all the boys. The fellows looked lively and full of fun, and when the 4th Fla. band commenced to playing, the first impulse that struck me was to get ready and go. But Archie, who always practices the part of prudence and wisdom, advised me to stay where I am. I of course agreed and pretended to be satisfied, for I like to please Archie. He is a noble boy and a good brother and son, and I would look to him next to you and father for advice. I now remember well how you have always pointed him to we younger children as an example, for he is one of the most courteous and polite of friends and affectionate of brothers and sons. The boys made a great noise as they were going out of town, the last I saw of Archie, Waring and Warren, they were standing on the cars with their hats off and shouting all sorts of fashions.

    The 3rd Florida fought in the Battle of Big Black River, May 17, 1863, on the road between Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi. It was a disaster for the Confederates and on May 31st Archie hastily wrote Theodore:

    The Company and entire brigade suffered immensely and accomplished nothing. A great number of the 1st and 3rd are killed, wounded and missing.

    Archie had very decided political opinions. He expressed some of these to his brother-in-law , Enoch Vann who had been elected to the Florida Legislature, in a letter dated November 6th, 1863. He was now back in Tennessee. He cautioned  Enoch and Margaret, his sister that the letter was for their eyes only.

    Our position ( General John C. Breckinridge's Division) is altered farther to the left and nearer Lookout Mountain. We are better pleased than before, for there (Missionary Ridge) was so steep that our fires, cooking utensils, wood, etc. would roll so much that it was uncertain how long anything would stay with you when you put it down. The enemy are making decided demonstrations towards driving our forces from Lookout, if they can do this, they will then possess the Rail Road to Bridgeport and take from General Bragg a position  that could be held indefinitely, provided no flank movement of our numerous enemy is allowed. We often wish that a General Beauregard, Johnston or Longstreet was in command of this army. Whether they would accomplish more than General Bragg has, is a matter that is to be tried. However, it is a known fact that the troops of this command have not that entire confidence in General Bragg that they should, and it is now thought by many that the victory was not so complete as it might have been if the battle of Chickamauga had been fought and won by either of these Generals. The president seems to yet sustain General Bragg, and pronounces him a competent military leader.

    In assuring Enoch that he was not to be discomfited because he was not in the army (elected officials of local government were exempt from duty) and that good men were needed to direct civil affairs at home, Archie wrote:

    Let the "Fire-eaters" come in and comply with their pledge. There are men in Madison County who pledged their lives, fortune and honor for a successful effort at secession. Have they carried out their promise faithfully? Ex-Gov. Brown says not. The letter of this good old man is a gem and I wish that men who were so anxious to see rebellion would do as near their duty as this patriot. Where is           ,             ,              , and others of their stamp with fortune? Are they in the field of practical service, exposing their lives, fortunes and honor? God grant that the soldier may recollect them and all others of their stamp when the sweet day of peace shall arrive. These troubles are upon our country and for one I am here and expect to do my duty. If our country is to be saved, it will be the work of good men, men who acted no conspicuous part in bring on the troubles, and the battles (will be) fought and won principally by men of limited means> I am afraid you will think me fault finding, and not admire such an expression of ideas. I can, however, assure you, dear Enoch, that if you were with us around the campfires you would hear just such as I have written. These men that were very enthusiastic upon this matter in the beginning, and the wealth of the country too, are not doing their duty square up in the field of  hardship and available service.

Archie was promoted to 1st Sergeant soon after enlistment, and when it appeared the Company would need to elect new officers, Theodore wrote his sisters a letter dated November 24, 1863, from the hospital in Atlanta:

    Bill Philips, who is here sick, says Archie is as fit as a buck, and stands Camp life better than anyone in the Company. Everyone I see from the Regiment says that Archie is the main stay of the Company, that he is Captain and Sergeant and everything. Bill says that if a vacancy occurs, Warning, McLeod and Archie will run. He thinks Archie could beat either one, but I don't think William knows anything about it for neither Warren (McLeod) or Archie would run against each other.

    At the end of the year in 1863 Archie and the 3rd Florida were in winter quarters near Dalton, Georgia. Vicksburg had fallen, Chattanooga had been evacuated, General Bragg had resigned and  the Confederate forces were poised in North Georgia before the long eight-months battle to save Atlanta. Archie seems discouraged with the progress of the war and hopes for peace. He wrote to his sister Margaret Vann:

    Christmas passed off very much like any other day, save that cousin John and I indulged in a drink of warm whisky punch. Directly after roll call on that morning I was called for at his cabin, when we drank to the health of our family at home. At night, in our cabin (my mess) with cousin John a like occurrence took place. Ever since my box came I have lived finely. The bacon was a valuable present. Dear sister, it is almost impossible to believe that men would remain in service, under circumstances so trying. Rations are cut down to a mite scanty that it appears inadequate for rightful sustenance. Cornmeal and 3/4 Lb. poor green beef with an occasional ration of flour and sometimes a sprinkling of sugar and rice, is about what our troops are getting in this army. However, so far as I am concerned, the affectionate attention of those at home with generous presents from Theo in Atlanta places me beyond any difficulties that befalls so many of our brave troops. This very day a little box came from Theodore and his friend Wilson as a Christmas present which was highly valuable in camp. I tell you dear sister, that I an exceedingly fortunate, for so many of very good men, never receive even the welcome pleasure of a letter, to say nothing of getting anything prepared by the hands of those at their home. The sugar and syrup was delightful and so remarkably good for Florida manufacture. Cousin John is almost crazy about the candy. He begs that if another present is sent that his cousins Helen and Scotia send him some just like that, which I agree is very fine, and only ask that they place a few ground peas (peanuts) in mine. Of the box, by domestic economy, we have managed to keep some of everything yet. Cousin John, Jim Smith, Frank and my mess (Warren McLeod and Bill Rys)  have all feasted with many other friends. Enough of us, just send whatever is convenient. John Inglis, who is by me, remarks that a good cake would not be out of the way. Cousin John sends love and says he will write you and Enoch in a few days.

    Our regiment has nearly completed winter quarters. I am in a very good shanty with two good friends, Sergeant Rys and Warren McLeod. We have chimneys and comfortable bunks, and upon the whole, find our new cabin  dry, warm and comfortable. Cousin John has his cabin near by and is a first rate generous neighbor. We visit each other frequently, and find much pleasure in dining or tasting of one another's dishes, to see which mess excels in preparing the nicest food.

    This war is becoming exceedingly tiresome to our troops. How happy our Country would be if  an honorable peace could be effected. At least our soldiers would value so much the blessing of peace and society of those of their homes. The messages of the two presidents do not offer much ground for hope of peace.

    From Dalton, Cousin John (Captain John Livingston Inglis) wrote to Enoch and Margaret Van January 14, 1864:

    Cousin Archie is well, fat, hearty, popular, in good heart and spirits and looking better than I ever saw him. We are almost constantly together and many are the chats we have of you at home, and often the same foolish wish is repeated, in regard to the end of the war, "I wish I was at home" !

    On the 23rd of March Archie wrote to his father :

    Just now everything appears quiet wit us. Army reviews, Corps, Division and Brigade drills on hand. Hardee and Bates put us through Monday, and oh! so Shockingly cold.

    O the 27th of March cousin John wrote Enoch :

    We have all funded our old Confed: I had 10 dollars and treated Archie and myself to drink of whiskey, which we found was a very speedy and effective way.

    Spring had arrived by May and Archie's spirits  had improved. From Resaca on May 3rd, 1864, he wrote his mother:

    I am glad, dear Mother, to know that you have a good garden. Helen wrote me of green peas, radishes, etc. When this war is over I will be with you to share your comforts and pleasures. Until then always think of your soldier sons as engaged in a struggle sacred for it's purpose of freedom and a separation from a nation that has left nothing undone to make us a community of serfs, and on so many hard fought battle stained hills and valleys with the best blood of our country. I firmly believe now more than I ever did that victory is ours. Thus far of the spring campaign all engagements have resulted in our favor. It seems to one that our whole soldiery is re-invigorated.

    Archie and some others in the Brigade were seized with "chills and Fever" and spent several days in the hospital in Griffin, Georgia. He wrote to his sisters on 29th of May:

    The present campaign of the Army of Tennessee has been one of the severest I ever went through in my life. Night marching, maneuvering, and occasionally fighting, has almost used one up. For five consecutive nights Bates division marched in the rear, and most days would remain in line of battle supporting cavalry and occasionally take a fire at the advancing enemy. I left the regiment Wednesday morning two miles east of Dallas. Frank Moseley was quiet well, which mention to his family. I suppose they often hear from Billy as he is in the rear with wagons and have opportunities for writing and mailing. The artillery firing at the two days fight at Resaca was the most terrific I ever witnessed. The 1st and 3rd was 10 paces in the rear of the rifle pits, as a reserve, but suffered as much as the balance of the brigade. We were exposed to an enfilading fire both from artillery and sharp shooters. It was at this point poor William Rys was killed. We retired over much good country. The big battle will be fought some of these days on the line of the Chattahoochee, that is if Sherman  will fight and stop his movement on the right flank. Every time Johnston confronts him, Sherman marches his army to the right.

    By May 1864, Joe Johnston had been removed and command of the Army of Tennessee place under General John B. Hood. Atlanta fell to Sherman who took off for the coast of Georgia. Hood led his Confederates South and West of Atlanta, then up the railroad corridor between Atlanta and Dalton, so recently lost to Sherman. Hood planned to invade Tennessee. On the 15th of October, 1864, Archie wrote his brother Charles from Villanow Georgia:

    Hearing of an opportunity that may occur for mailing a letter I wish this to be in readiness. We are now in front (towards the Tennessee) of "Rockyface Ridge", the point at which the two contending armies opened the campaign on the 7th day of last May. We have fared scantily at times for rations and the marching has been rapid and long indeed. Thus far everything has worked admirably. The spirit of the troops was never better. No straggling at all. General Beauregard was with us the other day, and whenever he approached, the troops cheered and applauded his presence. We march fro daily light to dark, making sometimes 15 to 20 miles per day.

    By the time Archie wrote to his sisters from Florence, Alabama on 15th November, 1864, an unusually cold winter began in North Georgia and Alabama, and in Tennessee:

    Since writing father and Albert, on Thursday last, we have crossed the Tennessee River. The passage in the pontoons was a grand sight, infantry in long columns, artillery, immense wagon trains, cavalry, droves of beef cattle and etc., all to be seen from a lofty rock overlooking the river, presented a picture truly interesting and imposing. The Tennessee, where the pontoons are bearing up the plank, is half mile wide. Florence is a pretty place, and seems to have been a manufacturing town, cotton mills and etc., but like every point in this region has the mark of the presence of our destructive foe. A forward move into Tennessee is now the word. "Onward" it is said by our leaders, march to the northward accompanied by action. The season is late. Winter and falling weather will soon be here, when operations must necessarily cease. The troops all need clothing, shoes and blankets, they they appear ready for any move that will increase our supplies, enlarge the ranks, or better our cause. Suffering and hardship is before this army on account of the inclement season and scarcity of necessary supplies of every description for the better protection and  comfort of the troops.

    Still in Florence, Alabama, Archie wrote Margaret Vann on November 20th:

    This morning I was awaked by a neighboring regiments band discoursing "Home Sweet Home". For a few moments my mind was saddened and my thoughts wandered in the direction of home and family, something that has occupied so much of my reflection in the past three months. My health is good, in fact, I am peculiarly blessed  with strength and good spirits. So many are not similarly blessed and suffer from day to day.

    Often I think of you and wish that the day should soon come when our armies shall be enabled to return to their friends and families, having achieved an honorable peace and Southern independence. Will not that be a glorious day? Providence, in his mercy may yet bless us and that should be the hope and petition of every soul of our afflicted country.

    We have been expecting to go forward into Tennessee every day for the past 10 days. At present we have encamped on the north side of the Tennessee river near Florence, about seven miles south of Tennessee line. The roads are in miserable order, and unless the present falling weather ceases, our march must necessarily be slow until we strike the pikes. Our army hopes to accomplish much, but time and events will only develop its results.

    Tell Mother I arranged to have a pair of very indifferent (shoes resoled) yesterday afternoon, and am now fixed until my better shoes come. I was almost barefoot and have suffered some from the cold and wind. Many of the army are yet unshod. I don't know how they stand the cold and marching. My condition was painful enough. Yesterday we drew ration of flour, but without bacon or soda could not relish it so well had we been furnished with those additions.

    Archie was captured during the Battle of Nashville, December 16th, 1864, and write a letter home on January 20th, 1865, from the U.S. prison at Camp Chase, Ohio.

    Many times since I was made a prisoner over a month ago, have I intended writing home, but was not informed of the manner of doing so. I am in pretty fair health. Frigid and at all times freezing weather here is severe upon the Florida prisoners. The barracks are close enough, though crowded. There is considerable want for clothing and blankets.

    Lieutenant John Chana died two  weeks ago of pneumonia. I did not get to see him, he being in hospital at the time I came 6th instant. Joe Irvin (Co. B) also died of the same disease a few days ago. Will Coffee is here, and well. He is a cripple for life, his right wounded leg being shorter than the other. Will is yet compelled to use crutches, though he thinks he can walk without them for a while. Don't fail to let his mother know of this. J.R. Davis, Jack Welch are here and quiet well. Thomas O'steen (Co. G) was wounded and left in Nashville. I don't know where Captain Inglis and other officers were sent, and haven't seen or heard of them since the evening we were captured. We have rumors of exchange. Oh! I earnestly hope such an event may soon occur. The day I am passed from imprisonment to the land of my home will be one of heartfelt joy. We hear sometimes that our government and friends will be permitted to send us clothing as I know you will embrace the first opportunity. Tell Mother I am not forgetting my Heavenly Father and Bible.

    From camp Chase Archie wrote to Mr. S.J. Miller of Goshen, New York. Mr. Miller was one of his fathers business connections. The letter is dated April 17th, 1865

    You cannot imagine how glad I am to have a friend this side of the lines who I can communicate with, and one that I know will willingly aid me in my restricted and very unhappy circumstances. I need clothing. Will you send me a suit complete? Coat, vest and pants alike. 1 black felt hat No.7. 1 pair shoes No.5, to come above the ankles, tipped toes and stout soles. 2 shirts-silk and woolen texture, 2 cotton under shirts, 2 pair drawers not knit, 2 pair C socks and one silk scarf. You may think me extravagant. Don't believe that though, Mr. Miller, for I need clothing and I believe you will select and send me a nice suit, such as you know I would like to wear home. It is unnecessary for me to add that you will be compensated at the earliest practical moment. This war cannot last long--yes, I feel that an end is not far off.

    As anxious as Archie was to get home, he refused to take the oath of allegiance to the United States which was required by the Union before the release of a prisoner. His brother Theodore wrote him on May 22nd, 1865:

    All the 3rd Fla. and in fact all the Confederate Army are home now. Frank and Billy, Warren and all of Co. G are home from the wars for good. Now that we are overpowered and no longer a Confederacy, it is the duty of every man to obey the powers that be, and if it is required for you to take the oath, I would not hesitate in the least. For since your duty has been done and your record clean, it is not your fault that we are subjugated, and nothing would be compromised by taking the oath.

    Archie took the oath and was released June 12, 1865

    Archie was home when his father was elected a delegate to the ill-fated Florida Constitutional Convention of 1865, and was at his father's bedside when he died in July of 1866.

    In August of 1866 Archie entered into a partnership with cousins S.B. Thomas and Andrew Inglis to build and operate a sawmill. Later he became a "commission merchant" , i.e., a merchant who furnished a farmer or sharecropper seed, fertilizer, and supplies on credit, then brokered the harvested crops by selling to the markets in Savannah, Atlanta, Mobile and New Orleans. The merchant, on collecting the money, paid off the farmers debt, keeping a commission for himself on the sale of the produce. It was the only banking system in the rural South from reconstruction to the end of the century. "Mr. Arch", it was said carried the bank of Madison around in his hip pocket. In the early 1900's he did organize his operation into a formal bank, the Citizens Bank of Madison, which later was a casualty of the Great Depression.

    Archie married Miss Frances Webb of Madison. They had two children, a little girl who died in infancy and a son, Archibald Livingston, Jr. Later they adopted Archie's niece, Henrietta Lipscomb, daughter of his younger sister, America. Their home was located on the present site of the post office in Madison on Pinckney Street, and his various business enterprises were on Range Street, one block west of his home.

    Archie was loyal to the Confederacy and the South all of his life. He considered the Confederate veterans his brotherhood, and was active in efforts to improve their lot and that of their widows. When John Vinzant, Jr. (1st Florida Cavalry, Co. A) of Lake City died in 1907, Archie wired his widow " Another noble Confederate soldier departed. Our deepest sympathy."  Nine years later Archie, one of the noble ones, departed in April of 1916.