Paddy Owen's Regulars UPDATE
LETTERS
Vol I page 53 (Bottom of Page)  Colonel Owen also addressed the rumor about the fights near Baltimore. He sent a letter that was printed in  the Irish American on August 31, 1861
with the attached notice:
                            
The 24th Pennsylvania Regiment
We have received a letter from Colonel J.T.Owen of the 24th Pennsylvania Regiment of Volunteer Militia which effectively disposes of the vile slander of the Baltimore Sun, to which we referred two weeks ago, and which our excellent Philadelphia Correspondents have already contradicted. The pressure on our space this week only allows us to give the conclusion of the gallant Colonel's epistle in which he pays a high tribute to the men under his command. It is as follows:
        Permit me to say in conclusion that a better set of men than those constituting the  Regiment which I have the honor to command have never taken the field; nor are there any more loyal and galiant men to be found than the sons of old Ireland.
With respect, I am yours truely,  JOSHUA OWEN
                           Philadelphia, August 15, 1861
Vol II  page 907    Private Moses Granlee in Company A would write his mother on September 30th 1864 from his tent on siege duty at Fort Davis. This veteran of every campaign since the beginning of the war would die in its final year and had heard rumors that he was being called a deserter back in Philadelphia.

                                                            Camp Near Petersburg
                                                            Sept. 30th / 64
Dear Mother
                    I take pleasure in answering your most kind and welcome letter bearing date Sept 10th in which I was very glad too see that you was enjoying good health. in return I am glad to say am enjoying the same good Blessing. let us thank god for his mercies. please excuse me for not riting sooner the reason was that I heard that you had moved and I didn't know where. I was very glad to hear from you to know where you live and that you live in a nice place. You rote about the money we were paid the other day and I sent some home to you. I suppose you will have it before this reaches you.
   I was glad to hear that John was doing well and hope he may continue so. Send me his dirsections in your next letter and the person who was so smart as to make me our a Deserter I hope you will find out whoit was. And I am very thankful to Mrs. Gibson for taking my part. if you find out who it was let me know and I will make itn all right with them when I get home. If I have the good luck you rote about
John's ring I have it myself.
    we have had some pretty hard times here of late fighting and marching from one place to another. The other night we were put on the front where we were doing picket duty. We are packed up at the present time and have been for two days. we expect an attack at any moment but so far nothing has happened, but the rebs give us some hard shelling. We expect to have a hard fight here pretty soon. I know of no other perticular news at present. I will close by sending my kind regards and best wishes you and all the family hoping you are all enjoying good health.
                 From your true and Effectionate Son
                                        Moses Granlee
Give my kind reagrds to Mr. Gibson and tell him to rite to me.
I wish you to go to Francou and tell him to git a pair of Boots made by the man that made the last ones for me. I will send the money for them.
Vol I  Page 502  (new fourth paragraph)    Sometime, after being paid, Private John Boyle in Compnay I would take time before breaking camp to have  a photograph taken to be sent to a female friend named Sallie back in Philadelphia. he sent it home with Captain Tinen's wife who was returning to Philadelphia. he enclosed the following letter to his mother with instructions. The likeness would no doubt become a cherished item as Private Boyle would die at Gettysburg in less than a month......

  Dear Mother
             I send  by Mrs. Tinen my likeness to Sallie. I have directed  it to your care and wish yu would give it to Ellen and she can deliver it privately. I am waiting for a letter from you everyday. I sent $30 home yesterday Adams Express.
                      I remain Your Affectionate Son
                                                              J.C. Boyle

More Letters from the lads