1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Estate report] [incomplete]

Discusses the will of the parents of Lucy Knox and Hannah Urquhart Harwood, as Knox and Hannah are listed as its executors. Writes about debts and who has the rights to what. Date previously inferred, written in pencil.

GLC02437.10430

12 January 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he has not slept because of the rain. He states that the troops are without shelter and that the mud in the camp is up to his knees. Notes that there are rumors about the army returning to Washington, D.C. in a few days. Explains to his wife that if he does indeed go to Washington, D.C. she should come to visit him there and bring their baby. If the army does not go to Washington, D.C. he will try to obtain a leave of absence. Writes that a rebel deserter surrendered to him while he was on picket duty. The deserter told him that the Confederate army is now on half-…

GLC03523.13.074

20 April 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister [Ella]

Reprimands his sister for not answering all his letters and tells her that composition is a very important part of her education. Asks his sister to remember him to a certain Mollie M. whom he feels would make an interesting correspondent for him. Reports that his captain is suffering from boils and is unfit for duty but will be fine in a few days. Also reports that the Merrimac has not reappeared and that the troops at Newport News have been sent on to Yorktown. Wishes that the Merrimac were out of the way so that the Monitor could get to Yorktown and McClellan could storm the rebel…

GLC02016.012

30 April 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister [Kate]

Commends her on her improvement in school under a new teacher. Feels strongly about having his sister properly educated and encourages her to persevere in her studies. Writes that no furloughs for illness or business are being granted for the men in his division. Anticipates a third appearance from the Merrimac when the weather improves. Reports that the steamer Vanderbilt will cooperate with the Monitor to capture the Merrimac and that he will remain at camp until the Merrimac is taken. Complains of the contents of his sister Ella's letters stating that, "there is nothing worth reading…

GLC02016.013

25 May 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. Reports that Suffolk, Virginia is not occupied by the troops yet. The Gosport Navy Yard has been destroyed except for some walls that are still standing. States that the women are becoming more accustomed to the sight of "Yankee soldier boys." Writes that the residents of Norfolk are stronger secessionists than those of Portsmouth. Reports of rumors that Richmond has been captured with 20,000 prisoners. Complains of inaccessibility to news mostly due to General Wool's prohibition of newspapers. Includes instructions to destroy the letter.

GLC02016.015

30 May 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes from camp near Portsmouth, Virginia. Reports that camp has moved from [Gosport Navy Yard] and complains of the condition of the grounds upon arrival. Discusses the number of Confederate prisoners that are being taken and their willingness to take an oath of allegiance to the national government. Describes the prisoners as "ragged, dirty, and half starved" and states that "their appearance is well calculated to draw forth the sympathy rather than the hatred of the well clad Union soldier." Comments on the girls of the village near the camp and points out that the village as a whole…

GLC02016.016

11 July 1862

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that he has arrived safely and is in good health. Complains of the dullness of recruiting and wishes that he were stationed in a place where he could be more useful. States that he is disappointed in the size of the village and that he has not visited any place of public interest. Writes that the women of the village are not attractive: " Eve must either have been a very homely woman or else the ladies of this place have partaken greatly of her fall, and have a woeful deficiency to account for." Asks his aunt to send him…

GLC02016.021

22 March 1800

Manuscript document

Title: [Bill of exchange]

Bill of exchange to pay Martha Street $200. Noted as written at Norfolk, state unknown.

GLC02437.08765

10 August 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Complains about the excessive heat and comments on the health of the soldiers. States that the men in New Bern are healthy, but those in Washington, Roanoke, and Plymouth have got chills and fever. Discusses his recent attack of fever, for which he took quinine. Writes that there has been no mail going north for the last ten days, which is why his sister hasn't received any correspondence from him. Reports that a colored regiment had just arrived, but doesn't know where they came from. He is very anxious to hear reports from General Meade's army. Jokingly mentions all the parties that…

GLC02016.035

24 February 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife of the bad weather they have had recently. Thinks that many of the men would stay here but it does not feel like home to him. One of the regiment's captains has resigned and gone home. States that he will not use any of his political connection to gain a promotion. Expresses his desire to move to Oregon because the weather is warmer and there is land available. Thinks there is a chance that California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and New Mexico might create a new Confederacy. Writes of his determination to move to Oregon.

GLC03523.13.082

26 September 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Describes riding on the steamer Thos. Collyer and the pleasure of feeling a cool breeze after being in the hot and dirty streets of New Berne. Also wishes that his Aunt and sister Anna could be with him. Reports of rumors that Longstreet is going to attack New Bern. Feels that Longstreet will be no more successful than A.P. Hill. Believes that if any activity occurs, it will be in Wilmington. Hopes that the Army of the Potomac gets some action during the current good weather. Reports that the health of the company is slowly…

GLC02016.041

21 January 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He writes to his wife that he is sorry he has not sent more money home. States that the country is "hard up for money" and therefore cannot send as much as he would like or as much as she deserves. Comments that he asks no one to watch his wife. He will try and come home after the next battle. Writes that he wishes her to send more letters and notes. States that 17 days have passed since he has received her last letter. Comments that he will be paid soon and try to take a leave of absence. If not, he will resign in order to settle his affairs. In the second letter he writes that there is to…

GLC03523.13.075

26 January 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he has recently sent her several letters and has also sent his sister, Wink, a letter. States that he was unable to get a leave of absence and has been thinking about resigning. However, the army will not let him resign. Comments that he would like her to come and visit him but he is unsure if the army will move again. He then writes that he could have Eel come with her and that he might be able to find a place for Eel as well. Writes that he will send her some money soon.

GLC03523.13.076

3 February 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He writes to his wife that he has not heard from her in two weeks. He wonders if she is sick and sends her 40 dollars, all of the pay he received. He also sends her a picture of himself. Writes that he asked for a leave of absence and was denied. Explains that he has made up his mind and if he is not granted a leave soon he will resign and come home for good. Ends the letter stating that he is mad because he has not heard from her or Eel.

GLC03523.13.077

6 February 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he is greatly relieved to hear from her as it has been over two weeks since her last letter. States that they have just received orders to march to North Carolina. There they are to reinforce General John G. Foster. He has sent in his request for a leave of absence but thinks it will be rejected. Shortly after he sent his request orders were given that two officers were allowed to go home. He reports that there are so many requests he does not stand a chance. Notes that some of the men are too sick to report for duty. He states that there are about 250 men fit for duty…

GLC03523.13.078

8 February 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that much of his division has left for North Carolina and the remaining troops are preparing to depart. He thinks that the move to North Carolina will be a good one as they have stayed in Virginia for too long. Reports that the army has great confidence in General Joseph Hooker. He writes that Hooker has "the agility of two [General George] McCllelans the sagacity of two [General Ambrose] Burnsides and the bravery of a [General Philip] Kearney." Explains that Hooker will have his men fight to the very death and those who do not fight will be removed from the army. Reports…

GLC03523.13.079

14-15 February 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written to his wife while on board the steamer Georgia. Explains that they will first go to Newport News, Virginia and then on to North Carolina. Comments on what he can see on the ocean and relates this to life. Writes about the horrors of war and how he longs to be with his wife. He wonders how people will treat the troops once the war is over. Writes his wife again once they have landed at Newport News, Virginia. Notes that it is a pleasant place and that he has received three letters from her.

GLC03523.13.080

21 February 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife about the army establishing a new camp at Newport News, Virginia. States that he has set up his tent and the army has erected a small house along the bank of the James River. He thinks that this place is the best encampment they have ever had. Explains that he does not agree with the reasons she and his mother state for him to resign. Writes that if the government is being destroyed then it is his responsibility to defend it. He thinks that there will be two great battles soon, one at Vicksburg, Mississippi and another at Charleston, South Carolina. Notes that it has been…

GLC03523.13.081

4 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he is not feeling very well. States that he would give anything to see her and their baby. One of the lieutenants in his regiment is heading home and will try to get his and Frederick Wilkinson's pay from Washington, D.C. He will then send some of the pay to her. Expresses his desire for her to come and visit him. He even thinks that she will "enjoy the journey very much." Notes that if his wife wants silk he can get some good silk for one dollar a yard. Writes that he has received Eel's letter. States that the weather is "very changeable" and differs greatly from day…

GLC03523.13.083

22 September 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Sarcastically informs his sister that he has stopped writing weekly letters because his sisters never reply. Is happy that his sister has decided to attend school and advises against reading "wishy-washy" novels, which do not enlighten people or make them wise. Was surprised to hear that N.F. Lightner, Esq. had joined the Grand Army of the Union. Reports that Grant is receiving reinforcements daily and in large numbers. Recounts a brief interaction between a Confederate and a Union soldier regarding some stray cattle. Reports that there is no news from the Army of the James.

GLC02016.058

23 December 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

Reports that a large portion of the Army of the James has gone to sea, but he remains on land. Writes that he received a letter from Miss Lee informing him of the yellow fever epidemic that killed Painter's roommate and many others. Has issued an order to the company to have tents decorated with spruce for Christmas.

GLC02016.071

8 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to the Provost-Marshall of Baltimore City

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Newport News, Virginia to the Provost Marshall in Baltimore, Maryland. Formal request for his wife Amanda to visit him at the regiment's camp near Newport News, Virginia.

GLC03523.13.084

9 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he is discouraged to hear of all the troubles at home. He comments that his grandfather has worked hard and that it is up to the younger generation to make sure he has all of his wants supplied. States that he is saddened by the fact that their baby is sick. Tells his wife that he has arranged for her to visit him at the camp. He believes that the journey and change of climate will help her with her health. Instructs her to leave the baby with his mother. Writes about the "grand sights" she will see at the camp. He lists some of the people they know from Michigan who…

GLC03523.13.085

15 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He writes to his wife that he has just returned from picket to read her letter. Is happy that both her and their baby are feeling better. Writes that he is sad his grandfather's health is failing so fast. Expresses his sympathies for his grandfather and grandmother. States that he hopes she has received the money he has sent and she should use it to pay for the trip to visit him. Comments that he places his faith in God concerning his return home and any battles to come. He is preparing a tent for her and will try to make her visit as comfortable as possible. Captain Smith's family has…

GLC03523.13.086

18 March 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he has submitted a recommendation for her visit and she is to pick it up in Baltimore, Maryland. Gives her specific instructions where to go in Detroit, Michigan and Baltimore, Maryland. Instructs her to bring her trunk with anything that will make her comfortable. Asks her to bring a few articles of clothing for him. Location inferred.

GLC03523.13.087