Collection Search

Collection of Julius M. Swain [decimalized]

Describes activities of B company, 39th regiment, Massachusetts infantry. Includes 12 letters, mostly to family members, describing his war responsibilities, his surroundings, and other issues. Includes description of events following the defeat of...

GLC00653.10

to Frank

Julius Marshall Swain wants to renew their friendship and tries to report latest activity of several people. The letter is written on patriotic letterhead for Rockland Bank.

GLC00653.10.01

to Elizabeth Swain

Describes his war responsibilities to draw and issue supplies. He oversees the brigade team, wagons, blacksmiths, carpenters, and saddlers. He refers to food and clothing sent him by his family.

GLC00653.10.02

to his sister

Julius Marshall Swain reports his troop's movements and his hope for a winter camp soon. He was temporarily appointed commanding brigade quartermaster and oversees the provision of clothing and horse feed, as well as supervision of teamsters...

GLC00653.10.03

to his sister

Julius Marshall Swain describes the financial situation. He has been burning log cabins in the vicinity: "the citizens are about sick of soldiers and I can't blame them for that for fences suffer dreadfully and always will where seasoned wood is...

GLC00653.10.04

to his sister

Comments on the horrible wind and is grateful to be an officer at HQ where the tents are much more sturdy and pleasant. Describes the political relationships among commanders and his lack of hope for promotion or distinction.

GLC00653.10.05

to Horace

Written to his son Horace, from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. Encourages him to study well and be good. Lists several maxims to live by, and encourages him not to smoke.

GLC00653.10.06

to his mother

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He is anxious to take the right classes and pass his exam to prove his worthiness to receive a good commission. He recognizes that his family at home is opposed "to my joining a negro regiment," but is...

GLC00653.10.07

to Joel

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He describes his efforts to follow orders even in adverse conditions. He includes a copy of an order from Captain Nicodemus. He has been transferred several times, and complies in hopes for promotion. He...

GLC00653.10.08

to his sister

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He reports his past military activity. He met the victorious army at Frederick returning from Gettysburg. "The failure to capture or drown a large portion of Lee's army has been I think a real & serious...

GLC00653.10.09

to his sister

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He expresses disappointment in her son, Charlie, for enlisting and not following the wishes of his mother.

GLC00653.10.10

to his sister

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He encourages his sister to influence her son, Charlie, to make the right decisions about fighting. He promises to care for her.

GLC00653.10.11

to his sister

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He defends Charlie's enlistment and takes partial responsibility for him, but criticizes Charlie's propensity for rich living.

GLC00653.10.12