Summer 2025 PD for K–12 teachers: Registration is now open!
to Mother
24 April 1864
Alden, William H., 1844-?
The weather is wonderful. He complains about his old horse and says he is a poor boy. He imagines he will make his fortune one day.
GLC02831.26
13 July 1864
They are now at Fort Rice and may stay there 10 days. He was not suprised to hear of Luisa's death. Written at Fort Rice
GLC02831.39
24 December 1864
They finally moved into winter quarters. Getting there was an ordeal and they all got sore. Fred died and they buried him with military honors.
GLC02831.43
9 March 1865
Everyone is getting sick and he is sitting up with one of the boys tonight. He thinks there will be an expedition against the Indians in the summer.He mentions Hattie and Norton.
GLC02831.44
7 August 1863
The weather has been lousy. He asks her to subscribe to a good illustrated paper and send it to him.
GLC02831.08
31 October 1863
There was a terrible storm and a lot of their stock died. One man's tent blew away and he nearly froze to death. They came upon 700 Indians but did not attack. Instead they waited for reinforcements.
GLC02831.10
18 March 1864
They've been told they'll get 20 dollars a month now. But he is not sure if he believes it. The officers will get a pay cut so there is not such a big discrepancy between the privates' pay and the officers' pay.
GLC02831.21
20 May 1864
He gives her permission to use all the money he sends for Hattie's education.He hopes the war will end before he reenlists. Reading letters puts him in a good mood.
GLC02831.32
24 May 1864
They saw a few Indians which quickly dispersed. They rode and rode but they couldn't find any more Indians though they saw signs. Everything is beginning to look green again.
GLC02831.33
1864
He is back in Yankton. There are about a dozen white men and 400 Indians there. Not much is happening. They will be marching in a few days.
GLC02831.35
11 June 1864
He is busy rounding up some loose horses that got away. General supply went up day before yesterday. He is very healthy.
GLC02831.37
12 March 1865
Some of their horses died so they had to come 350 miles on foot. He spent his Christmas like any other day except he took a ride on his horse and had an oyster dinner.
GLC02831.45
9 November 1862
He describes his journey from the Cedar Rapids all the way down to Davenport. From the houses they stayed in to the boats they took. He likes camp life.
GLC02831.01
16 December 1863
They are now in the capital of Dakotah Territoty. He received a letter from E.M.S who says he is expecting a battle every day. The officers are sending for their wives.
GLC02831.12
February 12, 1864
He asks Louisa ro write to him because he wishes to have more correspondents. They have to haul their own hay and water. A mutual acquaintance started home and he expects him to see his mother while he is there.
GLC02831.16
10 March 1864
He is getting very tall. He has also been growing homesick. There was a snowstorm.
GLC02831.19
He thinks his mother should keep N. at school because it's better for him to have a good education than to work. A furlough is completely out of the question right now.
GLC02831.20
3 April 1864
He has been enjoying the papers he receives. He is trying to grow a mustache and beard. He plans to send her a gold pen for which the holder is broken.
GLC02831.25
19 May 1864
He complains about the mail and wishes it would run more regularly. He mentions Norton and Museatine.
GLC02831.30
10 June 1864
Tommorow they will march again. His mother thinks a certain lady is too old for him but he says now that he is taller it should be okay.
GLC02831.36
24 June 1864
He is sick and tired of everything. He doesn't even care where he is as long he has enough to eat. It has been really hot.
GLC02831.38
9 September 1864
There is an emigrant train 200 miles west of where they are that is surrounded by Indians. They have sent in for reinforcements. Drake is wounded. They have had two fights with the Indians so far. Written at Fort Rice.
GLC02831.40
2 October 1864
Drake died. The emigrant train was surrounded for 2 weeks and they sent out 1,000 men and 200 cavalry as reinforcements. 45 men escorted the emigrants through the Indian country. Written at Fort Rice
GLC02831.41
22 May 1865
He tells her not send a package because it will cost too much. The company is now healthy for the most part except for one man. He mentions Norton.
GLC02831.49
to Mother and Sister
6 June 1865
He says not to expect him home even though the war is pretty much over since he is involved in another arrangement. Includes separate note to his siter in which he talks about his nephew.
GLC02831.50
Showing results 26 - 50