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[Collection of William Brunt, D company, 16th regiment, USCT, infantry] [decimalized]

Brunt was a passionate patriot and his letters are filled consistently with pro-Union and anti-slavery sentiments. He writes on a combination of subjects, including home life, reports on health of fellow soldiers, camp life and politics and battle....

GLC07006

to Martha Weir

Writes to Martha about his contempt for deserters from his home town, the Hawesville Boys, who "have been treated so mean by their Officers yet I can't justify them in forsaking their Countrys Glorious cause because they were mistreated." Expresses...

GLC07006.01

to Martha Weir

Discusses the health of Martha's brother, Robert, who has been sent home from his regiment to recuperate. Talks about recent Union victories at the battles of Vicksburg and Port Hudson and predicts that "a few more blows...& the rebelion will be on...

GLC07006.02

to Martha Weir

Writes to Martha about hurting his hand by accidentally falling down six weeks prior to writing -- "it is still swelled some & quite weak." Discusses health of family members and friends; mentions the birth of a grandson. Writes that the mail...

GLC07006.03

to Robert Weir

Gives details of his movements over the past few days. Brunt has been ordered to "take charge of the Contraband Barracks," where he found and fed freed slaves. He describes the process of enlisting them as soldiers, "how theire eys brighten when...

GLC07006.04

to Martha Weir

Brunt tells Martha how much he enjoys receiving her letters, "for they are full of pure lofty Patriotism." One again, mentions his devotion to the cause of the Union and the emancipated slaves under his command: "I tell them that true manhood lies...

GLC07006.06

to Martha Weir

Writes that his regiment has been stationed in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the "Topographical Engineer department." Responds to news that some of his correspondence has been lost en route to Martha. Tells about a trip in March to return his wife and...

GLC07006.07

to Martha Weir

Writes that he has been sent to Clarkesville again in order to command the "Contraband Camp." Describes the work he has been doing to get the camp of "900 Men Women & Children" running smoothly, and the compliments he has received from his superiors...

GLC07006.08

to Martha Weir

Awaits the return of his wife and children to camp. The repair of the direct road to Nashville, Tennessee may make Brunt's camp into a supply station. The camp is connected by boat, train and road. Happily reports that he has gotten two black...

GLC07006.09

to Martha Weir

Writes Martha about a pledge he has refused to sign - "the tobacco part is all I object to." Reasons that tobacco is necessary for soldiers. Stresses how busy and complicated camp life is. Mentions Robert, who is being discharged from the army...

GLC07006.12

to Martha Cook

Brunt has just returned from Iowa with two of his children, Dora and David. Dora, who is sixteen, has just been married to an Englishman. Writes that "while I was gone to Iowa Olive let passion instead of virtue rule her & became inconstant to me -...

GLC07006.13

to Martha and Robert Weir

Most of Brunt's letter to Martha is missing. Writes to Robert that "things look rather gloomy for us at preasant [sic] but Clouds & sunshine must alternately follow each other." Mentions that he has little time to read the news. Describes a test...

GLC07006.14