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to Edward R. Archer

Certifies Archer's examination and commissioned appointment as First Assistant Engineer in the Virginia Volunteer Navy.

GLC01896.062

to [Robert W. Jeffery]

Greatly relieved to have finally heard from Richard, Aaron Jeffery writes a battle account of the "fight of which you enquire" which he had been involved in "accidentally." The Armory Battalion, to which he was attached, initially pushed back Yankee...

GLC01896.067

to Aaron Jeffery

Richard apologizes for the delay in answering Aaron's last letter noting that the break in the mails kept him from getting a letter dated 29 June until 15 July. Richard hopes that the family is safe now that Grant's campaign against Richmond has...

GLC01896.069

to: sister.

Sends news that he finally got paid, although he is still due two months back pay, in addition of the need for stamps and news from back home. Promises to send a book on the life of Baker. Written at Camp Winfield Scott.

GLC07164.23

to: sister.

Details the regiments role as it acts as a flanking army to that of McClellan, while sending news of the destruction of the Merrimac. He states that newspapers are scarce, and that the Union Army is close to claiming Richmond.

GLC07164.24

to: sister.

Describes skirmishes with rebels, along with life on guard duty. He sends news of a battle in which his regiment saved the day.

GLC07164.25

to: sister.

Having recently been paid by the commanding officer, Theodore forwards money home for the purchase of a new suit. He notes that the regiment has experienced more deaths while on guard duty than when in battle.

GLC07164.26

to: sister.

Wanting to know if the money he sent home has been received, tells of fears of going on guard duty, for he fears being wounded while on the picket line - "if I get through this I shall consider myself very lucky."

GLC07164.27

to: sister.

Forwards the description of the regiment's last battle, along with news of his own recent sickness. Sends a list of items he feels that he needs, including blankets, socks, stamps and other such items.

GLC07164.28

to: sister.

He again sends the list of items which he requires, stating that the items are exorbitantly priced at the suttler's tent. He describes the conditions of camp life, including sleeping in a corn field.

GLC07164.29

to: sister.

Details the breakup of the regiment, and states how he loves the experience of the war. However, he describes his dislike of officers who hold their black servants in higher regard than they do the white soldiers.

GLC07164.30

to: sister.

Relays the news which he has received from another sister. He requests that she send him envelopes and stamps, along with money.

GLC07164.31

to: sister.

He requests that his sister sends him ten dollars. Warning of a big move by the union army, he describes the stupidity of General Patterson, and mentions that he ran into several acquaintances from home.

GLC07164.32

to: sister Carrie.

News of friends known to his sister, along with a plan of the regiment's camp and a description of the battle of Antietam, in which his regiment lost 300 of 500 men.

GLC07164.33

to: sister

Sends thanks for the items which she sent to him, detailing how items can be bartered at camp and their values. He also speaks of life in camp and his hope to be discharged.

GLC07164.34

to: sister Carrie.

Describes his sickness and how he hopes it will lead to a discharge. Mentions promise former regimental doctor who promised him a discharge, a promise which will not be held by the present doctor. Fearing that his sickness will kill him, Theodore...

GLC07164.35

to: Guardian.

Detailing the loss of his personal effects, and the failure of his efforts at obtaining a discharge, Theodore requests money form the recipient, who is most likely Egbert Millspaugh
Written in a camp near Fredericksburg.

GLC07164.36

to: Egbert Millspaugh.

Having given up all hopes of a reply from Mr. Millspaugh, fearing that "you care nothing for me," Theodore has decided to desert.
Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC07164.37

to: sister.

A list of items that he request be sent to him, including pins, needles, towels, handkerchiefs, thread, buttons, food and clothing.
Written in a camp near Fredericksburg.

GLC07164.38

to: sister.

Details how he will attempt one last shot at a discharge, claiming that if he fails then he will desert. He also describes the "bitter cold" which he is experiencing in the field.
Written in a camp near Fredericksburg.

GLC07164.39

to: sister.

Describes his need of a proper wash, along with his lack of money which causes him to request that she send some more. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC07164.40

to: sister.

Describes conditions which led to the delay of his regiment's move from their present position, along with its contempt of General Burnside. He mentions the prevalence of desertions, along with news of a possible upcoming battle with the rebels...

GLC07164.41

to: sister.

He sends thanks for his sister forwarding the four dollars to him, and requests news from home. He mentions how he is contemptuous of Captain Crist, along with his dislike of the bad rations.
Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC07164.42

to: Carrie.

Sends his beliefs of a possible defeat at Falmouth, and that the war will end in a Union victory. However, he believes that all the politicians involved are making bad decisions which have prolonged the war, which explains how he can write "Lincoln...

GLC07164.43

to: sister Carrie.

Discussing furloughs, he asserts that he wants his pay before he decides to return home of any length of time. Refers to times of guard duty when the union and rebel picket lines exchange papers across a creek. Discusses training for a regimental...

GLC07164.44

to: sister.

Discusses the possibility of a regimental move, which has been mentioned at several times and yet has not occurred. He mentions the sighting of a balloonist as a scout, and the new regimental commander.
Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC07164.45

to: sister Carrie.

Forwards his hopes for a victory based on cavalry strength, along with further prediction on the war. He requests news from home, and mentions that he no longer has any hope of a furlough.
Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC07164.46

to: Carrie.

He discusses the new system of rationing, along with his observation of the execution of a deserter. He states his belief that the end of the war might be in sight, possibly as soon as January of 1864, along with own term of service being nine months...

GLC07164.47

to: sister Carrie.

Details his experiences on the picket line, including the discovery of a house full of food while on duty on the picket line. Written at Raccoon Ford.

GLC07164.48

to: sister Carrie.

Details of the town of Stevensburgh and General Meade. Mentions the rumor of a possible furlough, and complains at the lack of correspondence from home.
Written in a camp near Stevensburgh, Virginia

GLC07164.49

to: brother Newton.

Details his experiences in several skirmishes, along with the Battle of Stevensburgh. He mentions news of new regimental officers. Written in a camp near Stevensburgh, Virginia

GLC07164.50

to [Edward R. Archer]

Regarding events that occured in the summer and fall last including: in June, the death of their cousin, Mary Williamson, and also of "Lucy's Jesse," Roberta giving birth to another girl, Archer's marriage in July, Kate's bout with Typhoid fever in...

GLC01896.032

to E.R. Archer

Two letters, one from Chief Engineer Shock and the other from Captain Pearson, regarding Archer's decision to resign his position as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Both men express their regret about his decision but laud him with praise for his...

GLC01896.035

to Roberta Jeffery

Written by Roberta's sister. Regarding the death of Roberta's baby and the ordeal she had to undego as a result. "...[A]nother of our band of dear little ones is foreve safe from the trials, dangers & temptations of this wicked world!...[You] must...

GLC01896.039

to: sister.

Describes his travels with the regiment from Camp Hampton to Washington, along with the daily life in camp.

GLC07164.09

to: sister.

Describes how the regiment was marched through Washington, and realizes the harshness of being part of a non-commissioned unit. Talks of the fight at Manassas (First Battle of Bull Run) in which 11000 union soldiers lost their lives. As letter was...

GLC07164.10

to: Sister Carrie.

Describes life in camp, along with his complaints of lack of pay and poor rations. Mentions his Captain's incompetence.

GLC07164.11

to: sister.

Discusses the regiment's parade march through Washington, including the reviews by Generals. Speaks of the fear held by all of an attack on Washington.

GLC07164.12

to: sister.

Discusses the reasons why the regiment is no longer in Washington, along with the details of a skirmish with rebels. Requests that he receive mail from home.

GLC07164.13

to: sister.

Explains his jealously which stems from fact that sister writes frequently to Theodore's Captain, but not to Theodore. Sends news about the regiment's move back to Washington, along with a request for money, which accompanied a description of the...

GLC07164.15

to: Newton Millspaugh.

Sends thanks for the food sent to him, along with a description of camp life and a request for news from home. Lists names of friends from home (Alick, Sid Rose, Tom Young and Jim Smith), all of whom are acquaintances of Newton.

GLC07164.16

to: [Montgomery C.] Meigs.

GLC07059.72

Vignette bust portrait of Meigs in uniform.

With note under the image recounting the circumstances of his death.

GLC07059.73

Oval engraved bust portrait surrounded by oak leaves and acorns.

Oval engraved bust portrait surrounded by oak leaves and acorns.

GLC07059.74

John R. Meigs. Bust carte de visite portrait from engraving.

GLC07059.75

to: his father.

Detailed experiences of working on a ship, his life as a 'forty-niner,' panning for gold in California.

GLC07164.01

to: his sister.

His life experiences as a miner, and a businessman, and his hardships due to flooding. He expresses his hopes to receive family news.

GLC07164.02

to: Carrie (p 1-2) and Brother (p3).

His experiences and lifestyle in California, and how he cannot wait to go back to mining, once the winter is over. He lists inflation as a key issue, with costs riding so high that earning $32 per day is not enough to live comfortably.

GLC07164.03

to: father

Explicit details of his life are passed along to his father. He discusses the dreariness of the rainy season (a time in which one cannot go mining) and the sale of a boat owned by Alfred.

GLC07164.04

to: sister.

Relays his fears that, due to lack of received letters, his father has forgotten him. Alfred describes his life and requests that no letters be written to him.

GLC07164.05