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to sister Kate

Letter is entitled "My Christmas gift to Kate". Describes his walk down Pennsylvania Avenue during the Christmas shopping season. Visits the navy yard and barracks with his friend Russ and remarks that Uncle Sam does not consider Christmas a...

GLC02016.002

to sister Kate

Believes that the rebel forces at Kinston, North Carolina have moved to assist Lee in suppressing the advancement of the Grand Army of the Potomac. He has heard news that the rebels have "held their ground" in two days of fighting and have captured...

GLC02016.032

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...

GLC02016.035

to sister Kate

Will soon be leaving for Washington, North Carolina. Reports on the health of the soldiers; some are in the hospital but not in serious condition. Writes that he is suffering from diarrhea.

GLC02016.039

to sister Kate

Writes to reassure his sister that he is well. Urges her to look on a map and trace his trip from the mouth of the Neuse River to the Pamplico River and then onto Washington, North Carolina; a distance of 110 miles. Reports that rebels destroyed...

GLC02016.040

to sister Kate

Writes that although he would like to request furlough for the holidays, he feels it may be wiser to reserve his request for a time when he will really need it. Reports that Thanksgiving day was celebrated by the soldiers with a meal of hardtack and...

GLC02016.043

to sister Kate

Writes that he spent Christmas on a boat in Washington, North Carolina with other soldiers, most of which were drunk. He had Christmas dinner with Phillip Forrester. Has befriended a widower in Washington who is originally from Pennsylvania....

GLC02016.045

to his sister Kate

Hopes his sister is in good health when he returns so that she may welcome him with a "rich musical treat." Mentions the arrival of a new niece from his sister Anna. The men are anxious to be relieved by another regiment. Visits Washington on a...

GLC02016.050

to sister Kate

Reports that he has a slight cold. Asks his sister to thank their aunt for the good advice contained in her letter to him. Hopes that the war will not last long and is quite sure that England will be getting involved soon. Describes his Christmas...

GLC02016.006

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...

GLC02016.013

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...

GLC02016.015

to sister Kate

Reports that he was not well for a few days, but is feeling okay now. Writes that recruiting is dull and believes it will continue to be until the fall. He hopes that a draft will start soon. States that there is no news in town.

GLC02016.020

to sister Kate

Complains that he is being kept in town for recruiting despite the poor recruitment rate. Writes that recruiting costs $219 a month and feels that the government should act more economically instead of wasting money on recruiting parties. He was...

GLC02016.026

to sister Kate

Complains about the 2nd lieutenant who has no formal education (civil and military) except for some knowledge in company drilling. Reports of a petition created by line officers to be removed from "Bachelor's" (Batchelder's) Creek on the basis of...

GLC02016.030

to sister Ella

Reports a skirmish with the rebels where one Union soldier was lost. Two companies from his regiment were ordered out after two soldiers had been discovered dead two miles from camp. Seven men, thought to have been responsible for the murders were...

GLC02016.031

to sister Kate

Reports that after Charleston, South Carolina is occupied, there are plans to move on to Wilmington, North Carolina. Writes that Captain Jackson has left for the north to bring back conscripts for the regiment.

GLC02016.038

to sister Kate

Writes that he arrived at New Berne this morning. Reports that an expedition went to Elizabeth City and but didn't accomplish much there. Also reports that deserters are coming in daily at a great number. Hopes to hear good news regarding the...

GLC02016.042

to sister Kate

Writes that the rebels keep the Union lines surrounded so much that when the sharpshooters watch from the trees they shoot every time they see a shoulder strap. As a result, one man was killed in his tent and another wounded. Reports that some...

GLC02016.052

to sister Kate

Writes that he has been relieved of his postmaster duties and assigned to recruiting services. Complains that the sixteen dollars a month he'll receive in recruiting services will not be enough. Expects to remain in Philadelphia a few more weeks....

GLC02016.056

to sister Kate

Writes that he received a letter from their sister Ella in Danville. Reports that the men are getting ready for the fall campaign. Picket duty is hard on the men who perform picket and fatigue duty on alternating days.

GLC02016.057

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...

GLC02016.058

to sister Kate

Has received orders to march at a moment's notice, but does not know where the men are marching to. The regiment is relieved by green troops, which consists of the 209th 211th, and 207th Pennsylvania. He hopes to be back to Bermuda Hundred after...

GLC02016.059

to sister Kate

Describes the surroundings of Chaffin's Farm and writes that some of the Union men have been trading newspapers with neighboring rebels. Discusses the election of 1864. Wishes the canal would be completed so that they can drive the rebels into...

GLC02016.063

to sister Kate

Complains of the constant rain and writes that he desires a good pair of boots, as he has been "enjoying the luxury of wet feet" for the past three days. Gives news of the arrival of General Early's troops. Writes that two hundred new Pennsylvania...

GLC02016.068

to sister Kate

Reports that poor weather of rain, sleet, and mud occurred during heavy fighting. Asks his sister to get him some boots from Mr. Becks. Writes that there has been a general movement of thousands of troops.

GLC02016.070