Collection Search

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Wheeler writes that the men have been busy foraging for Rosecrans' Army. He comments that they've been learning drilling in the French fashion. Writes that the men have taken to singing at night in their tents and have some pieces of sheet music...

GLC07460.022

To the hands employed or expect to be employed on Mr. Gibson's plantations

Letter from the office of the Provost Marshall orders the hands on the three plantations to go to work whether or not they have an agreement. Accompanied by a U.S. Military telegraph envelope addressed to Tobias Gibson with a docket date of October...

GLC04501.035

to Henry F. McSherry

Sarcastic and funny letter written by Alice to her cousin Henry. Says they are expecting him on 14 September. Reports that his aunt says he will be disappointed in herself and cousin Lillie. Is sure that is not true though. Says they are beautiful...

GLC03523.21.31

to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Shorb to his friend McSherry. Says he will leave for New York on Monday and expects to be detained in Baltimore until Tuesday so that he will not reach New York until Wednesday evening. Says he will be staying on 5th Avenue and hopes to...

GLC03523.21.32

to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Richard to his brother Henry. Sends $20 to reduce the debt owed to Henry to $150. Mentions two mutual friends - one who is in a religious order and another who is about to join. Mentions that lectures have started and that "V.B. and myself...

GLC03523.21.33

to Henry F. McSherry

Written on the letterhead of the printing firm Kelly & Piet by Piet to his cousin Henry. References Henry's letter of 25 October, which had a receipt for the money deposited with his firm. Mentions seeing his sister Kate and reports that the family...

GLC03523.21.34

to Henry F. McSherry

Letter written in clerical hand of Lt. Paul Quinn as the Assistant to the Fleet Surgeon of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Letter is also signed by Quinn. The fleet surgeon was named Fal and it was written to McSherry as the surgeon on the...

GLC03523.21.35

to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Not signed, but handwriting matches previous signed letters by Anna. References receiving Henry's letter of 13 December. Updates him on friends and family and says she received a letter from their sister Eliza...

GLC03523.21.36

to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Not signed, but handwriting matches previous signed letters by Anna. Refeneces receiving Henry's previous letter. Thought the danger he was in was over, but then they heard about the attack on Fort Fisher and...

GLC03523.21.37

to Henry F. McSherry

References his letter of 19 March. Encloses a "billet doux that arrived for you this morning" as well (not included). Cryptically says he is glad to hear Henry received what he wanted. Euby appears to own or be a manager of a shipyard. Says he is...

GLC03523.21.38

to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Not signed, but handwriting matches previous signed letters by Anna. Refers to receiving Henry's previous letter.

GLC03523.21.39

to R. T. Maccinow

Letter in reference to Henry McSherry's attempts to find a job by pulling strings. Written by Bartow to the surgeon Maccinow (his name might be misspelled, the handwriting is not clear) in Baltimore. References Maccinow's letter of 11 April. Says the...

GLC03523.21.40

to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Wheeler writes that a few men from his hometown of Sycamore, Illinois are at camp including his brother-in-law Darius Spohn. He reports that while the soldier's wives visit, they mend and alter clothes, and accompany their husbands to the city at...

GLC07460.001

to his parents and sister

Wheeler's regiment has marched 33 miles and many of the men have discarded their belongings along the way. He writes that they pass slaves along the road at almost every house and although a few volunteered to join the Union soldiers, they later...

GLC07460.002

to his father [Shepherd Wheeler]

Writes that his regiment is stopping in Scottsville, Kentucky for a while. Asks his father to send him tea, as he cannot find any where he is.

GLC07460.003

to his parents and sister

He writes that it took two days to travel from Bowling Green to Scottsville because the roads were rough and the wagons so heavily loaded the wheels had to be chained to go downhill. Comments that men and women, "meager looking whips," are often...

GLC07460.005

to Asa Smith

Written by Harlow to his cousin Asa Smith in the Union Army. Harlow and Smith were not close before Smith joined the army, but Harlow hopes they will get to know each other through writing. Harlow claims he heard Smith was in good health through...

GLC03742.03

to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. References Smith's letter to him. Says everyone dives for the Washington papers when they arrive, but that Boston papers have more news on the war in them. Asks him " Do you think an attack...

GLC03742.04

to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. References receiving Asa's letter and the "smoking cap" that came with it. Says nothing is going on, but says it won't be long because every man is to be provided with 60 rounds of...

GLC03742.10

To his wife

Trying to comfort his wife, who was depressed by the death of a relation (Lucy who had died a year earlier). Expects marching orders soon.

GLC04558.100

To George Tillotson

Enclosed with GLC04558.122.01. Written by George Tillotson's sister Mary and her husband Edwin. Mary writes of her hard work and says Nelly [Nelson] was taken prisoner. Edwin's letter (beginning on p.2) complains of poor health (consumption) and...

GLC04558.122.02

To his wife

Various news; says he approves of a monument for daughter Lucy (deceased). With postscript "No News."

GLC04558.125

to Henry F. McSherry

From his father. References previous letters. There is confusion where the writer should send letters - to New York or Fortress Monroe in Virginia.

GLC03523.21.01

to Henry F. McSherry

Letter is faded with water damage and mold. Written by Anna to her brother Henry in the U.S. Navy. Henry seems to have contracted malaria. Says through the tone of his letter she assumes his health is better. Asks if he has taken the quinine. Says...

GLC03523.21.10

A mother to her soldier son

Poem sent to Union solider Asa Smith. This poem was written by Mary C. Stedman, a family friend of the Smiths who wrote the poem at the request of Asa Smith's mother. She references the request in GLC03742.02. In that letter she says: "When you left...

GLC03742.01

to Asa Smith

There are four separate notes from various family members to Asa Smith updating him on family and home life. One is from his sister "Maria," one from his sister "Carrie," another from his sister "Mary," and the last is from his mother. Maria's note...

GLC03742.02

to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. References receiving Smith's letter. Says he spent Thanksgiving "running round among the other camps and at dusk we got up a dress parade among the boys with a dirty torn shirt for colors and...

GLC03742.05

to Asa Smith

Written by William to his brother Asa. Says he has sent Asa three letters since his last letter of 14 January, even though he has not received any of them. Reports that "the army are alive with joy and excitement here over with the good news from the...

GLC03742.06

to Asa Smith

Written by William to his brother Asa. References receiving Asa's letter. Hopes the mud is no deeper than it is where he is. Says he almost got stuck with a team of 6 horses at Arlington. Says "25 negroes went out beyond our camp to cut wood for the...

GLC03742.07

to Asa Smith

Written by Ann Smith to her brother Asa Smith in the Union Army. Says she is glad he is doing well. Says "I try & try to imagine how you look but don't succeed very well - If I could only see you for a little while." Goes on to say that "I tell...

GLC03742.08

to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. Mentions high winds that blew through camp recently. Says in less than a half hour half the tents in camp were down, and by evening there were only 10 left standing. Says they were ordered to...

GLC03742.09

To his wife

Written in pencil. Continued March 21. Has moved to better ground and larger house, which he describes. Now has a stove made from an old camp kettle, so the other boys crowd his house to stay warm. Describes leg swelling and lameness, makes...

GLC04558.077

To his wife

House building costs and materials. He has fattened-up and now weighs 170 lbs. Other regiments transferred to Tennessee. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia

GLC04558.078

To his wife

Had to re-write letter because of rainstorm, payday, hopes for furlough and being put-off by Capt., encloses letter from Nelson. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia

GLC04558.079

To his wife

Doctor has diagnosed him as having dropsy, so will apply for discharge. Mentions Capt. Charles Tillotson of the NY 99th. Now weighs 180 lbs; hopes to see home, and mentions other men on furlough. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia

GLC04558.080

To his wife

Trying to get discharge (doctor not sure he can get one), bled by doctor, gory suicide of Irish soldier John Lafabe (who wanted a discharge).

GLC04558.081

To his wife

Reports extensive skirmishing, his regiment has a "bully position" that is easily held from Rebs who are trying to cross the Nansemond River; describes fight in which Gen Corcoran shot and killed Lt. Krimble of the Hawkins Zouaves. Information from...

GLC04558.082

To his wife

Skirmishing, Federal expedition to dislodge snipers, being reinforced, expecting an attack. "We have taken some negro rebel prisoners. One was caught in a tree fireing at our scurmishers, there was a white reb also with him but they killed the...

GLC04558.083

To his wife

Trying to cheer his wife, orders and countermanded orders to cross the Nansemond, river rumored to be blocked by Rebs, and joking: "About the broomstick question I plead guilty and believe I oughter [sic] to be broomsticked cause I didnt stay at home...

GLC04558.084

To his wife

Battle letter. Taking the rebel fort (mentioned in #84): "as soon as the boat touched the shore the boys piled off like a flock of sheep and as soon as they got ashore struck a dead run for the fort. Some of the officers asked the officer in command...

GLC04558.085

To his wife

Reports that a federal raid captured 3,000 rebel prisoners. Also says he does not notice the boom of guns anymore. Concludes with his longing to see his children and wife.

GLC04558.086

To his wife

Hot weather. Regiment's officers trying to get regiment mustered-out or to get a furlough. Mentions consolidation of corps and fears of officers. Reports rebels doubling pickets. Concludes with a joke that he might "go under" if he comes in-range...

GLC04558.087

To his wife

Rebels "appear ready to siege us out" and reports "Old Stonewall Jackson has sent a flag of truce [to the city] warning the citizens to leave if they didnt want to get hurt." Mentions visiting other NY regiments and describes "a queer kind of...

GLC04558.088

To his wife

Picket duty; worries that he might have to cross the river again to take the fort (see #85). Estimates forces on Union side. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia

GLC04558.089

To his wife

Battle letter. Sent into battle as skirmisher, rebel pickets abandon their posts as the Federals advance but the advance is slowed. GT's gun tube bursts. Other regiments drive the rebels off. Speculates that their advance was intended as a probe...

GLC04558.090

To his wife

Continued May 9. Responding to family news, concerned that Edwin fought at Fredericksburg, comments on sister Louisa's plan to keep a school, escort for deceased officer, has bad cold, news of Hooker. With postscript apologizing for damaging the...

GLC04558.091

To his wife

Moved camp, picket duty, fishing a lot while on duty; the NY 89th is one of the few regiments to remain; talk of consolidating regiments; mentions rations available. Letter broken-off with orders to strike tents and move. Captain under arrest....

GLC04558.092

To his wife

Now camping at a fort, mentions guns in forts, describes looking over battlefield where he fought. Comments on home news and jokes that "I might I suppose 'send up a few contraband' to work for you only Uncle Samuel wont let em go so far North."...

GLC04558.093

To his wife

"This is an awful lonesome and lazy life to live..." Sultry days and chilly nights; drilling. On receiving a letter from his abolitionist brother-in-law: "...I received a letter from Edwin..... He accuses me of lacking sympathy with the plan and...

GLC04558.094

To his wife

A lazy day in which he day-dreams of being home; mentions combating a forest fire; relates farm news from Edwin who was injured and has hired "a couple of negroes;" instructions on sheep; responding to home news.

GLC04558.095

To his wife

Continued on June 6. Camping in the shade and making "artificial shade" with pine and cedar branches; according to letter from relative Matilda, "Nelson was a prisoner in the hands of the rebels;" other news. "As for Marys letter I dont think...

GLC04558.096

To his wife

Writes of being by-passed for promotion and mentions talk of promotions being bought from the captain whom he describes as "very young... a little under 21 years old,... on the whole rather good looking, but... fopish, showey, conceited, and vain[;]...

GLC04558.097

To his wife

Asks her to write and apologizes for brevity; discusses preparations for a dance and picnic, including ladies from Norfolk whom he hopes will be respectable. Claims that "over five hundred" women in Norfolk are "registered as professionally bad" (i...

GLC04558.098

To his wife

Continued on June 19. Yesterday's festival or dance was attended by 35 ladies "of the showey kind." Teasingly says his "gal" was not there and says he sat-out the dances. Describes dancing platform, etc. Asks about crops and livestock. Mentions...

GLC04558.099

To his wife

Writes that they left their camp and all baggage behind; expects to head towards Richmond; mentions seeing Charlie Tillotson. With postscript dated Tuesday morning noting that no marching orders were received.

GLC04558.101

To his wife

Written in pencil. (Day "27" has been struck and replaced with "26.") Mentions steam travel on the river and says he is about 23 miles to Richmond. Speculates that they are intended as a feint since the movement has been so slow.

GLC04558.102

To his wife

Expects marching orders; expresses doubts about their ability to capture Richmond but describes a raid by the 11th Pa. Cavalry which captured Fitz Hugh Lee. Mentions guerrillas "picking off those foolish as to expose themselves outsid[e] the lines."

GLC04558.103

To his wife

Describes long march to the Hanover court house and unsuccessful attack on railroad strongpoint; mentions successful cavalry raid against rebels. Expects to return to Gettey's Point.

GLC04558.104

To his wife

Describes march from White House in great detail: foraging, washing clothes, giving away blanket to contraband, and more marching.

GLC04558.105

To his wife

Resting and settling down after the marches. On politics: "Your Copperheads up ther[e] I see have been kicking up quite a rumpus, but they will get sick of it, if they are not already. Didnt know one spell but what they would spite 'Massa Greely's'...

GLC04558.106

To his wife

Written in pencil aboard a barge docked at Portsmouth. Describes marching and countermarching; speculates that they are destined for Charleston's Fort Wagner.

GLC04558.107

To his wife

Written in pencil on patriotic stationery. Describes the situation of forts ringing Charleston (Moultrie, Sumter, Wagner), and mentions that Wagner was taken last night but lost due to shelling. "...I dont like the looks of things here in general...

GLC04558.108

To his wife

Describes the pettiness of an officer who would not allow the troops to land until their officer had reported to him; describes the island.

GLC04558.109

To his wife

Written on patriotic stationery. Continued August 7. Describes lack of tents, current duties and situation around Charleston (Sumter, Wagner). Fatigued from unloading vessels.

GLC04558.110

To his wife

Describes orders to march, countermarch and counter-countermarch. Says half the regiment is sick although he is healthy and that the monitors have begun attacking Forts Sumter and Wagner.

GLC04558.111

To his wife

Expects to receive order the next day; writes that he has a good view of operations and artillery; says Fort Sumter "is sometimes completely enveloped in a cloud of brick dust[,] smoke, and spray, from our balls and shells." Describes other...

GLC04558.112

To his wife

Complains of not receiving letters. Writes that he has been sick and the rest of the regiment on provost duty. Reports of Forts Wagner and Gregg surrendered with Morris Island. Asks sarcastically whether a conscripted acquaintance back home...

GLC04558.113

To his wife

Received letter; sends $30. Recovered health and back on duty. Rumors of capture of Fort Sumter, and complete capture of Bragg's army by Rosecrans and Burnside. Relates news that he hopes to be discharged April 1, 1864 with the other 3-year troops.

GLC04558.114

To his wife

Fatigue from hard duties and false alarms, which he describes. Belief that they are outnumbered. With pencil note of 9/19 written on margin of each page about picket duty in the cold without shelter.

GLC04558.115

To his wife

Wonders about her letters being misdirected; describes food (oysters, clams) and cost of other items; mentions other soldiers getting furloughs including one "in the hospital on account I suppose of the 'ladies disease' contracted in Norfolk...."

GLC04558.116

To his wife

Received pile of mail, including a letter from Edwin and Mary [abolitionist relations] which "didn't set very well on my stomach." Health of other soldiers; comments that Charleston probably will not fall right away. News reports of Rosecrans and...

GLC04558.117

To his wife

Notes that it is his tenth wedding anniversary and writes that the thought of her distance and the time remaining cause "a choaking sensation" and tears. Says that he is the only man in Co. H with a family. Mentions slow siege of Charleston, health...

GLC04558.118

To his wife

Worry of "calamity" at home; hopes for discharge next April 1st; sarcastically mentions letter of 1st Lt. of 114th NYS Vols. (unidentified); discusses current rations and how only cooks make cook food; comments that the food always causes digestive...

GLC04558.119

To his wife

Cold. Cannot make mud chimneys because sand will not stick; other soldiers enlisting as cavalry, including Capt. Lewis (who did not get along with GWT). This letter is fully addressed "Mrs. A. Elizabeth Tillotson"

GLC04558.120

To his wife

Has a runny nose; the siege drags on and another assault scheduled that night for Fort Sumter; expects conscripts to arrive soon and receive weapons, "til then they are guarded closer than rebel prisoners would be."

GLC04558.121

To his wife

Describes picket duty on the north side of the island and how his thoughts roam. Expectations of assault on Fort Sumter. Promises to send Edwin's letter (mentioned in #117 and accompanies this item). He writes "Not that I have any objections to...

GLC04558.122.01

To his wife

He has put on more weight; has gotten used to constant firing on Charleston; encloses a "greenback" for Dolly.

GLC04558.123

To his wife

Hopes for furlough; talks about presidential election "I dont suppose for a moment that any soldier would go home and vote a Copperhead ticket, and on the other hand, I wouldnt vote a republican ticket just merely because it was republican but I...

GLC04558.124

To his wife

News, other soldiers' furloughs; expects promotion; has daily, long drills; says he is cheered by news from the west.

GLC04558.126

To his wife

Writes that he enjoys good health; mentions seeing Gen. Gilmore riding "with a woman said to be his wife, but I will say I think him the best looking of the two." Mentions the special favors some Masons; receive; speculates on the destination of an...

GLC04558.127

To his wife

On furlough. Had hoped to surprise her by coming home, but must go to Albany. Still hopes to see her.

GLC04558.128

To his wife

Describes taking trains; expects to go to Folly Island.

GLC04558.129

To his wife

Unsure when he will leave; mentions visiting sights in New York City (Wood's minstrels, Barnum's Museum, theatre). Writes that Grant's name "got a tolerably good cheer (and I helped him on that) and then he got a good many hisses. But when...

GLC04558.130

To his wife

Still in New York, unsure about where the regiment will go next. Weary of traveling. Longs to here from his wife.

GLC04558.131

To his wife

Describes leaving New York and traveling to Yorktown without his regiment, journeying back to West Point to join them, and then the trip to Virginia. Briefly mentions battle for a railroad and the unit's transferred to the "seige Corps."

GLC04558.132

To his wife

Describes skirmishes and battle near the railroad between Petersburg and Richmond, where "lots of the men were sunstruck." Has not been able to "draw money for rations and I don't know when we shall"; mentions a letter from Urial, a need for stamps...

GLC04558.133

To his wife

Has not heard from his wife since he left New York. Lengthy decription of the back and forth fighting around Richmond and the heavy losses by both sides. Cross writing questions whether money sent from Elmira was received.

GLC04558.134

To his wife

Placed in command of a "post" along the James, GWT directs the defense of his troops as Confederates repeatedly attack from across a ravine. Also defends himself against rumors that he played games and drank at Parkers (in New York).

GLC04558.135

To his wife

Details the health of friends, including one who has measles, and acknowledges a pay raise. "This dearest is an awful campaign. Rivers of blood have already been shed but still the story is not half told yet."

GLC04558.136

To his wife

Describe marches and the break up of the brigade. Sends his wife his new address and cautions her not to work too hard.

GLC04558.137

To his wife

Writes news of the fighting at Cold Harbor and lists the fate of friends. "I take this opportunity of leting [sic] you know that I am still among the living, but still I have to acknowledge that life here at present is very uncertain."

GLC04558.138

To his wife

Still in the rifle pits at Cold Harbor. "On the 6th a flag of truce was sent out for the purpose of burying our dead that lay outside of our lines and began to smell so as to make it very disagreeable for us but the rebs would to allow it, the next...

GLC04558.139

To his wife

Continued June 13. Written in pencil while on picket duty "in a hole about four feet square." Describes the loneliness of picket duty and the unexpected orders to pull out which came on the morning of the 13th, possibly to Bermuda Hundreds. Asks...

GLC04558.140

To his wife

Writing from a hospital after bullet hit GWT in the foot, bruising the foot and making him lame. Discusses Grants losses in the campaign and the defenses of Petersburg.

GLC04558.141

To his wife

Written in pencil. Cross written. Coming back from the hospital, finding many of his regiment wounded GWT takes his place in the trenches surrounding Petersburg. Describes life in the trenches, gives the number of wounded and killed for his...

GLC04558.142

To his wife

Written in pencil. Camped less than a mile from the front. Observes that shells are more dangerous in the rear than at the front. Discusses events of past few days; wishes his foot had been wounded so he could get a furlough.

GLC04558.143

To his wife

Faint; written in pencil. Charging a confederate line; advice to his wife about breeding a horse.

GLC04558.144

To his wife

Written in pencil. Expresses disappointment that the fourth was not being "celebrated with more noise for it was rumored yesterday that at daylight this morning all of our batteries would open on Petersburg and the rebel fortifications."

GLC04558.145

To her father George Tillotson

Writes that she can't write very well yet as she has only been practicing for about four weeks. Describes her studies at school and wishes her father were home.

GLC04558.145.01

To his daughter Georgiana Tillotson

Compliments Georgiana on her writing and thanks her for the letter. Encourages her to keep practicing her lessons: "If . . . you wish to improve in any thing, always strive to do what you do do , well."

GLC04558.145.02