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to Sister

The Rebels are well fortified from the base to the summit of the mountain and they have been skirmishing all the time. Hooker advanced. Written at Big Shanty Camp.

GLC00653.11.15

to Sister Mary

The fourth division suffered in the skirmishes. The rebels ended up retreating again. They picked up some prisoners but were unable to make an advance. Around the 9th, they camped near Marietta.

GLC00653.11.16

to Sister Mary

They were able to gain all the ground desired from the recent skirmishes. Even though they have used their artillery on the present camp they have not done much damage. Their accommodations are a little better now. Letter was written near Atlanta...

GLC00653.11.17

to Sister Ellen

They have been on the march through Dalton and Resaca. Fighting took place left and center. They skirmished until Kingston and then marched to Dallas.

GLC00653.11.18

to Father

He has been sick lately and even had to be taken away in an ambulance. He is feeling better however. They had a battle recently in which 10,000 volunteers came to help them. Yesterday there was heavy skirmishing.

GLC00653.11.19

to Mother

He just returned from a three day march. They marched through the dark and the rain and encountered fallen logs. He requests butter and dried apples. Pages missing.

GLC00653.11.20

to Mother

In the letter, Laurens W. Wolcott describes how they got across Bear River to meet the enemy where they immediately began fighting. The enemy rescued some of their prisoners. The next day they marched back and camped near a mountain.

GLC00653.11.21

to Mother

Letter is completely faded.

GLC00653.11.22

to Mother

In the letter, Laurens W. Wolcott talks about the new clothes he has purchased and received from the army. He bought new shirts and received a new blanket.

GLC00653.11.23

to Sister

In the letter, Laurens W. Wolcott talks about mutual friends and acquaintances. He is glad Robert did not enlist because he would not have liked a soldier's life all. He also notes that the chaplain returned. Letter written in Camp Montgomery.

GLC00653.11.24

to Father

Laurens W Wolcott writes that the 42nd regiment passed by and he got to see people he hadn't seen in a while. One of four gunboats was captured in battle. Afterwards more than half the company was sick but they are feeling better now. The weather has...

GLC00653.11.25

to Sister

Yesterday there was skirmishing among the pickets. They also received strict orders not to cross the lines of their division except on business. The weather has been pleasant.

GLC00653.11.26

to Sister

Laurens W. Wolcott is writing from the hospital where he has been ill with fever. Now, however, he is doing much better but will stay a little longer before resuming hard duty.

GLC00653.11.27

to Mother

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that they got on a steamer bound for St. Louis where he met a friend who entrusted a package with him. Letter written at Benton Barracks (also know as Camp Benton).

GLC00653.11.28

to Sister

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that on Thursday night they were taken out of their tents to go to Stewartsville. They were expected to have a major skirmish there, but nothing happened. Letter written at Benton Barracks (also know as Camp Benton).

GLC00653.11.29

to Brother

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that there are some people who say they have defective arms, but he thinks their weapons are very well-made. He says they have been living on 2 meals per days and he has enjoyed good health. He writes that they marched at...

GLC00653.11.30

to Mother

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that he wants his father to send him newspapers like the Independent. He mentions that the weather has been pleasant, and that more troops keep arriving.

GLC00653.11.31

to Sister

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that the weather has been warm and apples are growing. Lately, he has been learning how to cook. He writes that they are camped in a pleasant place. Letter written in Camp Montgomery.

GLC00653.11.32

to Father

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that there is less sickness than at any other time among the company. General "Oglesbee" visited the hospital, and Doctor Humphrey was appointed assistant surgeon. Wolcott's mother urged him to get a discharge, but he is not...

GLC00653.11.33

Shiloh National Park

Photograph of Shiloh National Park. Inscription on the back reads: "View showing superintendant's lodge and park of Shiloh cemetary. Also 200 cannon hereafter to be placed on Shiloh National Park, May 13th, 1897." Lt. Laurens Wolcott is standing at...

GLC00653.11.34

Calling Card for Laurens Wolcott

GLC00653.11.35

Photograph of Lt. Laurens Wolcott

Inscription on back reads: "Lt. Laurens W. Wolcott. 52nd Ills. Vol. Inf." Published by Tompkins' N.Y. Gallery, 34 Canal St., Grand Rapids, Michigan.

GLC00653.11.36

Wolcott Coat of Arms

In Latin it reads: "Nullius Addictus Jurare In Verba Magistri," ["(being) not obliged to swear allegiance to a master."]

GLC00653.11.37

[Laurens Wolcott]

Photo bust of Lt. Laurens W. Wolcott.

GLC00653.11.38

[Print of General Philip Henry Sheridan]

Depicts Sheridan seated in military uniform, hat in hand, with a sword leaning against a table beside him. He appears to be in a tent. Possibly based on an 1864 photograph by Mathew Brady, though the tent and chair have been slightly altered in the...

GLC00653.12.02

Diary of Eseck G. Wilber

Entries are pretty regular from March 1863 to July of that same year. He mainly records the daily weather. but does mention being a prisoner and some of activities there.

GLC00653.15.1

to James H. Hollingsworth

William T. Hollingsworth writes a detailed letter to his brother in which he discusses the Battle of Bull Run (fought on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia). He reports 500 Confederate soldiers were killed, another 1500 wounded, and some 7,000 or...

GLC00653.20.02

to James H. Hollingsworth

William T. Hollingsworth writes to his brother. He discusses the Confederacy's "brilliant naval victory" in Hampton Roads, between the Merrimac and the Monitor. He also reports the damages inflicted on the Union frigates, the Cumberland, the Congress...

GLC00653.20.05

to his mother

GLC00653.21.01

to his mother

Henry F. Spencer describes his regiment's travels through Maryland and Pennsylvania, and mentions the Battle of Gettysburg, though does not go into much detail. Also mentions exchanging fire on July 4, evidently the last of the skirmishing after the...

GLC00653.21.03

to his Father

Letter written from Drummondtown, present-day Accomac, Virginia.

GLC00653.21.04

to his Parents

Letter written from "Camp Burnside near Point Isabel" (likely Point Isabele), present-day Burnside, Kentucky.

GLC00653.21.05

to his Parents

Letter written from "Poplars Grove Church," Virginia.

GLC00653.21.09

Ellsworth Avengers

Song entitled "Ellsworth Avengers."

GLC00653.21.10

to father and mother

He has written them several times since arriving here but has only received two letters. He will not write again until he receives another letter. "There was a fight on our lines last night." His comrades killed or captured about 300 enemy soldiers....

GLC00653.22.04

to sister

George B. Cook got his sister's letter from Eli Howell, who brought the letter from Salisbury. He got marching orders at 11:00 PM last night to go to Richmond to bury General [Gracy], who was killed by Union artillery. He is currently in a very...

GLC00653.22.06

to family

This letter is printed on half of a regimental attendance sheet, perhaps demonstrating the lack of paper in the Confederate camp. He is well and hopes these lines find them in a similar condition. "We are having some very [cold] weather here." It...

GLC00653.22.08

to sister

George B. Cook is replying to his sister's letter dated December 25, 1864, which he received this evening. He can only enjoy Christmas so much when there are thousands of shells falling around him every hour. Fortunately, no one in the company was...

GLC00653.22.11

to sister

George B. Cook is replying to his sister's letter from the 19th. He is glad to hear all is well with her but sorry to hear about Frank's sickness. He hopes he will get home soon. "I think this war will soon end." He heard word of a 60-day armistice...

GLC00653.22.13

to mother

George B. Cook is replying to his sister's letter from January 22, 1865. Not much news to report. There is "a heap" of talk about peace. Everyone believes the war is coming to an end. "The boys will all run away if they [aren't] fed a little better."...

GLC00653.22.14

to sister

George B. Cook is writing in reply to his sister's letter from the 9th. He is well; hopes she is too. He got the box they sent through Mr. Bailey. He did not need tobacco, as it "is an article I have quit using." He sends the box home; asks her to...

GLC00653.22.16

[Carte-de-visite of Henry W. Halleck]

Carte-de-visite of Henry W. Halleck, printed by D. Appleton & Co.

GLC00664.02

[Carte-de-visite of Major General George B. McClellan and his wife]

Carte-de-visite of McClellan and his wife Ellen Marcy McClellan. Titled "Maj. Gen. Geo B. McClellan and Lady."

GLC00664.03

to Elvira Winegar

They got 4 months pay. He expressed 75 dollars to her. It will be some time before they leave their present location.

GLC01014.185

[Diary of Benjamin F. Thomas]

Book intended for use as diary for 1864. Earliest entry near back of book for November 1864, then returns to front of book for start of 1865. Last entry is two weeks before Thomas is mustered out. No entries from 27 March 1865 through 9 April 1865...

GLC01016.01

The Conscription Act: a Series of Articles Communicated to the Journal of Commerce

Published by the Loyal Publication Society of New York. Number 7 in a series. Printed by William C. Bryant & Co. A.F. Warburton reported the text of Butler's speech. Major-General Butler refers to the Confederate States as "alien enemies" who are...

GLC01265.01

The Conscription Act: a Series of Articles Communicated to the Journal of Commerce

Pamphlet No. 40 in a series published by the Loyal Publication Society of New York. Printed by W. C. Bryant & Co. The essays, numbered 1, 2, and 3, were published on November 18th, 21st, and 24th respectively.
Written in response to the decision...

GLC01265.03

The Future of the Country

Proposes solutions for the reconstruction of the Union. Criticizes the idea of a national convention where rebel Southerners and Union victors can meet on equal terms. Concludes by stating that it is important for citizens to organize nation-wide...

GLC01265.04

Brief Appeals for the Loyal Cause

Published by John W. Amerman. Includes two addresses given in New York City, resolutions and a poem. The first address, given at Union Square, was delivered at a war meeting which was called by various committees in response to an appeal of President...

GLC01265.14

The Wrongs to Missouri's Loyal People

Speech given before a convention at Jefferson City, Missouri on September 1 , 1863. Denounces the "conservatives" of Missouri as disloyal secessionists and Southern sympathizers. Expresses his outrage for the injustices done to the loyal people of...

GLC01265.18

President Lincoln's views

May 16, 1863 resolutions from a group of New York Democrats led by Erastus Corning, along with Lincoln's response. The committee argues that the arrest of Clement L. Vallandigham of Ohio for treason had violated the latter's rights under the...

GLC01265.19

The Conscription

Includes several speeches given by Honorable William D. Kelley (of Pennsylvania) before members of the House of Representatives on February 24, 1863, December 19, 1862, and January 1863. His speeches vary in topic including the Conscription Act...

GLC01265.21

Speech of the Hon. Montgomery Blair, on the causes of the rebellion and in the support of the president's plan of pacification

Published by Sherwood & Co. Address delivered before the Maryland State Legislature at Annapolis 22 January 1864. States that the duty of the country is to suppress the rebellion and eliminate slavery. Encourages the unification of all parties to...

GLC01265.27

The Great Victory -- Its Cost and Its Value : an Address Delivered at Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, July 4th 1865 by Hon. M. Russell Thayer.

Published by King & Baird, printers. States that through the blessings of God, it has finally been established that the country is one and indivisible. Encourages the congregation to be thankful to the men have who have fought and that peace has...

GLC01265.39

to Henry Toole Clark

Benjamin discusses the defense of North Carolina. He will send reinforcements, but cannot send as many as he would like, which he blames on the shortness of enlistment terms. Lack of men is not his real concern though, "I am sure I could organize the...

GLC01353.01

Memo: of bargain sale & agreement between B.A. Nalle of Orange County and Lewis D Crenshaw of the city of Richmond

Witness, and likely the author, John S. Graves. Agreement to sell Nalle's farm to Crenshaw for $32,400. Stipulates that Nalle will continue to manage the farm for the remainder of the year until the crops have been harvested, and the harvest will be...

GLC01447.14

to Eben R. Ayers

Garfield States that the telegram from Ayers got to him just as he was leaving on a recruitment tour for the 10th companies 42nd regiment. He says that he has yet to hear from Washington on a officers apointment to 2nd liutenant, but will let Ayers...

GLC07187.04

to Sir

Very difficult to read but looks like "It was reported this morning that Gen R.E. Lee died of his wounds," which of course would have been a false report.

GLC07205.003

to My Dear Mother

He writes that so far the life of a soldier has been peaceful because the hard fighting they expected did not occur. He is in the Salem Mechanic Light Infantry. The city of Washington was the dirtiest place he ever saw.

GLC07205.007

to Bro. Sherman

He hasn't been able to write because there have been so many wounded under his care, both Union and Rebel soldiers. He describes particular soldiers he was able to save.

GLC07205.018

to Bro. Sherman

He mentions several friends that have been discharged like Doody, Maxim, O'Donanhue and Charlie. He mentions the doctors and nurses at the hospital and how at one point there were nearly a thousand patients.

GLC07205.029

to Mr. Baker

In reference to the state aid he receives. It has been going to the wrong person and he has not received it.

GLC07205.063

to Aunt

He has been taking care of a lot of sick people. He thinks more will die of disease than of bullets. He also describes a funeral.

GLC07205.064

to Uncle Frye

In Boston they were presented with a flag by the Hon. R.C Winthrop. In New York they were invited to the 5th Avenue Hotel where they heard James G. Brady speak and were presented with another flag. They also passed through Philadelphia, Baltimore and...

GLC07205.080

to William J. Whittford

He writes on the Christian faith and God's will which has carried them to this point in the war. He refers to the Garrison abolitionists and their motto: "The United States Constitution is a covenant with death and an agreement with hell."

GLC07205.103

to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Discusses the weather, particularly the muddy conditions. He states that the local rock is limestone and that the mud makes good mortar for building chimneys. Wheeler expects that they will stay in Nashville for some time, possibly through the...

GLC07460.056

to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

There is occasional shelling from both sides. Beyond that little has changed and his regiment is still in the same locations as when he last wrote. Most of the Confederate shells fall too short or go too far to cause much damage to the Union lines...

GLC07460.089

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

Written at Cloud's Mill near Alexandria, Virginia. His regiment passed through Richmond, Virginia on 10 and 11 May. They marched through the principal streets in column formation. Union Army Chief of Staff Henry Halleck did not receive them and...

GLC07460.120

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

Writes that he is very grateful to be able to see his family once again and looks forward to being reunited with them. He hopes that the war is over for good and that they will be able to return home soon. Writes that the government is working hard...

GLC07460.121

to unknown

Writes that during the holidays he was very busy and had a lot of work to do around the farm. He has received a book from his class and an album with a photograph in it came to him in a "mysterious" way. He has also received several smaller presents...

GLC07460.122

to [Father]

GLC07687.005

to Dear Parents

GLC07687.006

to Dear Parents

GLC07687.007

to Brother

GLC07687.008

to Parents

GLC07687.009

to Parents

GLC07687.010

to Pa

Written at the Columbia College Hospital, in Washington, D.C.

GLC07687.011

to Parents

GLC07687.039

to uncle

GLC07687.158

Speech of Hon. Andrew Jackson of Tennessee, on The Expulsion of Mr. Bright. Delivered in the Senate of the United States, Friday, January 31, 1862.

Includes letter from Jennie to Samuel Watson Van Nuys, n.d., penciled on verso of pamphlet.

GLC07687.181

[Detailed report of Union Victory at Fort Henry, Tenn.]

Detailed report of Union victory at Fort Henry, Tenn. Includes three clippings: "Union Flag Planted on Tennsesse Soil;" "Rebel Scouts Captured-Occupation at Romeny;" and "Our Troops in Pursuit of the Rebel Refugees from Fort Henry-The Rebel Troops...

GLC07687.182

to Father

Their dramatic club performed, meanwhile they were given orders to march down to the wharf, unfortunately they were too late to meet Burnside and he heard they would sail to Washington.

GLC07705.077

to Father

He embarked on the steamer Lousiana and arrived in the dock of Washington City where the men and women asked what regiment they were from. Upon replying Hawkins, they received a warm welcome.

GLC07705.098

to Father

Although his request for a leave of absence to go to New York was denied, Col. Hawkins said he could go as far as Washington. Then writes about the benefits of his promotion. Heasks for a leather valise and includes a list of items of things he will...

GLC07705.107

to Richard H. Jackson

He is very proud that his son is in the "gallant ninth" he has been reading about. celebrated Washington's birthday. He sent the (looks like "Flushaled") Papers.

GLC07705.203

to Richard H. Jackson

He informs him he has called on Orderly L. Huct and had a pleasant talk. He learned that Lt. Col. Kimball has a short stay in Washington.

GLC07705.252

to Richard H. Jackson

His friend writes from the Hospital and asks to get a description list for him. He asks for several signatures. Written at Casparis Hosital, Washington, D.C.

GLC07705.314

to Richard H. Jackson

He thinks he may go to Washington in a week or two, if not he will try to get to where Richard is. He is hoping they will have Charleston within the month.

GLC07705.377

to Richard H. Jackson

He heard that Captain Wheaton is sick. Also he wants to get Jimmy Fileon a clerkship position.

GLC07705.381

to Richard H. Jackson

Received Dec, 21st, 1863.

GLC07705.496

to Richard H. Jackson

Received Dec. 13th, 1863.

GLC07705.499

to Richard H. Jackson

No date visible.

GLC07705.508

"Louisiana Sketches, 1864...U.S.S. Alexandria, Lower Mississippi Fleet"

One volume of a sketchbook entitled, "Louisiana Sketches, 1864...U.S.S. Alexandria, Lower Mississippi Fleet." Illustrations by David M. Stauffer dated 1864. Consists of architectural drawings and nomenclature of naval guns, carriages, and artillery...

GLC07713.01

"Sketchings, 1886, D.M. Stauffer, Lancaster City, Penna"

One sketchbook entitled, "Sketchings, 1866. D.M. Stauffer, Lancaster City, Penna," by David M. Stauffer dated 1866. Consists of ink and watercolor sketches depicting people (including African Americans in Louisiana), landscapes, coats of arms, and...

GLC07713.02

Ulysses S. Grant Carte de visite

White mount with purple border. Brady imprint on recto and verso. Three quarter length seated portrait in uniform.

GLC07808.019

Ulysses S. Grant Carte de visite

White mount with faded purple border. Brady imprint on both recto and verso. Verso also contains pencil inscription "1069" (or "1869[?]"), and ink inscription "General Grant," with "General" written in German script. Three quarter length standing...

GLC07808.020

Ulysses S. Grant Carte de visite

White mount with gold border and imprint on recto: "Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U.S.A. Photographed by T.R. Burnham, 351Washington St., Boston, in Washington, D.C., June 5th, 1868. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1868, by T.R. Burnham...

GLC07808.029

Ulysses S. Grant Carte de visite

White mount with imprint of G.W. Thorne, New York, below image on recto. Imprint of Hoyt visible on lower left corner of image. Verso contains imprint of Hoyt and pencil notations: "U.S. Grant," "9040-2," "3000," "3238," and "1272." Half length...

GLC07808.033

[Steel-plate engraving of Ulysses S. Grant]

Engraving of Grant as he appears on a version of the $50 bill.

GLC07808.047

[Vignette of Abraham Lincoln and son Tad]

Reproduction of a photograph taken by Brady. Lincoln and his son are looking at an album of cartes.

GLC07963.02