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to Father

He no longer cares whether he goes home or not. Says he was only homesick and has grown accustomed to his circumstances.

GLC07705.016

to Father

A gun-boat called Penguin lies there for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy. He heard the sound of muskets firing while at brigade drill. He later learned it was a sham battle between regiments.

GLC07705.017

to Father

Since General Wool took over, things have improved greatly, down to the cook. He witnessed a naval battle between the Frigate Savannah and a Secession gun-boat. He writes that he received more clothes including a regular's fatigue suit. He now longs...

GLC07705.018

to Father

He anticipates that they will move to Fort Clark on Saturday and tells him not to write until he hears from him first.

GLC07705.019

to Father

He writes that he really likes this life and would like it even more if he were fighting...reminds him to call on John's sister.

GLC07705.020

to Father

Written onboard a steamer. He describes Fort Hattera where they met two schooners on their way to Philadelphia. They have captured five vessels since the boys have been there. He describes the island as the one that Robinson Crusoe lived on. The...

GLC07705.021

to Father

They are in possession of Fort Clark. He describes it as dreary and desolate, just like Coney Island. There are no inhabitants for five miles except mosquitos, but well populated five or six miles from the mainland. got a pass and explored. The...

GLC07705.022

to Father

He saw an English vessel and a ship from Cuba called the Neptune's Car headed for Philadelphia. He is enclosing this letter in a box of shells. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.023

to Father

One of their boats, the Fanny, was captured and the crew was taken unaware near Roanoke Island. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.024

to Father

The post master came and delivered his salary up to Sept. 1. later he tells the dramatic story of how they rescued the Indiana men from the boat, the Fanny. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.025

to Father

There is a change in command. They are losing Gen. Wool who will no doubt be missed by all. This will change their whole schedule which he lists for his father starting at 5 am. He writes that he caught a deserter and earned extra money.

GLC07705.026

to Father

He left their last camp because it was an unhealthy place and a lot of the boys were getting sick. He would like to go to Virginia or N. Carolina next.

GLC07705.027

to Father

He writes he will be forwarding most of his pay and provides a list of things he wants his father to send him from home. There is fighting amonst the officials over who is appointed where and by whom. One of the Captains resigned and said he would...

GLC07705.028

to Father

He writes there is a great number of sea shells to collect. He wants to know what the people in New York think of his regiment. Then tells his father not to worry if he is taken prisoner. If he ever meets a secessionist "I will not try to take him...

GLC07705.029

to Father

No news. A large mail came but there was nothing from his father. He will write another letter later.

GLC07705.030

to Father

He is glad his father put the money he sent to good use...has a gripe with Mr. Choate. thinks he does not deserve to be paid back and doesn't understand why he doesn't fight for his country. He quotes from a letter of him that illustrates why he...

GLC07705.031

to Father

Possibly included with GLC07705.033

He tells his father not to send any more clothes until he writes for them and is glad that Capt. Bernard was discharged.

GLC07705.032

to Father

Possibly included with GLC07705.032

Includes a sketch of a windmill.

GLC07705.033

to Father

He describes the weather but then says he has nothing to write about. He is currently helping to build barracks. Then describes two rebel propellers that shot at their boats.

GLC07705.034

to Father

Thanks him for the picture of himself before he enlisted. Then describes his regiment flag and asks his father why he isn't using the money he sent

GLC07705.037

to Father

They are still building the fort while waiting for the rebel to attack. He regrets they were not in New York for New Year's. He intends to send him most of his pay.

GLC07705.038

to Father

There is a rumor of their intended departure on Gen. Burnside's expedition which is strengthened by the arrival or 2 or 3 light draught gun boats daily. Everyone has been preparing by making requisitons for extra ammunition and equipment. He insists...

GLC07705.039

to Father

It is now a reality that they will go on General Burnside's expedition. He requests several newspapers.

GLC07705.040

to Father

Burnside's expedition will have them travelling on the Staten Island Ferry. They will be the advance guard, set to attack Roanoke Island, then onto Norfolk, North Carolina...15,000 to 20,000 men on board the vessels.

GLC07705.041

to Father

They experienced hurricane-like weather. Now it seems as though they won't go on Burnside's expedition but will keep his father posted

GLC07705.042

to Father

He finally got an acknowledgement from his father that the money he sent was received. Yesterday they had the monthly inspection of the troops' quarters.

GLC07705.043

to Father

He finally received orders to pack up and leave for Burnside's expedition. They will be aboard the Spaulding. He writes he may not hear from him for sometime, but tells him not to worry.

GLC07705.044

to Father

Their regiment has captured Roanoke Island (50 pieces of artillery and over 2000 prisoners). Next they go to Raleigh. He received his pay again and sent most of it to his father.

GLC07705.045

to Father

written over, cannot be read. Written aboard the steamer "Virginia".

GLC07705.046

to Father

He embarked on board a gun boat named Commodore Barney whose sole mission was to burn down a railroad bridge. Hedescribes a somewhat eventful journey and encampment. Written aboard the steamer "Virginia".

GLC07705.047

to Father

He writes of the difficulty of staying in contact. He is glad that he has survived a severe battle. He lists all the people he has not heard from in a while.Written aboard the steamer "Virginia"

GLC07705.048

to Father

They have now been ordered to garrison on Roanoke. He describes his quarters in great detail.

GLC07705.049

to Father

They were ordered to embark on board the gun boat "Virginia." They anchored where they found a house and a man with a truce flag. 25 or 30 men came out which they took as prisoners. They all got new uniforms.

GLC07705.054

to Father

He enjoyed the Chaplain's lecture. He is going to Elizabeth City next.

GLC07705.055

to Father

General Johnston has been reported dead. He believes Jefferson Davis will soon meet his fate. Mentions Mr. Watson.

GLC07705.056

to Father

He gives a detailed account of the Battle of River Bridge. A close friend of his , William, is killed in battle. In total they lost 12 or 15 men.

GLC07705.057

to Father

He complains he has not received any mail from him lately. Hewmentions their Adjutant who was killed in River Bridge.

GLC07705.058

to Father

An order was read to reduce the regiment of three corporals. A John Davis was one of them. He warns his father not to tell John's parents.

GLC07705.059

to Father

The received a letter from John Davis's sister asking why his father hasn't called on him.

GLC07705.060

to Father

He is anxiously awaiting a decision on whether he will get furlough.

GLC07705.061

to Father

He includes sketch with a soldier standing next to a cannon, tee pees, an American Indian and a banner that says "Union."
He mentions a Sergeant Chas E. Hill.

GLC07705.062

to Father

He complains the only mail he receives are newspapers and his friends seem to have forgotten him.

GLC07705.063

to Father

He received the news of his father's upcoming marriage and trip to Rochester. Fred L., who has been sick for some time received a furlough. He mentions all the possessions he left behind when he enlisted.

GLC07705.064

to Father

He is sending this letter as well as some other things along with a Corp. Hugh McMann.

GLC07705.065

to Father

He is writing to inform him he has forwarded $50.

GLC07705.066

to Father

He includes a list of items he is enclosing and insists they may appear insignificant but are very important and must be treated as trophies.

GLC07705.067

to Father

He is happy his father is settling down and has been granted a furlough by Col. Hawkins. He writes that the ladies of Roanoke are not so pretty as the ones in New York.

GLC07705.068

to Father

He thinks Frank L. must have arrived home by now and has called on his father...Col. Hawkins proceeded on board the brig Port Royal for the purpose of ascending the swamp canal. Lt. Col Kimball detailed all the contrabands to erect arbars in front of...

GLC07705.069

to Father

He introduces his father to William S. Hutton, discharged for disability.

GLC07705.070

to Father

He is anxiously awaiting a decision on whether or not he will get furlough. John Davis said he will not let any more men go on furlough until he sees Burnside.

GLC07705.071

to Father

He is glad he called on Mrs. Milligan. He wants him to call on Janey as well. Burnside has made several trips to Norfolk.

GLC07705.072

to Father

He is miffed because a certain Hazelton complains of his experiences as a soldier, when he has only had a few hardships. "Why I only wish they would send them here where the sun would change many of them to niggars and somewhat tan their little kid...

GLC07705.073

to Father

He writes of how "Him who ruleth above, that judeth of all men, entreating Him to hold the guiding hand over me while engaged in the dreadful courage of battle..."

GLC07705.074

[Instead of addressing via Fortress Monroe say By way of New York]

GLC07705.075

to Father

Letter of introduction fro George Jr. Langbeim.

GLC07705.076

to Father

He will most certainly be going to Richmond again and mentions that cousin James was wounded in the battle of Fair Oaks.

GLC07705.078

to Father

He encloses a receipt for the two certificates. On his way to Richmond.

GLC07705.079

to Father

He writes they are to embark at 6 am and their destination is unknown.

GLC07705.080

to Father

He mentions highlights from the recent journey. once they arrived he was the first to get a pass in Norfolk and describes the town.

GLC07705.081

to Father

Mentions the Watsons.

GLC07705.082

to Father

He compares Norfolk to New York and points out their similarities. He writes that Portsmouth is much smaller than New York but much prettier. He notes that today is his birthday.

GLC07705.083

to Father

He will go to Newport News before going to Richmond. He celebrated his 18th birthday.

GLC07705.084

to Father

He lists all the regiments comprising the division of Gen. Burnside. He asks his father to see Evarts and procure a comission for him.

GLC07705.085

to Father

He mentions that his father recently took a trip around Central Park with a wounded officer. He also heard that an officer from his regiment called at the house when his father was absent. Heasks his father if he saw Burnside when he was in New York.

GLC07705.086

to Father

He received orders to pack up and leave within a half hour. He got paid and will send $25 or $30.

GLC07705.087

to Father

He expected to go up to Harrison's landing but ended up anchored to Fortress Monroe.

GLC07705.088

to Father

He describes the encampment scene on the banks of Rappahanock. He writes that some men will come face to face with the enemy and they are all delighted with this.

GLC07705.089

to Father

He mentions an old friend who he found out had been wounded and taken prisoner near RIchmond.

GLC07705.090

to Father

He writes of the new recruits that will be coming in and admonishes those who try to pay their way out of serving their country.

GLC07705.091

to Father

Though they haven't seen any rebels, writes that if he does he will not take him prisoner but kill him. Cavalry and artillery arrived from Harrison recently. He describes the beautiful scenery and mentions Charlie.

GLC07705.092

to Father

C.K's men landed at Port Royal and captured 15 furloughed rebel soldiers from Richmond.

GLC07705.093

to Father

He is glad his father received the $22 and glad he heard from Mr. Evarts even though his attempts were not successful.

GLC07705.094

to Father

Duryee's Zoaves have arrived and are temporarily quartered with them. saw Ben Parkland.

GLC07705.095

to Father

He heard Gen. Lee and his army were advancing , so cavalry and artillery changed their positions. He wants to know why Mr. Watson doesn't write. Andy Dobbs brought 15 new recruits.

GLC07705.096

to Father

He heard a bridge blow up as well as a goverment factory. He describes the country side. Last page written over.

GLC07705.097

to Father

The cavalry rode to the edge of town and met the rebels in considerable force. The union troops then entered the town admidst much cheering. A false report surfaced that he was taken prisoner.He had dysentary.

GLC07705.099

to Father

He has enclosed 3 card photographs, not included here.

GLC07705.100

to Father

Squads in hundreds of rebel prisoners are coming in. Hospitals are full of both Union and Confederate soldiers but he remains healthy.

GLC07705.101

to Father

They lost 300 or 400 men in the last battle.

GLC07705.102

to Father

He assures his father that a mistake has been made when the claim is made that the zoaves participated in the battle of Antietam. They were, in fact held in reserve. He says the army is behind in its payments.

GLC07705.103

to Father

He notes that President Lincoln arrived in town after his visit with the Grand Army and made two short speeches.

GLC07705.104

to Father

He writes that Mr. Hallow received his father's letter informing him the money written for by him had been sent on.

GLC07705.105

to Father

He describes the beauty of where they are camped in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then talks of the beautiful new uniform.

GLC07705.106

to Father

He left encampment at Pleasant Valley and marched onward until they crossed the Potomac into Virginia. He is now in charge of some 40 men.

GLC07705.108

to Father

He is glad the Haller family received the money everyone was so worried about.

GLC07705.109

to Father

He camped where the rebels had possession of in the morning. A skirmish broke out.

GLC07705.110

to Father

The army has been cracking down on "stragglers." but says the Ninth has no stragglers and they can march longer than anyone else and Burnside himself has complimented them.

GLC07705.111

to Father

General Burnside will now command the Army of the Potomac, and Gen. McClellan will step down. The 9th Army Corps will be sad to see him go. He includes General Orders.

GLC07705.112

to Father

He writes they are still here but will probably move on Thursday.

GLC07705.113

to Father

He reports a sad incident in which two Germans were practicing a bayonet exercise and one accidently pierced the heart of the other. He tried to shoot himself afterward but was prevented from doing so and locked up.

GLC07705.114

to Father

He describes a skirmish across the Rappahanock. He reports that he received the valise with all the items he requested and requests more items like a coat and boots.

GLC07705.115

to Father

He talks about the the threat of destruction toward Fredricksburg unless the Rebels surrender it but as of yet the city is left untouched. he mentions Mr. Whitaker.

GLC07705.116

to Father

They are ordered to cook three days rations and to cross the Fredricksburg river. He discusses his payment details.

GLC07705.119

to Father

He wishes his father a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Their regiment had the duty of picketing the Rappahanock. Brags about his regiment and how everyone knows how splendid they are.

GLC07705.121

to Father

Poem about New Years'.

GLC07705.122

to Father

This time he picketed, he was not on the river bank but in reserve, so he was deprived of the opportunity to crop with another truce flag. His health and wellness continue.

GLC07705.123

to Father

To his surprise found the carpet bag his father had sent was missing items and it appeared as if the lock had been broken.

GLC07705.124

to Father

The officers headed by Col. Hawkins were taken to the headquarters of Major Gen. Sumner and Gen. Wilcox as well who praised the 9th regiment.

GLC07705.125

to Father

He mentions that there is a movement started by Col. Hawkins to raise funds to build a monument in Central Park or another suitable place to commemorate the officers that have died in the war.

GLC07705.126

to Father

They have been marching with three days cooked rations and 16 rounds ammunition. Meanwhile their destination is unknown.

GLC07705.127