Collection Search

[pocketknife]

Milky white handle. Has two different blades, both of which have rusted significantly, tucked into it.

GLC09355.123

[maroon leather box with small collapsing cup]

Small round leather maroon box with small silver collapsing metal cup inside.

GLC09355.124

to Bill

writes at great length about slavery and abolition. thinks the institution of slavery is repugnant, but at the same time, thinks it helped to introduce blacks to civilization and that they are better off now than they were before.

GLC09358.1

to Bill

one side of Fort Sumter is battered and they have the whole of Morris Island. 12 of their crew are prisoners. predicts it will take one or two more years for the war to end.

GLC09358.2

[Instructions for guard duty]

Instructions for all enlisted and commissioned officers doing guard duty, issued by Major Wm. H. Haskell, 67th Regt. Ill, Guard Instructor, and Col. Joseph H. Tucker, Post Commander. Camp Douglas was a training camp near Chicago, but was used through...

GLC09360

to David D. Porter

To Adm. David D. Porter. Vicksburg campaign letter re frustrated attempt to dig a canal to bypass Confederate forces. "At the present stage of water the submarine pump cannot be used. Capt. Prime therefore has had it put aboard the Champion. Will you...

GLC09363

to his brother

Re Burnside's ill-fated "Mud March." Firsthand account by a soldier in the 1st Mass. Volunteers, who writes to his brother: "…nor did our movement benefit the 'Glorious Cause' in the least, except it cause Burnside to be removed and a better man put...

GLC09370

to James

Captain of 36th Regiment U.S. Colored Troops, mentions the locations of fellow Harvard alums, including "[Robert Todd] Lincoln in the army," and the health of those released from POW camps. He announces the news that "at this moment [received from]...

GLC09371

[Orders from the State of Maine]

Two Executive Orders and three General Orders from the State of Maine, printed together, re the necessity of raising additional troops for the Union cause. Bottom of page is a statement addressed to "the Patriotic Citizen Soldiery of Maine: …With the...

GLC09372

Collection of three letters signed by Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Philip Sheridan [Decimalized .01-.03]

All refer to the Battle of Cedar Creek.

GLC09379

to Corps Commanders/ Lieutenant Grant

The Battle of Cedar Creek: "We have again been favored by a great victory. A victory turned from disaster by the gallantry of our Officers & men." On an early form of carbon paper. Written at City Point- now named Hopewell.

GLC09379.01

to Edwin Stanton

Recommending Alfred Terry to fill a brigadier general vacancy caused by the promotion of George Thomas and Philip Sheridan to major general in the Regular Army. To Sec. of War Edwin Stanton.

GLC09379.02

[Lincoln endorsement]

On verso of Philip H. Sheridan ALS, 2-26-1865, to Brig. Gen. S. Thomas, Lincoln has endorsed Sheridan's recommendation for the promotion of Captain Thomas Moore. Moore served with Sheridan at Cedar Creek, also known as Cedar Run, and other campaigns...

GLC09379.03

to George H. Thomas

One day before the Battle of Chattanooga: "The truth or falsity of the deserter who came in last night stating that Bragg has fallen back should be ascertained at once. If he is really falling back Sherman can commence at once laying his pontoon...

GLC09383

to Robert Hunter

To Robert Hunter, author of: "'Sketches of War History:....We are all simply witnesses on the Stand of the Great Tribunal of History out of which will be wrought the 'Judgment' leaving the great mass to drift into the ocean of oblivion, or float...

GLC09384

[Account of Army of Northern Virginia cavalry operations]

"…praise to the valor, endurance & patriotism of the noble band of troopers I had the honor to Comd. … they at least did their whole duty in the unsuccessful struggle in which we were engaged."
Opening with the Wilderness and Spotsylvania battles...

GLC09392

to M.L. Bonham

Chief engineer of the Confederacy to SC Governor Bonham. "The matter of Mr. Maxwell's Negroes having appeared in the City was through neglect but is excusable when the facts are known. They were, at the time of the assault on Battery Wagner, on...

GLC09403

to Joshua King

King, an African-American soldier who served as Color Sergeant of Company K, 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment writes from Folly Island, SC to his father Joshua King in Ohio. "Father I want you to try & write little oftener then you doe write...

GLC09406

[Report on evacuating contrabands]

Union chaplain's report on evacuating contrabands. "I cannot help wonder at the management of the evacuation of Huntsville-a memorable event in the history of this wicked rebellion. The gov't property destroyed and the apparent determination that the...

GLC09409

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Tennaly. Miller writes, "...we have to guard the village and the tavern doors to prevent the soldiers from getting liquor and they put such men there as does not drink and cannot be bribed for the soldiers will do almost anything for...

GLC02155.006

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Tennaly. Complains that Lile, his wife, does not write to him often enough. Asks for the Oddfellows to send a card or some other proof of his membership.

GLC02155.007

to Andrew Bushman Miller

Written at Camp Tennaly to his father. Writes, "...if only the darned Rebels would Be a little careful where they shoot, But as they are not we will have to Return the Compliment, we are well armed and equipped now with first Rate Rifles Muskets...

GLC02155.010

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Tennaly to his wife. Complains of a severe headache. Writes, "the army is moving in every direction today i do not know how far into virginia we are going..." Written in pencil.

GLC02155.011

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Discusses his march toward Leesburg, Virginia: "...we saw some verry pretty sights on our march and some verry Sorrowfull ones, on our march there we saw no men but plenty of women they stuck Bull Run at us every...

GLC02155.012

to Lile Miller

Reports that the Third Brigade has been moved to Washington, D.C., and the Second Brigade to Alexandria, Virginia. Notes that his brigade will remain where it is, Fairfax Station, a "quiet healthy Place." Doubts that he will receive a promotion...

GLC02155.097

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife: "This is rather a dangerous place to be as you cant trust any Body about here it is full of Rebels around here there is hardly a night but you can hear shots fired..." Written in pencil.

GLC02155.001

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife: "...i do not touch any kind of strong drink play no cards have nothing to do with any women in fact have not spent one cent... i have to day Been in the army seven weeks and have never Received one Black mark..."

GLC02155.004

to Lile Miller [incomplete]

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Comments on the death of Jesse Shank, a man in his company. Notes that Shank was an Oddfellow. Discusses camp life.

GLC02155.021

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Date inferred from content; this letter is labeled 14 January 1861. Discusses the possibility that men from his regiment might be sent out to recruit. Writes, "...i do get so downhearted and wretched some times...

GLC02155.026

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains about the rain and that Lile, his wife, does not write to him enough. Writes, "...the government has opened a Recruiting office at McCalls head quarters for the Regular Army any volunteer enlisting...

GLC02155.033

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Writes, "...the Boys are Jubilant of our late victories at Roanoke island and in the [tennessee] River, But i suppose ere you Receive this you will have heard of the taking of Roanoke island By our forces they...

GLC02155.034

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains that married women in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (where he was from) throw parties for and "walk the streets" with the Porter Guards.

GLC02155.036

to Lile Miller

Writes from camp near Alexandria. Ink is faded. "...you asked in your letter whether we had lost confidence in Genl McClellan No Dear Lile if there is a man in the world this army loves it is him, the Reason they are down on him, they think he ought...

GLC02155.041

to Lile Miller

Writes from Manassas Junction to his wife. Relates that Brigadier General Reynolds keeps quarters in their camp. Writes, "...i suppose you have heard of the Glorious Victory in the west, a few more of the kind i think will end the Rebellion..."

GLC02155.042

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife: "every thing is quiet here But a good deal of escitement [sic] about the recent defeat of Genl Banks [struck: defeat] in the [Shenandoah] valley and i have no doubt the excitement was not small in Gettysburg it was Rather a...

GLC02155.049

to Lile Miller

Miller writes from camp near the Chickahominy River to his wife. Notes that Confederates broke through the picket lines of General George McClellan's army, but that his company will likely remain held as a reserve force.

GLC02155.053

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife. Reminsces about her recent visit.

GLC02155.061

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near White Oak Church. Reports that he is under marching orders. Comments on his father's well being (his father is also apparently in the service). Notes, "tell him i am not now the Puny little sickly looking...

GLC02155.077

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near Union Mills. Describes another miserable night on picket. Notes that they will receive four months pay the following month.

GLC02155.084

to Lile Miller

Thinks Lieutenant Kitzmiller will be able to obtain a leave of absence. Discusses the complicated process of obtaining a furlough, noting that the request ultimately has to meet the approval of General [Samuel] Heintzelman.

GLC02155.103

to Lile Miller

Murray writes to his wife: "Dear Lile I almost dread when we are discharged it will Be almost like changing climate, the mode of living is so diferent, But I think I can manage..." Has been temporarily marked "off duty" by the doctor. Hopes to keep...

GLC02155.106

to Lile Miller [incomplete]

Complains about his brother-in-law (Lile's brother). Writes, "...if we leave here for washington i do not think we will Return without fighting they are gathering an immence army there for that purpose but whether we will be engaged in the first...

GLC02155.005

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Washington near Falmouth, Virginia, to his wife. Miller reports, "...the fleet footed Rebels have Run again from york town, and i feel very sorry for it But i suppose it is all for the best..." Notes that his company's picket line...

GLC02155.044

Paymaster gives check to George E. Armstrong

GLC02157.54

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Describes the funeral procession for a fallen soldier from his regiment.

GLC02155.015

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Writes, "Dear Wife it makes me so angry when i think of the way we have been humbuged and treated since we have been in the service that some times i think if the Rebels were coming into Gettys... i would barely...

GLC02155.018

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Describes entering a civilian house where the inhabitants professed to be loyal to the Union.

GLC02155.019

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Discusses the difficulty of obtaining wood and the possibility of acquiring a small sheet iron stove. Complains that soldiers from New York receive more press than the Pennsylvania troops: "...i see your Sunday...

GLC02155.027

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Discusses camp life. Writes, "Oh i hope and pray to god it may not Be much longer till i can press you to my heart... and yet dear Lile to Protect this happy Land of ours i would fight those over Bearing Rebels...

GLC02155.032

to Lile Miller

Miller writes near White House, Virginia, to his wife. Describes his journey from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Heard that his division will travel toward Richmond to join General George McClellan.

GLC02155.052

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp at Brooks Station. Writes, "there is a terrible Battle Raging at Fredericksburg the canonading [sic] yesterday was tremendous, i believe it exceeded any thing i ever heard, either Malvern hill or Sharpsburg, it is...

GLC02155.071

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near Union Mills. Comments on a recent situation in which some men in his regiment refused to obey orders; he previously described the incident to Lile and now reprimands her for reading the letter to another woman...

GLC02155.085

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near Union Mills. Comments on the draft: "...the Conscription Act... comes down verry heavily on the men from 21 to 35 years of age, But it is only what they should have done one year ago, had they have given Genl...

GLC02155.086

to Lile Miller

Complains about his inability to obtain a furlough, noting Governor Andrew Curtin granted a soldier from his company a furlough. Another man wrote to "Little Eddy," possibly Representative Edward McPherson, who granted him a furlough. Miller notes,...

GLC02155.099

to Lile Miller

Complains that some of his fellows have obtained a furlough, while he has not. Discusses Mr. Frey, a sutler, and the sutler store. In a post script, notes that he enclosed a song (not included) with this letter.

GLC02155.101

to Lile Miller

Writes a love letter to his wife. Expects to cross the Rapidan River and "[attack] Old Lee as he is sending reinforcements to Bragg."

GLC02155.108

to Lile Miller

Written in camp at Bristoe Station.

GLC02155.128

to Lile Miller

Writing from Camp at Brestow Station in Virginia, Miller thanks his wife for writing so often, but insists he doesn't need her to send him "a Box", presumably of food because "we now get fresh Bread all the time". He describes the rations in more...

GLC02155.132

to Michael Miller

GLC02155.149

to Michael Miller

GLC02155.168

to Michael Miller

GLC02155.171

to Michael Miller

GLC02155.173

to Michael Miller

GLC02155.187

to Sister and Cousin

GLC02155.193

to his cousin Lill

GLC02156.05

to his cousin Lill

GLC02156.12

to her cousin Mag

GLC02156.23

to his mother and Charley

Written from "Camp Parapet," located in Shrewsbury, Louisiana, near New Orleans. Addressed to his mother and brother Charley.

GLC02157.10

to mother

GLC02157.32

to mother

GLC02157.37

to mother

GLC02157.47

to mother

GLC02157.51

Description of Charles L. Brown

GLC02157.53

to Friend Charlie

Written at Fort Delaware

GLC02157.57

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Dated "Decr" (year inferred from content). Notes that their camp is ten miles from Washington, D.C. Discusses the possibility that Lile will visit him at camp.

GLC02155.031

to Lile Miller

Writes from Camp Washington to his wife. Comments on his quarters being full of lice.

GLC02155.043

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Washington near Falmouth, Virginia, to his wife. Boasts that his regiment took the first honour in a recent inspection. Predicts his regiment will soon march toward Richmond, Virginia.

GLC02155.046

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife: "... the men have become dissatisfied they have not enough to eat they say in camp and a good many of the officers drink as bad as the men..."

GLC02155.002

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains of having a cold. Writes, "...i do not know what they intend to do with us this winter But i think they intend to fight it through... in a few days we are to be Reviewed By Genl McClellan there will be...

GLC02155.016

to Charley Miller

Possibly written to his young son in December 1861 from Camp Pierpont, Virginia (date and location inferred from content). Expresses sympathy for Charley, who has a sore on his side.

GLC02155.024

to Lile Miller

Written from Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains that one of his fellow soldiers is spreading falsehoods, through letters, about others in the company.

GLC02155.030

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Writes, "...Please do not let one secession thought enter your heart for not for the world would i have you entertain one Secession principle... think of the stain that Rests on the second and third generation of...

GLC02155.035

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Writes that the whole division is preparing to move, and "where we are to go, we do not know, or any person else i suppose excep [sic] Genl McClellan..." Post script is written in pencil.

GLC02155.037

to Lile Miller

Written at camp near Alexandria, Virginia, to his wife. Notes that General [George] McCall complained about the conditions in which the reserves under his command were serving (standing picket in the mud). Predicts he will not be sent further south.

GLC02155.048

to Lile Miller

Mentions that his regiment changed position and expresses confidence in General John F. Reynolds. Describes marching through the city [Fredericksburg]. Discusses the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, mentioning Generals Stonewall Jackson, Nathaniel P...

GLC02155.050

to Lile Miller

Miller replies to a letter from his wife. Describes a recent skirmish with Confederates. Requests a plait of her hair.

GLC02155.051

to Lile Miller

Written from Harrison's Landing, on the James River, to his wife. Thanks her for the locks of hair she sent (one from her, one from their son, Charley). Mentions a letter he wrote that she recently had published in a local paper. Complains of a lack...

GLC02155.056

to Lile Miller

Written from Harrison's Landing, on the James River, to his wife. Notes that he carries a photograph of Lile, his wife, in a case in his breast pocket at all times.

GLC02155.057

to Lile Miller

Miller writes from Harrison's Landing, on the James River, to his wife. Complains that the government should be quicker to institute a military draft.

GLC02155.058

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife. Mentions his sister, Sallie. Promises that if something happens to her, he will never marry another woman.

GLC02155.067

to Lile Miller

Aunt Sallie writes to Lile from "Catoctin," possibly either Catoctin Mountain in Maryland or Catoctin Creek in Virginia. Reports they can "hear the Cannons in Virginia Fighting again." Expects to be able to visit Lile closer to Christmas. Comments on...

GLC02155.068

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp at Brooks Station. Comments on the Battle of Fredericksburg: "Our company mad [sic] a lucky escape in not getting into this last Battle, All the Rest of our Division were in it and as usual were the first or nearly...

GLC02155.072

[to Lile Miller]

Possibly written from camp at Brooks Station. Miller encloses money for his wife and comments on the high price of goods. Location and recipient inferred based on date and accompanying letters.

GLC02155.073

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near Union Mills. Notes that their duties are difficult, since there are no other Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteers at their location. Describes standing picket in mud and water for 24 hours at a time. Comments on...

GLC02155.083

to Lile Miller

Relates that he dreamed that the Union won the Civil War, and his wife had another baby.

GLC02155.091

to Lile Miller

Assures his wife that he cares about her as much as ever. Writes, "...as far as Alexandria is concerned, should we be so unfortunate as to get there, you have known my feelings in regard to such things too long to doubt me for an instant..." Notes...

GLC02155.093

to Lile Miller

Complains of having a severe cold and his inability to obtain a furlough. Miller's letter consists of three pages. On page four, there is a note written in pencil. The author conveys her wish for Miller to obtain his furlough, and signs the note...

GLC02155.094

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife: "Capt. McPherson has treated his men worse than a niger would have done we have seen him but once since we left camp Wayne... there is a [power] of soldiers going through here to Washington the last few days... i think...

GLC02155.003

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Tennaly. Writes, "...i am almost certain we will leave to night for Virginia..." Sends money. Consists of three pages plus a loose-leaf enclosure written on a half sheet.

GLC02155.009

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Washington near Fredericksburg, Virginia, to his wife. Reports that on 23 May, the soldiers were reviewed by President Abraham Lincoln, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, Governor Andrew G. Curtin, and General Irvin McDowell...

GLC02155.047