Collection Search

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near White Oak Church. Reports that his division might be able to return to Washington, D.C.

GLC02155.080

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Reports that his regiment, the Pennsylvania 1st Reserve, received "first honor" at a recent inspection.

GLC02155.014

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Fears he will not be able to return home until spring, and longs to see his wife and son. Writes, "...perhaps this delay may save the life of many a soldier for we have seen the effects of attacking the Rebels...

GLC02155.023

to Lile Miller

Written from camp near White Oak Church. Writes, "...when the Inquirer came yesterday it put a damper on the Boys to see that the Secretary of War had refused to let the Reserves go Back to the State... i never felt like deserting Before But if ever...

GLC02155.029

to Lile Miller

Thanks his wife for a recent package she sent.

GLC02155.066

to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Acquia Landing on Acquia Creek, Virginia. Comments on their hard march. Notes that they are in [General George] Meade's Division, in [General John F.] Reynold's Corps.

GLC02155.069

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp at Brooks Station. Sends Lile money and comments that "here all is quiet."

GLC02155.070

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp at Brooks Station. Reports, "all appears quiet here..." Notes that the previous Sunday, "Stewart's Cavalry threatened to make a raid on this Road..." Asks about the well being of his father.

GLC02155.075

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near White Oak Church. Notes Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, will not allow his regiment to return to "the state," possibly Pennsylvania, where he is from. Refers to a victory of [General William] Rosecrans "in...

GLC02155.076

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near Union Mills. Describes his recent march from Alexandria via Manassas Road and Fairfax Court House. Mentions a mutiny in his company; Miller sided with the officers. Writes, "the Division is Ruined."

GLC02155.081

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near Union Mills. Reports that although he did not take part in his regiment's recent refusal to disobey orders, he does not blame the men for doing so, since they recently had to march a long way through mud and...

GLC02155.082

to Lile Miller

Relates to his wife that he installed a stove in his quarters. Comments on Sergeant Henry's wounded leg. Notes that there are four regiments at his Fairfax Station: the Buck Tails, his regiment, the Sixth, and the Second.

GLC02155.090

to Lile Miller

Complains to his wife: "... it is a shame and a disgrace that this government will keep troops, (when they must know that a great number of them are married men who have famalies [sic]) without pay for five and six months they must think they are all...

GLC02155.092

to Lile Miller

Discusses his ordeal trying to obtain leave, including a friend's recommendation to General [Samuel] Heintzelman. Of the war, writes, "...I have saw enough of Blood to last me my life time..." References a Confederate attack on a train, and...

GLC02155.105

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Discusses camp life, including the cook, shaving habits of the men, and lack of supplies. Mentions Brigadier General [John F.] Reynolds. Assures her that he burns her letters after reading them.

GLC02155.013

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Discusses tearing down houses for the wood: "...at first Dear Lile i was opposed to destroying Property But now i think i perfectly Right, let the traitors feel to the full extent the horrors of the war they have...

GLC02155.017

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Reports being called to arms the previous day because their cavalry pickets were attacked by Confederates. Discusses putting a fire place in his tent and sending his wife a photograph of himself. Writes, "...i do...

GLC02155.022

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains that his wife does not write to him enough. Notes that the doctor gave his company a dose of medicine after they stood picket in the rain. Discusses the Christmas holiday in camp: a dress parade took...

GLC02155.025

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains about the Porter Guards from New York, who are stationed at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, noting that they boast of "Being nearly all Rich and leaving home through Principal," although "the Pennsylvanians...

GLC02155.028

to Lile Miller

Reports that they are one mile from Centreville. Writes, "...i do not think they intend to attact [sic] Bull Run and i think they have evacuated Centreville..."

GLC02155.038

to Lile Miller

Miller writes from "picket lines near Richmond" to his wife. Notes that Union and Confederate pickets are so close together, they can talk and exchange supplies. Continues writing 24 June. Writes, "...Rebeldom is pretty near played out..."

GLC02155.054

to Lile Miller

Written from camp on the James River. Notes that in the last battle (likely the Seven Days Battles), many of his fellow soldiers were lost or captured as prisoners. Writes, "...every where we turned it was carnage and Blood and it seemed as if the...

GLC02155.055

to Lile Miller

Miller writes from Harrison's Landing on the James River to his wife. Describes a recent skirmish with Confederates.

GLC02155.059

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife. Laments that his knapsack, containing a picture of Lile and his son, Charley, may have been lost. Complains of the swamps in Virginia (especially the Chickahominy Swamp).

GLC02155.060

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife four days after the Battle of Antietam (also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg). Writes, "I suppose the folks that was here to see the Battle field had [a sad tale], and I must say they saw a horrible sight, such an one as i...

GLC02155.064

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.383

to Eliakim P. Scammon

Former professor of mathematics at Antioch College; wishes to remain in service. Bardwell was a white officer (lt. colonel) in the 3rd U.S. Colored Troops. After the war he worked at the U.S. Naval Observatory and taught at the University of Kansas.

GLC02414.384

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.388

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.391

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.393

to Eliakim P. Scammon

Prussian-born, university educated, served in Prussian military. Came to U.S. to buy land in west, then enlisted and fought. Docket notes that he is being retained in service "with the duties of an engineer."

GLC02414.394

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.395

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.399

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.401

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.402

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.404

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.407

to Eliakim P. Scammon

Captain in the U.S.C.T. with extensive military experience with British arm, including a general's a.d.c., before joining Union army as draughtsman. At time of writing was serving as a judge advocate.

GLC02414.413

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.415

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.416

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.419

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.422

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.424

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.425

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.427

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.430

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.437

to Eliakim P. Scammon

Per docket, "Knows nothing of guard duty & little of anything else."

GLC02414.439

to Eliakim P. Scammon

Short and punchy letter listing service at Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, & several skirmishes, ending "I have no desire to remain in Service in time of Peace"

GLC02414.443

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.444

to Mary

They will be leaving in the morning. He went to town today and had his picture taken for her. He says for her to keep the deed safe in case Chapman calls for it. If he doesn't she should burn it.

GLC02415.002

to Mary

They rode the train cars through Ohio and Michigan. The Rebels tried to brake their picket but they were pushed back. A few regiments were taken across the river. A lot of the boys are anxious to fight.

GLC02415.003

to Mary

They are camped in a very nice area near Louisville. There is a large plantation with lots of sweet potatoes. He asks if Taylor has decided to take the farm yet and if not she will have to let it. He asks if she heard from Wes. Was written near...

GLC02415.004

to Mary

There is nothing going on at the moment. They left him at camp for the last five days because he has not been feeling well. He wants to know all about the animals on their farm. He tells her not ask Father for help in the farm because he is old and...

GLC02415.015

to Mary

He thinks his regiment has seen harder times than most, since they have been in two battles already. He responds to her request for details of William Sears' death.

GLC02415.016

to dear wife and beloved children

He is glad she is trying to sell the farm but the price she has set on it is the lowest it could possibly go for. He is not that anxious to sell but if the money is there take it. He says to pay Uncle Cheleb what he owes him.

GLC02415.020

to Mary

He talks about the differences in climate in the North vs. the South. This leads to the next topic of Southern diseases.

GLC02415.023

to Mary

He figures it is time to send her some money. They will stay where they are five more days. There are four sick men in the company.

GLC02415.024

to Mary

He is anxious to hear from the boys in the potomac. He goes on to talk about the sacred principles of defending one's country as his grandfather and father did. David is not very well

GLC02415.026

to Mary

A very patriotic letter about why it is important to make sacrifices for the nation. Fighting for your country will benefit posterity.

GLC02415.041

to Mary

He talks about Bragg and Gen. Rosecrans. He says Bragg is a coward and a traitor and is afraid of Rosecrans. Then he goes on to speculate whether Father ought to save his wheat for the Spring market or Fall.

GLC02415.044

to Mary

He still doesn't know where they will send him, either to the regiment or the Convalescent Camp, but ultimately feels he will go back with his regiment. He hopes it is true that H. Pratt was discharged.

GLC02415.045

to Mary

He has been detailed in the hospital dining room. He has to set the table and do the dishes. He apologizes for not having sent her money yet, but he should be able to do so this week.

GLC02415.047

to Mary

He asks her to let him know right away if she does not receive the money he sent. She mentioned that a Mr. Shear has written to him but he has not received any of the letters.

GLC02415.050

to Mary

Money goes very fast these days he says. Even after receiving two months pay some of the boys have no money left. But he is very careful about how he spends his money. Other soldiers waste their money on drinking and gambling.

GLC02415.055

to Mary

He wants to know how living in Mr. Sterans house is for her. Apparently their corn crop did not do well this year. He asks what Mr. Graw wants to do with their farm.

GLC02415.057

to Mary

He received a letter from his father who is well. His father told him that William H. Pratt is in the hospital. James assures Mary that he is safer now than if he had stayed in the brigade.

GLC02415.059

to Mary

He writes again how education is so important for their children. If she does not have money for the taxes, he insists she let him know and he will send her some money.Their pay is late.

GLC02415.063

to Mary

He talks about the music they practice playing in camp to keep busy during down times. Some of the boys play cards, while he prefers to read.

GLC02415.067

to Mary

He would like William to work the farm so that he could live there with Mary and the children and then she wouldn't have to worry about the milling.

GLC02415.071

to Mary

He talks about the current prices of different articles of clothing. He says he is getting lazy and doesn't know how long he will remain in Chattanooga. He still owes his uncle money.

GLC02415.077

to Mary

He talks about the inevitability of death and the many vices of the army. It takes a very stable mind to reject all the vices of the army. He mentions a friend who wants to enlist because his wife died, but he thinks it would be better if he stayed...

GLC02415.079

to Mary

He asks what Fletcher is doing on their farm. He doesn't have anything very positive to say about him. They will leave Tennessee tomorrow and go to Georgia. They are going to a healthier place. Written in camp opposite Chattanooga

GLC02415.089

to Mary

Small pox has been going around.They have been picketing in Georgia. One night he was ordered to dine with the Captain and the Lieutenant. They had a big meal. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain.

GLC02415.091

to Mary

He thought the people of the South "were the most humain in the world" when he saw their barns. For he thought they ahd no houses, but they in fact had no barns. Their barns did not hold stock, only negroes and mules. Written at camp on Lookout...

GLC02415.093

to Mary

Every time the Rebels make a raid, they are helping the Union. Lee was "badly whipped," and driven back. He mentions Grant, who had a position, but realized it wouldn't work. He predicts the Rebels will soon have to abandon Petersburg and Richmond...

GLC02415.094

to Mary

He tells her not to worry about the farm as long as it is worked by men who care more the produce it yields than the government that protects them. Perhaps she will think him a different man when he returns. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.095

to Mary

He has become very cynical, for he's been a soldier too long to think that anyone would get discharged before the end of the war. They've been having pickets on one side of the mountain but there has been no fight. Some of the boys say the new...

GLC02415.096

to Mary

They wanted to have their pictures taken by Lookout Mountain but there were too many people ahead of them. He describes the scenery of Chattanooga and concludes with a poem. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.100

to Mary

He says he is not an abolitionist, nor did he enlist under an abolitionist administration Then talks of whether the constitution should be reinstated or reconstruction should take place altogether. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.105

to Mary

He writes that some men shouldn't go to war and are better off in the kitchen. If they can't stand the sight of blood, then the army is not for them. He praises his wife's competence in running the farm.Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.107

to Mary

They have been on the move since he last wrote. They left Stephenson on Sept. 28th, then camped in Tullahoma and went on picket. They are now in Nashville.

GLC02415.108

to Mary

Unexpectedly they left camp and were put on cars going to Georgia. Father is still visiting the family.

GLC02415.112

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.387

to Eliakim P. Scammon

With 3rd Regt. U.S. Colored Troops. From Virginia; when war broke out, "was ordered by one Henry A. Wise a rebel leader to join my Regt which I refused to do and was arrested and my property seixed. I was released in June 1861...I then joined Gen...

GLC02414.390

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.392

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.397

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.398

to Eliakim P. Scammon

Bennett, a lt. col. with the U.S. Colored Troops, wishes to be discharged. Docket notes: "Recommended to be dischgd. as requested but not as long as his services are need/Good Officer"

GLC02414.403

to Eliakim P. Scammon

Docket notes that Poppe is "Tolerably intelligent and attentive to duty. Energetic but inclined to laziness-or boyish neglect...."

GLC02414.405

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.406

to Eliakim P. Scammon

Captain in the 21st U.S. Ct; he wishes to leave vthe service "as soon as possible." Docketing indicates that he is a "Good Officer" and recommends that he be retained until the expiration of service for his regiment.

GLC02414.409

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.410

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.414

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.417

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.421

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.429

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.433

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.434

to Eliakim P. Scammon

GLC02414.440