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to Catherine (Kitty)
circa 1861-1865
Morse, Justus, fl. 1861-1864
Ona scouting expedition the other day, some shells were thrown. He wants to see her again but he will have to be patient.
GLC02170.65
to Alice
14 March 1865
Nicolson, Charles, fl. 1862-1864
He was sick but is now feeling much better. He is glad that her father, who is an inavalid, is hoping to move to Morgan Town, It will be good for his health. He instructs her to only buy things she needs as most items are still piced very high.
GLC02171.04
to Unknown
The author of the note says the recipient should think of taking care of her father as a satisafction instead of a duty. The author also wishes to visit at one point but doesn't know when it will happen.
GLC02171.08
to Heather
3 June 1861
Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863
He is getting used to being a soldier and he will send all his things home today. They have to be ready to march tomorrow.
GLC02172.03
to Brother
15 July 1861
A hundred of them marched for a couple of miles so that they could guard a dam. Eventually they will go to Fairfax where there are 4,000 men.
GLC02172.05
to Brother Henry
12 August 1861
He sent his brother some money. The weather has been warm and rainy lately. He complains of having written to various family members but has not received an answer.
GLC02172.08
31 August 1861
He begs his brother not to enlist. He tells him to please stay at home and make all the money can. He will take his picture soon. They have recenlt got new clothes and blankets.
GLC02172.15
8 September 1861
There has been fighting among the pickets.Three of their men were wounded and one died yesterday. There are a lot of peach and apple trees where he is.Troops are continually coming in. 70,000 crossed into Virginia Thursday night. Written in Camp...
GLC02172.16
26 September 1861
They heard about General Mulligan's surrender to the rebels supposedly because General Freemont did not send reinforcements. Written in Camp Arlington
GLC02172.19
29 September 1861
The Rebels have evacuated Munson's Hill. Most of the regiments were moving toward Fairfax. He mentions a Charley STevens who seems to have changed his mind about enlisting. Written in Camp Arlington
GLC02172.21
6 October 1861
They are going to get new guns, either the sharps or Enfield rifles. He mentions the cavalry. The boys are in good spirits. He will not get down to the city thsi week. Written in Camp Arlington
GLC02172.23
December 31, 1861
The Rebel pickets are three miles away. There is firing on both the right and left. He wishes could get a chance to take a sleigh ride. He will get his next two months pay this morning.
GLC02172.34
7 May 1862
He describes a battle in which 139 were wounded and a few reported missing. There was a swamp in the equation and descriptions of being six inches deep.
GLC02172.46
4 August 1862
Everything has been quiet around the picket lines lately. He spoke to Ed a week ago and learned that he is sick. He will have the paymaster send his brother a draft of 90 dollars every pay day.
GLC02172.52
20 September 1862
He does not know when he will rejin the regiment but at prsent he only works 4 hours a day washing dishes. He has rheumatism. The box he was supposed to have received has still not arrived.
GLC02172.56
January 20,1863
He has just come back from picket where he has been on duty for days. They are not allowed to talk on both sides but when the officer are away the privates talk. Artillery, infantry and cavalry have passed. They expect to cross the river again...
GLC02172.59
to Father
February 25, 1862
He mentions that he was mistaken in his opinion that McCllelen could command the Potomac army. His actions have proved otherwise. He requests dried fruit, butter and cheese.
GLC02172.61
to Brother H. (Henry)
February 27, 1863
He encourages his brother not to miss out on opportunities like getting an education while he is young.
GLC02172.62
26 May 1863
They are camped near a small town called Columbia. He wishes his father could come visit. He thinks they will cross the river since the Rebel general is reported to be across the river.
GLC02172.69
2 June 1863
They returned from an expedition out to Cumberland river that did not amount to much. It rained much of the time and the Rebels captured some horses and made the sheriff sewr allegiance to their government.
GLC02172.70
13 July 1863
Vicksburg surrendered. Very, very faded.
GLC02172.71
10 March 1864
Porter, Charles F., fl. 1861-1865
He does not know what to think about his brother's idea to sell the homestead. He doesn't know what he will do after he gets out of the service. Newspaper clipping features list of names of those drafted.
GLC02172.82
23 April 1865
He has not felt better since he left the army. He is helping ftaher herd his cattle. Their father would like to borrow 50 dollars.
GLC02172.84
to Father and Mother
21 March 1863
Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865
He has received any mail from his parents in two months but he has received mail from others. There have been a few cases of small pox. They do not know how long they'll remain in the present area.
GLC02173.03
03 April 1863
Daniel Wright paid them a visit recently. William sent lots of mail with him. One soldier in the company died recently, leaving behind a wife and children.
GLC02173.04
1 August 1863
He mentions a Capt. Leonard, whom he thinks every one will like because he is a very sociable gentleman. In Mississippi, the regiment has won most battles
GLC02173.12
to Parents
January 16, 1864
He has gained quite a bit of weight since he first went into the army. So far the Texas Rebel cavalry have lost 100 men. The report is that they are now evacuating Galveston.
GLC02173.22
February 22, 1864
He refers to a John who complains for no reason and does not know what soldiering really is. He has a cushy, well-paid job and knows nothing nothing of the daily life of a soldier.
GLC02173.25
13 June 1864
He witnessed the burial of a fellow soldier. Many are sick in the regiment, but he is doing doing extremely well. Extremely faded.
GLC02173.31
29 June 1864
There are rumours that Gen. Burbridge will call on the 4th division to reinforce him in Kentucky, others say there will be an expedition to Mobile.
GLC02173.32
3 July 1864
They had regimental inspection. There is considerable excitement in reenlisting for some as they are offering 1100 dollars to veterans.
GLC02173.33
17 July 1864
The 13th Army corps has been broken up and consolidated into one division, the 19th Army corps. A lot of reorganization has been taking place.
GLC02173.34
23 September 1864
A bullet struck the tent of the comission sergeant and hit the bed, but he happened to be absent when this happened. He talks about Abraham Lincoln and how if the president were a democrat, the Rebels would call it a righteous war.
GLC02173.37
January 13, 1865
He compares his childhood to the present circumstances. The days are rainy and downcast. There have been a couple cases of small pox in the regiment and it may spread.
GLC02173.40
9 June 1865
Everyone is in good spirits because they'll be heading home.
GLC02173.43
1865
Pages missing. He has not heard from Mollie nor Phil since they got married. They are now in the 1st brigade, 13th army corps. No new cases of small pox have been discovered.
GLC02173.44
to Jemima Shifflet
December 13, 1861
Shifflet, Hillary, 1823-1863
Written on patriotic stationery. Shifflet hopes that Johney will be well soon. He got paid today, twenty-three dollars, and "will send you all I can spar." He encourages his wife to persevere until he returns, "if I ever doo." They "expect a...
GLC02174.01
October 6, 1862
Written in pencil on patriotic stationery. Shifflet asks his wife to write as soon as she receives the money he has sent as he worries it is lost. He was nearby when George Ennis was shot and "my cap box was shot off of my belt and fore bullets...
GLC02174.05
December 22, 1862
Shifflet was unhappy to hear that his wife is "striping tobacco for I donte want you to hav to work for noboddy but your self." He has "but one oald shirt and hit [it] is full of holes and no socks a tall." He asks for descriptions of the children...
GLC02174.06
to George Andrew
25 October 1862
Whittemore, Eben S., fl. 1862-1864
Having finished his duties as superintendent of the draft he says he is sending a bill for his expenses, which he hopes will be forwarded to the War Department.
GLC02175.09
General order no. 61
December 11, 1862
Schouler, William, 1814-1872
Banning further credits allowing towns to transfer already enlisted men.
GLC02175.17
to Eben Whittemore
20 December 1862
Hardy, Josiah, 1822-1900
Chatham has been asked to fill their town quota for the army, but Hardy claims they have already done so.
GLC02175.20
Kenrick, John, fl. 1862
States that his town has now more than filled it's quota. Signed by Kenrick as "Chr Selectmen of Orleans."
GLC02175.21
[List of enlisted men]
circa 1861-1862
Davis, Solomon, fl. 1862
List of men enlisted for nine months from Truro. Signed by Davis as "Chairman of Selectmen of Truro."
GLC02175.25
Names of men from Sandwich who have enlisted under the 9 months service
1861-1862 circa
List of men who enlisted for nine months from Sandwich.
GLC02175.26
[Military exemption]
Smith, John M., fl. 1861-1863
Certifies that Ezra H. Crowell is exempt from military duties, because he is suffering from "cutaneous disease and varicose veins," which is expected to continue for at least thirty days. Signed by Smith as the examining surgeon.
GLC02175.29
Certifies that Reuben E. Bowman is exempt from military duties, because he is suffering from typhoid fever, which is expected to continue for at least thirty days. Signed by Smith as the examining surgeon.
GLC02175.31
Certifies that Moses F. Delano is exempt from military duties, because he is suffering from nephritis, which is expected to continue for at least thirty days. Signed by Smith as the examining surgeon.
GLC02175.32
to Sarah Wood
January 22, 1864
Wood, Matthew, fl. 1862-1865
Written at a camp near Knoxville, Tennessee to his wife. Sends his wife thirty dollars, though he is uneasy because of the insecure mail. Sends the money because the rebels could come any time. Keeps ten dollars because "if the rebels come here again...
GLC02176.13
18 April 1864
Written from Camp Smith to his wife. Posits that he is missing some letters, expects "back mail" to arrive soon. Expresses concern again that his wife should receive the money he sent. Mentions an eye operation his wife is recovering from. Complains...
GLC02176.15
27 May 1864
Written from Pulaski, Tennessee to his wife. Describes the situation of refugees (including African Americans) in the camp: "...and the darkies are here by thousands, by field fulls like cattle, they call these darky Camps corrals. The same that we...
GLC02176.17
21 August 1864
Talks of cut rations, but says they function better on half rations. Describes somewhat dangerous duty accompanying the engineer, and his duty. Also describes the unreliable news he gets, even when a mile from the action, but says there is a...
GLC02176.19
17 September 1864
Written from Camp Smith near Nashville, Tennessee to his wife. Mentions being in the hospital, some of his comrades are in pursuit of General Joseph Wheeler's cavalry. Discusses tobacco he uses in camp. His regiment will go to Louisville, Kentucky to...
GLC02176.20
31 October 1864
Written from Chattanooga, Tennessee to his wife. Is unsure where he will be sent next. Talks of an acquaintance who went home on furlough for being very ill. Compares weather at home to Tennessee. Compares the winter--without snow--to seasons at home...
GLC02176.23
December 2, 1864
Written from Savannah, Georgia to his wife. Describes the march through Georgia from Atlanta to Savannah, after receiving orders from General Judson Kilpatrick, and being harassed by guerrilla fighters. Describes the destruction in good detail: "All...
GLC02176.24
18 July 1861
He talks of how they made the journey from Detroit to Washington and were then presented to the President and General Scott. Some men were detailed to go on picket duty. At some point shots were exhanged and 5 or 6 Rebels were killed.
GLC02172.06
23 November 1861
The first place they visited in Mt. Vernon was Washington's tomb. Then they saw the gardens and the orchard.Next they went to the house. There were many things in the house including pistol holster and a large piano. Written in Camp Lyon.
GLC02172.30
7 May 1863
They are about a hundred miles from Lousiville now. He says he has been very lucky the last few years. They have lost very few men to sickness and they have been lucky on the battlefield. He was disappointed to learn that a colonel of theirs was...
GLC02172.68
4 October 1863
He went to a mass meeting out in Carthage. He saw several distinguished speakers including a poet. At the hospital, they are expecting a lot of wounded from Nashville.
GLC02172.74
25 October 1863
He had a good visit with his father. There are some very sick people at the hospital and this keeps him busy. He hopes his brother will escape the draft.
GLC02172.75
[Expense account and general order no. 201]
8 December 1862
Townsend, E. D. (Edward Davis), 1817-1893
First two pages consist of a handwritten list of Eben Whittemore's expenses in service to the United States. Pages three and four are a printed copy of United States "General Orders No. 201" from Washington D.C.. The two documents are glued...
GLC02175.16
to Catherine (KItty)
He knows she wants him to come home but it is hard for a well person to get a furlough. he thanks her for the lock of hair she sent. He has a book called 1001 Home Amusements filled with puzzles and stories.
GLC02170.66
to Allie
1864
Nicholson, Charles, fl. 1864-1865
He learned by letter that his father has become an invalid. He talks of the various troubles associated with their father's illness. He tells Allie not undervalue letter writing, particularly when she is so gifted.
GLC02171.01
25 April 1865
He mentions other cousins like James and Mary. later he laments the death of president Lincoln. He refers to a Louis Wilson who chose to fight on the other side,
GLC02171.05
23 May 1861
He likes being a soldier and describes his routine, starting with roll call. He will get his picture taken soon and send it along.
GLC02172.02
26 July 1861
There was an awful battle at Bull's Run He criticizes General Tyler who changed General Scott's orders, thereby ruining their position. Another General was drunk and their Colonel refused to obey the drunk General's orders. The next day General Tyler...
GLC02172.07
14 August 1861
He heard from father and his uncle asked him to write. He discusses picket guard.
GLC02172.09
18 August 1861
They lost their blankets at Bull Run but expect to have new ones in a few days and a full suit of clothes. He warns him not to enlist again and says he would rather his brother stay at home and look after their parents.
GLC02172.11
9 October 1861
They had an inspection the other day, A tough day of fighting followed. They are told to "come out in style."The papers say thier focres are doing great in Missouri. Written in Camp Lyon.
GLC02172.24
15 October 1861
During the battle of Bull Run, their company stayed back in a town called Centreville. They went out on picket again and ended up five miles away. They are unable to advance any further for now. Written at Camp Poe
GLC02172.25
6 November 1861
Tomorrow morning the regiment marches toward Tahrick Church. Many think the South will sue for peace in about six weeks' time. Written in Camp Lyon
GLC02172.27
to Friend Henry
February 7, 1862
Spencer, Edgar, fl. 1860
Last week on picket duty, they shot twelve rebels and took a couple prisoners.
GLC02172.39
February 23, 1862
There is much excitement over Fort Donaldson [Fort Donelson] and Burnsides' Expedition. They should make a forward movement soon. He likes the picture Henry sent.
GLC02172.40
He talks of money matters. He will send Henry 40 dollars and he may sell his cattle.
GLC02172.44
16 May 1862
A lot of the boys are sick in the hospitals They haven't been able to get any newspapers for a while. He sees boats pull up to Cumberland's Landing. Written at McClellan's Camp at Cumberland's Landing.
GLC02172.47
9 June 1862
They are camped near Richmond now and are awaiting reinforcements. The papers report the previous fight was particularly tough. He needs paper and postage stamps.
GLC02172.49
23 June 1862
It is getting dusty in the swamp. Water is scarce. They are getting closer to picket time. The Rebels are not far away. The Michigan troops had a fight in front of Hooker's division. When the pay master comes around, he will send some money.
GLC02172.50
17 March 1863
They have been fighting up on the Blackwater. They are under marching orders again. He is glad to hear his father has got into business again.
GLC02172.63
March 28, 1863
He is sending 50 dollars and wants his brother to tell him when he receives it.
GLC02172.64
Adams Express form
For the 50 dollars he sent his brother.
GLC02172.66
20 September 1863
He has been detailed as a nurse and does not know when he get out to see his brother. He knows his brother wants to marry but he tells him to look before he leaps.
GLC02172.72
January 28, 1863
He was sick for the last two weeks but is now feeling quite well.
GLC02173.02
18 July 1863
The hospital was broken up and the regiment is headed toward Jackson, MS. He would like very much to help with the harvest but the prospect looks rather bleak.
GLC02173.10
It is reported that they are going to New Orleans next. One of his fellow soldiers accidentally drowned himself the other day when he went down to the river to swim.
GLC02173.13
21 September 1863
He is ill. His head hurts and he has fever and chills, all of which he thinks is the result of a severe cold. He mentions the easiness of the drills which only have to be done 2 hours a day. Was written near New Orleans, Louisiana.
GLC02173.18
February 13, 1864
The duty is heavy and the rations are short lately so the boys grumble. SOmetimes the soldiers go foraging for food like chickens
GLC02173.24
to Sister Maria
2 April 1864
He tells her how they came across a sugar mill with plenty of sugar and molasses. He does not expect to see her until his term of service expires. There will be another move.
GLC02173.27
He is writing during dinner and finding it difficult to write because everyone around him is talking. He is in a camp now that the Rebels frequently shell. He thinks they will go to Mobile next.
GLC02173.35
8 September 1864
The heat is causing him to break out, but otherwise he is very healthy. He thought they would remain where they are but they received orders to be ready to embark at any moment. They got on a boat back to New Orleans, but it was stalled for four...
GLC02173.36
5 December 1864
He doesn't think they will leave where they are for some time. Most of the boys are healthy but Robert Stillery has been quite sick. John has not written to him for a long time.
GLC02173.38
3 January 1865
A boat named May Duke was nabbed by Gen. McGinus while trading with the Rebels He thinks they will remain in their prsent quarters throughout the winter, The paymaster has not been around for 8 months.
GLC02173.39
to ones at home
1 April 1865
Mobile is visible from where they are now. There have been three wounded men but no losses. he got their letters.
GLC02173.41
to father
He saw his cousin George who transferred to a Marin Brigade. Geroge surprised him and they ended up talking all night.
GLC02173.45
If his brothers are drafted, he advises them to go to the army of the Cumberland or Tennessee as they will have an easier time there. He does not want them in the same regiment that he is in because he will be unable to help them.
GLC02173.47
Certificate of authentificity
March 15, 1904
Murphy, M.M., fl. 1904
Document stating that the attached paper stating the death of William H. Scarborough is a true copy.
GLC02173.49
February 13, 1863
Shifflet went out with a forage team today and they are "as tired as I am of the war." He declares that "this onholy war wood a bin over if oald Lincoln wood a let the negros alone I wish he had forty the blackest negroes in the South tide to him."...
GLC02174.08
May 3, 1863
GLC02174.10
November 18, 1863
GLC02174.13
General order no. 52
October 1, 1862
Order regarding quotas by town for volunteers.
GLC02175.04
United States volunteer enlistment for nine months service for the town of Brewster
17 October 1862
Mayo, Jeremiah, fl. 1862
List of men enlisted from Brewster. Singed by Mayo as "Ch of Selectmen of Brewster."
GLC02175.08
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